I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers...

Did September even exist this year or have I just been in a bubble of busyness? I have been so busy that I haven't even made it to the grocery store. It's so bad that I'm working with a half carton of soy milk, a container of pumpkin cream cheese, and I'm gnawing on raw macaroni noodles as a snack. Don't feel bad, lord knows I needn't anymore baby goldfish and halloween oreos. And don't you worry, Luca polished off the last of my noosa pumpkin yogurt, devoured some annie's mac n' cheese, and was fed the last of the quinoa/kale medley he's been favoriting. As you can tell, this kid is not being starved--the cheeks definitely do not lie.

Tomorrow is the first of October & my heart's telling me to throw on a sweater but the weather is telling me to slap on the SPF. I will say, we did have a really nice Sunday in Corona Del Mar with beautiful fall weather and wonderful family. I was finally able to live out some of my autumn pinterest board dreams and crunch some leaves beneath my boots, nosh some vanilla bean ice cream topped with peaches & raspberries, and adorn Lu with this pumpkin beanie I stumbled upon some time back. I couldn't wait to call Luca my little "pumpkin head" and have it be true! I know,  I'm a total nerd, but these are the moments that make my heart full.

Luca met & tried befriending my cousin's dog, Lucy, but for the first time ever, it was the dog afraid of Lu. Luca kept chasing after Lucy chanting "wuuff wufff wufff," and I could tell Lucy was shitting bricks. I understood--a squealing plumpkin wearing moccasins was charging straight for her, totally not the norm. She eventually warmed up a bit when Luca started tossing her some puffs. Food can connect even the most unlikely of friends, at least in our family. In the Wood house, food is connection. Food is love. Food is life. On that note, I will let the rest of the photos do the talking while I scavenge the cupboards for anything edible.

 

(minnetonka booties found here)

I wish you all a very fall-ish first day of October & I hope you find that burst of energy knowing we are officially halfway through the week! 

lots & lots of pumpkins & acorns, Chels & the littlest gentle soul there ever was

Happy Autumn Equinox!

Oh yes, this is the day I have been waiting for. It is officially socially acceptable for me to start going bat shit crazy about pumpkins, scattering leaves EVERYWHERE, wearing sweaters, scarves, & leggings, baking anything that contains cinnamon, all spice and/or streusel, watching holiday Hallmark movies, sipping hot cocoa, and singing Christmas Carols (well maybe not so much the last one, but I'll most likely do it anyway). Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la......?

My new job has taken me by storm. I'm currently student teaching under the professor I'll be taking over for as she is due to go into labor any day now & therefore, so am I. Luckily enough my labor is much less painful and I'll be getting paid. Winning!

Did I mention my Lu is in a contest? He's about 50 votes behind an elderly woman. Usually, I like to respect my elders and wish them the best, but this time I'm saying we need to collectively take. her. down. No exclamation marks because I'm serious. Karen messed with the wrong Mama Kat! This is business were talking here, coffee is on the line for pete's sake! Anyone with a child knows what types of drastic measures one may take in order to get that joe. Ironically enough, I don't drink coffee or caffeine, but my husband does as if it were the fountain of youth & I'm looking forward to the T-shirt (If you read my entry a few posts back where I talk about drinking Trader Joe's Low Acid Cold Brew, well, we had a good run, but I had to bid it adieu. The caffeine and my anxiety just do not mix, which I will talk about in an upcoming post, if you have further questions regarding that wack but necessary exclusion contact me directly via instagram or email). Anyway, way off topic there, here we are landing the private jet (cause if this is my fantasy, were in a private jet.) Private jet here, coming in for landing, hold on tight to your mimosas--If you would like to help the cause click here: You will be redirected to the page where you must click on the check box next to Luca's photo. He's on a skateboard. He's rad. He's a winner! And most importantly he's ready for Fall, skeleton jammies & all!

 I wish you all a great rest of your week courtesy of Luca and his burrito! I ate so many burritos when I was pregnant with him, Miles thought I may just birth one, and in a way I did--our little burrito loves burritos, but this close to the border, who doesn't? Chipotle sound good for lunch tomorrow? Great, I'll see ya there! Oh wait, my butt is ringing in mooing & saying Chipotle is a no go. Grain salad is on the menu....waaaa....Have fun without me...Make me jealous by hash-tagging your burrito eating photos #amomentonthelipsforeveronthehips and I'll cry fat-free tears into my salad. Peace & burritos always. xo Chels