Ghosts, Goblins...and Minions!

 We won't look at the camera...we look this way and that way, this way and that way...no we won't look at the camera we look this way and that!

Finally a good picture!
(after Aunty restrained them)

Top Quotes of the night

• TRICK OR TREATING!
• Do you have any candy?
• Little bit more, little bit more, yep, keep going, little more.
• Oooh, nice scary pumpkin!

It's Fun and Games Until Romeo Gets Pregnant

I should have seen the signs.  I should have paid more attention...but alas I am too late.  I suppose I should start at the beginning though.  The Toddler has always been a flirt, going back to the days of being a swaddled up little baby burrito.  A cute smile or wave to any female that caught his eye.  Young or Old made no difference.

What can you expect from a little boy who's first word was Boob?

While waiting in a parked car he would smile and wave as Jr. High girls passed by on the street. "I just waving at the pretty girls Mommy", always loud enough to be heard.  I just smiled thinking he probably made someone's day.  Checking out the cheerleaders at a basketball game before he could even walk...that made Dad happier than it made Mom.

You probably know we have bounced around quite a bit this year trying to get settled into daycare.  We had friends, family, and anyone else we could find watch the boys for a week or so at a time until we found an opening so both boys could be together.  One of our in between care givers was debating about opening a home daycare to supplement income.  She decided to be a stay at home mom and was expecting her 2nd bundle of joy.  So we had a deal for about a month or so to give it a go, it really did work out great.  Our parenting styles were similar and our kids got along well....maybe a little too well.  When picking up the boys I noticed the Toddler being pretty affectionate with his new friend.  They always hugged, we headed off attempted kisses....totally using this as ammo to humiliate them when they get to high school.  That's what good parents do right?

The Toddler also seems to have a crush on the little girl next door (another reason for the fenced in back yard).  He picks her flowers and asks about her all the time.  He has been pretty much smitten.  We joke about them dating when they get older...and are again thankful for the fence.

 Then at daycare last week he is saying goodbye to all the other kids and walks up to one little girl and says "I Love You" and leans in for a kiss.  She promptly stiff arms him and pushes his face into the door.  Shot Down!  The poor little guy's pride was hurt more than anything.  Then that night he tells me "Mommy, I like daycare....there are lots of pretty girls there"  Alright little play boy...you had that coming!

All in all though, I thought he was just being an innocent little boy.  Everything all cute and harmless, maybe imitating adults around him.  Until 3 days ago...when he told me he was pregnant.  That's right Hubby, apparently our 3 year old little boy is knocked up! Honestly, I didn't see it coming.

The boys were sitting at the table having breakfast on Saturday, directly after getting in trouble for fighting over toys and pushing each other.  The Toddler was narrating his day.

Toddler:...and then Baby try to hit me, and Mommy be mad at me, and then we give loves....and then I go to daycare and eat breakfast.

Me: Daycare?  You are eating breakfast at home honey.

Toddler: And then I go to daycare and eat, and food turn into little tiny baby, and I have baby in my belly. 

Me: You have a baby in your belly? 

Toddler: Yeah, see? (Opens mouth wide) 

Toddler: And then the baby keep eating my shirt all gone and makes my tummy hurt. 

Me: The baby ate your shirt? 

Toddler: Yeah the baby eat my two shirts and then I can't cover my belly and it hurt, the baby in my tummy hurt my belly.

Me: Your tummy hurts? Do you feel okay?

Toddler: My tummy not hurt, I just have baby in my belly. 

Me: ....{silence*}   

Then at church the next day he shared his condition with everyone he could.  He also informed me before bedtime that he couldn't go to sleep because he was hungry again.  When I told him that he already had supper and he said he was full. It was time for bed, I wasn't buying hungry again.  Then he informed me that the baby is his belly was still hungry and he needed to feed him.  Riiight.

Coming home from daycare today

Toddler: I need to get the baby out of my tummy so he stop laughing at me.

Me: The baby is laughing at you? 

Toddler: Yeah, the baby in my belly laugh at me, how I get him out? 

Me: That is a very good question, I don't think I know how to answer that.

*Yes Hubby, it really does happen sometimes, I don't always have something to say.

Photo Bomb 26

Dear Hubby,

First of all we love you and miss you so much. Nothing new there.

The boys were happy (along with Mommy) to find that when the batteries die in Daddy's recorded books that fresh batteries make everything work again.  I know you said they would, but I was still skeptical and afraid we would lose your recording.  The Toddler is pretty possessive of the Lightening McQueen book again...but will share with little brother under close supervision.

We were all borderline coming down with something all week, but I guess we are on the mend now.  Maybe  just feeling crabby because of  Mommy limiting outdoor playtime due to the shorter days and colder weather?  I'm thinking about taking in some of the outdoor toys and putting them in the basement and maybe getting some old carpet or a big area rug to put down.  Then they can tear around and burn off some energy where it is warm and in a wind free environment.

We are in countdown mode to Treat or Treating....and Springtime.  Well the Toddler and I am, the Big D could care less, he just likes his hat.  I will have to figure out a plan for leaving candy out while I take the boys Trick or Treating...and might borrow a wagon to haul them in.  As this is your home town, anyone I should make sure we hit up?

The Toddler reading his birthday "books"

The Big D showing off his dance moves on the chair cushion.

Yeah, I really don't know either.

 Cheesy smiles!

Trying very hard to say he is now 3 AND have the appropriate number of fingers up

 Serious business disciplining renegade fingers

 Listening to Daddy read  a bedtime story.

His toe was wiggling and keeping in time with the music from the book.

Little Mr. Destruction.  

All day, Every Day.

Drawing a picture of our family for Daddy.

 Documenting another haircut...and another lucky to be still alive day.

We both really miss you giving the haircuts.

 Enjoying some popcorn and a movie. 

The Toddler showing off his freshly brushed teeth.

The Big D trying to figure out how to wear Mom's shoes.

Two little boys just chill'n.

Care Package...I Lost Count

I have been slacking on the Care Packages...on sending actual packages, but more so not doing any posts on the ones I have sent.  I don't know what number I am actually on anymore.

The idea of at least one a week went away because the Hubby didn't want anything.  He also doesn't want something sent just for the sake a sending anything.  His general requests he still had a good stockpile going, so I'm assuming the FOB he is on has a pretty well stocked PX. Either that or I went overboard on the quantity on the supplies I did send.

On the agenda for the Holidays though I am going to go ahead and let Pinterest inspire me for some projects.  Some art from the boys and lots of handwritten letters to fill his You are loved binder.

Last week I sent out two packages.

Halloween Care Package: 

• Goodies Bags with Candy that shouldn't melt for all of the Hubby's roommates
• A Trick or Treat Basket filled with Candy for the Hubby
• (The Toddler wanted to send pumpkins...but I vetoed that addition)
• Dice and a Halloween Strobe light

General Hygiene Care Package

• Shaving Cream (Hubby's fav brand)
• Baby wipes
• Cu-tips
• Whitening Floss Picks
• Magazines that came in the mail.

The Man Cake

Thinking back to parties I have helped plan, I remembered I never did post about my BIL's surprise 30th birthday party.

It was postponed THREE times!  The original date, turned out to be a different BIL's wedding day, and then birthday boy wanted to go to a concert that night.  So we moved it to the next day, where it got cancelled again. (He was totally trying to ruin HIS birthday for ME!)

So we moved it to the next weekend...where it had to be cancelled again. If I remember right, a different date didn't work out either because I was committed to a different party in a different town on that date.  So the party plans changed, along with a constant changing guest list.  We finally managed to throw a complete surprise party though.  He never suspected it after his birthday being over by about a  month.

The item I was most proud of?  The Man Cake I made. Just remember to leave it in the fridge to cool for awhile. (Having the guest of honor try to blow out a sparkler and all the little volunteers that tried to help too was priceless)

The Big THREE

The Toddler has been all about birthdays.  Especially after attending his Cousin's last month. He really looked forward to that one, he counted down with eager anticipation.  He even proposed instead of buying her a toy that we should bring her "lots of birthday cakes".  Yes plural, birthday cakes.  We had to call my sister so she could reassure him that she had indeed recognized the importance of a birthday cake and planned two confections for the party.  She also promised to call back and let him know if  more would be indeed be needed. I guess it just isn't a party without cake, you gotta get the basics covered.

He was also excited about the Circus, September was all about asking if it was time to go to the Circus...puhleeeeeeese! I thought it would be the perfect theme.  The grand day was the beginning of October, so it would still be fresh in his little mind by mid-month and his birthday.  I figured I could get some fabric or colorful plastic and drape it from the ceiling and down the walls.  Make it feel like we were inside of the Big Top.  Thread some balloons for quick and easy garland. Popcorn served in red and white paper cones.  Try out my new icing decorating tips on a plethora of cupcakes...I was getting excited for this theme. Plus with the plan to decorate with bright colors, most everything would be reusable for parties down the line! Score!!

Then one day as we were cuddled up on the couch and he was asking me if it was his birthday yet.  I told him not yet, but we are getting closer.  I spent a few minutes trying to convince him he would be moving up to 3 instead of back down to 1, have you ever tried reasoning with a Toddler? You just can't argue with logic like theirs! Especially on the heels of practicing counting down.

He began lamenting about missing his cousins, and his aunt and uncle who had just left for home an hour before.  So thinking he would list them off, I inquired who he would like to come to his birthday party. Instead I got:

Toddler: Lightening McQueen and Mater! 

Me: Anyone else? 

Toddler: Lightening McQueen and Mater! 

Me: We'll see if we can get them to come, what about your cousins? Or Aunt B and Uncle D? 

Toddler: Okay. 

Me: What would you like for your birthday? 

Toddler: Cake, Lightening McQueen, and a Birthday Cake! 

Me: Would you like a Circus theme maybe?  Remember how fun the Circus was? 

Toddler: No, I like Lightening McQueen.

...alrighty then.

I changed directions of the party. I think we did just fine.  Little man had a great time. Also the guests of honor came and are in his position.  A careful look at his hand below you should spot Lightening McQueen.

We had some pretty cute party guests.

Giving Uncle K a big big hug

More party guests.

The Hubby used FaceTime on the IPad to join the party.

Thank you technology!

Uncle N

The Toddler was sooo excited for this particular little friend to come to his party!

(I was excited to get to visit with his beautiful momma!)

Sadly his wishes won't be coming true...
it took him a few tries to get all the candles blown out.

Messy mustache kisses!

(She received extra love because she delivered and cut the cake!)

Opening presents!

Another future tabloid cover, who wore it better:

The black cowboy hat edition.

Awesome camo pop up tent!

The Big D doing some quality control tent inspections.

Great Aunts and a Grandma

My Sisters family...they keep their kids on a short leash. 

A short but fashionable pink leash in fact.

Grandpas!

Lining up the new with the old.