Motorcycles, elephants, and leotards

Last week we took the kids to the circus at United Center.

There was cotton candy and clown hats.

There were bright lights and loud music.

There was one very excited and tired 3 year old who already can't wait to go back next year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The theme at preschool last week was Thanksgiving and the class made a poster about what they are thankful for. Little Ruth, Max and Devin are thankful for their mom and dad. Mia is thankful for her whole family. Spencer, his cousins. Ante, his teacher Miss Lindsay. Isabella, sweet animals. But Eloise, oh she's thankful for toys. Proud moment.

Goodbye Karl

After 14 years, we had to say goodbye to our male turtle, Karl, this weekend. He has been sick for the last month or so and passed away on Sunday. I would say that Strawberry will miss him the most, but she's the crazy freak that ate him. So sad. And gross.

In other news, we have a lovely female turtle, Strawberry, up for adoption. Anyone interested?

A bit of confusion

Eloise has always had the habit of Costanza-ing while going to the bathroom by removing all of her lower half clothing. When she came back out of the bathroom earlier this week this is how she was dressed... (notice her Elmo underpants on over her leggings.)


This same day, as we were walking from our house to our car, she was telling me how silly I am. Why?, I asked. Because you didn't put my shoes on Silly, she replied as she's walking in the alley with her socked feet. Not only that, but when we got to our play date and I took George out of his car seat, I realized that he was not buckled in. Oh no! Lesson learned...I need to slow down and not be in such a rush. A very good lesson indeed.

Footed jammies are the best!

Mr. Mom

Andrew so graciously "worked" from home this morning so that I could go to a doctor's appointment downtown. I put the word worked in quotes because what he really did was come with me to drop Eloise off at preschool, drop me off downtown, feed George a bottle, bill 45 minutes of work, pick Eloise up from preschool by himself, and deal with this...


Andrew claims that the poop reached up George's back, covering his shoulder blades and made it's way up to his left earlobe. There was a bath involved in the cleanup.

I, for one, had a wonderful and rejuvenating morning consisting of a stroll along Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, coffee at my favorite place - Sarah's, a doctor's apt, a tiny bit of Christmas shopping, lunch all by myself and best of all, I didn't have to deal with that. Thank you, Buddy!

Eat Local, if you know what I mean

I love the Eat Local onesie that Uncle Jon and LoLo sent for George. It's much more tasteful than the Boobman hat I was considering. Nobody tells you how difficult breastfeeding can be, especially during the first few weeks, but I am so thankful that I have been able to do what I think is best for our babes and also for that one on one time with them. I have a feeling that I'll look back on these years with young children as my most favorite.

Georger has a bedroom

We converted the family room into a bedroom for our boy. So far it's working out really well as a quiet place to nap, a fun place to roll around and play, and a place to put his clothes and toys. We threw in a new queen bed too for our fabulous house guests. Come one, come all.

before (draberonious)

How I spend my afternoons

Maize

We do not take you on nearly enough walks. I forget to feed you until you stand still at your bowl for several minutes and I realize that you are hungry. You bark way too much and we yell at you and strap a citronella collar on your neck as a reminder of your manners. You jump up on the couch and on the beds and we make you get off. But sometimes we don't. We got you a prescription for Xanax to help calm your nerves during your grooming sessions. You're welcome. We cannot leave your sight in public or you become wrought with worry and panic. Some days I am your best friend, other days you favor Andrew, and very often you will not leave Elle's side. George who? you may ask, but you will realize that he lives here too in a few short months (weeks, days) when he begins pulling your hair and poking your eyes. You love us so much. And Maizie, we love you too.

Happy 4th Birthday to our best friend!

Happy Halloween

Curious George, our little monkey

Like all holidays with children, we've been celebrating Halloween for over a week. With an event at the zoo, a party and parade at school for Elle, a party at the gym for George, goodies and treats from Nonna, Hamma and one of our most favorite babysitters, carving pumpkins, decorating Halloween cookies, dinner with our neighbors and trick or treating in our hood...we are Halloweened out. Hope all of you had a very Happy Halloween!