Summer 2015 Bucket List

• Zoo Trip
• LOTS of park time
• Visit local pool
• Wildlife Discovery Center
• Cubs game
• Ice Cream shop
• Visit local spray park
• Picnics in the park
• Farmers Market
• LOTS of walks
• Make S’mores
• Amusement Park

We've already done a few of these.  So what's missing??

Weekend Recap

This weekend was relatively low key.  The weather was finally nice so we spent much of Saturday and Sunday outdoors.  A and I were able to squeeze in a lunch date on Saturday.  We brought S with us while W stayed with my mom.

 

After Sunday morning church and Starbucks, A picked out and purchased a kiddie pool for the boys.  W refused to nap so in an attempt to keep him busy, A blew up the inflatable pool.  W had a blast jumping in the water and going down the slide.  S on the other hand, was not a fan (though the cold water may have had something to do with that).

 There were dinners outside, walks with the W’s fire trucks, and soaked clothes courtesy of the water table.  Another good weekend in the books!

Our Week

Our theme lately seems to be BUSY.  Our days are packed, we’re exhausted come bed time, but we’re having tons of fun along the way.

A had a clinic appointment on Tuesday.  I told him I either wanted to take a day off to attend clinic or take a day off to attend a baseball game.  Naturally A chose the baseball game.  We were a bit concerned because A’s lung function was slightly down at his last appointment.  It was relatively the same at this appointment.  We were hoping for more improvement, but happy it wasn’t any worse.  I asked why the CF team wasn’t concerned this time if they were last time and A wasn’t sure.  I’m assuming they were satisfied since his lung function had not decreased.  I also found out that A has one copy of the delta f508 gene and a copy of E92X (or C.274G>T - which is rare).  Until recently, I just assumed A had two copies of the delta f508… I guess we need to work on our communication. ;)

Yesterday, we took the boys to a Cubs game.  We left a little later than anticipated and had trouble finding parking.  After driving around forever, we found a parking lot and paid way too much to park.  But we were right next to the stadium and able to get out of the lot easily.  The boys made it through 7 innings, which was impressive.  They were both very good.  A managed to find us some awesome seats.  W LOVED the 7^th inning stretch.  He knows the words to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, but the look on his face was priceless…  “WAIT, all these people know this song too?!?”.  The Cubs lost, it took us 2 hours to get home, but we had fun.

In other news, baby S is a rolling machine!  He constantly rolls from back to tummy and tummy to back.  Downside is he wakes himself up at night by rolling.

Work has been absolutely crazy lately.  CRAZY.  I leave the house around 7 and get home around 6.  It breaks my heart that I’m not seeing the boys much.  But at least I only work a half day on Fridays and we always have lots of family time on the weekends.  I also know that they’re in good hands with A.

So that’s that.  Happy Friday!

W Says...

About to read Daniel Tiger with A... "Tigers have a lot to say!"

Calls the baby monitor "S's TV"

"Daddy turn on Super Why please.  Grandma don't know how to turn it on."

"Daddy, W got question for you."

Weekend Recap

We had the absolute BEST weekend!!  By far, one of my favorite things about having kids, is seeing them experience new activities.  There’s just so much joy and excitement.  I mentioned that I’m all about making memories this summer and we did just that this weekend.

A and I started off the weekend with a date Friday afternoon.  We had pizza at a restaurant I’ve been wanting to try.  This wasn’t your average pizzeria.  This restaurant specializes in wood fired pizzas with unusual toppings.  We went with a safe choice – cheese, tomato sauce, and basil and a riskier option – meatballs, red pepper flakes, cheese, parmesan, and basil.  Both were delicious and I can’t wait to go back!  After that, it was off to the movies.  We debated between seeing Jurassic World and Inside out.  Jurassic wasn’t showing at the time we needed so Inside Out it was.  I really liked it, but those darn Pixar movies make me cry every time!!  It was so great to be able to get out with A (special thanks to Nani for watching the boys!!).

Saturday morning we headed to the zoo.  I love this particular zoo because it’s small and never crowded.  It also happens to have a park.  I think this is at least the fourth time W has been to the zoo, but this time, he was able to walk around and really experience the animals (and park).  We had tons of fun.  W’s favorites were the lion and the goats (I think).  We stopped for lunch on the way home.  W insisted on having a hamburger and then wouldn’t touch it (feeding a toddler is one of my least favorite things).  Later in the afternoon, W and I went grocery shopping.  He seemed to really enjoy having mom to himself and I loved his company.  We picked out father’s day cards together and I even let him choose a new sippy cup… exciting times. J

Sunday we went to church where W announced "Man burped!!" and "Father all done talking!!".  We headed to Starbucks and A opened his Father’s Day gifts when we got home.  A Cubs shirt, Cubs flag, McD's gift card, and gummy bears for our favorite dad!!  W took a long nap (woohoo!) and afterwards, we headed to a local carnival.  Papa was working at the beer tent and Nani joined us while we checked out the kiddie rides.  W had a blast going down the huge slide, riding the elephants and spinning strawberries, and going on the carousel.  The only meltdown happened on the car ride.  W was sitting in his car just fine, but when another kid sat next to him, he started crying.  I think it was a combination of losing sight of A and me and having a stranger next to him that upset him.  It was our first hot day, but W didn’t seem to notice, and yelled "AGAIN!" after each ride.  We eventually cooled off at a nearby restaurant where W asked for grilled cheese and then refused to touch it (I’m done ordering him food!).  All in all, it was a wonderful weekend with the best dad ever! :)

Friday Thoughts

A brought the boys to my work yesterday and my coworkers loved seeing them.  After visiting, A, the boys, and I all went out for lunch and had a great time.  We even stopped at the mall play area and let W burn off some energy.  Fun, fun.  Have I mentioned I LOVE summer??

We have offices on the first, third, fifth, and sixth floor in our building.  I work on the third floor and the Mother’s Room in on the fifth floor.  As a result, I take the elevator quite a few times each day.  Every single day, someone gets off on the wrong floor because they aren’t paying attention.  It amazes me how often this happens.  The door opens and I watch as someone gets off, then scurries back on.  It’s quite amusing.

I asked A what he wanted for Father’s Day.  His answer – to take me on a date.  Awww.  So we’re going to a movie and an early dinner.  I can’t wait!!

One of my new favorite things to do is sit on the porch with W before bed.  We watch the black doggie across the street bark at anything and everything, we talk about the day, we say hello to neighbors out for a late walk, we enjoy each other’s company.  I hope W is never too old to sit and enjoy a nice summer night with mommy.

We’re considering taking both boys to the zoo on Saturday.  Eek.  I hope it goes well.  This summer, I’m all about making memories.  Lots of fun plans in the works now that W is a bit more independent and seems to like going places.

Right after I had purchased a diaper bag, I discovered Lily Jade diaper bags.  I was in love, but couldn’t justify spending money on a bag when I had just purchased one.  I drooled over the Lily Jade bags for a few months – they were stylish, well made, leather, and had TONS of pockets, but still, I didn’t NEED one.  Well when I received my bonus at the beginning of the year and it was a little more than I expected, I decided to treat myself.  I purchased the Lily Jade Caroline bag and it’s been love ever since.  Now A and I each have a bag (though he almost always grabs my LJ).  Highly recommend!

Check out that mess in the background... real life, people.

Blackhawks

The Blackhawks brought the Stanley Cup home last night and we are pretty darn thrilled.  I mean just look at those faces... thrilled I tell ya... or something like that. :)

Weekend Recap

This weekend… where to begin?  We were busy, busy.  There was nothing spectacular that occurred, but it was still a great weekend.

Friday, I got an oil change and new brakes for my car.  Lordy, brakes are expensive.  What a depressing purchase!  The dealer kindly offered me a rental car, free of charge so I didn’t have to wait for several hours while the maintenance was performed on my car.  I expected the worst, but got a brand new 2015 Ford Edge.  I was in love.  I think I want something with a third row of seats for my next car, but if I go with two rows of seats, I want a Ford Edge!!  Makes me wonder what other cars are out there that I never considered, but might actually like!

That afternoon, my mom called and asked if we’d be willing to go to dinner with her at a local Mexican restaurant because she really had a taste for Mexican food.  I LOVE Mexican food so I didn’t hesitate to respond yes.  The boys are usually great when we’re out for dinner, but I guess they weren’t digging the Mexican restaurant.  S was fussy and W repeated “NOOOO!!” and “Yuckyyyy!!” over and over.  Never mind that he didn’t actually TRY his hamburger and French fries.

Saturday was a haircut for me, outside time for the boys, and the Blackhawks game.  Our Hawks won… yay!!  A friend who is moving to Florida asked if she could stop over to say goodbye – only problem was she couldn’t make it over until after 8.  S was asleep by 8 so W and I waited for Kati on our little porch.  We had the best time sitting together and watching the rain fall.  It was also great to see Kati before she left.

Sunday was church, Starbucks, and groceries.  W has been impatient in church lately.  I know he’s 2, but this is new for him.  He continually says “church all done” and “W go bye bye”.  He also loudly announced that he needed a diaper change and had poop.  I'm sure our church friends enjoyed the announcement. While grocery shopping, W dropped his cup and juice spilled all over the floor… fun times.  A announced that he wanted to try a new recipe.  Umm, what?!?  I don’t think A has ever uttered those words.  He invited my mom over and we had chicken with a lime/ginger/garlic marinade and boiled potatoes.  It was summery and delicious.  A needs to try new recipes more often!!  After dinner, A, my mom, the boys, Addie, and myself all went for a long walk – the perfect end to our weekend. J

In other news, I discovered S’mores Oreos and they are pretty much life changing.  Ok, maybe not, but they’re good.

And this boy.  I can't even handle his cuteness...

Friday Thoughts

My little Chicago stay was a pain to prepare for.  BUT I had a blast.  It was nice to have some adult time… along with a delicious dinner and drinks!  I also loved staying downtown in one of the best cities in the world (not that I’m biased).

A is on summer vacation.  It’s only been for 2 days, but my mornings have gotten exponentially less hectic.  No bottles to prepare ahead of time, extra help in the morning.  I love having him home!!  I received lots of pictures and updates on how the boys were doing yesterday – made my crazy busy day a lot more enjoyable.  I was able to work from home today and A and the boys stopped at Starbucks for drinks and picked up donuts… LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

This weekend is all about checking things off the to do list.  I have appointments for some much needed car maintenance and a haircut.  Both tasks are not going to be fun (I hate getting my hair cut), but I’ll be happy to cross them off the list.

I’ve really been struggling with what to wear lately.  I try to find things that are casual enough for a park trip with the boys, but that I can still dress up a bit for work.  I lost all my baby weight, but my body certainly isn’t the same.  So I’m looking for long, loose, casual tops… easier said than done.  Loft is usually my go to, but I’ve returned a few things lately and haven’t been happy with the quality of some of the tops I’ve recently purchased – holes after just a few wears.  My quest continues…

I was recently contacted by one of my favorite baby gear brands.  They asked if I’d be interested in reviewing their newest product, which isn’t even for sale yet.  As compensation for my review, I get to keep the product.  I’m super excited.  I love baby gear and I’ve never participated in anything like this.  More details to come.

My first full week of work is in the books!  I survived!

First Night Away from S

As you can probably figure out by the title, I’m spending my first night away from Baby S.  At first I was all, yes!! sleep!!  But holy moly what a hassle it has quickly become.

A little background info:  My colleagues are in town from Germany and Ireland.  We have a work outing planned for tonight that consists of an architectural tour on the Chicago River and dinner downtown.  I’m spending the night in the city and tomorrow, I have meetings all day in Chicago.  I’m looking forward to some adult time.  BUT preparing for this ONE night has been a fiasco. First, I didn’t want to drive because driving in Chicago and trying to find parking – blah.  Also, the Blackhawks are playing for the Stanley Cup (Go Hawks!!) so I was worried that traffic would be a nightmare tomorrow.  My colleague suggested that I drive to work and catch a ride into the city with her, but I didn’t want to leave my car in the parking lot overnight.  So A offered to leave school and drive me to the train station so I could take the train in.  One problem solved.

Then I had to consider pumping arrangements.  First, I had to find a place to pump between meetings on Wednesday.  Then, I had to make sure my hotel room had a refrigerator.  I had to bring enough storage bags for 2 days and a cooler.  Not to mention the pump and parts.  I also had to make sure I left enough milk for S.  Uggh.

And finally packing an overnight bag.  Seems easy enough, but I HATE packing. 

Geesh.  All that and I probably forgot something and won’t be able to sleep. Ha!

Nani very kindly offered to have W spend the night at her house so hopefully S goes easy on A while I’m away. J  I’ll miss the boys, but I’m going to try to enjoy my free night.

Weekend Recap

This weekend was so full of highs and lows, ups and downs.  It got off to a bad start Friday night when W fell down the stairs.  We have an uncarpeted wooden staircase leading to our upstairs.  W was walking down with A right behind him and he stumbled.  Definitely one of my scariest mom moments.  I kept asking him what hurt.  He wound up with a bump on his head, but was otherwise ok, thankfully.  I told him he needed to wait for mommy or daddy to help him down the stairs.  That obviously made a big impact because I found him heading down the stairs with four blankets in hand the following day.  Uggh.

Saturday was lots of fun.  S had his 4 month check up in the morning.  He weighs in at 18 lbs, 7.5 oz and is 25 and ¾ in long.  95^th and 75^th percentile, respectively.  He’s a big, healthy boy. J  He received 2 vaccinations, but hardly cried.  After that, we headed to a local festival - Redhead Days so W and S could mingle with their fellow red heads.  It was fun to see so much red hair in one place and we had people asking to take pictures of the boys. J  Nani and Papa joined us at the festival and we found a casual restaurant for lunch.  The boys napped in the car on the way home.  W spent much of the afternoon playing outside and S was a cranky boy – likely a reaction to his shots.  We finished the day with W and I heading out to pick up ice cream.  Fun, fun!

 Sunday was our usual.  W didn’t sleep well at all.  He woke up after a nightmare and wouldn’t even get back in bed.  Poor guy was inconsolable so we brought him back to our bed.  S slept a total of 12!! hours with only one wake up.  Before we even headed to church, W had gotten 3 time outs.  I had to laugh at church as W was whining, Kaylee was getting scolded, Ben was crying, and Wallace and Ginny had to be taken to the lobby.  The only happy child was S.  It was just an off day for everyone.  The day continued with tantrums from W.  I asked him what was wrong several times, asked if his ears or throat were hurting.  No.  He was just grouchy and unhappy – even after a nap.  I actually yelled at him – something I very rarely do.  But after he threw a car and it hit me in the leg, I’d had enough.  Bed time could not come soon enough.  On the bright side, he slept all night and seemed to be in good spirits this morning.  But wow, what a long day.

P.S.  I finally got around to adding pictures to the previous post. :)

Baby S is 4 Months Old!

Happy 4 months, S!

This past month was quite an eventful one and probably my favorite month to date. J  You started laughing.  We haven’t gotten too many laughs just yet, but what a sweet sound it is when you giggle.  Big brother has made you laugh more than anyone else.  You’re trying hard to roll over, but haven’t quite made it.  You love to grab on to various objects and bring them to your mouth.  You also enjoy being outside – laying on a blanket or going for a walk in the stroller.

You are currently in size 3 diapers.  You’ve worn clothing in various sizes from 6 mos to 12 mos.  You typically sleep 7-8 hours at a time, but have slept as many as 10 hours straight.  You’re still taking a bottle every 2-3 hours and typically consume about 36 ounces of milk.  You gave up your pacifier long ago.

You were baptized this month and were a perfect gentleman throughout the mass and baptism.  Not a tear was shed and your continuous smiles even had Father commenting on what a happy baby you are.  You really are such a joy.

The three words people often use to describe you are: happy, big, and strong.  You give smiles freely to nearly everyone you meet.  You love to be talked to and soak up attention.  You are a big guy, but mainly, you are a tall baby with a very long torso.  At 4 months, you can already wear 12 month onesies.  You’re also incredibly strong.  You love to stand and stretch your legs.  You also love to sit up straight.  You’ve tested both the Bumbo seat and Exersaucer and are a fan of both, though you’re still a bit young and unstable for them (we keep a close eye on you).

One additional thing to note is the special bond you have with your brother.  To him, you are never just S, you are always his Baby S.  You follow him with your eyes, smile when he’s near, and laugh at his silliness.  You adore him.  And although he’s recently been telling us to take you to doggy day care, it’s evident that he loves you too.  He brings you toys, asks to hold you, and comforts you when you’re upset (and you instantly stop crying as soon as he talks to you).  There have also been a couple instances where your brother started crying and you burst into tears upon hearing him.  Though I know you’ll wrestle and argue over toys as brothers do, I hope your special bond remains always.

You are our everything and more, Baby S.

Last Day

Yesterday was my last (week day) home with the boys and it was not at all what I hoped it would be.  W caught a nasty cold. L  W didn’t slept well.  He was cranky and very congested.  We did get to the park a couple times and read lots of books, but I wish I could have yesterday back.

During our second park trip yesterday afternoon, W told me he wanted to swing with me.  I think we were on the swings for about 45 minutes while S slept in the stroller nearby.  It was really sweet.  W told me several times that there was “time for you and baby too.”  He seemed to understand and appreciate that this was his special time with mommy.

This morning S woke up with a cold and I’m sure A and I are next.  Naturally A has a doctor’s appointment coming up and I have meetings in Chicago.  Very frustrated.

At least the Blackhawks won!

S's Baptism

S’s baptism was Sunday and it was nearly perfect – just like big brother’s was 2 years ago.

Words can’t accurately describe all of the emotions I experienced throughout the day.  As W sat on my lap and I looked over at a smiling S in A’s arms, I could feel myself beaming with pride, exuding happiness, feeling absolutely fulfilled.  Nothing but pure, unadulterated joy and gratitude as I watched the priest bless our baby S while I wrapped my arms around my eldest boy.

 Baby S was baptized in the same church W was baptized in.  The same church A and I were married in.  The same church I was baptized in.  Our little church holds a special place in my heart along with those we see every Sunday.  Whether we know the church members personally or not, seeing them on a weekly basis feels like home.

 The boys were great throughout mass.  It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends.  The only downfall – the priest called A and I by the wrong names.  He mixed up our names with S’s Godparents names.  But that’s ok, A and I laughed over the mishap – we were too proud of our boys to care.

 After mass, everyone came over to our house for lunch.  Truth be told, I really don’t like hosting parties.  They stress me out.  But aside from forgetting to buy cake plates and running out of plastic forks, I think the party was a success.  We had a total of 10 kids in the house so it was noisy and a bit chaotic, but I hope everyone had fun.  A grilled hot dogs, brats, and hamburgers.  There were salads, spinach dip, cookies, a few other goodies, and a beautiful cake for dessert.  At one point, I took an extremely overtired/overstimulated baby S upstairs to try and get him to nap.  It was a very sweet moment – just mommy and baby cuddling in the rocking chair while the party carried on downstairs.  But little man didn’t want to miss any of his party and refused to sleep.  He was a bit cranky, but nothing too bad.  Our exhausted baby boy ended up sleeping for 10 straight hours that night.

All in all, a wonderful day.  One that I will remember forever.  God bless our Baby S.