oh the dogs...

Bonny and Finn had a fun day as they were included in our exploration of a local park. "Mohegan Park" is just 5 miles from us and quite a neat find. Of course, we acted as though we didn't see the "no dogs allowed" sign and did a nice big loop on foot before Greg put on the ol' rollerblades to really wear them out (and risk his life). While they bladed, Cora and I enjoyed some time at the park and met some other around-2-year olds.

Earlier today Bonny brought her first "treasure" to our back door. In the past we've received rats, lizards and shrews (in Saipan), and a bird, squirrel and skunk (in Newport). Funny we never got anything in Japan, though. So her lovely addition today was a turtle! Why we had turtles in our yard today, we don't know.... perhaps all the recent rain washed them out of the pond 2 doors down? Anyways, this fierce critter seemed to survive okay (thanks to the shell protection, no doubt) and Greg was able to relocate the 3 found in the yard to "safer" ground outside the wireless fence.

Notice the other two (for a total of three) yard "guests" Greg got to round up and escort off the property. Bonny was kind enough to assist in the escorting detail.

A Sad Announcement

I guess we'll make it "public"... Greg has been selected to deploy to Afghanistan in 2 weeks. Yes, this means he'll miss the arrival of Madea #2 AND the first 7 months, or so. We knew it was always a possibility, but for some reason, we weren't expecting it to happen NOW. He's not sure what he will be doing, but he's serving the US Army and likely (hopefully) will be within a base the whole time he is there.

The hospital where we'll deliver has WiFi in the delivery rooms, so we're hoping to be able to Skype the arrival of Lil'r M, God willing. OH technology! Thankfully family will be around to provide support as we are apart during this time.

Please keep us in your prayers as we face this very challenging and stressful time.

eating in Georgia...

OF COURSE when in Georgia, we had to hit some of daddy's favorite restaurants. Our little not-so-American diner did a great job trying EVERYTHING we offered her and she made her daddy so happy!

Chick-fil-A (digs the fries and milk)

"whatdya have whatdya have whatdya have" @ the Varsity

hands down, our FAVORITE picture!

Georgia Aquarium

We spent a fabulous afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta..

Cora talking to a penguin...

Nana doing the same.

Touching horseshoe crabs and shrimp (couldn't get enough of this)...

Little miss independent.

Beneath a shark and stingrays...

Looking from one side of the aquarium to the other.

Vacation Catch-Up!

Cora's "favorite pull toy"

We're enjoying our time in Georgia and have managed to let a few days slip by without some stories and pictures... Here's a re-cap:

Wednesday Greg's childhood friend and one of our best men Jay came to visit us with his wife Dawn and son Stephen. We spent time catching up and also went out on the boat for an afternoon tour.

Consulting the map...

Thursday, Nana and Duke gave us an early anniversary gift by giving us time off from being parents and a nice room at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. We took this opportunity to have a "babymoon" and enjoy ourselves! We attempted to decide on some names for Lil'r M...

We realized this was the first night that Meg has spent away from Cora since she was born... what a nice break, thank you!

We enjoyed massages at the spa in the afternoon and a nice dinner out at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Friday we were able to sleep in (!) and check out late, an equal treat...

Friday we had tickets to opening day for the Braves v. Phillies and we had a blast! The Braves won in a very exciting game, which included Chipper Jones' 2500th hit. Our seats were great and we managed to avoid sunburns this day...

Almost 32 week belly shot

Saturday we visited a "country southern breakfast" joint that Greg highly recommended. Talk about mass quantities! In the afternoon we took a family trip out on the boat and managed to get massive sunburns! Despite the nice mid-70 degree weather, the water was easily in the 50s and Greg STILL went water-skiing. Cora loved the boat! Unfortunately, we (Greg and Meg) both suffered a pretty bad sunburn (since we haven't seen the sun in a couple of years...) OUCH!

Nana's girls napping

watching daddy ski

saying hello to a passing boat

Sunday, we visited Kristin and her family. She and Greg are good friends from high school. Zach and Kayla are close in age to Cora and Cora had a BALL playing with them all day as we caught up.

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Happy Birthday, Nana!

We had a fun day celebrating Nana's birthday :) The weather was pretty chilly with winds, but the sunshine was lovely.

the day started with Cora's FIRST trip to "Waffle House" -- an enjoyable experience for all!

stopping to give Molly some loving at the playground

"banzai" with daddy

No fear for this child

seriously, she isn't even 2 yet...

Duke let her drive the golfcart (really just steer it), but she was firm that only she could have hands on wheel.... she turned us into the driveway without incident!

Helping Nana blow out her birthday candle... we ate at "Rice" -- a Japanese restaurant, Cora was in heaven eating and couldn't get enough edamame, sushi rice, miso soup and sushi rolls -- oh, and some ice cream, of course... she ate and ate and ate and ate...

Babyland General Hospital

Of course we had to visit Babyland General Hospital, where Cabbage Patch Kids are born! What a place... At not-even-two years, Cora seemed to enjoy herself :) They put on quite a production and display of CPKs and of course we couldn't leave without Cora's first Cabbage Patch Kid.

(Funny, I thought they went out of style years ago and I can remember when they first came out in the early 80s and what a chore it was to even find one to buy!)

Believe it or not, the "hospital" had some that cost as much as $300!?!? WHAT? Luckily they have all price ranges available!

Mom suggested we look around at the names posted for ideas for Lil'r M... BUT we didn't get much inspiration. We were able to witness the birth of a baby that was named "Meghan," and we learned all names came from kids viewing the birth... no, I didn't suggest the name :)

Looks like a plantation house, huh? Beautiful grounds and facilities that apparently boasts events. I cannot imagine holding a wedding at this place, though, even though I was a big doll lover as a kid!

Duke, Greg and Cora looking in the nursery at new babies "up for adoption"

"mother cabbage"

the "birth" we witnessed

other kids up for adoption

Nana about to tell us if Cora's new baby is a boy or girl... these babies come in a cabbage leaf and only the color of their diaper is revealed after buying.... Cora's the mommy of a GIRL -- named Felicia Virginia.