Welcome to the Jungle!

Thanks to Aunt Heather for letting Stetson borrow this super cuddly tiger costume. Stetson was a great sport for Halloween despite having a cold. Tuesday night, he burst into tears at the first trunk during "trunk or treating." Apparently begging for candy isn't really his scene. (Darn! We figured that during these early years we could capitalize on his cuteness and hoard the Reese's).

He enjoyed the party inside a lot more, but only lasted half an hour before being ready for bed. He fell asleep on the drive home. Don't you just want to kiss him?

Tonight, we had a rockin' party at our friends' home. Okay, so once you have kids, the parties you go to aren't really the rockin' type. But there was great food, fun games and some awesome costumes. Yes, that's Lafe in the gorilla suit. Stetson thought my safari hat was hilarious and surprisingly wasn't too scared by Lafe's costume. (People handing out candy -- scary. Dad in gorilla suit -- just fine. Figure that one out!) We hope you had a very happy Halloween!

Separation Anxiety

"In some ways, this phase of your baby's emotional development will be especially tender for both of you, while in others, it will be painful. After all, his desire to be with you is a sign of attachment to his first and greatest love--namely you. The intensity of his feeling as he hurtles into your arms is irresistible, especially when you realize that no one -- including your baby himself -- will ever again think you are quite as perfect as he does at this age. On the other hand, you may feel suffocated by his constant clinging, while experiencing guilt whenever you leave him crying for you. Fortunately, this emotional roller coaster eventually will subside along with his separation anxiety."
-- Your Baby's First Year, The American Academy of Pediatrics

This describes exactly where Stetson and I are right now. It's good to know we're normal. Sometimes I absolutely adore how attached he is to me, but other times I wish I had a little more personal space. When he's clingy, Stetson makes it difficult to wash dishes, blow dry my hair or snuggle with Lafe. But I'm equally attached. The last time we left him with a sitter, I cried the whole way to dinner. I suppose that's what happens when you spend all day, every day hanging out together. We're best buddies, and I'm enjoying it while it lasts!

Dance, Dance, Dance!

Although this blog is usually dedicated entirely to the escapades of one spectacular baby, I'm making an exception for this video. I missed the performance on television, but quickly remedied my error by watching it online. For those of you who know me well, you know that I love all things dance. This number embodies all that I love about dance -- it's a break from reality with high energy and spectacular visual elements. And it makes me want to get up and move!

I loved watching Wade Robson's choreography on So You Think You Can Dance? and I'm glad to see him on other shows! This performance was on Tuesday's results show of Dancing with the Stars.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OLJASCTZ3z0

What a Weekend!

My wonderful husband decided last-minute to join me and Stetson in Washington, D.C. Lafe's parents as well as Lee and Vanessa and their kids were spending a few days there and we were invited to join them. My first trip to D.C. was fabulous! I got a 48 hour sample of what D.C. has to offer. We spent time at the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. I also got to see the White House, Capitol Building, and the Vietnam and Korean War memorials. My cousin Lindi, her husband Ryan, and their little girl London are living in D.C. while Ryan is in law school. They met us at the Lincoln Memorial and we spent some time catching up. We also spent a few hours at the Air and Space Museum.

Here are some pictures from the trip... (Lafe gets all the credit for the beautiful location shots.)

I can't wait to go back to D.C. Next time, I want to go to the National Archives and the Library of Congress. What are your favorite parts of Washington, D.C.?

Stetson and Mommy, Standin' in a Tree

One of the other moms snapped this picture of Stetson and I while apple-picking. We're making such great memories here in Cleveland!

The Apple of My Eye

Today Stetson and I joined some other moms and kids
for apple picking at Eddy's Orchard.
We had so much fun!

The weather is crisp and cool, and the leaves are just starting to change colors. Best of all, the apples are delicious! Stetson loved riding around in the Snugli and chewing on apples.

Binkie Brothers!

While our friends were moving, we got to watch their son Dean. He's such a fun time and is one of Stetson's best friends here in Cleveland. In fact, we credit Dean with teaching Stetson how to crawl. Dean and Stetson love to play together -- especially to steal each other's pacifiers.


This time, they also loved playing with some childproof Christmas ornaments I had made. Thanks, Mom, for the great idea! I had so much fun making some with the other moms during play group. Other moms out there -- if you want to know how to make the "quilted" ornament balls in the picture, let me know; they are the world's easiest craft and my baby loves them!

Happy 1st Birthday, Dean!