Change is on the Way

We've been very busy lately with getting things ready for Baby Girl's arrival. Part of that, of course, has been trying to get Joel to try out his new big boy room for sleeping at night and naps. We really haven't pushed the issue too much because we realize that the baby will most likely sleep in our room in a pack-and-play for a couple of months, but at the same time, it never hurts to try and practice the new sleeping arrangement when Joel seems willing. Today, miraculously, Joel decided it was time to be a big boy. He took a nap in his new bed this afternoon, and as I type this, he is peacefully sleeping in it again. I wonder if this will last....

We also used this weekend at home to put up our Christmas decorations. Here's a good shot of the tree, which Joel thinks is pretty darn cool.

We used one of these past nice nights to play outside, roast marshmallows and enjoy the weather. Joel really enjoyed playing outside in the dark and eating s'mores. But the night got pretty interesting when Joel kept begging Jack to spin him on the swing, which ultimately caused him to throw up! Hopefully they both learned their lesson a) don't listen to a toddler when he says "more, more!"; he doesn't know his limits, and b) spinning after eating s'mores is not a great idea! The funny part is that lately Joel has become quite the story teller. He's still talking about the night he played outside "in the dark" and "spin, spin, spin" until he "blaaaaa." Pretty funny stuff!

Fall Favorites

I just cannot resist using the beautiful fall weather as an excuse to take extra pictures of Joel. The leaves are just so gorgeous this time of year! Here are some of my favorites:

As a side note, I cannot believe that I only have a little more than five weeks left of this pregnancy! I'm still feeling really good, but I will admit that I'm getting a little anxious about handling a toddler and a newborn at the same time. Joel is really starting to understand as much as he can about the baby coming. We talk about it often, and he likes to give my tummy kisses and hugs. He's even started sticking his "gaga" (his pacifier) in my belly button for the baby! What a nice big brother! It won't be long until he can meet his little sister in person.

By the way, I think we have a name......but we're not telling!!!

More Candy, Please!

Let me first just say that in no way does having a dad who is a dentist prevent any child from loving candy. Joel proved this to be true this weekend with all the Halloween festivities! Our cute little monster kicked off the weekend by attending a Halloween party hosted by his friend Evie. His birthday buddy (they're one day apart) Ryan and Ryan's little brother Carter also came to the party. It was so cute to see all four of them dressed up in their costumes! I didn't get a good picture of all of them together since I was too busy swooning over little Carter, but here's a good one of Joel and Evie. Aren't they cute?

Friday night, after the party, we took Joel trick-or-treating at both of his grandparents' houses. Let's just say once he got his hands on that candy, he got the hang of it pretty fast! 

On Halloween day, we took Joel trick-or-treating to just a few houses in the neighborhood and ended the night at Bethany's Boo in the Park celebration where sadly, Joel did not win the costume contest, even though he clearly deserved it! Aunt Elaine was able to go trick-or-treating with us, too, which was extra fun for Joel. He loves his aunt!

Open it for me, Aunt Elaine!

Although Joel really enjoyed EVERY kind of candy on Halloween, suckers definitely hold a special place in his little heart. Throughout he evening, I think he opened and started about six different ones! He was so happy when our neighbors gave him this big one! Can't you see it in his face?!