Happy Halloween!

Saturday, Craig and I took the boys out to Chapin to trick-or-treat. We love our neighborhood, but there aren't too many houses in our section and the houses are pretty spread out. So, we decided to try Grammy and Pop-Pop's neighborhood, and it did not disappoint! They have a wonderful neighborhood with kids of all ages, so the place was pretty hoppin'. Porter was very excited, and we kept having to remind him that the events didn't start until dark. Thank goodness we were able to keep him busy until then!

We got the boys dressed about 6:30...Porter the cowboy and Bowman as his faithful horse companion. Even Aunt Leslie got in on the fun...she went as their loyal pal (Porter kept referring to her as Jessie, Woody's friend from Toy Story 2). I felt a little guilty about Bowman's costume -- it was pretty warm that day, but he still looked ridiculously cute!

We set off about 7pm, and walked to the houses in Grammy and Pop-Pop's cul-de-sac. Porter was a little unsure at first; he's is not a fan of the dark, so he tended to cling to one of us when we walked between houses. Thankfully, Craig came up with the idea to give him a flashlight, and I really think that beam of light made him more comfortable (I'll have to remember to get him a glowstick or something next year!)

This was Porter's first real experience with trick-or-treating. Last year, I came home from the hospital on Halloween, so we ended up not taking Porter out. But, once he discovered how easy it was, he did not hesitate to run up to doors and ring the doorbell. Well, unless there was something spooky outside -- then he asked me to walk up to the door with him. But, he did well: shouted 'TRICK OR TREAT' and even thanked people for his treats.

We had a great time in Chapin, and will most likely go out there for the next few years. Porter lasted about an hour before he told me he wanted to go see Daddy (Craig manned the door for his parents.) Bowman actually held up well too; I think he was fascinated with all the "characters" he saw. Just wait 'til next year...Bowman will be running up to doors with his big brother!!

Bowman's Well-Check: 1 Year!

Bowman had his well-check appointment with Dr. Cabiness yesterday. All checked out well, though he did have a bit of a sniffly nose that we are keeping an eye on. The doctor was pleased to hear that we were no longer having food issues; Bowman's gag reflex is almost completely gone. He manages to eat almost anything we give him from meat to cheese to veggies. Developmentally, he seems right on track: he's a full-time cruiser, has taken his first steps, picks up food using the "pincher grasp," babbles constantly, and still loves to clap. Here's how he measured up:

Height: 31 1/4 inches (90%)
Weight: 23 lbs, 3 oz (57%)
Head: 47 1/2 centimeters (81%)

Right now, Bowman's bigger than Porter was on his first birthday. Looks like Baby Bo may be the bigger brother after all!

Happy Birthday Bowman!!!

How can my baby boy already be 1?? I cannot believe so much time has passed, but I also can't imagine the world without you. You are such a sweet, loving boy. You seem to be a little shy, but love your mommy and daddy. In fact, we have to greet you with hugs and kisses whenever we see you or you get VERY upset. You've started babbling on a regular basis...even say MAMA when you crawl towards me (may be just a coincidence, but I like to think not!) You point at things all the time and "tell" us what you see, make your "OH!" face when something new appears, raise your arms in the air when we say, "YAY!" You will eat almost anything -- except bananas -- and baby food has pretty much become a thing of the past. You love veggies, especially carrots and green beans. You've started drinking milk, and we're down to only 2 bottles a day. And walking...well, you've taken your first steps!!! Though they are wobbly, you manage to walk between a few objects...such a big boy!!! So much has changed in only one short year...Happy Birthday, little monkey!

October 28, 2008

December 2008


January 2009

February 2009

March 2009

May 2009

July 2009

OCTOBER 28, 2009

Boo at the Zoo!!

Last night, Craig and I took the boys to the Riverbanks Zoo for the annual "Boo at the Zoo" celebration. I absolutely LOVE the zoo, and (thanks to Grammy and Pop-Pop) we have a membership, so we take the boys quite often. The Tibshranys and Leightons joined us; I must admit, directing 3 boys (Bowman was in a stroller) through the zoo was a little chaotic, but we had fun nonetheless! Why is it so hard to get all 3 boys to look at the camera??? I'm hoping Tori or Kim got one; this is the only one where I managed to get TWO boys facing forward. And is it just me, or do you feel like bursting into a rendition of 'YMCA'?

Precious Charles...the Handy Man!



As many of you know, Porter is a cowboy for Halloween. But, Bowman was willing (?) to be the one thing EVERY true cowboy needs...

A HORSE!!!!

Well, he does look a little bitter about his costume, but he's still super cute!!

Me and my boys!

One of the best things about "Boo at the Zoo" are the trick-or-treating stations. Some stations had candy, while others had crayons, pretzels, and animal masks (shown at the end.) At first, all 3 boys were a little shy, but as the night went on, they got braver. I love hearing their little voices yell, "Trick or treat!"

Porter getting excited about all his loot!!

One of Porter's favorite places at the zoo is the barn...and he loves to "milk" the cows!

The zoo also set up a "spooky" animal center. There were snake skins, bones, and even live bugs for everyone to touch. Porter is usually a little timid about touching stuff, but had no problem with the snake skins...he just wasn't so sure about the HISSING cockroach. Yuck!

We had a great night with friends, and the boys came home exhausted...they were both asleep before their heads hit their pillows (or crib mattress in Bowman's case!) I'm already looking forward to next year's event...of course, then I'll be herding TWO boys through the crowd. YIKES!

Fall Festival

Last night was Porter's Fall Festival at school. I decided it was the perfect opportunity for a "Mommy & Me" night, and when I offered this to Porter, he was very excited. We both had a great time...nothing better than seeing a very happy little boy!!! Dressed up and ready to go!

Playing a game with his teacher -- Mrs. Mary Catherine!!!

Porter especially loved the GIANT slide!! I think he spent the majority of the evening climbing up and sliding down...in one way or another!!!

Yummy treats...It turned out to be quite a fun night!! And just think, all the fun fall events are just beginning! I love this time of year!

Goofin' Around!

Where's Bowman???

THERE HE IS!!!!!



Apparently we have a climber on our hands!

Porter's Party

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

3-Year Well Visit

Porter got an "A-OK" from his pediatrician at his well check-up. Dr. Cabiness was pleased to hear that Porter is potty-trained during the day and night. As he put, "That is very good for girls, but EXCELLENT for boys!!!" Fine and gross motor skills were also given high-fives...Porter is growing to be quite the little 3-year-old. Here's how he measured up:

Weight: 34 lbs, 2 oz (75%)
Height: 38 1/4 inches (64%)

Blood pressure: 84/48 -- normal

So, needless to say, we left with a good report. Hopefully there won't be too many visits to the doctor this winter. Let's hope for a healthy season!!!!