September Pics

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

September was such a busy month that I'm just now blogging about it! It was a month of ear infections. She went through three different antibiotics and even had to visit a pediatrician while we were home in St. Louis. She finally seems to be on the mend, though.

Schuyler made her first trip to Missouri over Labor Day Weekend. I was in college before I ever flew on a plane, but our little Bird was not even six-months old! She did great despite her ear issues. We were in St. Louis for a couple of days before heading down to Sikeston. Schuyler finally met her four great-grandmothers. Our dear family friend, Mrs. HeiRonimus, also threw a "Sip-n-See" so that some of our friends could meet Schuyler. We had a wonderful visit and are so thankful to everyone who took time out of their busy weekend to visit with us. My camera battery died so I got zero pictures of the party.

On Sunday, Schuyler was baptized in the church I grew up in. Several family members and friends came to support us. Another dear family friend, Mrs. Hamra, made the most beautiful gown for Schuyler. It meant so much to us. Schuyler slept through most of the baptism except for a little yell when the preacher actually sprinkled the water on her - she didn't want to be woken up! She did raise her little head up in curiosity and surprise when the congregation applauded for her. Clapping was her new favorite thing at the time. Afterwards, several church members came up to greet us including my kindergarten teacher! It was so special to me that so many of the people who influenced and were a part of my childhood showed their support of our daughter.

Leaving was hard especially since I'm not sure when Schuyler will get a chance to visit with her great-grandmothers again. Leaving was also hard because the TSA at Lambert insisted on extra screening. To make a long story short, we had to do the extra screening so that they would not open Schuyler's formula which would make it go bad. Just a day before her six-month birthday, Schuyler was frisked for the first time - and I guess hopefully her last!

The following weekend was the town's annual carnival and Canine Contest! You know if there is a canine contest within 30 miles we are doing it! Dixie actually entered last year and was robbed. (I'm not biased or anything.) I blamed it on anti-southern judges and contest organizers. Determined to right such a horrid wrong, I joined the contest's organizing committee. Todd, with Schuyler strapped to his chest, "showed" Dixie while I worked the event. You would think that an owner-mom on the inside and a cute guy with a baby would work in poor Dixie's favor. Wrong. Dixie entered the best paw shaker, best sit-stay, and best in show divisions. She didn't even place. We are so proud of her, though. She really gave it her all and the judges are just biased against non-rescued, labradors with a little extra junk in the trunk. Maybe next year!

September was also exciting for two good friends. My best friend from law-school and his wife had a baby boy on Sept. 30. And, Uncle Chad got a new job in New York as a Yankees' beat writer. We are so proud of him. Chad came to visit us a few months ago while Brooke was here. After Schuyler went to be, the four of us sat on a couch for three. We watched the Cardinals (much to Brooke's chagrin), drank beer and ate blueberry cobbler. I could not help but think that as much as things change, some things always stay the same. I pray that Schuyler will make the same sort of loyal and lifelong friends that we have always had.

Can't wait to see what October holds for us!