Pumpkins are Cool

We thought it would be really cool to bring Dylan to a pumpkin patch this weekend. Our original intent was to take him to Halfmoon Bay, where there are a few really cool pumpkin patches. When we got off the freeway and saw the traffic jam, we thought better of it and decided on a more local venue. Hence the pumpkin patch on the side of the road. Notice the all natural orange tarp. Dylan didn't seem to mind. He liked it all the same, which is what we figured. He especially liked going through the bales of hay that were stacked to form a tunnel.

Notice the 2 new teeth coming in. There are 2 more on the bottom that you can't see on this photo. At 10 months, we were so worried they had not come in. Now, it seems it is all about teeth and learning to walk.

The pumpkin patch adventure really only lasted about half an hour. We headed over to the park nearby for an afternoon of fun. Dylan is really growing up fast. The more mobile he is, the more he enjoys himself when we are at the park. He is now learning how to climb, is starting to really like the slide and apparently enjoys a mouthful of sand.

My little baby is gone and is being slowly (or not so slowly) taken over by toddlerhood. Just yesterday, we had our very first all out tantrum, over yogurt. He wanted more yogurt than what was in the container. I let him have a little fit on the sofa, then when he was calmer, I told him he couldn't have more yogurt just because he threw a fit. I gave him some other snack to munch on as I figured he was upset because he was still hungry. I wish we could communicate a little better. It must be frustrating for him to have very specific desires but unable to communicate it to us. Baby sign language may be the next thing we try.

He seems to have discovered the art of clinging to our legs these days. It seems the more independent he gets, the more clingy. It must be that new and exciting discovery of his own independence. It must be so exciting, but so scary at the same time. It's like when he stands on his own for a few seconds. The moment he realizes he is standing unsupported, he immediately looks for something to hold on to.

It is kind of the same for me. It is exciting yet scary at the same time. I see that my actions now play a part in how Dylan acts. At this point in his development, you really see when the lightbulb comes on in his eyes. Now, I really have to be mindful of everything, my sailor mouth in particular. Oh shit.

A Birthday Party

We planned on having Dylan's party at the local park by our house. It was a perfect plan because we could just walk over there. I figured that if we forgot anything, we can go home and get it. If there are guests who need to chill out with their kiddos for a little bit, they can just head over to our place.

My parents arrived Friday with all sorts of goodies to eat and loads of boxes that are giftwrapped. Dylan was super happy to see them and had a hard time with bedtime because he must have just known that GMa and GPa were here to play with him.

Then at about 1 in the morning, my sister Marie, my brother Paul and my cousin May showed up having driven after working all day. Of course, they brought more goodies with them. There was no doubt that this weekend party has started!

It rained and rained (the first of the season) all night on Friday. The forecast called for rain all night and clearing up by Saturday morning. I was hoping the meteorologists knew their stuff. We woke up Saturday morning to loads of clouds, a small threat of rain still hanging about. By 10 am, I walked over to the park to check things out and decided we were taking the chance anyway. Fortunately for us, the gamble paid off. The day turned out perfectly. We had dear friends and loved ones with us, the sun wasn't too harsh, there were plenty of things to eat and drink and the kids enjoyed the playground.

At the end of the party, we opened gifts and in true one year old fashion, Dylan wasn't too interested in ripping any wrapping paper. He was more intrigued by the cards and crawling off to, well,... who knows? Nevertheless, we had a great time and it seems Dylan did as well.