Slow start to the New Year

The Cincy Robenalts are having a slow start to the New Year. After a great post-Christmas outing to Dayton to visit John's Aunt Debbie and Uncle Gary on the 3rd, John came down with pneumonia. And I contracted some sort of strange viral fever that won't go away. So we both spent a good chunk of the past week home from work.

Through all of this, Charlie has been fine. He's moving right along with lots of new words, like tickle and tissue. He's also doing a lot more imaginative play at home. He pretends that his stacking cups are bowls, and his Handy Manny screwdrivers are spoons. He even feeds Lucy his concoctions (with one of the "spoons"). He also pretends that actual bowls are hats-- luckily after they are empty! Today he made a "choo-choo" out of his stacking cups and goldfish crackers. Apparently it was fueled by milk. The Little People bus and plane are also still daily favorites.

Yesterday, Charlie had a play day with Oscar so we could rest and recuperate. It was a much needed break, and I am so thankful to Ricky and Teresa for helping us out that way. Beth was a great help last week, also, coming over one afternoon when we were both home from work to look after Charlie for a few hours so we could sleep.

We're looking forward to a healthier week ahead, although we'll be playing a lot of catch up both at work and at home. We're visiting relatives in Cleveland next weekend, so we're hoping they don't repeat this past weekend's snow. Lucy's going with us on this trip, and I'm sure she will love it. She enjoys playing with the other dogs up there, as well as riding in the car. Speaking of other dogs-- she's had a bit of an adventure playing with another dog who keeps getting into our yard. She must be enjoying it, because this morning I had to go out there and physically drag her back into the house.

Hope you all are having a HEALTHY and Happy New Year!