Hello, October

October is already half over with?! Where have we been!

The unbearably hot summer has given way to the cooler weather of the fall, which in North Carolina still means that you can wear shorts most of the day. The tiny tree in the front of our house is actually turning it's leaves to a nice shade of crimson. Autumn is not the same down here where we live as it is back in New York. Back in Cortland they are probably at the peak of fall foliage. Our recent trip to the pumpkin patch was a lot of fun but it lacked the bushels of apples and the smell of the crisp fall air that would be present in New York. Insert heavy sigh here.

The boys are certainly bigger. Wow, and how so. Grant now pulls himself up to a standing position on everything he can and the first steps can only be a month or so away. Unlike his older brother, this guy is into everything that you don't want him near; electric sockets, plants, cupboards. We never had to baby proof the house with TJ (although we did any way). With this one, however, everything will need to be secured. We did introduce a new word to Grant. The word is "No" spoken firmly, clearly, and loudly. When he hears it and sees that you are not playing with him he immediately juts out his bottom lip and his eyes well up with tears. At least he is learning. Grant is beautiful. He is full of smiles for family, friends, and strangers. Like his brother, he is one of those babies who people just have to come to and interact with. And we couldn't be happier about it.

TJ continues to be a wonderful and bright, caring boy. He is his mother's child, imprinted with many of Lisa's "isms"; food can't touch on the plate, lumpy foods are yucky, and the other quirks that make Lisa - Lisa. He and I still find out time to play sword fights, watch Star Wars Clone Wars, or practice soccer in the back yard. With kindergarten only a year way it is amazing to see how much he has grown since arriving in North Carolina. TJ is a great big brother who hasn't developed and jealousy or territoriality over things. Yet. He likes to make Grant laugh and takes time to play with him in a physical kind of way; a lighter version of the rough housing we do.

Of course the family isn't always complete. Sam is a freshman in high school, although from the sounds of it she has fit right in right away. Crew is still her focus when not in school. As long as she loves it and her grades stay solid I hope she sticks with it. She is fourteen and fickle. This time next week it might be drama club. No matter, I still look forward to seeing and meeting the person she turns in to.

Time marches on and life is still good.