Saturday Wrap-up: Halloween Edition

We had a Happy Halloween with my little future fisherman! We started the day by getting Vake dressed in his Halloween costume- nothing says Halloween like a faux fishing vest. We then rolled up to see Granny Louise in Lynchburg- we went to the Children's Museum there- if you've never been it is totally worth the trip.
They don't allow strollers there, so we were backpacking it all the way, which worked out well.

We spent a pretty good amount of time in the preschool playplace- V LOVED it- and was so interested in everything that was going on.

He was an especially big fan of these giant cornstalks.

Once we had worn out the old welcome mat at the "farm" we checked out the other areas- Mom and Granny Lou especially loved the science exhibits- MS even put on the "organ smock." Can you say perfect Christmas present- she had to put her hand over her "heart" because someone's removed the heart.

This was such a cool exhibit- it is the James River and then they make it rain- it was wonderful- I am tired and am not doing it justice with my halfhearted explanation.

Then we went home and got ready for trick-or-treating. My little fisherman HATED his hat but really liked his fishing rod.

Here he is with Daddy on the front porch.

And here's the whole family- I know it is hard to tell but I went as a school of fish. It was actually not really a crafting success, but oh well.

I think this is a great snap with Dad.

Obviously, I am totally biased but do babies get much sweeter than this?

This is his new "I am being super cute" pose.

Last but not least, with Uncle Neil, the medieval knight.

No no no, my little Army crawler

My little Army crawler has had a tough couple of days- he was sick last night and Eric and I stupidly thought he was probably ok- shortly after I fed him dinner again tonight though he got sick again- and of course he's so cheerful and happy that he's throwing up and laughing...seriously.

But once we were finally cleaned up again and in pajamas, there was no stopping my little army crawler.

But before I realized what was going on, he and I sat down for dinner. He seems to be catching on to the idea that he can use his body to communicate his feelings- he's starting to get the hang of head shaking. I am certain that he doesn't mean no when he does it, but how funny is this little pumpking shaking his head, "No."

To my Traffic Ladies...

Mommy told me tonight that she showed you all my blog. Sheesh. She just WON'T stop telling the world how cute I am. It is actually a little embarrassing.

So traffic ladies, I am sending you a big old shoutout. Thanks so much for making my Mommy's life easier. I know she really likes her job and I know you all are very patient with her.

Rhino and New Blog Friends

Oh hello there. Mommy's got me dressed in another sweater because it is a chilly 55 degrees here in Richmond. She's very concerned that I will catch a chill. She and I sat together in her office this morning, and I first tried to eat some of the fluff from the stuffed animal that Rocky played with the last time he was here.

It is not as yummy as you might think.

I am getting really good at reaching and grabbing for things that I want. Here I am trying to reach a toy that is just a little bit too far away.

Finally, I'd like to show all you people my teeth! Occasionally, I will tilt my head back to show you my top teeth too but that is a little bit more unusual. But check out my chompers on the bottom. Love it. Love it.

And I've just heard the news that my friend-to-be Ollie now has a blog. The link is http://www.zachandollie.blogspot.com/ YAY. Mommy keeps telling me that I am going to go to school with Ollie. HOW FUN!!!!

Baltimore and Back.

This weekend, V and I drove with Anne to Baltimore to see Anne and Dennis' new house. Long-suffering Eric had to drive up by himself on Saturday.

Can you believe how cute their street is? There's a beautiful Catholic Church on the next block and their house is in the center of the image (the door is the white one near the dead center of this picture). Eric actually took off the storm door, so the door's not white any more, but you get the idea...

This house TOTALLY reminds me of my Philadelphia house- just with one less story. It is uncanny, even the smells are evocative for me- I think that many of the building materials must have been the same. On Saturday morning, we worked on pulling up flooring. There's hardwood in the front bedroom. We did a ton of demo and are FINALLY starting to get there! YAY!

And speaking of getting there, back at the ranch, we are still working on crawling...

Cozy Coupe

Stopped at my favorite thrift store yesterday. For the bargain price of 6.98, Vake is now the proud owned of a Cozy Coupe. I have always loved this toy- and now, much to Eric's delight, we have one in our living room!

I am not a performing monkey (although I like monkeys, just like my Uncle Neil)

My little V is ABOUT to be able to crawl. He's really strong and can basically lift himself up off of the ground but he hasn't figured out how to coordinate his arm and leg movement at the same time.

If he's interested in a toy he will sort of snake-belly himself across the ground to get to it. Today, I was bound and determined that I was going to tape the crawling action, but my small pumpkin had different ideas- he is not a performing monkey. But so cute. Can you all believe how fast he is getting so big. We are having such a good time.

YAY!!! Anne and Dennis are Happy Homeowners!

They did it!!! They are officially happy homeowners- I LOVE this house- love it love it love it. I don't know if you can see if, but it has amazing stained glass above the three windows- it is such a cute house.

Totally reminds me of my house on Brandywine Street in Philadelphia- it is detached about halfway back but attached on either side at the front. Small world- I do Stroller Strides class with a daughter of the fam that owns it and she told me about it.

The house has a really nice kitchen with new appliances in it. It's been a rental so could use a new coat of paint.

We are going to see it next weekend- E hasn't seen it before. Northeastern rowhouses. Gotta love 'em.

Pretty Blog

This blogger does such PRETTY things.

http://decor8blog.com/

On a home design note, Anne and Dennis are ABOUT to close on their house. Mom and I have been scurrying around looking at fabrics, etc.

If anyone has any great websites or ideas, now is the time to SPEAK UP!!!!

We've got a big'un.

So poor little V had to go with the long suffering Tarenitup to the pediatrician today to get his flu shot. And Tarenitup has a lot more moxie than I do because she got the nurse to weigh Vake.

Drumroll please....

Twenty eight pounds. Five ounces.

Thank you very much. I knew there was a reason my back was killing me.

Nana and It's Gettin' Cold in Here, so PUT ON all your clothes (with apologies to Nelly)

Mary Sabra and I cannot be the only ones who see the resemblance between Stilly and Nana from Peter Pan, can we? I mean, at first, I thought Stilly's desire to be with Vake constantly was only because of the possibility that a snack might be in the offing, but Stilly just wants to be around even when there are no food products to be found.

I am so happy for little V that he's got such a good buddy.

In other news, it is finally sweater weather in Richmond, and my little polar bear was rockin' his family pride today. Go ahead little Bear Cub!

He does look vaguely horrified by the sweater. Which is ironic given some of the outfits that I've dressed him in since he was born.

Please Look After This Eight-Month Old Pumpkin, Thank You.

So we made our eight month visit to Jacques Penne. Little Pumpkin was in a fantastic mood and we got some great Halloween shots! I cannot believe that my little baby is really almost a toddler- it is all happening too fast.

Vake loves to be photographed- he's just like his mama!

Oh HEY there- how did you get so high?

Look at me- I am standing up with just a little help from Mama. And while you are checking me out, did you notice my fantastic Halloween smocked outfit. Mom got it for me on Ebay. She keeps on telling Daddy how much money she is saving him. I wonder why he looks a little like he's not feeling good when she is saving money?

This picture is so that everyone can see how much I've grown since last month- it is pretty amazing.

And now we've got out the props. What in the world is this thing?

I don't know, but I think I like it.

I actually KNOW I like it.

Why yes, I actually DID carve it myself. Thanks for noticing.

Happy Eight Monthiversary, Vake!

Vake is EIGHT MONTHS OLD TODAY!!! How is it possible that we've had 2/3 of our first year together already!

Vake, at eight months you are:

• Still off the charts for weight and height- nearly 29 pounds(!) and 31 inches;
• Fascinated by your dogs, especially Stilly;
• the proud owner of two teeth, with two more on the way;
• the smiliest, happiest baby;
• about to figure out this whole crawling program;
• a great eater, who loves fruit, yogurt, veggies and whatever else comes your way (hello veggie lasagne!);
• sleeping 12 hours at night with two decent naps during the day;
• saying dadadada...although it seems to mean many different things;
• a huge fan of bathtime;
• enjoying your bigboy carseat and
• still willing to go with anyone who wants to hold you.

I love you little Pumpkin!

Here's some video from this morning...

And what's not to love about a little boy with spirit fingers?

To Lynchburg and Beyond, My Pumpkin

My little V, Grandmary and I took a trip to Lynchburg this afternoon. As usual, the little pumpkin was a complete trooper. He took good naps both directions!

We got there only to find out that Sentara has now banned everyone under the age of 18 because of H1N1. So we waited outside and talked to the social worker who let us know what window we could bring little V to so that Louise could see him.

So what's funny is that the window sill was probably 6-7 feet off the ground, so Mom and I took a bench out of the lobby, dragged it under the windowsill, and then I scrambled up onto the windowsill all Mission Impossible/McGyver style, then Mom handed little V up to me and we stood in the windowsill. It was fantastic. Eric would have been horrified.


I have to say, I don't have an accurate perspective on this, but could this little pumpkin be any cuter?

Walk Down Memory Lane!

Are you as amazed as I am by the changes that we've seen over the past seven months. It is already almost impossible to remember the Noodle at this size.

And these pajamas don't even fit any more...

So hard to believe that this was his coat last winter and this winter he'll be wearing his little Paddington Bear/Pumpkin outerwear.

It is so strange- I LOVE him at this current age, but I really miss the little baby phase, too.

My happy, sleepy Noodle is so grown up now!

Look What Mommy Did!

Not bad for a lady who gained 90 pounds when she was pregnant, huh? Finished in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Cannot complain about that at all, considering the fact my stomach muscles are a shadow of their former selves...

Big Old Jet Airliner

Vake LOVES his new airplane that he got for his baptism on Sunday- it is super well made and bright and shiny...

Quirk Gallery has the airplanes and the super cute cars, too...might make a good baby shower gift for someone.