Happy Halloween

We didn't go trick-or-treating this year, since we both have a cold and the candy would be for the adults anyway. But, we did attend a baby Halloween party (although it was still a little warm for the full fleece costume). Here are some shots from the weekend. Hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday!

Sneak Preview

How cute are they? We had a baby Halloween party yesterday: Owen (the monkey), Maria (the alien), and James (the puppy).

P.S. Tooth #6 is officially here!

Exploring the World One Bite at a Time

This weekend Aunt Loni and Daniel stayed with us. We went to the park, the Mr. and I were treated to dinner out with complimentary baby-sitting (which was awesome and highly encouraged), and Owen even gave AL an exploding diaper challenge! She passed with flying colors. :) I was slacking on the camera, but I did get at least one nice picture to commemorate the time together.

Earlier in the week, we visited the Austin Children's Museum. It's a pretty cool little place, but Owen was definitely overwhelmed by all of the lights and sounds. He clung to me like a baby koala. They have a toddler section, but all he really wanted to do was put everything in his mouth (see golf ball en route below), which I wasn't too keen on. Hopefully, we'll go back when he can check stuff out without chewing on it. When does that happen?

In the mobility area, he's definitely progressing. One morning, while I was in the kitchen I heard the telltale ringing of the cat's collar and slapping of appendages on the tile floor, which told me O was giving chase. I figured that he probably followed them to their food/water bowls in the laundry room (a new interest for him). But when I went to get him before he splashed in their water, he was nowhere to be found. I looked around and finally heard breathing and talking coming from the stairs. Who knew he could climb so many stairs so quickly?! I guess the cats are good motivation for him! Note to self: please install the baby gate pictured in the background below. :P

"Ah, here's where all my toys went! How am I supposed to find anything in here? I need a closer look."

Gearing up for my first Halloween (thanks for the shirt Aunt Loni)!

Look Ma - No Hands

Brace yourself. This is probably one of those things that only parents find amusing... (for those in agreement, you can skip to the last 10 seconds of the video) :)

As we venture into the world of finger foods, we come across certain foods that are more challenging than others. Prime example: the slippery, skinned grape! How do we overcome this frustration? See for yourself.

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday Owen and I worked at the pumpkin patch at our church. They have a great selection, and O was interested in checking out all the various styles and sizes available. We sold a few pumpkins and ate a few leaves. Not bad for a couple of hours!

Some other shots from the weekend: Watching football on TV (go horns!)...

Strutting our stuff before church...

And, crashing a leisurely weekend lunch... (the first shot is through the table top)

In other news, Tooth #5 has made its appearance (upper left lateral incisor). Seems like #6 (on the right side) will not be far behind. They are coming in groups now! Let's hope there will be a long intermission after that one. :)

10 months!

Today marks 10 months for Owen! His stats are: 20.6 lbs and approximately 29" long.

Earlier this week, his 4th tooth (right upper incisor) finally came in!! Slowest...tooth...ever! (We've seen it and been waiting for it for a month.) Here's a post-spaghetti pic of some teeth - the new one is still hard to capture on film.

Ranch Style

The pulling up continues on everything, but his favorite activity is still assisted walking. He can manipulate your fingers from a torso hold to walking handles before you know what's going on, and then he tries to take off before you can protest! Be aware before you offer him a hand. :)

Sometimes he pulls up under objects, entrapping himself. "How do I get out of here?"

Luckily, he doesn't seem to mind the playpen just yet. I think because he can pull up and still see what's going on, he doesn't feel abandoned. This has come in handy when I don't necessarily want a helper underfoot in the kitchen.
Earlier in the week, Granna and Grandad stopped in for a quick visit before they took Uncle Michael to the airport.

Making Uncle Michael feel right at home.

This past weekend we made a trip to the ranch to enjoy the fresh air and celebrate Granna's birthday. Here O's checking out his new shoes. Gotta give them a test run.

Yep, they seem to work just fine!
O's first mule ride. (Like the playground swing, he could take it or leave it.) :)
Doing manly stuff at the ranch like making fire to grill meat.

And more of the little things. Who knew that measuring tape was so much fun?

It's the Little Things

The great thing about being around a baby is their wonder in all of the little things we take for granted. Things like taking a bath...

An empty cup...

A playground... (okay, this is not a little thing, but to be honest, he wasn't too full of wonder either) :)

Baby socialization

Owen's got a few months on James and Maria.

"Look at all this cool stuff! Is it my turn yet?"

And Scott's got a few months on Owen. "You want to sit down in the grass?"

Stupid cat. She jumped in from the window sill, but could not figure out how to get out! She was actually running into the mesh sides trying to escape. :)

Cheering on his team. Good thing he was asleep through most of the game! :(