Happy Halloween!

We had a fun day filled with multiple costume changes depending on where we were going. First was Rapunzel for the library and dad's office:

Then for this evening's trick-or-treating around our neighborhood, we had Cinderella and a pumpkin:

It was a good time had by all and now we have WAY too much candy in this house. The trick is on us that we have to be good and not eat all of it!

Back to the Basics

Because my sleep schedule at the moment is being thrown off by little man, our normal morning jaunts to the park haven't been as frequent. I don't like it but I know that it's temporary. Unfortunately we don't have too much longer until the nicer weather goes away. So it was time to get back to our ritual and hit up the park by our house for some play time, soaking up the sun that Saturday morning had to offer.

Pumpkin Carving Party

A friend of mine hosts a pumpkin carving party each year and it's always a super fun time. I never participate in the actual carving of the pumpkins but that doesn't stop us from dressing up in costumes, munching on some delicious chili and snacks, watching the kids run around like crazy, and catching up in true adult style - with some good wine and beer.

Costumes this year didn't go totally as planned. Nolan was really the only one sporting his entire get-up while we were there - a nerd. Mallory was Belle and had such a beautiful dress that everyone kept complimenting her on, but as soon as she saw the other kids running around she couldn't get it off soon enough. Now I will say that it's partly my fault because I didn't have time to hem it so she kept tripping on it as she was playing, so I get why she didn't want to wear it. And then there was me. I was so unmotivated that I stole part of Mallory's costume from last year - her Minnie Mouse ears headband. Needless to say that they didn't stay on my head for very long.

My culinary contribution to this year's festivities was something new for me. I found a recipe for a Baked Brie & Apples Pastry on Pinterest and not only was it crazy delicious, it was so incredibly easy to make. It smelled so yummy as it was baking that I knew it was going to be a big hit. I think I had at least three bites and could have easily gone back for more. I'll be making that one again; maybe try it with peaches or strawberries (like the recipe actually called for) next time.

Zittel Farms Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday I took the monsters over to Folsom's local pumpkin patch. We had been to Zittel Farms before but only at Christmas time for a tree, not for pumpkin season. Our original plans were to go with a group of moms and kiddos over to The Pumpkin Farm, but sickness came knocking at some of their doors so plans were halted. I had already told Mallory the night before we'd be going to the pumpkin patch so I couldn't back down, otherwise boy would I hear it. However, I knew I didn't want to fight the madness of crowded, popular farms by myself so Zittel Farms it was.

It's smaller and doesn't have as many activities for the kids, but enough to keep my toddler entertained as the little man slept away on my chest in the carrier. I'm kind of bummed they didn't have a petting zoo, but they did have some animals for the kids to look at. After selecting our pumpkins and packing up the car, I noticed Mallory staring at the goats next to where we were parked. She was eating some apple slices I'd given her and so I let her sneak feeding them a few. It was super cute to see how excited she got when the goats would nibble them out of her hand. The trip was short since there wasn't much to do, but we got what we came for. Now onto the pumpkin carving party we have to look forward to this weekend!

Early Fall Attire

You know, the time of the year when you can get away with wearing a shirt, shorts, and furry boots. It's the best.

Nolan: Two Months

Little man is growing right along and is a whopping two months old now. For me, because my days are spent trying to keep this needy fella satisfied - which means holding him ALL OF THE TIME - I am totally fine with him getting older and this part of the infant stage going by quickly. Love him to death but I still look forward to him getting to the age when he's a little more independent. Happened around the time Mallory learned how to sit up so let's see if he follows suit.

I am also looking forward to getting more sleep. I sorta forgot how hard it is to function normally - both physically and mentally - when you're sleep deprived. Yes, Nolan's night stretches are slowly getting longer but only that first one; the one when I put him down for bed after bath time. But that doesn't mean I get to go to bed too. We've managed to move Mallory's bed time earlier though which helps me to attempt to be in bed around 9:30-10pm. His daytime naps are still random but I'm trying to get him more sleep trained because I prefer hour(s) long naps as opposed to 30 minute cat-naps. I've also recently introduced him to taking his afternoon nap in his crib and so far so good. I'll wait a little longer to do so at night though; the Rock 'n Play Sleeper seems to do the job for the moment.

My favorite more recent happening is his adorable, playful, and at times flirtatious smile. Makes anyone's heart melt. And when he shows off his sideways smile it makes me laugh. You can really get him smiling by tickling his sides too. He's become more vocal, talking and cooing his thoughts out loud. Throw in his ever-changing facial expressions and this little man is quite the entertainer. He's also got some pretty good physical strength; holds his head up, will stand for a while, and can roll over especially when he's getting his tummy time in. Over achiever if you ask me.

He is simply smitten with his big sis. As soon as he hears her or senses her around him, he becomes intent on finding her. And then he'll just stare with his big ol' brown eyes. Learning her troublesome ways I'm sure; I can only imagine some of the things these two will get into. He also loves to watch monster and daddy wrestle. He'll be in the mix with them in no time, having a blast and getting lots of bruises. Oh the fun things we all have to look forward to.

Cinderella the Baker

Mallory got to assist Mamaw in making her birthday party cupcakes last week and of course she did so in style; in her Cinderella costume. Monster was even more excited when Mamaw showed her the matching blue apron she got for her to wear as well. Such a pretty little baker!

Hello Handsome

Jamba Reward

Errands are always more fun when you get a reward for being good. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing that I'm one of those parents who use rewards with my child. Not all the time of course. But I do pull that card out if I feel like I need it to prevent a tantrum when we're in public, or even sometimes just to get the girl out the door to go somewhere. She takes FOREVER to leave the house; even if it's somewhere she really wants to go. Lucky for monster, today's errands were next to a Jamba Juice so that was her treat at the end. Plus we got to partake in the amazing weather by sitting outside.