Oscar Loves Bananas

Oscar's First Halloween!!

Oscar was Superman this year, his first year, for Halloween. My mom gave him this outfit, which is actually pajamas and a size 2T, when he was born last year. I choose it as his first Halloween costume because it was free and completely adorable with the cape. The "free" part played a major factor because I was not going to spend $25-$50 dollars for a costume he was going to wear for an hour (in reality: 30 minutes).

So, on Saturday we went to the Town Square, which does a trick-or-treating from 3-6pm at all the stores. Oscar's first store was Coldwater Creek and he was very confused when we told him he could reach into this giant bowl of candy. I think he thought we were setting him up. The next store however he reached in and pulled out a pack of Twizzlers. He was really excited because the wrapping made a great sound. The next few stores he was too enamored with his Twizzlers to care about the other bowls of candy.

We then went to a clothing store that was giving out sheets of stickers. He grabbed the sheet and was very happy- now both hands were full! We tried to take either item out of his hand so he could pick up something else at the next stop, but he had a baby grip on them that no on could pry open. We went to a few other stores and after Chris got all the Snickers he wanted we were able to leave.

So we were done! Happy baby! Happy parents! It only took 30 minutes for a successful first Halloween experience.

Morning Playtime with Mr. Quaker

I do not know why anyone spends money on children's toys. They are always more interested in the things that you have in your home. Case in point: Oscar and his Quaker Oats container that mommy gave him two weeks ago. He plays with it more than any other toy in the house. He puts toys in it, dumps them out, talks into it, chews on it.......

So anyone looking for ideas should give him things like a shoebox.

Little Sweet Peas

Fall Festival

We went to the town square for the annual Fall Festival and PTA Pumpkin Sale. Oscar & Parker looked so cute walking and falling amongst the many, many pumpkins in square. Pam took these great pictures of the boys while we were picking out our pumpkins. It was a gorgeous weekend, the kind of fall weather you wish it was everyday right now.

"BA-LL"

Oscar said his first word on last Thursday. We were playing with his favorite blue and green ball, and I said, "Oscar, ball, ball."

Oscar: "ba"

Jessica: "ball, ball Oscar?"

Oscar: "Ba-ll"

Jessica to Chris: "I think I am hearing things, I think he just said ball."

Jessica to Oscar: "Ball, ball Oscar."

Oscar: "Ba-ll"

He just said his first word! Now he says ball and goes right to it whenever we say "Oscar where is your ball?" Chris is busy teaching him his other toys like duck, turtle, etc.

Fall Hike to Phelps Lake

While the men (Chris and Matt) went hunting on Friday and Saturday, Pam, Parker, Oscar, and I went on a hike to Phelps Lake in GTNP. It was a beautiful day, and the trail was highlighted with all the fall leaves. Oscar and Parker had a great time, although Oscar missed half of the hike sleeping in the backpack. (You cannot put Oscar in a stroller, bike trailer, or backpack without him falling asleep.) On the way home from the hike we saw a great surprise on the side of the road- a momma black bear and her baby cub walking along the beautiful fall leaves. Sometimes it takes these moments for me to remember how special of a place our family is blessed to call home.

Oscar Hot, Oscar Cold, Oscar is Nine Months Old

Swimming with Oscar Part Deux

Our first swimming trip was documented in The Next Swimming Olympian in June, but this time we took it to the next level- water slide. There is a small water powered slide in the children's pool and we took Oscar on probably 80 turns. (The amount has nothing to do with the fact that Oscar's mom is apparently a water slide junkie.)

This trip was much better because Oscar was more into swimming than the first experience which lasted all of 20-30 minutes. Also his friend Parker Gotham was there, so he had a partner in crime, their crime being absolute cuteness in their swim trunks. (thanks Val)

Did I mention there is also a two story water slide there for adults? Oscar cannot go down that one, but I ventured over there a couple times, maybe 20.

It was a great way to pass a rainy, grey, cold Sunday afternoon in September. Also I had made tortilla soup earlier, so after swimming we dried off and the Gothams came over for dinner. The day turned out wonderful which was great because the morning forecast just seemed like a boring day inside.

Oscar and Parker

We went to the Gotham's on Sunday for a wonderful dinner and to see each other after past weeks of busy schedules. It is crazy how fast these boys are growing up, and how fast they are moving....

Oscar and Parker playing with magnets on the freezer.

Parker showing Oscar how to slide down the stairs.

Oscar going up the stairs.

This Little Piggy Went To..... a Race?

Oscar's school participated in a community fundraiser this past weekend. The school gave all of the children white piggy banks to paint and decorate. The object of this was to teach them how to save money and give it to a worthy cause. Oscar's class decorated theirs with finger paint, and by looking at his, this child is nothing short of genius.
Oscar's class had an extra piggy bank, and the teacher sent it home with Chris. Not to be out done by his genius son, Chris decided to take his piggy to the next level- a racing piggy.

Who's piggy do you like best? Vote in the comments section.

One Berry, Two Berry, Pick Me a Blueberry

We go to the Farmer's Market every Saturday to get produce, fresh breads, and meat. Oscar has a habit of charming vendors into giving him apples, plums, berries, etc to eat. Every week he eats the fruit that has been given to him, so we buy more. On Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, we try to feed him the fruit we bought. He then spits it out at us like we are feeding him the worst things he has ever eaten. How is it just a couple of hours ago we could not feed him fast enough, and now he is looking at us like we are crazy?

So for awhile I completely gave up, and then Pam fed him some blueberries she had bought. He ate probably 25 of them while we were standing around the market. Since I love blueberries, I gave in and bought him a pint. Of course, I expected the usual "Are you crazy?" look to accompany these unmagical blueberries later in the day. Oscar, however, is always full of surprises....

He Loves Blueberries! He ate the whole pint by Thursday. I honestly do not know if he will eat the next pint I buy.... but that is what is so amazing about Oscar, he is always toying with our minds.

Oscar on the Move

Oscar is moving- he crawls, pulls up, stands, almost walks......
He is getting around really easily and at speeds where we almost cannot keep up.
This video will also show two things:
1. Chris' new haircut. I accidentally shaved his head when I thought the guard was on the clippers and then had to even it out. (I know, I know)
2. Jessica's trademark move in for a close up. Just call me Mrs. De Mille.

Afternoon with George

Hiking We Will Go

On Sunday (9.6.2009) after church and a nap, we went on a hike to Goodwin Lake in the Gros Ventre Range. The Mahoods (Ken, Ginny, Emily, Julia, Maria, & Gabriella) and the Owens (Chris & Anna) joined us. The hike is about 5.5 miles round trip through the forest which borders a canyon. A beautiful, sunny day accompanied us and it was a wonderful time to catch up with friends and enjoy God's gorgeous nature in Jackson.

That's One Step for Oscar.... One Giant Worry for Mom & Dad

Oscar attempted to walk yesterday by taking a couple of steps and standing without the couch's help. He is only 8 1/2 months old!!!! I am glad we have put up the gates! I am going to have to finish all the cabinet locks- STAT!

My friend says her life got easier when her baby started to walk. Hmmm, I think life is about to change, not sure it is going to get easier.