Halloween on the Square

Jack and I headed over to Murfreesboro this afternoon for their annual Halloween on the Square. We met Jack's friends Ross, Brylie, and Jacob and did some trick or treating. Jack was quite unsure of some of the costumes. In particular, there was a werewolf mask that caused him a fair amount of distress. Tomorrow afternoon John is taking Jack to Pumpkin Fest in Franklin. On Sunday, we are going to Grandpa and Grandma's house to trick or treat in their neighborhood. Jack will be Halloweened out by the time this weekend is over! 

When we got home, there was a gift from Kathy, Kevin, Jake, and Megan waiting by the door. New boots! Jack was quite excited about them. They arrived just in time for Halloween! 

Proof Positive

Here's photographic proof that Jack thoroughly enjoys the days he spends with his Grandma and Grandpa. As if John or I needed proof! Last night, John, Jack, and I were talking about today's visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Jack informed us that Grandma feeds him cookies and apple juice, and Grandpa takes him on the bike. It was so sweet to hear his perspective on his grandparents. This morning, Jack and I were reading books in his bedroom when the dogs started barking. I said, "Jack, I bet the dogs are barking because Grandma is here." The kid literally jumped off my lap and sprinted to the door as he yelled, "Grandma!" It about melted my heart. He's such a lucky little boy to have the Seatons as grandparents.

This May Be the Last

This may be the last picture you'll see of us as a family of three. Baby Luke will be arriving soon. He's being a little stubborn as we thought yesterday was going to be the day, but nevertheless he'll be here before we know it. As I wrote the title of this post, I thought about all the things that wouldn't be the same (at least for awhile). What's weighing the heaviest on my mind? This may be the last good night of sleep I'll get for several months. Undoubtedly, we are looking forward to the baby's arrival. However, Jack isn't so old that I've forgotten how difficult those first few months are with such little sleep. When Jack was about three weeks old, John came home from work and couldn't find me. I was sitting in the darkened nursery with Jack beside me, pumping, and crying my eyes out because I was too exhausted to do anything else. It's best for me to focus on the fact that this may be the last few days that I only have one little boy to sit on my knee and love beyond belief.

Nostalgia

When I was a little girl, I had a pedal tractor similar to this one. Then my dad had a garage sale when I was about 8 years old. I was feeling money hungry and knew I could get a lot for my tractor, so I sold it. Oh, how I wish I hadn't! This one belongs to the neighbors, but they were kind enough to let me borrow it for a few fall pictures of Jack. 

A Special Afternoon

As Jack and I were leaving to visit Grandpa and Grandma this afternoon, I noticed that the UPS man had left a package by our door. Knowing the package contained Jack's new bike seat, I threw it in the car thinking that Grandpa would enjoy sharing this first experience on a bicycle with Jack. From the look on Grandpa's face in this photo, I would have to say that I was right. 

And from the look on Jack's face in all the other photos I took today, I would say that Jack thought his first experience on the bicycle was pretty amazing too. 

Jack was having so much fun that even I couldn't resist climbing on the bike and taking him for a spin. You can imagine what the neighbors thought at the sight of seeing a 9 month pregnant woman pedaling up the hill! I must admit that I was secretly very happy when Jack took off his helmet because I had an excuse to stop for a couple of minutes! I'll spare you from having to look that the photographic proof that I actually climbed on the bike. Grandpa ended up having to replace Jack's helmet at the local bike shop this afternoon with one the little booger can't pull off. Thanks, Granddad! Now the two of them are set for a bike ride tomorrow and many more in the future. 

Future Pastry Chef

IF pastry chefs nibble from their spoons, then Jack has found his future profession. 

Smiles and Laughter

Children learn to smile from their parents.
                                             Shinichi Suzuki

Lucky Ladd

With the arrival of the fall season, many farms in the area host events where families come out to do things like select pumpkins, take hay rides, wander through corn or sorghum mazes, and feed barnyard animals. We did all but the corn maze today at Lucky Ladd Farms, and, as always, we have some pictures of Jack that we want to share.

This was my favorite animal. I think I appreciate all animals smaller than Winston.

Jack and the kids got along nicely.

"Those goats are just too funny, Mama!"

I sense a 4-H project involving bunnies in our future.

Jack thought this swing was especially fun.

I thought the same of this slide. Jack had to beg me to not go down it a fourth time.

Tractors are always fascinating.

We didn't take this pumpkin home, but this is the one Jack thought was best.

The weather has been beautiful lately, and today's weather was not an exception. Ellie did well with the walking, but I think she appreciated the hay ride for the chance to rest her feet. Jack enjoyed petting and feeding the animals. I enjoyed spending the day with them.

Boyhood

The leaves are changing colors. There's a bite to the morning air. Sweatshirts are making their way from the closet. It seems that fall has finally arrived after a very long (and pregnant) summer. Playing outside is much more fun for Mommy when sweat doesn't trickle down my back and it doesn't soak Jack's hair. Jack plays with his dump truck and the dogs. He rides his motorcycle and runs. This is what boyhood is all about.