"Trick or Treating," my son Tucker announced at each house he and his pal Lane spooked on Halloween night.  He even corrected me when I said, "Trick or treat."  "It's trick or treating, Mom!"  Silly me.

My lil' Spiderman had a blast that night.  His pumpkin clad bag was heavy by nights end but he insisted on carrying his own loot.  

This year I added some more houses on our route, a sign of my son getting older.  Everyone was really nice.  I don't know how most places do it but around our neighborhood a lot of us pass out candy while sitting on our porches.  It's fun watching the parade of kiddos go by.

Carsen joined us for a VERY short stint.  After 3 or 4 houses he started fussing.  That boy is clockwork once 7 or 7:30 pm rolls around he is ready for sleep!  I broke from the group, Tucker stayed with Tia, and dropped off Carsen and the stroller with Daddy.  Within 10 minutes Carsen was out for the night.

Now for the scary part:  Before even heading out on our venture I couldn't find a pacifier for Carsen.  I was petrified not of going trick or treating without it but of the 2 AM time-to-fuss call of Carsen.  How in the heck will I get past THAT?  I envisioned a wailing baby waking the household at that god-forsaken hour.  My heart raced, I racked my brain trying to retrace my steps that morning and my mouth went dry.  

In a hurry I grabbed his favorite toy in hopes that would satisfy him if he needed it and we all headed out to join the masses of goblins and fairies.

Thankfully when it was time to transfer Carsen (Hubby left him in the stroller next to him while he handed out candy) he didn't stir.  I was still on my quest to find the elusive pacifier and just when i was about to give up I found it hiding under my purse on my unkept bed.  WOO HOO!  I was saved.

The transition to the bottle has gone extremely well, much to my chagrin. 

August 1^st, 2007 you started day care for the first time.  I’m not sure you have the concept of time so you had no problem when I handed you to Melinda, you’re new teacher.

I surprised myself by not falling apart when I left for work by myself.  Of course, the days leading up to it I was a complete blubbering mess.  Wracked with guilt I was convinced your demeanor and personality would change and you would be hurt that I was leaving you with strangers.

To you, it was just another adoring fan of yours that wanted to bask in your glorious chubbiness.  The new teachers certainly love you.  You are so much bigger than the other 4 month old little girls. 

Yes, you are surrounded by little girls.  Ok, that thought has me wondering if that’ll rub off on you and suddenly you’ll like frilly girly things. *shaking head*  Nonsense, you’re only 4 months old, what do you know?  I digress

 Harder than I thought…

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Having a second child is harder than I thought it would be.  Granted experience has helped me out a lot but the job is very demanding and at times drives me to the brink of sanity.

Breast feeding was easier this time around; however, I’m thinking it will be harder to wean Carsen.  Sure I’ve complained at how many times a day I have to feed him, especially when he’s going through a growth spurt but when I think about sending him off to day care I grow sadder every day.

Bringing Carsen to work with me is stressful but sending him off to daycare at 5 months old is going to be harder for me. 

I really am going to miss those afternoon feedings.  Some strange woman is going to hold you close to her chest and give you a bottle of mommy’s milk.  I foresee me dropping in to breast feed you at lunch time.  Will that be confusing to you?

I remember