Happy Halloween little pumpkin.

As is customary for parents with little ones, we just had to take photos of Connor in a pumpkin patch. I had originally planned to just put him in something cute, but I was at Carter's returning some stuff and they had these pumpkin costumes on clearance so I just couldn't resist. Based on the photos below, I think you'll agree it was worth it. He's one cute pumpkin.

Happy Halloween one and all!

We tried on the pumpkin costume at home and took some jolly photos before we went to the pumpkin patch.

Now we're at the pumpkin patch. Nice cheeks buddy.

Our favorite pumpkin.

We tried to get one of him looking up but he was too fascinated by the hay to do it.

He took some hay with him in his hand.

Connor got called a girl a couple of times while wearing his pumpkin outfit. How could you look at this face and think he's a girl? Ok, maybe I see it.

My favorite!!!

Trying to eat the pumpkin.

Nice buddy, but it's a little too big for you to eat.

A snuggle with Mommy after a long photo shoot. Thanks for being so patient and cute Connor.

After the pumpkin patch we all went to Mission Burrito for dinner to refuel. He was a big hit. Happy Halloween.

Not quite ready for cold weather

Ok, so it became quite clear to me this morning as I was preparing for our morning walk, that Connor does not really have the appropriate gear for cold weather.

Check out the photos below from our walk this morning. He's covered in a blanket, he's got a baby bonnet on (no winter hat), and those newborn mittens you buy to keep them from scratching their face (no winter gloves). It was a pretty sad state of affairs, but he was warm, so I dealt with the fact that he looked pretty silly.

Oh and the newborn mittens weren't a huge success. He enjoyed pulling them off and chewing on them, more than using them to keep his little hands warm.

Clearly, we're a work in progress. I guess I need to do a little shopping. Oh darn.

Connor in his "winter" baby bonnet, newborn mittens, and blanket.

"Mom, these mittens are great to chew on. That's what they are meant for right?"

Smiley boy so far this week

So far, Connor has had a pretty happy week, so I thought his fans would like a mid-week dose of some smiley-Connor. It was rainy all day yesterday, so we didn't get out of the house much, but he managed to stay pretty happy playing with Mommy all day. It's really cute, because he's starting to grab toys and things so much more now. Of course everything ends up in his mouth, but that's to be expected, especially in light of the teething.

Today, was only in the 50's for our walk this morning, but we bundled ourselves up and enjoyed some actual fall weather. After a nice long morning nap, we met our friend Kendall for lunch and had a nice time catching up. Connor was a very good boy.

After lunch, we stopped by Daddy's office. I had to use the restroom, so we brought Connor inside for a moment. It was hilarious, because when I came out of the bathroom I looked down the hall and saw a crowd of 8 to 10 people circling Jeff and Connor. He is quite an attention grabber. The ladies and even gentlemen in his office all commented on how much he's grown, how sweet his cheeks are, and how cute he is. Of course it's music to any Mommy's ears.

I'm hoping the rest of week continues to be as good as it's been so far. Enjoy some mid-week pics.

A very happy boy after a good meal.

I just love snuggling with my boy.

His shirt says it all.

Our sweet boy visits Daddy at work.

Both Connor and Maizey have found something really cool to look at apparently.

Mr. Chunky Cheeks.

I think he was in the middle of giggling during this photo.

I am a happy boy.

Halloween Costume Birthday Party and More

It was another beautiful weekend with temperatures in the 70's and clear blue skies. We tried to take advantage when we could. Saturday morning, we went to the park and I took a jog and Jeff, Maizey, and Connor went to the dog park area. We all had a good time. We even met up briefly with Andrea, Eliud and Mateo Faz and their dog Max. Maizey and Max seem to get along just fine.

Saturday afternoon we attended a birthday party for 5-year-old Cristian and 3-year-old Caroline Sandoval. Since they have October birthdays, they decided to make it a costume party. Even parents could dress up. Since Connor is probably a little too young to go trick or treating this year, we figured this might be his only chance to dress up.

We had come up with his costume a while back, but I made the finishing touches last week. Since Connor's middle name is "Dean", he's got styling hair, and since my cousin gave us this cool leather jacket, we thought it'd be funny if Connor was a 50's greaser/biker like James Dean or Danny Zuko from Grease the movie. It was a pretty easy costume and very cost effective too. I just put him in dark jeans, a white onesie, and then added white felt letters showing the T-Birds logo that I had seen online.

He looked adorable and after a little convincing I got Jeff to go along and make the whole family match. I made adult-sized letters for the back of his jacket and I bought red felt for myself and made a Rydell High letter sweater so I could go as Sandy (before she wore all that black leather). I think we looked pretty cute if I do say so myself.

The party was fun and it was nice to hang out with our adult friends who were in attendance. Connor was fine at first, but slowly but surely he started to sort of melt down. He was exhausted since his nap schedule was completely off and when he finally napped, we had to wake him up shortly after to leave for the party. We felt bad, but we hoped he'd be able to power through. Nope, not so much. He lasted a good two hours, but the party was three hours and he needed a nap. He fell asleep immediately in the car. It was very sweet. Halloween parties are tiring little man.

On Sunday, Connor and I got up before sunrise (getting out of my warm bed in the dark was next to impossible) and went for a nice walk around the neighborhood. When we got back, he took a nap and I got ready to go to church. We went to the 9:45 service and saw two baptisms. It was nice to see, because in two weeks, Connor will be getting baptized. One of the kids getting baptized was probably only 3 months old and he did so well. He just sat in the minister's arms quietly and content. Jeff and I looked at each other and said, "Hmm, how loud do you think Connor will be screaming when he's up there?" While we hope that's not the case, it certainly wouldn't surprise me.

Connor did fine in church, but we wanted to look into the nursery, so perhaps we could leave him with the nursery staff next Sunday. This would be a big step for us, because in Connor's 4 months, we have never left him with a stranger before, and honestly, even when the grandparents have "babysat" he's been asleep. Having someone babysit an awake Connor, even for just an hour, will be a big deal for me. It makes me nervous, but I know I have to let go of my control so that Connor feels comfortable with others. It certainly seems easier said than done though.

The nursery staff seemed really nice and I'm sure they are competent. They even showed us how when we check him in, they give us a pager just in case he's crying out of control and they need Mom or Dad. Of course, we fully expect to get paged within the first few minutes of the service, but ya never know I suppose. He often tends to surprise us. I'll let you know if we try it out next Sunday. For now, enjoy some of our Halloween revelry.

You can't really tell how small it is, but this is Connor's miniature leather jacket, featuring the T-birds logo I taped on.

"Sandy" in her Rydell High letterman's sweater.

Three cheers for Rydell High. Clearly, I am a master when it comes to felt.

Jeff's adult-sized T-Birds jacket. He looks very tough.

Ok, maybe he's not so intimidating afterall.

Connor getting ready to attend the birthday party. His bib says, "Little boo."

Daddy with his baby greaser.

What a pair!

Our friend Anthony with Connor at the party.

Danny Zuko, Sandy, and Kenickie.

Now a shot from the back.

Jeff and Connor look ready to win at Thunder Road. (Hopefully Grease fans out there get the reference).

Enjoying a beautiful day outside at the birthday party.

The kids loved the pumpkin pinata.

Jeff helping Connor down the slide.

He was mostly luke-warm about the swing, but we caught him here in a very happy moment.

Connor's first time swinging. We had to video tape it for posterity. In this video, he's mostly just chewing on his jacket. Lately, he likes to put everything in his mouth and teething certainly doesn't help.

A big kid got in the swing next to Connor. I thought it looked funny. Someday you'll be swinging high like her little dude. Don't you worry.

Connor looking slick in his shades and leather jacket.

All tuckered out. Partying is hard work.