Now that Austin is old enough not to try and leap from a moving wagon, we were able to head to the garden center and load up with everything we need for the Halloween festivities. In the wagon; one proud tiger, two pumpkins, and one little kid who refused to wear a costume. You figure out which is which…
In between expressions of comical animation and amusement, there are these; Austin’s more pensive and questioning moments…
…though when I look at this picture, I can recognize that expression for what it truly is; second child syndrome. “What the heck is that big black thing on your face? Camera? What the heck is a camera?”
As an example of what it used to be like taking pictures of Ethan, Austin is – as yet – uninfluenced by his older brother’s sense of drama in front of the camera.
Oh yeah…and Nicole was here too. Hey Nicole! 
We got a not-so-little wagon for the kids; kind of an urban, father-powered SUV. With spring springing, it suddenly seems like the perfect way to get around.
Austin’s actually grown up enough to hold his own with Ethan in the wagon, though the two of them seem to like it best when Ethan’s pulling and Austin’s holding on like he’s riding a chariot.
When not wagoning, Austin can otherwise be found eating, which has become a constant state for him.
Little Mr. Austin
By which I mean to say, don’t expect to see a photo of him without food all over his face. It won’t happen. Ever.
This is the oh-so-gentle way that Ethan likes to play with his dear brother…with a little sprinkling of commentary on his favourite drink, and some coaching on how I should use the camera…
Some might suggest that – given my extended silence – something ominous has taken place, and that our little American son was “disappeared”. Others might claim that Austin’s birth was an elaborate hoax, and that there is, in fact, no second child to show for that whole faked “pregnancy” that Laura put on.
My goal here is to dispel such wild, unfounded rumors. See exhibit ‘A’, the very real, very post-natal Austin:
And as for this Ethan character? Despite his rabid support for Barack Obama – who he believes should be his next President – none have managed to silence him.
Indeed, despite the turmoil these days, Ethan has managed to keep a rather sunny disposition, convinced as he is that brighter days lie ahead.
What a wise young man.
Though he hasn’t really extended much beyond burping and pooping, Austin has been pretty fun to have around. Here’s the little dude at one month:
