Archive for October, 2009

Pumpkin Pumpkin

If there is one thing I love more than a pumpkin inspired hand-crafted hat, it is a giant pumpkin for me and my hat to pose with.

Me, my hat, my pumpkin

Me, my hat, my pumpkin

I have been working on this pose for some time. It is part smile, part knowing smirk, with a dash of rascal, and a jigger of slyness that says: “Hey ladies, you know you want to kiss these cheeks!” Look, as I’ve always said, if you’ve got it you might as well flaunt it. Am I right?

Flaunting it

Flaunting it

Come now, people, can we not all agree that now is the time for Halloween spirit? I have my pumpkins, my hats, and my spider and ghost jumpsuits. I am doing my part.

The Pumpkin Patch 2009

Being born in August, this October is my very first October, which also makes it my first opportunity to make the yearly pilgrimage to the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island. From what I gather, this is a required yearly ritual that I am to perform as part of my membership in our nuclear unit.

Perfect Pumpkins

Perfect Pumpkins

The place was filled with the milling denizens of Earth, more people in one location than I had imagined existed. There were so many, in fact, that I can only assume that the ones in the distance were in danger of being crowded over the edge of the horizon, and hence off the edge of the Earth. What happens then I have yet to find out.

We wandered about and took pictures and video to document our accomplishments. Mother and Father ate something called an “Elephant Ear”, which led me to be on the lookout for any angry earless elephants that might still be lurking near. We took the grand promenade which included the petting zoo of farm animals. I was amazed that the other people were amazed at seeing the animals, as I have seen many a chicken and goat right near my house, so I assumed that they were plentiful and even distributed across the planet.

Finally we visited the store where Mother had to battle the throng in order to purchase a special honey that is only found in that place. The shouting and jostling of the ensuing melee gave me the permission I needed and I lent my voice to the cacophony.  The only real problem was that my screaming lasted long after we had left the store area, and did not abate until I was safely ensconced in my carseat back. And so ended our delightful visit to the Pumpkin Patch.

Fellow Babies of the World: Unite!

I have had the most remarkable experience this Friday past, my first face-to-face meeting with a person nearer to my own stature than the giant headed people I have seen heretofore.  Mother’s friend Katy came to visit and brought along her adorable daughter Beatrix, who is most definitely closer to the ground, and therefore closer to my heart!

Beatrix imparts forbidden knowledge

Beatrix imparts forbidden knowledge

Although I am told the proper term for Beatrix is “Toddler” and not “Baby”, I cannot help but see much of myself in her spritely mien and playful demeanor. She entertained us all with her various tricks, such as walking and talking and picking things up and setting things down. These were all most fascinating to me, as my new best friend Bee (she lets me call her that, and I let her call me “Finn”, or just “Baby!”) has assured me that, with much practice, I shall be able to perform similar feats in the very near future. Oh joy of joys, can this be?

Since her visit I have been working on my exercises most assiduously, with many leg stomps, hand grasps, and loud vocalizations of vowels and consonants. These are the secret rituals that Beatrix passed on to me, as all Toddlers have done to Babies from time immemorial. She made me promise that when I have gained the powers of Toddlerhood I shall choose a disciple of my own to inculcate with these ancient rites that the chain may be unbroken yet.

Papa Henry and Nana Pam

I received a most enjoyable visit from my maternal granparents this Thursday, a visit for which I had made exceedingly careful preparations. At my behest, Father and Mother indulged me by launching into a veritable frenzy of house-cleaning. I simply felt that when entertaining it is of paramount concern that one present a clean and tidy appearance, both of house and of person.

As to the second point, i.e. my person, I insisted on a thorough washing of my entire body. This, of course, required the assistance of Mother, as I have yet to convert the unlimited depths of energy contained in my flailing of arms and stomping of legs into any semblance of useful motor skills, such that I might wash myself without the aid of others.

Father was tasked with the assiduous cleansing of surfaces permeating our abode, as regards floors, counters, and walkways. Rugs were also left within his purview, and he dealt with them accordingly, which is to say with much shaking and pounding out of doors. Father acquitted himself with great aplomb, leaving the household free of the detritus of our animal companions that often plagues our living spaces and collects in the interstices of our lives. “Bunnies of the dust” I believe you call them.

And then the visitors arrived. How we laughed and gambolled about, lost in the joys of common pleasures, talking of times and places past and future. My maternal granparents are a most frolicsome pair, and I found myself most entertained by their frequent drolleries. Papa Henry was most jocular, as is demonstrated in the daguerreotype below.

Papa Henry and I

Papa Henry and I

After so much give and take, jib and jibe, we settled into a warmly familliar calm that included a most satisfying meal provided by Nana Pam by way of a bottle.

Nana Pam and I

Nana Pam and I

Such were the idylls of our buccholic autumn repast. Much was achieved, much was accomplished, all were satisfied.

Two months old and I have seen it all.

Well I think I have certainly seen it all at this point. How much more could there be? I have seen a dog, two cats, mom & dad, a number of people who are not mom or dad (very confusing!), and the fantastic talking box of colors and lights that mom and dad keep turning off when I start to stare at it. That seems like plenty.

I think I must have experienced everything by now, getting a cold, sneezing, getting a shot, being born, being too cold or too warm, having a bath, having a diaper changed, crying, laughing, sleeping .. . Could there be anything else?

And then there is visiting the doctor, which I did yesterday. Here are the results:

14 pounds, 8 ounces
24 inches (2 ft exactly!)
15.5 inch head

Which puts me above the 95th percentile for weight by age. But did they have to poke me with a needle? I fail to see how that was necessary.

So there it is, two months old and I have seen it all. Could this be that 100 years that Grandma Pat was talking about?

Whoa – hold on a minute. . . I see something shiny and kind of wobbly! OK, I guess there might be more to see and experience out there after all. I’m going to flail my arms about and see if I can figure out what this new shiny thing is.

Bathtime Giggles

I do enjoy my bathtime. The feeling of the warm water running across my skin is a sensation I cannot describe, so I will have to communicate my joy through smiles and giggles.

Looking Good is the Best Revenge

When dressing, a gentleman should always pay careful attention to the cut and style of his apparel. I chose this outfit based on the understated colors and the subdued pattern. The hat really brings the ensemble together, I dare say.

Looking Good

Looking Good

After a good soaking in the spa it is most important to dress in comfortable clothing that prevents one from catching a chill. This terry cloth confection works as both a towel for drying off and as a futuristic robe for space battles.

100 Year Old Baby

Grandma Pat says that babies born this year are going to live to be 100 years old!

100 years old!

100 years old!

That is great. Is 100 years a long time? What happens after that? I have so many questions . . .