The month of September has been busy for the Fitzsniders.

Mike has been focused on teaching new guitar students how to avoid cutting off a digit, working on custom orders, and seriously pondering ordering crocs (which has resulted in MUCH household debate, ridicule and pleading- on both of our parts).

I have kicked my private practice in to a higher gear- increasing my client hours, getting on some insurance panels, and joining an additional group practice. I have also LOVED strapping on my KellyRipas (ryka sneakers designed by Regis Philbin's sinewy little sidekick) and heading back to Jazzercise after my summer hiatus. Man, I love those ladies. Those shimmies. Those tunes.

Abel has been busy.... with everything! Every morning his eyes pop open (so, so early), he flips over, his face is an inch from mine and says, with a huge grin, what ever word was last on his mind when he closed his eyes the night before. Typically "wheels" or "no?". He is raring to go. Abe has a lot of words these days- over forty (most only distinguishable to his parents!), and he loves to parrot back sounds- be it an ambulance in the distance, or a squawking bird above his sandbox. Abel has officially labeled me "Mahi" (Ma-Hee), and this term of endearment makes our ehhem-night time parenting-ehhem a little sweeter. Abel has a term of endearment for his lovely dad too. It's "Mike".  And it's hilarious.

 He "tells jokes" (pretending to sleep, making silly faces, getting in to mischief, and loves to laugh. When someone sings, "....do a little dance....", he will stop what he is doing and do just that. It's awesome. He has bits of molars poking through, which has caused some pain (and OF COURSE lead to tiny amounts of sleep). Abel has been fixated on "buckling" things. We were at a birthday party this past weekend, and instead of playing with the other kids, Abel had his face tucked in to an empty infant car seat working the buckles for 90% of the celebration.

With my increase of work, Abel has started to go to a new babysitter's house a few afternoons per week. He seems to enjoy himself- upon returning to pick him up on the first day he appeared to be perfectly content, running the show!  His babysitter is sensitive to his needs and picks up on his cues easily. Abel is getting use to her two large dogs- and can get scared and sad when they bark loudly.  I am so thankful that we are able to transition very slowly in to spending time at Marcellina's house, as I think Abe would have a tough time with being away from me and Mike for long periods of time to start with. It's also wonderful that Abe's Nina comes to our house to watch him for a few hours an additional day, so I can see a few more clients, and they get to spend quality time together.

Hope you are all well!
Sarah