Halloween

Marcus' first Halloween was filled with all kinds of spooky fun! Okay, well, it wasn't really that spooky, but we had a ton of fun.

First was our pumpkin carving extravaganza. With all those pumpkins that we had, there was lots of carving to do. Every year we do elaborate jack-o-lanterns and this year was no exception. Since we had four big pumpkins, there was lots of carving.

This year was Toy-Story themed with Woody and Buzz. Daddy was super proud of these.

Then there was our annual Halloween Family Photo on our front porch.

Then it was time to dress up for Trick-or-Treating. Marcus was our little chunky monkey.

We went around to our neighbors' houses to get some goodies. Marcus didn't know what to make of all the kids running from door to door. It was dark, and as far as he was concerned, it was time for bed!

Our four pumpkins turned out pretty cool...but after all that work Mommy and Daddy decided that next year we are just doing two!!!!

Finger Foods

I just wanted to document the first time I gave Marcus some finger foods. Puffs and yummy and melt in the mouth, but Marcus mostly liked pushing them around. I know that won't last long.

Mail Time

Marcus enjoyed opening this Halloween card from Grandma and Grandpa Kuder. What is it about paper that babies just love?

Lexington's Preschool Halloween Parade

Today we went to Lexington's annual Halloween Parade for preschoolers. It is mostly just an excuse to get the kids to dress up in their cute little costumes and walk around the Battle Green, but they seem to enjoy it. Marcus was looking especially charming in his monkey outfit.

He's a Mama's Boy!

Marcus just loves to show off his cuteness for the camera...and of course I eat it up!

7 Months Old

Where has time gone? My little baby has turned into a chubby little guy in the blink of an eye. Not only his he growing too fast, but he fills my heart with so much love I feel like it could explode sometimes. When I tell people he's an absolute angel, I really do mean it. There isn't much that makes him upset. He chills and smiles all the time. He loves to watch Owen. And he always gives Mommy hugs. I would say he's 100% perfect, except for the fact that he still doesn't sleep though the night. We'll get there. In the meantime we'll continue to enjoy our awesome little guy.

7 Month Milestones:

• Sitting up on his own.
• Responds to his name.
• Shows evidence of memory, especially familiar people.
• Responds to his own reflection in the mirror with a huge smile.
• Showing a bit of interest in books.
• Laughs and expresses delight.
  

Fall Photo Shoot

Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day so I decided to quit work early and get the boys for a little fall photo shoot at the Minuteman Park in Concord. While the conditions were beautiful, Marcus was a bit hungry so getting him to look at me and smile for the camera seemed next to impossible. This was the best shot that I was able to grab.

Then I put him in a pile of leaves and he was very curious about the crinkly things.

Then the hunger took over and he gave the leaves a taste!

Amongst the leaves.

The Pumpkin Patch

Today we took a trip to a local farm to pick out our Halloween pumpkins. Marcus seemed to enjoy all the craziness and we scoured the pumpkin patch for the best ones.

Brian decided that he should do the "All You Can Carry" deal where we loaded up all our selections in his arms and he had to walk 10 yards without dropping them. He managed with no problem and so we got all our pumpkins for $20 bucks. After all was said and done I think he regretted not trying to do more!

Then we had a nice little hayride around the farm. Marcus enjoyed it, though he doesn't look all that pleased to be getting his picture taken with Mommy!

Spooky Cuteness

Marcus barely squeezes into these skeleton PJs, but I had fun posing him with a sugar pumpkin that we bought right before I cooked it.

What a Sweetie

Marcus just makes my heart melt like nothing else!

Happy Birthday, Mommy

I celebrated my 35th birthday with my favorite boys. Marcus was so captivated by the birthday candles...good thing there wasn't actually 35 candles on that cake or we would have burnt down the house!!!

Yikes!

Marcus took his first ride in a grocery cart...which didn't exactly start out great. Once he got moving around he was much happier!

Feeding Marcus

Ever since Marcus has started eating solids, Owen has been there every step of the way. Marcus is so patient and allows Owen to feed him. Not a lot of food makes it in his mouth, but they both have fun trying.

Off the Charts Cute!

Today Marcus got poked and probed by Dr. Palant for his 6 month checkup. He did great and got a glowing review on his progress.

Here are his stats:
Weight 21 lbs (off the charts)
Height 26 inches (80th percentile)

Apple Picking

We had so much fun at Shelburne Farm last year, that we decided to go there again this year.
There was lots of fun stuff for kids and we had a wonderful day to enjoy it all.

This was the first time that we carried Marcus around in the backpack carrier. He has gotten too heavy for the Baby Bjorn, but the backpack was perfect for him. He loved it.

All the excitement was a bit tiring, so while we were scouring trees for apple, Marcus decided to take a little snooze!

A little family photo among the apple orchard.

We ended the day with a climb to the top of the haystack.

Sitting Up!!!

Marcus is finally sitting up on his own. We have been practicing a lot lately and he has really found his balance so sitting all alone is lasting more like 30 seconds instead of 3!!! He seems very proud when sitting all by himself.