Happy Halloween!

First event is already over - Nino and his school had a parade. It was rockin'. Now I love him going to a big old public school, they get totally into it. My niece's school doesn't even reference halloween. They won't even read books about Jack O Lanterns.

When I dropped him off this morning, halloween music was playing over the PA system (outside too!), the principal was a lion, every kid was in costume, and Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty are teaching today. I just love it.

Look at this adorable, erm, scary, bat! One of his ears doesn't stand up quite right. We'll work on it before tOt.

Only my child would ask to see a picture of a house with a waterfall in it. And when I show it to him (fallingwater), he asks to go there some time. And I say "okay". No big whoop. I've been there like ten times, what's one more?

I'm just heartbroken for two strangers.

While waiting for a car repair, I met Mary. She was saying something to me about how hard she finds it to make decisions, like about her car battery, without her husband. And not that she is a pushover, but just emotionally knowing she couldn't run it by anyone. He died a month ago from Alzheimers. And her son has kidney cancer that's running through his whole 41-year-young body.

Then in walks newlywed, new homeowner lady, who was shopping online for her new house. Her 58 year old mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers two years ago, and she already has forgotten how to eat and speak.

I actually cried driving away. And then called my mom.

Today, I got everything done (four slings out, vacuum the main floor, try to kill some worms, go to gym) early so I went to the mall. I kind of hate the mall, but there's this smallish mall nearby that has gymboree and the children's place, and I had $100 american express gift cheque. Did you know that they give you cash? So $21 at gymbo, $14 at the cp, $3 at dunk's, and $62 in my wallet. Woohoo. And I suppose I've started christmas shopping. Each child has a new outfit now.

I am also on a quest to find a case to put my ipod mini in while I exercise that keeps it on my person somehow. Damn having a discontinued ipod size.

Today we found a cup with milk in it under Nino's bed. It stank. When I say stank, I mean that I had to open windows, put rose water on all the lightbulbs, run the dishwasher with baking soda, twice, and several candles are still burning. Anyway, at the peak, he came in and told me it smelled like hippopotamus. I about died. He clarified, saying sea water, which was kind of true (in the worst possible low tide way) but hippo is funnier.

He has also already put in a request to Santa for a SpiderMan spin brush. Now, looking at the ad, I see a fire truck and space man as well. I'm sure Santa will be able to find one.

Babygirl is one (and 2 days, now). Internet connection was royally effed up, and the technician told us it was a big fix. Turns out he's a moron and we're fine.

Annnyway, she's now up to 17 lb 13 oz (that's the 6%, so she's not forward facing any time soon), 29" long (48%) and has a 97% head. According to the doc, that's part of the reason she's likely not walking. She pulls up but doesn't want to get that melon going too fast, it'll take a girl down hard. Several younger babies in the waiting room had pounds on us. But the doctor cited a new study linking large head size to higher IQ. Of course.

Meanwhile, big brother is thriving at school. Has a zillion friends, is pooped every afternoon, comes home with more artwork than eight fridges could handle, it's all good. Teachers are really good at working with what he gets and what he doesn't. I love when they tell me about little parts of him that I know and love too.

Underpants on the head

Apparently they're a "helmet".

Anyway, I know for sure of two things for birthday/christmas for the big boy. A scooter, and Blueberries for Sal. We are definitely abusing the library's renewal policy.

And did you see the girl's ticker above? That's four days from now. Such a big girl.

Eating play doh for medicinal purposes

Sometimes I want to give my blog a silly/quirky name like that. So today I'll use it. Today M was under the table, chewing mostly dried up orange/pink/red/yellow playdoh lumps, among other things.

Went to the attic and the ghost shirt is in hand. As well as a really cute other halloween outfit. No vest but we'll deal.

Firstly, if you would go up in to the attic and find the black spooky ghost shirt in size 18 months, that'd rock. I have photos of Nino wearing it but your guess is as good as mine, as far as location.

Secondly, while you're up there, can you find the green fleece vest in similar size? Thanks.

Thirdly, thank you to the bank for setting us up with overdraft that directly charges to our credit card. And for erasing two overdraft charges. It is not my fault. I leave $500 in our account for unforseen buffer. If you are going to write a $600 check on the 29th of any month, please check.

Remind me what a great thing journalling does for my waistline. 7 days in a row writing every morsel down, 2.2 lb. Direct relation, no doubt. Even when at least 4 days start with cider donuts.

Working on keeping the house clean. I feel like it's starting to spiral away from me, and we haven't even had a single speck of interest yet. Two active kids is just too much. Little Miss is now standing up, pulling up, and occasionally letting go. I've been counting on her walking as late as her brother, which leaves me 3 more months. She doesn't seem to know of this plan. I'll work on that.

Lots of apples at home, what with 2 trips to Cider Hill Farm under our belt. Lots more to come, one more trip this weekend. Come over next week for apple pie okay?

Congratulations Kate and welcome Boston! He's just a beautiful completion to your family.