What...no photo with Santa?

Leo hates Santa Claus. It's just a simple fact, but none the less I am very surprised. I took Leo to see Santa three times this week. I know it sounds crazy, but let me explain.

The first time I took Leo was on Monday to Washington Square Mall, which is the local shopping mall. At first, Leo was stoic when he met Santa, but the session ended with him pulling on Santa's beard and then bursting into tears. He didn't crack a smile in the photos, which is very unlike Leo. I thought perhaps I would have better luck if we returned with Daddy and a toy that might persuade him to smile. On Tuesday night, we returned with Daddy and Cookie Monster and even though the Santa was a much better one, Leo immediately started crying when he met him. Today, we decided to try the Beaverton Shopping Center. We thought that maybe this time we would have better luck. Since there were no children waiting to meet Santa, we thought that perhaps if Leo were to get aquaited with Santa before he was placed on his lap, that might be better. No such luck. Leo was more hysterical than ever and even broke out into hives...which only happens when he is under great distress. I felt so sorry for the poor Santa!

Instead of the standard photo with Santa, I may just have to settle for this adorable shot of Leo dressed in his holiday sweater.

Thanksgiving in Colorado

We had a lovely Thanksgiving in Bailey, CO with Joe's dad Joe Sr., his step-mom Paula, great grandma Rita and brother Aaron. Leo was showered with attention, love and generosity and he was soaking it all up. Each day was better than the next and I do believe that Leo experienced some of the best days of his life. While in CO, he cut another tooth, started to rock back and forth in the crawl position and slept for 7.5 hours in a row one night.

The Morris family live in a log cabin about an hour or so outside of Denver and the scenery is breath taking. We enjoyed relaxing days just chilling with the family...eating great food, taking family walks and watching movies. Plus, Leo had a blast meeting his great grandma Rita (GiGi) and his uncle Aaron. He also loved hanging with his grandparents, who clearly adore him.

When we arrived, Leo was welcomed with a million hugs and kisses and a whole array of gifts. Leo now has a new toy horse he can ride named Butterscotch. He also received a Thanksgiving day outfit, a cool highchair, a blanket with his name on it, toys, food etc. It was awesome!

On the last day of our trip, we went to a cute little town called Evergreen. Leo loved cute little shops and flirted with all the shop workers. He also got an Elmo hat (a photo will be posted soon enough) and some cool new clothes too.

My favorite part of the trip was seeing my little boy in the presence of so many people who love and care about him. He is one very lucky young man.

Great Birthday!

Joe had a great Birthday. It is a Tuesday, so he went to work, but we still had fun and it was the first family birthday we were able to share with Leo. Joe received new walking shoes (compliments of my Grandma), and two Polo sweaters and Polo Explorer cologne (from me and Leo). Leo had a great time wrestling with the wrapping paper and bows We also went to the mall and ate at the food court. Poor little Leo is teething, so we had to choose a noisy environment in case there was a melt down. Luckily for us, Joe and I will have a Leo-free date this weekend and then eat somewhere a bit fancier.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

As you can see by the photo, Leo was super excited to celebrate Joe's birthday with him for the first time. Even though Joe's actual birthday is on Tuesday the 11th, we jump started things with a celebration at my parent's house this weekend. In addition to many nice gifts and a fine dinner, Joe requested a special cake...pineapple upside-down cake. Thanks mom, he loved it! I will post more on the rest of Joe's birthday extravaganza tomorrow. Until then, Happy Birthday honey. Leo and I are so excited to celebrate your birthday with you!

Leo is getting into the spirit of fall by insisting I dress him to match the season. Actually, he would prefer that I not dress him at all. Many tears accompany an outfit change. Isn't he cute though? Who needs studio portraits when you have a crazy mom like me.