Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween! Tonight we took our little Jack-o-Lantern out for his first official trick or treating. Cassady gathered candy door to door with a friend from school, while Jack rode happily in his stroller. Although we didn't take him up to any houses, Cassady was excited to receive extra candy from more than a few people for her little brother. I'm not planning to save it for him, so she scored a few extra treats - just for having an adorable little brother!

Pumpkin Painting

We chose our pumpkins at the patch last week, on trip number 3, I believe. I decided to skip carving this year, and we got out our craft supplies to decorate our pretty pumpkins. Cassady and her friend loved the project - Cassady made hers into an Easter egg, while her friend transformed hers into a clown. Jack, however, was not a fan of the finger painting experience. I fully admit to assisting him in the decoration process - both the paint and the blue glitter. Maybe he's just not the crafty type?

Pumpkin Patch - Take 5

We went to the pumpkin patch today for the last time this season. This time, Grammie came along to enjoy the fun. She decided to stock up on her favorite fall treat to take back to California with her. Can you guess what it was that she bought?

The Overalls

A few weeks ago, we went on a shopping spree for Jack's winter wardrobe. Among our purchases were these adorable corduroy overalls. They're super cute, but Jack doesn't like them too much. The problem? He gets stuck in them when trying to crawl. I quickly snapped a few (okay, fine. 57) pictures of him, then changed him into clothes that allow him the freedom of movement he so craves. He was back to exploring the house in no time!

Cry It Out

Can I just say that I detest the cry it out method? I hate putting my little guy in his crib and leaving him to cry. I hate that even after he falls asleep, his little body is still wracked with his sobs. I hate that this is the only way that we can get him to go to sleep anymore. We have been doing this for 3 days now, for night time as well as naps, and his crying time has decreased to under 2 minutes. It's still awful. I am hoping that within the next few days the crying stops and he falls asleep without all the heartrending tears. Until then, I will be hiding in the other room, trying not to cry. Being a Mommy is just no fun sometimes!

Daredevil

Jack has this new thing when we put him on our bed where he immediately hightails it to the side and attempts to lunge off. He has no fear whatsoever. Gone are the days where I could set him on the bed for a few minutes of quiet playtime. Now it's all about diving for the floor. Good thing he's finally started sleeping in his crib or we would have some very rough nights!

He's Certainly Not Camera Shy...

Jack and I spent our day preparing for Grammie's visit tomorrow. We are very excited to see her, especially since we have not seen her since our vacation in June. In addition to helping me with a few chores, Jack also played with his toys, grudgingly took a few naps and had a few yummy meals and snacks. He stays quite busy, but always manages to take time out to flash his adorable smile at the camera. He is quite the little ham!

Fashion Show

Jack tried on a few hats at Target today. Daddy likes the first hat - the fuzzy lumberjack style. I prefer the second hat - with the tassels and pom poms (and attached mittens for an extra festive look). Whichever you prefer, I think you have to agree that Jack rocks head wear. We didn't get either of these hats today, but we did get this:

A big boy carseat.

Jack outgrew his infant seat, and it was time for an upgrade. This gray and green combo was our favorite, plus the seat goes up to 65 pounds (at the rate he has been growing, this may be sometime next month.) He'll be riding in style...and he even has cupholders now...woohoo!!

Walker Time

We were on our way to the grocery store the other night, and when passing the thrift store, this toy caught my eye. For the bargain price of $ 4.98 and a few chlorox wipes, Jack is the proud owner of a walker. We also found a few other toys that just couldn't be left behind. He needed them for developmental and educational purposes, of course!

Crib Update

Although it is nearly impossible to ascertain this from today's (adorable) photo, Jack has become more accustomed to sleeping in his crib. Now, before you go thinking he's sleeping in there for 8 hours a night or something ridiculous like that, let me tell you that we are pleased with his 4-6 hour stints at this point. Yes, we are certainly working on those oft-dreamed of full nights where Jack is happily ensconced in his own bed. Until that happens, however, our nights look a little something more like today's (adorable) photo. It's going to happen someday. Right?

School Night

We went to parent teacher conferences tonight for a chat with Cassady's teacher. Jack went along to make sure his big sister is doing well in 5th grade. He was not disappointed by her scholastic efforts. He was, however, quite disappointed that this event did not involve snacks - especially since it took place during his mealtime (the horror!). Cassady's teacher is known for his rather loquacious nature, but Jack's impatience cut our visit short. Good job, Jack!

Daddy's Little Shadow

One of the highlights of Jack's day is definitely when Daddy gets home from work. Jack will stop whatever he is doing to rush over to play with Daddy. He follows him around for at least an hour after Daddy gets home. Jack is especially interested if Daddy's post-work routine includes eating - he knows he can beg a bite (or three) out of his Daddy. Jack has the cuteness thing down pat. And oh boy does this baby know how to work the cuteness!

The Threepeat

Jack, Cassady and I spent the day at our favorite October spot - Vala's Pumpkin Patch. When I say the day - I mean it quite literally, as we were there from 9:30 am - 8:30 pm. It was crazy long, but crazy fun. I can't wait til Grammie comes next week so we can go back again!!

Jack in Action!

Jack and Cassady were playing a game where she would toss a beach ball to the other side of the room. Then, they would both crawl really fast to go get it. Jack loves this game. He is quite good at it too. He only went the wrong way a few times. He got distracted. It happens!

A Sunday Stroll

One of these days, the weather is going to turn nasty. To prepare ourselves for this unpleasant fate, we have been going to the park and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Today we walked on the Keystone Trail for a few miles, then frolicked on the playground. Jack had so much fun watching the trees sway in the breeze as we walked. He also enjoyed going on the slide & swinging with Daddy. We need to move somewhere warm before the cold weather hits so we can keep playing outside!

Biggest Smile Ever

I think the title says it all :)

Back to the Patch

Jack and I took another trip to the pumpkin patch today. We spent most of the day there. It was very crowded - probably due to the amazing weather. We rode the train, got lost in the corn maze (Jack wasn't much help with the maze - he fell asleep & I had to figure out how to get out all by myself!), had a picnic lunch, saw bunnies and goats, went on the hayrack ride and had a total blast. I am hoping to go back again next week - have to make good use of my season pass!

The Beggar

Anytime someone is eating, Jack makes it his business to hightail it over and try to score a taste. You know, because he is never fed. Tonight he worked his cute magic on Daddy, who was eating a sandwich. Jack loves meat and he seems to have a sixth sense for when Daddy's snacking on it. He has gotten to try all sorts of interesting goodies using this begging technique. Indian food, funnel cake, corned beef...such typical baby foods, right?!?

He Speaks!

We are proud to present to you...Jack's first consonant sounds.

(I am refusing to admit that this is Jack's first word, because everyone knows his first word will be Mama. Daddy will not get gloating rights. He will say Mama first!)

Muffin Man

I made a batch of Pumpkin Banana Muffins today and shared one with Jack. He is hooked on pumpkin! He also had some pumpkin puree mixed with vanilla yogurt & cinnamon for lunch. I am thrilled that he is a fan of my favorite fall vegetable. Now the challenge will be getting a muffin before they all disappear - since everyone in the house loves them!

Another great thing about the muffin: Jack ate one by himself at dinnertime! He is becoming so self sufficient. Messy - but self sufficient :)

A Perfect Ten

Jack is officially 10 months old today.

Let's let that sink in a moment, shall we? While we are recovering from the shock that the last 10 months has flown by so quickly, let's take a look at what he's up to now. He is crawling everywhere, climbing over anything in his path and pulling up on any surface taller than him. He started making random "ma" and "ba" sounds, but he only does this when very excited. The only thing that excites him enough to vocalize consonants is eating.

And speaking of eating, he's got that skill down pat. He has tried all sorts of new foods lately: funnel cake (I blame Daddy), pineapple, spaghetti, lentils, split pea soup and lots more. He is quite adept at feeding himself dry foods (ie: Cheerios and graham crackers), but is still adamantly refusing to put anything wet (ie: peas and corn) into his mouth.

He is a happy little guy and very playful. His favorite words that make him giggle are: jammies, sayuki (a show that Daddy & Cassady watch), and the phrase "you eated the breakfast". His favorite toys are: anything electronic (especially Daddy's laptop & Mommy's phone), the controller for Cassady's Game Cube, Sophie and his activity table.

He's a sweet little guy & gives lots of hugs and kisses. He has been sleeping in his crib for most of the night for the last 2 weeks. He likes to hold onto the handle of his carseat, making it look like he is riding the bus. He has the cutest gigantic smile ever and if you really get him laughing you can see all 6 teeth. He's a keeper :)

Sliders

This will probably come as a huge surprise, but we walked to the park again. It feels like summer out there today - too bad we can't get to the pumpkin patch today! Cassady took Jack for a spin on the slides. He loved it! He is getting very adventurous - when we first started going to the park, he refused to crawl around in the sand. Today I had to chase him all over the playground. Shades of what is to come, I am sure!

Stroll & Snack

We hit the road today. Jack was in his stroller, while Cassady, her friend & I did the strolling. With summer-like temperatures, we just had to get out of the house. And we sure did! We took a four hour walk, visiting a few stores and getting lots of fresh air. We ended up being gone longer than I'd planned, so it was a good thing I had some snacks stashed away in the stroller. Jack does not like to be kept waiting when he decides it is time to eat!

Autumn Bliss

We went for a walk to the park again today.

Perfect weather + swings + sand to crawl in + leaves to crunch over = a wonderful end to the week.

We love fall.

More Baby Kisses!

Jack is clearly starved for attention. Poor little guy is just ignored all the time. No one ever plays with him, reads to him, loves on him...nope. He just sits in his crib all day, all alone.

Yeah Right.

Baby Kisses

I love when my babies play together. It is just the cutest thing ever. Jack adores Cassady, and the feeling is very mutual. During dinner, Jack is usually so busy watching Cassady that I have to resort to drastically silly measures to get his attention back on eating. I think that is saying something about how much he likes her...because this baby looooves his dinner!

Un Nouveau Chapeau Pour Jacques

With the weather turning downright chilly lately, we bought a hat for Jack today. His head is too big for the infant sized headwear, so we bought an adult cap for him. It's knitted, but the inside is lined with super soft fleece. He doesn't seem to mind it too much, and only took it off after it slipped down over his eyes. Tomorrow we are off to get some fall/winter clothes for him. I think we are going to be getting 18 month sized items, just to make sure he doesn't outgrow it all too quickly. He's getting so big now!

Sidenote: Jack put himself to sleep tonight. I let him play in his crib, and after about 10 minutes he fell fast asleep. It's a miracle!!

A Trip to Vala's Pumpkin Patch

Sorry about the ads - click the gray x to see the captions :)

Sunday Funday

We headed off to the park again this morning to soak up some much needed Vitamin D. We also wanted to get our hands all messy in the sand. We climbed on the playground equipment and surveyed the neighborhood from up high. We then enjoyed the swing for a few minutes. Our favorite park activity, though, is definitely the sand. There was a little car toy someone else had left behind, so Jack played with it for a little bit. He was mostly interested in looking around at the park & feeling the sand. I was mostly interested in the opportunity to take pictures of Jack, but what else is new?!

A Preview of Sorts

Jack is helping Mommy show off the Halloween costumes he & Cassady will be sporting this year. Think of this as a little sneak peek. He is in a little of each costume, so as not to blow our cover. Of course, if you really want to see his little dressed up self, you can always check back Monday. We will be out & about in his Halloween get up. I am so excited I can barely stand it. You should be too :)

Oh Boy! October!

We are having a streak of gorgeous weather this week - and Jack & I are milking it for all that it is worth! We went to the neighborhood park again this morning, where I took entirely too many pictures. Due to the amazing weather, there were lots of other kids at the park,so today we had to wait our turn for the swing. While we waited, Jack had a blast playing in the sand. He even found a little stick to hold. We played, we went on the swing and then we walked home. This time around, he waited until we had reached our door to fall asleep. Perfect timing, Jack!