under a fig tree: The Fall in Review: Around the House and Up on Campus

What an autumn season it has been! Here is a selection of some of our favorite pictures from these early months with Simeon. Whether it's hanging out at home, heading up to campus together, or enjoying friends on the block, the three of us Wilsons are having fun that is best communicated in pictures.

Early on, Simeon somehow was given the nickname "Turtle."
Here he is looking particularly turtle-ly...
...and is showing some shell.

Simeon's newborn cries often reminded us of a young lion cub learning to roar.
Here he dons his "little lion man" outfit.

Another favorite nickname for when he comes up with us to Notre Dame is "Little man on campus."
He sat in on most of our classes with us this semester, thanks to the flexibility of our professors.

Mornings are among the happiest and squeakiest times for the little fella. After a long night of being swaddled, he enjoys getting to pump his arms get his legs kicking.

Stretching out on the bed and watching the morning light come in.

The future looks bright.

Feeling big and ready for the new day!

For as happy as Simeon finds morning time, sometimes the evenings can be a drag for him. Literally.

We discovered that one activity that almost without fail makes Simeon feel better

is taking what we call "the night train."

Here's a video of the train in motion.

After a ride on the night train:
The proof is in the putting to sleep.

We tried to take advantage of the lovely weather this fall. With a grassy spot in front and a hammock in the back, there are plenty of good spots to share a nap as a family.

On the picnic blanket

In the sunshine

In the shade of the (fig) tree

Out back

Hanging in the hammock

Simeon takes after his parents in liking to spend time around the house.

Simeon basking in the attention of a study break on the couch

Fine dining at the kitchen table

Chomping down on a hand-burger and fries.

Life is good in the living room

But home isn't all about leisure though; it's also Simeon's training grounds.
Here he practices boxing. Check out those abs!

If he decides athletics aren't for him, Simeon will maybe try his hand at being a rock star.
Dad prefers acoustic, but so far Simeon has shown more interest in the electric guitar.

Home is where lots of life happens. There are some downs...

...but lots of ups.

Simeon does get out though time to time, at least as often as his parents do.
Here he hangs out with friends Pat and Jenn at the local frozen yogurt spot.

There's nothing like the comfort of PJs at home,
but for those more fancy occasions Simeon has just the attire he needs.
Simeon rocking the Business Casual look.

One of the best things about home is spending time with our dear friends and neighbors John and Claire and their son Joseph, who is just seven weeks younger than Simeon. The two have become fast friends.

Enjoying the view from their respective mamas' arms

Mary Ann and Simeon just can't get enough of seeing Claire with Joseph

Joseph and Simeon playing together.
Well, maybe not "together" quite yet, but at least simultaneously right next to each other.

One of their favorite shared hobbies is taking naps.
Here they snooze through class.

Cool Dude and Eager Beaver

To very loosely quote Charles Dickens, this year was the Tale of Two Football Programs.

Granddaddy Ralph and Uncle John are big Auburn fans.
Simeon feels their pain this season.

But Auburn fans are finding new energy in cheering for Notre Dame
against rival Alabama in the national championship game.
Simeon thinks January 7th is a long time to wait and is taking a nap to help time pass.

Simeon loves his godparents, Jess and Tim. He demonstrates his love to Jess by snuggling up to her and locking eyes for minutes on end. With Tim, he usually opts to slobber all over him. It's a compliment to Tim, really. He only does it to people he feels he can be himself around.

Sweet time with Jess

Tim, we have to warn you that what's in Simeon's mouth is a pacifier, not a suction cup.

We have a few ways of marking time and measuring Simeon's growth. Each month, we plan to take a picture of him with a sign and his friend the Giraffe.