Jack-O-Lanterns

Costas and I carved our jack-o-lanterns. He told me how to make the face and I carved it to his specifications. He took the picture of the completed jack-o-lanterns himself.

First Steps

Actaeos took his first steps yesterday. First 2, then 3, then 4 steps in a row. He tried it a few more times during the day. He took more steps today. Yea!

Ranting

We went for a walk tonight and a couple was walking while they were pulling their 2 year old (guessing age) behind in a wagon. Their daughter was watching a video on a portable DVD player. I couldn't believe it. How hard is it to interact with your child while taking a walk?

Baptism

Into the baptismal font three times.


Oil is placed on his body.


His hair is cut three times.


More prayers.


His first Communion.



We had Actaeos' baptism on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony. The godparents are friends of ours, Selene and Alex. We had a few friends from church in attendance and lots of children. It was small which was nice. The priest explained parts of the ceremony as he went along. Costas was able to stand right at the font when Actaeos was put into the water, which was sweet to see. Actaeos cried most of the time. Mostly it's because he has lots of stranger anxiety right now and doesn't want to be held by other people. The ceremony has many parts. For those of you who haven't been to a Greek Orthodox baptism (that would be most of you), I'll summarize the ceremony.

We walk into the church from the back while some prayers are said. We then take off the baby's clothes and immerse him (not his head) three time in the baptismal font. He is then anointed with olive oil that is applied to his hands, feet, ears, and mouth. Then the godparents put oil on his entire body. Three locks of hair are cut from his head. Then his new white clothes are put on him. He then receives Holy Communion for the first time. Next, we all walk around the font to celebrate. Each component of the ceremony has meaning and is rich with symbolism. I am so happy that he is finally baptized!

JC Penney Pics

Zoo Boo

The zoo has a fun event for Halloween. It is trick-or-treating at the zoo. Costas enjoyed getting lots of candy by saying, "Trick or treat, smell my feet." He learned that phrase from a book last year and has been waiting to use it. Actaeos enjoyed watching all of the kids dressed up. Costas won a ticket to a baseball game for hitting a baseball through a hole at the carnival section. We had a great time.

Movie Night

We saw It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown at the mall tonight. There is a nice grassy area and we set out a blanket and enjoyed the movie. The weather was perfect. There was a candy eating contest to see who could eat the their candy the fastest (sponsored by the candy store, of course). I wasn't surprised when Costas ate his first because he is a candy junkie. He won a bag of more candy-just what he needs. We look forward to Zoo Boo tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Actaeos!!!

Today is my baby's first birthday. I am so sad that a year has passed by so quickly. I still remember the day he was born so well that I can't believe it has already been a year. Actaeos is such a happy little baby. I love him so much!

We had a cake today. He touched it and then didn't want to have anything to do with it. No crazy cake all over the face baby pictures. He had fun unwrapping his presents and actually did a pretty good job taking off the paper.

My New Photographer

Costas borrowed my camera and took some pictures. I think he did a great job for his first time.

Park Day