Pumpkin Carvings

Paige and I carved pumpkins today. I thought she was going to be all gung-ho with helping me, but it turns out she wanted nothing to do with sticking her hands in "goo". She did, however, enjoy drawing on the pumpkin with marker before I carved. And, she definitely loved putting a tea light in and lighting it up.
I wish I could be one of those fancy pumpkin carvers. I'm amazed at some of the carved pumpkins out there. I think it's like building a sandcastle. You either have the knack or you don't.

Bike Ride

Brian took Nick out on his first official bike ride today. He wasn't quite digging the helmet at first, but as soon as Dad starting peddling, he was pretty happy with the wind in his face. In fact they've been gone quite a while already and I'm trying not to be too worried. I'm just going to have to get used to boys and their sense of time when they are on an adventure I suppose.

Baby Steps

This past week, Nick has been taking anywhere from 2-4 steps on his own. Usually because he is being enticed by something he really wants to get his hands on...the cell phone, remote control, Paige's snack. As much as I don't want to rush the little guy, I also would really love for him to start walking soon. I'm getting weary of changing his pants each time he goes outside, inspecting and cleaning his hands every five minutes, and holding his squirmy body when I really don't want him crawling (like in the grocery store, for example...ewwww). And, next week we are going to Disneyland to celebrate Paige's third birthday. Nick is not going to be a happy camper sitting in the stroller all day. But if he was walking, he could stretch his legs out a little. Luckily both grandmas are going and Aunt Stef, so lots of adult hands to help out and keep him occupied.

Pinky

Pretty much any person who has met Paige has probably met Pinky, her dearest best friend. Paige and Pinky are almost never apart. They eat, sleep, and play together almost the whole day. Paige takes care of Pinky by singing to her, cuddling her, and rocking her. There are no need for baby dolls in our house. In fact we have some, but they never see the light of day because all of Paige's nurturing is towards Pinky. Luckily, we have set it up so that Pinky takes a "bath" once a week with Paige's clothes. She stays behind, "napping" in the car, while Paige is in school. And sometimes Pinky "babysits" Nemo while we go out for an errand. I'm not sure how long this is going to last. However, I'm not in the least bit concerned. Most research I have read says that having a lovey is a good thing. So, I'm sticking with that theory.

At church in DecemberIn Arizona in March

Putting Pinky to bed earlier this week.

Infirmary

Welcome to the Unit Family Hospital. The first day began last Thursday when I went to pick up Paige from school. She was actually asleep in her teacher's lap, ASLEEP! Paige rarely falls asleep in her carseat, let alone in someone's lap. What worried me most was she looked as white as a ghost and it took a good shake to arouse her. When I put her in the car, she fell back asleep. At this point I thought, this is clearly not my kid. When we got back to my parents' house (Brian was out of town, so we stayed with them for a couple of days), she vomited all over me and the garage floor. I immediately cleaned her up and plopped her on the couch only for her to fall fast asleep yet again. Her highest temperature that day was 102 degrees. Come early next afternoon, she was feeling better...not a hundred percent, but definitely better.

We took it easy over the weekend to recover and then come Sunday, my allergies flared up. Or is it a cold? And, why can't I tell the difference? I'm still battling whatever it may be today and hope that I'll feel better soon. On Monday, Paige came down with a runny nose and bad cough. And yesterday, Nick broke out in a rash. I'll be taking him to the doctor tomorrow. So, you may want to avoid our house this week otherwise we just might have to admit you and I'm not sure Nurse Jen has it in her to take care of another patient.

Car Rides

Car rides are usually one of two things. Either completely nuts with two crying kids, food flying everywhere, and a barking dog. Or, pure entertainment. On the way back from Target today, it was the latter. Nick was quietly staring out the window and pointing every so often while grunting as if to say, "Look Mom, a cloud", or "Look Mom, a big truck". Paige was singing along to every song that came on from her cd. It was so cute! I didn't realize that she has learned every word to practically every song from the Barenaked Ladies kids album (which I highly recommend by the way). I just love when we can come home after a calm ride in the car. It just feels good.

Pumpkin Patch

Last week, we made the good forty-five minute drive out to Bate's Nut Farm for some good old Fall fun. This is, hands down, the best place to pick pumpkins in our neck of the woods. Paige and Nick had so much fun roaming about the big macs. We enjoyed a delicious tri-tip sandwich, kettle korn, and live music. Paige also went down the big slide three times! Now, we just have to break out the carving knives and get creative.

Day at the Museum

Yesterday, we had a fantastic time at the new children's museum downtown. Kris, who is in town visiting, and Nannie (aka Grandma Cathy) joined us in our fun. The museum is a three story structure built with an open air type feel. The levels are designed with a particular age group in mind. They even have a room just for two and under. We somehow kept missing the painting workshops, but that just gives us another reason to go.

Over-sized birdhousePaige makes shadow puppets.Pillow Fight

One Could Only Hope

I'm a huge fan of Baby Blues and couldn't help sharing this one. I couldn't agree more. I know my mom would be climbing coconut trees and cooking up anything she saw fit. She'd definitely be on my list! And, I could only hope Paige and Nicolas would feel the same about me.

Indian Summer

I really can not get over the warm weather we've been having. I looked up the term Indian Summer in Wikipedia and this is what I found: Indian Summer is a name given to a period of sunny, warm weather in autumn, not long before winter. Yep, that would be it. So, in honor of Indian Summer, we went to the local community pool for what may be our last water romp this year.

Gee, do you think they enjoyed themselves?