Halloween 2012

I wasn't sure that this was going to be the case, but Halloween was much less chaotic than last year.  Last year, we had 26 people here recovering from winter storm Alfred.  This year, we were certainly still "post storm" but in a less dramatic way. 

I just love Halloween.  I'm not really even sure why exactly, I just know that I like it.  And making costumes for Nicholas is so much fun.  I know that the chances to have him wear a homemade costume are dwindling now.  Next year, he'll probably want a store bought costume with a plastic mask,and I'll have to give in, but for now I'm enjoying the opportunity to have some say in his costume.

Nicholas is on this chicken kick lately.  I have absolutely no idea where this is coming from.  So, naturally when I asked him what he wanted to be for Halloween, he said, "a chicken!"  He looked so funny - especially with his skinny little legs sticking out.  We've been finding yellow feathers all over the house today too.  He had a great time trick-or-treating with Jenna and Gregory, if only he would've slowed down to enjoy it!  He absolutely sprinted from house to house.  He was so excited - and of course, high as a kite on sugar.


Happy Halloween my little chicken!  You are the most amazing "treat" life could've sent our way!  We love you so much!

It's A Boy!

Yes, the rumors are true.  There is a new member of the Cutler family.  His name is October Cutler - Toby.  Todd, Nicholas, and I were really feeling the absence of a dog in the house this fall.  I think it's part of the nesting instinct that happens in the fall.  Ya' just need something furry to snuggle with when the weather gets cold.  And Toby certainly fits the bill. 

He is absolutely the sweetest little thing, and we are enjoying getting to know each other.  He is like a living teddy bear!  It's hard to pass by him without scooping him up and burying your face in his fur.  And he's a kisser!  Tigua was certainly not - he almost never gave kisses, except when one happened to have a trace of peanut butter on his or her face perhaps.  Not Toby.  He'll give you lots of kisses - like it or not.  He not only has very big paws, but also very big paws to fill.  He will never replace that place in our hearts that will always belong to Antigua, but he's carving out his own spot just fine.

 I think the best part about having Toby here is watching him with Nicholas.  Todd keeps saying to me, "This is Nicholas's dog."  And it's true.  He is so good with him - so helpful and willing to participate in taking care of Toby.  He loves to hold the leash, play with him, help with the cleanup, brush him, and keep us updated on his hyjinx whenever we leave the room.  And he speaks to Toby in such a loving way - he is so sweet.  I know that they will be best buddies.  What a lucky dog.