Picture Day!

On Wednesday, we got the boys all dressed and took them to the mall to get their pictures taken. Henry looked like a little man in his sweater, jeans, and sneakers.

Yup. He's eating the price tag from his sweater. Of course, Henry smiled all the way up until it was time to get his picture taken. As soon as the camera came out, he adopted a very serious look. That's Henry. Nick had no such problem. He loves the camera. . . and the little cars that eat quarters.

Nick smiled a lot during his pictures. He was fairly well behaved, partially because he knew we'd let him do something special afterwards--lunch with Grandma Toni and then a ride on the coolest car ever. 

You will notice that Nicholas and Henry are wearing matching sweaters. I guessed at the sizes and bought those last year during the after Christmas clearance sales. Yup. I bought clothes for Henry six months before he was even born. 

He seems a little surprised by my determination to get a good deal.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the pictures turned out. Even if Henry wouldn't smile. 

The Thing About Long Car Trips. . .

. . . is that you usually end up eating in the car. When we started our long journey last Friday night, we went through the drivethrough at Portillo's. There's nothing like hot dogs and cheese fries to start off a 5 hour journey in a rented minivan.

The other thing about car trips with kids is that they tend to sleep while the vehicle is moving. Grandma Toni and Aunt Sarah went with us on our journey north, and that meant each child had a treasured relative to wait on him hand and foot. (At least as much as is possible while squished into a minivan packed to the ceiling with the various accoutrements of infancy and toddlerhood.)

Aunt Sarah sat next to baby Henry and fed him a bottle. This was why we rented a minivan, so that someone could stick a bottle in Henry's mouth when he got hungry. It worked like a charm. Soon, he fell asleep, and before long, both of my boys were completely out. They slept most of the way, and we arrived at our hotel room before midnight.

But the other thing about long car trips is that when little boys sleep for five hours in the car, they think it's morning time when we try to go to bed at the hotel. Henry, for example, kept Greg and I awake most of the night. We turned out the lights, settled down, and then Henry started cooing. He was wide awake, ready to play, and happy as a clam. All. Night.

A similar situation happened on the way back, and Henry kept me up from about 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., my prime sleeping times. So that is why I'm exhausted today.

The thing about long car trips is that they are exhausting.

Nick's Trip to Navy Pier

Last Sunday, Greg and his mom took Nick downtown to Navy Pier for the day. Because of the heat and the extensive travel involved (they took the train and a bus), I stayed home with Henry.

I was kind of sorry to miss this event. Nick got to go to the Chicago Children's Museum and on a tall ship pirate cruise. But it's good that he got to go and have some fun. When I was pregnant with Henry, I worried that Nick would suffer from not getting enough attention once the baby was born. I shouldn't have worried. Instead, Nick has become more demanding--he gets plenty of attention, thank you very much.

How many little boys have two people following them with cameras, planning special events purely for their enjoyment? Nick gets plenty of attention.  Evidence is present below.  :)

6400

I think the pirate cruise was probably Nick's favorite. He keeps talking about it. "We go on the boat today?" he asked me this morning. "No, Nick, not today." Then Nick gave a long-suffering sigh. Poor child.



More 4th of July Fun

We did our fireworks on the 3rd of July, but on the 4th we stayed home and had company. Grandma Toni and Aunt Sarah visited, and Greg made homemade burgers and fries for dinner.

Nick and I, well, we made cookies. It's just what we do. I'm pretty sure when he is an adult, he'll have very distinctive cookie-baking memories. Recently, I've been reading a book called Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking, by Michael Ruhlman. It breaks down cooking and baking into simple ratios, and shows you how to cook without a recipe. I like the way it's written, and I've been wanting to try some of the un-recipes in the book. You see, they're not really recipes, just ratios of how much fat/sugar/flour to add to make different things.

The cookies we made for the 4th of July are probably closest to shortbread cookies. They are called "The Essence of a Cookie Coookie" or 1-2-3 Cookies, because of their ratio: 1 part sugar, two parts fat, and three parts flour. I also added just a bit of vanilla and salt. They were delicious.

Basically, we mixed the ingredients by hand, then rolled the dough and put it in the refrigerator. I let Nick cut the cookies (with a butter knife, of course. I'm not crazy) and put on all the sprinkles. He did add a lot of sprinkles.

Henry, unfortunately, is not big enough to help bake cookies. See how upset he looks about that? What a face.

Henry didn't last too long without peeing in his holiday onesie.  I'm not sure how he does it, but he pees outside of his diaper all the time. In the picture below he peed in the front, but lately he's been doing this weird trick where he skips getting his diaper wet and somehow pees up his back, near his shoulder. Seriously, how does a baby pee on the back of his shoulder without getting his diaper wet? It is a mystery to me.

Anyway, Nick and Henry had some quality time with their Aunt Sarah, too.

Then, for dessert, we got to enjoy 4th of July cookies made by a two-year-old. They were pretty good, if not exactly uniform in shape or sprinkles.

Our First Family Outing

Last Thursday, we decided to go out as a family, just one week after Henry was born. We've been nervous about going out with two kids, and decided it was better to just try it and see what happened. We went out for Italian food and then to a really cool kids playhouse called Kiddie Klub Lane, in Lombard.

Actually, it wasn't too bad. We held dessert over Nick's head so that he would sit down and not scream. It worked fairly well. Henry, of course, was extremely well behaved. I just put him into the baby sling and he slept through our lunch. He did wake up when I dropped bread crumbs on his head, though.

After lunch, we took the boys to Kiddie Klub Lane, which is a little storefront place with playhouses for kids. There's a little firehouse, a gas station, a newsstand, a diner, a theatre, etc. For adults, there are tables with magazines in the center, so you can sit and relax while watching your kid play. I'm definitely going to be returning, because Nick cannot escape.



I thought the concept for the place was really neat. After all, in bad weather, where can you take a little kid to play? Plus, you don't feel guilty sitting down with a magazine, because you have a perfect view of your child the entire time.

I thought Kiddie Klub Lane was very clean (for a place with toddlers running around). That's because all of the kids have to wear socks and take off their shoes. The toys were quite creative too, and the kids could dress up and play different roles. Nick loved the fire truck and all of the toys with wheels. He also liked pretending to cook.

We all took turns playing with Nick and watching Henry. In another year or so, I'm sure Henry will love playing with all of the toys, too. For now, he's mostly interested in his bottle. That and being held. Isn't -Henry's onesie cute? I didn't even know that they made baby "wife beater" tank tops. They were a gift from one of my co-workers, and I think they're just adorable. They make me giggle every time I put one on.

Nick literally had to be carried out of this place kicking and screaming.

Our first outing as a family turned out pretty well, especially for Nick, who had a ball. He fell asleep in the car (thank goodness) and napped the whole way home.

Maybe we can handle this whole "having two kids" thing, after all.  ; )

Raking Leaves in March (With a Snow Shovel)

Since spring is officially here, of course snow is expected later this week. That's what happens in this part of Illinois. We get teased with lovely weather for a few days, and then get slapped in the face with the remnants of winter. During one of our last "teaser" days of nice weather, Nick and I decided to go out and see what'd happened with the garden. Grandma Toni joined us, too.

Before you say anything, yes, I am indeed aware that my garden was covered with leaves and dead plants. I know that gardeners are supposed to do some work in the fall to clean up. My excuse? Last fall I was in the first trimester of this pregnancy, and I was more than a little nervous about overexerting myself. So we did nothing. We didn't even rake the leaves.

So that's why we were outside on a sunny day in March, raking leaves and turning over the soil. Nick was actually pretty good at helping with this. He loves digging in the dirt, and preparing the soil, at this point, involves nothing more than a bit of digging.

Nick even helped us gather the leaves and put them into the yard waste bags. Would you believe we filled two entire bags just with leaves and old plants from our small raised bed garden? Really.

Oh, and the snow shovel? I couldn't find the rake--later Greg told me he'd thrown it out because it was in bad shape. At first we tried picking up the leaves with our hands, but that was frustrating and not very successful. So I pulled out the snow shovel, and that did the trick fairly well. I also used my funky twisty tool (that green thing with the handle) to turn over the soil. I'll probably supplement the soil a bit with some compost, but it still looks decent. I like raised beds because the soil doesn't get packed down as much.

We already planted some seeds, and they're growing well indoors. Now the garden is mostly ready for planting. I'm thinking the spinach will go in first, sometime soon. This year we're going to put in some chicken wire, because the bunnies around here are ravenous, and they've eaten quite a bit of my produce in the last few years.

I am totally ready for spring to arrive, this time for good! If we get both nice weather and time this weekend, we'll be doing some planting. I ordered a whole bunch of new seeds from the Seed Saver's Exchange, and I can't wait to see how they'll do.

An Unexpected Trip to Northern Wisconsin

On Thursday morning, we set out on a journey that we hadn't planned on taking. Greg's grandmother passed away, and we went to Merrill, Wisconsin, for the funeral. The drive up there takes at least 5 hours, more if you stop for food and bathroom breaks. We left around noon and didn't arrive at our hotel until nearly 7 p.m.  Crabby two-year-old plus mourning driver plus pregnant lady equals a challenging ride.

When we arrived at our hotel, it only took Nick about three seconds to find the phone and figure out how to dial it. I have no idea where he learned this; we only have cell-phones and I haven't had a corded landline since. . . well, since I was in college. But he somehow knew what to do, so we had to unplug the phone so that he wouldn't randomly start dialing people.

All of our previous trips have been for fun, but this one was (obviously) tinged with sadness. At the service, the minister talked about Grandma Marie's four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with one on the way. It occurred to me then that she would never meet her great-grandson, and that was tough to think about, especially with all of the pregnancy horomones running through my body. Greg and I walked around and looked at all of the pictures from her life, and I think that helped him with the grieving process.  Living 96 years is quite an accomplishment, and it was impressive to see all of the things she was able to accomplish in her life.

I didn't take many pictures, because it somehow seemed inappropriate to snap pictures of Nick and his cousins running around and playing at the visitation. Plus, Nick decided to perform like a typical two-year-old during our trip. He barely slept at night, refused to nap, would only eat junk food, and threw countless fits. So pulling out my camera was not even on my mind. Thank goodness for Grandma Toni, who, along with Nick's Aunt Sarah, helped me distract Nick. When Nick started having constant tantrums right before the service, Grandma Toni offered to take him back to the hotel room. I think I have the best mother-in-law in the whole world! I don't know what we would've done otherwise.

One bright spot in a sad trip was the hot tub at the hotel. There was a pool, too, but only Greg was brave (and cold-tolerant enough) to take Nick there.

The rest of us opted to stay in the hot tub. I would like constant access to a hot tub. I think Nick agrees, because through our whole trip, he would randomly start asking, "I go in the hot tub?! I go in hot water!"

You would think that would've tired him out, but no. Even though he never had a nap and is usually asleep by 8:15, Nick was still screaming at the top of his lungs, refusing to sleep, at 11:30. Nothing would stop his screaming. Lately, he does this thing where he'll throw his blanket, his Elmo, or his stuffed dog out of the crib, then scream for it back. The exchange goes something like this:

Nick (throwing his Elmo out of the crib): I no like Elmo. Elmo out!
Mommy: Okay, honey. Elmo can sleep with me.
Nick: Want Elmo! Elmo! I want Elmo!
Mommy (handing him Elmo): Here you go.
Nick (throwing Elmo out again): No want Elmo! Elmo out!

The situation repeated itself for several hours, with Nick's pillow, blanket, book, and stuffed dog. I could not find anything that would stop his screaming. I know better than to play the throwing game with him, but it's hard not to give in when I would've done anything to get the yelling to stop. When he screamed for a straight hour, I was really afraid someone in the hotel was going to complain and we'd be kicked out. No one ever complained, but I feel really, really bad for anyone with rooms near ours.

Nick's incessant screaming plus my severe allergies made for a very long night, with an all-day car ride today to top it off. He did sleep in the car, though, and today he was better overall. Hopefully being back in his bed tonight and back to his regular schedule (and diet) will put him back on track.

Belated Recap: Valentine's Day

I just realized I forgot to finish blogging about how Greg and I celebrated our Valentine's Day. It was a pretty good one, too. We went back to Barolo Ristorante in Joliet, because we remembered how good the food was when we went there in December. It was just as good this time. It is possible that it was even better, because we were able to truly enjoy our meal this time.

You see, Nick's Grandma Toni and Aunt Sarah came over last Sunday so that Greg and I could go out. Eating a meal without worrying about anyone throwing noodles at us is an amazing thing. The table stayed relatively clean, and not once did I have to wrestle anyone onto the changing table in the ladies room. Lately, Nick has been finishing his food more quickly than us lately. Then he tends to yell, "I all done!" until we let him get down. There was no rushing over this meal.

Instead, we lingered and concentrated on the food. We started with calamari, which is always one of my favorites. Greg actually ordered the same dish I had last time, while I decided to try something new: I ordered the free range lamb chops with bok choi and whipped sweet potatoes. I do think this was the best darned lamb I have ever tasted. . .

or perhaps it was just the peace and quiet that we enjoyed. Nah, it was the lamb. It was so tender and just perfectly seasoned. It was a lovely meal, but my favorite part was the dessert. I always want to order tiramisu at Italian restaurants. I adore it because it is creamy and flavorful, but not too sweet. This tiramisu was excellent. I wish I had some tonight.

Oh, and the presents? I think Greg and I both did a super job. I got him a gift certificate for us to take a couples cooking class at Flavour Cooking School in Forest Park. Sometime in the next month or two, we'll take a three hour class where we'll learn special techniques and learn to cook a very fancy dinner. The evening ends with a romantic meal where we'll get to eat what we made. Since Greg and I both love to cook, I figured it'd be nice to actually do something together. He's sure excited about going. Plus, it'll be another kid-free night out where we can enjoy our meal.

His present wasn't too shabby, either. I got a gift certificate for a 60 minute pregnancy massage at the Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva. I'm torn as to when I should cash this one in. It would be so nice now, because I've been having some back pain, especially in my tailbone. But I know that if I wait a month or two, it'll be that much worse and I'll be glad I waited to get this massage. We'll see what I finally decide. Either way, I love this Valentine's Day gift!

Greg is usually pretty good at the romantic gifts, but this one was just perfect. I guess it proves he really was listening to me when I've been complaining about my aching back. That means a lot.  :)

I hope your Valentine's Day was as good as mine.

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Post #3 (Chaos and Joy at Grandma Toni's House)

Choo Choo Fun and a Trip to the Podiatrist

(Just so you know, the choo choo fun had nothing to do with the podiatrist, I just stuck the two topics together for this post. After I wrote the post title, I was imagining how many different ways the choo choo set could cause me to have to see the podiatrist. I figured I'd better clarify.)

One of Nick's birthday presents (from Grandma Toni) is something called the Geotrax Timbertown Railroad. It's a remote controlled train set meant for two-year-olds, and Nick loves it. If the train gets off of the track (stuck, as Nick would say) all he has to do is put the train back on the orange part and it realigns itself.

Nick plays with his little train just about every day, and he loves the remote. (What man doesn't?)

So if no one stepped on the train, why the podiatrist visit? Well, ever since I had to put away my cushy, comfy flip flops, I've been having intense foot pain in both feet, and my regular doctor recommended I see a specialist. I had to take Nick with me, and that's why I'm writing about it. This visit was pretty hilarious in retrospect, though I was just a little mortified at the time. It's the moments like this that I don't want to forget.

When I was called into the examining room, Nick immediately discovered the rolling stool. He pushed it all over the room and put his monkey on it. Then, he greeted the doctor at the door with a big, "Hi!" As the doctor sat down and started asking me questions, Nick went behind the examining chair and located the control buttons. He started making the chair go up and recline. The doctor thought this was pretty funny. I helped Nick sit in a chair at the other side of the room, but a soon as I sat back down and took off my socks, he crawled down. Then he stood right by the doctor.

As the doctor examined my left foot, Nick came around to my right side and grabbed the other foot, repeating everything that the doctor did. "Sock off," he said. "Mommy's toes!"

The doctor found the problem immediately. Apparently I have something called "acquired equinus deformity of the foot (x2)," plus a contracture of my achilles tendon. I walked on my toes as a child and that screwed everything up. So I have to see a physical therapist and get some orthotics for my shoes. Sigh. Makes me feel vaguely geriatric, at the grand old age of 32.

The main thing the doctor talked about was the tightness in the muscles on the back of my calf and in my foot. Nick actually kept repeating what he said. "Too tight!," said Nick, holding my foot. "Mommy foot tight." I'm wondering if Nick might have a future in medicine. My son, the podiatrist.  :)  Nice thought. I bet he'd make a good doctor. He's already picking up the bedside manner. Perhaps I should get him a doctor's kit for Christmas, so he can begin to work on his skills.

Wordless Wednesday: Captions Please!

My Week With Nick (Guest Post)

This is a guest blog by Melissa's husband Greg. I have been on vacation for the past week, and I took the opportunity to have some bonding time with Nick.

On Tuesday, we went to the Brookfield Zoo together. We got there a half hour before they opened their gates, but that didn't stop Nick from doing his happy dance when he realized where we were. Nick entertained the other waiting guests by dancing around in his squeaky shoes and shouting "ANIMALS! ANIMALS!" Once we were inside, Nick especially liked the turtle at the Swamp. He and the turtle had a tender moment as they shared a kiss with ony the glass in between them.

Nick and I then moved on to the Living Coast, where we enjoyed the penquins among other creatures. Nick was fascinated by the crashing wave, which first scared him, but then drew his curiosity like a magnet.

After our adventure at the Living Coast, we visited the Rain Forest, where Nick received an up-close demonstration of how to care for a boa constrictor.

It was a really exciting day for both of us. After five hours of running around, Nick was ready for a long nap.

On Thursday, we were joined by Grandma Toni and took a trip to Chicago to see the Museum of Science & Industry. The highlights included an exhibit featuring a retrospective of Jim Henson's work. There were no pictures allowed, but Nick was able to see Bert and Ernie and Miss Piggy up-close and in puppet. Nick got to create his own story using several etch-a-sketches, and got to use his own hand puppet to put on a show with the other children there.

Nick really enjoys planes, so he was thrilled to see an Omnimax show featuring the making of the new Boeing 787, as well as an old 727 in person. Here is Nick conversing with the captain of the 727 about its various innovations:

On Friday, we spent the day relaxing at home, reading stories and watching episodes of Sesame Street. Combined with trick or treating on Halloween at Grandma Linda and Grandpa Ray's place, it was certainly an exciting week for Nick. It was a good week for me too. I look forward to my next vacation with Nick.