Cute little monkey...

Whew...where did October go?! We had a lot of fun and have been enjoying the beautiful weather (when it isn't raining)! We took photos of Jay in the pumpkin patch at his day school a few weeks ago.

The pumpkins are sold as a fundraiser for the school in conjunction with their Fall Fun Day (see previous post). We had a good time checking out the pumpkins...but this is probably one of the only photos of Jay smiling! He was "seriously" into the pumpkins!

Anyway, the day before Halloween our teacher sent us home with a goody basket for Halloween! Jay had so much fun playing with all of the items- books, toys, apple juice and even a little pumpkin! But I think his favorite thing was just the basket itself!

He is sitting up so good now and it makes a lot of things more fun!
I really wasn't sure what to do for a Halloween costume for Jay this year. I really didn't want to spend money on one... A couple of generous friends lent me a couple of costumes and I planned to use one of them.

However, in the meantime I was looking at the Mom In The City blog and noticed she was having a contest for a costume (size 6-12 months)- how perfect! All you had to do is write in and tell about your most memorable Halloween costume...that was easy! I told about my "old lady" costume...(if you would like details either find my comment on the above link or e-mail me). Anyway, I won!!

He was absolutely adorable in the costume and despite the bulk of it he really didn't seem to mind it! Thankfully it wasn't too warm Saturday and he seemed to have a good time!

We made our rounds in the neighborhood and a stop over at Granny and Grandpa's- lots of comments on how adorable he was (couldn't agree more)! I can't imagine a follow up for next year...!

Silent Auction Blues...

Okay...so today was "Fall Fun Day" at Jay's christian day school (he attends half days while mommy is at work). We visited the silent auction during the festivities and while most of the items were donated gift certificates, random items of little interest or just plain silly items. The most coveted items are the class donated items. Now...when I refer to the "class donated items"...I mean the items that the class has created or the teacher has made with your child involved to commemorate his or her current school year and classmates. No matter what "guided hunts" or big ticket items might be donated...the "class donated items" are always the ones that bring in the big bucks from parents.

As a "newbie" to this whole experience I noticed Jay's class had a canvas basket with items such as board books, a turtle stuffed animal (he is in the Tiny Turtles class), a DVD and a couple of other small toys. Cute items but nothing terribly special...but then I turned the canvas basket and noticed each child's footprint on the side of the basket with their names...how adorable!!! Okay...now I know I want this item! So I casually place my bid (no one else had bid at that time) with 50 minutes left in the auction.

We went on to do other things and realized there was only 10 minutes left so we went back to check on the items we had bid on...when I got back to his class item...there had been 2 other bids after mine...the price was slowly going up...but not significant. I asked Matt how much he was willing to spend...so I upped it a fair amount- not over the top but enough to say I was serious. We decided to stand watch a few steps away...a woman came by and placed another bid on it...I then went back and upped it again...5 minutes left...she walked by and didn't write anything...I thought the sweet little footprint basket was all ours...then they called 2 minutes...there she comes again...darting across the room and she makes her way to the table...I see her writing again...I make my way over to the table and what does she do...stands there and stands there and stands there..."times up"!!! Are you kidding me?!? WOW! She stood in front it. I sure have a lot to learn!! The woman even had an older child...so this was not her first rodeo...I suppose I could have been holding Jay and given this sob story about Jay being my first child and how it would mean to so much to get the basket...blah, blah...I didn't think it would help! I almost got the feeling that she really didn't care about the basket or the items...it was just a competition! I think that's what bothers me the most! Oh well...

So I am sad that I was not able to get the cute little basket with the fun items for Jay...however, it was certainly a reality check for me...especially considering that this is only our first go round. I know there will be many more catty mom competitions over the years...I had no idea it started this early...!

Sure is Monday...

Can't believe it's Monday already! We had a fun weekend. Visited my parents in Conroe. Matt and I went to SHSU's Homecoming Tailgate party. They were playing Nicholls State this weekend. We planned for Jay to go with us but it was 58 degrees and drizzly and we just thought it might be best for him to stay at Grandma and Pa Pa's (of course they didn't mind)!


We couldn't believe how much campus has changed...they have added so many new buildings! It's great to see SHSU continuing to grow! It was also great to see the strong support for the Kats and how many tailgate parties, students and alumni came out for the event. We were really impressed! The theme for homecoming this year was Sammy the Bearkat's 50th birthday!


We started a SHSU Austin/Washington Co. Alumni Club this year and are working on growing the participation. If you are or know an SHSU alum in the area that would like to get involved e-mail me. We are always looking for more folks to join in the fun!


So we had a good time at SHSU and also visiting with family. Jay loved playing in the jumper at Grandma and Pa Pa's. It's hard to believe he is almost 6 mos. old. We will be going for his 6 mo. checkup tomorrow afternoon. He will get another round of shots and most importantly a flu shot (poor thing). I am interested to see how much he weighs now (according to their scale) and also his official length. For the most part he is wearing 6-9 mo. clothes but even some 9 mo. clothes fit already!

I am also going to have to track down the H1N1 shot- he and I will both need to get it...fun, fun! If anyone hears where you can get one in the Bryan/CS, Brenham or even Northwest Houston area please let me know!

Time to wake little one up...can't believe he has slept almost 2 hours!! Hope he sleeps tonight!

The other...

I am the "other" member of the family. Often pushed to the side these days...hence why I am pouring myself out onto this page. Hope mom doesn't catch me...

Don't get me wrong...I do love my new little brother but play time doesn't always include me and I tend to get a bit jealous. Playing catch with my ball is the best game anyway...who cares about Humpty Dumpty...

Grandma hasn't come in a while...I am starting to wonder if she still loves me....(and I am in desperate need of a trim- starting to look a bit mangy).

It sure is windy today...I love my backyard but I could almost be knocked over with this kind of wind.

I can't believe I let them do this...and get a picture of it! I really don't like wearing my own clothes much less Jay's...

Ugh...he's up again...gotta go! (I never knew these things cried this much!)

Inspiring

Okay...so I caught part of Oprah today and was truly touched by this family's story. Christian and Stephanie Nielsen went through a horrific plane crash last year and survived severe burns and extensive injuries. Stephanie was not given a very good outcome but beside all odds she survived and is doing tremendously well a year after the crash. Her husband also is doing very well.

I know Oprah is known for her "tear-jerking" stories...but after watching this couple and visiting their blog you can see the love they share and how sweet and special their precious family is (they have 4 children). They have a strong faith and such an amazing love and it is so evident. I just felt moved to share her blog. They truly are inspiring. If you have a minute check out her blog...

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

I love carrots!

Our first adventure into food began with carrots...and to say the least we enjoyed every spoonful! Since our first venture we now manage to get more in our mouth than on ourselves (but oh it's so fun to get messy)!

We have also added to our repertoire bananas, applesauce, sweet potatoes, pears and the latest...prunes. The only thing we have given a complete thumbs down is peas (can you blame him?) If only our digestive system could catch up to our taste buds...!