Halloween

Here are pictures from our day. Actually. this first is from last night. When we were carving pumpkins Pete suddenly walked in looking like this. The kids were frightened and delighted. 

 This morning Mom and I went to Clara's school to watch her parade around and trick-or-treat in the hallways of the high school. Clara was dressed as Ladybug Girl (Google the books if you don't know her.)

 Frederick went along and wondered where his candy was.

 After a little lunch out we walked up to Henry's school for his parade. We were half an hour early because apparently I don't read the school newsletter very thoroughly. We walked home and went back again. Here's Henry dressed as Hiccup, the Viking from How to Train Your Dragon (books and movie-Google). He could have used a sword and shield, but they don't allow fake weapons at school and we also might have run out of time.

 Grandma stopped by for a quick visit to see the kids' costumes and to spend a little time with Frederick.

 Clara enjoyed doling out the candy for a bit.

And then we were off! I took the kids out for the first round around our large block. We came back in for a bit of dinner (Fish sticks. Thanks, Schwan's!) and then Pete took them out again for some tricks and treats in the dark. 

 And finally, here they are with their loot. Henry already had a mouthful o f Tootsie Roll. They're in bed and I'm about ready to crash too.

One Month Old....and Tipsy

Squid

More Henry artwork...

Frederick's trying out a nuk. He's not sure what he thinks, but he does find foreign policy a little wearying.

Ready for your close up?

Yesterday we took the kids to the Botanic Garden for the dog costume parade, which was pretty funny.  I also enjoyed the rainbow in the fountain. I call this picture 3 Kids and a Rainbow. Might be the new name of my blog. 

 Today the weather was lovely, so we took a walk to the park and enjoyed quite a bit of time there.

 Now...are you ready for your close ups?

 All children had baths tonight too. Henry and Clara are a little beyond the age where it's okay to take photos of them in the bath, but we did take some picture of Frederick. I like this one of him staring nervously at the window.

 And Pete likes this one of him staring at me. The washcloth is for warmth, not modesty.

 And here's another close-up of clean little Blue Eyes.

October

A couple Saturdays ago we woke up and decided it was pumpkin time. We took all 3(!) kids to breakfast at Walker Brothers for pancakes. I had pumpkin. Yum! Then we went to Wagner farm to wander around a bit in the cold and choose some pumpkins. 

 Frederick wore his Halloween outfit that Marni sent to him. Trick or Treat!

The next Monday was Columbus day, so the kids were home from school. It also happened to be Marshmallow Day! Pete stayed home to celebrate with us. We started our morning with hot chocolates and mochas at Caribou. The weather was so nice we went across to the park for a bit. Henry made his own Mt. Rushmore in the sand. 

 Later, the kids and I made Rice Krispy treats. I'm not sure I had ever made them before, because they really aren't my favorite- but I have to say that when they are fresh and you've made them yourself, they really are a pretty tasty treat! Also- note that the kids, completely of their own accord, got themselves dressed all in white for marshmallow day.

Here's a cute photo of Frederick. You can still see a little bit of the blood spot that was in his right eye for his first few weeks.

This last weekend Rob, Carrie, Eleanor and Penny came to meet their new family member. We watched the Hawks pull out a miraculous win in double overtime, and then we went to Dave's Italian Kitchen for dinner. Here we are, waiting for our table. 

We got the perfect table in the back corner. Frederick slept for most of the meal, but he did need to be nursed for a bit as we were finishing up. I had memories of nursing Henry in the bathroom when he was about the same age. I've always felt ashamed of myself for not just throwing a blanket over my shoulder and nursing Henry in the booth. Of course, I was a much younger mother then... 

Here's Frederick showing off his new hat from Aunt Carrie. He's making a funny face here, but he does look very cute in the hat. 

 Sunday night we had more visitors. Dad and Kathie came to meet Frederick. They've been hosting some friends from Australis who are touring the US, so they all came over, as well as Pete's parents. Dad and Frederick pretty quickly formed a mutual admiration society.

 The big kids also wanted a little attention. You can see how much Henry enjoys showing off his little brother. Margaret isn't actually drinking 2 glasses of wine- she was just holding one for someone.

 Frederick had a bath today and then we tried to have a photo shoot. You can really see his current eye color in this picture.

 I like how this picture shows the way Frederick sometimes just drops himself down to try to nurse when you're holding him. You can also see his sweet hair. And on the shelf in the background is the cute bear painting Dad and Kathie brought for him.

 Just Frederick and his papa.

Clara in her chalkboard shirt

Morning Brother Time

Brainiac

You can't tell what he's thinking, but you can tell he's kind of a genius. For the record, he was casting his gaze upon the ceiling fan (which was off).

Still sleepy

Perfect

Little babe is sleepy after his first doctor's appointment. He's gained a few ounces and now weighs in at a hefty 10lbs, 1oz. The doctor proclaims him "perfect"! But we knew that. :)

Hiccing Up

Blondie

Frederick had his first at-home bath tonight and now his hair is all fluffy and wonderful again. I think I captured how blonde he is in these pictures. It's just so surprising to me! The two big kids were born with dark hair, then their big-kid hair came in light brown and has gradually darkened again. Maybe Frederick will stay fair?

Hi.

Hi. I'm Frederick. I'm already one week old. I enjoy nursing, gazing, and being held. Other activities include hiccuping and sneezing. People tell me I'm pretty good-looking, but you can decide for yourself. I plan to celebrate the day with milk, naps, and later, maybe a bath.