October Feats and Treats!

October was a great month at the Weaver house.  The cooler weather was welcomed with almost daily walks, trips to the park, a visit to my dad and of course Halloween!

For those who know me quite intimately, I have been held back by an old anxiety for many years.  It is something I have been deeply embarrassed by and have tried to hide at all costs.  It is something that has held me back and driven a number of choices we have made, always trying to accommodate my ridiculous problem. After a car accident back in college, I subsequently suffered a severe panic attack driving home for Thanksgiving.  That single panic attack resulted in years of fear over driving alone on road trips and on the interstate.  Slowly, I got over the interstate considering I lived in Houston, but stayed within my little box and never ventured far.  Long story short, this month I decided I had to get past it to be the best example to my kids and the healthiest, most able mom possible.  I drove, five hours, to my dad's new beautiful lake house at Lake Sam Rayburn!!

His girls...

So happy to swing!

David LOVED the boat ride!

...and the swing!

David's look alike, Uncle Pat!

Wind blown...

It did not come without anxiety, but my dad and his wife were kind enough to meet me half way, mainly to help with the kids and I DID IT!  I must say, I am proud of myself.  If you only knew the internal stuggle that has gone on inside of me and the shame I have felt because of this, you would know that this is huge for me.  It is a step in the right direction and while I still feel quite a bit of fear about driving the unknown, I know I can conquer it.  Two weeks later, Margo and I drove to Houston.  I am officially no longer imprisoned by my driving issue and I feel so much freer, AMEN!

Halloween was great!  Margo selected a Raggedy Ann costume over all of the other fancy costumes in Chasing Firefly.  I think it fit her personality perfectly and I was so delighted that she picked something wholesome and innocent instead of the typical character, princess or fairy.  She looked like a real live doll and I had so much fun helping her dress up.  She was equally excited by her adorable costume!

GiGi carving pumpkins!

Daddy concentrating on his carving skills!

She went to school on Halloween and had a little costume parade that I shortly attended because the moment she saw me, enormous tears erupted.  I quickly hugged her and snuck out before I caused any additional stress.  My mother-in-law was visiting that week, which was a huge help as always and I know she enjoyed experiencing Halloween with kids, but we missed our annual trick-or-treating with my sister's family.  The weather was too bad to travel and we drove up to Houston the next day. 

...and then she saw mama!

That night Cary and I took her around our neighborhood which was wonderful.  Every single family was out, mostly with young children, and it was a beautiful, clear night.  Margo was not as shy as I expected and quickly got into the swing of things.  She sweetly chimed "trick-or-treat" at every doorstep and was so excited about her growing bucket of candy!  We covered about 2.5 blocks and then grabbed GiGi for a few stops so she could join in the fun as well. 

David slept through the doorbell and Halloween traffic like a baby and was none the wiser for it.  He donned his cute little Halloween jammies, but I decided against a costume, thinking it just wasn't necessary for one photo op... although Raggedy Ann AND Andy would have been adorable! Another year of Halloween memories were made and it is special moments like these that make being a parent especially fun!  I find my serious self acting like a kid again over excitement for all the fun that awaits our kids. 

Month Eight was oh' so Great!

David's eighth month has been tons of fun!  In milestones, he cut his first two bottom teeth and sits up beautifully, without any props or assistance.  He also started saying, "mama" especially when he is crying or upset.  "Dada" was his next new word and Cary is thrilled of course.  Last but not least, just one day shy of his nine month birthday, David started saying "GoGo" for Margo.  Now all the family members are covered and his little voice is so sweet and surprisingly more masculine than his sister's.

Eight Months of Heaven

David is loving finger foods!  Puffs are an absolute favorite and he has tried some shredded meat, bread, and the biggest hit is French fries.  I could have never imagined feeding fries to my eight month old three years ago.  Unfortunately, solids are not particularly agreeing with David.  While his reflux seems remarkably improved, he is having worse symptoms of gas and is experience discomfort all too often.  His pediatrician is concerned about possible allergies and wants to take caution in introducing any other new foods without an expert opinion, so he will be seeing a gastroenterologist this month.

Weight:  18 lbs. 7 oz. = 40%
Height:  28 inches = 27%

David is getting up on all fours and rocking like crazy with tons of forward motion.  He is so close to crawling, but not quite there.  He loves to be on the floor and always wants what his sister has which is quickly proving to be a challenge.  Margo takes it in stride most of the time, and I am already trying to teach them both the concept of sharing and taking turns.  The small items have been moved to her room and she knows to play with them with the door closed since his room is right across the way and he is capable of getting there. 

Playing Peek-A-Boo with Margo

Playing in David's Crib

Playing in Margo's Bed

Our darling boy is the sweetest, smiliest thing!  He always has to be fidgeting with something and I love the way he holds his arm under me and strokes my side under my arm when I feed him.  He LOVES his daddy and has even reached out for him (something Margo would have never done at this age) and loves to hold onto his goatee.  The sight of Margo is pure excitement for David.  He adores her and is fascinated with everything she does.  He laughs hysterically when she sings and dances and he thinks it is hilarious when she cries, LOL!  As soon as she enters the room, he lights up and kicks his legs in excitement, it is so heart warming to watch.  Margo is going through a bit of a jealous phase right now, so I wish the feelings were reciprocated, but I know they will be eventually. 

David thinks it is funny when I use my electric toothbrush and loves to spin around and dance with me.  Bath time is a favorite, especially since he has graduated to a much bigger bath tub and he can sit and play.  Getting out of the bath is a completely different story, crying like you would not believe.  He does not like to be cold or to get dressed. 

He is much more independent than Margo, I guess because he has to be.  I know this is a good thing, but I constantly find myself feeling guilty that I cannot spend more one-on-one time with him, reading, playing music and teaching--all things I was so diligent about with Margo.  He is happy and smart though and is a bright and shining light in our world.  Not so long ago, I could have never imagined that I could love another child so incredibly much and that I would be so full of joy because of him.  My cup overfloweth and we love our boy more than words can say.