Happy Halloween

Tonight, despite being a sick little man, we headed out for some Trick-or-Treating. We only made it to two places, but that's OK. Maybe we will try again tomorrow night. We headed out to my Dad's to see Madeline in her costume that her Mom made for her. She won 1st place at St. Mary's Mission Carnival.

This is the only smile we could get out of Vampire Jayden all night. Grandpa had a lot to contribute to that one!

Little Vampire Jayden wouldn't let me paint his face white, but he did let me color his hair. He looked pretty cute in his outfit that Grandma Nieves made for him.

Our second stop and final stop of the night was at Nanny's house. Lilly, Ellee, and Emlyn were all there modeling their costumes. Lilly was Tinker Bell, Emlyn was a witch, and Ellee was a princess. Jayden didn't want to take a picture with them. He was tired and ready to go.

Our Sick Little Boy

Poor little Jayden had to make another visit to the doctor's office today, but this time it wasn't for a well baby check. After spending last night awake from 11:30 pm to 2:00 am, two doses of Tylenol, and a lot of crying, Grandma Nieves took Jayden to the doctor this morning. Hoping for nothing, Dr. Murray found a very red right ear with fluid and a start of a red ear on the left side. Poor baby is on his second round of antibiotics in two months. I sure hope he isn't following in his Dad's footsteps with all of these ear infections. Poor guy just looked miserable today. I am hoping for a speedy recovery and hopefully not too much pain for him over the weekend. He sure threw our weekend plans for a whirl.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Jayden is pretty wild at times.....he must get this from his daddy. He loves to get into cabinets and play with whatever he can get his hands on, no matter what it is. At least spaghetti noodles aren't expensive or too messy. Jayden had a ball spilling these all over the floor and it took me forever to get them all cleaned up.

Do you wonder why his shirt is wet?? That is because he likes to take a drink and spit it out. Hmmm. What's next? Whatever it is, we are ready.

The New Fireplace

Jayden helping Daddy decide where to install our new fireplace.

Jayden got into some drywall mud tonight. It was ALL over.

Christmas came a little early this year for Aaron and I. When you get to a certain age, there just isn't much you need from Santa unless it is for your house. So, Aaron and I decided that a fireplace would be the best choice for our Christmas present from our parents. Not only does the fire place add to our house, but it will also help heat our house when winter comes. Of course, now that it is installed it is 80 degrees outside, but that didn't stop us from firing it up last night. Next is the stone work and then it will be finished. I am looking forward to hanging our stocking from the mantle this Christmas. Thank you to all those who contributed to our early Christmas present. We love it! Speaking of Christmas.....2 months and counting! Yikes!

15 months old!!

Jayden is 15 months old today! On Wednesday, he had to visit Dr. Murray for his routine well-baby check.

1. Jayden only weighs 21 lbs and 4 oz which is down from his last month weight and is 31 inches long. He is the 14% percentile for weight and 48% in height.
2.Size 4 diaper and 18-24 month clothes.
3. Jayden loves to run...everywhere! I suppose that is one factor that contributed to his weight decrease.
4. Favorite toy is by far a ball. Everything is called a ball, especially pumpkins!
5. He is still on Step 2 formula, water, and apple juice. He doesn't care for much else than those 3 choices.
6. He loves food! Mac N Cheese, pasta pick-ups, spaghetti, lasagna, and cheeseburgers just to name a few.
7. Still at 6 teeth!!
8. Jayden is in love with playing outside. He could stay outside forever. I am not sure what we are going to do this winter when we are stuck indoors more often than not.
9. Sleeping continues to be consistent. He sleeps from 7:45 to 6:35 each day. On some weekends, he sleeps until 8. I still wake him up each morning to head to the sitters. I think he is simply worn out by the end of the week and needs a little more rest. He takes great naps during the day with the sitter. He usually sleeps two hours a day.
10. Jayden continues to surprise us with his "words". Everything is a "ball" and jibber jabber is constant. It is so much fun watching him change all the time.

Happy 15 month birthday, Jayden! We love you!

Almost 15 months old

I took Jayden out to my Dad's tonight for some fall pictures. The old red wagon full of pumpkins made the perfect place to take pictures. It was a huge challenge to get Jayden to sit for more than 2 seconds, but he had an audience of people making funny faces so it worked out really well. These are just a few of the plethora I took!

3 years and counting....

Just a few flashbacks to our wedding day three years ago. What a great day!

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Today we took a fall road trip to Arthur, IL and met the Sitko family at the Great Pumpkin Patch. There was a lot to do and a lot to see. We stayed there for a good three hours before heading back home. The weather, which hit around 82 degrees, was very untypical for October, but it was much better than a freezing cold day. Jayden loved seeing all of the pumpkin "balls" all over the patch. He loved the corn and hay maze as well as the animals. This place will be our traditional fall patch to visit. If you are ever in need of a short weekend getaway in the fall, this is the place to go. Don't forget to stop by the bakery on your way out. The treats are phenomenal! Jayden and I with the big thing!

They found their way out of the corn maze!

Riding in the wagon he got for his birthday. I loved the top because the sun was shining today and it kept it off of him.

Running in the mini-maze! He only got caught in one dead end. Not too bad for a 1 year old.

How tall this fall? Looks like Jayden is around 31 inches tall. I wonder how much he will grow when we go back next year?

Indian Knoll Pumpkin Patch

Not too far from home is Indian Knoll pumpkin patch. We stopped by for a visit. Jayden loved all the pumpkins because he thought they were all balls. He really wouldn't stay in one place for a picture, but he did love the ladder.

Fall Decorations

Tonight I had some time to do some crafts while dinner was cooking. When Aaron and I took Jayden outside to take a picture with them he ran inside and shut the door. We got his attention through the window so we could take his picture. He thought it was so funny! We are going to be in big trouble when he learns how to lock the doors!

Yum, yum!

After a weekend full of eating out, it was time for some home cooked meals. We generally eat our on Friday and Saturday night, but not every meal! When I was at the doctor's office last week I saw an awesome recipe for homemade pizza in Family Circle so I had to go buy this issue. There are so many great treats in this edition that I am considering subscribing. Here is my yummy dinner we enjoyed on Sunday night. The boys loved it! Up next, spiderweb cookies!

Football Practice

On Sunday afternoon Jayden and I headed outside to get some fresh air and practice his football skills. It is never to early to learn about the game of football! We practiced hiking the football and running in for a touchdown.

He practiced being the quarterback and looking for the perfect player to pass to. All he had was Mia on the other side, but she wasn't much help.

We also had to practice running after the football in case of a turnover. You never know when that will happen!

Then Mia got way too excited and Jayden got scared! Good thing Daddy came outside so he had somewhere to hide!

After going down the slide, he was all better. With football still in hand, he was ready for some more practice. Pretty scary to think in four more years, he will be playing in full pads. Maybe we should just practice basketball---I think it is a bit more safe!

Taylorville Fire Department Open House

This weekend TFD had their annual open house. Jayden, Susan, and I headed over for a little bit so Jayden could have his first ride in a fire truck. He wasn't too excited about it, but I think he will love to take a ride next year. He also let the firefighter hold him for 5 seconds before getting upset. We are lucky to have such great neighbors across the street!

Jayden was checking out all of the gadgets in the truck, but he didn't touch a thing!

Thanks to Nana for taking our picture by the big, red fire truck!