My "affair"...

So, I should admit.. Ever since I've known Seth, I haven't been able to stop my love-affair... with FOOD.

You see, I like to eat. All the time. Especially sweets. Even now, when I should be losing weight post-partum... I can't seem to stop eating! Although I try to have salads, and vegetables.. Somehow the ice cream and candy and sugar sweeps in and I have a very hard time controlling it!

Ugh. One of these days, maybe I'll get to a weight that I can manage and be comfortable at. Currently, I'm still up (from pre-pregnancy) by about 10 pounds and I can't manage to take that off. I'm up about 30 pounds from a "healthy" weight. For me, weight has always been mostly about food - although exercise typically does help some. I also lost my "pear" shape - - and weight has redistributed. This is definitely good - - it means that even though I weigh more, I can still wear some of the pre-pregnancy clothes. They just fit differently. And not all of them fit, but at least enough that I don't have to buy a new wardrobe of larger (but non-maternity) clothes.

Why isn't there the same satisfaction in... for example... drinking water? or something else, equally boring but calorie-free?

Ahh well - - even on a day like today, it's good that there is much to be thankful for. Today, I'm thankful for food. :)

The "On" Button...

Recently, I have been technically inept with two different devices. In both cases, it was a failure to locate the "on" button.

I guess you have to learn to laugh at yourself, eh? In the future, I'll look for an on button more regularly... That, or continue to be technically inept!

Today: I'm thankful for devices that don't require an "on" button. Pillows, Sheets, Dresser drawers, kitchen cabinets...

And so, it begins...

The holiday shopping, decking the tree/house, etc... Bring it on!

This year's holiday will be especially fun for me, since we now have a munchkin in the mix!

Didn't make it to any door-busting sales this morning, but did wait until it got a little less crazy, and hit one store around 11 or so. Didn't get too much, but terribly hard for the die-hard shopper in me not to get a deal or two!!

Anyhow... Just cause thanksgiving is over doesn't mean I'm not still thankful. Plus, I liked adding something I'm thankful for to my blog posts each day. SO... I will continue!

Today, I am thankful for sales!

Misty Morning

Everyone is going to post something about Thanksgiving today, so I'm going to post something (slightly) different. I'm going to post about fog. Actually, scratch that. I'm going to post about mist.

Why not fog? Well, that has a negative, feeling down sort of connotation in my book - like it's dreary outside or something. Mist has a totally different - serene and peaceful - type of connotation to it!

Lyrics to a song:

'Twas a Misty Morning on the top of a hill,
with all the trees below standing quiet and still.
When in a distant voice I thought I heard someone say -
"It's just the morning's way of thanking God for today."

That's the kind of morning it was! The "pack" (me, DH, Mark, and both dogs- see pic) went on a grand walk this morning. We were gone almost 2 hours - and we hiked to the park! It was fabulous. A little chilly, perhaps - but kiddo was snug as a bug (pun intended) in his stroller. The rest of us enjoyed the "normalacy" of doing something we all enjoy! What a beautiful way to start the morning off!

And now, I'm thinking of another song lyric... "Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain." In this case mist, but hey - who's counting?


We captured a pretty cute picture of baby smiling today (see 2nd pic), talked to all the grandparents, did some cleaning, watched a parade on TV (and saw Santa!) and we're off to a heckuva good start to the day. Friends and football this afternoon - - - what ISN'T there to be thankful for?

Livin' and Lovin' Life,
-Rebecca

Posh Baby...

After lunch with DH today, we headed to target (err... the store??) to do a tad bit of shopping - mostly for baby and nursing related items. By the time we were done, baby was fussy and hungry!!

So - after the suggestion of a friend (thanks, PT!) - we headed to the Nordstrom "family" area for feeding. In the feeding area, we met two other moms and babies - - and Mark was the OLDEST! That was definitely a new experience..

Anyhow, lots of story swapping and such. I watched another mom (with a baby born 10/19 - three days after Mark) get peed on while doing the "diaper dance." Overall, fun stuff (and another breastfeeding in public experience). I thought I would be modest... but one of the moms had actually brought a bottle of expressed milk so she wouldn't have to attempt feeding in public. It made me realize that I'm certainly not that modest! One mom was complaining about her baby being a "cryer" - the other complained that she had a baby with reflux. Me? No complaints! I'm pretty convinced I have the best baby in the world. In fact, he slept 6 hours (from 9:30pm to 3ish) last night. Woohoo!

So, for some reason, after being spoiled by Nordstrom's restroom, I was inspired to shop for baby.. just to see if I could find any baby clothes within a reasonable price range. SCORE! I picked up the cutest little jumper... and I even thought about how while some moms think hard about what they send their kid to the first day of school in once they turn five. Why? Well... I actually had the thought about waiting for him to wear this particular outfit until his first day of child care. What new mom of a 6 week old baby thinks that way? It was a peculiar experience for me. And I'm surprised I found clothes (for under $10, I might add) at Nordstroms for my spoiled little baby. So hopefully, picture of baby in the new cute jumper/outfit on his first day of school. And if not- you'll probably see a picture of it (or him in it) before too much longer.

So today, I'm thankful for plush areas in malls to feed the baby. I'll be back to the Nordstroms to feed the next time I'm in the area with a fussy baby! It makes a 2 hour trip option a 5 or 6 hour option - with shopping involved! Oh... and I'll add this time around that I am also thankful for shopping - and starbucks - and socks. (Baby got some new Nordstrom socks, too!)

Now that I think about it.. I'll have to get used to being out with baby for longer than 5-6 hours soon, since in less than a month we'll be headed on a big long trip for the holidays!

"The Store"

What does the phrase, "the store" mean to you?

My DH and I have an ongoing debate. I grew up with "the store" meaning - exclusively - the grocery store! If you were going to the store, you weren't going to Home Depot or Target. You were going to get groceries! I have a hard time remembering when he says "store" - he is using the broad definition, and could mean anything! He could come back with bags from anywhere... and often that doesn't mean grocery bags!

This has baffled me in our marriage on more than one occassion.

However.. Even with the confusion.. Today I am thankful for language - even when it is misunderstood!

So.. what does store mean to you? the grocery store? any place that sells items?

Bottles

We finally introduced a bottle.. Which also means... I started pumping. Blech. I guess it isn't as bad as I expected, but definitely weird and feels unnatural.

Luckily, Mark did really well with his first bottle. I think DH also enjoyed being able to feed baby for a change! So all in all, I would call it a success.

Today: I am thankful for my pups, Kobe and Katie. Although, DH says that you can only have 2 legs to be a babysitter. Bummer, 'cause they sure are interested in helping out with Mark!

Bedtime...

Last night, as I was going to bed, I kept thinking about a blog post about bedtime. If you had to sleep with the light on, or with some type of sound on, which would you choose?

I'm a person who prefers sleeping without noise. I can sleep during daytime. I think my DH prefers no light, however. He typically puts a pillow over his face- - although he does this even when it is pitch black, so maybe that is not the case.

Babies? I think they do better with noise, not better with quiet. Our little one is adapting (and really, can do either noise or no noise). Of course, perhaps that's because one of the main jobs of a baby is to sleep!

So, appropriate for today that I include a sleeping baby picture.

I'm thankful for my sleep - whenever and wherever and however I can get it!

Saturday! Saturday?

It's the weekend - a Saturday. Saturday? For some reason, I'm getting "stuff" done today that I feel like I should have been doing during the week. It's "home" stuff, like paying bills and organizing paperwork, but it still feels like since I'm hope during the week I should be getting it done then. So somehow... Odd as it may sound.. The week has officially run into the weekend for me. Sure, my husband is home. And football is on TV. However... Baby still eats every 3 hours or so, and I'm still watching TV and going through stuff.

This, my friends, is why I would never make it as a stay at home mom. Monotony. Weekends that I don't appreciate as much as the working crew. Crazy, but yes- I am officially ready to go back to work!

Of course, I do intend to spend some time during Thanksgiving next week to enjoy myself and eat. Don't know what I'll be eating, or with whom (other than my dear hubby and baby), but I will be Thankful. I have definitely been blessed this year in ways I have dreamed about my entire life. And I'm happy as a clam and content as can be - but hopefully not complacent.

I'm thankful for many, many things. But for today, for the purpose of the blog, I choose to be thankful for life in general. For the ability to sit around and do paperwork and feed the baby every 3 hours. I spoke to my nephew, who is in 3rd grade, earlier today and asked what he was thankful for. I only talk to him about 2-3 times per year, at most. He is a really sweet boy, and he said "EVERYTHING!" I asked him to give me an example, and he said "the world." I asked "what else?" and he said "the people." I kept prodding and he said "for all of my family." Sweet boy, indeed. And a smart one that knows you can choose to be thankful for everything!

Sure, I complain a lot. Sometimes more than a lot. However - - all in all - Life is Good! I am very thankful for life.

So... I guess this blog should be dedicated to my nephew, Trey. If only the whole world and all the people could share his zest for life and giving thanks for "everything."

Adult Conversation

Yesterday, I took Mark to my office for a visit! My thought was that since the office was already disrupted (pre-Thanksgiving luncheon), that people would be up and about and it would be a good time for him to meet the voices he'd been hearing while in utero!

We had a good time! Like his usual self, he didn't fuss - - and even was held by 6 or 8 different people! I think the whole office was glad to see him - and me. It was a very warm welcome, indeed!

I'm getting antsy about returning to work... Not like some mothers do, perhaps - - but in the way that I'm ready for some Adult Conversation! I'm ready to learn about what has transpired since I was away. I peeked my head into a meeting in progress (or wrapping up), and couldn't help but ask a question or two on who was involved... If I were working currently, it was a meeting I would likely have been attending!

It was also to see changes that had occurred in people over the last month. Some gained weight (my pregnant coworker keeps getting bigger!) and others had lost weight. For the most part, however, everything was pretty much the same. It was good to see everyone, though!

Mark had a good time!

Unrelated.. the picture is with his proud papa over lunch last week!

Quiet Time

It's fall!

Somehow, I'm having a peaceful and tranquil moment this morning. Whether it's looking out at the trees that are changing colors, dressing a little warmer and snuggling under a blanket, or watching a sleeping baby... I'm not sure what makes it so peaceful. The TV is off and the dogs are quiet. There is something simple about times like these where you have to stop and enjoy the moment.

Today, I am thankful for the beautiful warm colors of the fall!

Pregnancy Cravings?

Some people have asked if I had cravings while pregnant. In my case, I really didn't. I do like red things, though. Watermelon, Tomatoes, and Cherries come to mind. Of course, I liked those things before... and I still like them! In fact, I'm enjoying some out-of-season watermelon as I type, and I had tomatoes for both lunch and dinner in various forms.

Anyhow... Today, I am thankful for grocery stores! After all, we wouldn't be able to get watermelon, tomatoes, and cherries as easily if it weren't for grocery stores. The ones with Starbucks in the front are especially cool!

Miss Sharon

Today was another exciting day - - Mark visited his daycare and met his soon-to-be-new-teacher Sharon (see picture). The one thing that was missing from the infant room when we went in today were INFANTS!

I learned that the three kids that are currently there include 1 girl and 2 boys. 1 boy is only in the afternoons, and the girl is on a rotating schedule (and we just missed meeting her)! The other boy just had surgery.

The "toddler" room (1-2 years old, walking) was lots of excitement!

Mark already has his color (red) for marking all his belongings, and a crib with his picture on it! He starts on December 7th.

Today I am thankful for socks. I love socks. Not just for keeping your feet warm, although it is cool that they serve a purpose, but also for the excitement and energy they give me. I don't know how/why I became such a sock person, but I love socks. The long knee socks on the baby, or the toe socks on me. I love socks.

One month...

of messy diapers! Little Mark turns 1 month old today... hard to believe!

To "mark" the occasion (pun intended) he rolled over from his stomach to his back for the second time!

Today, I am thankful for a loving husband.

My babies - 2 legs and 4

We took a very long time to introduce the dogs to the baby. Partly, this was because one of our dogs is pretty picky about people. In fact, with most visitors, we intentionally keep the dog separate (and play the game of kennel, bonus room, bedroom, outside, porch, etc). After a few weeks of this, we're finally done with visitors for a while and so we can be more of a "family".

Both dogs have taken to the baby fairly well. He's been given a countless number of puppy kisses! He doesn't quite know what to think yet, but it seems that - at least for now- everyone is getting along fairly well!

In fact, today our "pack" took a walk - - Me, DH, Mark, Kobe, and Katie. We went over a mile and through a big intersection! Hopefully our next pack adventure will be to the park (which is perhaps another mile) and possibly on Thanksgiving. All in all, it was a great experience. We even got a little sweaty, since the weather today was soo nice! A bit of sun and in the 70s.

I couldn't resist jogging a little.. less than 50 feet.. and it reminded me that yes, I am still healing. And I have a lot bigger chest than the last time I ran.

And after a trip to target, we discovered that our stroller does fold - - and now my hubby and I can both make it work! Whew. At least for now, we'll be able to get away with just the one stroller. I won't be surprised, however, if we're buying a new stroller before Christmas for flying...

Today, I am thankful for fresh air and time spent outside!

Airports and shoelaces

As we dropped off our last visitor at the airport today, it occurred to me that this was our 6th visit to the airport without going anywhere! And, hopefully, our last. Next time we're headed to the airport it will be for more chaos than usual - it will be Christmas Eve.

And I'm ready! It's been about 6 months since I've been on a trip, and I enjoy travelling. Hopefully, our little fella will also enjoy travelling (and be well behaved)! Lately, anytime there has been something interesting going on (a visitor, dinner at a restaurant, etc) he's been very, very good. Some of the less-exciting evenings at home seem to be when he gets a bit fussy. We haven't quite yet introduced a pacifier, but I don't think it will be much longer before we "break" down and begin using one. Someone also suggested that the daycare may specifically request that we bring them. Until then, there are at least 3 more weeks of being home (one of which includes thanksgiving).

Today I am thankful for...

shoelaces

I'm not sure why, since I rarely wear sneakers. They work for more than just shoes, though -- for example, when trying to label a suitcase in a distinctive way!

On Second thought...

As we were getting ready to leave for the mall today, I discovered that our stroller does not fold. Doh! So instead, I used the Bjorn. I guess I never blogged about that particular product, but I do love the Bjorn! The stroller on the other hand? It's a jogging stroller, and I'm glad to have it because I will at some point (hopefully) make good use out of it as I return to some regular working out. In the interim, we'll have to remedy the stroller situation (likely by buying a second stroller).

So.. The mall was definitely an adventure! Baby's first public diaper explosion (while wearing the Bjorn at the mall)... on our way to meet someone for lunch! I got that cleaned up, and made it to lunch with a hungry baby.. and fed at lunch.

Today I'm thankful for:

Bathrooms with Nursing Stations
They had one of these at the mall. Although I did not use it on this adventure, I'm glad to know it is there and may use it in the future!

Who needs a bath?

Baby hasn't had a bath in a few days. So this morning, he decided to drench himself.... in rubbing alcohol! Luckily it fell next to him and didn't get on him too much... I guess it's our fault for leaving it on the changing table, well after his belly ribbon fell off!

So, our baby room now has that clean-fresh alcohol smell. Blech!

On the agenda for today: A real bath. His 3rd - and using water and the really baby-fresh smelling baby shampoo!

What am I thankful for today?

My mother - who spent the first two weeks with us after the baby was born, mostly taking care of me - doing dishes, laundry, and cleaning! Bringing me drinks and doing whatever I asked. Thanks, Mom! And happy Birthday!

Spitup

So, yesterday was the first day I didn't manage to get a blog in since I started after baby was born! I'm guessing that won't be the only day I skip - - and I'm guessing that once I go back oto work, it will be easier to skip a day. I'm still a little disappointed in myself (I am my own worst critic, and expect more of myself than most people expect of me).

Anyhow, I digress (as usual)...

Yesterday was a heavy spit-up day! I wound up taking my shirt off in the middle of the night after 3 episodes or so, and there were two more or so during the day! We also picked up another visitor (Aunt K) from the airport. We went to the grocery store, and otherwise spent the day at home and were fussy and eating all the time!

Luckily, that meant that at least for last night, it was a bit peaceful and baby slept pretty well. He'd be in a fussy-at-four-am pattern, and last night that wasn't the case.

I think today is the last of the product reviews, and I'll switch to things I am thankful for in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday! Today.. you'll get both!

Product Review:
Whale bath tub
Cute and functional. Even though we've only used it a handful of times, it's nice to have a bathtub that fits the kiddo and isn't daunting! We'll definitely use it for a while to come!

Thanks:
Today I'm thankful for the men and women who serve our country (and have historically served our country) in any branch of the armed forces. Appropriate, since it's veteran's day!

Day of Calm

Today was a day of calm... that is, nothing that had to be done! It was Dear Hubby's first day back at work full-time, and the in-laws went to the airport early this morning. Baby and I stayed at home, in PJs, and caught up on rest!

So overall, not anything exciting to report. Went through mail, did a load of dishes. The typical house-wifey type of chores. Good thing I don't plan to stay at home with the kiddo - - I think too many days of this and I would drive myself crazy!

In other good news, I did get my first disability check- so that's nice! I'll be going back to work the week of December 7th. Not sure if I'll be keeping up on my blog once I return or not... but at least until then, I plan to stick with the daily routine. I actually enjoy it!

Product Review:
Boppy Pillow

I use this pillow at night quite a lot, and like that it is like 3 pillows in one. It saves me time in having to figure out how to situate multiple pillows. As I found recently, feeding in public (without the use of pillows) is tiring on the arms and on the back! At least with this pillow, and my handy-dandy rocking chair that my mother used with me while I was a baby, nighttime feedings can be done while only about half awake!

Exhaustion..

Today was another exciting day of new firsts. For example, the first time I actually used a Koala Changing Station in a public restroom. And the first time I actually breast-fed in public. Why? We took the in-laws to the history museum, the science museum, and the state capitol. We also saw a concert at the capital grounds which was with an organization that works towards suicide prevention, and a suicide prevention "walk" of some kind.

So, we enjoyed the day, definitely - but I am now very tired. It probably didn't help that I was up a couple of hours over night with a fussy baby. But alas, I survived. And I will definitely sleep well tonight! It feels like it should be bedtime already, but it's only 7pm!

I'll have more pictures to post soon. For now, I feel accomplished that I managed to blog after such a hectic day!

Product Review:
Men's Hankerchiefs

Why Men's hankerchiefs? Well, I've taken to stuffing my bra with them. That way, I don't visibly leak too much - and I don't have the "fuzz" associated with the two different varieties of disposable nursing pads I've tried! My mom got these for me - - but I had some literature that I had gotten from the midwives where they had been recommended!

Tomorrow, I'll return to an actual baby product (instead of a breastfeeding product)! Until then... Enjoy!

Another Milestone

So baby reached another milestone today- at 3 weeks, he turned over for the first time (from his stomach to his back)! We have eye-witnesses: the grandparents were here and got to see it!

Pretty crazy to be parents and watch the kiddo start actually moving on his own. It helps remind me that he won't be a leech for the rest of his life... at least not in the same capacity as a newborn!

Product Review:
Bravado Nursing Bras

A friend of mine recommended these to me (Thanks, MB and JD) and when I went to the store operated by the midwives, they fitted me for and these are the types of bras they sold. They are very comfortable (maybe because I was actually fitted for them) - although nursing bras in general are a pain, they work a whole lot better than the normal kind. I sleep in them. As someone who used to come home and immediately remove my bra, I never thought I'd see this day!

Six hours

Baby slept six hours last night. Love it! Don't love the engorgement that comes with it necessarily, but it was nice to get some uninterrupted sleep! Of course, after Mark was up... he was up! It took a while to get him back to sleep!

Today's the last day for a while I'm home alone with him for half a day... I'm looking forward to more family visitors next week! Grandparents are coming, followed by Aunt K. Considering we live several miles apart, it's nice that little Mark will get to meet several family members 3 times before he is six months old!

Next product review:

Itz Been Timer
Why do I like it? In the middle of the night, I use it to monitor how long the baby has eaten. We don't use it as it was designed/intended, perhaps - but it's nice to have a simple, battery operated timer/timing device next to the rocking chair where I feed baby in the middle of the night. It has freed me from having to wear a watch and/or contacts at night! This was definitely something I added to the registry and wasn't sure if I would get any use out of or not.. but I like it! I only use the diaper change and bottle options, and occasionally the night light aspect of the device.

Mini-Escape

How many times did I think about making a hair appointment? I actually had one scheduled a week or two before baby came, and cancelled it (so I could stay at home while Daddy worked on the crib - - I had Overscheduled myself a bit that weekend, as I recall).

Anyhow.. Finally - - a new do! And a bit shorter, a bit more sassy. Still long enough to be pulled...err.. to be put up. But at least a tad different, and definitely shorter.

It's nice once in a while to leave baby with daddy to do something for me! I realize this will be harder once dear hubby goes back to work full time (next week). Luckily, I have family in town to get us to week 4. By then, it's only a few more short weeks before I return to work in some capacity.... I imagine by then, I'll be ready.

I was thinking that as a new mom, perhaps I should do a mini-review of some cool baby products I've either received as gifts, or registered for. So I'll start that today, and we'll see how far I go with it.

Product of the day: Aden and Anais Muslin receiving blankets, received from the Woodfords in Minnesota and purchased from Target. These are AWESOME blankets. They actually have enough material to wrap with! They also look good in pictures, and are relatively generic. I may be purchasing more. The receiving blankets I originally registered for just didn't work (they were too small, or the baby was too big). There are a handful of other blankets I've received (like the one hand-crafted from a friend) but I think my favorite are this variety. So, thanks to my friends in Minnesota!

Say cheese!

Babies this age can't smile. It's just gas, right?

Well, I'm giving first smile to.... the vet tech yesterday. It was an open mouth grin - and very cute. Who knows if it was "real" or not. It's like when baby first kicked - - I wasn't sure it was him. Over time, I knew for sure. I'm sure it's the same with smiling.

Even though I'm quite sure the attached image isn't of bug smiling, I'd like to think it is. I'd like to think that he's a mostly happy baby.

Short and sweet today. I almost didn't update- but didn't want to upset my avid readers. After all, I used to follow a daily blog for a good friend, and was a bit obsessive about it. Just like I'm obsessive about mail - both electronic, and the post-office variety.

Stay tuned to the blog on this website: www.phrecklesphotography.com - - rumor has it that Mark's pictures (by professional photographer) will be posted there soon.

Still don't like 'em...

Doctors (Midwives, medical facilities, etc) have always given me panic attacks. I hate them. Still do. To all of those who told me it would get better? YOU LIE!

The good news... Baby is healthy, and isn't using his tongue correctly (which is contributing to the pain associated with breast feeding). He's now over 9 pounds and 5 ounces. I also got a clean bill of health - - and lost over 25 pounds (in just over two weeks). I'm advised after the first month that I should not lose more than 5 pounds per month, however.

In addition to the doctor adventure (which thankfully, DH also came with us on) - - Baby and I took Kobe to the vet. He hasn't been himself. Part of the problem is likely the chronic ear problem, which may have led to a pulled neck muscle. At any rate, a couple of medications, and he's home now. I hope the pain whelps slow down, at least a little!

After the dog adventure, I also got officially fitted for a bra. My jaw just about hit the floor. The last time I measured at 34A. This time? 34 E! Ridiculous!!! I did get a couple new nursing bras, and found out about pumping. I'm sure there's more to come on that in the future.

Today's also the first day I haven't really had a nap - - so I'm a little tired this evening. Luckily, tomorrow should be relatively slow in comparison!

Thanks, Grandma!

My mom (Grandma) was in town for two weeks right after I had the baby, and I am very greatful! The first couple of days, I couldn't get out of bed to even make it down stairs. I'm moving around a bit better now, but I have to do my own laundry and dishes! And not just mine - - but the added baby laundry as well! Did I mention that kiddo is now peeing at least twice per day during diaper changes? Yep, that just means more messy clothes (and messy kiddo) to clean up.

Today is my first day "officially" home by myself- and it's only half a day! My dear hubby is working part time this week, which is nice! And knock on wood... Mark is sleeping contentedly today. That's a big switch from yesterday, where he was Mr. Fussy Pants. We'll work out our schedule yet!

This weekend and next week, more family will be in town. We'll be happy to have the company (and help!). Big 2 week checkup for baby and I tomorrow... I think I wouldn't dread it so much if it were only the baby going to the doctor. But - - I still hate doctors and appointments and they still make me anxious and give me panic attacks. But alas, I made it through pregnancy and birth, I should be able to make it through another stinkin' appointment. I won't like it though!

Halloween

We survived Mark's first holiday! It was actually quite a lot of fun. Our neighbors (on the cul-de-sac, and a few surrounding neighbors with kids) hosted a "Pizza Party" with some football before trick or treating began! We got to meet and talk to quite a few people - which was cool. Mark was alert for at least the first part, too, so the neighbors got to meet him!

Ironically, two of the neighbor girls went as Mustard and Ketchup for Halloween! We took a picture of Mark in his hot dog costume between the two of them. We'll see how that turns out!

Although the neighbor said to expect trick or treaters, judging by the candy I have left over, I was quite disappointed! We have two unopened bags- and didn't even hand out all 30 of our pirate eye patches (Arrrrrrgh!)! I did think it was cool that one of the kids in the neighborhood was trick or treating for unicef (and even had an official collector - - I gave him a dollar!)

All in all, a quieter night than I expected. At least Mark slept well overnight. This morning, however, has been a bit of a different story. Ahh - - the ups and downs of life that come with a newborn!