Happy Halloween!

I took Lainey to a photographer's studio today. It didn't go very well. For one, it was a male photographer and it takes her quite awhile to warm up to men, and two, she just doesn't want to look directly at the camera for anyone. I finally chose the picture where she looks the least scared. I can't wait for the Santa pics. That should be so fun--not! I won't get the pics back for about a week but here's what I've gotten so far today. And of course we won't wear the hood!!

Out trick or treating

On Saturday Robert and I went to a neighborhood Halloween party. We're not very creative when it comes to costumes but we gave it a shot. Thank you to Deanna for doing my hair and makeup!

All we're missing is Sully

Boo from Monsters Inc and my Boo and her Boo baby

Costume Day at Little PEPpers

Snohomish County finally has a Peps group and we are in the first group. So far we both really like it. It's a great group of women and kids, including another adoptive family!! I can us developing some great friendships out of this group. This photo is only those who could make it this week. Usually we have about ten kids. I'm not sure how many exactly.

We brought the kids in the Halloween costumes today. Lainey is a ladybug this year and does not care for having a hood on. Atleast it's an outfit she can't take off!

Huh?

I've started feeding Lainey her oatmeal before giving her milk in the morning and so far, so good. She almost always eats all of her oatmeal. This morning while she was eating she saw a sippy cup on the counter and kept saying "milk." I told her she would get milk when she was all done eating. Then she said, "hi milk." I just about handed her some milk just for being so cute.

Then....when she was done with her milk she said milk again. I asked her if she wanted more milk. She said no. I asked her if she wanted milk. She said "yesh." More milk? I asked. No. More? I asked. Yesh. Milk? Yesh. Oh baby....Mommy hasn't had enough coffee to deal with this yet.

Mommy's Little Nudist

So as if yesterday (and all week for that matter) wasn't enough of a challenge, last night capped it off just perfectly. I just about always go in and check on Lainey before I go to bed. Lately she has been taking her pajama top or bottoms off, sometimes both. Well, last night I walked in and did a double take. Was that really a bare tush I saw?! There she was, all curled up on her stomach with her knees tucked underneath her, sound asleep clutching one of the 8 toys in her crib. I immediately laughed (very quietly so as to not wake the little exhibitionist), then went and grabbed my camera. I know, bad mommy! But since I'm not posting the pictures I don't feel too bad. I just needed to have proof. So after I stopped giggling I realized that I need to get a diaper on the girl. I finally got one on her and by the way, it is much harder to put a diaper on backwards than it is from the front! I also realized that she had already wet the bed and there was no way I was going to pull her out of bed to change the sheets so I grabbed a towel and covered the wet half of her mattress with it.

So now I'm on a hunt for pajamas that she can't take off. If anyone knows of anything, please let me know. I'm thinking long sleeve onesies and some pants but so far I can't even find just plain long sleeves onesies. Why is it I can never find the item I need when I need it but I see it all over when I don't?

Thanks for the laugh Laineybug! Even in your sleep you are one of the funniest people I know! Now would you please keep your clothes on?

How I Spent My Day

Mommy can't wait for Daddy to get home tomorrow!

Halloween Traditions

Why Carve Pumpkins?

The story of the Jack o'Lantern comes from Irish folklore. Jack was a crafty farmer who tricked the Devil into climbing a tall tree. When the Devil reached the highest branch, Jack carved a large cross in the trunk, making it impossible for the Devil to climb down. In exchange for help getting out of the tree, the Devil promised never to tempt Jack with evil again. When Jack died, he was turned away from Heaven for his sins and turned away from Hell because of his trickery. Condemned to wander the Earth without rest, Jack carved out one of his turnips, took an ember from the devil, and used it for a lantern to light his way. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern."


How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds (I always roast the seeds-for me, it's the whole point in getting pumpkins!)

Roasted pumpkin seeds have a nutty flavor and are packed with protein and fiber. Pumpkin seeds are delicious toasted and salted, but they're even better flavored with sweet and savory spices.

Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. (This is easiest just after you've removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.)

Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. If you prefer, omit the oil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.

Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees F until toasted, about 25 minutes, checking and stirring after 10 minutes.

Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Weekend Pics

Saturday we saw Green Sheep at the Seattle Children's Theater with Paige and her mom Dawn. The girls love sitting on Mr. Robert's lap and were mesmerized by the play.

On the way home we practiced counting

Later that night Grandpa and Daddy carved my pumpkins. I love pumpkins!

All lit up

If you're going to dance on tables....

you need zebra pants! Mommy called in reinforcements today to help wear me out so I'd take a nap. I love hanging out with my Aunt Nan! She's so fun! She chased me around the fabric store. That is one great place to hide when you're my size! Then we went to the mall and she chased me around there. We had some lunch-3 bites of pizza for me thank you very much. Mommy chased me around the play area and lastly we went to Best Buy where I ran around a little and got an Elmo movie! Don't you just love Elmo? I couldn't stop giving him kisses and can't wait to watch my "show." Of course, I'll have to wait to watch it because I'm currently NAPPING!!! All that running around worked! Of course, by the time I fell asleep, both Mommy and Nan needed naps too!

Like father like daughter?

Lainey has found a use for the potty chair that does not involve actually going potty. I can't imagine where she got the idea! Seriously Bug, the Business section? Atleast grab the Life and Arts!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Love you lots and hope you have a great birthday!

Awww....Lainey!

Not 12 hours ago I mentioned to Robert that Lainey would soon be tall enough to touch her butterfly mobile that is hanging above her crib. To touch them has been a goal of hers since we put it up ages ago. She LOVES watching the butterflies and says goodnight to them every night. Well......I put her down for her nap today and after about an hour the little turkey was still awake and banging around her crib. I went up to check on her and what do I find in the crib? A butterfly massacre!! Those things have said goodnight for the last time!

On a happier note, we did get new rain boots after a long search. Apparently, toddler size 6 is in high demand!

Pumpkin Patch!

Hi Lainey! (her latest way of saying hi is to herself apparently)

Oooh... this one is heavy!

I like this one!

Lainey and I took a quick trip out to Craven Farm this morning before the rain started. I say quick because all she wanted to do was roam through the muddy fields picking up different pumpkins and since my quest for rain boots has been unsuccessful, her poor feet were all wet after about 10 minutes. Once I pulled her out of the field, she didn't have much patience for anything else and we headed home. I want to take her out there again but with someone else with us so I can actually get a picture of her looking at the camera.

My Little Monkey

This girl has no fear!

How she manages to get down from here without hurting herself is beyond me and a bit of a miracle

Girls Girls Girls!

It's Fun Friday today and since it's raining we chose the Children's Museum in Everett. Watching these three girls interact and play is so fun and I really enjoy and look forward to Fun Fridays! Seriously, is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen? Oh wait, there is something cuter: when Lainey and Paige talk to each other! They seem to understand exactly what the other is saying. Unfortunately, no video of that yet but I'm working on it!

What are we going to do next week girls?

Random Moments

The beautiful sound of "Hi!"when she sees me walk into her bedroom
Her little finger tapping my chest saying "Mama"
The smile I get as she runs away from me or when she's chasing me-literally the thrill of the chase
Watching her run down the street, arms flailing, hair flying, certain she's going to fall at any second and amazed when she doesn't
Complete confidence swinging on the big kids swing, saying "weeee!"
The shy side of her personality coming out when she meets someone new--typically a man
Unasked for but very welcome kisses
Watching her pick up something and name it, not knowing til that moment that she knew the word for whatever treasure she discovered
Ticklish spots, sweet smiles, sleepy head resting on my shoulder, all un-photographical moments but blissful memories that will last forever in my heart

Chased by Daddy

One of Lainey's favorite things to do. I see Cooper got a hold of Elmo at the end.