A dream come true

I have to share these pictures from 2 weekends ago when we went apple picking. Nothing exciting since then as I have been sick but am finally on the mend (thus the blog updates, about the only productive thing I can do from the couch). These pictures just make me so happy because it is like developing a role of film from my head, or to be a little more hokey, let's say heart. Stan and I are coming up on our 6 yr. wedding anniversary. And in turning 30 this month we also realized I've known him for 11 years. It struck me just how long but how fast its all been. So when I looked at these pictures I was reminded of when he and I were dating more seriously and I was trying to figure if this was "the guy". I would have these little day dreams of owning a house and it would be fall and we would be out in the front yard raking leaves with some little boy with red hair but it was hidden by his black cap that matched his daddy's. So here on our little trip to the orchard, it struck me with the two of them together that it actually happened! They are just the best boys, a super funny little guy full of personality that I get the honor to raise and an amazing daddy who would rather play with his little buddy than do anything else. Stan constantly comes up with new and ridiculous games for Fred to play that make them both look just so silly, as can be seen in the pictures of them crouching in the orchard rows as they "hunt" for good apples - like it was a big game safari or something!

mmmmm... apple cider donuts!

It's your party and I'll cry if I want to!

So birthday's seem to be a traumatic experience for Fred. We are not sure if it has to do with cakes, candles, singing in unison, or people paying attention to someone besides himself. In August at my mom's birthday he burst into tears when we all started singing for her, when we stopped he seemed to get some control - so like any family we thought it would be fun to try again and sure enough the water works started flooding again. Then the last weekend of September we got together to celebrate Aunt Mary's, Daddy's , and Mommy's birthday, after all it is my 30th. The result of such celebration can be seen below.

I'm almost certain that's it's candles and the flame freaks him out as being a safety hazard, seeing as the other day when I had one burning in the kitchen he started signing "all done" and couldn't focus on anything else until we put it out. However, we know the perfect trifecta of candles, cake, and music seems to insure a meltdown. Can't wait for the holidays!

A boy and his box....

Stan got a new copier at work and called dibs on the box. While fun, it was short lived as it took up most of our living room.

 aye aye Captain!

peek-a-boo! I see you!

it's better when you can share with a good buddy

Noah Sitting

How I wish it was every time...


How it usually is most days...

Cousin Owen visit!

Cousin Owen came again in September and it was really fun with trips to the zoo and the farmer's market! We also just enjoyed hanging out together!

Dog Days

In attempt to "summer"ize (ha ha get it? punny?) Here are our last shots of the dog days of summer during August and September.

We spent most of our days at Noah's country club. And sun protection is very important to these guys.


There was of course tending to the garden with Zucchini's that always seems to get out of control. I swear I check one day and the next they are the size of baseball bats!
There was also such events as playing in the park's sandbox, birthday parties (more to come on this weird and hopefully temporary phobia of Fred's), and a nudist colony in our own backyard (swim diapers are pricey!).



We also ended the summer with an amazing trip to the Hewes' lake house. High fashion on the high seas and baby wrestling.



But it wasn't all fun and games, Grandma & Grandpa had him swabbing the deck too!

Jazz Cat

Fred is into music at the moment. I think it has more to do with learning which buttons to push on the stereos to make noise. He's got a little white boy dance with moves taught by his very white father, yes, Stan the dance instructor - its like Richard Simmons in a white t-shirt. He also has a voice as great as his mother, which is to say none at all. He will only sing to Etta James' "Yes Sir, That's My Baby" and it took me awhile to figure out what he was doing, until it dawned on me he was trying to mimic her crooning. May he have music wherever he goes.