Leaf Smasher

Raking leaves was so easy this year because we had the ultimate leaf smasher. Jason loved his job of smashing down the leaves in the trash can. We're also very glad we don't have a ton of leaves to rake.

28 Weeks

This is me at 28 weeks pregnant with baby #2. This pregnancy has been really easy so far. I've just had some typical pregnancy tiredness, but nothing else to complain of.

I Love this Picture

I love this picture because I think it shows what a fun kid Jason is. Here are a few funny things I want to remember:

• Because Jason is the only child, he tries to get me and Kyle in on his imaginative play by making us talk to his toys. Every day Kyle and I get to talk to Lightning McQueen, Mater, the airplane, the dog, or whatever it is Jason is playing with. This activity gets tiresome quickly for we parents because the toys do not talk back, and one-sided conversations are hard to carry on for a long time.
• When Uncle Mitch asked Jason what he was going to name his little brother, Jason said "Peter Pumpkin Eater." When Kyle gave Jason the option of naming little brother Peter Pumpkin Eater or Finn (as in Finn McMissile from Cars 2), Jason chose Finn.
• Costco is now a favorite place to visit because we all love the samples. 
• Jason LOVES looking at Christmas lights. Despite frigid temperatures, he likes to go on evening walks through the neighborhood to look at lights. 
• Pacifier use is restricted to nap time, bed time, and long car rides. Every time we get in the car Jason tells me "this is a long car ride" because he wants to bring his pacifier along.
• Jason is a total candy monster. I'm not sure he's ever experienced the feeling of having had enough candy. When I say candy, I'm not talking about chocolate; he loves hard candies and gummy candies.
• People still comment on Jason's red hair everywhere we go. We're lucky to have such a good-looking little boy.

Jason's Two-Year-Old Pictures

 We had Jason's two-year-old pictures taken back in September, and now I'm finally getting around to sharing them. Kyle's sister Melissa took them, and she did a great job. I just wish the subject would have been more cooperative. He was having way too much fun looking at anything but the camera.

Valerie's Wedding

Valerie married Sean back in January, but I just barely got the pictures, so here are my favorites. Jason was not very photogenic with me and Kyle, but at least we got Jason's bear in the picture.

 

Halloween 2011

When you look this good in a costume, why not wear it twice? Yes, Jason was a tiger again this year. We tried the costume on him and it still fit, although the sleeves and pants were on the short side. More importantly, Jason was super excited to be a tiger for Halloween. Why wouldn't he be when the costume compliments his hair so nicely, and he has a fantastic roar to go along with it.

Earlier in the day we joined up with Kyle at his work for a Halloween lunch. This was fun for us because we rarely visit Kyle at work since he works 30 minutes away.

Trick-or-treating was over-the-moon exciting. I took Jason around the neighborhood while Kyle answered our door. Jason and I joined up with our best friends, the Mayers. Jason and Elena were very cute and very enthusiastic participants. I had a lot of fun watching them. We hit a lot of houses because the weather was so nice-- I almost shed my sweatshirt.

 

 

I chose to let Jason devour his candy as quickly as possible since saving candy is absolute torture for him. I did make Jason eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but in between the meals was a constant sugar-fest. This strategy actually saved my sanity because it kept Jason entertained at home while we were in quarantine. Jason ate through all his candy in two days, and then he ate through our leftover candy over the next two days. He was very kind and shared most of his chocolate with me and Kyle since he prefers candy over the chocolate.

Jason is still asking to go trick-or-treating again. Once a year is not enough.

Happy Birthday Kyle

Dear Kyle,

I hope you had a happy birthday this year. Your birthday was a little more subdued than originally planned since Jason was sick. I think I received the best present of all because you took the day off not only to celebrate your birthday, but also to help me with Jason. And flu shots on your birthday are never that much fun, but it is nice to have them taken care of.

Curtis and Linda brought us Thai food take-out since we didn't want to leave Jason with a babysitter. I surprised you by making your favorite dessert: Turtle Cheesecake. Jason and I love you so much and we are grateful we got to celebrate another birthday with you. Thanks being such a kind, helpful, intelligent, and handsome husband and father.

Love always,

Me