Happy Halloween!

A few shots of the little black kitty at his buddy Owen's 1st birthday party in Franklin Park. The little green and yellow scarecrow sitting next to him is his nanny-share buddy Ascher. We didn't make it out trick-or-treating (and only got 2 measly visits at our house) but Maceo did get to show-off his costume before bedtime to the neighbors.

Maceo's Latest Trick

In the last several weeks, Maceo has discovered that he can get lots of attention by standing in his crib, screaming and bouncing up and down on the mattress like he is in a trampoline-exercise class. These photos were taken when I put him in the crib to contain him briefly as we were getting ready to head out the door. The photos below document the range of emotions that carry him through this act. Unfortunately, this routine is now a daily part of bedtime and is exclusively focused on crying with gusto.

Riding the "Moo-Train"

In addition to hayrides and a corn maze, the Pumpkin Patch at Sauvie's Island boasted a clever "train" assembled from oil cans on wheels being towed by a tractor. Initially by mom said she wasn't interested in riding, but once convinced it's unclear who had more fun - Grandmama or Maceo. The ride was a LOT bumpier than I anticipated and I feared Maceo would start to cry. Despite trying to stand for a portion of the ride, he did not seem in the least bit fearful and really got into the spirit of the ride - waving at all onlookers - by the end.

Our Little Pumpkin

Maceo posing with the Pumpkins at Sauvie's Island in Portland.

Random Shots

Below are some different shots of Maceo
1) Getting ready for "work" in his leg-warmers (made by Grandmama) and plastic chicken purse. This is a classic. My friend Neema claims Maceo will want this destroyed as soon as he can express his opinion in words.
2) Mesmerized by the fiddler at the Portland Farmer's Market.
3) A contemplative face on the playground - a change from the endless smiles.

Mobile Uploads

I need to find a good chunk of time to do some serious blog updating as the fall is starting to get away from us. In the meantime, below are some recent photos taken on my mobile phone. Maceo and I were in Portland visiting Grandmama Martha the week before last. Below are some photos that highlight the bounty of the Northwest-the best farmer's markets ever.

Walking Around the Lake

Frolicking in the Grass

More photos from the weekend in NH. As you can see, we were shameless in our attempts to use the picturesque backdrop to our advantage. We are contemplating selling the scenic shots to Sears Portrait Studios. Doesn't it just look like we pulled down the screen?

Getting Down to Business

The Apple of my Eye

Last weekend we returned to Hancock, New Hampshire to pick apples with Maceo, Grandpa Bob and a local friend. Not only did the orchard provide a nice backdrop for some classic New England photos, but Maceo discovered a love for fresh apples (up until now he has been eating apple sauce). Once he got started, there was no stopping him!

Since this discovery, we have been putting him in his high chair during dinner and giving him a cored and peeled half-apple to work on. In about 15 minutes, he is able to use his three little teeth efficiently enough to whittle down the full half apple into about an eighth the size of the initial offering (at which point he starts to either finger-paint with the remains or rub them into his hair).

Try, try, try again!

If at first you don't succeed...

Couldn't Resist

Columbus Day Weekend 2010

Below is a little "tickler" of some pretty fabulous photos that were taken this weekend in New Hampshire. Unbelievable weather, incredible fall colors and a baby that is all smiles. My dedicated blog followers will note that on this very weekend last year I was bursting at the seams pregnant (or so I thought...I still had more than a month and a half to go) and we were marking the holiday in New Hampshire with my mom and Uncle Steve. This time it was Grandparents Bob and Judy.