Playing catch up!

Whew!  Sorry it has taken so long to post!  There have been a lot of big changes in our house over the past weeks and we were focusing all our energy and attention on enjoying family time.

As I sit here to write, Vinnie is napping just above me in his room.  I may join him in a little shuteye this afternoon as he has been up and a very "busy" toddler since 6:15 this morning.  This mama is exhausted.  It is a rainy and cool fall day, and I am loving it!  I've lit spicy, fall smelling candles all over the house and have a fresh batch of apple sauce cooking in the crock pot.  We have had a lot of warm weather over the past few weeks, and when its fall, I just ache for cool days like today.  These days are perfect for a warm cup of coffee, a blanket, and some snuggles.  Lets just hope we can squeeze all of those things into today.

Vinnie has become quite a talker in the last few weeks.  He is stringing words together, and I am often caught off guard with his full sentence request or demands.  He is still very much our avid sports fan and has enjoyed sharing the college football season with his daddy.  He is learning from very early on to cheer for that team dressed in red, and the team in maroon and gold come in a close second!  His favorites are still hockey and baseball...and we cannot wait to get him to some hockey games this winter!

Vinnie has also become quite the reader and fan of books.  He has taken MANY trips to the library, thanks to our wonderful new library downtown.  It is a good thing to do because not only is it a Vinnie friendly trip, but the coffee shop makes it perfect for mom and dad too.  We spend a lot of time at night going through EVERY book in the book basket and the "yibarry" bag.

In attempt to pass on my love of fall to Vin, I have filled the house with "magical" fall things.  Vinnie's favorite is a pumpkin that is made out of horseshoes (imagine that).  It has a spot for candles in the middle, and Vinnie demands that we eat our meals by candle light..."Light pumpkin mama!"  At the end of the meal, he enjoys blowing the candle out...again, and again, and again.  I think he might actually be able to blow the candle out at his next birthday after all this practice!

We have been enjoying activities to prepare for halloween.  This has included halloween crafts, and even a glowbath one night.  This was something I think we will have to do again and again...he LOVED it!!!