Good Days, Good Nights

Well, I did it.  I broke down and got myself a big girl camera.  It's something I've wanted for a while, and I had enough money saved in our credit card rewards program to buy a nice, slightly used, one.  I wanted something that took better quality pictures.  But I'm not a fancy photographer, so I need something simple. 

I had fun this week trying it out. 

 

Beautiful fall weather feels more like summer.

Henry enjoying a little Dr. Seuss.

My little card shark.

Look who got stuck with the Old Maid.

Henry finds H's everywhere and says, "H for Henry". 

He even found this H in his breakfast waffle.

Trying to get into the spirit of Art Prize.

 

Last week was exciting for Claire as she had Grandparents Day(s) at Preschool.  And she is so fortunate to have such loving, involved grandparents.  She had fun showing them around her school and introducing them to her teachers and classmates.

 

Showing off her class

 

 

The corn table - a class favorite.

 

Walking to school.

This picture of Henry cracks me up.  Front and center!

Another big event in our home this week was the decision we made to finally pull the plug...that is Henry's pacifier. 

 

Henry has loved his "paci" ever since he was born.  But we had always said when he was done with his scheduled surgeries we would take it away.  Truthfully, I was dreading this day.  Henry loves his naps and heads right to bed when he's tired, in large part because of his love for paci.  Joe and I talked, though, and knew it was time.  It's not going to get any easier.  After doing a bit of research, we decided the best way was to cut off the tip of the pacifier.  I expected major meltdowns.  Naptime came, though, and actually his reaction was more of confusion than anger.  He tried his paci, realized it was "broken" and set it on the nightstand next to him.  It took him awhile to fall asleep, but he did so without any real tears.  I was shocked!  At night, it was a bit harder for him.  He cried some, and after awhile he kept saying, "I'm ready to be nice.  I'm ready to be nice."  That broke my heart.  I tried to explain that he was a good boy, not being punished.  Even amidst the tears, he eventually fell asleep.  Well, the next couple nights were even harder for Henry as he seemed to go through all the stages of grieving, but now we feel we've turned a corner.  It is getting easier again, and I can finally envision Henry's life without a paci.  No going back now!  My baby boy is growing up.