Baby's First Halloween

Mimi got this onesie for him, and I thought it was sufficient in the way of a costume. We sure didn't go anywhere tonight (except when I went to school), and we're not doing any trick-or-treating yet. He was very, very active when we took these pictures, and it was definitely a team effort just trying to get a recognizable photo and keep Paul from snatching the camera. We managed to get some really good photos, and I think they show the kind of mood he was in today.

Happy Paul

Sometimes all I can do is marvel at what a sweet and happy baby Paul is. He is bright and fun and even has his own little sense of humor. I love him so much it hurts a little.

Paul's First Snow

Paul had his 6 month check up today and on the way home it snowed! It seems a little early for all that, but I'm not from around here... It works out that I finished his jacket today. Here he wearing the jacket I made and he's holding his new book, "Noisy Farm Animals". I don't know if it's a nation-wide thing or just Maine, but he gets a new book at each check up. I really like that.

Sippy Cup

Today was the third time we've tried to give Paul the sippy cup. I only started giving it to him because I heard that it's a good idea to get them used to it early, but not to expect them to actually use it until later. The first time he held it but didn't understand how to drink from it. The second time he drank from it like a champ, but wouldn't hold it. I didn't really expect that he'd understand or be interested in using it all by himself so soon, but this time he figured out how to hold it, tip it up and drink from it! I shouldn't be surprised because this kid wants to do everything himself! Here's the video:

Great Bay 5K

Today was the race. The weather was great for a run (low 50s I think), although some sunshine would have been nice. It didn't rain though, and it was cool and dry. I knew when we were taking these photos that I would be red. After looking at the pix though, it seems I was purple.

It was a big day for me. It's been six months and four days since Paul was born (calendar-wise anyway), and I was able to run a 5K! Ryan pushed Paul, which was great because it freed me up to concentrate on running. Since it has only been six months my goal was just to finish without walking any of it. I not only achieved my goal, but I'm pretty sure I've had later finishing times during previous races. Heather, my friend and Stroller Strides instructor, ran with me and we finished together. I got a little choked up as I crossed the finish line, just thinking about this past year and being pregnant, and giving birth, and starting to get back into shape. I'm really proud of myself, and the example I'm setting for my family.

I know today's entry isn't really about Paul, but I'm glad I did this and that he was there. From what Ryan said, Paul was great during the run (he's definitely used to being in his stroller). I'm just so happy that we were able to go do this as a family.

It's Getting Cold

It's starting to get pretty cold. I made Paul a hat and some reversible fleece pants, and I'm working on the matching jacket. I also have material for another hat. I made the hat he's wearing in this picture.

Paul finally got "peekaboo" today. I've tried it with him a couple of times in the past few weeks, and when I covered my face with a blanket or anything else he just looked away. Today though, I was putting a turtleneck sweater on and said, "where's Paul? Where did he go?" and when I popped my head through I said, "peekaboo!" and he started laughing like crazy. I tried to get it on video later, but he gets really distracted by the camera. Hopefully in the next few days I'll remember to get the camera when he's less distractable.

Ready for His Close-up

He's getting close to figuring out how to go from laying on his tummy to sitting up. He's in the middle stage now where he lays and plays on his side. He reminds me a little of George Castanza in Seinfeld when Kramer takes his photo for the 1-hr photo lady.

Paul at a Wedding

Pauly the Alligator

Bumbo and Blocks

Today I got this toy set of colorful blocks that he can sort into the right hole. Right now he knows that the round one goes into his mouth, and the triangle goes into his mouth, and the star... well, you get the picture. I also got him this "Bumbo" that helps him sit up better by himself.

Paul Grants and Interview

I could listen to Paul's voice all day. Well, except when he's sleeping that's mostly what I do.

Paul and Seamus share some common interests, like the outdoors.

Scooting

Ok, so I haven't really been so "daily" with my posts, but I'm trying. Anyhow, here's today's:

Paul is really scooting around now. If he sees something he wants across the room he'll go get it. This afternoon I got his bottle ready and put it on the floor next to me. He scooted right up when he saw it. It's awesome.

Kancamagus, aka Kangamangas

We drove up to North Conway, New Hampshire today. We mosied up the Kancamagus (everyone here pronounces is "Kangamangus") for awhile, which is an extremely popular scenic byway during leaf-peeping season. It was definitely beautiful. These next few weeks will probably be the peak of the leafiness. Paul was great during the drive, and we stopped at a park and let Paul scoot/commando crawl around and we put him in the swing for a bit. Altogether it was a really lovely day, and now Paul is rested and in a great mood and bouncing off the walls.

Fall Leaves

I know I've been remiss in my blog-duty for the past two days. Hopefully the awesomeness of the pictures I took today at stroller strides will help make up for it.

This last one is my favorite. Despite his grunting protests, I did not let him shove that handful of leaves into his mouth.

Paul in a Cart

I went to JoAnn's Fabric to get some winter clothing patterns for Paul. I put him in the sling, but he got pretty restless and I had my hands full, so I put him in the cart for the first time! He sits up very well, and there was a safety strap, so in he went. I was still nervous and pretty much kept a hand on him the whole time. I also ended up covering the front of the cart with his sling to keep any yuck from the cart off his hands. He loved it, so now I'll start bringing his cart seat cover on our adventures.

Gnawing and Drumming

Paul found the Rock Band game drumsticks today. Ryan helped him play with them... i.e. bang them without getting hurt or trying to eat them. He also chewed on some more stuff today. That's still his primary pastime.

 

Apple Picking

We went apple picking today. The weather was cool, crisp, and lovely. Paul was really great all day, and I think he enjoyed being outdoors. He wore one of the beautiful sweaters Grandma made him. I think the photo of him in the pumpkin wagon is perfect! It occurred to Ryan and me that he's got the pacifier in his mouth though... at least it's a realistic representation. Maybe we'll have to go back next weekend and take one without the nuk.

Daddy Time

Paul always lights up when Ryan comes home. It's helpful because he starts to get a little cranky at the end of the day, and Dad coming home refreshes him. I'm sure seeing a face other than mine helps; by the end of the day he's probably a little tired of me. It's nice too because Ryan hangs out with Paul while I make dinner, and everyone's happy.

Paul is still teething, as you can see in the video. His first tooth is just under the surface. I bet it'll be popping through within the next two weeks - by the end of October for sure.

 

Reading

I try to read to Paul. He usually just ends up grabbing the book and gnawing on it, which is fine. For some reason (I'm sure it's the babies' faces) he really loves this book. He's fixated on it. I put it down on the carpet and since it's slick it slid around every time he touched it. Basically he scooted around after it on his bedroom floor until bedtime. Pretty cute. Maybe someday I'll read books to him before bed, but for now I guess he can just chase his books around.