Weekend Recap

It was one of those good for the soul weekends that you hope never ends.  Mother nature even got on board and though there was a chance of rain every day, it remained warm and sunny.

Friday I was told to leave work early.  I definitely won’t argue with that.  I took advantage of the time and headed to the mall to return a couple dresses and a pair of shoes.  While there, I was able to take my time trying on clothes – something I haven’t done in months?, a year?, who knows?  I definitely enjoyed it, though 5 dresses and a pair of shoes later, I had found NOTHING that I liked.  My wallet was very happy with me.  I finally ventured over to my favorite store (Loft) and tried on several styles of jeans.  They happened to have an awesome sale going.  Again, it was so nice to have the time to determine what style I liked best and I was surprised by the one I chose.  I found a pair of white jeans for $24 and a dress for $16.  Yay!!  And these items together were cheaper than any one of the items I returned.  A double bonus.  After the mall, I headed home and met up with the boys.  From there, we headed off to our favorite pizza restaurant and had dinner with Nani and Papa.  It was a really great start to the weekend.

Saturday, W had soccer.  He was mad that I wouldn’t let him walk on the trail (in the opposite direction) so he refused to participate in the first few minutes of class.  Finally, he came around and joined in on the scoring drills.  W’s version of scoring a goal:  Dribble the ball to the goal, pick it up and move it away from the goalie, then kick it in the goal.  I couldn’t stop laughing.  After soccer, we headed back to our house where my friend, Katie, was waiting.  My mom came over to watch the boys and Katie, A, and I headed to the Cubs game.  Katie was given tickets and a parking pass through work so we didn’t have to pay for anything, which was awesome.  The drive to the stadium was easy (a rarity) and the seats were great.  I had my first beer in over a year.  The weather was perfect.  The crowd was electric - you could feel the excitement surrounding this year's team.  The Cubs won.  We had an absolute blast and it was nice to have some much needed adult time.  Once we got home, we played outside and then decided to take the boys on their very first ice cream outing.  W has never been a fan of sweets.  I think he liked the idea of an ice cream cone, but was underwhelmed with the vanilla flavor.  S, on the other hand, was definitely a fan and ended up wearing most of his ice cream.  It was such a great day.

Sunday, was church, Starbucks, and grocery shopping.  Later in the afternoon, we headed over to Nani and Papa’s for a cookout.  The food was yummy as always.  W tried corn on the cob for the first time.  Any new food he tries is worth celebrating!  And the boys had tons of fun running around with their cousins.  We even went to the park after dinner.  You’d think they’d both sleep well after spending lots of time running around.  And you’d be wrong.  For some odd reason, S woke up twice and W woke up once.  Boo.  But other than that, it was a truly great day.

Monday was Memorial Day.  I tried to explain the meaning of the day to W and told him I was thinking about my grandpas, but I think he’s still a bit young.  He did repeat several times “Memorial Day” so at least he knew the name of the holiday.  We decided to invite Grandma over for an impromptu cookout and I ended up making homemade guacamole, fruit salad, and a tomato cucumber salad.  If you’re not impressed, you should be.  It’s rare that I actually have ingredients in the house to make things I didn’t specifically plan for.  Sad but true.  We sat outside, ate more chips and salsa than anyone ever should, and the boys played with their water table.  All in all, lots of fun and an absolutely perfect weekend in the books.  Ready for summer!

Wednesday Thoughts - Just Because

Our temperatures could reach near 90 tomorrow.  WHAT?!?  Wasn’t it 40 degrees last week??  Only in Chicago.  Is a period of 70 degree weather too much to ask?  Also, our air conditioner isn’t working properly.  Awesome.

One of my good friends from college invited A and I to a Cubs game this weekend.  Apparently she got free tickets through work.  Remember how I said A and I hadn’t been out in months – like the last adult outing I remember (aside from CF clinic) was in November.  I begged my mom to watch to boys and she agreed.  SO looking forward to adult conversations and actually sitting in a seat for an extended period of time… and maybe even a beer!  Please don’t rain…  I owe my mom big time!!

Aside from allergies (me), I think everyone is feeling better finally.  YAY!!!

W’s teacher told me that W is talking much more at school and interacting lots.  Just in time for the school year to end.  But I’ll take it. J  We’re considering signing up for a summer session (each one is only a week).

I am totally striking out on clothing items lately.  I live in sun dresses over the summer.  For some reason I’m having trouble finding them this year.  I currently have 3 to return for various reasons along with a pair of shoes.  I may actually have to start shopping AT stores and trying things on.  GASP.

I tried to cook dinner yesterday and it was an epic failure.  With 3 burners on and various items being cooked, W was insisting that I sit with him on my lap.  When I told him that I couldn't sit at the moment, he proceeded to have a meltdown and in the process, I overcooked dinner.  I guess this just proves that I shouldn't bother trying to cook. :)  In related news, W was exceptionally cranky ALL DAY yesterday.  It was rough...

Weekend Recap

Whew.  The boys have been some degree of sick for the past 3 weeks.  Luckily, the majority of that time has consisted of a runny nose and occasional cough.  Last Tuesday, S woke in the night with a nasty sounding barking cough.  A brought him to the doctor and as I suspected, he had croup.  He was given a prescription for prednisone, which he refused several times and if we did manage to get any of the medicine in his mouth, he’d vomit.  Fun times.  By Friday, W was coughing nonstop so we took the boys back to the doctor to make sure they still just had colds.  The doctor confirmed they did and we’d just have to wait it out.  In the past week, there have been 2 trips to the doctor, multiple wake ups, countless spit ups and nose wipes, sheet changes, and A and I have both been puked on… I.am.tired.

As a result of the cold bugs that will not die, W missed soccer on Saturday (disappointing since he only has a total of 5 classes) and we spent the majority of the weekend in or around our house.  The weather was gorgeous so we did play outside, go for walks, and play at the park.  But there were definitely lots of things I hoped to accomplish that just didn’t get done… maybe next weekend.

In exciting news, A is nearing the end of the school year.  I think we’re both ready for summer.  We both need a break from our usual busy routines.  We’ve also decided we need to find someone we trust to watch the boys occasionally.  We haven’t gotten out in a long time (unless you count lunch after CF clinic – which I don’t).  I think the last time we went out for dinner was in November for our anniversary.  6 months ago.  I can’t even recall the last movie I saw, but I’d guess it was over a year ago.  I’m ready for a new car, but I can’t seem to get to a dealer to actually look and I can’t test drive a car with kiddos in tow.  But I’m also not sure how to find someone to watch my kiddos.  A friend of a friend left her daughter with a sitter recently and the little girl ended up in the hospital with life altering injuries after being shaken.  That scenario keeps running through my head.  How do you find someone you trust?  I can’t even fathom something happing to my boys while I’m away. L (Oddly enough, I remember caring for other children when I was really young – as many as 4 children at a time and I couldn’t have been more than 15 years old.  That seems crazy to me now.)

I can’t end this post on a completely depressing note so how about a few thoughts from W:

“Daddy, you have to go to work and make money so you can take me to more carnivals.”

“S has his crabby pants on.”

Hears the song Love Yourself on the radio and yells, “Beaver!!”.

He’s been making up things lately.  He made up names for the family – I was Urna and A was Gopi?  Yesterday, we went to McDonalds and W tried to order chicken and meatballs.  We told him that McDs didn’t have those items and he told us that a restaurant called Barbara Moon’s did.  That does sound tasty, actually.  He might be on to something.

W's Special Day

Yesterday was an amazing day that I hope to remember forever.

Back in October, I attended an auction and won W a ride to school on a fire truck.  I finally scheduled the special ride.  When I talked to the fire department I suggested they arrive at our house around 8:30 in order to get W to preschool by 9.  Well, they ended up arriving early – just after 8.  Unfortunately, I missed their arrival because A and I were dropping of a car at preschool so we’d have a way to get home.  BUT I was there to see W come out of the house in his fire engine shirt and helmet to greet the fire fighters.  He looked a little overwhelmed, but had a big smile on his face.  And the firemen were incredibly kind.  I’m so appreciative of how sweet they were with W – showing him the tools, hoses, ladders, and letting him climb on the truck.  As we left our house, they sounded the sirens and had the lights flashing.  It was SO MUCH FUN.  And I think the firemen enjoyed it too!  When we arrived to preschool, the firemen asked if they could walk W inside.  Melt my heart.  Nothing makes me tear up like seeing others show kindness to my boys.  The firemen told W that the other kids had to call him chief all day and I’m pretty sure W was the coolest kid in school yesterday.

While W was at school, A and I took S for a long walk.  It’s rare for S to get time alone with us and the weather was beyond perfect (finally!).  Apparently S found us boring because he ended up falling asleep mid walk.  Or maybe he was just enjoying the quiet – a very unusual occurrence. J

After picking W up from school, we headed to the Cubs/Brewers game in Milwaukee.  Aside from exceptionally slow service (I was in line for 2!! whole innings just to get lunch) and a Cubs loss, we had fun.  S has croup and I’m guessing W does too (coughing lots) so we headed out during the 7^th inning.

 We finished off the day by picking up W’s favorite – Starbucks apple juice. J  It was such a wonderful day and I hope W felt so special.  I LOVE my boys!!

Stitch Fix #8

Stitch Fix #8 has arrived!  Woohoo!  It was another great fix… Unfortunately, the photos – not so great…  Have I mentioned that my boys are total opposites?  W sees a camera and runs the other direction.  S sees a camera and runs to be in the photo…

First up, the Brixon Ivy Rolfe Knit Back Top.  If you’ve seen any of my previous fixes, you know I have a love for floral patterns and loose tops.  This top had fun, bright colors and it was so comfortable.  What’s not to love?  I also thought I could dress it up a bit with black pants or wear it with jeans.  I’m not usually comfortable in sleeveless tops so I added a bright cardigan.  A perfect work outfit.  KEPT

Mommmyyyy.... pick me uppppp!!  I wanna cheese!!

That's better!  Cheese!

Next, I tried on the 41 Hawthorne Moni Geo Print & Camisole Blouse.  I was impressed that this came with its own cami… and then quickly learned I was not a fan of said cami.  It was way too short and just didn’t fit me well at all (which is typical and also why I buy camisoles in ‘tall’ sizes).  So I added my own camisole and really liked the blouse.  You can’t tell from the photo, but it’s actually a navy blue pattern on a light mint green.  A didn’t love the grommets on this one, but I thought they were a fun little detail.  Another great work top.  KEPT

Next up were the mint green Just Black Adorra Skinny Jeans.  I really wanted to love these.  I even had them pinned to my Pinterest board.  They definitely took me out of my comfort zone of dark jeans and black pants.  Unfortunately, these just weren’t flattering on me and I had trouble figuring out what to pair them with (as you can see).  The style card suggested they’d look great with the 41 Hawthorne Geo Print top and I agree, but I wanted to find additional tops in my closet that would work.  In the end, I just didn’t love these.  RETURN

That would be S trying to set off the carbon monoxide detector.  This outfit gets a nope.

Better, but still not loving it.

Best.  And my cell phone totally matches my top... heyyy.

The Adrianna Papell Janett V-Neck Dress was another piece that I wanted to love, but it just wasn’t working for me.  The color was beautiful, but the dress was a bit too “fancy” for playing with the boys.  It was also a bit low cut and I felt like the dress just didn’t fit me well overall.  This also had an asymmetrical skirt, which really isn’t my style.  RETURN

Oh, hey laundry basket.  If I've learned anything from these photos, it's that I need to clean up first.

Finally, the Gilli Haven Textured Knit Dress.  This was A’s favorite.  Again, I didn’t feel like this was super flattering.  Since I’ve stopped nursing, I’ve gained weight and after a 10 pound baby, my tummy will never be what it once was.  I prefer dresses that hit at the natural waist and this one was hitting me just a little lower.  I’m also relatively conservative with my clothes and prefer dresses that come to the knee.  This fell just above that.  Overall, I thought it was really cute and liked it paired with the jean jacket from my previous fix.  I decided to think about this one a little longer and tried the dress on again.  After the second try on, I realized that I did in fact really like this and it was more flattering than I initially realized. (Sorry – that was a very lengthy explanation)  KEPT

Are you taking a photo without me??  Waaaiit!!

Cheese! :)  And yes, he's wearing two different socks - he's very fashion forward.

I continue to be very impressed with Stitch Fix!! J

Weekend Recap

One word to describe this weekend: BUSY.  In a good way.  But still.  I feel like I need a vacation.

We started off the weekend by heading out for pizza Friday night.  A was feeling up to it and said that W wanted to go out.  Twist my arm…  The waitress rattled off a few types of juice: orange, cranberry, and maybe one more.  But no apple juice.  I told her that W would just have water to which he responded, “I want cranberry juice!”.  Umm ok?  So we let him try it and he liked it?!  Go figure.  It was all good until we got home and I asked A if the leftover pizza was in his car.  We realized that we each thought the other grabbed it.  After calling the restaurant and finding out our pizza was still there, A drove all the way back to get it.  Oops.

Saturday started off with the boys heading out on a ‘top secret mission’ to Starbucks for bagels and juice.  Then it was off to soccer practice.  W did great!!  He participated more than last week and I was so proud of him for making an effort!  S also enjoyed running around the gym and playing with basketballs.  The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting the park, taking a long walk (it was so cold and windy – I was freezing by the time we got home!), playing outside, and grocery shopping.

Sunday was our niece’s First Communion.  They attend a church about 35 minutes away.  It was a bit of a ride and a longer mass than we are used to so S was very restless towards the end.  After W had dropped his cup for the 5^th time and S had run away for the 3^rd time, I was missing our church… ha.  But all in all, the boys were great and it was fun to see Lucy in her First Communion dress and Pete as an altar boy.  After mass, it was off to W’s preschool carnival.  The boys had a blast playing games, visiting the petting zoo, and riding horses.  We actually had to visit the petting zoo twice because the boys could not get enough – looks like they inherited their mom’s love for animals. J  W has become a lot more independent lately and I was very proud of him for riding the horse by himself and talking to the policeman giving the K9 demonstration.  He can be so shy at times, but he really “came out of his shell” at the carnival.  Seeing the boys have so much fun makes me super excited for all the activities we’re planning this summer!!

As for A, he seems to be feeling better, but definitely not back to normal.  I’m wondering if the IV antibiotics may be necessary to fully get over this bug.  We will see…

And this would only happen to me… Last week, I took a sick day to attend clinic with A.  I hate lying, but a sick day seems legit seeing as we do go to the hospital and we’re often there for a long time.  I don’t think I should have to use a vacation day for that… Anyway.  After the 2 hour drive to get to clinic, another hour and a half at clinic, and heavy traffic on the way home, we decided to stop for a late lunch.  We ate at the Cheesecake Factory, which happens to be in a town that neither of us is from and it’s not near either of our work places.  Also, there are literally hundreds of restaurants around.  So naturally I run into someone there I used to work with.  I mean what are the odds?  I feel like I was caught playing hooky.  And then my coworker says today, “I talked to Matthew and he said he saw you last week.”  Crap.  Only me.

Friday Thoughts

At work, we call Fridays POETS Day - as in "piss off early, tomorrow's Saturday".  Sadly, I hardly ever "piss off early".  Ha.  But Happy POETS Day nonetheless. :)

Speaking of work, every month, we have the opportunity to participate in a philanthropic (I can not pronounce that word!) event.  This month we made baby blankets for the March of Dimes to pass out to NICUs.  Probably my favorite charitable contribution yet!

I'm still a bit concerned about A.  I know he's not feeling well when he's especially lethargic and has no energy.  Back when he was hospitalized, he didn't even have the energy to take a short walk with us.  Thankfully, he hasn't reached that level of exhaustion, but he's definitely not himself.  Hoping the antibiotics do their thing and he rebounds quickly.

I received another Stitch Fix this week!!  Will share the items in a blog post next week!

One of my pet peeves is when moms say I have "2 under 2" or "3 under 3" or however many under whatever age to imply their situation is especially difficult.  It drives me CRAZY for a few reasons... 1.  Raising a child is tough no matter what age they are and no matter how many you have.  There will always be challenges.  So stop using the number of children and age range to justify how difficult it is for you.  2.  You know how babies are made (I hope).  So if you're complaining about having them, then I don't know, maybe stop having children?!?  I'm definitely NOT saying that you shouldn't be realistic about motherhood.  It is challenging.  There are difficult times.  But stop using the age range and number of children to imply that life is more difficult for you - it was your choice to have those babies...

And since I'm on a roll and this is my blog (sorry... I guess I'm crabby today), having a 4 month old does not make you a parenting expert.  I have a friend who keeps sharing all sorts of parenting suggestions - most recently, an article on early bed times.  Yeah, not so fast, girly.  I thought I had a decent sleeper too.  And then teething started and he didn't sleep for 2 YEARS.  But please, keep doling out advice that works for you in this moment in time...

CF Clinic

Well, it’s that time again.  A's CF clinic appointment was yesterday.

The Good:

A’s lung function remained steady and was unchanged from last time.  Always good to hear.  He saw his favorite doctor and we always enjoy catching up with the CF clinic staff.  I was able to attend!!  Always a relief when I get to be by his side. :)

The Bad:

A was coming down with his second cold in a couple weeks so he wasn’t feeling great.  It was just frustrating that he had felt well a few days ago, but was now feeling the effects of another virus – I know he always likes to be in good shape and as healthy as can be for clinic appointments.  He has been exercising more and doing extra vests on weekends so I think we were both hoping his numbers might be up slightly.  A’s weight was down a couple pounds, his heart rate was slightly elevated, and he had a mild fever.  All of that makes me a bit worried, but the doctor wasn’t too concerned.  He prescribed an oral antibiotic and we’ll continue to monitor.  If A isn’t feeling better after the antibiotics, then the doctor recommended IV antibiotics.

The Ugly:

Our weather.  Yup, I’m complaining about it again.  It rained nearly all day yesterday and as a result of that and traffic accidents, it took us 2 hours to get to the hospital.  2 hours.  Uggh.  A was supposed to start with an audiology appointment because apparently one of the medications he takes (I’m not sure which one, sorry) can potentially cause hearing loss.  We left our house an hour and a half before the appointment, but still missed it.  It also took a long time to get home and we were both worn out by afternoon.

So all in all, not a bad appointment, but not great either.

Weekend Recap

I am dragging this morning.  I suppose that’s the sign of a good weekend.

Saturday started with W’s first soccer practice (if that’s what you even call it).  A and I want to give W more opportunities to develop his social skills.  I asked W if he wanted to do soccer and he said yes, even though he really didn’t know much about it.  Leading up to his first lesson, he was a bit apprehensive and wanted to know if A and I would be there.  I assured him that we would be, but also explained that he’d have a coach, who would be like his teacher and that mommy and daddy were there to watch and cheer him on.  I wasn’t sure if he’d even participate.

Things started off great!!  He sat with the other kids and listened to his coach.  Well, I take that back.  I’m not sure how much listening he was doing.  But he sat with the other kids.  He participated in some of the exercises and “trapped” the ball.  I was SO excited to see him PARTICIPATING.  But then when it came time for the scoring drills and the scrimmage, he was done.  He kind of just stood in the field and did his own thing while the other kids ran after the ball.  Afterwards, I told him that I was SO proud of him for playing and for trying something new.  And he told me that he didn’t want to play soccer anymore.  Sigh.

I was a bit disappointed.  A asked me what was wrong and I told him that I wished we could find SOMETHING (other than watching garbage trucks and playing with the garbage can) that W enjoyed doing.  My wise husband told me we had plenty of time; that perhaps athletics weren’t W’s “thing” or maybe team sports just weren’t his thing, that our job was to provide him with the opportunity to experience new activities.  He’s so right.  We’ll finish out the 4 more weeks of this particular soccer class, but definitely won’t push him into playing beyond that.  I also think hunger had something to do with W's disinterest.

After soccer, we went out for lunch, took a walk, and played outside.

Sunday was perfect.  Well, S decided to wake up at 5:30am, but other than that, it was perfect.  I came downstairs to find gourmet taffy apples, truffles, cards, and a bottle of wine, which is the best gift ever.  W also answered a questionnaire about me...

My mom is 6 years old.

My mom’s favorite food is: SALAD

My mom always says: I LOVE YOU

My mom cooks the best: RAMEN FOR ME (my culinary skills are amazing obviously)

My mom laughs when: I’M TOOTING (such a boy)

My mom and I like to: LAY TOGETHER (I lay with him until he falls asleep and we always have the best conversations before bed… aww)

My mom really loves: W!

I love my mom because: I LOVE HER

This was one of the best gifts I’ve EVER received.  My boy knows he’s loved and that makes me the happiest mom in the world.  I asked if A could do one of these every year. J

We went to church and then brunch with Nani, Papa, and my mom.  I ate way too much food.  Once we got home, we played outside, went to the park, and watched the Cubs sweep the Nationals.  The weather was just beautiful.  We ended the day with a walk.  It was an absolutely perfect Mother’s Day.  Possibly my favorite one yet.  So thankful for my family and so blessed to have these boys in my life.