A Couple of Firsts!

Maren is growing and learning so fast, we can hardly believe it.

Last night she and John were watching a video about counting. The video got to number seven and she said "eight" without prompting. Surely a sign of genius!

For months when we ask her her name, she says "Me." She will name everyone else in the room, but call herself "Me." In the past few days when we ask her name, she has said something that sounds like "Mennen." Close enough for us! When I asked her if she wanted Mama or Maren to put on her coat this morning, she said "Me! Me! Mennen, Mennen."

Also this morning, we walked to my car and I opened the door next to her seat. As I was putting my purse in the front seat, she crawled up into her car seat with no assistance. Wow! I'm still stunned.

Ohio State Homecoming

John drove to Columbus this weekend and went to the Homecoming game with his friend and best man, Tim Cramer. Tim sent this picture to Maren and I, so we could see Daddy in the Horseshoe. They saw a good game and win over the Spartans, and were on TV in a crowd shot.

Maren has been sick again for about a week, a bad cold and a bit of stomach upset, too. Poor baby! But, we soldier on (and her ears are clear) and are hoping to go to Columbus in two weeks for the game against Wisconsin.

Go Bucks!

Stalling Bedtime

Maren has learned how to stall going to bed. Every night the routine is the same. Change diaper, put on pajamas, read a few books, give kisses, brush teeth, read one more book, say prayers, go to bed. For the past few nights, she has sat on my lap after the last book and said "Juice" or "Downstairs" or "Daddy" or "Go Buckeyes downstairs," which is a reference to an Ohio State Band CD that we dance to and call "Go Buckeyes."

Last night we were reading a book we call "Baby Jesus," it's a children's version of the Christmas story and she enjoys all of the pictures of animals around the manger. For the first time last night she said "Jesus." I finished the book and turned off the light to start her prayers, she yelled out "Baby Jesuuuuuuussss! Baby Jessssssuuuuuuuuussss!" How could I deny her Jesus? So, I turned on the light and read it again. Turned off the light, and the same thing...yelling for Baby Jesus. Okay, one more time of reading the book. AGAIN, she said "Baby Jesus?" I said "All done Baby Jesus, time for prayers." At the end of our prayer list, I always ask her "anyone else?" Last night she said "Jesus, Jesus." My wise friend Brenda pointed out that Maren was looking for Jesus to be her savior...from going to bed!

Ohio State Rises to Number One in the BCS

John says it's bad to be number one, it puts a target on your back, but still...nice. I reminded him that all of Ohio State's recent success started when we began dating in 2002...Coach Tressel starting in 2001 is just a coincidence.

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-t25-collegefbpoll&prov=ap&type=lgns

Road Trip to Purdue

On Saturday, John and I drove to West Lafayette, Indiana, to see the Buckeyes play the Purdue Boilermakers. The Bucks won a very decisive victory, 23-7. It was a HOT game, in more ways than one. 85 degrees or so at the 8:00 PM Kickoff.

Here's John with the Boilermaker Statue near Ross-Ade Stadium.

Here I am with the REAL Bucknut. This guy is crazy, but loved having his picture taken.

Here are the weary travelers after the victory, with the Purdue All-American Band postgame show in the background.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Record setting temps in GR on Sunday - close to 90. Wow!

Here is Maren, enjoying the water for likely the last time in 2007.