The Santa Clause Parade

Simon went to his first Santa Clause parade today. We bundled him up in his snowsuit handed down from his cousin Braedon, and promptly realized that it would not make it through the winter. We drove downtown, staked out a good spot on the parade route and took a few pictures before the camera battery ran out! Some 40 something guys came and stood right in front of Simon and when we asked them if they could move so that Simon could see the parade, they had the nerve to say, "well then we won't be able to see". I guess the fact that the Santa Clause parade is a kids event was lost on them. Simon seemed to enjoy the parade, except for the horns that blared from the fire engine. Here's the few pictures that we managed before the camera died (none of the parade itself of course)!

Simon @ 8 months

It's hard to believe that we're 2/3 of the way through a year. Simon is such a big boy now and still such an easy baby - aside from the whole not sleeping through the night thing.

At eight months Simon:
-can pull himself up into a sitting position
-loves his food - as long as there is no hint of texture! He makes mmmm noises the entire time he is eating
-can get around by rolling, scooting and falling - no crawling yet although he's getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth
-is a compulsive thumb sucker
-wears size 4 diapers
-is finally pooping without poop props - thank goodness since it won't be long before he won't want to go in the exersaucer/bouncer
-loves everyone and gives them his trademark mouth wide open grin
-still has only his two bottom teeth
-is wearing mostly size 6-12 month clothing although he seems to have suddenly filled them out so it won't be too long until the next size
-loves to play with Cheerios but hates to eat them - in fact, if he does by chance get one in his mouth, you better have a cloth ready and the bath run!
-loves to go places - he definitely gets bored in the house all day with just his Mommy to entertain
-loves Gus, Brutus, Olive and Oxford - Gus and Brutus are more afraid of him than anything but Olive loves him - any attention, be it a tug or a slap, is attention enough for her
-is chunky - in fact, that's his Daddy's nickname for him - we got some cute shots of all his rolls at his Christmas shoot that I'll have to share to illustrate this
-loves, loves, loves paper - crumpling, ripping, eating it's all good
-had his first haircut - it cost $13!!!!
-hates getting strapped into his car seat
-loves the tub - he can splash, scoot and play with the running water for hours (well actually minutes which is huge in baby time)
-loves to do patty cake
-loves when people clap for him
-takes 2-3 naps per day
-has started to have 1 bottle of formula at night to keep his Mommy sane
-was the best behaved baby for his first Gobble, Gobble, Gobble
-loves to stand in his high chair when he's eating and does a hysterical "wrestling" pose - we definitely need to get this one on video

Pulling into a Sit

Well it started earlier this week but I thought it might have been a fluke. Today confirmed that he has indeed learned to go from his belly, to his side and into a sitting position. Not such a great habit to have around nap time since I found him sitting today with both legs sticking out of the side of the crib. He has also maneuvered into a sit a few times during floor time. Next step - crawling more than an inch!

Maamaamaa, DaaDaaDaa and Baabaabaa

Three new sounds in Simon's repertoire - he just discovered them yesterday and spent most of his nap time repeating and repeating and repeating until he fell asleep. He's not saying much of them today but it's probably because we're desperately trying to get him to repeat them.

It finally happened - I forgot to put the side up on my parents crib and as I was turning back, I heard a thump and when I went in, Simon looked a little stunned to be on the floor. Simon's no worse for wear but I feel bad since the little guy is struggling through something - possibly another tooth judging by the rash on his face.

Simon+Swimming+Hat+Matt =

Cute spiky hair. And the Daddy Factor = coming home with no diaper since Matt didn't bring the diaper bag in with him. The other parents were probably thinking that Simon was pretty advanced not needing a diaper :)

Happy Halloween!

Simon (aka Mickey Mouse) wishing you all a safe and happy Halloween.

Our Unlucky Rav4

For the second time in a few weeks, we had to call 911 for someone to come out and fill out an accident report. We were lucky again with no injuries, but this time our car didn't fare too well. Here's what happened...Simon and I were driving back from Saunders Farm in the Rav4, Matt, Emjae and Braedon were following behind us. I was heading through a four way stop sign when the overhead flashing light came crashing down onto the car. I managed to get through the wires and pulled to the side of the road. Thankfully the light didn't come through the windshield which it may have done if I were driving a lower car. It did however, do some damage to the body work on the front and side of the car in addition to giving both Matt and I quite a scare. It turns out that the utility pool feeding the wire to the light was rotten and the winds managed to sway it enough to snap taking the overhead light with it. So considering, we were quite lucky to get away with just minor damage to the car.

Thyroid Problem

I have been dragging since I gave birth and it's been getting progressively worse. Matt was missing a lot of work because some days my joints even felt asleep which makes lugging around my heavy baby a bit of a challenge. I was convinced that I had post-partum depression and was just hoping that it would pass. Finally I gave in and went to the doctor and it turns out that I have a thyroid imbalance - no idea if it's hyper or hypo but I have a prescription to fill and then we'll see from there how my energy improves.

Fuller Thanksgiving

As Gramma had to work on Thanksgiving the Fullers decided to celebrate on the 13th. As always the food was amazing and this was the first meeting between Simon and his great Aunt Brenda. As always Simon was on his best behavior with only a couple of little melt downs, but I blame my uncle Geoff for those. Some of the highlights include:
-The look Simon gave Gramma during dinner (still would like to know what she did)
-playing on the floor
-Entertaining all in his jumper
-And laughing at all those fools who make the bed even though they will mess it up again in a few hours.
Pics will be coming soon, but I know those people in Vancouver are still a little new with the internet ;)

Simon's First Hair Cut

Since Simon's hair was getting a little shaggy, particularly over his ears, we decided that it was time for a little bit of a trim. Matt took Simon to get his first official hair cut today - Simon was all smiles until they put on the cape and broke out the scissors and then there were a few temper moments and some tears. He looks so much older now with his hair cut straight across at the ears.

Here's some photos: