[Mike]

Glory Hallelujah! I actually got to see my granddaughter this morning. And she was all decked out in her Colts cheerleader outfit.



Yes, her cheeks are really that chubby. And so are her little thighs. Her Daddy was right behind her, as she was preparing to show us her newest stunt.



But not until she posed for the camera for a bit.



With that look on her face, I think she must like her Mama.



Well, we missed a shot of her as she was rolling over, but she had to show us she can sit up like a big girl. See those chubby thighs?



Finally her Grandpa managed to get a smile out of her too.

Since she's been old enough to focus on anything, she's always been attracted to the stone in my Masonic ring. Now when I see her, I pull it off and put it on her thumb. She crooks the end of her thumb over it to keep it on and plays with it. This morning, she and her Great-Grandpa were playing a game. She would tap my ring on their kitchen table and wait for him to tap his fingers on the table. Then she would grin from ear to ear and tap the ring on the table again.

It's a good thing I'm as tough as I am, otherwise she would just melt my heart.

[Mike]

And there are bonus points for whoever can spot what is unique about the cat in the second photo.

[starringashrslf]

Oh my gosh, I can't believe she is old enough to sit up. Where has the time gone? I know we haven't been getting any older!

[Karen]

What a sweetheart Mike.
Bonus points eh? THE EYES ON THAT CAT!

[Mike]

starringashrslf said:

Oh my gosh, I can't believe she is old enough to sit up.

She was 6 months on the 4th of this month. Amazing, isn't it?

I keep telling her she can come live with Grandpa, but Jennifer isn't having any part of it.

MiLady, the eyes aren't it. Here's a clue (for everyone except Liz and Panache) - his name is Hemingway.

[Dirk Skene]

Now THAT is cute . And I saw "spooky cat" in the background.

[Karen]

I see a tiny thing curled up in a bed beside someones foot. Looks like a tiny dog though.

[Maitland]

The cat has an extra digit on the leg outstretched (Polydactyl). Ernest Hemmingway was a lover of these cats.

Mrs Maitland has told me to tell you that it was her that noticed it and not I. Absolute rubbish of course. The only way Mrs Maitland notices anything is if you wave some money in front of it

M...

[Mike]

Bingo. Hemingway is a polydactyl cat.

Quote

The only way Mrs Maitland notices anything is if you wave some money in front of it

One of these days she is likely to notice your eyes haven't been dotted.

[Panache]

Again I have to say "what a cutie". She has a wonderful smile and obviously a bright disposition.

Slainte

Jamie

[Mike]

Panache said:

Again I have to say "what a cutie". She has a wonderful smile and obviously a bright disposition.

What you're trying to say is she takes after her Grandpa, right?

Starringashrslf will doubtless be along to remind me of how wrong that is.

She is a wee cutie and if her parents don't start visiting a bit more often, they're going to get lumps of coal for Christmas. Which I'll immediately take back, as I may need them for my own fire!!

[Maitland]

Mike Wrote:

Quote

they're going to get lumps of coal for Christmas.

Lang may ther lum reek wi ither fowk's coal

M...

[Mike]

If it's their lum reekin', there go my plans to first foot Taigh Brèaga this year.

Of course I was going to need you to supply the coins. And the cakes. And the salt. And the whisky too, come to think of it.

What do you mean by saying I was showing up with nothing? I was going to arrive with a healthy appetite!

[Panache]

Mike said:

What you're trying to say is she takes after her Grandpa, right?

Mike,

You've been at the eggnog again haven't you?




Slainte

Jamie

[Mike]

On the nine-month anniversary of her birth, wee Lauren decided it was time to start crawling. In the right direction, that is. She has been 'backin' up' for a couple weeks, but her proud Daddy called me last night to proclaim she is now fully mobile.

Note I said it was her Dad that was all swelled up with pride. Not me, mind you.

OK, OK, so I might like the bairn a bit. But just a wee bit and don't be getting the idea she is the absolute light and joy of my life.

[Karen]

for Lauren. They grow up so fast, enjoy her while you can. One day you blink and they are all grown up.