A dose of fall.....and H1N1

Well, over the weekend, we got a good dose of fall. It was so gorgeous out that I insisted that we do SOMETHING outside. Kyle was actually off work for once and it was just way too nice to be inside. Kyle suggested one last seasonal hike. We made it back to our favorite lil' spot, a nature trail in Hartsburg. Kyle always says, "Welcome to Mayberry" when we drive through. You can still see people out sitting on porches, kids riding bikes and people wave when you drive by. Very cute. We also took Chloe because she's been a little stir crazy lately. The first time we went here, Jake did great. He walked nearly all of the 3.3 miles. The next two times, not so much. Saturday, he started off right away wanting to be carried. This trail is fairly uneven, hilly and not the best for a prego to be carrying a 30# 3-year old!! And daddy refused....LOL. So, after a mile of temper-tantrums and refusals, Jake decided to give up and just walk. Of course, daddy showing him how to kick the leaves and race with Chloe helped too.

It was pefect. This place is apparently not well known and we've never run into anyone while there. Chloe was free to wander and chase whatever animal her heart desired. She stayed pretty close, but was LOVING the freedom of no leash.


















Daddy FINALLY carried him











So that was great, but I wasn't too sure our weekend was going to turn out this way back on Friday. Kyle was home sick. Come to find out, he had H1N1. WHAT?!?! Um, that's not good. However, the doc said it was the weakened version that he got thanks to the nasal mist vaccination the week prior. OK, so I guess we tested out the effectiveness of MY vaccine. It was the weirdest thing though, he ran a fever Friday from about noon to 6pm and then was ok. Well, he still felt like poop and was still congested and snotty, but no fever. They said that this was actually a GOOD thing. He had the weakened version and would be building up immunity to it. So, then we were worried about Jake. He got the (live) nasal mist vaccine the same day as daddy. I thought we might be in for a bumpy weekend, but he was/is fine. He never displayed any symptoms. Me, on the otherhand.....not sure if I have the "weakened version" or just a common cold. Either way, I'm fighting something.

So, I guess we've fought (and won) against H1N1...or so it seems.

Halloween

This was Jacob's true first Halloween. We tried last year, but he really was not happy having his costume on, so we didn't push the issue. This year, however, we had been really playing up the candy bit, hoping he'd get excited. His costume was a dragon, and we let him try it one several weeks ahead of time. All good. He loved it and went around saying, "ROAR". However, as Halloween approached, and we mentioned the dragon again, he would scream and say, "NO!" We were getting a little worried that he might repeat last year.

So Halloween arrives. Daddy had to work, so mommy planned on taking him to Ashland so that we could trick-or-treat with Aunt Beth and Grandma. He woke up from his afternoon nap and as soon as I mentioned the dragon, he screamed. I was thinking there was no way that this was going to work. But, I didn't give up. I piled him, his costume, and Chloe (in her costume) into the car. We headed to Anna's house (daycare). As we pulled up in front of her house, I asked Jacob if he would put on the dragon for Anna (he does everything for Anna...lil' stinker). He happily agreed. So, his first trick-or-treating experience was underway. Once he saw the fruits of his labor....ie. CANDY....he was more than happy to wear the costume. In fact, he didn't want to take it off....haha. Next stop...daddy's work. We went by to see daddy so he could see Jake in dragon-form. Daddy gave him a cookie. Next, we were off to Ashland. We got there just as it was getting dark. We trick-or-treated aunt Beth's house and we were on our way. He LOVED it and got the hang of it very quickly. He was even very polite and said, "Thank you" after he got the candy, and "Bye" as he was walking away. Momma was proud.

Chloe went with us as well, and I think she was just about as happy to wear her costume as Jake was originally. All in all, it was a great night. A bit chilly, but clear and not windy. I think next year we won't get nearly the protests....


JAKE AND MILA (friend from daycare)


MY LITTLE DRAGON


LOTS OF DECORATED HOUSES


DOESN'T SHE LOOK HAPPY?!?!


MOMMA'S PUMPKIN