Sunday, November 01, 2009

Halloween 2009

Last year Oliver was a (very cute!) pirate for Halloween, but it was a pretty quiet day for us since it isn't a big thing Down Under. But this year, in the US and with lots of cousins around, it was a much bigger event. Although we are patching Ollie's right eye even more now than a year ago (6 hours a day), I thought he should dress up as something different for Halloween. I thought about it, and finally had an idea. I found some red fleece pajamas in a box of hand-me-downs, and I bought some blue socks for his feet and hands. My mom helped to sew a fox snout and ears onto a red fleece hat we had, and made a red tail to match. Voila, the cutest Fox in Socks ever! (For those of you not familiar with Fox in Socks, he is a character from one of Oliver's favorite books by Dr. Seuss.)


Fox in Socks with a smile Fox in Socks


I am not sure how much of the concept of Halloween Oliver grasped, but we had fun talking about it beforehand. I told him how children dress up in different costumes, and that he was going to be Fox in Socks. I explained how they go out and knock on neighbors doors and say "Trick or Treat" to get yummy candy that they like to eat. When I would ask him what he was going to be: a pirate? an elephant? a robot? he would shake his head No No No... until I asked, Fox in Socks? and then he'd give a big grin!

Halloween 2009
So in the evening I suited Ollie up (he didn't fuss too much, luckily!) and we went out Trick or Treating on our street with some of his cousins. I recorded "Trick or Treat" onto one of his talking buttons, so that he could say it himself. Some of the neighbors who are not familiar with Oliver's cerebral palsy probably thought it was weird, but I guess I have to get used to that, or at least try not let it bother me so much. It was both a fun and sad time for me, watching the kids running, playing, talking and collecting candy. I wished things were different for us, and especially missed Shami, who was away for the week at a meeting in England. But I did my best to put on a happy face, and I think Ollie had a fun experience. And he was an awfully cute Fox in Socks!

In the photo: Jeanine, Eliza, Sean, Devon, and Kieran in the back. Caitlin, Shannon, Oliver, and Mariah in front.

3 comments:

Amanda Waggoner said...

Oliver was WAY cute in his fox in socks costume! I am so glad we got to see him! Dont worry about your neighbors. If they can't appreciate how much work it took for Oliver to learn to push that button then they don't deserve another thought. You are one strong momma and I am so happy for you guys. Oliver is making so much progress! You are doing such a wonderful job with him! This may sound strange coming from me but I'm just going to say it anyways. I am proud of you, Meghan. You are doing everything you can for Oliver and as hard as that is you are handling it. Keep on going and take time to soak up the good things.

Thamma, Dadu said...

Oh you naughty little red Fox in blue socks, you do look like *Knox in box* playing with lots of blocks & locks. I wish I had such a talented mom like yours Ollie ! She can do wonders and miracles with her ideas and hard work. That is why we are sure you are in the best possible hands on earth! We love you all and hope for the best.

Susan, Mum to Molly said...

What a shame daddy had to miss the cutest little Fox in Socks that ever there was! And what about mummy, did you dress up too?? Glad you got a laugh out of our little "dracula"... Thinking of you lots. Take care. Susan + the 3 sisters

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