9

The Benz. Our star actually turned 9.

Has it really been NINE months? Nine months that this superspecial snoopsy boy is part of our crazy Cordes life?? I still can't believe that this one really is mine. My blond, blue-eyed son. Absolutely crazy. Absolutely Cordes. Man, do we adore him. And a man he is. I have always had a distaste for stereotypes and alleged gender differences. Poor Lia never got one of those cute toy kitchens or mini household items, and we have always encouraged her to also bend it like Beckham besides shaking her hips. But BOY was I wrong. Ben is a natural Beckham, a boy in every stereotypical sense of the word. Ever since he is out there exploring the world on all fours (and now twos!), he has been expertly rolling balls, inspecting wheels, and studying technological items of all sorts. His very best friend is the vacuum cleaner. Whenever one of us is vacuuming the house, Ben will follow us like a little puppy, never leaving his best friend's side. There is absolutely no need for a play pen. If I want to leave Ben unattended, I simpy pull out the vacuum and leave the room with a clear conscience, knowing that Ben will not move an inch until I'm back.

Or I might as well stick him into the dishwasher.

That would do the same trick.

It might not come as a surprise that Ben HATES getting dressed. My gentle boy fights me every single time I'm trying to put clothes on him. Needless to say I have become quite a wrestling expert.

And the energy! Already walking alongside furniture. Thata boy.

I could try and work against what seems sooo natural. Put pink PJ's on him ;) and buy him a toy kitchen and a doll. But I know he'll flip the bird once he has sorted his fingers out. And look how handsome he is in blue. Why change something so perfect.

And so happy.
Happy ninth, old boy!

Fall(ing) from the sky

Let's face it. We are back home. It's fall, and we are grounded. No more blue skies travel for us, at least not until May (surprise!). So we have to make the best of gray skies and the German fall. But we are known for our ingenuity, aren't we. Sitting at home with nothing to do only happens ever so often. And if we do, we do so without socks on, dreaming up the feeling of warm sand between our toes. And haven't I also promised an American friend of mine not to put tights on my kids?? And I'm keeping my promise. Leggins only.

Last year's fall pic was slightly more Cardarelli,

but this one at least spells FUN (and GAP).

A German tradition, but a first for Lia: a lantern parade, organized by the local fire department.

Lia had to concentrate so hard on holding her lantern up (with a real candle and a wobbly wire construction) that my poor girl was always falling behind the group and almost got run over by the fire truck that followed the parade. But she did love it!

Saying goodbye to all of her pacifiers was another major event this November. Probably more traumatic than fun, but let's hope that no psychological damage was done. Lia had to put a box with all of her pacifiers under our walnut tree, and at night a little fairy came to take them away. That bloody cow. Previously the fairy had written Lia a real nice letter with all the necessary instructions. So Lia had no choice but to (French) kiss each one of her beloved pacies goodbye.

Ben was watching from the living room, cheering Peanut on.

Next morning, there was a really nice present waiting for Lia under the walnut tree. Courtesy of the fairy. Who was rather cheap, given the fact that the box was half empty.


Ah, and what's November without baking cookies??
Precious flour dusted cookie with pink frosting in hair, not for sale!


Lia's professional use of her rolling pin certainly kept all other kids in their places.


Lia's first cookie is a piece of art. A grumpy old snowman who wears his eyes on his hat. SWEET!