Pumpkin Patch 2009

Bubeaner's first trip to a pumpkin patch was scheduled long ago. It was the only weekend we were free, and, of course, it also coincided with this cold and rainy front. We were not deterred and headed out with a bundled up Bubeaner. The pumpkin patch was not too far away.

Not so sure about the safety of the wagon.

We were pretty early (one of the advantages of an early mass) and got there before it was too crowded. This allowed us to get a good parking spot away from most of the muddy mess. Bubeaner started showing some unease about this new adventure when we placed him in one of the red wagons provided. He immediately braced against one side and held on to the other side.

Bubeaner flirted a little with some of the other visitors.

He soon was able to relax and enjoy the field littered with pumpkins and all the fun little gadgets, decorations and other "silly stuff" as described by Dad. He also enjoyed people-watching and a little flirting too. The boy will be a danger when he gets older. He even got his photograph taken by a couple of women because he looked so cute.

Our beautiful boy flashing a gorgeous smile

We took the obligatory pumpkin patch pictures and picked out two large pumpkins (Momma and Dad) and a little one (Bubeaner) and headed out. Bubeaner's patience was running out by this time probably due to the cold weather. We loved our experience at the pumpkin patch and imagine that next year it will not be as sedate once Bubeaner can walk/run around.

Bubeaner was getting a little tired

On the drive home we saw some Flying Tatanka! Ok, so they were not flying but that was only because we were watching them as Bito would have explained to us. Bubeaner was already asleep and did not get to see them. Aunt Pau and Momma made plans to take him back at a later time to see the Great Flying Tatanka. It's almost a rite of passage in our family.

Relaxing with a warm bottle watching a little football
after the busy morning.

Going Greek

It still surprises us how cold is has been lately. Today was down right chilly. The rain, though greatly appreciated, makes it feel even worse. For some reason the cold weather made us all crave Greek food. We couldn't figure out the connection. It just sounded good.

Extremely fussy Bubeaner

Bubeaner is usually great when we are out. But for some reason today he was just being a little pill. He was not happy with the food. He was not happy with the stroller. He was just not happy. And then he actually started making a scene! He cried and "talked" back (screamed) at us. Aunt Pau, Momma and Dad were stunned. He has never before thrown a tantrum in public. Hopefully, this will not be the start of a new habit.

How absolutely ADORABLE does he look?

The food was pretty delicious. And Bubeaner eventually settled enough to eat some too. Although he did continue to give us dirty looks with an occasional outburst of anger. It probably did not help his mood that we thought it only made him look cuter. He also appeared to resent the video we attempted to take of his outbursts.

These were taken a couple of days ago.
He actually left the hat on without messing with it.

Driving Duties

Dad went back to work today for half a day. Momma and Bubeaner drove Dad to and from work since it is a a long drive even without traffic. And also because we did not want Dad to over do it and try to stay later trying to catch up on things he couldn't work on from home the last 4 weeks.

Bubeaner enjoyed playing with Candy and Debbie

Bubeaner and Momma decided to stay in the area. It takes an hour one-way to get there. Dad was only staying for 4 hours. It just seemed easier to stay in the area and act like tourists. We stopped at an outdoor shopping center to walk around with Bubeaner in his new stroller. Even though it was cold and drizzling, the stroller's weather gear kept him toasty and dry. Bubeaner appeared to enjoy the people watching and even a little of the shopping. He now has a few thick sweaters to get us through the first cold/hot season changes, a couple more pants and an awesome golfer hat. Bubeaner looks adorable. Although, the hat is a size 3T-4T. There is no denying the Haltom genes.

Bubeaner eating by himself

Bubeaner enjoyed spending some time at Dad's office later in the afternoon. He sported his new hat to great reviews. And although Dad had seen no need for a chauffeur, he really appreciated it by the end of the day. He was surprised at how exhausted he was after only a few hours at the office. He appreciated sitting back and relaxing with Bubeaner rather than having to drive. Tomorrow he is going back for 6 hours. We hope he does not over do it.

Bubeaner practicing walking on his own
with a new walker-type toy

Another Tuesday

Bubeaner is getting used to his new chair. He's also learned which ways to move to reach things on the table. We have to be extremely careful with what is left within his grasp.

Momma turned to get his meal
and Bubeaner had reached for the croissant.

We switched television programing providers. Today was installation day for the new provider. The technician did an amazing job. He was very thorough making sure everything was properly done, fixing issues created by the previous provider's technicians, and explaining everything to us. The only problem was we were also adding a television with service to the nursery. This meant Bubeaner could not take his morning and afternoon naps in his crib. Bubeaner was not phased by it. He just napped in his play area.

Morning nap amongst his toys

The best thing about napping in the play area?
You can go back to playing right after you wake up!

We placed the Pack-N-Play mattress in the play area for the afternoon nap.
We thought it would be more comfortable.
Bubeaner preferred the foam mats.

Manic Monday

We woke up to a beautiful, though a little humid, morning. We took a nice leisurely walk around the neighborhood with Dad. Ok, it would have been leisurely if the dogs had cooperated. We still managed to enjoy it. We are going to miss going on morning walks with Dad once he goes back to work later this week. We are trying not to focus on that at the moment.

"Why won't Momma stop taking pictures

and get me my food."

Both Dad and Bubeaner are morning people and require a solid breakfast. A family breakfast has also become a daily ritual since Dad's been home. For Bubeaner it entails a (ADULT) portion of oatmeal (NOT baby cereal) with some type of buttered bread and a juice. Sometimes we add fruit. Although, mainly he finishes everything and then demands a portion of Momma's oatmeal too. Bubeaner really is a little piggy which is why we were so surprised he was not heavier. Bita did remind us he may have inherited his Bito and uncle Ivan's metabolism. Oh, lucky boy!

"I love my juice."

We all headed off to see Bruce, Dad's barber for the last 9 years, in the late morning. He also took care of Grandpa John while he lived with us. Bruce will give Bubeaner his first haircut once he finally needs one. Bubeaner enjoyed the little visit. He was intrigued by what Bruce was doing to Dad. He also felt comfortable enough to walk around while holding on to Momma. Dad envisions "boys time" in the future when they will both go get their hair cut and probably have lunch on their own.

Playing with the fountains at uncle Jeff's office.

We then had lunch with uncle Jeff and then stopped by his office since we were in that part of town. Bubeaner really enjoyed the water fountains in the lobby. We will have to keep an eye on him when he is older near the fountains but for now he enjoyed just watching the water.

"Momma don't make me work.

I am to young to be working in the office."

Late in the evening, before Bubeaner's dinner and bedtime, we headed off to the store with aunt Pau to look for an outfit. He did not appear to mind to much shopping with the girls.

"Oh brother! Another picture.
Does Momma not get tired of taking them?"

Eating at Home

One of the many errands from yesterday was getting Bubeaner a big boy stroller and high chair.  He had been using his Bumb0 for meal times.  And it has worked great until now since it can be placed anywhere.  However, Bubeaner is getting older, and we believe meal times are important family bonding times.  So he now has his own chair at the dining room table.  

Enjoying some cheeri0s 

while Momma assembles his highchair.

This by itself is a huge step for our family since most family meals are shared while catching up on the latest news and TV shows in our living room.  But we have made a commitment to actually use our table every time we eat together.  (Now, we may also need a commitment to actually eat every meal at home too, but we are taking small steps.)

First time using his new high chair.

Hmm, this does not bode well for meal times. 

We worried a little since Bubeaner did not enjoy sitting in his chair the first time.  In fact, he screamed and cried and fussed.  However, he soon calmed down.  There are few Bubeaner problems that food does not resolve or at least make better. 

And maybe it was the excitement of trying new things out but Bubeaner refused to take his afternoon nap.  This made for an entertaining dinner time.  He struggled and fought to stay awake while he ate.  He was unsuccessful.  And it was hilarious!  His head would sway from side to side; he would actually fall asleep while he was chewing; and, at one point, he nodded off into a spoon full of mashed veggies.  And, unfortunately for Bubeaner, it's all on tape!  Family dinner time is already a bonding experience.

Sleepy boy waiting for dinner.

Nodding off while still trying to eat.

What happened the moment we got up to clear the table.

Partying Bubeaner

We had quite an eventful day today.  It started early in the morning.  As we were getting ready we heard a "bump, bump, bump" sound coming from the kitchen.  Bubeaner discovered how to open and close the kitchen cabinets.  He was amused by the movement.  He could not reach anything in the cabinets.  He was not pleased when Momma removed him from the kitchen and denied him further access.  

"This doesn't look that interesting.

Why does Momma keep opening this cabinet?

There is no food here."

We spent the early afternoon running errands with Dad.  The rainy cold weather made added a degree of difficulty to our schedule.  We were so busy Bubeaner had to take his afternoon nap in his car seat.  We are so blessed that he will take naps in his car seat!  And he really needed to take his nap because he had a party today: his first ever party!  His friend Wyatt was celebrating his 1st birthday.  

Bubeaner and Wyatt Playing

We had been trying unsuccessfully to get these boys together for an entire year.  And they hit it off.  Bubeaner usually does not enjoy being around other children.  At Gymb0ree, he deals with other babies but does not interact with any of the kids.  Wyatt was different.  They were playing with the same toys without any problems.  And, not only were they sharing toys, but Bubeaner started following Wyatt's lead.  Wyatt is walking, and suddenly, Bubeaner decided to stand by himself without holding on to anything!  It only lasted 15-20 seconds but it was great.  And when he needed support, he held on to Wyatt.  It was adorable.  

All toys underwent a thorough inspection 

by our dedicated team of investigators

The only drawback to attending the party was that Bubeaner was too excited to sleep.  We did make an exception and allowed him to stay up a little longer.  

Exercising and Attitude

We are getting close to Dad returning to work at the office.  He spends most of this day working in his home office, but it's nice knowing he's at home.  And Bubeaner enjoys interrupting him by slamming his walker into the door to open it.  He has grown so close to his father.  He wants to be around him at all times doing what he's doing.  He will trail him up and down the hallway whenever Dad steps out of the office.  Bubeaner is going to really miss all this time together.

Giving Momma some 'tude.

This has become more common in recent days.

  We believe it's called "spoiled."

The new Bubeaner's gated play area (now know as Bubeaner's Corner) is working out great.  He enjoys spending time playing with his toys alone.  This allows Momma time to run around and clean/cook/fold laundry and all the many other things moms do during the day.  Momma and Dad do spend time in Bubeaner's Corner too playing with him and  working on crawling, walking and even learning our colors.  However, we have discovered, through careful observation, that most of the progress has occurred during his alone play time.  This is probably because no one is there to "help" him out so he has to figure out how to do it himself.  Watching him learn and discover new things fills us with wonder.  We can spend all day just observing him playing, sleeping, eating.  It's our favorite past time, next to loving on him.

Bubeaner standing up to reach the desired toy.

One of his favorite activities in his play area is to stand up on his own.  This is great, however, he does not have great balance control so he has had a few falls.  Thankfully, the foam is soft.  But we are going to have to cover the walls too since he has fallen forward a few times too.  He'll soon have his own padded room.  Oh, the things we do to our children.

"Why is the toy I want always at the bottom?"

Thursdays at Play

Bubeaner and Momma left a little later than usual to pick up aunt Raquel and cousin Nathanael for church group this morning.  It's harder to get up and going on time in the mornings now that Dad's at home.  He still gets up early, but not as early as when he leaves for the office.  In any case, group was a little trying today.  Bubeaner, though mobile in his walker and comfortable with all the ladies, wanted  Momma close at arm's reach, literally.  Momma spent a good deal of the morning on the floor where Bubeaner could reach out and touch her.  It was unclear why he was so needy, but Momma did not complain since Bubeaner requested hugs (he extends his arms out) several times.  Momma is a sucker for Bubeaner hugs.  

"How did Momma get the cheeri0s in here?"

And we had potluck lunch afterwards with all the grandmothers.  Even Bubeaner appreciated the long table set up with all kinds of delicious dishes and casseroles.  The grandmothers were thrilled that Bubeaner was also able to partake of the meal.  Of course, this led to a competition to see what the precious (and spoiled) baby chose to eat.  Momma stressed out a little not wanting to insult anyone; but Bubeaner graciously played up to the extra attention he was receiving and charmed everyone.  In the end, no hurt feelings and very happy tummies.

"Momma, you know you can't resist this face."

One of the latest challenges is how to keep Bubeaner entertained with educational/stimulating activities.  While Dad napped Momma gave Bubeaner several several plastic containers in different sizes with cheeri0s.  He enjoyed hearing the sounds made by the cheeri0s and liked watching them move as he moved the container.  He was also forced to exercise his finger dexterity while trying to open them.  Momma was pretty proud of finding this activity until she remembered watching zoologist doing similar things with polar bears to keep them entertained!  We are still determining if this a positive thing or not.

Climbing Mt. Dadsuvius.

Dad's not allowed to pick him up, but they have found other ways to play.

Bubeaner is too heavy, and too active, for Dad to safely pick him up and hold him during play time.  However, he discovered he can lay on the floor in Bubeaner's corner (the new gated play area) and interact with him without hurting himself or worrying about Bubeaner.  Bubeaner enjoyed climbing up and down Dad as well as showing Dad all his toys.  Dad also took this opportunity to show him the fist bump.  Apparently, it's a must-know for boys.

It's Already Wednesday?!?

The morning started with a post-op visit with Dad's doctor.  Everything looks great and is improving as expected!  He is now allowed to drive as long as he is careful with not twisting or making sudden movements.  Dad was anxious to get back to the office immediately (he's been working from home), but the doctor insisted on another week at home after which he can go back for half days.  

Bubeaner's new play area

Afterwards, Momma and Bubeaner headed off to Gymb0ree.  We arrived pretty early to give Bubeaner time to adjust to his surroundings.  He was interacting well with the instructors and staff.  But when the babies showed up he became moody and clung to Momma.  He did not even want to participate in any of the activities.  Bubeaner actually cried at one point.  The only part he liked was playing with the bubbles.  But that was at the end and he was sitting on Momma's lap.  This is probably normal behavior since his only real interaction with other babies has been at the Gymb0ree classes.  We imagine that things will improve with time.

He was so busy taking every toy out 

that he did not even notice the gate

During nap time, Momma finally mastered the play yard gate.  The gate is now up and actually quite sturdy!  The area looks empty but that will not last long.  More importantly, Bubeaner will be in a secured area with soft foam mats on the floor.  He was in there are soon as he woke up.  He did not even notice the gate at all!  He was enthralled with the concept of being able to play with ALL of his toys at once.  Usually, he is only allowed 1-2 toys at a time.  But as long as we put away all the toys at the end of every play time, there really should not be any harm with allowing him access to his toy box.  Right?  He played nonstop during dinner preparations without once fussing or asking for attention.  The excitement of playing so much left us with a tired Bubeaner.  He actually went to sleep on time without problems!

"I think I can see the bottom"

Dad and Bubeaner are both enjoying spending so much time together.  And Dad has taken this time to teach Bubeaner some important words of wisdom he may find useful in the future.  Bubeaner now says "whoa" and "no".  And surprisingly, he uses them correctly usually when referring to Momma's activities/actions.  Momma is taking the new editorial comments in stride.  Bubeaner now also uses "bah" for when something is gone/finished and "sta" (probably for "ahi esta") when we play peekaboo.

Busy Tuesday

Tuesday we canceled our original plans to visit the hospice office and drop by to visit aunt AA/uncle  Gary.  Bubeaner has been getting into more things as he is more mobile and a trip to the store for child-proofing gadgets was desperately needed.  It is quite amazing the number of gadgets in the market.  We got a few basic ones to cover our immediate needs and then a couple of other ones to try out.  Child-proofing can get expensive!

"Oh, Dad, you are so funny thinking I am going to cooperate"

Of course it did not help that we found several preemie outfits (on sale!) for Bubeaner to donate to his old NICU.  It is amazing to us to see the difference in those outfits and the ones he wears now and then to remember that at first the preemie outfits were big on him!  God is good!  

We also got him a couple of spill-proof sippy cups with straws.  YAY!  Bubeaner loved them.  He started using them as soon as they were washed.  It's good to have a way he can drink water when thirsty now that he is not nursing much at all.

Is he getting sleepy, finally?

And what trip to the baby store can be complete without some new outfits?  Although in fact, we have not had to buy much clothing for Bubeaner since he was born.  His adoring and loving fans keep him well stocked.  But every once in a while we just see a must have item.  He now has two more long-sleeve dress shirts, dark dress jeans, and cool suede loafers; he needed new clothes for church.  (That is our story and we are sticking to it.)  He also got a new pair of house shoes since he's outgrown his other ones.

At home, Momma spent the afternoon and most of the evening attempting to put up the play yard, which, of course, did not end up lining up with the studs.  On the bright side, we have now mastered the use of toggle bolts (without damaging the walls).  This was a trial run, however, since the measurements were off by <1/8".

"Hmm, what other things can I do to stay awake?"

The really challenging part of the night was at the end.  Bubeaner refused to go to sleep.  And we have been weak not letting him cry it out.  But it's so hard to ignore him when he is laughing and giggling and talking.  We know this is a problem of our own making.  We finally tried to start him off in our bed while we read.  The goal was to transfer him to his crib once he was asleep.  It did not work out that way.  By the time he fell asleep we were too leery of moving and waking him up.  Bubeaner won.  When he did finally fall asleep he was holding on to Dad.  Bubeaner has gotten extremely close to Dad in the last week.  He is really enjoying seeing him so much during the day.  It will be hard for him, for both of them, when Dad needs to return to work.

Finally! Blissful Silence

Amusing Monday

Monday started with our regular routine despite the fact that Grandma and Dad were both at home.  Before noon Momma, Bubeaner and aunt Pau dropped off Grandma at the airport.  It's a good thing Bubeaner does not yet recognize what the airport is or what it means to drop Grandma off.  This will not be such an easy manoeuvre later.  

Silly Grinning Bubeaner

We then headed off to watch a CloudyWithAChanceOfMeatballs in 3D.  Bubeaner stayed awake this time probably because it was animated.  For a while he sat in between Pau and Momma watching the movie.  Next week we hope to catch a double feature in 3D of the ToyStory.  Bubeaner will probably also stay awake during that showing.

Walking Cowboys fan showing off his new shoes

Bubeaner slept during our grocery trip after the movies probably since he skipped his nap in favor of watching the movie.   Of course, since we forgot our grocery list, we ended up not getting half the items we needed.  We'll just have to get them next week.

Dad had originally hoped to watch the game with his son but Bubeaner was asleep and in his crib by kick off.  It will be some years before they can really watch a night game together.

Flying Bubeaner with his aunt after leaving the theater

Sleepless Sunday

We had another episode of flying Bubeaner.  Although this one was more of a rolling-off-the-bed incident.  He was having what appeared like nightmares last night and started crying at midnight.  We finally gave up and moved him to our bed.  If he joins us on the bed we place him in the middle.  But because of concerns about him kicking or punching Dad's incision site, he slept on Momma's bed.  At one point early in the morning, Bubeaner decided to roll over.... and Momma did not catch him in time.  Thankfully, our bed is so low to the ground (less than a foot) that he just ended up kneeling.  We just don't know what to do if this continues.  He won't sleep and we are, obviously, so exhausted that it's not safe for him to sleep with us.  

Bubeaner after a not-so-healthy, but oh-so-good, snack of 0re0s

In any case, we overslept and missed church... even aunt Pau's service.  As you can imagine the rest of the day was spent resting.  We did entertain ourselves some by playing with Bubeaner's hair.  It's just so easy to style it!

Might it be assumed Bubeaner was a tad bit hungry?

(Notice the cool mohawk he is sporting?)

Grandma Ellen returns home tomorrow.  It's been nice having the extra help with Bubeaner especially with his new nighttime routine.  Bubeaner is going to miss the extra attention.  But before Grandma left, Bubeaner decided to show his latests move.  He can now go from kneeling/crawling to standing up.  And he is enjoying "climbing" anything.  Getting him dressed is now more challenging as Grandma found out at night.

Reading Pat The Bunny with Grandma Ellen.

Cuddling while having his nighttime bottle

Games and Resting

Our days have followed the same routine lately:  we are staying close to home and resting.  It is still mind-boggling to remember that Dad had back surgery just a few days ago.  He is doing a good job recuperating.  We have had to remind him to take it easy and not over do it.  (He worked for a while this evening, but he promised to keep it short.)  The last thing we want is for him to re-injure himself right now.  He is still pretty slow when sitting up/down and getting up/down, but that is pretty normal.  

"Momma, I'm bored...."

We have been enjoying some good family naps.  They have been needed by all (Dad because his body is still healing and Momma/Bubeaner because of Bubeaner's new early, EARLY, wake up routine).  Bubeaner was a little bit difficult last night.  In fact, he was a little pill.  

What happens when parents are worn out:

we gave him a Maria Cookie to stop him from crying.

Thankfully, Grandma and aunt Pau were on hand to assist with feeding and bath/bed time rituals.  Not sleeping through the night has zapped our energy.

Bubeaner-Dragon sighting