Pumpkin Picking

I'm not sure about other people's pumpkin picking memories but mine goes like this: go to the farm, take the hayride to the pumpkin field, pick a pumpkin & take the obligatory pictures sitting on top of the biggest pumpkin around, ride back, and pay.

Here in Massachusetts I'm having a hard time finding a similar "memory" for Mikey. I researched some places online and found Brooksby Farm in Peabody (where Michael works). They were listed as having a pumpkin field as well as a pumpkin patch. When we got there I was a little disappointed to only find the pumpkin patch--which is a collection of previously picked pumpkins to sort through and find "the one". Even though its not what I was anticipating, we had a very fun afternoon!

It wound up being a beautiful day reaching 70 degrees! Mikey picked the BEST pumpkin of the bunch and loved scooping up the woodchips that the pumpkins were on. We saw a llama and sheep and had a picnic! Michael and I also enjoyed the cinnamon doughnuts. Yum!

We ordered Mikey's costume this weekend. Since he is going trick-or-treating with his friend, Ellie (AKA: Princess Leia), we figured it was only appropriate that they coordinate. Mikey is going to be Ewok from Star Wars. This will be an experience for me because I don't think I've seen a Star Wars movie from start to finish therefore, I have no clue who Ewok even is!! (Although I have seen Spaceballs too many times to count!)

Here are some shots from the day:

(And he's off.......)

(Mikey loves anything having to do with wheels or transportation--carts included)

(Mmmmm....pumpkin)

(Playing with woodchips)

Top Things I Love About Mikey This Week

* I love how I get a wonderful hug everytime I stand you up on the changing table to pull your pants up;

* I love how you walk around with your cherished library book (entitled "Honk Honk, Beep Beep") as you say "Beep Beep" in a high pitched voice;

* I love how when I ask you a question you are now answering "Yeah"....and you REALLY mean it!

* I love how you only use sign language with us and when we're out in public you use your voice!

* I love how independent you are becoming....even if that means taking a few more minutes to get into the car because you have to go down the stairs yourself (you want to walk down, but I make you go backwards);

* and a million other reasons, too!

As I was driving to the store today, I got stopped at a red light for 2 teenagers to cross the street. The boy and girl were holding hands and gave each other a quick peck on the lips before walking in opposite directions to go home. As the girl was walking towards me, she was beaming. As the light turned green I turned to look at the boy and he was beaming as well. Ah, young love. So adorable.

I find myself feeling that exact same way tonight as Mike and I are getting our first official babysitter and going out to celebrate his birthday with our dear friends---Bob, Katie, Lauren and Dane. As much as we love Mikey, I am really looking forward to dressing up a bit and having my husband all to myself!! I am also looking forward to eating my meal in peace without multiple distractions! Oh the little things.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

xoxo

Weekend with Mimi and Grandpa

Grandpa and Mimi Scialabba came out this weekend to spend time with Mikey and watch the BC/Notre Dame game.

Saturday was spent house shopping and and going out for lunch. At night, Mommy, Daddy and Grandpa went to the game while Mimi and Mikey hung out at home.

Sunday we took Grandpa and Mimi to Drumlin Farm. Mikey is so funny every time we go---it's as if each time is his first! This time his favorites included exploring the tractor, baa-ing with the sheep (see video) and playing in the hay!

What a fun weekend!

We put a bid in on a house......

but we didn't get it :(

It was our first bid on a house together and it was A LOT lower than the asking price, so I'm not shocked that we were denied. But it would be a lie if I said I wasn't disappointed.

Hoping something else turns up soon.......

Happy October and 19 months!

(Climbing off the chair while grabbing the camera at the same time......multitasker!)
(Modeling his pumpkin hat)

(I snapped this one just as he was inching his way off the chair)

Mikey is in full fledged toddler mode these days! As you can see, he is no longer sitting politely for the camera during his monthly photo shoot. He wants to do everything independently and easily gets frustrated when he is unsuccessful at something. He will immediately sign "help" and turn to us for assistance. While out at playdates or in group settings, Mikey has no trouble telling other children "no, no, no" (insert bratty voice here) or pushing them out of the way. He shares NOTHING. This brings on many tears, tantrums and more tears.

Yesterday was the first of four weekly group sessions that I was asked to cover at work. It is a parent-child group that meets for an hour and fifteen minutes. They roped me in when they said I could bring Mikey. I obviously didn't visualize how challenging a job like this could be----as an occupational therapist AND a Mom. We start off in the gross motor room playing with balls, sliding, crashing into the crash pad, swinging, bouncing, walking up and down stairs, etc. We were the first ones in the room, so naturally Mikey thought he owned the place. As soon as other children arrived, he became very territorial and had no issues taking reign over what was "his". This was an excellent experience for Mikey to learn turn-taking, however, when Mommy also needed to make her rounds throughout the room, the situation got a little hairy. At one point a nanny asked for a tissue. I needed to leave the room to get a new box and I was instantly in "work" mode. With that said, I arrived back at the room 30 seconds later to a very upset little Mikey crying at the door. Oops. That pretty much set the stage for the remaining 45 minutes.....nice job, Mommy. Mikey was clingy, whiny and kept saying "up, up" with his little arms reaching out for me.

In the classroom, I was able to get another staff member to help me out (AKA: watch Mikey) so I could actually do my job. This went much smoother. Circle time was interesting as I was leading the group and had Mikey on my lap (he wanted no part of the mats that the other 9 kids were sitting on).

After I wrote my notes and was ready to leave, Mikey had an encounter with 2 year old. This isn't just any two-year-old. This special two-year-old weighs a whopping 70 pounds! The child was playing with a toy that Mikey had been playing with moments earlier (we were putting shoes on to leave). Well, Mikey got right off that chair and continued to position himself in between the toy and the 70 pound kiddo. Apparently, this child doesn't play nice however, Mikey had been so persistent that the older child just got up and walked away. What a bully! Michael and I have observed this at My Gym as well, with the same response from another child. Boy do we have our hands full!!

Halloween is now 30 days away and still no costume for the little boy. I am torn between the "UPS man" and a "blue crayon". We went to the party store and they were out of both, so it seems I will be doing my purchasing online. Last year Mikey's lion costume was an instant decision. This year....not so much. He gets so excited when the Fed Ex and UPS trucks whiz by the apartment multiple times a day, yet at the same time I still want him to be in a "baby costume", ya know?!?! Ah, decisions, decisions.........

HAIR!

Mikey finally has enough hair to do this......








I apologize for the clarity of this picture. It was a chilly night and so I ran the shower to warm up the bathroom. And yes, Mikey is still using the "baby bathtub". We tried the big bathtub back in August with Jimmy and Mikey was NOT a fan. I'm not complaining.....he's contained and content in the small tub. I'm going to cherish this for as long as I can!