Charles has had the most horrible diaper rash this week. It was actually bleeding one morning. To make matters worse he's had diarrhea too. I called the doctor Friday night because it had gotten so bad. Charles wouldn't sit, even in the bathtub. He was walking funny too and was just miserable all around. It's gotten steadily better, but there are still some really raw spots.
Yesterday Russell took his exit exam. All he can say is, "Gee I hope I passed." We don't have the details about how or when it will be graded. Tomorrow he has a test in one of his classes. He is NOT in the mood to spend the afternoon studying.
While Russell was taking his exam Charles and I went to get new tires on our Honda. I didn't expect it to take 2 hours! We took the stroller out of the trunk and walked to McDonald's. We shared an Egg McMuffin and Charles ran around in the play area. He's too little to actually play on the equipment but he enjoyed running. We walked to Sam's and had samples and looked at toys. On our way out Charles did a dive out of the cart. He leaned over the side and flipped over, landing on the cement floor. We were right by the registers and close to the exit. The entire area got quiet. I know they were watching my reaction and seeing if Charles was okay.
I scooped him up and comforted him. A nice lady came over and said she saw the whole thing and she didn't think he hit his head. She says it all happens so fast, you can't avoid it. Which was SO true. I told her he was having a bad day and he was even more shaken than usual. I had ibuprofen and (generic) Tylenol in my bag to help with the diaper rash pain, so quickly got some in him to help combat the headache and soreness to come. We made it back to pick up the car just as Russell called to say he was done.
To celebrate we met Grandpa and Grandma for pizza. Charles fell asleep in the car, but once he got some food in his tummy he was as close to his normal self as possible given his issues. He took a nice long nap and hasn't had any more diarrhea since yesterday morning. Thank goodness!!!
Charles is on his way to being in the "Terrible Twos." Today at lunch nothing made him happy so he threw a fit. We probably shouldn't have caved in to his demands, but a little sip of (Diet) Dr. Pepper to calm an over-tired, diaper rash suffering toddler didn't seem like too big of a compromise. Once he got a drink and sat on my lap he was better. Sundays start early and are extremely busy so by lunch time he's more than ready for a nap. I refilled my drink (we were at Subway) with lemonade and a few squirts of Sprite. He made an awful face with every sip, but kept asking for more. I got him a sippy cup with a straw and I need to remember to keep it in the diaper bag. It gives him the feeling that he's drinking like we are without the possibility of spillage!
We are getting ready for our upcoming weekend. We need to get to the store and buy the ingredients for the turkey's marinade. We're doing two turkeys one 23 lbs the other 19 lbs. I think we'll fry the bigger one so I've got to make sure my Emeril's Essence is ready to go! I'm also in charge of bringing the Crust less Pumpkin Pie, Sherbet Jell-O, and Watergate Salad. I've figured out the points for all of these, so at least I know how much of those I can consume. Except the pumpkin--YUCK!!! That's for Mom, Christy, and anyone else who's counting calories or willing to try something new.
I need to go fold some laundry and iron. Hopefully Russell will get some studying done so we can go to the park for a few minutes this afternoon. I really think this will be one of our last nice days this fall. They are predicting lows in the 20s with highs in the 40s for the upcoming week. Maybe even snow on the ground or flurries in the air on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
The week in review
We've had a rather long week. Monday was Veteran's Day. Aunt Christy had the day off, so she had her new counter tops installed. Grandpa took a day of vacation to be there with her when the installation guys came and then helped install her new sink and faucet. I think he was there from 8:30 am to 9 pm. He was just getting home when I picked up Charles after teaching my Weight Watchers class. It was a long day but the results are worth it. I'm jealous of her new and improved kitchen.
We went to see the work in progress Monday morning. Christy wanted to take some pictures of Charles playing in her leaves, but he got focused on the (yappy & annoying) dog next door. He walked up to the (chain link) fence to greet it and Rambo just barked at him. It's a mixed blessing, he's not afraid of the dog and that's good but he still needs to be sensitive enough to know if/when a dog is provoked to do something like bite.
We went to see the work in progress Monday morning. Christy wanted to take some pictures of Charles playing in her leaves, but he got focused on the (yappy & annoying) dog next door. He walked up to the (chain link) fence to greet it and Rambo just barked at him. It's a mixed blessing, he's not afraid of the dog and that's good but he still needs to be sensitive enough to know if/when a dog is provoked to do something like bite.
Playing in the leaves at "Great Grandma Goentzel's House"
Tuesday Charles had his 15 month check-up and immunizations. 2 shots, plus a flu shot. OW! He cried and squirmed, poor guy. Dr. Scott said he looked perfect. He noticed a football logo on Charles' shirt and said (much to Uncle Brian's delight), "you're going to be a linebacker or a tight end!" Again Charles was dubbed a "tank." Here are the stats, in case you're wondering:
Height: 31 3/4 inches (80th percentile)
Weight: 29.6 pounds (100+ percentile)
We're not supposed to worry about his weight we've been assured he's just a BIG boy. Also, I just realized that Charles stepped up on the scale so he was weighed in his clothes and shoes which is a first. Usually at the younger ages they strip them down to nothing, not even a diaper. But he's a big boy know and can walk and climb on the scale. Thank goodness for digital ones, he wouldn't have stood there long enough to slide the weights.
Since Tuesday Charles has been out of sorts. He ran a fever Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday just wasn't himself. He's been having diarrhea on top of the reaction to the shots and the poor guy has a bright red diaper rash. I think maybe he's got teeth coming in. He keeps sticking his fingers in his mouth right where the space is between his front teeth and his first molar. At least we know he doesn't have an ear infection. The doctor gave us an all clear.
Early Wednesday morning we headed to the Robbins' house to babysit Cousin Elena while "Aunt" Carissa had a doctor appointment. We played with her Little People (a good Christmas gift for Charles) and went outside in the leaves. Elena went poddy twice on the toilet and got an M & M each time. She was very excited! Now if she could just do that all the time...
Elena didn't eat all her breakfast and Charles found her leftover toast!
I used the poddy!
I used it not once, but twice!
Playing in the leaves.
Charles liked playing with Elena's Little People.
Of course he has to stand on a chair, rather than the floor!
Thursday morning I tried to do some house cleaning tasks. I got the main floor picked up and vacuumed but by the time Russell came home at 12:30 pm (he took 1/2 day of vacation to study for Saturday's test) the dogs had bits of rawhide on the floor and Charles had toys everywhere. I tried to teach Charles to pretend. I put his blue blanket on the floor and put a box on top with him inside. I told him he was in a boat. I sang "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and we used the vacuum cleaner attachments as oars. I also ran upstairs and got his orange vest to use as a life jacket. He read a book in the box and then was done. We listed to some music and he danced around.
Reading about the beach.
Rowing with his "oars!"
Dancing to the music.
We're getting ready for Thanksgiving, it's less than a week away!!! Russell has his exit exam tomorrow (Saturday) morning and I think Charles and I are going to go along and do some east-side errands. Our Honda needs tires and there's a sale at a place not far from the University. Cousin Brandi works at Baby Gap and they're having a Friends & Family sale so I want to make sure to hit the store. I think I'm overly optimistic to think I'll find some sale items I can put away for next spring and summer. I need to be looking at the sale racks for Easter outfits. Actually, it may already be too late.
I need to go get some things done while Charles is at Friday Friends and Russell is studying. I need to run some errands, get dressed, and do some cleaning. I was going to do the Tae Bo that I got from Netflix yesterday, but my ankle is sore so I'm reconsidering hopping around on a hard floor.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
I've Created a Monster...
I'm a horrible mother. I've committed the worst of sins...introducing my toddler to chocolate chip cookie dough. Our good friends, the Hickeys (Merrill's family), had their baby this morning (a girl, Charlotte Anna, 7 lbs. 6 oz., 19 1/2 inches) and I thought I'd be nice and make them some cookies. I had Charles take Daddy some dough and Charles took a taste. He loved it! He brought the spoon back to me in the kitchen (he's getting good a following directions--when he wants to) and stood and pointed the spoon at the bowl, asking for more. What have I done?!?! He also liked sucking/chewing on the beater (there's only one when you use the Kitchen Aide stand mixer).
This evening we went for a mile walk with Grandma and then ran to Subway to pick up some dinner. Charles was given a few Cheetos and he liked those better than the sandwich. He was playing with his milk, sort of blowing bubbles and letting it run down his chin.
Our church had the "grand opening" of our playground today. We have a courtyard between two sections of our building. The Nursery and/or Sunday School rooms border both sides with doors that open into the playground. After I was done at the Nursery desk we went to try it out. It was too busy between Sunday School and 2nd Service, so a few minutes after the service started was the perfect time. Charles crawled up the steps. He was unsure about the slide until he was on his way down. He really liked it. He tried to go down by himself and ended up going down feet first on his stomach.
I forgot to tell you about Charles' new "party trick." He can find...no show you his tummy. Ask him, "Charles, where is your tummy?" and he lifts up his shirt and pats his stomach. Quite hilarious...at least until his decides to do it in public, or worse yet do it to someone else (me or another woman).
This afternoon Charles woke up from his nap very hoarse. I'm not sure if he's coming down with something or not. Maybe he never really got over his ear infection. Tuesday he's got his 15-month Well Child Check-Up, so I'll wait 'til then to ask the doctor. I'm sneaky...the well child exams are covered 100% by our insurance so if the doctor finds an ear infection during the exam I won't have to pay for a visit. Hopefully it's nothing, but he's been awake again in the night, usually he puts himself back to sleep, which isn't normal and may be a sign something is wrong.
Don't forget to pray for Russell this week as he studies for his exit exam. It's Saturday from 9 am - noon. I am confident he'll pass, but he's concered about doing well.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
All by Myself
Charles has been doing things by and for himself. Yesterday he was given a fork to use for the first time. He jabbed the hot dogs and got them in his mouth. I heard cousin Jackson has been feeding himself yogurt (and refuses any help) so I thought I'd let Charles try eating it on his own. He did pretty well with the spoon, but DID make a rather large mess of himself and his jammies.
Did I mention he likes ketchup? We met Grandma for lunch and ran an errand to Target. On our way home I picked up McDonald's. For those of you condemning me for the Points values in McDonald's food, I'll have you know we shared and All American Meal (hamburger, small fries, and a small drink--I got the Diet Dr. Pepper and didn't share that with him). He loved dipping his french fries, fingers, hamburger, and bun in the ketchup. Not quite as big of a mess as the morning's yogurt incident (even with the mess we were still the 1st ones to arrive at Bible Study...now there's a feat!).
Russell has a weekend packed with studying. His exit exam is Saturday, November 17th. He is tested over two subject matters (he took two classes over each subject). He doesn't feel ready but has been dedicated to studying and creating the 4-page cheat sheet he's allowed to take with him. Please keep him in your prayers. He also has an exam the following Monday so that makes it an even more stressful weekend. I just keep asking the Lord to tell him, "great and unsearchable things he does not know." I know it's a verse, in Jeremiah I think. Once that's done he'll only have a few more weeks of class, then a nice break until after MLK Day in January. In Spring he'll have one class and an independent study. If he doesn't pass the exit exam he'll retake it in Spring and he'll register for a class in a subject he can be tested over. I have faith he'll pass the test next week and won't have to worry about it in Spring.
The dogs are barking at walkers and Charles should be up from his nap. Bye for now.
Did I mention he likes ketchup? We met Grandma for lunch and ran an errand to Target. On our way home I picked up McDonald's. For those of you condemning me for the Points values in McDonald's food, I'll have you know we shared and All American Meal (hamburger, small fries, and a small drink--I got the Diet Dr. Pepper and didn't share that with him). He loved dipping his french fries, fingers, hamburger, and bun in the ketchup. Not quite as big of a mess as the morning's yogurt incident (even with the mess we were still the 1st ones to arrive at Bible Study...now there's a feat!).
It's been quite frigid in the morning, this AM it was 38 degrees. Thankfully I'm a sale shopper so I've already got a winter coat for Charles stuck in the closet. The Gap at the mall closest to our house went out of business last Spring. They had everything on sale so I was able to get a nice coat that otherwise I would never have purchased. It's a navy, wool pea coat. I know I'm biased, but he was adorable! I'm disappointed because I also got a hat to match on clearance last spring at Old Navy, a navy hounds tooth "newsboy" hat with Velcro straps under the chin. It's 12-24 month size, but it's too small. It won't even fit on his head. Now I've got to find something else. He HATES anything on his head so it will be a challenge to find something that keeps his ears covered. The coat doesn't have a hood and is dry clean only. Maybe not the most practical purchase but it's warm and adorable.
We've been homebodies with the cooler weather and our recent bout of ear infection. It's going around, we're not the only ones to have it. We need to start walking again with Carissa and Elena. We haven't seen Merrill either since her sibling should be arriving any time. Merrill's Mom, Kirsten (Merrill's name for me is Charles' mommy), is more than ready for this addition to arrive. I guess we're on the list as go-to friends when they're headed for the hospital. We're anxious to meet "Baby Hickey." I've been praying it's a boy so Charles will have at least one other little boy to play with. They're not the only ones I ask God to give a little boy, we're hoping one of Russ' college friends have a boy.
Russell has a weekend packed with studying. His exit exam is Saturday, November 17th. He is tested over two subject matters (he took two classes over each subject). He doesn't feel ready but has been dedicated to studying and creating the 4-page cheat sheet he's allowed to take with him. Please keep him in your prayers. He also has an exam the following Monday so that makes it an even more stressful weekend. I just keep asking the Lord to tell him, "great and unsearchable things he does not know." I know it's a verse, in Jeremiah I think. Once that's done he'll only have a few more weeks of class, then a nice break until after MLK Day in January. In Spring he'll have one class and an independent study. If he doesn't pass the exit exam he'll retake it in Spring and he'll register for a class in a subject he can be tested over. I have faith he'll pass the test next week and won't have to worry about it in Spring.
The dogs are barking at walkers and Charles should be up from his nap. Bye for now.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
New Experiences
We try new things almost every day. Today there were two events to remember. Russell has been doing homework and studying for his exit exam, so we went to Grandpa & Grandma's house. Grandma thought we'd go to the craft sale at Hope Mennonite Church, but turns out it's NEXT Saturday. Guess we'll have to wait a week for bierocks and other German treats.
Since the craft fair was a bust, we went with Grandma to Wal-Mart to get groceries. Not an exciting adventure, but something to get us out of the house. Besides, the torture of going to Wal-Mart (especially on a Saturday) is lessened if you go with someone else. We got to try samples of cookies, Flinstone gummy vitamins, coffee, chocolates, and Highland yogurt. We also saw quite a few people we know, mostly from church. Charles was good and on the way out the door Grandma thought he needed a ride on "Pumba" the warthog from the Lion King. He was somber during the ride. Not afraid or scared but also not excited about it. See for yourself:
Since the craft fair was a bust, we went with Grandma to Wal-Mart to get groceries. Not an exciting adventure, but something to get us out of the house. Besides, the torture of going to Wal-Mart (especially on a Saturday) is lessened if you go with someone else. We got to try samples of cookies, Flinstone gummy vitamins, coffee, chocolates, and Highland yogurt. We also saw quite a few people we know, mostly from church. Charles was good and on the way out the door Grandma thought he needed a ride on "Pumba" the warthog from the Lion King. He was somber during the ride. Not afraid or scared but also not excited about it. See for yourself:
After a long day of studying, it was time for dinner. It was too late to cook and I didn't feel like eating leftovers, so we went out to grab a late dinner. We decided on burgers at Spangles (I know, they're obnoxious) since they have a value meal for $2.99 (are they out of their mind?!?!) We did something we never do and ate at the restaurant rather than running through the drive through. We figured we could get unlimited refills that way!!!! Charles ate 1/2 of a kids burger and shared my fries.
Russell showed Charles the 2nd new thing of the day---ketchup! He LOVED it. He sucked it off the fries. He didn't just double dip he triple and quadruple dipped! After sucking off the ketchup a few times he'd take a bite of the french fry. Charles liked dunking the meat, bun, and anything else in the little paper cup of ketchup. Guess we now have a trick to make him eat things.
I've been trying to teach Charles "baby sign." I got a book quite a while ago and tried to start using the signs, but he wasn't interested. A week or so ago he finally caught on to the word "more." We've adapted it to clapping, but he knows what it means and what he wants. Maybe he's opinionated? Surely not...
Last night during our weekly trip to Bernie's for pizza he caught on to the sign for "please," rubbing your hand in a circle on his chest. Now he can do "more please" which is a quick slap of the hands and a pat on the chest. He's in quite a hurry to get more to eat, especially that dessert pizza! Pretty funny, but also helpful.
So far he can't do "drink" which is tipping your hand to your mouth like you're taking a drink from an imaginary cup. "Milk" is gesturing like you're milking a cow. I think he's figured that one out and uses to get any kind of drink. I've got to learn the signs, consistently use them while I'm talking, and pay attention to him to see if he's getting it or adapting things. I also need to teach the signs to Russell, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Christy, and anyone else who's around and babysitting. It'll be nice if he can ask for things and not just scream when he wants something. He does this now and he's LOUD.
More discoveries...I mentioned my son's bare closet in a previous post. Today I got out the box of hand-me-downs and tried on the 3T shirts. Surprisingly, they fit pretty well. Not grossly huge in the shoulders and the sleeves really don't need to be rolled up much more than the 2Ts do. The pants on the other hand are about 6 inches too long so we left them in the box. Guess he's got his daddy's LONG arms. I'm not sure about the short legs. Both Russ & I are short wasted with long legs. Maybe long shirts just don't hamper him as much as pants that are too long. Who knows...
The clock falls back tonight and we're hoping that doesn't mean our little man will be up at 6:30 am. We didn't get him to bed until 8:45 and he only had one nap, but somehow I have a feeling that won't make a difference. He's been crying periodically several times during the night for about a week. He puts himself back to sleep without either of us having to go get him, so that's good, but it means we have interrupted sleep. Russ can fall back to sleep, sometimes I do too and sometimes I just toss and turn.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
50% Off
This morning Charles and I got up and going without dilly dallying. We stopped by the mailbox and the gas station (how does gas jump 16 cents over night?) and then headed to Super Target. All kinds of ladies had the same idea--getting Halloween goodies 1/2 price. We found several costumes and threw them in the cart to evaluate. We decided on the Elmo costume--it's sort of a vest with a hood (a hoodie without the long sleeves). Hopefully the 3T will fit next year.
We found holiday tissues (Puffs not Kleenex) marked down 50% as well as a doormat. The doormat is not holiday themed, so I was surprised it was marked down. It may end up going back to the door since it's too tall to put in front of the door to the garage. We'll just have to see. I used control and passed on the napkins and paper towels that were 1/2 price. I've got coupons for my favorite paper towels. I also left all the candy and the cake mixes on the shelves.
Target had little boys' long sleeved T's on clearance so we picked up one of those. I bought Charles one last week when they were on sale and it's a perfect fit. It's crazy because I got him a sweatshirt in the same size (24 months) and it's too short. I don't get this sizing thing. Just when you think you've got it figured out you find a new brand or the kid has a growth spurt!
Charles doesn't have much in the way of shirts, lots of pants but only about 5 shirts, three of those are more dressy for church. Now that it's colder I'm realizing how bare his closet is. It's hard to find stuff for him. Shirts aren't too bad in size 24 months or 2T, although I got him a sweatshirt in 24 months and it's too short. I debated about the 2T, but it was about the same size. Pants are more of a challenge when it comes to sizing. The chart at Target has him in 3T for his weight ( 28 1/2 lbs) , but anything bigger than "18-24 months" size drags on the floor or needs to be rolled up several times. Funny considering how tall he is compared to other kids. He's got his 15 month check-up in 2 weeks so we'll find out how his height and weight stack up to the average kid.
After Target we went to Wal-Mart. Cousin Carissa said that's where they got Elena's bee costume which at full price was as much as the Elmo marked down 50%. There were slim pickins at Wally World. They had TONS of "Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin" themed fruit snacks. Guess that wasn't a popular item.
Aunt Heather called and had arrived just as we were getting in the car to leave Wal-Mart. She is headed to NYC to visit her best friend and maid of honor. We are the airport taxi service so we picked her up at Grandpa & Grandma's. Bubba, the dog (I can't remember the breed name, but it's like Eddie on Frazier), is staying with Grandpa and Grandma while Heather is in NYC. Can't Uncle Brian take care of his own dog, you ask? He left early this morning for Washington DC to a medical conference where he represents his medical school's class. So, Grandpa & Grandma agreed to dog-sit. Bubba is a well-behaved, sweet, and a cuddler so it won't be any trouble.
After getting Heather to the airport we stopped by the other, regular, Target. I figured it's on the way home so might as well stop and see what they've got on sale. We found the bargain of the century...okay, not the century but a good one. They had 2 lb boxes of Peppridge Farm Goldfish on the Halloween clearance rack. The box had pumpkins on it so the price was slashed from $5.99 to $2.99. I picked up every box they had, except the one that was sort of coming open. I think it was 8 or 9 boxes. I kept one for our cupboard and dropped the rest off at church for the nursery. In the older rooms they eat Goldfish every Sunday during snack time. Bargain shopping for Jesus! I love it!!! Is that a spiritual gift? If so, I think it's mine--much to Russell's dismay! Not really, he's very generous himself, he just controls his spending a little better.
Charles is napping and this basement is an icebox, so I'm going to head upstairs to do...something. Nap, perhaps? Check to see if dinner is thawing? Fold laundry? Who knows.
We found holiday tissues (Puffs not Kleenex) marked down 50% as well as a doormat. The doormat is not holiday themed, so I was surprised it was marked down. It may end up going back to the door since it's too tall to put in front of the door to the garage. We'll just have to see. I used control and passed on the napkins and paper towels that were 1/2 price. I've got coupons for my favorite paper towels. I also left all the candy and the cake mixes on the shelves.
Target had little boys' long sleeved T's on clearance so we picked up one of those. I bought Charles one last week when they were on sale and it's a perfect fit. It's crazy because I got him a sweatshirt in the same size (24 months) and it's too short. I don't get this sizing thing. Just when you think you've got it figured out you find a new brand or the kid has a growth spurt!
Charles doesn't have much in the way of shirts, lots of pants but only about 5 shirts, three of those are more dressy for church. Now that it's colder I'm realizing how bare his closet is. It's hard to find stuff for him. Shirts aren't too bad in size 24 months or 2T, although I got him a sweatshirt in 24 months and it's too short. I debated about the 2T, but it was about the same size. Pants are more of a challenge when it comes to sizing. The chart at Target has him in 3T for his weight ( 28 1/2 lbs) , but anything bigger than "18-24 months" size drags on the floor or needs to be rolled up several times. Funny considering how tall he is compared to other kids. He's got his 15 month check-up in 2 weeks so we'll find out how his height and weight stack up to the average kid.
After Target we went to Wal-Mart. Cousin Carissa said that's where they got Elena's bee costume which at full price was as much as the Elmo marked down 50%. There were slim pickins at Wally World. They had TONS of "Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin" themed fruit snacks. Guess that wasn't a popular item.
Aunt Heather called and had arrived just as we were getting in the car to leave Wal-Mart. She is headed to NYC to visit her best friend and maid of honor. We are the airport taxi service so we picked her up at Grandpa & Grandma's. Bubba, the dog (I can't remember the breed name, but it's like Eddie on Frazier), is staying with Grandpa and Grandma while Heather is in NYC. Can't Uncle Brian take care of his own dog, you ask? He left early this morning for Washington DC to a medical conference where he represents his medical school's class. So, Grandpa & Grandma agreed to dog-sit. Bubba is a well-behaved, sweet, and a cuddler so it won't be any trouble.
After getting Heather to the airport we stopped by the other, regular, Target. I figured it's on the way home so might as well stop and see what they've got on sale. We found the bargain of the century...okay, not the century but a good one. They had 2 lb boxes of Peppridge Farm Goldfish on the Halloween clearance rack. The box had pumpkins on it so the price was slashed from $5.99 to $2.99. I picked up every box they had, except the one that was sort of coming open. I think it was 8 or 9 boxes. I kept one for our cupboard and dropped the rest off at church for the nursery. In the older rooms they eat Goldfish every Sunday during snack time. Bargain shopping for Jesus! I love it!!! Is that a spiritual gift? If so, I think it's mine--much to Russell's dismay! Not really, he's very generous himself, he just controls his spending a little better.
Charles is napping and this basement is an icebox, so I'm going to head upstairs to do...something. Nap, perhaps? Check to see if dinner is thawing? Fold laundry? Who knows.
Trick-or-Treat
Yesterday was a busy day. I got ambitious and made sugar cookie dough and an apple cobbler while Charles took his morning nap. We headed to Grandma's office after lunch to show off to all the ladies (there are a few guys) in her office. Many of them said he looks like his Grandpa Goentzel. I don't see it, but maybe we should dig out some old pictures.
Charles wore the basketball uniform from cousin Ian and the "swishy" warm up pants from a garage sale that matched perfectly. He was quite the ham...and excited for the dum dum sucker. It's amazing we ever made it there, we sat in the car for 15 minutes waiting on trains. Yes, that's plural. Both of us were antsy and ready to get out of the car.
After seeing Grandma we headed home for a nap before the evening's festivities. It's become a tradition for us to meet our cousins PJ (5), Brookelyn (10), and Elena (2) at Grandpa & Grandma's house on Halloween. It's fun for the kids to go together and the house is in a safe neighborhood that's full of kids. We eat supper together and then head out to trick-or-treat.
Charles was not in the best of moods when we arrived, but once his tummy was full of sloppy joes, bananas, and grapes he was ready to hit the road. We decided to put him in the puppy costume so his ears would be covered. The dog collar that came with the costume was too little to go over his head and the body was a little too short. I think we ripped out a snap. But, it was adorable!
He absolutely loved trick-or-treating. He walked most of the way just like PJ and Brookelyn and marched up the steps provided there was a hand to help him. Actually, he wanted to go inside everyone's house and look around. Sounds like he's got some Hiebert blood. He even tried to pet some of the dogs that came to the door. Quite the socialite!
We got back to the house just after 8:00. It took 5 adults to take 4 kids trick-or-treating! But, we all had fun and no one wanted to miss out. We left Grandpa and "uncle" Mason home to answer the door and hand out candy. Charles found Grandpa & Grandma's candy basket and tried to help himself! I don't think he got any candy but Grandma did give him a few bites of her apple cobbler with ice cream.
We had a wonderful evening. Not too hot, not too cold. It was a cool, crisp evening and as long as we were walking, talking, and busy trick-or-treating we didn't notice it was cold. We probably went to a dozen houses but still came home with a lot of candy. PJ and Brookelyn could've kept going and "scored a bunch of loot" but it was time for them to head home to bed.
Unfortunately, Russell had class and was not home to go with us. I probably should've left Charles in his costume so Russell could see him, but I decided to get his jammies on so he could go to bed. Not that he was by any means tired. He was wired. All the excitement and activity was invigorating.
My pictures didn't turn out very well. Hopefully the Browns and the Robbins will share what they took. Aunt Christy snapped some of PJ and Charles before she had to go to youth group. Her's are always good. I'm jealous of her camera!
My first, memorable, Halloween. I'm a puppy!
Posing for Aunt Christy.
What's PJ doing? He's silly!
I told you he's silly--and hyper!
Let's go!
Charles walked most of the way. We did carry him a little, but he was a trooper, and estatic to be walking outside! Here he's not happy because we made him stop for a picture!
Trick-or-treating
Trying to take a picture of the great-grandkids for Great Grandma Wall in Oregon. Not very successful. Hopefully someone else got a better shot.
PJ was the Blue Power Ranger, Brookelyn a Lady Vampire, Elena a Queen Bee, and Charles was a Puppy.
I found Grandpa & Grandma's candy!
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