Back to Work (the kind that I get paid for)

Maternity leave came to an end and I just finished my first week back to work. Have to say it went better than I expected. I am genuinely happy to be back. I work this weekend and just returned home to a silent - and I mean silent house. Brad took Emma Claire (and Arnold) to a birthday party for Emma Claire's friend, Ava, and the dogs are over at Peggy's. This is the first time that I have been ALONE in this house since Arnold was born. Ahhhh... what to do for my next half hour or so of peace and quiet.

Halloween

Emma Claire, despite being terrified of EVERYTHING Halloween, really got into the spirit this year. Her ability to cope with the fear improved over the weekend. Friday afternoon, she trick-or-treated at school. They go over to the seniors co-op next door to the church and visit the "grandmas and grandpas".

Friday night, we went to a Halloween party at GVCC with the Grodnicks'. As soon as we walked through the door, Emma Claire saw a guy in a warewolf mask and - no joke - dove off her skateboard (the stand up platform behind Arnold's stroller), hit the floor face down and started screaming. A grand entrance by the Kadues'. As the night went on, she clung to either Brad or myself for dear life. She spent most of the night with a hand over one eye, fingers spread just slightly to see what was going on.

Saturday, I took Arnold and Emma Claire to this huge Halloween parade in Anoka. We were invited by Ms. Becky, the director at Calvary. She lives on the parade route. Emma Claire's teachers and a few of her friends were there. She sat in Margaret's lap most of the time and they came up with the "strategy" that every time Emma Claire saw something scary, she would turn her head. This seemed to work and she applied this the rest of the weekend.

Emma Claire, again this year, went trick-or-treating with Addie. The daddies took the girls in the red wagon. Sounds like they had fun. Addie was a butterfly and Emma Claire, a purple Tinkerbell (purple, because we already had the leotard, compliments Rowie and Opa). Arnold, a pumpkin, and I stayed home and handed out candy.

Personalize a slideshow

We Voted.

The family walked to Meadowbrook after supper last night to vote. Emma Claire was super excited to go to the "polls". Even ate all her broccoli in order to be able to go. On the walk over, Brad asked Emma Claire who she would vote for...

Brad: Who are you voting for, Emma Claire?

Emma Claire: Addie

Brad: What is Addie running for?

Emma Claire: House.

After we voted, we asked Emma Claire who she voted for. Again, she replied "Addie".

We were at Meadowbrook again today for ECFE and Emma Claire said "that's the polls". That's right, Emma Claire. And who did you vote for? "Addie".

At least she stands by her candidate.

Rock and Rattle

OK, so maybe I am the only one that thinks this is fascinating (well, Emma Claire, too).

Arnold can hold a rattle for a while now. He is also grabbing at the hangy toys on his play mat. Emma Claire just said "Mama, Arnold pulled my haaaaaair". So, he is doing that, too.

Happy Hal

This is Happy Hal...

Emma Claire's first real pumpkin carving experience. She chose him from a template in a kit. He was by far the happiest - and least scary - of the pumpkin faces.

She had a good time carving him with Brad. And, finally, when we lit him up - "I'm scared...I'm scared of Happy Hal...I don't like him...turn the lights on!". Not quite the reaction we were hoping for. She has since warmed up to him a little. Now, most jack-o-lanterns she sees are referred to as "Happy Hal"

Body Art

Unsupervised use of the markers...

12 Weeks

Arnold is now officially 12 weeks old. New in the life of Arnold is the discovery of his hands. He likes to clasp them and suck on them. Lots of bubble blowing and drooling these days. Teething????

He likes to be read to. I have recently been laying on the floor next to him and reading little books. He stares at the pictures and is quite calm during. I love how his little bottom lip turns down when he is about to cry. He makes squealing noises now.

Emma Claire likes to read to Arnold. I found her the other day in his rocking chair with a Halloween book, reading it to him while he was on the floor on a blanket, as happy as can be. Arnold is fascinated with his big sister and lights up when he sees her.

Create your own picture slideshow