'Struction Worker for Halloween

Dressed up as Bob the Builder for Halloween

Helping to plant a Pansy at the Model Train Garden

"posing" with daddy before heading to the Garden

As dressed up as we get around here...

Bob the Builder has discovered the joys of Lollypops!

I attempted to do some actual dressing up for Halloween this year, since the Boy has become more cognizant of costumes and such. The weekend before Halloween weekend, our landlord asked him what he was going to be and the Boy said "Bob the builder!" I was startled, not realizing how much he understands, clearly. We had discussed perhaps doing Bob, mainly because I figured - hey, overalls, plaid shirt, hat, tools? I can do that! I didn't realize the whole idea had caught on, though.

So, off to get overalls, plaid shirt, tool belt... Not as easy as I'd hoped. As you can see by the photos, the plaid shirt was refused. It was fine in the store, but once I got it home "nope!" The Boy is quite picky about his clothing. He really likes "soft pants" and it was amazing that I managed to get the rough overalls on him at all. The hard hat is really cute and I like having different hats to try on... even though his lego bucket gets as much or more use as a "fire hat" or "struction hat."

We now have a ton of tools, since I picked up a tool + belt set in the days before Halloween... that of course did not fit. It's HUGE. I'm not sure how many years it will be before the belt fits! Three or four? No matter. I stuck the tools in his pockets. He promptly removed them.

Although we did not go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, we did head up the the Botanic Garden for the last day of the model railroad garden until spring. I had no idea there would be treats! They had people stationed throughout with smarties, fake tattoos, and his absolute favorite - lollypops. Everyday since... "would you like some oatmeal or applesauce for breakfast?" says mommy, "ooooorrrrr.... Lollypop!" he'll say.

The garden also gave out flowers as treats - and the Boy got to "help" put the Pansy into a pot with soil. We headed home right after getting our plant, since it was very chilly, getting late, and the little dude hadn't really had a nap. So, no trick or treating, but I'd say still a successful first Halloween celebration.

Wow! He's so Alert!

Friday, Halloween. We didn't do a costume this year. Probably a good thing as the little man would likely have soaked it in drool (or had some other accident to cause staining) in no time. It's been extremely warm here lately and Friday enjoyed his photo shoot on the porch. Unfortunately (for the photos), he's quite an active baby and most of these are a wee bit blurry!

Why are some babies his age so....drowsy looking? We met up with some Chicago mamas and their little ones today down in Logan Square, and this guy thought it was all pretty fun. He laughed and took it all in. The five-month-old baby nearby was cranky and drowsy - and looked smaller than Friday. Indeed, Friday looked about the size of Ellis (8 months) and Juda (7 months). Not complaining... although it's a LONG way down to pick him up out of the pack n'play now that I've had to remove the top basinet. And no, I'm not kidding - we did meet a little girl named Juda today. 

Tomorrow: I guess it's time to VOTE. I'm staying away from downtown (I hear they're expecting at least a million people at the Obama rally). And they aren't allowing strollers.

So Halloween is Coming...

And there are some amazing decorations out there... I think someone actually spray painted a high chair in that last photo. Some serious thought and effort has gone into this!