Stand-y man

Logan was half-entertaining himself in the crib this morning while we tried to grab a few extra zzzzzs (ha! yeah right). He started to melt down a bit and I walked into the bedroom to see him standing in his crib. Standing! He doesn't know how to get down so that is why we have all the crying. I hope he doesn't do it tonight at say, 1 am.

We had a good Christmas Eve, and even braved not one, but two grocery stores. We all had a nice dinner together and then Hoagie opened one present from Nana. He was very happy with his festive outfit, bib, and pjs. Very cute. Of course the clothes were surpassed by the box they came in, but such is the life of a 9 month old. And truth be told, the talking bear she sent is holding even more allure than the box.

Photos...

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes...

So the crawling is just the beginning. We had to lower the crib asap because the boy pulled up (pulled up I tell you!) on the crib rail. My baby is growing up! Waaaaaaa! He is really pulling up on everything. Me, the coffee table, the neglect-o-saucer, and unfortunately the magazine rack. Hence the baby proofing below...



I left the room for 15 seconds (litterally, I swear!) and didn't realize the extent of the pulling up. Mostly because it started with the magazine rack. Not so good because it was unsupervised and he ended up with a bump to the noggin. Now there is an eraser sized bruise as a result. A bruise on my unblemished only child. *sigh* Hoagie falls off the friggin' (sorry Dad, but the term is justified) bed, and gets nothing. One inoppertune bump today--and a bruise.

Also, he is learning how to use a sippy cup. A new era!



In the sink, as my mom suggested. Much easier clean up.

He loves our new dirt d*vil electric broom almost as much as me, as he followed me around as I swept this afternoon. Soooo cute! And he is following us into the kitchen from the living room. A nice bonus.

He is really into solid foods now, and is eating chunks of banana and avocado. He is interested in broccoli, so we will steam that at our next meal. So neat to see the progression.

Honestly? This whole process is so much more amazing than I could have imagined. Yes, there are annoying times (like the constant whining for a bit this afternoon, I swear that noise is designed to penetrate to your core), but overall, it is just the coolest thing I have ever participated in or witnessed.

That said, I am DYING for a date night with my husband. My parents arrive next week and we are sooooo looking forward to the babysitting. Thanks mom and dad!

The evidence

Here is the crawling. I wasn't making it up. He is on hardwood here, which until yesterday, stymied the boy. Now anything is fair game. Where are the lead shoes when you need them?

Thank yous

Hoagie has recieved some nice presents lately, and it isn't even xmas yet.

First is the super-cute sweater knit by my Aunt C. It fits great and will be around for a while. We have gotten several compliments on it while out. You can see why below...



Also, he got a cute booties and hat set from Grammy that we put to use in front of the tree we (read I) erected today.





He is so on the move. Headed with single-mindedness toward said tree. Who can blame him with all the lights? Very enticing. Cheer*os are also a draw. More on that later.

So Don is off work for 4 weeks, as the college class is over and the elementary school is on winter break. I think I am more excited than him. I like having someone who does stuff around the house while I am gone. I also really like not having to drive to Chula Vista after work to pick up Logan. I mean, I love to see him, but I won't miss the 1/2 hour drive out of my way. So all is good in the M-B household. You know, for now.

On another note, our hearts go out to P, whose father found out some sad medical news last week. Logan is going to visit work tomorrow and I am sure he will give her his own form of support.

Holidays

What a difference a week makes. We have full crawling now. Things like plants, cords, shoes, feet (especially dirty ones), and fuzz bunnies are fair game. I'm just waiting for the kitty litter to be an issue. Clearly we have some housework to do this weekend.

This picture above is from today on a christmas shopping trip. The new carseat was a gift from my coworkers, the shirt is from Grammy Brown, and the beautiful blanket is from Don's boss at Zamorano. He was feeling the love.

Oh, and he is loving cheerios. Woo hoo!

Forward motion

Well, I wouldn't call it crawling yet, but we have forward motion folks! And a nasty cold. Congestion, snotty nose, and crud. It isn't slowing us down though.

Today we went out for lunch and Hoagie sat in a restauraunt high chair for the first time. It was very exciting and he really dug it until I took a straw away from him. Meltdown ensued and then he had to sit next to me. But it was great while it lasted. I can't believe our kid is big enough for this.



He was on a bit of an eating strike, what with the cold and all, so we were pleased that he started up again today. Applesauce still holds the same allure...



About a hundred other things have happened in the last week, but I can't think of them right now. Well, he did get a bruise on his head from our entertainment center that warranted the silent cry. And a nasty nose sucker incident that involved another silent cry and some blood. Those two things made me feel like mom of the year. Especially since they happened within 3 hours of each other. Everything else has been good, mobile, and simoutaniously dry and mucousy.

3/4 of a year

Can you believe he is 9 months? Amazing. He is wanting to stand all the time. He loves to hold our hands and pull himself up. The crawling thing is still working itself out, but he is fast. I can't turn my head for a minute. It will be so much more so when he is mobile, I know. He is finally getting into the books we read together and Mr. Brown goes Moo is a huge hit. Especially the thunder part.

We had our first cooking club event at H and M's place on Saturday. Logan had a good time and even slept there so we could stay out. Heaven! Did we mention he is starting to get opinionated? I would expect nothing less growing up in this house. Here he is expressing himself while sitting with N.



I was out at a work lunch today and there was a baby around Logan's age crying at a nearby table. I litterally could not focus on anything else. At. All. My new boss noticed and pointed it out (no, not embarassing at all, thank you) and my co-worker oh-so-politely told me that it wasn't my child so I didn't need to pay attention. Gee, thanks buddy. It was such a surreal experience though. My brain just couldn't tune it out. Mama bear took over my body...

Delinquent

So, it has been a while. My NaBloPoMo commitment has gone by the wayside. I have room for improvement next year...

Logan is doing great, though he sounds like he smokes a pack a day with the throat hoarseness he has going on. He is still working on crawling and is quite close. He can go backward really well, but gets ticked off that he isn't headed toward whatever it is he wants.

We went for a hike with H and M last Sunday that was more difficult than I thought it would be (stupid hiking book, the two stars are NOT easy hikes, I have been burned twice now...). I am by far the most out of shape of the group, but we all made it to the top. Logan slept the entire time, except when eating. He missed a good view and a nice hike. Of course I didn't take the camera so there is no record of the event. Way to go mom.

Baby legs

I purchased Logan a set of baby legs, which are wonderful little kiddie leggings. This way legs stay warm and pants don't ride up. Don thinks they are girly, but he is wrong. Here he is crying because Don keeps putting that hat on him all silly and inside-out. That would make anyone unhappy. Don would say it was the baby legs that made him sad, but again, he would be wrong.
Yesterday morning more folks were looking at our condo (it is sooo clean right now) so we were out and about. We went to a local diner called the Lumberjack that we have lived in close proximity to for over seven years, but never actually ate at. It was an interesting mix of clientele, your older patrons, the locals, the youngish couples like Don and I, and the uber-gay men. We wish we had gone sooner, it was tasty and Logan loved the waitstaff. What a flirt.
Oh, and last thing on sleep. We are getting some! He only woke once at 2:10 last night, needed a little help getting back to sleep and then we didn't hear from him again until 6:20 (!). This has been going on for a few days now. We love the sleep lady...

Thanks

Logan loved Aunt H's butternut squash soup. He was delightful all day and spent much time in the arms of the guests. It was our best SD thanksgiving ever. Truly great company and a good time was had by all. We couldn't be happier.

More sleep moaning

Started my day at 4 am. Must make it through G*lmore G*rls...

It isn't quite that bad, but I will be happy when we are all well rested. I know the whole sleep thing has been dominating the blog lately, so I promise to post something much better tomorrow. Like a video or something cool.

Hoagie has been spending his days with dad this week, and I am so jealous. I am working extra hours so I can have Friday off without taking a vacation day and working 8 hours stinks. Hooray for 4 days off!

The longest hour

Yeah, that was between 2:15 and 3:15 last night. He screamed almost the whole time . It was tough. I questioned the whole thing and cried a little myself. Don got frustrated and needed to be relieved. It eventually worked and he did fine. Happy as a clam this morning and he slept in until almost 7(!). Tonight he went down without any fussing, but he may have been too tired to care. I tried to wake him enough to get him down more drowsy than sleeping, but he just looked at me and smiled then rolled over. Hope tonight goes as easy. Ha!

Uno

Tonight was night one of the sleep lady shuffle. A stupid name for a good concept. Basically it is a cry-it-out variation where you sit next to said crying child and reassure them that you are still there and whatnot. I like this version because it doesn't seem as lonely. Anyhow, he nursed, got put down "drowsy but awake" per the SLS advice, fiddled a bit, and cried for about 25-30 minutes once he realized he wasn't going to get bounced to sleep. Oh how I hope this works for us. So far though, so good. (going to go knock on wood...)

Saucy

So last night we slept. Heavenly sleep...

The wedding was beautiful, perfect weather, gorgeous location, lovely couple. Reception was fun but short lived. I couldn't hang. We got a drink after, since we had a little time. Don wouldn't let me rest my head on the bar. He was embarrassed that I looked wasted, which I definitely was not. Just so. dang. tired.

Logan was watched by three wonderful ladies, Auntie J, her mom, and her cousin. He should have been in babysitter heaven. Instead he whined and cried until he went to bed. Silly baby. This signaled that we need to go out more. You know, so he can get used to the important babysitting folks who love him so. He was very happy to see me at midnight when he woke up for the first time (hallelujah!).

He is eating like a champ, and will ingest anything that is mixed with applesauce. Like mother like son.

One word meme...

Hoagie's Meme...

1. Yourself: hungry

2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend: none

3. Your hair: sparse

4. Your mother/stepmother: tired

5. Your dog: none

6. Your favorite item: pacifier

7. Your dream last night: none

8. Your favorite drink: milk

9. Your dream car: MINI

10. The room you are in: kitchen

12. Your fear: alone

13. What you want to be in 10 years: student

14. Who you hung out with last night: ladies

15. What you're not: clean

16. Muffin: milk

17: One of your wish list items: yard

18: Time: afternoon

19. The last thing you did: nap

20. What you are wearing: diaper

21. Your favorite weather: mild

22. Your favorite book: cloth

23. The last thing you ate: sauce

24. Your life: busy

25. Your mood: expectant

26. Your best friend(S): daycare

27. What are you thinking about right now? cereal

28. Your car: volo

29. What are you doing at the moment?: eating

30. Your summer: hot

31. Your relationship status: single

32. What is on your TV?: football

33. What is the weather like?: hot

34. When is the last time you laughed?: morning

Told ya

Yup, he's reeeeeeeeeealy close. Ms. T said she saw him move forward a bit today. Uh oh.

And he is saying da now. So far we have ba and da. Come on kid, where's the ma??? :-)

Still no sleep. Sunday plans are in the works. Wish us luck until then...

Duh...

Well, it seems like the Reflux may be rearing its ugly head. I do believe our sleep issues have to do with an insufficient dosage of the Prilosec and a dense mommy. Teething and illness (of which we have/had both going on) tend to exacerbate reflux, so there you go. Last night was better. Not amazing, but still notably improved. I think I need a weeks worth of sleep to even notice, but Logan seemed happy this morning so that is all that counts.

Oh, and crawling? Yeah, it's getting closer.

Slacker

Thanks to Hope at Cha Cherry Cola for giving the blog a shout-out! And wouldn't you know it, yesterday I slacked on my posting. Oh well, I will just do two today to make up for it. Hope, Megan, and Quinn are dear to us and it stinks that we live so far away. I will also decline to divulge the numerous ways we are doppleganger-y, as it really is quite freaky and I don't want to scare anyone. :-)

I am so tired that I can't remember much of anything. Hoagie is all messed up in his sleeping and it is really starting to take a toll. My first San Diego friend is getting married this weekend so we aren't going to start any sleep training until after that, as we would selfishly like to stay out later than 6pm. Don has next week off so he can deal with the night stuff (ha ha! like he will have any time to nap...). Hoagie seems largely uneffected, as he sleeps much more than Don or me. It is the transition from arms to flat surface that is getting us every time. Oh well, it will get better.

Flirt

Hoagie smiled at everyone today when we were out shopping. I forgot the Ergo (which I love!) so he was in the bjorn instead. Happy times were had by all.

Oh, and I stubbed my toe and it is so ouchy. I didn't even do it with panache, just a run of the mill toe stub. So lame.

Cheering NOT allowed

So we like ourselves some football. Don loves it anyway, but since he joined his fantasy league (dork) it has kicked up a notch. Every game has someone to root for so he will watch pretty much anything that is on. We are especially large fans of the Eagles (go Donovan!), Chargers, and Patriots (well, me anyway). We get excited. We yell and curse at the TV when things don't go our way. And when there is a good play? Well, Don has accused me of "screeching" on more than one occasion. Especially when it is against his teams.

Hoagie does not like the cheering. At all. We get a serious frowny face, followed by the silent cry, then a big, sad wail. We've got to work on our self control.

Official verdict--not an ear infection

So the sleeping is still dicey, but there is officially no ear infection (that was my thought too Hope). Evidently he just doesn't like to be congested and wants to be held all. night. long. Last night was most certainly better than the previous 4, but still not fabulous. Urgent care was just as riddled with coughing, snotty-nosed kids as it was two weeks ago, and amazingly they were all so cute. Go figure. I don't even usually like other people's kids.

We had to miss a friend's b-day bash last night because of the Hoagie and his sleep thing, but it was worth it. It is also the wonderful Auntie H's birthday today. Happy 32 years to one of the best friends I could ask for. Hoagie, Don, and I are very lucky to have you in our lives.

More baby crap

Yup, we bought a j*mparoo. We have a johnny-jump-up that I purchased used for the rock bottom price of $5. It was GREAT. He loves it. However we only have three doorways that it works on, all in extreemly close proximity to the litter box. Now, it usually doesn't smell, but that doesn't mean I want to spend any length of time 6 inches away from the darn thing. So we broke down and bought the one that is more portable. The footprint is ginormas. We are being overtaken by all things Hoagie. At least he is happy!



Last night was better in that we had no screaming, but he was still a.w.a.k.e. from 10 until 1:15am. This seriously blows. We tried motrin, hopefully something will emerge from the gums soon.

Shrieking

This is the noise we heard at 3 am last night. Of course the loudest noise ever to escape our son's mouth was preceded by a mere 2 hours of sleep, so it was even more special. I fell back asleep after calming him down and nursing him at about 4:30. I get up at 5. It was rough. I *heart* coffee.

We think teeth?

Hope

Ok, we all know this is not a political blog, but today's results have awakened a long-dormant feeling deep in my soul. Hope. She was there all along, but lack of nourishment had left her withered and dry. Arizona, South Dakota, California, and (let's face it) the nation have elected change. I write this post as a mother-- no longer does the world seemingly end when Don and I leave it. Hoagie deserves a beautiful and functioning country long after we are gone. I am so very pleased that we (the country) have made an attempt to head in that direction.

So thank you nation, for respecting choice, electing change, and (at least in AZ) saying no to a constitutional ban on gay marriage rights. It would have been greedy to ask you not to hand over the governing reins to a certain foreign (bad) actor.

Oh, and Rummy's resignation? It just might make this giddy feeling last clear through till Tuesday.

The post-monster ate my first attempt at this, which was alarmingly more eloquent. Darn it.

No on 85!

We did our most important civic duty today, did you? I cannot stress how important voting is, and I have never missed an election. Logan has voted twice so far! Well, he came along for the ride, which is just as good. The touch-screen voting in our polling place was working smoothly and both Don and I agree it was good. California requires a paper trail (which I didn't know until I heard that on NPR earlier in the day) so I feel ok about the computer voting in San Diego.

Anyway, there were many important state and local props and this is the most informed I have ever been at the polls. Hooray! The only real thing to be sad about is the fact that the Govenator will surely win a second term. Oh well. My candidate so rarely wins I am not sure what I would do with myself if he/they did.

Oh, and Logan is back to his usual happy self. He has even started saying "ba ba ba ba ba." And he was so patient while I tried on skinny jeans today. Yay Hoagie!

A new trick

So sunshine had reached goddess-like proportions in our household. Logan is both facinated and enthralled with her very presence. Even better when her tail brushes against his face. For her part, she has figured out that she gets TONS of attention when she is next to him so she is very accepting of Hoagie lately. The new trick is that Logan loves it when I play with Sunshine (or Na-na, as she is mostly called). Full on giggles and hysterical laughing. So it is really a win-win situation. A new dawning of Sunshine in the family. Go Na-na!

So talented

Ok, so I need to do two posts because I missed yesterday. Baaaaad NaBloPoMo participant. Here he is balancing plush rings. Even when sick he is a marvel!

Stepping out

Today I went to two events without the Hoagie. Two! One bridal shower and one voter education night (amongst friends, so it was fun). Very unusual and quite fun. Hoagie is feeling better today so he didn't give dad too hard of a time. Pictures tomorrow, I promise.

Home again

Hoagie hasn't quite recovered from this stomach bug as we found out at 4 this morning when he puked on Don (hee hee! I am giddy over the fact that it didn't occur on my side of the bed). Then all over me when I picked him up. I guess I am destined to get puked on every single episode this illness. Oh, the plight of being a mother. At least my side of the bed wasn't wet!

So I am home today and the largest thing on my plate is to go get a copy of our marriage certificate. A whopping $13 charge will give me the proof I need to get on to Don's insurance. Why take a sick kid out on an errand today you ask? Well someone procrastinated so long that today is the last day to sign up for benefits and this certificate MUST be submitted today or we lose out. And, shockingly, the procrastinator wasn't me. So out we will go.

You may notice that I am posting more than normal and that is because I have joined
NaBloPoMo or National Blog Posting Month. I will post once a day for the month of November. Woot!

In case you would like to tell me how lovely the posts are, or not, your perogative, please feel free to use the comments feature*. Just click the link, type in a witty response to my super-smart ramblings, pass the word verification, and hit submit. Voila! I'll know you really love me. And Hoagie. And I will tell him to love you who comment more than anyone in this world. You know, except me.

*this of course excludes the ever wonderful Hope, Megan, Cathy and Calliope who already comment and have Hoagie's undying affection

35 weeks (aka 8 months)

Logan is 35 weeks today, and has officially been in the outside world 1 day longer than he was in utero. *sigh* Where did my little bitty baby go? I look back at those first few weeks (months) through a haze. It all happened so fast and unexpectedly that I can only recall highlights. Like:

• We had intermittent water during the first few weeks at our condo and hot water only sometimes for weeks after the water was fully restored. Fun.
• Boxes upon boxes of shower gifts piled outside our door, in our condo, and in the car. The outpouring of gifts was remarkable.
• The reflux, researching reflux, and worrying about reflux.
• Reflux meds and dreading giving them to the poor kid twice a day.
• The nursing curve. Whoa. That was a steep one-- but totally worth it.
• Someone (who? Mother nature? The Govt? The hospital? Human kind?) let us take home this fragile little being. Um, we had no idea what we were doing.
• Pumping. I spent as much time pumping as I did nursing. Well, not quite, but it sure felt like it!
• Snuggling. He was so sleepy and little and malleable that he had no choice but to cuddle.
• Being totally sleep deprived even though the kid slept 20+ hours a day. Weird isn't it? If only those hours were all in a row...
• How wonderful our family was. How supportive, understanding, and generally great. We are very lucky. (Good SD friends included here, our west coast family...)
• Did I mention nursing? And pumping?
• Love. Deep, heart aching, bone crushing, utterly life-altering love. It didn't happen for me right away, but when it snuck up on me it was all consuming. How did I ever live without him?

Happy 8 months baby. We longed for you, never gave up hope, and rejoiced at your arrival.

Spooky Goats

Unfortunately Don and I caught the stomach bug Logan had, so Trick or Treating was out. But we did dress him up and take pics. He even came to the door a few times to hand out candy, so it wasn't a total bust.

Here he is deciding the head piece isn't the greatest thing ever...

Vomit

There has been lots of it here in Hoagie-ville. After ruling out head injury complications (urgent care and regular doc) we have now moved on to "stomach bug." I am home from work and will be tomorrow too.

Can I just whine for a second here? Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday. H was supposed to come over and help hand out candy (we get tons of little ones). Don took the night off from work (as a surprise for me and Hoagie, but that went out the door). We have a super cute costume for the kid. And vomit. Not really condusive to a great night, eh? Also, Logan and I were supposed to go into work tomorrow for the halloween costume party/chilli and brownie cook-off. Everyone was going to see him in his super cute halloween outfits and then costume. *sigh*

And to top it off we had rescheduled our Friday night get-together for tonight. I had to reschedule until Wednesday. It seems doomed.

But on the up side, other than being a little cranky, Hoagie is doing fine and playing like normal. He even got into a hands and knees position today, complete with rocking back and forth. Too cute.

Before and after

From this...



To this...



We are officially in parentville now. Sorry Uncle R, we had to sell it. The 2 doors were killin' us. Don is in mourning. I bought the Matrix all by myself. I am feeling very proud.

PANIC! AT THE CONDO

Well, we were supposed to go out for a nice evening with dear friends who we haven't seen in a criminally long time. Instead we spent the night with a cold compress on the Hoagie's forehead.

Yes folks, he fell off the bed. A king size bed. Seems he is rolling faster than we anticipated. After the initial cry-fest (meaning all three of us) he was fine. A little sad perhaps, but nothing that a good buzz, quack, or armpit snoogle couldn't fix. And bonus, he landed on a rug. A call to the ped left me sufficently freaked out about head injuries, but he woke up and responded fine when we awoke him every two hours last night. I think we all need a nap. In all honesty though, once the 1 am wake-up came around, the rest of the schedule was just like any other night, so it wasn't so bad.

On top of the accident, I think he is getting a cold. Woot!

Camping and push-ups

Last weekend Hoagie and I went camping with a group of lovely folks. Originally we were headed to Idyllwild but it would have been waaaaay too cold for us San Diego softies. So we ended up at Agua Calliente it was really fun and Logan took to it wonderfully. I am pleased that it went so well and glad that we can now go whenever we want. It was chilly at night, but not too cold, and it was neat to hear the coyotes yipping. I am not sure how much I enjoyed the ghost stories we told around the fire, but it did make me check on Logan and conquer my fear of, well, anything spooky.

Hoagie and Auntie H...



Hanging out while we load up the Element...



Our campsite...



I should mention L slept great while I slept like crap. Isn't that always the way? I was too worried about the sleeping bag going over his face, his temperature, etc. He was fine. I should have just slept. Of course the in-daytime-voices conversation our neighbors had at 3 in the morning didn't help.

The other piece of news is that Logan is starting to do push ups. He is getting up on his hands and toes. Doesn't quite understand that putting his knees down would be easier, but I am sure that will come. He is rocking back and forth when he is on Don as well, so I think it is time to start baby proofing. Yikes!

Where we've been

Don and I have been to all these states...




Logan has been here...



create your own personalized map of the USA
or check out ourCalifornia travel guide

Not bad for 7+ months...

Thanks to Insane Animals for the link!

Peas and thank you. Or not.

Well, like mother like son. Techincally, it is like grandmother, like mother, like son. There is a veggie we all hate. Peas. They seemed to go down ok, but they ALL came back up later. Wow. Did they ever. Logan hasn't puked in a long time, so it was quite a shock to have a massive green splat this evening. He didn't seem any worse for it, as he got to take a bath so he was happy. Maybe we will try them again in a few weeks.

I guess it's not just cats...

He likes goats too!

We went to a pumpkin patch today and let me tell you, it just isn't the same out here on the west coast. We had a few choices and decided to skip the one next to T*rget because it is in a parking lot in retail hell. The others seemed kind of far away so we decided to head to Bonita. I am glad we went, but it was disappointing. Small, cheesy, and really not that many pumpkins. There were hundreds in boxes next to the patch, which seemed odd. Whatever...

Here is the photographic evidence of the outing...

Meow

Logan has a new obsession. The cat. He follows her every move and I am thankful that he can't crawl yet or she would be hiding under our bed all the time. She really doesn't want anything to do with him, so when she granted him close proximity today we had to take pictures to document the occasion. Logan was thrilled and Sunshine got a good scritch so she didn't mind. The little ones unite!

The most wonderful time of the year

Oh, autumn, how I love thee! I really miss fall so much. Here it is just a (sometimes) cooler extension of summer. Not that I am complaining. Really that is why we moved here. But I am sad that Logan will never grow up with memories of flaming leaves and a crisp smell in the air. Of turtlenecks, apple cider, halloweens with winter coats over his costume, frost covering the tips of the green grass, raking piles of leaves and jumping in them. (Truth be told, I hate raking, and there were always too many bugs and spiders in the leaves for me to enjoy jumping in them, so that one is just popular culture nostalgia.) We are going to a pumpkin patch this weekend to take some pics and purchase an overpriced pumpkin. I already have two large ones and one baby one, so this one will be the last. I love lining them up on the steps.

Pic from 2 years ago, these really freaked out the neighborhood kids so last year we made them happier...



I leave you with two autumn quotes that fill my heart with longing for this magical time of year.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. ~Stanley Horowitz

Picture as promised

No, Don isn't turning into "The Man" (ha ha, thanks for that one Hope!). Logan was grabbing like crazy so he chopped it off. Here is the picture, he is so tired right now that I couldn't get him to open his eyes any more than this. He is burning the candle at both ends...

Gone baby, gone

Don cut off his goatee. Not all the way off, but the braided part is G-O-N-E. Pictures to follow...

Oh, and Logan likes peaches. Yummy!

A little live action

Here is a little live action from this morning to tide over those who live far away (which is, um, pretty much everyone who reads this...). Enjoy!

Officially official

Well, the day we hoped for has arrived... Don signed his contract with Zamorano Fine Arts Academy this week. Hooray!!!! Really, this is a wonderful event for both Don and our little family unit. Don has taught there for over five years now as an "artist in residence" aka slave labor. Just kidding, it provided flexible and interesting employment with the age group he loves the most. So now he is on staff as a credentialed teacher and reaps all the benefits therein. Not the least of which is healthcare that requires no employee contribution beyond co-pays and whatnot. Woo hoo!

The other officially offical thing is Don and my 6th anniversary, which is today. I can't believe it has been 6 years already, yet I can't really remember life without him either. Maybe it is that I just don't like to remember. Life got much better after we partnered. And what, you ask, are we doing to celebrate? Well, nothing really. We are going to a party tonight where there will be two big dogs that I am severely allergic to so I will most certainly be leaving after about 10 minutes. Don will stay and exchange home-made CDs with his boyfriends. Sounds like a romantic evening, no? Oh well, we will make up for it later. We have a book and a painting in mind to commemorate the event.

In Logan news (which is most important, I know) he turned 7 months this Monday and is looking sharp. He loves rice cereal and is pretty much over his cold. Did I mention the cold? It was not fun, but we are on the other side of it for now. And even better, is that he slept from 7:45pm to 3:45 am last night. Woot! Seriously, I feel like a new woman after all that consecutive sleep.

My parents have come and gone since the last post, and below are a few pictures from their wonderful, and too short, visit.

First though, is a pic of the boys in their Eagles garb. Thankfully they won last week...


Here is us in the hotel pool. Hoagie loved the water.


Grammy reading him a book...


And finally, Grampa feeding him a bottle of EBM.

Loving the avocado

Logan had his first "solid" food today, avocado! He was very receptive to eating and enjoyed the soupy mess. Honestly though, he was quite neat about the whole thing, even though I put some in front of him to fool around with. The bib hardly got any on it. He ate more than I expected and I am very glad we waited until he was ready.

Here he is before the big event, just looking cute.



Here is his first bite and more...




And finally, here is a picture of me at the wedding with my new haircut...