I Will Miss You Uncle Adam

What can I say? On my 8-month bday, Uncle Adam left Brevard, NC for further American adventures before heading back to Melbourne, AU, his new home since leaving Christchurch a few months back. I am gutted really. I truly revelled in his attention. He always had a cuddle and a giggle to share with me upon his awakening in the early afternoon each day. I had a perma-grin when Adam was around. Mommy and Daddy sure did appreciate his help this summer around Kiwi Gelato, as did many of the female customers. I heard a term called "eye candy?" Not sure what that is, but if it's anything like mouth candy, it must be good. We all wish Adam love, happiness and success in his new home across the Tasman. Come see me again Adam. I love ya mate- Rion

Uncle Vern Salutes Southland

Uncle Vern recently moved to Brisbane, AU, leaving his life in Southland behind him, a distant memory. Mommy, daddy and Vern all met in Invercargill, but it seems mommy has a more positive attitude towards this wee town than the two men. They kept mentioning something about the weather. I'm not sure what to think. I'll have to go there myself and make an informed decision. I must get a passport soon.

Kiwis Manning the Barbie

See what happens when I go to bed? The party begins. I missed out on Daddy's first go at grilling ribs on the barbie. Three kiwis and a grill, how classic. Oh, yes that is Vernon Kirton, daddy's best mate. He came to visit us for a week. So I've been surrounded by kiwi accents as Adam is still around, but not for long. He leaves Thursday, sad! I heard the next day that Daddy's ribs were a big hit. Yummy and messy!

Climbing Up & Sliding Down

Mommy was having issues loading the photos in order, so viewers have to use their imaginations a bit. I first climbed up the stairs, with assistance, then I slid down the slide of the pool with Mimi's help, then I stood in the pool, my favorite part. Not sure what I thought of the sliding down, I'm still processing. It was fun to play on the dock once again this summer. Lake Hartwell is too fun.

Secrets Amongst Cousins

I love having Cousin Arawen to confide in. I can tell her all my secrets and know they are safe, away from the prying ears of my parents. She is a great listener. Wouldn't you love to know what we are saying? Dream on.

Standing Tall

The answer to the question, "Did he get up by himself?" is YES. I pulled myself up without any help. Mommy didn't situate me in this position, I situated myself. Head up, shoulders back, chest out!

Rion and Addy and Cute Baby Butts

I met my friend Addy over the 4th of July weekend at the lake. She is Aunt Brandi's best friends little girl, Susan and Johnny. She was born just 5 days after me up in D.C. I was showing off for her, pulling out my best naked pool moves, but I don't think she was impressed. What's a guy to do?

The Continued Adventures of Miles and Rion

"Hey Rion. Let me rub that sunscreen in for you. I wouldn't want you to get anymore tan than you already are."
"Actually Miles, I was born with a dark complexion, it's not really a "tan" persay."
"Ok, Rion, whatever you say mate."
"Hey, pastey boy, at least my nickname isn't "Casper the Friendly Ghost."
"Not cool. Also not cool, did you notice that we are the only ones naked?"
"Yeah, the girls are wearing clothes today. Rats!"

All Natural

All I need is a hat to keep the sun off the top of my head and face. Otherwise, swimming in the buff is the way to be. It's so freeing to strip off that diaper and let the running warm water of the creek soothe and relax my body parts. This is the life! We plan to bring the Sandifer family to this spot when they visit us in August. Bring your sunscreen.

Where the Sun Does Shine (if you let it)

Baby's Got Back! What is cuter than a baby's bare bum? Letting it all hang-out during the Friday trip to "The Shoals" in Dupont Forest.

Kiwi Mates

The kiwi men in this household love to color coordinate. Proud to be a kiwi. All Blacks play tomorrow night, we are getting geared-up for the big game. It's airing live at 3:30am. I'm Daddy and Adam's official alarm clock.

A Rare Find

News Flash: Rare Baby Giraffe Found In Brevard, North Carolina July, 2009. A rare breed of baby giraffe was found sleeping quietly in a small home outside of the Brevard city limits this week. A find of this sort is quite unusual in this part of North America. The giraffe is now being held for observation at the Coadwell Zoo. It is said to be nocturnal, awakening the rest of the animals at 2:00am each night with a horrible screeching noise demanding food. The zoo keepers have reported that the giraffe is "very cute" but causing them much sleep deprivation.

Sing Me a Song Pop Pop- Ok Stop Now

On a recent trip to Lake Hartwell, I begged Pop Pop to sing me a song. "Please, please Pop Pop", I said. "Ok Rion, I'll sing you a song", he said. Well, he didn't pick the best song, so I had to "shush" him up! Like they say on American Idol, it's all about the song choice.

Mommy's Birthday @ Fawn Lake

Once again I find myself surrounded by gorgeous girls, many of them "hot mamas", like my now 37-year-old mama. Aunt Chanley organized a party at Fawn Lake in Dupont Forest. It was heaps of fun swimming in the lake with all my friends. The dolphin float was a huge hit. Mimi drove all the way in from SC to come to the party, and grandad and grandma came from Asheville. Grandad took the group photo of all the ladies. I'm the only guy. Even Coulbourn, Stro, and Leo didn't make it in the photo. Girl Power ruled I suppose. Well, I can say with much confidence that mommy had a grand birthday. Oh, thanks for the cheesecake Aunt Chanley!

7 Months Old

I turned the big 7 months on June 30th. I'm weighing in at 15lbs. 12 oz. and have another set of shots under my belt. And I'm already talking! Anyone speak baby? Splish, splash...

Special Photo for Grandpa Coadwell

Grandpa Coadwell recently emailed that all the photos on the blog are of a happy, smiley me, which couldn't always be the case, given I am a baby. Well, he's right. I must admit that sometimes I am often quite "crabby", just like the image on my shirt. Sad, but true. Can't wait for you and Grandma to hear me roar live and in person. Mommy says I have a nice set of lungs for sure.

American Independence Day

Check-out my cool baseball shirt and red, white and blue combo. I was ready for my first 4th of July. I got to serve gelato at the music center with mommy and Adam and listen to patriotic songs, canon blasts and everything. I also got to walk around the downtown Brevard festival with daddy during his wee break from the shop. He has been working non-stop, making heaps of gelato everyday. The weather has been perfect for gelato eating, thank goodness. What I didn't get to do (sore subject), was go and watch the fireworks display. Mommy made me go to bed. Rats! Happy Independence Day!

Progress

Staying Cool at the Pool

My friend Cedar-Ann joined me in a leisurely float at the pool. A great way to spend an afternoon in the summer for sure.