Pumpkin Carving!

Today was a full day for us. First, we ventured out with your Aunt Kellie to the park. We took a walk with your cousin Annadee, and then we went back to her house where we saw your Uncle Oscar and your cousin Oscar. After that we all went to the park and your Uncle Oscar assisted you in going down your first slide! It was a small slide, and he held your hands up while you laid back and just guided you down. You didn't seem to quite get the slide at first, you had the funniest look of confusion. The third time you actually put your feet down and your uncle had to tell you, "You're stopping yourself!" Not that you understood, but it was cute none the less.

This evening we carved your first pumpkin! Your father did the carving, while I gutted them out so I could bake the seeds. Jack-O-Lanterns are a timeless tradition for Halloween. I read an Irish tale of a man named Jack. Jack was a trickster and a drunk. He liked to play his little pranks on anyone and he tricked the Devil into climbing a tree. When the Devil was in the branches he hung a cross on the trunk and the Devil was unable to climb down. When Jack died, he was not allowed into Heaven because of his cruelty, but when he went down to Hell the Devil would not allow him to enter either (some say the Devil wouldn't let him enter because he held a grudge, others say it is because Jack bargained with the Devil, allowing him to come down from the tree if he promised that he would never allow Jack to enter Hell) . So Jack wandered as a lost spirit and confused by the darkness he asked the Devil how he was to navigate. The Devil tossed him an ember which Jack placed in a hollowed turnip, a food he carried with him everywhere and that became his lantern. Most any food could be hollowed, but over time it became a pumpkin. Regardless of how this all came to be, carving a pumpkin is a typical thing for most households. Jack O Lanterns are believed to ward off evil spirits.

 Above: Your father tried to show you the little pumpkin we were carving for you so you could feel it. You went straight away to trying to eat it! (October 2011)

It makes me so happy we can all do this together, even if you will not remember. I think the good feelings we share WILL carry over throughout the duration of your life, so I try to bear that in mind always. The universe is a blend of energies. I believe in little things, like warding off evil... I think most people do even if it's only a little. However, I also believe that when bad things happen, it is part of life and you must bear these terrible happenings with grace. You have the power to turn these energies into something positive. So don't always feel like the world is against you if you are having a bad time. Please try to stay strong. Do what you can to avoid negativity, but when it is unavoidable you must work your hardest to transform it into something positive. Your father is very good at this. He takes most bad news with a sense of ease, like no matter what happens it doesn't seem to phase him. I am not so peaceful as that. I throw fits or get upset, though I work to overcome it. I hope that you do not inherit some negative view of the world. It can be hard, but you can often times take more than you think. 

Meet and Greet!

So yesterday you met with your cousins, Annadee and Little Oscar. They are from your father's side of the family, Uncle Oscar and Aunt Kellie. I was really thrilled that they came by to chat. I often think of how strange it must be for you to view the world amongst so many large adults. You had met your cousins once before, but it was so long ago and they didn't stay too long. Now they really had an impact. Annadee, who is eight months, just looked and you and you at her. A huge grin came over your face as you went about examining this other person. Little Oscar is much older, but even he was not quick to abandon you. In fact, I'd say he's eager to play with you, except he doesn't realize his own strength..well, that's a three year old for you! We had a good time, and I got to gossip a bit with Kellie, which was very enjoyable. Annadee doesn't crawl... she swims. It's the cutest thing, just watching her use her legs to frog her way across the carpet. After observing your cousins, perhaps it gave you motivation, because it became quite clear that you were not satisfied being immobile!

 Above: You and Annadee. You were very inspired by the whole meeting, and the two of you just look so cute! I think it's hilarious, however, that you already outweigh her! Annadee is 17 pounds, and you are over twenty now. She is in size 2 diapers and you in size 3. I hope that you slim out a little when you get mobile so you don't outgrow your cloth diapers!

In fact, that evening you turned over three times! Always from tummy to back, but it was AMAZING. You just rolled, and on your back you have manged to push yourself almost to your side, so I am certain you will soon be rolling over from back to tummy. That and you do lots of what I have dubbed, "clocktwists." Basically, because you can't crawl, and your tummy is big, you push and move, and you turn around on the floor with your belly being the center of the "clock." You haven't made it 360 degrees yet. Usually you only do a 180 at best before you get upset and I flip you onto your back, but last night you almost made it! I am so pleased... I really believe meeting others stimulated your mind a bit more. And today...

Grandma Val!!! That's right. My mother flew in from Michigan last night and is at my father's house. I offered to stay the night over there and give Vincent a little freedom. She is so excited to see you. After all, it's been three months. Just wait until she picks you up!