It's cold outside

Finally got the chance to turn the heater on this afternoon. First time this season and as usual, we set off the smoke alarm in the hallway. I don't care how clean we keep the filter and return-air grill, that alarm sings every year like clockwork (it's our way of testing it). Tis the season for fuzzy slippers, fleece tops, snuggly blankets and Christmas decorations.

Our little chrome-domed son is enjoying the cooler temperatures. Sad to say he's hot natured like his parents, but his beanie has become a regular part of his daily outfits. He's great when it comes to hats. He is not bothered with them at all, which is a blessing seeing that his hair is growing slow. I will have to say it's funny to watch it work up and off of his head as he jumps in his jumperoo.


I'm also excited about the temperatures because if FEELS like we are approaching Christmas time. I know that a South Texas winter leaves much to the imagination, but I enjoy the cool snap in the air. It just makes that warm cup of coffee in the morning that much more enjoyable. And it inspires me to break out my cedar candles in preparation for the Christmas decorations.

I took Mason to go see Grammy D and her christmas tree this past weekend. Mom got an early start to the decorating. He sat under the tree, grabbing the branches and was mesmerized by the lights. I can't wait to get our tree up this week and document his response to his first Christmas.

First trip to Bass Pro

So momma burst daddy's bubble by taking the little man to Bass Pro Shop for his very first visit. But Grammy D was in on the action too so that softened the blow. Peanut slept about half the time we were there, but once he woke up, he took in everything. It's been fun watching him taking in the world. He looked at most of the animals, was mesmerized by the elk display and LOVED the trout stream (water, sounds, fish, rocks, everything).

A truly priceless moment had to be at the large fish tank. Mom was holding Mason and pointing out all of the fish. Then out of no where, the monstrously-large catfish swam up to the glass at Mason's level. Mason got so quiet, eyes widened, and he just couldn't believe what he was looking at. I was armed with the camera and snapped a picture, only to curse the luck of having the flash on. Bright lights, fish and a glass wall don't mix, just in case you ever wondered. So while I didn't catch the moment, I was able to capture the very next moment with Mason...what do you think he was thinking?

The Hunters

John Paul was so excited to join his brother, Billy and his two nephews, Conner and Kade, on a hunting trip to Encinal this past weekend. He's most treasured hunting memories include the "Padgett Boys." When they go hunting, Billy takes one of the boys and JP takes the other. This trip, he got to sit with Conner and they had a blast. The hope was that both boys would have a successful hunting trip and they were. Conner harvested a 9 point and Kade harvested a 10 point. I'd imagine the processing bill from this trip will be sizeable but will be some good meat in the freezer.

When they dropped Uncle John off in Pleasanton, we couldn't resist a photo op with the boys. It brought JP great pride to have his son in this photo. His nephews have meant the world to JP and he's taken such joy watching them growing into young men. Imagine his joy in thinking that his own son will be able to join them some day soon. And Conner and Kade have both said they can't wait for cousin Mason to join them on a hunting trip with the dad's.

Family Legacy

So of all things to pass along to your child, having active nights is one I'd hoped to let die with me. I was infamous for having active, very real dreams. And I was known to get up and walk around while sleeping. Mom and Dad had to install latches on our doors at the very top so I couldn't reach them, unlock the door and sleepwalk outside. I hate to say that it runs in the family, but Clifton has done a few crazy things in his sleep. And his wife Amy has some hilarious stories about Clifton's antics in the middle of the night.

My super-detailed dreams have slowed (probably too tired) and I don't sleepwalk anymore (or so my husband tells me). But to this day, I still talk in my sleep, although those nights are fewer and farther between. My college roommate, Meredith, used to give me such a hard time about my "Night Conversations" and how I'd scare the living daylights out of her when I'd fire up. These days, JP has learned to just roll with what ever I'm saying and get me to fall back asleep.

So where's the legacy in all of this? Well for three nights in a row, Mason has come out of a dead sleep into a full-blown scream and mumbling, tears and all, and then back to a dead sleep in a matter of minutes. There's no telling what he's dreaming about, but his volume is way up when he decided to "tell" us about it. First night freaked JP and I out. I never knew we could move like that at 2 in the morning. And last night was just crazy, because I'm home alone while JP is hunting with his brother and nephews, and Mason lets out a scream. By the time I get in his room, he's out cold but has tears running down his face...broke my heart.

I have this feeling that in a few years we'll find Mason on the back porch in the middle of the night howling at the moon or something. At least he'll be in good company.

Fire Night

Yea!!! We finally had the first "Fire Night" of the season this past week. We didn't have too many opportunities to break in our in-ground fire pit last winter...burn ban and REALLY dry grass puts a lid on that kind of fun. So as the temperatures have been dipping low, we've been getting excited. So we gathered up the wood in anticipation of the cool night and the temperature did not disappoint. Mom and Maureen joined us for the evening and we all had a great time...good visit, nice relaxation and a general unwind-evening. We talked and laughed like we haven't done in quite some time. And the mixed drinks just tastes better by the fire.

As for Mason, he was mesmerized by the fire-glow but was overcome by the pull of his usual bedtime. He gave it up at 8 and fell asleep in his stroller. We had him bundled up and tucked under a blanket. At one point he woke up and got a little fussy. So I tucked him into my jacket and held him for a while, so sweet to be able to do that. Can't wait for the next cool night and stack of firewood that needs to be burned.

Messy Kiss

I've been trying to catch Mason in the act of his latest "trick." He's becoming more and more loving and he is learning to show that with hugs and kisses. His latest "trick" is his kissing someone on the nose. And if your lucky enough to stand still long enough, he not only kisses your nose with his mouth wide open but with his mouth full of drool. Messy doesn't even begin to describe the experience. While messy, it is such a sweet expression of love.

Daddy's Eye

So I mentioned a while back that John Paul and I have been giving in to the photo bug. JP has been taking some amazing pictures since he was a youngster. He and his family took some amazing summer trips to Colorado when they were younger, and his dad and mom always had camera in tow. Landscapes and wildlife capture his eye and I wanted to share a few of JP's photos from the past month or so.

We had a massive invasion of worms a few weeks ago. When you relaxed your eyes and looked at the grass, it was as if the entire yard was swaying. When he realized just how the grass was moving, he couldn't resist getting on the ground for this one.

This pictures is a study in stalking practice. When it comes to animals, JP can be very patient for the most ideal situation. As it turned out, we've been visited by this praying mantis for the past week on our back porch. He shows up in the evening and walks the railing. Finally one evening they had a staring contest. Either that or the bug enjoyed posing for pictures.

And for anyone that has kept an eye to the South Texas weather knows that rain and thunderstorms have been rare. So when the storms started to roll a month or so ago, he relished the opportunity to try his hand at a lightening shot. Considering that our camera is just a point and shoot, he landed some incredible shots.

Time Change & Milestone

So I'm sure everyone has a bit of a lag when it comes to the Daylight Saving Time dance. I've always been one that takes about a week to reprogram and get used to the shift in light.

This year has been another kind of experience entirely. I never would have guessed how difficult this change would be with a baby. Mason's schedule is completely screwed up. Our early riser is now waking us up at a painful 4:30 or 5 in the morning. Coffee can't begin to fix a wake-up call like that. We're blessed that after having a little milk, he'll drop off to dream land for an hour or two to give us a break. The shift in time has also messed up his afternoon playtime and rest schedule. I've been getting this look from him the past few days...I don't think he is thinking happy thoughts, do you?!?


I'm sure we'll make it through just fine in a few days but it just never crossed my mind to prep for this time change with Mason.

As for the milestone, Mason has been regularly holding his own bottle. We have to wrap his hands around the bottle initially, but he can hold the bottle until the last ounce or two. He hasn't figured out that he needs to push the bottle up high, but hey, at least we are getting somewhere.