Halloween was busy!  Robert’s preschool trick-or-treated around the offices in the neighborhood.  I was able to catch up with them for a bit and it was a lot of fun watching his reaction to people putting stuff in his bag.

When we got home he was dying to check out his loot.  He was so funny.

He discovered suckers.. which he had never had before… he really thinks they are super cool.

This scene was played out more than once.  He would dump everything out, then put it back and dump it out again.

On Saturday morning we got up so that I could go get my H1N1 vaccination.  Since we hadn’t been to a pumpkin patch I scouted out one that would be near where we wanted to be in the afternoon.  It was a cute little patch but I think I prefer the one we went to last year.

Robert had a blast drumming on the pumpkin.

The horse tire swing was a huge hit.  We’ve got to get one of these.

After the pumpkin patch we went to the Legends and had lunch at Wild Bill’s.  Robert had a lot of fun playing around in the pen with the mechanical bull.  It’s got a soft, inflatable floor so he could run and fall.  We were there early enough that there were only around six other people in the whole restaurant.

After lunch we changed into costume and trick-or-treated the mall.

Then we headed over to trick-or-treat Uncle Ward.

Robert was tuckered out on the way home.

This weekend was Three Dog Bakeries annual Growl-O-Ween.  Basically, for $10 you can compete in a dog costume contest and then trick or treat stores on the Country Club Plaza with your dog.

Since Robert is a dragon this year, Harley was the fair princess.  They took 2nd place in their division.

Here is Harley in all her princess glory.

They had a treat bowl on the registration table and Robert loved sneaking over and getting treats for Harley.

Then he would make her sit before he would give it to her.

Harley did really good with the trick-or-treating.  She got a bag full of doggie treats and we were all worn out that afternoon.

Now I need to decide what we are going to do on Halloween.  Robert felt punky all weekend so Jim stayed home with him today and took him to the doctor.  We got some anti-biotics to try to stay on top of whatever is causing all his snottiness and a cough medicine so hopefully he will sleep better.  I’m not sure if I want to go to any big Halloween things where there are a lot of kids with all the crap that’s going around right now.  We’ll just have to see.  The good news is Robert and Jim got their H1N1 vaccine today.  Hopefully I can get in Saturday morning and get mine.

I’m so proud of this little man.  He’s growing up to be a pretty sensitive little fellow.  Robert’s preschool is an inclusive preschool, so they have children with disabilities and typically developing kiddos in the same classrooms.  In Robert’s current class there is a little fellow who is non-ambulatory and non-verbal.  Apparently at music time today the kids were all told to go pick out the instrument they wanted.  Robert chose an instrument for his friend, turned it on and put it in his lap and then went and chose an instrument for himself.  My kid… the one who went to the quiet corner twice today for not waiting his turn… he’s growing up and making me proud.

On Saturday we had Robert’s family party at Aunt Barb & Uncle Ward’s house.  Granny and Bob & Sherry Welch came too.  We had a really good time.  He is so loved.  I am so lucky. 

You know it’s a good day when he is this tired when we got home.

Last Friday we went to have Robert’s two year old portraits done.  He was busy!  Luckily Meredith took her time to let him warm up to her and we got some great expressions… except he looks so old!!!

Wow… my little guy is two… I can hardly believe it.  We have really been partying it up around here in celebration.  Tonight it was our celebrating just the three of us.  Robert got to open his gifts and had a special cupcake all to himself.

He started in the two year old room at preschool today.  He has been ready to move over there forever!  This morning was so easy.  Instead of him wanting me to hold him and stay he walked into the room, turned to me and said “bye mama!”.  I’ll take that over him crying for me to stay any day!

I really can’t remember the last time I was this ready to get out of town.  Seriously… when tagging along on one of Jim’s business trips is the highlight of my quarter something is wrong!  This will actually be the first time we’ve taken Robert somewhere with the intent of vacation stuff and not just do touristy stuff while visiting family.  There is so much I want to do I think the poor kid is going to be exhausted!  On Saturday we’re hoping to do Grant’s Farm and the St. Louis Arch.  On Sunday we’re doing the zoo and the children’s museum and ending the day with dinner at Jim’s cousin’s house.  I’m hoping Monday Robert decides it would be a good idea to sleep in!

Speaking of sleeping… that boy of mine.  All of a sudden he doesn’t want to sleep anywhere but with me.  And Daddy is NOT welcome.  If I announce I’m going to bed Robert grabs his pillow and blankey, waves good-bye to Jim and is right behind me.  Jim came in to try to squeeze in the bed the other night and Robert said, “STOP!  NO DADDY!  BYE DADDY!”  Eventually we’re going to have to get a better bed time routine.  For now this is working.  His allergies are dealing him a fit and it’s kind of nice having him close.  I put his humidifier up on the night stand so it’s kind of raining down over him and he’s had three nights of very peaceful sleep.

In anticipation of a four hour road trip I bought the Jack’s Big Music Show DVD.  WE LOVE JACK!!!  Robert never had a whole lot of interest in TV, and still doesn’t for the most part.  But one night he was diddling around in our bedroom and I turned the channel to Jack… Robert immediately climbed up on the bed, laid on his tummy with his chin in his hands and didn’t move!  It’s hilarious to watch him act out along with the opening song.  I have to get that video’d one of these days.

A biter has popped up in Robert’s preschool room.  Yesterday we found a small bite on his ribs… today it was a HUGE bite on his back.  Ugh.  I know it’s a rite of passage… but when it’s your kid being bitten every day it sucks.

I’ve got so much to do so we can leave.  We need to do laundry and pack.  I need to go pick up a new car seat for Jim’s car since Robert has outgrown the one that is in there.  The biggest problem I’m having is I have a 36 pound 2 year old… most of the car seats with harnesses go up to 40 pounds and then it’s best positioning booster… for 3 year olds…  It’s a bit frustrating but I think I’ve found one that will serve us well for a bit… or at least is inexpensive enough that if we go through another big growth spurt it won’t kill me that we’re replacing it.  The primary car seat is in my jeep and that one will need to be replaced soon too.  Joy of joys.

Tonight is pizza and Wii night with the kids.  Erika called and is definitely coming… no word on Donald yet.  Must go get ready for that.

A few weeks ago when we were out shopping with my Aunt and Uncle my Aunt picked out this shirt and hat for Robert.  Just too stinking cute I tell ya!

Today was one of those quiet days… actually it started last night.  Poor Robert kept waking up with night terrors.  Actually, he doesn’t wake up but he just cries uncontrollably.  Generally if I hold him and talk to him he goes back to sleep.  Made for a long night for me so Jim let me sleep in… until 11… that blew a hole out of the day.  Logged on to FB and my friend Amy invited us to go ride the train at the park down the street from our house later in the afternoon.  We drive by the train a lot but have never stopped.  For $.50 you get to ride around the track twice… it’s quite a bargain.  All volunteer run… think a bunch of train crazy grandfathers.  Robert loved it.  We will be going back.

Next week Jim is teaching in St. Louis so Robert and I have decided to take off and tag along.  We could all use some time out of town.  Usually Jim doesn’t leave until Sunday but since there is so much family stuff to do I decided we could spring for one night at the hotel and go Saturday morning.  I’m even kenneling the dog on Friday night so we can leave as early Saturday morning as possible.  I’m REALLY ready to go.  They’ve got a fabulous zoo, the arch, Grant’s Farm and a nationally renown children’s museum.  Monday and Tuesday Robert and I will explore on our own while Jim teaches.

Life is busy right now.  Work is busy… crazy busy some days with program expansion and waiting to hear about grants.  Home life seems busy… we’re always doing something… and there is always something that needs to be done.  I’m trying to find balance… balance that doesn’t include me staying up all night finishing something.  I want time to scrapbook… time to order photos to send to family… I’m months behind on that.  There is a lot at the house that needs to happen on top of the daily cleaning.  I swear.. this friggin dog sheds (heavy!) 365 days a year!  Is it considered animal abuse to shave your lab???

Weekends I feel guilty if we don’t go out and do something fun as a family.  Doesn’t matter if it’s something small like the train I just keep looking at Robert (who has the gall to be turning 2 in one month!) and seeing how quickly he’s growing up and don’t want to miss a minute… but then I worry that he doesn’t have enough down time.  I’m driving myself crazy finding things to worry about!

Robert’s birthday party is going to be a farm theme.  My aunt is coming up with all kinds of ideas for the party… she loves him so much… and he snubs her every chance he gets.  But it’s funny, it’s like he KNOWS she really wants him to play with her and he’ll walk past her, smile shyly and go to my uncle.  I swear he’s going to give her a complex.

Tomorrow I’m headed out to Mom’s to go to a baby shower.  Robert and Jim are going to stay home.  I’m sorry Mom and Robert won’t have some time together but it’s just easier for them to stay home since Mom and I will be at the shower the majority of the time I’m there.

Wow this year is just getting away from me.  If you want to see August.. go here.

I can’t believe it’s Labor Day already… summer is gone.  We didn’t really do a vacation this year so it doesn’t seem like it can be September already…but it is. Time is marching on.  In August we had my 20 year class reunion.  We went to the picnic in the afternoon and skipped the totally overpriced dinner ($40 a person for a golf course meeting room… get real Class of ‘89 Divas)  This was the first reunion that I had gone to.  Since reconnecting with some folks through FaceBook I decided I couldn’t fly under the radar any longer.  I got to catch up with one friend I hadn’t seen since graduation… she was and still is the nicest person.  I was glad I got to catch up with her.  The odd thing about going back home, especially during the annual town celebration, is no one seems to know how to react to the fact that my son looks so much like my brother.  It’s funny to see them whisper it around my Mom… like she hasn’t noticed the resemblance.  I love watching her handle it with such tact and grace.  One of the town busy bodies whispered to me, with Mom 3 feet away, “Oh my, he looks like Brad”  Mom turned around, smiled, patted Robert on the head and said, “As it should be”.

Robert is growing up so fast.  He’s decided he would rather eat at the big table than his high chair so we got him a booster chair.  He LOVES sitting at the table.  I love having our meals together as a family.

Last weekend we met my Aunt and Uncle at the Legends to do a bit of shopping.  We picked out Robert’s Halloween costume… he will be a dragon this year.  He absolutely LOVES his costume.  We also got some new snuggly jammies.  I love a boy in snuggly jammies.

Last week was Monkey week in Robert’s preschool class.  Tuesday morning we headed out the door with our stuffed monkey…

Unfortunately it seems the Monkey Flu is going around the preschool so we wound up back home a few hours later with a sick little guy.  I stayed home Tuesday and Wednesday.  Thursday Jim stayed home with him.  He probably could have gone back to school but I just wanted to keep him out of the germ pool for another day.

Finally, Labor Day weekend got here.  Saturday morning we went to City Market.  Robert got to have a cinnamon roll for breakfast and loved it.

Saturday night we went to a party at my adopted brother’s house.  My mom and aunt and uncle were there too.  Robert was sporting some of his new clothes and his new hair cut so I snapped a few pictures in the front yard before we left.  My little ham should be a model.

Today we got up and headed out to do a little shopping.  We wound up out by Deanna Rose Farmstead and decided it would be a shame to not stop since the weather was so gorgeous.  And of course, we cannot deny the Mayor of Goat-Ville the opportunity to see his loyal subjects.  This kid is crazy about goats.

He kept telling the goats to sit for their treats (like we do with Harley).  I couldn’t believe it when this goat actually sat.

The baby goats that you could bottle feed had apparently been well fed today.  They weren’t super interested in the bottles.  Robert went around to each goat with his bottle in hand asking, “Juice???”  This little goat he was trying to wake up so see if it wanted “juice”.

Yes, my son kisses goats.

This goat wanted Robert’s attention and grabbed his shirt.

After the farm we went and had gelatto…. yummy!

Robert fell in love with the toy baby grand piano at the toy store.  I think he thought he was on Jack’s Big Music Show.

In my quest to help the economy, we headed out shopping on Saturday.  First stop was Cabelas.  I knew Robert would love the aquariums and he did.  I can’t wait until he’s big enough to go fishing.  I’m looking forward to the day he’s big enough to go fishing and camping.

He was having a really good time playing with Jim’s hat and putting it on his head so we chose a new Life is Good Chill Cap for him.  He now won’t leave the house without it.

He was not as impressed with the animals… probably because they were not moving.

Then he decided it might be more fun to switch hats.  Keep in mind, Daddy has no idea what I am doing.

After Cabelas we stopped at Osh Kosh and Carter’s .  They were both having big sales and I had 20% off coupons.  Got a ton of cute shirts for him and a few new pairs of pant.  He’s a size 3T in weight and 2T in height… ugh.  So he has a few pairs of jeans/pants that still fit for fall (or next week with as daffy as the weather has been lately!) but needed new shirts.  I think I wound up with 9… and a new jacket.  While I was shopping he and Daddy went to the bakery to have a snack and a drink.  When I got there he was flirting through the window with a woman who was eating at one of the outdoor tables.  That’s my boy.  When we got home he was tuckered out!

Today we did some work around the house and then decided it was time for an ice cream break.  Of course, Robert chose the blue ice cream.  It was deeeelicious!  He was really into it.

We have also started some home organization projects this weekend.  There is just too much stuff and it needs to be tackled so we’re doing it bit by bit.  Today was the closet in the living room and the linen closet in the hallway.  Three piles: toss, give away, find a home.  I’m hoping by doing little chunks at a time we will get through it all.  The other rule is once a give away bag is full we take it to the donation box immediately!

It’s shaping up to be another busy week. Tuesday I have a late meeting; Wednesday Jim is out of town so I’m taking Robert back to Air Zone along with our HR Manager’s twin 9 year olds; Thursday is pizza night; Friday starts my home town’s annual celebration Puddle Jumper Days.  Robert and I are going out Friday to do the “Build A Hug” quilt project that my Mom heads up every year (more on the with pictures next week).  Friday they are having a hungry caterpillar party in Robert’s class and even though he won’t be there I’m going to drop off these cupcakes on our way out of town.  I’ll be sure to take a picture of how mine comes out.

My 20 year class reunion picnic is Saturday out home again.  I’m going… there are a few people I’d like to see.  Some I’ve caught up with on Facebook and I have to say, some people have changed a lot since high school and others haven’t changed at all (that is not a compliment).  Then on Sunday I’m going to see Are We There Yet at the American Heartland Theater with my Mom and aunts.  Going to be an exhausting, fun week.