A "Corny" Photo Session

Sears is currently offering a free Halloween portrait collage if you bring your child dressed in his or her costume. Not one to pass up a freebie, I booked an appointment and yesterday Nate and I headed to the mall. I was very up front that I was just coming for the free collage but even so the photographer spent a lot of time with us, posing Nate in a variety of positions (some rather silly!). I ultimately ended up buying one sheet of pictures, partly out of guilt, partly because they were pretty darn cute! For a grand total of eight bucks we'll get an 8 x 10 collage plus two 5 x 7 pix, not bad. Here are a sampling of some of the pix. By the way, this is the costume (and accessory) I made for Nate, modeled after his sleep sack.

Nate is unable to sit up very long on his own. I had my arm on his back (covered in black fabric) to support him. By the end of the session my arm was very sore!

The flying candy corn!

The offer is good until October 31, so if you're interested in taking your child here's the link...

http://www.searsportrait.com/cpi/en-US/offers/freePortraitCollage/31260_List.htm

My old fashioned baby

My mom and I both agree that Nate looks like an old-fashioned baby, like from the late 1800s. Can't you see him in an old sepia or black and white photo, dressed in some sort of gown, being held by a surly looking woman in a high-necked dress, hair loosely pulled back? He could fit in with, say, this family...

Oh hey! There he is on the far right!

Here he modeling his new pilot cap. Ain't he the cutest?!

Let's hope those cheeks don't get any bigger or that hat won't fit!

lounging on the bed

screams of delight!

Go Trojans!

Edward had football on all day yesterday and in honor of Nate's Uncle Andy I put him in USC colors. Edward then informed me that they weren't playing yesterday. I guess we'll say Nate was cheering for the Redskins--were they playing?

Clothing optional

Ready for bath time!

That is one MEATY thigh.

The McInnes family gave Nate this super cozy bear bundler for his baptism and I couldn't wait to try it on him. I think he felt a little helpless in it (like that kid in A Christmas Story who couldn't put his arms down) but he will appreciate it when we are out walking Piper in 15 degree weather this winter. What fun!

Nate's Great Aunt Evelyn knitted this sweater for him. Isn't it adorable? Do you see the matching duck buttons?! He kind of looks like an old man--I love it!

I'm happy!...

I'm sad...

I'm happy!...

I'm sad...

sadder...

saddest. Time for a NAP.
(can't seem to get pix to flip the correct way)

Spatula, sitting, and some giggles--also my 100th post!

I love this picture--such a big smile!

Nate smiling at his best friend, the singing star.

Nate had been laughing for several minutes before I pulled out the camera, at which point he wasn't having as much fun. Still a few good laughs, though...

Baptism

Sunday was a very special day for us, Nate's baptism day. We were blessed to be surrounded by our family and our loving church family. It was a wonderful church service from beginning to end. The music was beautiful and uplifting and the sermon was dynamic. Going back to Calvary, the church I grew up in, is always such a treat.

Tim, Nate, and Jessie
I think this picture is hilarious.

PopPop and Nate

Josh and Morgan entertain Nate

We failed to get a family picture but here I am with Nate...

and Edward with Nate.

And some crazy facial expressions...

Sarah called with some exciting news yesterday...she's having another baby girl! Yippee!! Maddie is a lucky little girl to have a sister so close in age. I, of course, know from personal experience how wonderful it is to have sisters! :-)

Friday