Happenings...

It has been way too long since I posted, but so much has been going on. Here's the text-based recap. Pictures to follow...

1. Homecoming Week: which means CRAZINESS!! SGA was responsible for all activities, including a major prep rally, sweethearts, the dance, and games almost every day at school. The week was a blast, but I am exhausted. The highlight was probably school-wide musical chairs. It was so cool to see the students get so excited about playing and watch as the circle of 100 chairs was whittled down to one. Plus, it was my idea! :)

2. Second Thesis Submission: I turned in a beast of a story (well for me, anyways) on Monday. 43 pages. I had so much fun writing this one. I was playing around with voice and content, so we'll see how it goes. What's it about? Dinosaurs and breast milk...

3. Pre-Halloween: With Riley 2.5 now, holidays are so much fun to plan for and celebrate. This year, I decided to do something Halloweeny each weekend with her (and Adrian, too!). We painted a pumpkin and bought a costume together; we went to a farm for a hayride, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo with the King family; we made these spider cookies that were way too hard for her to make and almost way too hard for me to make, but fun and cute; we went to a trunk or treat and hayride at a local church (also with the King family!); and, of course, this coming weekend we are going trick-or-treating. I love having a reason to get all of my decorations out, too. I am hoping to get some good pictures of the kids in costumes this weekend, so I will be sure to post them!

4. Adrian has discovered his toes, and he is starting to sit-up a little bit more now. Hard to believe he is going to be five months old tomorrow. We think he is starting to teethe, but otherwise, he is still our super-smiley little guy! I love how he will look up at me and his whole face just lights up! Melts my heart every time. Riley wants to play with him more and more, and today she picked out his outfit. When he wakes up crying, she runs into his room to go talk to him. Cutest thing ever!

5. Or, the cutest thing ever might be cuddling with Riley before she goes to sleep at night. The other night, she spontaneously turned to me, gave me a kiss, and said, "I love you, Mommy." Of course, the next night, she brought her balloon sword into bed and started singing, "I poke Mommy in the face." Not sure about that one! Oh, and she told Shawn the other night to "Keep your hands to yourself." That was awesome!

Here's a list of her current likes and dislikes:

Likes: Cheese-its, the marshmallows from Lucky Charms, chicken nuggets, wearing socks, braids, rhyming , wearing her baby dino costume, sleeping in our bed, the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

Dislikes: Haunted houses (they had a little one at gymnastics that she was not a fan of), open doors in the house, going to bed/waking up.

I also just wanted to include a big shout-out to my brother Brendan. He's getting settled in the Big Apple with a sweet job and a cool Ikea-ized apartment with Libby. I am so proud of him! In my mind, he is always nine years old, and it is hard to believe he is on his own now, working and living in New York. I couldn't be happier for him. Libby is an awesome girl, and I am glad they found each other. I miss you, Brendino!!