California Visit

In October, I went to California to visit my family. We went to the Pumpkin patch. It has been many years since I have been to a California Pumpkin Patch-I will admit-it was a bit strange-it was 90 degrees and very, very dry. I was in shorts, a tank and flip-flops. Just a bit different from the Hood River trip Brian and I took the previous week!

This is my sister and her son, J.P. The two boy are 9 months apart. Very fun to watch them grow together. Wish we weren't so far apart (geographically). Since Russell was such a great companion on the flight and in the airport (this was my first solo airplane trip without Brian and with Russell), I just might do it again soon!
The two cousins swinging in the park by my parent's house. Russell's first swing ride-ever! He seemed a bit unsure...
All the cousins! (Left to right) J.P., Tucker, EmmaJoe, and Russell. (Notice Russell's head is the "Chief Hog" character. Rather appropriately named!)
Russell cruising in his stroller at the Pumpkin Patch.
This is Russell with his cousin Tucker. Tucker was born (6 "ish") weeks after Russell. He is the son of my dear cousin LauraJane who more like a sister to me than a cousin. For those of you who came to my baby shower, she was the pregnant one who surprised me all the way from California! I just love her!!

7 Months and 2 Teeth

Here is my handsome Russell. As I write this, he is rounding out 7 months old and heading into 8 months. Oh. My. Goodness! When!? I know everyone warned me it goes so quickly, but I didn't believe it. Brian and I love this little boy more than we though possible and very, very thankful for his health. Amazing answer to prayer he is. 'Nough said.

A sighting

Our big boy is growing up! 6 months old and he spouted his first tooth this week. Rather certain it was happening during a doctor appointment we were at for me. I was that mom for the first time. Yup screaming child. Nothing, yes nothing made him happy. I found myself apologizing, embarrassed, and promising, "he is usually a very agreeable baby. I have no idea what is going on. I promise, next time he will be better."

By the time I finally saw the doctor (new doctor for me) I was just praying he would send me away with some physical therapy for my foot problems and I would never have to return to his office with my unruly child. Nope. Not so much. Looks like I will be back. Again and again---more surgery for me. Seriously? Hopefully we can wait until after the New Year..... and after Russell has all of his teeth!

Hood River Fruit Loop

Brian and I have gone to Hood River every October since we started dating in 2003. So we decided to continue the tradition and introduce Russell. It was an entirely different experience this year with a 6 month old. But a good kind of different. For one, we tried a new stop on the loop and we sampled some unpasteurized pear and apple ciders. Couldn't have done that last year! We never took pictures of outings. This year we had a the perfect person to take pictures of--Russell!

Getting There

It has been a slow start for me to get into the groove of fall. So I thought I would use my cute pumpkin as inspiration! I usually love autumn and all of its festivities, I just am finding myself not quite there...yet....but getting there.

I am sipping the first cider of this season as I write this. Brian is at his back to school night. We have our Fruit Loop Tour on the calendar and our corn maize date on the calendar. So I guess all is as it should be. These are all traditions Brian and I have taken part in since we started dating in 2003. So we must continue and introduce Russell!

Just Russell

Just some pictures of Russell from this summer. He is growing into a personality all his own. It is such a joy to watch. I can't help but be a proud mama!

California Grandparents

My parents came to visit Mr. Russell a couple weeks ago. Perfect timing...I was recovering from having my gallbladder removed. It was nice to have extra help around the house. Russell was excited to see his grandparents, too. It had been 7 weeks since they saw him last. He has changed so much since then. They were excited to see his new milestones in person.

This is the other Barry in Russell's life. My dad. I thought this was such a sweet picture. My dad is already teaching Russell the ways of the world--and Russell is listening!