Halloween 2008-Cummins style

For as long as we have been married, Jeff and I have celebrated Halloween simply by staying home and handing out candy-we always spring for the good stuff, all chocolate! Once the boys came into our lives, we knew that our tradition would eventually metamorphose as they became old enough to partake in the festivities. This is actually Jonah's 3rd Halloween. He was 3 mo. old during the first, and 15 mo. old for the second, while Brady was a mere 2 weeks old last year, during his first Halloween.

This year at the ages of 2 and 1, we decided to attempt a small sampling of the trick-0r-treating scene, with our own twist. Anyone who knows us well, knows that we have very strong feelings about sugar in our boys' diet.

I made prior arrangements with my father and two other family friends to visit their homes and have them give the boys small toys in lieu of candy (I found some fun stuff in the dollar bins at Target and drove them over to the houses earlier in the week). Jonah learned the phrase "trick or treat," but I don't think he quite grasped the whole concept. Getting them in and out of their car seats while they were in those thick outfits proved a hassle, but other than that it was fun-and different from what we were used to.

We made it back home in time to hand out our own candy to some trick-or-treaters, and Jonah and Brady enjoyed sitting on the floor examining their loot. They looked so cute all dressed up that Jeff and I got another brainstorm. We decided to start collecting costumes for the boys to play with on a daily basis. We both have extensive backgrounds in community theater and are eager to share our passion with the boys.

I went to Toys R Us on Saturday hoping to find discounted costumes, but 50% off wasn't enough of a markdown for me. I'm going to try again in a few days, when hopefully they'll be down to 75% off. Now that's a deal!

Elm O' Lantern

Being the great daddy that he is, and always thinking of his boys, Jeff decided that this year's pumpkin would take on the form of something recognizable to them. They love Elmo-so that was what he carved. The finished result was greeted with enthusiasm by Jonah, while Brady in turn took one look at the pumpkin and waved hello. It really did turn out well (as usual) and Jeff got several compliments from trick-or treaters.

Country Burro, City Burro

Usually, the most interesting thing I see when I drive down the street in our neighborhood, is some high school kid on his way to school in the latest crazy getup, which can only be the result of some adolescent rebellion ( I know-that comment makes me sound so old, I might as well be wearing false teeth and muttering "young whippersnappers!"). This is what I saw this morning as I left to run errands: two burros making breakfast out of a nearby lawn. Lucky thing I always keep my camera in my purse:) I knew that wild burros were up in the hills near our home because we often hear them at night, but I've never seen them around here before. Later that evening, I ran out again because I forgot milk at the store, and when I returned I noticed them settling in for the night on the front lawn of another house-there goes the neighborhood!

Appy Boothday Mommy!

I celebrated my 32ND birthday with the people I love most in the world. Funny, I didn't expect it to be much more than the usual hoopla that comes with the day, but in spite of myself I ended up doing a lot of thinking and reflecting. Prior to becoming a mother, I would have wanted to celebrate the day big and fun. Now, I am so happy and blessed that I have a high chair on either side of me as I sit at the restaurant (P.F Chang's this year-oh so delicious) and enjoy my birthday dinner. Earlier, when I shared with Jonah that it was my birthday, he processed the information with a somewhat perplexed look on his face. He looked behind, and then directly at me. I think he was probably wondering where the Elmo balloons were ( a much enjoyed treat at Brady's recent party). After a few pensive moments, he looked up at me with his sweet little face and said "appy boothday, mommy," and there it was-the ultimate birthday gift of the year. That was the moment that made the day special-and what I deduced from my moment of reflection is that children bring an indescribable happiness to life on a completely different level.

Tom's Farms Pumpkin Patch

We've had many events and celebrations this month, especially this last week of October, so it's a great time for Jeff to be off on vacation. This year, our annual pumpkin patch trip locale was Tom's Farms-chosen mainly because we love having lunch there. The burgers are out of this world, and during the week it's so nice and quiet. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful day. We found a table in the shade, but close to the pond and enjoyed our boys. Weekdays, the train and carousel are closed, but that didn't matter. After lunch, we walked over to the pumpkins where the boys each chose a little one, and Jeff chose the lucky pumpkin that he will turn into a Jack o' Lantern on Friday. Shhh-I think this year's theme is something special for the boys-stay tuned for pictures (Jeff carves AWESOME pumpkins-he should enter them into contests).

Two toddlers and a wedding

Yesterday, we headed to Pasadena City Hall (such a gorgeous venue) for my Cousin Desiree's wedding-with the boys (who were of course invited)! Prior to the event, I spent many moments in prayer about my two little ones, but my worries were unwarranted. They behaved beautifully. Any fussing or crying out during the ceremony didn't come from our section. Happily, my cousin's wedding really wasn't interrupted by too many other children, either. It was a lovely event, and we really had a great time. Congratulations Desiree, and Mike-welcome to the family! Thanks for including us in your special day.

A day of firsts for Brady

Although he was a little uneasy through much of it, Brady made it through his first haircut without a hitch. The end result was shocking. We had no idea just how long his hair had been. When Carmen took his curly locks, she also took his baby looks. He is just as adorable, if not more so, but where has our baby gone? Why is it that a shorter cut makes them look so old? After the trip to Monkey Dooz, we headed to Stride Rite for Brady's very own pair of shoes (up until now, he's been wearing gently used hand-me-downs from Jonah).

Reflections

Things I love about Brady:

1. has a smile for everyone

2. tries the impossible

3. shows special appreciation for solid foods (cheesy, grateful grin) as opposed to purees

4. Jonah is his favorite person

5. enjoys good company - will move his play area to the more populated room of the house

6. loves to laugh

7. highly inquisitive - loves to examine the contents of the trash can :)

8. can entertain himself - as long as it's off limits, he'll enjoy it for countless hours

9. is happy if Jonah is happy

10. knows what he wants

11. dances like Elvis (jerking leg motion in time to music)

12. loves to point

13. likes to be tickled

14. keeps me company in his high chair while I prepare meals

15. talks up a storm-car, uh-oh, fish, thank god, hi, dada, and lots of incoherent babbling

16. uses his mouth as a third hand

17. puts a hat on face first and then slowly slides it up

18. says uh-oh after he's done something on purpose, like drop a toy

Things I love about Jonah: 1. puts his toys away and in their place without being asked

2. misses his brother during Brady's morning nap, and asks about him

3. loves to make others laugh

4. he's sensitive and caring

5. big on gentle touches

6. has a sense of pride and accomplishment for the small tasks that he achieves

7. loves to applaud himself - besides mommy, daddy, grandma(ama), and uncle Mike he's his biggest fan

8. has the best manners for a two-year old - says: please, thank you, you're welcome, bless you, excuse me

9. always has a toy car with him-especially when watching the movie "Cars"

10. always says "good morning, good night, hello and goodbye"

11. often gets a "love burst" for his baby brother - a term Jeff and I coined while still dating

12. loves a good song to dance to - he even dances while sitting in his booster seat (he makes it work)

13. often caught with a book in his hand (born and bred to be a bookworm)

14. makes a big deal out of company - if you come to visit, he'll give you a welcome you won't forget

15. so friendly to his peers - he loves to smile and say hello (not a mean little bone in his body)

16. such a charmer and a ladies man - he especially goes for the older gals: watch out you preteens

17.sometimes affects a fake snore as he drifts off to sleep at naptime

18. has begun to sing on his own-twinkle, twinkle never sounded so sweet

19.will applaud a performance with great enthusiasm - if you have a speech to give or some other performance, he's the one you'd want to practice in front of

20. his imaginative play is really blossoming - puppy and turtle are having some great late night conversations

21. has an amazing memory

22. at only 2, his grammatical use of articles is phenomenal - although sometimes he thinks he's French (the other day, he didn't appreciate being left exposed in his pull-ups for too long and cried out "le pants, le pants!"

23.says uh-oh when something happens by accident

Who moved my (string) cheese?

Friends and family, keep us in your thoughts. The days that lay ahead for Jonah and Brady bring with them great change. Brady is making the leap from formula to milk, and we will soon begin weaning him from the bottle. Jonah is being encouraged to strengthen his skills in the usage of forks and spoons, and we are on the brink of more aggressive (perhaps that isn't the right word-consistent, continued...?) potty training with him as well. Fun times...

It's a toy, it's a snack, no...it's a blanket???

Ever since becoming mobile, Brady has made a wonderful little playmate for Jonah. They get along really well, and are very used to one another's company. Recently however, we have seen the beginnings of a little sibling rivalry over my special blanket. You know the one. We all have it. It stays slung over our couches, and we snuggle underneath it when we are watching TV in the evenings. It keeps us comfy year round (even in the summer, when the house is a little chilly from having run the air conditioner). Mine happens to be beige and made of chenille-it's quite soft and I am very fond of it. Somehow, our boys have gotten it into their heads, that they are the rightful owners of the blanket. Each loves it for different reasons. Brady, like his mommy loves to cuddle with something soft. Jonah enjoys using it as a tent. Many a day, they have played tug-of-war with it in an attempt to claim what they each feel is theirs. They've even taken to snatching it off of me when I am using it! It's a little trying at times, but I figure better a blanket when they're toddlers, than a girl when they are in high school or college!