Happy Halloween

Despite Elliott's ear infection and Steve's cold, we eeked out a decent Halloween. Quieter than I would've anticipated, but there was plenty of sugar-induced fun. Elliott was the cutest creepy crawly thing ever and Sam was all too happy to bring his monkey costume to life.

Boo

Preparations are underway for the big day. Just a week to go. Here's hoping Sam is more interested in trick-or-treating than pumpkin carving. After the first five minutes he was ready to move on to a new activity. That left Steve and I on our own, and quite frankly, I had forgotten how much muscle goes into pumpkin carving. Obviously I need to get to the gym.

Elliott at 9 and 10 Months

I have really been falling down on my monthly Elliott updates! I just realized that I missed his 9 month update all together! OOPS! It's not for a lack of action. Elliott is growing and changing every day. Last month was marked by a bunch of new teeth and a newfound love of waving. Every morning Elliott sends Steve to work with a hearty wave and a smile -- and I'll speak for Steve and say it's a great way to start the day!

Now that he is 10-months-0ld, he is crawling and climbing like mad! He's up and down and in and out, and keeping us on our toes. He started clapping yesterday, and couldn't be more pleased with himself.

He's a real doll!

Waving at 9 Months:

10 Months

Teeth!

A is for Apple

We topped off a glorious fall weekend with a trip to the apple orchard with my mom. We were there the moment the doors opened, which is the way to go on a picture-perfect fall day. By the time we were leaving the place was crawling with people. We loved it all - the hay, the hayrides, the tractors, the goats, even the apples. We didn't notice the wine samples until we left - next year that might be the first stop.

Como Town

Today was a glorious fall day so we decided to check out Como Town before it closes for the season. It was a big hit all around! Elliott was in awe of the rides, the music and all of the lights, and Sam enjoyed testing out his driving skills on a few of the rides - each a take on a different moving vehicle.

The adjacent Como Zoo left us missing the expansive and meticulously maintained Lincoln Park Zoo. I found myself actually looking away from a few of the exhibits, but I suppose the kids don't know the difference -- looking up at the giraffe still got lots of ooohs and ahhhhs.

Can't wait to go back in the spring when Elliott can really get in on the action!

First Day of Preschool

Sam started preschool today. He couldn't wait to get out the door and was all smiles on the way to school. It really went unbelievably well. He hit the sand table as soon as he got there and was busy playing when it was time for Steve and me to leave. It was all I could do to get him to tear himself away for a quick hug. I had to ask three times! I am delighted that the transition went so well, but I think a little piece of my heart is sitting on that sand table.

Sam My Man

I’ve been writing a lot about Elliott, but Sam deserves a moment in the sun too. We’re nearing his first day at preschool which has me reflecting on how much of a kid he’s become. I like to say that he’s wonderfully rambunctious! I swear, he’d run everywhere if he could, and recently, he’s started to really let loose in the dance department. He used to clam up a bit, but now he unleashes the dance moves at the first sound of music – and there are some interesting ones. Fist pumps, kicks and lots of jumping. You can’t help but join him when he gets going.

Sam has this tiny sing-song voice and if I could bottle it for later, I would. He’s very verbal and some of the things that come out of his month leave me astounded (in a good way). Funny things come out of every kid’s mouth, and I understand why parents sit around rehashing everything their kids do. It’s hilarious, and Sam matches his words with priceless expressions which makes him all the more entertaining. He’s assured us that football players have elbows, pointed out that the baby orangutans look just like Elliott and declared that he has “a lot if important work to do on the computer.” The “whys” have also begun in earnest and I find myself talking about things I stopped noticing eons ago (why do trucks have mud flaps? Why do we need a sewer?)

He’s just this amazing little guy – very lovable. He pulls hugs “out of his pocket” and gives “magic kisses.” The joy he gets from eating a bowl of ice cream or a lollipop is enviable, and seeing him hold Elliott’s hand on a recent stroller ride is one of my all-time favorite mom moments.

So I’m obviously a proud mama, but it’d be totally misleading if I didn’t say he’s also stubborn as hell and has a knack for whining, but I think he probably gets both from me, so I can’t really blame him. His procrastination skills are second to none and he can throw a mean tantrum. But if he wasn’t difficult at least part of the time, I’d probably smother him to death with my kisses.