Happy Halloween

Although it was not my first choice (DJ Lance Rock) I was very happy with Brians costume.  I was limited because I could not get him anything with a hat, hood or glasses.  And lets be honest, I was not about to make a costume myself.

If you look closely at the photo below you can see Brian making his scary vampire face.

I want my mommy

Today started off great.  The weather was gorgeous and we were heading downtown to do some shopping.    Right before we left I started to feel a little queasy but figured I would be fine.  We got Howard a suit and some shoes for his birthday and I got a few shirts at Banana, 40% off.  On the way home I started to feel a lot worse.  By the time we got in the door I laid down and could not get back up.  Howard put Brian down for a nap and left to go to the gym.  When he got home from the gym he told me he wasn't feeling well either.  About 5 minutes later he ran into the bathroom to vomit.  When Brian woke up I got the thermometer out of his room to take our temps.  The puker was a cool 98.7 but I am running a 101.5.  Brian seems like he has a cold but in his true style you would never be able to tell by his disposition.  Howard and I on the other hand are laying around crying for our mommies.

The "look" is hereditary

I have been told countless times that if I am not engaged in a conversation I can look very angry.  It was only about five years ago I met my match with Howard.  The two of us have facial expressions that can chill one to the core.  In case you are having trouble picturing what this looks like I will put it into words; "please do not look at me let alone think you can come over here and say anything to me, I will have absolutely no problem ignoring you and walking away."  As time has passed both of us have learned to try and maintain a softer facial expression as to not scare people away.  However, I must admit the angry look comes in very handy when walking by the annoying people trying to sell garbage in the middle of the mall.

Over the last 2-3 months is has become incredibly obvious that Brian has inherited the "look" from both Howard and I.  Every single time someone tries to engage him the first words out of their mouths are either "time for a nap" or "did he just wake up?"  I then explain to them he is just a serious child, which is a complete and utter lie.  Anyone that knows Brian knows what a funny and happy kid he is.  I just don't want to hurt a strangers feelings by telling them my son thinks he is better than them and they should not even be glancing in his direction.

Petes Pumpkin Patch

On Sunday Howard and I took Brian to get some pumpkins.  Howard and I each got a pumpkin to paint and we got Brian a mini one.  I will post photos of our masterpieces once they have been completed.

Petes Pumpkin Patch advertised a petting zoo.  Last time I checked a petting zoo consists of more than a cage of chicks, a cage of rabbits, two goat and three pigs.  Also, if all of the animals are for sale is it a petting zoo or a large outdoor hay filled pet store?

Yes, I am well aware that is looks like I am trying to take the goat from behind.  It was difficult to get Brian close to the goat and Howard didn't think it was necessary to inform me that I looked like I enjoyed bestiality.

We are officially Californians

Each member of our family got Giants shirts last weekend.  Sadly Brian is the only one I got a picture of wearing his new gear.

15 Month Wellness Visit

Brian had his 15 month visit with the doctor today.  I found the doctor through a service Ernst and Young provided us with the move.  The doctor has fantastic reviews online so I went with Dr. Lustig.  I could not have been more pleased.  He was a wonderful man who was fantastic with Brian.  By the end of the visit with the Dr. Brian was poking him and smiling.  Brian weighed in at 21.8 pounds and 32.5 inches tall.  That means that over the last three months he has gained one pound and grew 1.5 inches.

After the visit with the Dr. came the rough part, the shots.  Poor Brian needed 5 shots today, one of which the nurse said would be very painful.  Brian was laying down today for his shots and the nurse went through the process incredibly fast.  Brian obviously cried but as soon as I took him out of the exam room he was completely fine.

The doctors office is only about 1/2 mile away from the downtown area.  I have been wanting to go into the Lululemon store for the past few weeks because I had (past tense) gift cards.  I figured I could go after his appointment and if he wasn't happy I would just leave.  We ended up being there for an hour and I had to drag Brian out of the store.  He was smiling and playing with EVERYONE.  The employees were so great with him.  They were talking to him and kept telling him how cute he was.  Brian loves being told how adorable he is, just like his father.  While I was paying he was playing peek a boo with the woman on line behind us.  He would hide his face in the side of his stroller and then lean forward and give her the biggest smile.  I will now be doing all of my shopping at Lululemon for two reasons.  One because I love their clothing and two because any store that employs people who recognize Brian is the cutest child on the planet is A+ in my book.

Sunday Football

The game this week was enjoyed by the entire family.

Mattress

When Great Grandma Helen slept over we put the twin mattress from Brians room in the living room, right in front of the couch.  When Brian saw the mattress on Saturday morning his eyes lit up and he threw himself onto it.  Howard and I decided to try leaving it there so Brian could enjoy it.  We think he does.

Great Grandma Helen

Brian had so much fun with Great Grandma on Friday and Saturday.  They played together all night on Friday.  By the end of the evening Brian was giving her hugs in between his laps around the dining room table.

On a side note I can only hope that one day Grandma will tell me where the fountain of youth is because she has obviously discovered it for herself.  In case any of you are wondering she is 85 years young.

                                               Grandma giving Brian a ride on his fire truck.

                                       Brian wanted to see if Grandma could go faster than him.

                                    Brian showing Grandma which shapes go into which holes.

If that smile doesn't say "I love my Great Grandma" I don't know what does.

If you read an article about a woman

who was arrested in the state of California for disturbing the peace at a Safeway look no further, it's me.  While waiting on line earlier today to pay for my groceries there was a 40 something year old man in front of me. Not only did he stand and watch each item go over the belt and scanner right on down to the end, but he let the 60 something year old cashier bag all of his groceries.  After he paid he then proceeded to have a conversation with the cashier about how much his 3 girls like peanut butter.  "They love it so much they ask for spoons to eat it right out of the jar."  Like I said in an earlier post I am all for saying thank you and shooting someone a smile.  However, I am standing on line behind you with a child strapped to my back who is trying to jump out of his carrier.  Do you think perhaps you can put some pep in your step, bag your groceries, and leave the small talk for another day.  I find myself counting to 10 a lot these days.

A few September Photos

These photos have nothing to do with anything other than the fact that I think they are too adorable not to share.

                                                            Brian and I in his sleep sacks.

I am so embarrassed

Even though Brian is only 14 months Howard and I like to let him make his own decisions.  For example, when it's time for a snack I will hold two choices in front of him and let him pick what he wants to eat.  We also like to open his drawers and let him choose his outfits.  Attached below is a photo of what he chose today.  I told him it was a month past Labor Day and if anyone asked I was going to tell them I had no part of his ensemble.  He refused to change.

                                          Whatcha gonna do about it mom?  RARRRRRRR

Along with the friendliness

comes a word I fear more than cellulite.  That word is ma'am.  "What can I help you with today ma'am, is that all today ma'am, have a nice day ma'am."    A week ago I was being asked if I was Brians nanny because I looked too young to be a mom.  A 6 hour flight cross country and all of a sudden I'm an old lady.     I know that I am a 29 year old pushing my son around in his stroller, but damn it I am still a spring chicken and would like to be addressed as one.  In case any of you were wondering how I prefer to be greeted my first choice is princess Rachel.  However, since that is a difficult message to get out to the general public a simple hello will have to do.

I LOVE my new soaking tub

 
My favorite thing to do after a bath is watch some MMC (thats mickey mouse clubhouse for the layperson)

Thank you Auntie Lisa

I love my toy

Hmmmmm, what button should I push next?

It's day 5 and the friendliness is already getting to me

I am the first person to say please/thank you or shoot someone a smile.  In my opinion that is as far as you need to take it.  However, that is not the mentality out here.  For example, people make small talk with the individuals ringing you up at the grocery store.  It took every ounce of my being yesterday not to scream at the woman in front of me to shut her piehole, bag her own groceries and move it along.

As I see it one of two things is going to happen.  1)  I will adapt to this new way of life and slow down and become more pleasant.  2) I will have a heart attack from getting myself so worked up every single time I leave the house.  Who am I kidding, I would have a heart attack either way because the idea of me slowing down and being nice is enough to cause one.

Oakland Zoo

It was a beautiful day today so after Brians first nap we decided to take a trip to the Oakland Zoo.  For those who have been to the Bronx Zoo this paled by comparison.  However, the weather was perfect, the animals were out and Brian seemed to enjoy himself.  For $99 we got a yearly membership.  It was only 25 minutes from us so I figured at least once a month I will take Brian for a few hours.  What can I say, I love the zoo.

Pictures of Apartment

Brians Bathroom

                                                                       Brians Room

                                                         Brian showing off his closet