Honky Tonk Baby

So many things have happened and at the moment I’m in the midst of an epic sinus infection. It’s kept me from getting online and writing. And so, here I am, head full of snot (I know) and breathing through my mouth because my nasal passages are no longer functioning properly.

Let’s see … my sister got married and we took the Dooz over to Whidbey Island for the wedding weekend. We were a little concerned about how the sleeping was going to work (um … it didn’t) for both naps and at night. He sleeps in his crib at home, but is notoriously unwilling to sleep in a crib anywhere else. We opted to just take turns keeping an eye on him while he slept in the bed, which for the most part worked out fine. But, with all of the activity, new people and places to explore, napping didn’t really happen. Mark was the shining example of a dad as he chased D around while I focused on wedding preparations. There was a brilliant moment when I walked down the aisle when it was utterly quiet and Dooz yelled “mama!”. It was extra nice, especially since we often have a conversation about how he says “Dad!” all the time, but doesn’t usually say “mama” unless he’s hurt. Thanks Dooz!

It’s finally fall and my favorite month of the year. Those who know me well, know that this it’s officially Shocktober (mwaa-aaa-aaaaaaa!) when we only watch horror movies all month. Over the years, this has become a less and less charming ritual to Mark but he always manages to muster up enthusiasm. Tonight I put up the giant skull and bat window clings (very spooky), a black wreath and a black light on our porch. I’m looking forward to building up our Halloween stash this year with more creepy decorations from Fright Catalog. No, we don’t go for cute Halloween at this house … that is, except for Dooz and his new penguin costume. He LOVES it and wants to wear it all the time. I almost can’t stand the cuteness, it’s that cute. And since he doesn’t speak in full sentences (yet), he also reminds me alot of Pingu while wearing it.

Next on the agenda, Craven Farm (or maybe even Remlinger Farms … though that seems like quite a spectacle) for pumpkins, hot cider and cinnamon doughnuts. Yum. Did I mention I LOVE fall?

Besides being fall, it’s a great time for Dooz (well, really anytime is great for D). Everyday he does something new that surprises, delights and all out cracks us up. Today, he turned on the alarm clock radio (the boy loves anything that plugs in) to the Rolling Stones Honky Tonk Woman started pretend snapping his fingers and dancing. And let me tell you, the kid has some moves. He’s saying lots of words which is totally satisfying to him since it’s like he’s been trying to tell us stuff from the day he was born. This afternoon he pointed at Primo and said “bad dog” which means he is also observant.

I can’t even imagine what he’ll be doing in December, when we’ve committed to flying (insert shudder, I HATE flying) back to Detroit to spend Christmas with Mark’s family. It makes me a little anxious to think of him cooped up on a plane for 5 hours, especially with his need to explore … but I suppose if those people on TV can have 8 kids, we should be able to take one on a plane trip right?