Hey, Mikey...He Likes It

I'm a little behind on posting about Pierce's milestones...SO, here are some pics of Pierce after his first taste of cereal. He wasn't too sure at first, but he's getting the hang of what to do with that silly spoon! I know it looks like he wore more than he ate, but he really does like it! He's moved on to carrots & is looking forward to enjoying some squash or sweet potatoes later this week.





This hat is still a little too big, but we thought we'd try it on anyway. God Bless the U.S.A.!




The Peanut onesie was a gift to Pierce from B's high school friend. I loved the pic, so I thought I'd add it to the mix!

And, when I'm not tending to Pierce, Waggz still finds some time to hang with me on the couch...and on my keyboard! Gotta love a dog who thinks he's been replaced! :)

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Eater!

Yesterday we took Pierce to the Pumpkin Patch to pick out his very first pumpkin for Halloween. It was quite a process for him, but he's pretty sure he picked the perfect little pumpkin. It's just his size! He chose one, decided it was "the" one (note the satisfaction with the sucking of his thumb), but then wanted to check out just one more. We took a hayride out to the patch & Pierce loved the whole adventure!

There was also a petting zoo with sheep, goats, donkeys, & cows. You could hold corn in your hand and let the animals eat it from you. Pierce just took it all in & really liked watching Daddy hold out the corn for the animals.

They even had a good 'ol redneck pig race with little oinkin' piglets! They were very loud, but too cute!! I took some good action shots, for those of you who aren't fortunate enough to enjoy an exciting pig race for yourself.

Pierce watched his friends, Allison & Sarah take on the Hay Bale Maze.

We were able to walk around the farm and get some pics of the peacocks and other little "photo props" that they had set up.

It was a beautiful fall day and we know Pierce really enjoyed himself...so much that he crashed in the back of the car on the way home!

So, fall is here and we're lovin' it...and in case you weren't sure who's going to win the World Series...GO PHILS!!!

Sweet Home Pennsylvania

Phew...what a busy trip Pierce & I had last week! It was so nice to be back home, relax in some great fall weather and enjoy family & friends. Pierce did fantastic on the way to PA...the way back was a different story. In his defense, he did come back with a runny nose, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and just say he wasn't feeling 100% for the flights back to the 'Gump.

Anyway, we had a chance to visit with Heather & Dex on Thursday evening...before she decided to go into labor that night and have Cassian Alexander the next day! (Perfect timing if you ask me!) He's absolutely beautiful and just perfect. Big brother Dex is adjusting pretty well to his new roll & seems to like having "Baby Broder Cash" around the house.

On Thursday night after we got in, we also saw Jackie & Grandma Gensler. We had a really good time, but with great company and awesome Stamm's chicken, what could be better? Pierce slept well in the borrowed Pack n Play (thanks Brett & Joy), so no complaints there.

The next day, we went to see Jackie at the pharmacy, picked up some flowers & visited Pappy & Dad's graves. It was a beautiful day & I know both men would have enjoyed Pierce, but in my heart, I know they already know him. So, after we left, we decided to surprise Great-Grandma & Pappy Giordano for a little one-on-one visit. Boy, did they love on Pierce!! We didn't stay long because it was nap time, but it was really nice to see them. Friday night, we went to hang out (and have Anile's pizza) with Tony & Cindy. Gotta love pizza & a wood-burning stove. Pierce actually didn't cry this time when Ton held him. :)

On Saturday morning, we went to get a first look at Baby Cash & visit with his momma. After visiting for a few minutes, we headed back to Carlisle to let Piercey nap before we went to hang out with my dad's family at Uncle Brad's house. Pierce enjoyed meeting his cousins, aunts, & uncles. The day was perfect to eat and socialize on the deck. They really have an amazing property, away from the hustle and bustle.

Sunday morning Pierce & I went to church with Grandma Gensler. It was nice visiting her church, as I hadn't been there since before Pappy passed away. It's always great to see their friends. After church, we went to Aunt Joyce & Uncle Len's to visit with the Gensler side of the family. Pierce decided to take a 2 1/2 hour nap, so he missed most of the day, but did eventually get to play with his cousins, Chase & Izzy. We took many pics (as you'll see) and it was great to see everyone.

Sunday evening, my college roommate, Karrah & her girls, Saphire & Raziyah came to visit us. Again, with great company and wonderful food (Anile's), how couldn't we have a fantastic time??!! The girls are growing like crazy and as funny as ever. They completely enjoyed doing my hair (not that I have a lot of hair to do) and liked playing with Gracie. Karrah looks as good as I've ever seen her look!

Monday, we had to cancel our play date with Joy, Kendall & Ella because the girls both had fevers. We rescheduled for Wednesday, but had to cancel again because Pierce had a runny nose & fever and Ian woke up at 4:00 a.m. throwing up (Joy, did you make those tacos?)!! So, that was disappointing that we didn't get to go feed the ducks, but maybe next time.

We decided to have lunch at the Pub (yum!) with Larry & Sandy Foote on Monday. It was wonderful to see them and Sandy volunteered to watch Pierce, if I needed a babysitter. (Gotta love that...I wonder if she travels!)

Then, Monday night we went to hang out with the Fry Clan at Becki & Dan's house. SOOO good to see everyone there and Uncle Bubby is still a riot! Chase & Izzy were there and Pierce did get to play with them a little bit more that night. They're too cute!

Ma took off from work on Tuesday, so it was nice to spend the day with her. We had lunch at George's subs (are you seeing a theme?) and then went to Mountz Jewelers. Pierce loved all the sparkling jewelry (a man after my own heart) and really liked their staff. Tuesday evening brought the meeting of the Crout family, at Doug's sister's house in Hershey. Shirley & Larry graciously opened their home to all of us and what wonderful fellowship we had. Pierce met many aunts, a couple uncles, and 2 cousins. He also rode his first rocking horse!

Wednesday during the day, we just hung out with Poppy & Gracie...as you can see below. Pierce really wanted to get his hands on Gracie and was successful a few times. He was very gentle, as was she with him. Wednesday night, we met up with Ma's coworkers from back in the day. Most of these women remember me when I was little, so it was really great to see them again! AND, they took turns holding Pierce, so I got to eat with BOTH hands! How awesome is that??!!

Thursday, I tried to keep Pierce home, as he wasn't feeling that great. I did want to get him some fresh air, so we went for a quick visit to Ma's work. She was very surprised to see us! While Pierce took his afternoon nap, I snuck out to see Cash & Dex (Feather, too!) one last time before we left on Friday...after getting take out from the Hamilton, of course! Grandpa Griffie came to the house to meet Pierce later that afternoon and I think they liked each other a lot! Pierce seemed to like his lap just fine and enjoyed meeting him.

Thursday evening, Tony & Cindy came to say good-bye. Aunt Ret & Uncle Ben came to the house, too. Uncle Ben came to meet Pierce & boy did Piercey love him! (Please note the pictures below!) Uncle Ben promised to play with Pierce once he's old enough...and we're holding him to it! Mindy, my friend from Wanda's Under 21 Club (you know...like a couple years ago when I was under 21!) came to meet Pierce, too. He also loved her! He laughed and laughed at her. Wonder if he was trying to tell her something?! :)

On Friday morning, it was time to say good-bye to all our people. Dougie Doug took us to the airport & we stopped to say good-bye to Ma on the way. Doug's mom & sister met us at the airport to say good-bye, too. Through a few tears and a lot of snot, we made it back here safely and are looking forward to the holidays and hopefully, many visitors!