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.

April in Georgia

We've taken a couple of weeks to come visit Georgia and Nana and Duke. It's been nearly 3 years since last we were here (and it's Cora's first time) -- we suppose that's what happens when moving overseas. Anyways, it's criminal to have been gone so long and it's good to be back! We have a huge list of places Greg wants to go and show off and our visit will likely be quite busy. We're seeing friends who we haven't seen in equally as long (at our wedding)... and enjoying some free "off time" as Cora hangs out with Nana and Duke!

Cora working on her laptop overlooking the backyard and lake in the background.... and adding some "pawprints" to Nana's shining windows!

Outside Montaluce Vineyard where we had brunch on Sunday

Strolling with daddy to the grapevines (kinda...)

Cora's morning ride around the house

Nana and Duke kept Cora for the day, which allowed Greg and Meg to visit with friends Erin and Josh in Athens. It happened to be the Terrapin brewery birthday celebration and Erin happened to be sitting in a dunk tank of skunked beer for charity (of course!). Greg and Josh both got her good, Meg just watched :) She's a brave girl as the sun was setting during her session and it was in the 50s.... BUT she raised a bunch for her charity, so it was well worth it. SOOO good to see you guys again!

Happy St Patrick's day!

We spent a low-key night together and enjoyed corned beef and cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions along with Irish soda bread.... and Greg had some Guinness, of course!

Happy 6th anniversary, Finn!

enjoying the beautiful day outside (it got to 60 today)

guess we need some green crocs!

unfortunately we can't take the Italian out of Greg -- he even drinks his Irish Car Bomb with his hands!

counting down...

... to one of our favorite holidays!

Cora and I prepared today by baking Irish soda bread AND some shamrock sugar cookies. She quickly got distracted, but seemed to like shaking sugar "around" the cookies. She also cut a few shamrocks out :) Mostly, she enjoyed the finished product. We can't wait to share them with daddy! Am eager to see if she joins in eating corned beef and cabbage tomorrow!?!

(pre-bath pose!)

a visit from Aunt Becky!

We had a fabulous visit from Aunt Becky this weekend, complete with exploring some more of CT. Until now, our weekends have been spent settling the house... we even did some outlet shopping for spring clothes as spring seems "in the air" -- or so we hope :)

Cora LOVED playing at the seaside park in Mystic

Announcing...

Amongst the excitement of moving, we failed to officially announce the pending arrival of Lil'r M, due to arrive early June 2011! We're feeling good and are excited for the addition :)

a visit from friends...

We hosted the Dube' family for a couple of days and had a blast! George and Greg were roommates at KingsPoint and this was the first we reunited and introduced Cora to them. They live in Virginia and have family here in CT, so we were lucky to have them for 2 nights!

group shot in our living room (Lindsay, Will, Kaitlyn, George, Karen, Greg, Cora, Meg)

best buddies

Cora's first attempt at "bowling"

She made a better cheerleader!

Greg was the superstar of the day, bowling 5 strikes in a row!

An improptu horse ride at our local dairy farm (about 1 mile from home) -- we enjoyed fresh ice cream and chocolate milk (and got their delivery schedule as they do home deliveries!)

NOT thrilled with the calfs!

Lindsay and Kaitlyn trekking through our snowy backyard (still covered in snow despite a couple of 60 degree days)

Cora wishing she could join them...

a concert in the playroom

Greg caught up in a doll party with the girls