Happy Halloween from the Lizard Monster

When Mema (now she wants to be called Mema instead of Nonna -- I have a feeling Enzo will decide...) bought this lizard costume, it looked waaay big, but tonight Enzo was busting it at the seams. It's a good thing he didn't have any candy!

I pretty much missed the festivities. And by festivities I mean helping Jeff hand out treats with Enzo all dressed up. A few neighbors stopped by, wanting to see Enzo in his first Halloween costume. With the biggest alumni event of the year tomorrow, I was at the office later than expected, and didn't get to dress up my little monster. He didn't seem to mind.

The five groups of kids who came by really liked the play-dough we gave out instead of candy. And, we didn't even get our house t.p.'d. I have a feeling next year's Halloween will be much different.

Visit from the Luna-Rau's

Although they only live about 2 miles away, we haven't seen as much of Aunt Briana and Uncle Jared as we would like. It was a treat when they came over today to tell us about their vacation to Germany. Fresh from Europe, they had lots of exciting adventures to share with Enzo. I don't know, but Uncle Jared looks pretty good with a baby!! Thanks for the souvenirs, you guys!!

You're the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It occurred to me that now that I'm a mom, it is my responsibility to bring my son to the pumpkin patch. Good thing I realized this before the straw, pumpkins and carnival games got packed up and left town. (Did you realize that pumpkin patches are carnival-like affairs, these days??)

Of course, he has a costume made from fleece to keep him warm on Halloween, but today, it was a cool 97 in the shade.

Jeff was dashing hither and yon around with the video camera and still camera as if Enzo was going to spontaneously combust from the heat. He was sweating like a pimp in Church, saying "Enzo, 1,2,3 -- 1,2,3, -- over here 1,2,3," snapping and clicking like a fiend. Again, Enzo didn't seem the least bit bothered by it all. He's used to the heat. And he's used to the paparazzi.

The most tragic part of our visit was watching this stoner kid driving around a gas-powered choo-choo train, while text messaging. Taking the lives of innocent little children into his grimy hands. Being a Metrolink commuter, with the tragedy of the worst Metrolink train disaster still fresh in my memory, I really despise people who text while driving or who continue to talk on the cell phone while driving, even though it's now against the law.

But I digress.

Even though we got our pumpkin at Trader Joe's, it was still fun walking around the Great Pumpkin Patch with our little Charlie Brown.

Happy 40th Birthday, Steve

We had a night out on the town -- at a casino night in celebration of Jeff's cousin, Steve's 40th birthday. It was loads of fun! Enzo got to hang out with his cousin, Nathan, his great-aunt Laura, and cousin Rosalinda.

I think this outfit was his third costume change. Bad idea to feed him carrots during the day of a big party. Especially when baby = spew machine.

Jeff with his big cousin, Steve. (I missed the big kiss Steve landed on Jeff's cheek.)

Nana The Great made Enzo such a special gift -- a gorgeous hand-made blanket that he immediately tested out. Nana was late to the party because she was putting the finishing touches on it. Thank you, Great Grandma Nana! We love you.

Fight On!

Enzo donned all the USC gear given to him by my colleagues at Annenberg, and we headed to Trojan Family Day at Annenberg for a tailgate party. Despite the fact we were seated in the shade (normally a great thing with a baby), it was coooold. We all had a great time, but decided to nix the football game. We almost decided to go to the game, until the memory of being 4 months pregnant, stuffed in a row in the Coliseum after my 2' long legs tried to get me to row 94 only to be seated in front of a guy smoking a cigar and behind drunk and swearing college students dissuaded me from taking Enzo. Instead, we came home and watched the game in our cozy family room, as a family. An adopted Trojan Family.

I'm 5 months old!

Really?? Are we really going to do this every month? Someone finally looks annoyed by our monthly little tradition. Is he showing attitude already??

Mr. Bumbo

This is Enzo's first attempt at sitting up assisted, thanks to the Bumbo seat. Hi-larious!

The next day, he's like "whaaaa???! Wait a minute. Aren't I supposed to be tipping over?"

By the third day, he's a pro, chilling in the kitchen while I make breakfast.