Birthdays

When I was in high school, we had an exchange student from Denmark named Karina. She said over in her country, they say the weather on your birthday is a reflection of how you've been all year. Interesting. I also think it puts people that have winter birthdays (who live in Pgh at least) at a slight disadvantage! But this year, for both my birthday (March 23) and Dave's birthday (April 16) it was 80, sunny, and lovely! So nice out in fact that we had the A/C on! We were outside both days doing yardwork and enjoying the unseasonablymild temps.

Cori's birthday is coming up at the end of May, and we're hoping for good weather too of course. We're going to have a small party again; like last year, immediate family only - grandparents and our siblings and wives. We've asked Cori what she may like for her birthday, and she gave us a pretty clear answer... Barbie and Ariel.

So given what she is into these days (still Barbie and Ariel) and the fact that Ben is at that stage where we have to be extra vigilant with small parts and things going in his mouth.... here's a brief list of some things you can consider for Cori when the subject of birthday gifts comes up. (Of course, ultimately it's up to you and what you'd like to do. I only post this as people have started asking what she would like. The girl really doesn't need much of anything, esp toys, but I know that won't stop family from showering her with gifts as usual!)

• Barbie Dolls & clothes


• Anything Ariel - toys, dishes, clothes, etc


• clothes - 5T


• shoes - size 10


• Barbie DVDs - she only has the "Barbie Fairy Secret" one.


• coloring pads (blank sheets) and water color books


• admission to the Cranberry pool (the girl loves to swim!)

Some things that we'd prefer she doesn't get (due to excess or Ben choking potential or both):

• costume jewlery


• make up & nail polish


• markers


• stuffed animals


• pajamas and swimsuits

Ben's birthday party will be the first weekend in July and will be at the house too. Definately not doing the big shin-dig like we did for Cori's first party, though we will probably expand out the guest list to extened family & friends. We can only slight the second child so much!

Otherwise things are fine here with us. Enjoying the weather, the longer daylight, and getting outside more and more. The kids are doing great - no illnesses. Ben was 20 lbs at his 9 month check up and thus far, we've managed to avoid the dreaded 9 month sleep regression. Cori is learning new things all the time - she finally managed to peddle her bike on her own, and she now knows how to pump her legs to swing.