Matt was scheduled to do the next blog update, but he has shirked his responsibilities.   Blame him.  Additionally, our computer is on the fritz and I can't figure out how to get pictures posted using the Mac.  So, fair readers, you'll have to wait for Matt to get home to see new photos of Casey. 

Edit:  Responsibility fulfilled - scroll down to Thanksgiving post.

 

Casey's first Thanksgiving turned out to be quite an experience.  Upon arriving at Aunt Berta's house, we got a flat tire.  Every man in attendance had a role in the tire change, like a poorly orchestrated pit crew.  After an otherwise enjoyable day, we departed in the late evening with a false sense of security in the spare tire.  After about 20 miles, I noticed that the VSA light was flashing.  I found it odd, but attributed it to the spare causing the system to malfunction.  I was quickly reassured by the thumping sound of a flat tire that the system was indeed functioning as designed.  We pulled off the (Garden State) Parkway to discover a blown spare.  I called Acura Roadside Assistance - who needs AAA with all the money we paid for this fancy car?  ARA can't tow from the GSP since it is a contracted road.  I'm connected with the state police, who tell me a tow truck will be out within 30 minutes.  Fortunately, we were the first of the southbound relatives to leave, so we weren't completely stranded.  Oh, and the State Police stopped to make sure help was on the way before speeding off.  The tow truck arrived at the same time as my parents, at which time I learned the tow would take me as far as the next exit, but not to worry, ARA can take me the rest of the way.  WRONG.  ARA will only tow you to the nearest dealer - makes sense, Acura should get paid for the repair in exchange for the free tow.  Except that the nearest dealer to our location is a) not open at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and b) is not convenient to our house.  Plan b.  Drive an hour home to retrieve *another* sparetire, an hour back to the car to change tires for the second time, and an hour back home.  Nobody got hurt, things could have been much worse, but not exactly what we had in mind.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We'll be heading to Aunt Berta's house for the holiday.

We also have to say Happy Birthday to Nicole!! We hope you have a wonderful year.

This afternoon we went to have lunch with Nicole. Casey and Matt both got to see her new abode, which they seemed to like. They might be invited back someday, as Casey didn't soil her carpet or furniture. He did crawl all over like he owned the place though. After she kicked us out so she could get ready for her trip to AC, we did a little shopping (ok, she really didn't kick us out, but she was going to AC and we had to hit a couple places prior to returning home). Casey won over all the ladies he saw and did not whine at all the whole time we were out. Perhaps we'll keep him.

Casey was 7 months old yesterday. He's well on his way to becoming a genius, of course. He crawls--belly off the floor--and he's quick, like a cheetah. He's been pulling himself up to stand and has started letting go trying to stand on his own. He likes the sippy cup, but prefers chewing it & tossing it on the floor than actually drinking from it. The Nuby, I believe it's called, which has a straw that does not leak* is preferred for his water drinking needs. He's figured out how to pick up finger foods and now they usually make it into his mouth.

*the straw does in fact leak, as evidenced by the wet pants I had from said straw dripping onto them this afternoon.

This is from back on the 3rd & I forgot to post it. Michael is now officially the visitor who travelled the farthest to visit Casey. Maybe someday Casey will pay him a visit.

Teething cookies taste just like animal crackers.

Since learning to crawl, we can't put Casey down and turn our backs for more then a second. We've found a way to contain and entertain him...


This is not frustration...

Casey's friend Jacob and his mom came over to visit this morning. We knew her a few years ago when she was in Brownies with Aunt Cristen (& Grandma was the troop leader). Now, in an odd twist of fate, she works with Daddy. We were bad parents and forgot to take pictures of the first play date, if we can even really call it that. The boys seemed to like each other best when they were at least a foot away from each other.