Happy Halloween!

Grandma and Grandpa Holstein came to visit and spend the holiday with us. We went to a family festival in Lake Oswego and it was perfect for little Trick-or-Treaters. It really just gave us a reason (other than taking pictures) to get Baron dressed up. Here is Baron's debut after we dressed him in the car. He is curling his little nose. Nate likes to call him Mr. Facial because his expressions have been plentiful lately.
Baron left with a bucket full of treats. I am still not sure why a 9 month old needs these, but we managed to hand half of it out to our own Trick-or-Treaters later in the evening. The best treat he received was a toothbrush. He'll actually use that one!

Baron was very tired because he decided to skip a nap. This is the best smile we got out of him in his pumpkin suit. I am sure it had nothing to do with the fact that his Grandma was letting him taste cheese cake for the first time!

The family.

Back at home...Baron was checking out all of his goodies...

and screaming with excitement (or over exhaustion).

Baron's First Haircut

Baron's hair finally reached a point where I could no longer tuck it behind his ears to maintain his boyish look. I think my breaking point was when I thought I saw a mild "rat tail" while feeding him. We made our appointment at Little Clippers the next morning. It was a great experience and Baron was so good.
Here he is waiting in the awesome waiting area.
Checking himself out in the mirror after being buckled into his chair.

This was the best part. She started with the hair on his neck and we forgot to tell her how ticklish he is. He would scrunch his shoulders, fly foward and honk the little horn. It was hilarious.

"Hey mom and dad - I'm having a blast"

Exploring the buzz clippers...he wasn't too sure about it, but Kookie let him touch them and then he was fine.

The finishing touches which included a little gel.

Finished! His dad wanted his picture taken in the Blue Angel. I think he looks pretty cool!

Random moments in our crazy life...

I had to teach Baron how to lick the spoon today. Lucky for him we were making another batch of applesauce (this kid eats A LOT of applesauce!).

This is Nate's idea of getting Baron "bundled up" to go and get the mail...wrapping Baron's body with his coat and putting one of my hats on his head. Baron is getting really good at giving us "the look." Isn't he a little young for that??

In a split second...

In a split second Baron can pull himself to a stand...

and jump down just as quickly to come and attack the camera.

In a split second my tupperware drawer can go from organized to destroyed!

Ka-Boom!

I had just finished telling Nate that Baron was pulling himself to a stand on everything today when we turned around to see Baron standing by our TV (this was a first on this particular piece of furniture). He is also starting to gain confidence and let go. His confidence is quickly shattered when he crashes to the floor. My favorite way to react is to say "Ka-Boom" and it usually makes him giggle and keeps me from gasping and scaring him. As he pulled himself up on one object after another I noticed how much he has grown and I think that is why it has become so much easier to pull himself up on things like the couch and love seat.
Baron also had to show his dad another new trick that started today. As soon as I start singing the song "If your happy and you know it" Baron will clap his hands. It doesn't matter what he is doing - he just knows that is what he is supposed to do. It is so cute! We also discovered we don't have to say the correct words...it is just the tune of the song that makes him clap. Silly kid!

Connecting the dots...

It seems like the last couple of times I have left Baron home with his dad I return to find a picture on the camera that needs an explanation. Remember the picture of Baron outside on the patio? Well this is today's picture. When I left, he was wearing his pants. Nate has no clue how he got them off. I am particularly stunned because these pants have a tight waist that were actually a pain to get on and off all day for diaper changing. Apparently we were not given the set of eyes in the back of our heads when we became parents so this will remain a mystery.

On a different note - Baron climbed all the way up the stairs for the first time today. He does this little hop and then tucks both legs under his stomach. It is so cute, but it takes ALOT of energy. Good thing he has so much determination.

Family Time

Grandma and Grandpa Weber came on Friday for the weekend. We didn't pull the camera out until Sunday, but at least we got a few pictures. Grandpa particularly liked Baron's "farmer clothes" on Sunday.
We were so thankful they came to visit. Nate and I were able to go to a friends wedding on Saturday and we had a great time. Baron had a great time showing his Grandma and Grandpa how he plays at his own house.

After Grandma and Grandpa left, we decided to spend some quality family time...just the three of us. We carved Baron's first pumpkin. I LOVE to watch Baron do things for the first time. At times I find myself overwhelmed when I realize how much we have to teach him.

He really liked the top of the pumpkin. He crawled all over the hardwood floor and carried it with him. Every once in a while he would take a break, sit up and lick/bite the pumpkin.

He also helped me draw the face for his dad to carve (yes - he is holding a permanent marker - probably not my best decision as a parent). We didn't take any pictures of the finished product, but it turned out really cute.

The rain has started in Portland which means we find ourselves wanting to get out of the house, but we really have to go somewhere. Today's venture was to Home Depot. We didn't need to buy anything so we just explored. The Christmas isles were our favorite so we stopped and took a couple of pictures. We are willing to admit we can be a little dorky, but a picture like this one makes me realize that in no time we will have a child that will tell us how dorky we are!

Play Date

Baron spent some time with Espen, Grandma Janet (Espen's Grandma) and Ju-Ju (Espen's Aunt) while Heather and I ran to Target for some much needed girl time. Baron had a great time as he always does when he is with Espen. Even though there is a 4 year difference they sure play well together. It wouldn't be that way if it weren't for Espen's patience and gentleness with Baron. I hope that Baron is learning from him so that someday he is gentle with other babies like his cousin Clinton and the other two cousins (one 1st cousin and one 2nd cousin) that will both be here in May!!! Congrats Susie & Kevin and Jen & Tom! We are so happy for all of you because this parenting thing is a blast!

Cleaning

This is the quickest way to clean the high chair...

Goodmorning Mama!

I walked into Baron's room this morning and this is what I saw...YIKES!
I think he was just as surprised as I was.

Even Gus was confused...he usually kisses Baron's face when I put the rail down, but this morning all he got was Baron's hand.

Looks like it is time to drop the crib down another level.

Another adventure

I ran up the stairs tonight and left Baron downstairs with Nate. Baron was extra curious about where I went and started following me. He made it up 2 stairs! It was a struggle, but he is one determined little guy!

A weekend of sweetness!

We went to Quincy this weekend so Baron could meet his great Aunt Sandy. He instantly fell in love with her. Afterall - she is a grandma of another sweet little guy so she knew exactly how to make Baron happy!

This series of pictures cracks me up - they are two of a kind!

Baron even managed to get a BIG smooch before we left! It was SO GOOD to see you Aunt Sandy. We are so glad you came and we look forward to the next time.

While we were in Quincy we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see this little guy! Gosh he has grown.

He was very entertained by his cousin. Baron would do his usual song and dance and every once in a while we would catch Clinton...

doing this!

Can you feel the love pouring out of this next picture? Pure sweetness!

A trip to Quincy is never complete unless we doing something on the farm (he did wear his Carhartts all day on Saturday so that counts too).

We made it home on Sunday in time for dinner so Baron could play with his food. I am not sure he even knew the piece of food was stuck to his face.

9 months old!

Page Turner

It brings a smile to my face to see him turning the pages on his own now! My little book worm.

These pictures explain our day.

Let's just hope this rash goes away...soon!