Happy Halloween!

What's all this fuss about Halloween?
Why do I have to dress up in a silly costume and go door to door...

FOR CANDY!!!
Let's go!!

Our little pirate popping a squat on the lawn and checking out her loot!

Being sneaky...

I bet there is more candy in here!!

Exhausted from trick or treating, or sugar crash?

Halloween was so much fun this year!
We went to a few houses and E loved getting to pick out her candy and pet our neighbors dogs.
And, she really enjoyed helping answer our door and greet all the trick or treat-ers.
One young one in a doggie costume got an extra treat...a sweet hug from Emily.
Happy Halloween!

Mini-Me

A Mini-Daddy:
1. Daredevil
2. Outgoing and personable
3. Fan of spicy food
4. Loves to talk on the phone
5. Thinks redneck humor is funny

A Mini-Mommy:
1. Sudden screeching outbursts
2. Delightfully mischievous
3. Bossy and sassy
4. Big fan of sweets
5. Loves to go shopping

It's a tie:
1. Stubborn
2. Smart
3. Super cute
4. Uber lovable

All E:
1. Passion for dance and literature
2. Busybody
3. Early bird and happy morning person
4. Loves babies and kitties
5. Major Ham

Pirate Raid

The most swashbuckling, fearsome lady pirate raided the Leander Methodist Pumpkin Patch.

The lady pirate thinks the pumpkin is a football.

Making her get-a-way with her booty!

PS: Can you believe this was the same little ghoul last year??

Worldless Wednesday:Moustache

Halloween That Could Have Been

Emily was to be a garden gnome for Halloween.
How awesome is that?!
We are taking advantage of these first few years when she really doesn't care what she'll dress up as. We are dressing her up in the most ridiculous disguises now, knowing that it will be all fairies and princesses to come.
BTW, last year's runner up was a whoopie cushion and this year, had she been a boy, she would have been the UPS man.

So, the gnome costume came in yesterday and I couldn't wait to try it on.

E doing her gnome gig.

Checking out her nifty flower pocket.
Whoa! That is a lot of leg!

Costume minus the hat and booties...because they were too small!!
Sadly, this dress barely passes dress code, and the pies de resistance accessories don't fit...we had to go to the non-existent Plan B for Halloween.

After almost an hour in the spooky Halloween store, we finally settled on a costume.
It's ok, but no gnome.
But, the truth is she will be frighteningly adorable no matter what she is.

Horses, Dolphins and Whales! Oh My!

In the spirit of Columbus Day, we decided to discover a whole new world...
Sea World!!
Here are some of our pics!

We all had a blast!
Feeding and petting the dolphins was fun!
The Shamu show was awesome!
But, I think E's favorite part of the day was getting to run up by the stage and dance to
"The Monster Mash" with all of her Sesame Street Pals!!

So Much for Chinese Water Torture

I am not a big fan of spanking.
Not that I judge those parents that use it as a discipline method; it is just not for me.
Time out and stern explanations have been very effective up until recently.
Emily's new hobby: torturing the Max Cat.
Not torturing in the "early signs of a serial killer" way, but by pulling his tail, ripping out his fur and yanking on his whiskers.
This cat has the patience of Job with E.
He takes it, barely fighting back.
Oh believe me, he takes it out on the adults around, but knows not to hurt the baby.

Removing her from the situation and telling her "no" was not working.
Enter the spray bottle.
I had read that spraying water can be an effective form of discipline, especially during temper tantrums.
It seemed like a good non-violent method to try.
And it worked wonders with the cat.
I tried it twice and it worked.
E ceased the torture and quickly got involved doing something else.
No crying, no fussing, no hurt feelings.
(Well, The Mommy's feelings were a little hurt. It is one thing to spray the cat, but the baby?!)

Then E got a hold of the spray bottle and started spraying herself and laughing with glee.
I think she likes the slicked back look.

What am I going to do with this little cat assassin?

15 Month Check Up

Weight: 22.4 lbs (40th%)

Height: 33.75"

She is beyond the 100th percentile here, thus making her the tallest baby in the United States.

Miss Emily was so awesome during her assessment.

She didn't flinch when the doctor checked her ears,

and didn't make a peep when she listened to her heart and lungs.

Dr. M was very impressed with E's developing genius, too!

We did leave on a slightly sour note, receiving 3 shots.

But, I am happy to report that the "post vaccine freak out" time has lessened to less than two minutes!

You go E!

Her Father's Sense of Style

Halloween bib, turned cape
Stained shirt
No pants
Ladybug rain boots
Oh, and don't forget the cookie fangs