Toys'R'Our House

Other moms are writing about first-time grandparents gone mad at the holidays.

Ah, we're bracing for the holiday crush of toys, too. Our 8-month Garcon is about to enjoy his first Christmas.

Knowing my parents' enthusiasm can run rampant when it comes to affaires-Garcon, I tried to have a pre-emptive conversation the other day. It went like this:

Me: Dad, you know you and Mom don't have to go crazy this year for Garcon. He's only 8 months and will probably enjoy a cardboard box as much as a bunch of new (plastic) toys.

Dad: [pausing] We were just looking at the Toys'R'Us flyer last night. And, um...

[long pause]

Me: It's too late, isn't it? Mom's already gone crazy. You too?

Dad: I'm afraid so.

- - - - -

I see a Toys For Tots donation in our future.

Tighty Whities in Public? Risky, indeed!

DH's brother is in college after working for a few years. And boy, is he enjoying himself! And, credit where due, he's getting pretty good grades. And he's at my alma mater pursuing the same degree program I did. It's not easy and I'm really, really proud of him.

But there's still time to have fun - here's his best "Tom Cruise in Risky Business" impression.


Halloween 2006. Nicely done.

Meeting of the Minis

Garcon (left) met his second cousin, Logan, this weekend. The boys are just 10 days apart, so it was cool to get together for a visit. Logan and his parents (my cousin and her husband) live in Colorado.

Alpen Baby

We are very fortunate that Garcon has three great-grandmothers living. All are in their 80's, alive and kicking. Coincidentally, each are sassy in their own way: does speaking one's mind help you live longer? I'm all for that.

Over the weekend, we had a mini-fashion show of a few items knit by Grose Omi (German for great grandma). These are traditional Austrian children's outfits that she learned to knit growing up in Austria. Here's a couple snapshots of Garcon with Omi, DH's mom, who emigrated from Austria as a toddler.

Teef!

Garcon now has two very visible little teeth. They've not been without effort, nay, these teeth were earned.

Halloween!

We had a great halloween. Garcon was in fine form. Here are a few pics. DH reprised the role of Dad. I even got into the celestial act.

Sleep in heavenly peace

I take the photos in our family, so I asked DH to snap one of me with Garcon, for a change.

I like the peaceful feeling of this shot.

Just Like His Momma, Garcon Loves Shiny Things

And one is Bruno's water bowl. Every time he's in the kitchen, he makes a beeline for it. I swear, it's magnetism.


Reaching....


Almost there...


Got the edge...


Waterfall!!