Lighting up (a tree)

The Detroit Christmas tree was lit up this weekend, and because of Ben's work, we got into an event held by United Way. It was great--good food, lots of desserts, fancy dinner for professionals and a fun room for kids. There were all kinds of activities like coloring, cookie decorating, and a photo booth. We mostly stayed in the kids room...

We tried to get Henry's face painted, but every time the brush went near his face, he turned to look at it. We gave up after a few attempts.

He picked up these two rolls and it was awhile before he paid attention to anything else.

There was a man doing balloon animals. Henry got a candy cane, though we had to carry it around until he was done eating.

Still eating a roll...

Ben guarded the candy cane while Henry's hands were full of bread.

Henry was very popular with the adults and kids. Young kids about his size (but usually six months to a year older) would walk up to him and point at him or talk to him. One little girl kept giving him hugs.

Last year we took a picture in front of this tree, but we were outside and it was freezing. And I was 8 months pregnant. And Ben had a mustache. This year was much better.

The tree lighting festival is by far the best thing Detroit does. The city is all lit up and alive. It's one of the very few times that it's actually full of people (despite how it looks in this picture)

Touchdown!

Morning routine

Being a mom is stressful. But there are little moments that I know I'll remember for a long time that make it so rewarding. This morning Henry woke us up and "snuggled" with us in bed, like he usually does. To paint a picture, his snuggling usually involves laying his head right on your face, putting cold hands on any exposed bit of skin he can find, and crawling all over the bed (and us) while talking loudly. Oh, and since he's been sick, wiping his nose all over us and the bed. It's one of the best parts of the day.

This morning, I had a hard time waking up, so wonderful Ben took over Henry and let me doze as much as was possible with a hair-pulling almost-one year old. Henry spent most of the morning following his dad around. They took a shower, which is always a fun interaction to see. Ben teaches Henry how to flick water in other people's faces and Henry sucks the water off Ben's shoulder and giggles. When it came time to pull Henry out and get him dressed, both Henry and Ben pouted quite a bit.

As soon as I had Henry dried and diapered, he took off back down the hallway toward his dad. He loves watching Ben and he especially enjoys mimicking him. Henry has his own toothbrush, and when Dad brushes, he brushes (even if it's with the wrong end). Same with brushing hair--Henry wants to have his hair brushed if that's what Ben is doing. On mornings when Ben just wets his hair down, so does Henry.

Lately, when it comes time for Ben to leave for work, Henry can tell. He starts crying as soon as Ben puts his jacket on. Poor kid. This morning was no exception. We have to distract him when Ben walks out the door, because he's so sad to see him go. I love that about him. Then in the evening when Ben comes home, it's awhile before Henry wants anything to do with me again. I love my boys. One of the things I love most about them is how much they love each other.

Fall

Uncle Josh spent the week with us, since he is going on his mission to Brazil in two weeks. We tried to keep him busy and show him the good sights of south eastern Michigan.

Henry has been practicing walking with shoes. He likes to stretch first so he doesn't pull any muscles

Henry also enjoyed his first doughnut and apple cider at the Cider Mill. I should say he gobbled down two bites and then became indignant when we didn't give him more. Mmm sugar.

Part of the Cider Mill was a nature walk. Josh and I kept asking what it was leading to and Ben had to explain that nature walks don't necessarily go anywhere.

Pumpkin carving. Always a good fall activity. I won't bias you by pointing out that the one on the bottom is the best. (Editor's note: The awesome one in the top left is a man with suspenders and a bowtie).

It's Happening...

Henry is walking. He's not very steady--he mostly does it to show off. His preferred method of transport is still crawling or being carried by Mom. But it's still amazing. My little baby is becoming a toddler....

In other, equally exciting news (maybe), Ben fixed our car this weekend! The driver's window wouldn't roll down. It's always slightly embarrassing going through a drive-thru and having to open your door to hand them your money. He did an excellent job, it works perfectly. Henry helped by holding a screwdriver and eating rocks.

Last of all, today is my little brother's 22nd birthday. Happy birthday Elder Fernquist. You're the best present Mom and Dad ever gave me.

Name Calling

There's an interesting thing about Detroiters that I've noticed lately. Henry and I walk around a lot, and people here are friendly and often say hi. The difference between Detroit and anywhere else I've lived is that people call you what they think you are. For example, I have heard pretty, baby, beautiful, mama, girl. That last one may sound like stating the obvious, but there's something about the way they stretch it out into "giiiirrrrrl" that makes it sound more descriptive than it actually is.

The level of creepiness varies on the person saying it (as well as their tone of voice). I'm actually surprised by how many young men have said "Hey baby" to me and not creeped me out. I honestly think they're just being polite. But still, it often catches me off guard. And what should I respond to that? Good afternoon youth. Hello hoodlum. Good day wrinkly old man.

Food, birthdays, bedrooms

Well, our baby is now 9th months old. He's stopped growing quite so much, which has a lot to do with how mobile he is. He burns calories like nobody's business. The best part about him being 9 months is the wide array of foods he can now eat. We're talking lasagna, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, beef stroganoff. And boy does he love food.

Ben's birthday was this past week. His main birthday present was going to a Boise State game in August, but we had a few festivities here. My present to him was a martini glass full of gummy bears. Why? Because we saw a martini glass full of gummy bears on tv and he said, I want that. So I delivered.

I have also been extremely motivated in my housework lately. I'm hoping it's not just a passing phase. I've been slowly cleaning out Henry's room out since we have lived here. I've finally finished up, rearranged it, and hung all of the things I've made for him. I'm quite proud, and I feel very crafty.