Cold State, AKA Ohio

Other than the rather chilly weather, the trip up north went exactly as expected. We had the viewing (for Mammy) on Sunday, the funeral on Monday, and spent our last day with the Cotter clan. Not to mention Jeff getting an earlier taste of his favorite Ohio delicacies.

Sunday was spent in New Lex with my family at the viewing of Mammy. There were a lot of family that came from all over the state. Along with those that I already knew, I met a lot of family that I had never even heard of before. I guess that's how funerals go though, people come from all over to show their respects. Grandpa held up pretty well, I was very afraid that he wouldn't be able to get through it. After 50+ years together he not only lost his wife, but also lost his best friend.

Monday brought the funeral, and winds that could chill a southern transplanted Ohioan to the core (and they did!!!). We didn't have to worry to much about Christopher being out in the cold, because he fell asleep in the car on the way to the graveyard. While at the burial I managed to stop by and see and Daddy's grave as well.

Tuesday was the day of fun, and where most of the following pictures came from. We met up with Mike, Kim, and Aiden at their house. After eating a much awaited for meal of Buca Di Beppo, the boys spent a while playing on the floor and getting to know each other. We also attempted to get a "complete" Cotter boy photo, but the little ones we not wanting to cooperate. The video is of Christopher and Aiden having a raspberry battle and laughing hysterically at each other. We can't wait for them to get down here in about a week and a half.

Raspberry Fun from Sara Cotter on Vimeo.

Christopher's First Flight

Well due to a loss in our family, my Mammy, we made a quick purchase and flew to Ohio yesterday. Christopher did AMAZING on the airplane! We were very fortunate and we blessed with having 3 seats when we only paid for 2. On the second leg of the flight Christopher settled down in the middle seat and took a nap. It was a huge blessing, giving Jeff a chance to get a short nap as well (We had to get up at 2:30am to get to the airport by 5am). These are a few photos that I took with my phone during the trip (Yes I know it was supposed to be turned off!). Enjoy!

First Birthday Pictures

Now it's even more real then what it was a few weeks ago. We went this week end got Christopher's first birthday photos taken. It was a rather odd day because Tyler was down to visit from Ohio and we went to the Ocean in the afternoon, his pictures were not supposed to be taken until 7pm (bedtime), and Savannah was there to get her pictures taken as well.

Tyler had a great time at the beach, even if he wouldn't go into the water! He got a few souvenirs to take back home with him, and we let the beach to get ready for little man's photo session. Poor Tyler didn't get to do very much that day!

Mom had decided last week that Savannah needed her pictures taken as well, so we just set up her appointment right after Christopher's to make it easy on the studio. Christopher didn't want to smile, laugh, or even look at the camera for the first 10 minutes. He finally started to loosen up, and we even got a few snap shots of him standing on his own for the first time (GO BIG BOY!). She took a lot of photos, and was gracious enough to let us do more than the allotted amount of clothing changes. I can't wait for them to arrive! This is a slide show of my favorites and all of Savannah's pictures.

11 Months Old

Christopher is 2 short days from being 11 months old. Our little baby has become a growing little boy! We have noticed over the last few weeks, his little Irish attitude meshing with my outspokenness. He now lets you know when he is not happy with what you do, or for that matter don't do! It's awe inspiring watching him learn new things, and begin to figure out how this world works on his level.

We love to hear him say new words, like "up, pants, hi, and ball". He still has his favorite word "lights", and knows how to turn them on and off. He says "Dada" when he's sad or sleepy, and I have been fortunate enough to get a "Momma" out of him. We can't wait throughout the day to see if a new word might emerge!

As we wait for this last month to pass before toddler days begin, we ask everyone to keep us in mind while we try to mold our little munchkin in to the little boy he can be!

It's Officially Buckeyes Season!

One can only hope this season ends with less disappointment than the last few. I'm sure Kim is sitting in their Buckeye room yelling at the guys on the field, maybe this year they might hear her pleas for success.

Christopher has been learning to feed himself, and I must say it creates a disaster in my dining room. These are a few pictures of him eating baby ravioli, or trying to at least. He does a lot better with a spoon than what he does with his hands. It's hard to imagine that in about a month he will be a year old. I only can hope that the next few years to come brings new and exciting experiences.

I'm leaving you with a video that applies to every woman who has ever went looking for that "perfect card".