They say children are like sponges. . .

. . . soaking up everything they possibly can. We now have evidence of this fascinating phenomenon.

The Set-Up:

I have been sick this past week with a nasty head-cold/sinus something or other. I have also been working very hard on finals. So what do you do when you run out of tissues and you are too busy to run to the store to get more? You use toilet paper of course.

Some fun new updates

The past week or so has been an exciting one in the McCain household.

The big news is that Grammy and Papaw Burton came to visit on Saturday and Hazel took her first unassisted steps.

She has gotten much better at balancing since then, but still isn't confident enough to take off walking on her own.

Then yesterday, I was worn out from working the closing shift at the library Sunday night until midnight, and Aunt Stephanie suggested that I introduce Hazel to Sesame Street and see if that would occupy her while I rested on the couch. What a great idea! This is a picture from this morning after breakfast.

A Halloween Recap

On Halloween Eve, Hazel reminded us that we still needed to carve a pumpkin. So, we covered the kitchen table in newspaper, handed Hazel a carving knife, and went to work.

This pumpkin is as big as me!

"Here Daddy, you can hold these seeds"

Pumpkin guts? This looks like a job for Hazel!

Well, it's no pumpkin pie, but it's still pretty tasty.

Here is our pumpkin! His name is Stan.

Last night was Halloween, which can only mean one thing: CANDY! The whole family went out and around the neighborhood (3 houses, 2 of which didn't answer their door), and collected some loot. After a few photos, we spent the rest of the night handing out candy to the beautiful princesses and ferocious beasties that stopped by our door.

Hazel explaining the evening to Stan the Pumpkin.

"And then you eat lots of candy!"

Momma, Hazel and her pumpkin basket are ready to rock!

And the little monkey is off!The monkey and the zookeeper (thanks Aunt Ann!) head to the first house on the route.

The monkey and her handler check out her loot!

Mmmm...some tasty Oreos!

After a long night of looking cute and handing out candy, Hazel put on her Halloween jammies and proceeded to not go to sleep for the next two hours. Yay candy!!!

What Hazel got for her Birthday

We are still recovering from the birthday explosion here in the McCain household. But Hazel wanted me to do a post showing everyone what she got for her birthday. As you probably know, the celebration started in late September with a party at Aunt Sarah's and has only just ended.

Aunt Sarah gave me this fun ride-along pony.

Daddy's cousin, Cindy gave me the Bee-Bop Band and I love to share it with cousin Matthew.

Aunt Stephanie gave me this wheely-bug. I like to practice walking with it instead of riding it.

A Pinkalicious Party

To celebrate her first birthday, Hazel invited her cousins, Laura, Katherine, and Audrey and her Aunt Anne and Uncle Tony over for dinner and a Pinkalicious Party! Everyone had a great time. We played for a while, had spaghetti and meatballs, opened presents, and had cake! It was very exciting all around!

Presents!

Mmmm... Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Katherine and Laura made Hazel homemade birthday cards.

Ribbons and Bows make great presents.

Megan made Hazel a quilt for her birthday.

Birthday Explosion!

Audrey thinks the quilt is pretty cool too.

Guess how old Hazel is...

Yum. Frosting.

Hazel was pretty sleepy by the time we got around to cake, but she put in a good effort, nonetheless.

LOVE the CAKE!