Why we're Thankful

It's a boy!

What are you thankful for this year?

A Christmas Wish

Just because this is a good time of year to remember that we have a lot to be thankful for . . .

10-year-old's heartbreaking plea to Santa gives us infinite hope

Halloween

Halloween came and went before we knew it.  Little Ted did get to go trick-or-treating for the first time.  Once he realized he had to say "trick-or-treat" loudly, and not invite himself into strangers' houses, and not  ring doorbells continuously, everything went off without a hitch.  By the time we had visited about five or six houses, his bucket was full, so we headed back home.  And before it was even dark, our candy supply was gone and we closed up shop for the night.  LT, however, stayed in his costume, complete with gloves and mustache, until mommy pried it off him to give him a bath and put him to bed.

A Goblin!

LT found these goblin ears in a Halloween card from Aunt Susie and Uncle Danny.  They were a big hit - he even avoided bending over to make sure they didn't fall off.

School Days

Little Ted recently started Pre-K.  Of course, I don't have any pictures of his first day (or his first week, for that matter) because we were all in the process of adjusting to getting up and ready for school.  So, you'll have to settle for these pictures, which show him on the day of his visitation.

LT absolutely LOVES school.  When he comes home, the first thing he wants to do is go back to see his best buddy or play on the slide.  When we leave the house, he asks if we are going to school and if he needs his backpack.  When he wakes up from his afternoon nap, his usual request is to go to school.

We, of course, couldn't be happier with how well he has adjusted and how much he enjoys his school.  We know that it is doing him a world of good and look forward to seeing him grow through his first year.

Three Cheers for Pennyslvania!

Touching pregnant ladies' tummies now illegal in Pennsylvania

What other annoying behaviors that pregnant women endure should be banned?

Is it Time to get Candy Yet?

Can you tell what has been on his mind lately?  At least once a week, he asks to go outside in the evenings to look for costumes.  I have to remind him that Halloween isn't ready yet.  

Last week, LT and I went to the grocery store.  As per usual, he wore the Mario hat from his costume.  Children in the grocery store came up to talk to him as if he was actually Mario.  It was too funny, and LT enjoyed all the attention.

Dear Cousin Matthew,

Can you come to my house on Halloween?  I am going to dress up as Mario, and if you want, you can be Luigi.  Then, we can go trick-or-treating and collect lots of candy from my neighbors.  What do you think?

Little Ted's Halloween costume arrived in the mail on Thursday.  Long ago, I learned that you have to shop early if you are going to find the costume you want.  Somehow, Little Ted knew exactly what was in that nondescript package, and he was more than a little eager to see it.  

I've had real trouble peeling him out of that costume.  He wears it as much as he is allowed and becomes very sad when it is time to change.  He even slept in the hat most of last night.  Needless to say, we'll be lucky if the costume survives until the holiday.

Ever get a Case of the Giggles?

Sometimes, it can be overwhelming!

Alfalfa?

It seems to me that Little Ted is destined to have this Little Rascal's hairstyle for the better part if his childhood:

Another Year . . .

Last Tuesday, I turned 32.  The celebration, however, took place this past weekend.  Ted's parents came up and treated us to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  One of my favorite things about this restaurant is that they seem to value listening skills and a good memory.  We've had the best servers there - and they never write anything down!  That makes this English prof happy.

We also enjoyed a very yummy cake that Ted picked out for me - almond flavored cake with mocha filling, chocolate buttercream icing, and berries on top.  TASTY!

Little Ted got into the celebrating this year.  Last year, he didn't want anyone to sing to mommy, and he tried to dive into the cake before anyone else could.  This year, he helped Grandma and Grandpa pick out flowers, and he told me "Happy Birthday" without a prompt from anyone.  He also wanted mommy to blow out candles . . . poor child; he doesn't realize that mommy's cake can't handle that many lit objects!

All in all, it's been a really good year, and we have been blessed as a family.  I look forward to what 32 has in store . . .