Leaves are Changing and so am I!

Unfortunately, the flu bug had recently moved into our home, and just decided it wants to leave! It started about a month ago with mommy. Shortly after, Easton began some extreme whining. When Easton whines, the only explanation is that something is terribly wrong. He had a severe double ear infection. A week into the medication, I took him back into the doctors office, because he still wasn't himself (as you will see from the Wisconsin apple picking pictures). The medication did nothing, and my poor little guy had suffered through our weekend getaway (Such a trooper)! Easton was given a shot and was put on three medications to combat his coughing, wheezing and ear infection. The flu ended with daddy, and we all hope that's the end of it.
Over the Columbus Day weekend, we headed to Wisconsin to visit Uncle Randall, Aunt Michelle and Cousins Matt and Mali. On Saturday, we tailgated before watching the Wisconsin football game, and on Sunday we headed to the apple orchard for some apple picking. The weather was perfect. Easton loved picking apples and raspberries and feeding them to the horse.
We took advantage of the weather the following weekend and headed to Dollinger's Pumpkin patch with grandma, grandpa and Uncle Chris and Aunt Rossi. Easton road on the steam engine climbed aboard a pirate ship and spent the most time playing in wooden play houses that lined the farm. The whole way home he kept telling Shawn to buy wood and build a playhouse.
Halloween was such a blast this year. The pictures aren't the best, because our typical (almost) two- year old would not wear the costume mommy had hyped up for the past week. I didn't think I would, but after seeing how much fun he was having trick or treating, I got over the fact that "I" wasn't going to have the perfect pirate picture! Easton's cousins came into town for Halloween and an evening bonfire. Easton couldn't get enough of running around with all of his cousins. It was a change not having to worry about him as much. We could actually relax and have fun (....although not for long)!
That Sunday, following the bonfire, Easton had a "boys" playdate at our home. The weather was such a blessing, and we enjoyed playing outside with our friends. It was so cute watching the boy’s chit-chat with each other. He spent the remainder of the day talking about all the fun he had.
Easton loves books and reading. Most recently he has given mommy and daddy the boot with favorite books, and will choose to read them on his own. Some of the words he has memorized, and others he just makes up to go along with the pictures.
He likes putting together puzzles (especially construction puzzles) with mommy and daddy.
He enjoys playing certain games on the computer, and gets a kick out of pushing the buttons.
Easton is developing in so many different ways. It is hard keeping up with him! He is our monkey, climbing on whatever he can, and showing no fear. With all of this "boy" exuding from him, he still remains ever so sensitive and loving. Easton is wonderful at sharing (sometimes we have to tell him to share, but he does). He has learned from his daddy to tell mommy she is pretty, which just melts my heart. He continues to notice my bump, and we joke about the fact that it will be getting bigger and bigger. Pushing the cart in the grocery store is a chore, because my son has one hand planted under my shirt to "keep the baby warm" as he says. I say I have a compassionate little guy!
Mommy and baby are doing well! As of today, I am 17 weeks. Some days I have a tummy that is as flat as can be, and other days I look pretty much like I did with Easton at 4 months. Once we go for the 5 month ultrasound, I will upload them to the blog.