COPY CAT

Having dogs has its benefits, like having a pre-clean cycle around your high chair after a meal before I have to pull out the broom. They've also taught you to be comfortable around animals and to be gentle. Although they've also taught you some other quirks...

OOPS

After a hard night's work of trick or treating, you next spent a good deal of time meticulously inventorying the fruits of your labor.  Unbeknownst to you, you won't be able to eat half of what you collected.  Not because your mom's a dentist, but because you have a nut allergy.  Whenever someone would let you choose your candy, you always went for the candy with nuts...Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Baby Ruths, etc.  Not that your dad and I are complaining.  Someone has to eat them. 

SAMPLE LADY

This year I was one of those goofy parents that got dressed up to take her kid trick or treating.  Why?  Because my costume was too good to wear to just one party.  Or so I thought.  An older woman commented how nice it was that I was able to get off work early to take you out.  I'm now wondering how many of your grandparents' neighbors now actually think I'm a sample lady at Costco. 

TRICK OR TREAT

Trick or treating at Grandpa and Grandma's condo can be exhausting when there's 31 floors and over 300 units.

 

COSTUME PARTY

Every year your dad and I look forward to going to Julie's on Halloween.  We're always amused at how excited she gets for this day and look forward to her yearly Halloween costume.  We shudder to think what would happen if we ever forgot to bring your costume to daycare and hope to never find out. 

ACCORDING TO AJ

You've been in the "Mine Phase" for a while now.  This is what we've been dealing with day in and day out.  For example Grandma Kathy took you to the zoo and while the two of you had the elephants all to yourselves, a group of kids joined you two.  You immediately began yelling, "My elephants!  My elephants."  You were so upset and didn't want any of the other kids looking at them.

Another time you and I were hanging out at the mall play area.  You decided that one particular tree stump was yours and you didn't want anyone playing on it.  So, instead of playing with all the other things and kids, you protected your stump and wouldn't let any other kids jump on it.  When any unsuspecting kid came near it, you would immediately yell, "Mine!  Mine!" and do your best to block them from jumping on it.

Your dad thinks the logical solution to this "Mine Phase" is to get a sibling immediately.  I'm thinking there must be an easier way to get you to learn the principle of sharing. 

IN THE KITCHEN

It's Friday night and I'm baking.  I'm baking on a Friday night?  How did this ever happen?  Oh that's right, I had a baby.  Not that I'm complaining.  Spending a Friday night with a toddler can be just as, if not more, entertaining and messy as a night out...

Mixing the pumpkin spice batter

Cupcake liners in the pan

 Patiently waiting for the cupcakes to finish baking

Time for frosting

Making sure each and everyone is perfect

Making sure they're OK to eat

 Baking is hard work

 Voila!  The culmination to our Friday night in