Happy Halloween

For Christmas last year Brandon got gave me a teeny republican pin. Sometime during the absurdly long feeding periods early on I was cruising the internet and came across Halloween costumes (the last thing I was thinking about was anything to do with politics). Then I stumbled on an adorable elephant costume but needed to find a way to convince my frugal husband that we should get the costume. So, I suggested that we could put the pin on the costume in the spirit of being good Republicans. He quickly agreed. I got my cute costume and he got a teeny Republican. It was a win win for all of us!


TEENY REPUBLICAN - VOTE MCCAIN!



Of course, going through our pictures, we do not have a lot with the pin on Tucker ):

A Gathering of Pumkpins

I love that there are so many "firsts" for Tucker. Not only do we get to take him to fun places but I also have an excuse to take A LOT of pictures. I am not sure that I will have that excuse in the years to come or have a baby/infant that will actually put up with me taking all of my pictures. So, I am taking advantage of the situation.

Today, Tucker experienced his first trip to the Pumpkin Patch! He had fun feeling the different pumpkins, trying to put the stems in his mouth and picking up dead stems on the ground.

Stay tuned - Tucker has a kick ass Halloween outfit!!

My Preppy Baby and the Ball Pit

The air is getting crisper and with that, we are starting to transition Tucker's wardrobe. So, I have been trying to get one last wear. I told him that he could spit up all he wanted this way I would feel better about his cloths getting more use. Oh well.

Since we were headed to a birthday (Happy birthday Finn - sorry he was running around so much I did not get a picture of the birthday boy) I decided to dress Tucker in his dad's favorite preppy shirt :) I am really kidding. Brandon's comment - "Tucker, I could say great to see you in your sisters hand me down pink shirt but oh, you don't have an older sister. I am sorry you are wearing pink."

So off my little preppy baby and I went to Finn's birthday party at MyGym. Tucker's favorite part was this huge ball pit. Most kids would jump in and sink. I had to place Tucker in and he would sink a little. When he is a little older I am sure that this is a place that he would love to be. A great place for me to let him get all of his little boy energy out!

Sitting Up Tall

Instead of sitting like a tripod Tucker is now sitting up tall. His posture puts mine to shame!!

7 months and going STRONG

I really can't believe how fast time is flying! Everyday Tucker is into something new and different. For instance:

a) he likes to get himself into corners and usually that is because he sees a cord and thinks that it is another Tucker toy.
b) he likes to bat balls around with his hands and then go after them. Sort of like watching a dog fetch a bone but here Tucker keeps batting the balls and they keep on going.
c) he is sitting up tall and unsupported now. This really only started to happen about a week ago.
d) he LOVES for us hold/ support him while he is standing. Sometimes he tries to take steps, other times it is just the sheer joy of seeing things from a new vantage point.

The cruel joke that is played on parents is when they have just gotten used to sleeping through the night, the baby decides to start waking up in the middle of the night again. I only mention this because indeed, it has happened to us. As such, there is a lot to think about while trying to get Tucker back to sleep. While rocking in the chair the other night it occurred to me that no matter how tired I was, I was not upset that I was up trying to get Tucker back to bed. I actually enjoyed the quiet moment with him wrapped in my arms, head nestled against my neck and at that moment I realized how fast he is growing up. Months ago he would just fall asleep in my arms and now it is like he is saying "mom, no way, I am a big boy I want to play around." I guess that is the part of me accepting that he is growing up and that I have to let him explore on his own, wiggle woo out of my arms and onto the floor. I have not even made it to his first birthday and these things are already hitting me.

The other thing that popped into my head was that I do not know what I would do if something ever happened to my little baby. Sad thought but one that came out in the moment of tender love and just wondering if I rocked a little harder, hummed a little louder, would Tucker fall back asleep sooner or should I just cherish this moment and hold on tighter and a little longer because you just never know. I opted for the later and in those silent moments I put my head back and held on a little longer, not wanting the moment to end. Fortunately he fell back asleep and has been very good about sleeping through the night again.

Junior League of Annapolis 5k Fun Run

On a nice crisp Saturday morning, we stumbled out of bed and pumped each other up to join friends in a 5k race to benefit Junior League projects. While I knew that this was Tucker's first race, Brandon informed me half way through that this was his first 5K. I asked if it was his last and he said nope. Hmmm It was our goal to use the race as a motivator to get back in shape. That meant that we were going to start running in the evenings but one thing or another always came up and well, our training began 2 days before the race. Ops.

It was our hope that Tucker would fall asleep since we had to wake him up but instead, he babbled and squealed (good sounds) the entire way. He was our cheerleader! We think that he had a good time. We certainly had a good time and ended up running most of the way.

Included are some pictures of us as well as fellow MRE friends.

Random Moments with Tucker

I am so lucky that I get to spend my days with Tucker so when he does cute things I get to laugh with him and admire him. But there are moments when he is above and beyond cute and I feel the need to share with friends and family.

One of his favorite activities is getting a ride on the train (laundry basket). We take a ride around the family room, hall, and kitchen. Yes we have a laundry basket (ops train car) just for this activity.

The other thing that we love to do is check on Tucker after he has gone to bed. Typically, when we put him down, he has a little energy left and with that, plays with his toys until he zonks out, usually holding a toy or surrounded by toys. These toys that are initially spread out around his crib in an orderly fashion and in this case with the picture, they were all lined up against the front of the crib wall where he in fact ended up on his knees.

Bath Time - Just Ducky

Sorry Tucker, I just could not resist taking pictures of you while you were playing with your ducks! He was so happy and looked so cute. I think that these are my first official bath pictures.

Bath time Sept 2008