He's My Little Pumpkin

Wesley made another trip to the pumpkin patch. I didn't get to go with him last year, or this year when he went with Grandpa and Grandma P. But since I had the day off today and the weather was cooperating, Grandma H. and I packed Wesley in the car this afternoon and headed to a farm a little ways south of town. I couldn't get over how many people were there, but we had a really good time anyhow! We had to pay an admission fee at this farm, but it included a corn maze, a hay cave, a sunflower maze, a hayride, a fun barn full of hay with slides and animals to see and pet, plus a snack of juice and a doughnut.

Mommy and Wesley on the first pile of hay we could find. Wesley loved climbing up and down this mountain!

Right next to the hay mountain were several of the biggest pumpkins I've ever seen. Wesley had to sit on each of them in turn, but this one was his favorite. He even tried to pick it up to take it home!

Next stop were the bunnies! We also saw goats and chickens, but the cute, furry animals were tops in Wesley's book.

Time for the first maze of the day - the hay cave. The sign said

you had to be shorter than 4 feet to be in it, but Wesley was not about to step foot in a bunch of hay tunnels without his mommy or grandma. Since Grandma has a few years on Mommy and bad knees, Mommy got to crawl around in the hay. Totally worth it.

The second maze was the sunflower maze. We stuck to one path and one path only! Wesley kept telling us we were in a sunflower jungle. I think he was right!

We ate our snack of doughnuts and juice in a red and white tent (hence the funny color of this picture). Wesley did a great job with his doughnut - only the second he's ever eaten! Of course, he was also pretty intrigued with the bees flying around. I told him not to try and touch the bee because they had stingers and could hurt. "Bees say 'Buzzz. No touchy!'" I told him. Wesley repeated me, but added a hiss. Duane and I told him that cats hiss when they mean "no touchy." Apparentley bees do the same thing in Wesley's world.

The fun barn was indeed fun and I think they greased those slides! Wesley and I flew down the one we chose!

When it was finally time to choose our pumpkins, Wesley went all the way to the back of the garden and chose this gem that was just a little too heavy for him.

But he was determined to carry it all by himself.

Even after he almost dropped it....

......he managed to get it to the front of the garden.

Wesley wrapped up in a jacket on the hayride to protect himself from the wind. Doesn't he look like a little Jedi?? Obi Wesley Kenobi.

More Proof He's Growing Up

Wesley stopped calling his Aunt Melissa "Issa" today. She's been Issa ever since he learned to talk. However, today she was upgraded to "Ann Belissa" which is pretty darn close to Aunt Melissa. Sigh. He really is growing up isn't he?

Home Sweet Home?

How do kids know exactly where your guilt buttons are? I know I didn't spend a great deal of time with Wesley over the weekend and I have been feeling a little guilty about that. This morning as I was getting ready for work, Wesley told me he wanted to stay home with Mommy. I told him that I wanted to stay with him too, but that I had to go to work. We loaded up the car and drove up to Grandma and Grandpa H.'s. What does Wesley say as we pull in the drive? "I'm home!!!!" ARGH! Twist that knife just a little deeper please. I'm glad he's happy to go see his grandparents, but does he have to be THAT happy?

Spitting Image

I'm reading the above book right now. Last night, I was lying in bed with Wesley and watching Dancing with the Stars. Ok, I was stretched out on the bed, Wesley was doing his own show - Dancing with the Toddler. In the middle of his routine he noticed this book next to me and became very intrigued with it.

Wesley: Mommy, what is that book?
Mommy: It's the book Mommy is reading. It's called "Miss Spitfire."
Wesley: Miss Spitfire (in a way too cute tone that text will never convey)
Mommy: That's right.

A few minutes passed and I wanted to hear Wesley say "Miss Spitfire" again - I guess I'm a glutton for cute.

Mommy: Wesley, what is Mommy's book called?
Wesley: (looks at the cover) Miss Spit Apple!!!
Mommy: (laughing) No, not spit apple. You know what it's called!
Wesley: Miss Spit....say it with me Mommy.

Let's just say that Mommy knows who the real spitfire is.

What a Pumpkin!

Three guesses as to who went to the pumpkin patch with Grandpa and Grandma P. today!

To the Faire

While Wesley partied on with Grandma and Grandpa H., Duane and I headed to the Renaissance Festival with Susan, Ray and Krystal. Let us say that a good time was had by all and I'll just give you the highlights.



Susan with Dirk Perfect - one of The Swordsmen

I got to be the fair damsel in distress at the Toga Party. Susan got a picture of be diving into the "volcano." Orpheus and Tickle Me Yoda Hades had a battle of the ballads as to who would win my love.

Prior to the Mudde Show, I had to get my picture taken with my favorite Mudde man, Chunky. The goofy look on his was on purpose and is due to a long story I really don't want to relate here. Chunky asked Duane if I belonged to him. When Duane said yes, Chunky said "I'll buy her from you." What did my super romantic hubby reply? "What's your offer?" Nice to feel loved. Not to worry, Duane made it up to me by getting me a copper rose that is scented like a real one.

Krystal got her hair braided while we were there. Check out her fancy new 'do below.

Ray hooked Krystal up with some beautiful amethyst jewelry too.

Sometimes you just a goofy group picture.

By the time we got to Grandma and Grandpa's to pick up Wesley (at 7:45) I was dying for a kid fix. Unfortunately, Wesley didn't feel the same way. He opened the door, took one look at me, said "No!" and shut the door. Hum. Too bad he missed us so much. We did finally get him home, but instead of cuddling with his parents, what did Wesley want to do? Play Guitar Hero!

In Memorium

Today was a special day for the W. family. We gave Wesley his middle name (Paul) in honor of Ken and Sandi Paul. Ken was a very close friend of my dad and always treated me and Kirk as if we were his own grandchildren. He passed away in 1996. Today was the dedication of the new stadium fencing, visitors bleacher and scoreboard, purchased in his honor by Sandi for Otterbein College. They even renamed the street in front of the stadium for him.

Wesley had a hard time deciding what to wear for this big event. He wanted a red shirt, but his mean ol' mommy dressed him in something a little fancier. Then there was the whole issue with his shoes. See, I wanted him to wear shoes that would actually fit him, but he wanted to wear Daddy's shoes. Bless his little heart, he even managed to walk/stumble into the kitchen wearing those boots.

The dedication was lovely, my dad spoke about his friendship with Ken and Sandi talked about why she wanted to leave this kind of memorial for her late husband. We were introduced to the college president and the head football coach (it was homecoming) and we soaked up the mid October sun while remembering a man who was very important in my life. I wish Ken could have met Duane because I KNOW they would have gotten along famously. I wish he could have met Wesley, because then the little guy would have one more "grandpa" wrapped around his little finger!

Ken's street sign by the stadium

Grandpa P. and Sandi Paul before the ceremony starts. Can you believe she is in her 80's!?!?!

Kirk, Sandi and me (and Ken smiling down at us, I'm sure)

After the ceremony we went out to eat. Well, most of us ate. Wesley was not interested at all, which is kind of strange considering he hopped right up in the chair at the restaurant (have I mentioned he has begun to refuse a highchair or booster seat when we eat out?) and started browsing the menu. The waiter thought that was a riot and not only pretended to take a drink order from Wesley, he even pointed out some of the house specialities for the little guy.

Unfortunately, even sitting in a big boy chair and looking at the menu doesn't ensure a toddler is going to eat. He refused almost everything that was placed in front of him. Thankfully, Aunt Susan was sitting right across from us. She called him over to her and they read books for awhile before walking next door to visit the animals at the pet store. Wesley came back telling us about the rabbits, and birds, and doggies he saw. He wasn't too sure about the snake though. He took one look at it and informed me that he was scared of snakes. Of course, that didn't keep him from looking at it from safe distance. Wesley was sure to say goodbye to all the animals as he left too.

Wesley's ending his day with an overnight at Grandma and Grandpa H.'s. They just got back from vacation and need a little fix (and Mommy and Daddy are going out of town tomorrow.)

Little Parrot

Sometimes I forget that we have a little parrot in the house that will repeat everything he hears. When it's something that you don't want him to say, he'll repeat it over and over and over - usually in front of company. Try telling a bunch of childless guys to ignore Wesley saying "dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit" so he'll quit. Yeah, good luck.

On the other hand, it's more likely that the good stuff comes out. Like this morning when I was up on the step stool looking for the coffee in the kitchen cabinet. I finally found the package and climbed down to find Wesley standing right behind me. "Mommy! You got the coffee all by yourself! You're a great helper!" He can parrot stuff like that anytime!

Mommy and Daddy Can't Read

We are good friends with a couple named Rick and Sasha. Sasha is from the Czech Republic and they go to visit her homeland every year or two. On their last trip, they returned with a book for Wesley. Books are the perfect gift for our little guy, but there is one problem with the book they bought him. It's entirely in Czech so there is no way Duane or I can read it to him - only "Aunt" Sasha can.

This hasn't been too big of a problem until the last couple of days. Wesley has pulled the book off his shelf and desperately wants us to read it to him. He doesn't understand why we can't. We tell him the book is in Czech, so he tells us it's the Czech book. Tonight Duane told him that we don't read Czech and Aunt Sasha would have to read it.

Wesley: Where is Aunt Sasha? I don't see her.
Daddy: Aunt Sasha isn't here. She is at work.
Wesley: Let's call her.

That Was Some Sunday

Wow! It's not even 8:00 yet and I am totally wiped out! We weren't horribly busy today, but I feel like I've been on a ten mile hike. We went to church, then out to lunch today. After lunch we went to the grocery store. During our trips up and down the aisles, I realized I was going to have to make a stop at the restroom. Duane was in a totally different part of the store, so I grabbed Wesley, and off we went. Since it was a multi-person bathroom, Wesley had to go in the stall with me. He was very good while I took care of matters at hand, but you can tell we're working on potty training, because when I stood up Wesley looked in the potty and said, "You did a great job, Mommy!" The lady in the stall next to me was cracking up!!

After that little adventure we hung out at Grandma and Grandpa H.'s house for about an hour or so, until it was time to go back to church for the First Annual Clintonville Community Music Festival. There were 5 or 6 bands/choirs that performed and everyone sat outside (in the 90 degree heat) on blankets and lawn chairs and enjoyed the incredible music. It was great! Check out the pictures!

Trying to find a cool seat.

Hangin' with Aunt Cathy

Wesley, Kei and a new friend.

There was a pot luck after the concert (hey, we are Lutherans after all) but poor Wesley was so exhausted that he fell asleep while we were in the food line. Guess I'm not the only one worn out from today.

You've Got a Friend

Duane and his co-worker Mike did some work at our friend's Kate and Greg's house this morning. Wesley and I weren't about to be left behind, so we went along to play with Colin and Kate. Now, I have to apologize right off because there are no pictures of this morning's fun time. My camera batteries don't want to recharge any more, so until I buy some new ones or let them charge for hours and hours and hours on end, there will be no more pictures. Kate managed to get a couple before her batteries died, so if she share's them with me, I'll post them. (BTW, that was a subtle-as-a-chainsaw hint for you Kate)

We started the day with a yummy breakfast of doughnuts. Wesley doesn't usually care for doughnuts but once he saw the frosted one that was shaped like a pumpkin, he was in love! Is there anything cuter than two 2-year olds eating frosting covered doughnuts? The boys were covered with frosting (I don't think he's jersey will ever be the same again.) After doughnuts the boys colored and read books and played in Colin's room. I'm amazed by how well the boys are playing together these days. They had a mild skirmish over the Halloween books Wesley brought along, but other than that they were great.

Kate and I took the Colin and Wesley to the park (and out of the daddies way) and while they ran around willy nilly, she and I had a chance to catch up. I don't see her nearly enough, but it's almost like therapy when I do. I don't have to be anyone but me - not Mommy, not boss lady, not hostess, just Heather and it's WONDERFUL!!! We talked about work, the kids, church, our families, and just relaxed. I miss working with her so much. Kate really gets me and it's so nice to have a friend like that near by.

After the playground it was nearly lunch time. Chef Kate whipped up Wesley's favorite meal - hot dogs, cheese, green beans and applesauce. I'm proud to say Wesley was a member of the clean plate club, which is especially impressive since he rarely eats applesauce (much preferring to use it as fingerpaint.)

Colin was starting to need a nap, so Wesley and I made a quick exit after lunch. I had to fight to keep the boy awake when I ran into the store and he crashed hard on the way home, plus slept another hour and a half after that. Guess a good morning like the one we had today really wears a body out.

DDR with WPW

I finally tried the DDR I got a couple of weeks ago. As if the game isn't challenging enough for me, Wesley decided to help me play. He'd run around the mat in circles, which didn't do anything good for my score. Once I got over that, it was a lot of fun to have Wesley dance with me. As we finished each song we'd high five and he'd tell me "Good job Mommy! Great jumping! Let's dance again!" That's so worth the low score on the game!

Simply the Best

My brother and his wife ROCK!!!! They came to the library today and put on a Star Wars program for me. They brought toys, and autographs and memorabilia and even agreed to be taped for the library website. They were awesome! I'm touched that they care enough to take time off work and share their passion for Star Wars with a bunch of kids they will probably never see again. I'm telling you, I am so very blessed! THANK YOU, Kirk and Susan! I owe you!

Are You a Good Witch, or a Bad Witch?

I started putting my Halloween decorations out today. There was a witch's hat in the box of decorations, so I took it out and put it on. Wesley looked at me kind of strangely, so I took the hat off and put it on him. He pulled it off right away, so I put it back on. "Mommy!" Wesley said. "You're not a witch!" Then he took the hat and put it out of sight in the laundry room and pronounced "That's better!" Maybe he was scared I'd get my flying monkeys.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Or as Wesley would say, "Happy Birthday party " to me! Actually, Wesley says "Happy birthday party for everyone," but you get the picture. Yep. I'm 34 today. Whoo-hoo.


I had a great, relaxing birthday. Wesley and Sanders left cards for me to find this morning. Grandma H., Wesley and I went out to breakfast and ran some errands, then Wesley took a nap. Wesley taking a nap meant that I could indulge in an afternoon nap too - HEAVEN!!!! We had a birthday dinner with Grandma and Grandpa H., Uncle Kirk and Aunt Susan, Aunt Cathy, Sho and Kei - which is really what I wanted, my family around!

Yes, I look pregnant in the picture, but I'm NOT! I just need to lose some weight.

I wanted to get a picture of Wesley, Kei and Sho together. Yeah, good luck trying to get three boys ages 2, 4 and 6 to cooperate for a picture! This is the best I could do. I feel like there should be a disclaimer: No children were harmed in the taking of this picture.

My tummy is completely stuffed with yummy food (as noted in the picture), my ears are ringing from rocking out to a new CD in the car, I have pretty new jewelry, and the mail today only contained catalogs and magazines for me! Yep - happy birthday party to me.

Friends Till the End

Foolish Mommy has assumed that Rabbit (Stu) and Bear (the stinky one) were Wesley's best friends. Apparently they are not only Wesley's best friends, but they are pretty tight with each other too. This morning as I was putting Wesley's shoes on him, he became very concerned that he couldn't see Bear. I assured him that Bear was not lost, just in another room and we would go get him as soon as shoes were on. Wesley looked at Rabbit and said "Don't cry Rabbit. We'll find Bear." Couldn't you just melt!? I'm sure Rabbit was relieved to find that Mommy had spoken true and Bear was waiting for her on the kitchen floor. And yes, I did say "her". Wesley informed me yesterday that Rabbit is a girl. The things you learn.

Little Pitchers Have Big Ears

"Little pitchers have big ears" was a line out of one of the Little House on the Prairie books that has stuck with me over the years. This morning I learned how true that old proverb is. I've been whining about my back for the last two weeks, right? Well, this morning I went to get Wesley ready for the day.

Mommy: Come on Wesley. Are you ready to get dressed so we can go to Grandma and Pops?
Wesley: No. My back hurts.

Animals All Around

Are all toddlers as obsessed with animals as my son is? It's really pretty funny. Tonight we were playing "3 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" in Mommy and Daddy's room. Our room is the best to jump on the bed in because our closet doors are mirrors and Wesley loves to watch himself bounce. The thing is, we never get down to 1 little monkey because Wesley likes to switch up the animals. Let's see last night we had monkeys, kitties, puppies, elephants, seals, birds, lions, sheep, horses, pigs, cows and chickens jumping on the bed. Good thing the dragons didn't stop by.

Not only does Wesley love to talk and read about animals, but he really loves to watch them. I had no idea how closely he pays attention to the cats until this morning. We passed Sanders at the food bowl happily munching his breakfast. Wesley looked and said "Mom, Sanders eating stars." I know that sounds random, but the cat food we buy really is a star shape. Does anything escape this kid?

Center of the Universe

Grandma and Grandpa H. came over for dinner tonight. From the time they walked in the door, all Wesley said was "Gramma! Gramma! Gramma!" You never would have known that he spent from 9:00 Saturday morning until 1:00 this afternoon with them. The six hours they spent apart, was apparently way too much for Wesley. Once Wesley finished his dinner he stood on the back of Grandma's chair with his arm draped over her, kissing her.

"Wow," I said. "I wonder who Wesley's most favorite person in the world is?"

Wesley didn't miss a beat. He looked up and said "ME!"

"Back" Again

For those of you who are paying attention to the saga of my back, here's the latest. Today marks the second day that I am practically pain free! That's right folks, two whole days of no pain medication!!!

I'm not real sure how this happened. Friday I was still feeling very poorly. When I heard from my doctor to get the x-ray results, I was told that my lowest vertebrae was "slightly offset" that could possibly be what was causing the pain. However, since I wasn't showing any improvement, she scheduled me for an MRI tomorrow and referred me to an orthopedist.

Friday night, Wesley ended up in bed with us at about 12:30. I distinctly remember a few sharp kicks to my back by a toddler size 8 foot. But when I woke up Saturday morning - there was no back pain! It was still tender and I could tell where it had been bothering me, but there wasn't actual pain. Not even a 3 hour car ride and a wedding and reception and three hour car ride back (while wearing extreme support garments) bothered it. Plus, it's felt great today.

So the new plan is to call the doctor from work in the morning and tell her that my 2-year old kicked me in the back and now my pain is gone. Maybe he can put this new skill to good use and pay his way through college.

I'm Still Here!

Sorry I haven't posted for the past few days. My back is still causing me a lot of pain so I haven't been doing much besides lying on the couch. I did get some x-rays done on Wednesday, but I don't know the results yet. I start physical therapy in a couple weeks too. Much fun.

On a lighter note, Wesley had his first taste of coffee this morning. My cup had maybe half an inch in it and had cooled off considerably when Wesley picked it up and finished the contents. "Mmmmm. Coffee is good!" was his response. Good thing I switched to decaf!

Watch for Low Flying Dragons

The following conversation took place as I was getting Wesley dressed yesterday morning.

Wesley: Mom, there are dragons.
Mom: There are dragons? Where?
Wesley: Outside flying.
Mom: The dragons are outside flying?
Wesley: Yes! They flying to the moon. Let's go see them. Come on.

Where do two year olds get this stuff? I am amazed by my son's imagination!

All the World's a Stage

Wesley sure was something this morning. Note the embarrassing picture of him as we were getting ready for church. Wesley desperately wanted to wear Daddy's socks, so we let him. It's like Rocky Horror Toddler Show.

Wesley made quite an impression (of a different kind) at church this morning too. The congregation sang "Shout to the Lord," and Wesley danced around in our row. As soon as the music ended he turned to me and said,"That was good! Sing another song!"

No Clever Title

I'm out of ideas for clever titles today. I'm tired and a little grumpy and I'm blogging at this moment because I want to have 5 minutes without a cat or a toddler sitting on me.

I got off my couch today long enough to take a drive into the country with Grandma H. and Wesley. We stopped at an orchard so Grandma could pick apples (I took pictures). Wesley got to ride in a wagon (I took pictures). It really was a nice day and if I wasn't so cranky right now, I'd tell you all about it. Instead, look at the pictures of Wesley being super cute. BTW, he has totally figured out that I can't chase him or pick him up right now and he's so taking advantage of it. People probably think I can't control my kid because my husband beats me (yes, the eye still looks pretty - drat that cat!)

Back to the Real World: Take 2

Yesterday's plan to return to work, didn't exactly pan out. By the time I was getting dressed to go, my back was crying for a pain-pill, so I stayed home again. It might have been less hazardous to my health to go to work though. Sometimes during the four hours I was unconsciousness on the couch, one of the cats slipped off the back of the couch and I caught a claw underneath the eye. In addition to having an achy back, I now look like I've been in a fight. Thank goodness my glasses cover the worst of it. If I do make it into work today (as is the plan) I shouldn't catch too many funny looks.

"Back" to the Real World

After three days of lying around on the couch, I'm heading back to work today. I'm not sure my family is entirely supportive of that decision, but I need to go to work. Duane extracted the following promise from me last night: If my back hurts bad enough that I want to take a vicodin (I have to leave them at home because I'm not allowed to drive while taking them), then it hurts too much to be at work and I'll come home immediately. Sounds fair.

We went to Kirk and Susan's last night to celebrate their 8th anniversary and Duane's birthday (which is Thursday.) For me that meant lying around on their furniture instead of my own! :-) Susan made a killer lasagna for dinner and an appetizer of buffalo chicken dip that was so scrumptious I could have easily eaten the entire bowl by myself!

When we exchanged gifts, Wesley was pretty keyed up (from chasing the kitties and realising it was someones birthday). He kept singing "Happy Birthday" and insisting that I wear a blue bow on my head. The sad thing is, the picture Susan took of me wearing the bow is pretty good (and safely on HER computer, not mine!) Duane received a controller for his Play Station 2, the 80's version of Guitar Hero and a second guitar so he can play against his friends. We got Kirk and Susan a chocolate fountain, which Susan seemed to love. I was even surprised by an early birthday present (I still have 15 days to go). I FINALLY got Dance Dance Revolution!!!!! As soon as my back feels better I plan on dancing every night. I am so excited!!!!

Of course, the best present of all was received eight years ago. I am so glad Susan is part of our family. Kirk loves her so very much and I know she feels the same way. There have been times we thought that Susan's health problems would get the best of her, but she is a fighter an instead gives her best to her husband, family and friends every day. She brings out a part of Kirk that he would rather hide and I think he keeps her grounded. I am so happy for them and I wish them many many more years of a loving marriage!

God Bless Grandparents

I am so blessed to have all of Wesley's grandparents living within a 40 minute drive of us. Grandpa P. came and picked Wesley up yesterday so I could spend the day resting after my doctor appointment. Grandma H. is extending the same wonderful courtesy today. That means it'll be just me, the vicodin, the keflex, the anti-inflammatory, the cats, some books and the tv. I'll actually be resting!! Yes, I know how lucky I am and I can almost see some of my reader's turning green with envy.

My back is doing amazingly better (thank you vicodin), but I"m trying to following the doctor's orders and not lift anything heavier than my cat. Wesley doesn't understand why Mommy won't pick him up and why she is lying on the couch all the time. Last night he brought me four pillows, three blankets and wasn't completely happy unless I was actually holding my pill bottles. See why it's easier to rest when he's happily playing with the grandparents?

Feeling No Pain

I stayed home from work and went to the doctor. I'm now on three prescriptions and feeling no pain. She wants me to stay home this week , but I'm only willing to give it a couple of days (her minimum) So, I probably won't be saying much for the next day or two.

Pity Party

Poor me. Please break out the violins and accompany my pity party. My back hurts in the worst possible way. Seriously, I haven't had back pain like this since right before I gave birth to Wesley. It makes me nauseous and my entire body hurts. I've been popping ibuprofen like it's candy in order to get any kind of relief. One of my tonsils is swollen, I'm running a bit of a fever and I'm alternating burning up and freezing cold - and it's been like this since Friday!

I've been such a pathetic mommy today. Basically I've not done a thing around the house (Duane is going to freak at the dishes in the sink) and I've totally neglected my son. He's watched WAY too much t.v. today, but I don't have the energy to play with him. Instead, I'm playing my own game of Mommy Guilt Trip. I am so calling my doctor tomorrow. There has to be something that can make me feel like a human again.

Go Browns

Duane is on his way to the Browns/Bengals game in Cleveland with a friend of his. Poor Wesley was desperate to go. When we walked Daddy out to the car, Wesley cried "I get in car too! I go football too!" Maybe we'll have to watch the game and see if we can spot Daddy in the crowd :-)

It's Fall by My Book

Last night was the official start of autumn in my book. It was the annual hog roast and bonfire at Uncle Walt and Aunt Shirley's! The weather was absolutely perfect and we had a great time walking the land (they own 25 acres), visiting and eating way too much!



Wesley wasn't nearly as impressed with the spread of food as most of the adults were, but he did eat a ton of homemade macaroni and cheese!








Finding Daddy's nose in the barn. Wesley was hanging out with Melissa there, bringing her rocks and mooching her m&m's from her cookie.








This beautiful dog (Mya? Abby?) belongs to one of Duane's cousins. The dog spent the whole night running around the chicken coop. She seriously wore a trench in the dirt. Wesley spent a good part of his time following the poor dog. "Dog. You run and I chase you." My favorite part of this was when the dog pawed at the fence, then Wesley kicked it. When the dog stuck her nose through the openings, so did Wesley. He even barked a few times!





We took a hayride around the property. I don't think Wesley remembers the ride we took last year, but he LOVED bouncing along this year.






Aunt Shirley decorated with squash and pumpkins. Wesley loved the squash. He called the bumpy one in the picture to the left "popcorns." Wesley brought a smooth one home that he decided was pear.







Wesley ended the evening by counting the sparks from the fire with Grandma H.

Go Away Monsters

It's time to put some of my Mommy Power to work - I think Wesley is afraid of monsters. He was sitting on the couch with Daddy, watching a puppy movie, when I got home at 9:30. Apparently, Wesley had gone to bed as normal, but about 20 minutes later started calling "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Duane figured Wesley's insomnia was due to a late nap, but now I'm not so sure. Wesley asked to please sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed - and he may have actually fallen asleep at 11:00. He work up early this morning (but after Duane was already up) and cuddled into me.

Wesley: I'm OK, Mommy.
Mommy: I know you are, Wesley.
Wesley: There are no monsters.
Mommy (slightly puzzled): That's right, there are no monsters.
Wesley (after a brief pause): Except Cookie Monster.

So do I ignore the monster thing, or do I do the librarian thing and check out books about empowerment against monsters - like "Go Away Big Green Monster?" Do you think it's all the Halloween stuff invading the stores?

The Faith of a Child

Sometimes I am just so overcome by being a mother. Overcome with love, with gratitude, with responsibility - all rolled into one. I wonder how I became responsible for molding a child in such a way that he will be a responsible, productive person someday. I wonder how I am doing as a mom. Am I too lenient? Too strict? What kind of man is my boy going to be? How can I instill a love and commitment to God and family in him? And when all of these questions start to weigh too heavily, Wesley does something to make me know that it's all going to work out fine.

Last night when I got home from work, I heard Wesley kicking his bed - not in anger, but in boredom. I went upstairs to his room and knelt down beside his bed.

Mommy: Hi Wesley.
Wesley: Hi Mommy.
Mommy: Why are you still awake? It's late.
Wesley: I want Bear and Rabbit.
Mommy: They are in the kitchen. I'll go get them for you.
Wesley: (sighing) I know.

My heart just melted then. Wesley has complete faith that his parents are going to make everything alright. Of course Mommy was going to go get his stuffed animals because he needed them. Of course Daddy can toss Wesley around without Wesley being scared - Wesley has complete faith that Duane is going to catch him. A kiss still heals all boo-boos (Wesley even kissed my head after I bumped it today). Is anything in the world sweeter or more precious than the love, trust and faith of a child?

Welcome Paige Leann

Duane's cousin and his wife were blessed with another addition to their family yesterday. We took Wesley to visit his new relative tonight. He was pretty impressed with little (5 lb., 12 oz.) Paige. He said hi to her, kissed her, touched her hair and even sang her The Baby Song - which goes "Enh. Enh. Enh. Baby song." Wesley composed it himself. You may notice it's similarity to The Tiger Song, The Bear Song, The Kitty Song and the Puppy Song. Hey, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

Sweet little Paige (and the top of my head)

Wesley greets his new cousin









How to tell when your two year old is done looking at the baby. Note the brown sandal peeking out from behind the curtain.

Reality

I was dreading Wesley's drop off today. I figured that after a week at home with Mommy, there would be lots of tears and crying when I left Grandma and Grandpa P.'s today. We talked about going to Grandma and Grandpa's on the ride there. Wesley told me he wanted to push the button (doorbell) and see Maggie and Abby. When we got there he rang the doorbell, and Maggie and Abby arrived a few minutes later. As the time for me to leave approached I told Wesley that I had to go to work. "Bye," was his response. When I walked to the door, he followed me and told me it was time to go home. Grandma and Grandpa told him that Mommy had to go bring home the bacon. Wesley hugged me and said, "Go home, Mommy. Get bacon," then walked away. So much for a meltdown.

End of Vacation

Well, it's back to the old grind tomorrow. I can feel the final minutes of my vacation ticking away. In once sense this past week flew by and in another sense it went forever. I would love to be a stay at home mom. I'm betting that I have more trouble leaving Wesley tomorrow than he has with me leaving.

Let's have a little vacation review!

The Highlights

1. Dinner/playtime/bunny park with Kate, Greg and Colin

2. Flea market and visiting Grandma W. and Great Grandma S.

3. Going to see "the castle" and the carousel with Aunt Carol

4. Wesley's adorable portraits and lunching with Aunt Carol and Al

5. Swimming with Grandpa and Grandma P.

6. Going to the zoo with Daddy, Cathy and Kei

7. Picking Grandma and Grandpa H. up at the airport WAY past Wesley's bedtime

8. Seeing Kierstin get baptised today and seeing Aunt Judy out of the hospital

The Lowlights

1. The major embarrassing meltdown Wesley had immediately after his portraits

2. Aunt Carol winding up in the hospital from a cat bite (long story)

3. Only getting 5 books read

As long as the highlights outweigh the lowlights, I guess we can call it a successful vacation. See ya tomorrow!

Confession

Hi. My name is Heather and I am quickly becoming a Guitar Hero addict. I played for two hours last night. I created a character. I chose a guitar. I played through an entire set. Eeek!!