I am hopelessly behind in posting new pictures of life around here.

We've raked a million leaves as fall came and went in Connecticut.

We've enjoyed visits from Gma and Gpa Goodman and Uncle Geoff and Aunt Emily.

We've been to Lakeland to celebrate Grandmother's going to heaven. A special time with the entire Sligh family.

I am typing this post between frequent trips to rock/pacifier-replace/rock Gracie (2nd cold in two months) but I wanted to post pictures of our two little Gators tonight as we celebrate the SEC title and likely trip to the national championship game.

As you can see, both girls are growing and changing almost weekly...lots of fun!

Two Quick Pics

I am very behind in posting pics of Gma Sligh's September visit and Fall fun during a recent visit from Gma and Gpa Goodman. I'll try to catch up this week, but will just post two quick and cute pictures of the girls from last weekend. As you can see, at 7 weeks old, Gracie has grown quite a bit. We're seeing some smiles, but haven't captured them on camera yet.


More to come soon...

Another New Friend

Abby loved having Daddy home for a couple of weeks because they got to do all kinds of exploring together. One day when they were outside in the yard, they found a fuzzy caterpillar, just like the Eric Carle classic. They found a jar and some nice green leaves, and the little guy lived on the mantle for a few days, under Abby's close watch. I thought these pictures were so cute as she kept a close eye on her new friend.



Unfortunately, old fuzzy caterpillar is "sleeping" now, but I am sure we'll find his successor or another critter like him, very soon.

Abby supervised dad as he chopped wood in the backyard. She also spends hours at the window looking in the backyard for "dee" (deer). Unfortunately, she is seldom rewarded for her careful watch, but we have seen our resident fawn and his mother from time to time.

After the chainsaw and ax were put away, Abby helped dad haul the wood (or sticks) to the woodpile. Thanks to James' hard work, we now have quite a woodpile and have already enjoyed two fires in the fireplace--Fall has arrived in Connecticut!

Gracie-Two Weeks Old

Although she still looks tiny, Gracie is growing like a weed.

Check out the "post-feeding" belly. As James observed, Gracie kind of looks like a bowling pin after she eats.

Mommy and Gracie


Curled up with daddy...
Gracie is quite a cuddly little baby and we have enjoyed having her snuggle up on us and go to sleep.

Sleeping on the sofa (don't worry, I was sitting right there).

Above: A cute picture of the girls reading a story.
Below: What the scene really looked like, with the exception of a fraction of a second when the above picture was taken.

Adventures of the Big Sister

With all the excitement of Gracie's arrival, Granma and Granpa did a good job of making sure Abby had some "adventures" of her own.

Special thanks to Aunt Annette and Uncle John for the thoughtful and delightful gifts that we were able to give to Abby during the first week of transition. She has about memorized the "big sister" books (and so has Granma) and loves her "puzzuh" too.


"Cows and Cones" is a nearby farm and ice cream stand that has been a favorite this summer. Abby got to look at the cows and pet the sheep and enjoy some "iceaceam" too.

Apple picking started at the local orchard over Labor Day, so Abby and Granpa picked apples and pears and raspberries for us to enjoy.


The last trip of the summer to Eastern Point Beach was a little chilly, but the sand was still fun.

Surprise from Granpa and First Week Photos

On Saturday afternoon, two days after arriving home, I was taking a nap while Abby and Granma were playing. As I was getting up, James came in with the camera and showed me a cute picture he had just taken. It was a picture of Granpa (who was supposed to be in Lakeland watching the Gator game) reading Abby a story.

I couldn't figure out how that could happen, until I heard his voice. He had surprised all of us--mom included--and flew to Providence, then drove to our house and knocked on the door. Mom was so surprised she just stood there and didn't let him in at first!


It was a great surprise from start to finish, and we were so excited for him to meet little Gracie and get to play with Abby for a few days. We appreciate all of his plotting, planning and rearranging to come celebrate Gracie with us.

Here are more shots of "around the house" the first week.





As the second child, Gracie had to wait until she was a week and a half old to get her second bath. We kept meaning to get to it, just were a) too tired b) too preoccupied with Abby c) too hungry d) all of the above. Anyway, she was great for it and only cried because she was cold at the end...when she peed all down my shirt.


Gracie at one and a half weeks old (special thanks to the Farthings for the adorable burp cloths!)

At her one week appointment she was putting on an average of an ounce and a half a day, even despite voluminous amount of spit up. We are thankful for her healthy little body that gets stronger every day.

Anna Grace

As you may have noticed, there's been no activity on the old tangerine tree since the "no news" post a month ago...

That's because Anna Grace "Gracie" joined us on August 25th. She weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was 18.5 inches long. After some major contractions and progressing labor on Monday morning, mom took me to doctor who sent me on to the hospital, where the awesome doctors and nurses delivered Gracie via c-section less than two hours after arrival. Although it's a small hospital, I couldn't have asked for better care than we had here.

Here are a few pictures of D-Day and the following hospital stay. More pictures of weeks two and three coming soon...


Going in...clearly the drugs are working. Can't feel a thing. The crazy part about a c-section is that James and I discussed the Cards/Red Sox World Series with the doc and anesthesiologist while they delivered our baby.

Anna Grace with her daddy in the OR

It was so nice to get to bring her back to our room with us after delivery--safe and healthy.

Gracie's first bath

The big introduction. You'll see a Little People bus at Abby's feet. It was Gracie's gift to her (or peace offering or whatever). She liked it, but wasn't sure about the little bundle that was occupying her place on daddy's lap.

There's room for two...I guess.

Gramma and Gracie

By day 2, Abby would at least point and look at Gracie. It would be another few days before she would actually touch her.

First family picture(s)


Big yawn...

All dressed up to go home!

Going home...
(If this picture looks familiar, it's because the baby on the right was Abby, almost 18 months ago to the day!)


Welcome Home!

Abby is just realizing we actually brought the baby home.

Abby was glad to see Daddy and all ready to play ball again.

Gracie seemed glad to be home...

...and so was I. We are very thankful for a healthy baby girl and she has been a delight so far. Hope to post more pictures soon, between feeding, changing, and occasionally sleeping.