catching up

Ah, WOW time sure does fly. I can't believe its been 2 months since our last post. Lets try and make this easy and stick to a list. Have fun y'all!!

1. We had a quick visit from Grandma Jen and Grandpa Dan in early Oct. It was a bit of a surprise but we had fun going to the Cloud Gate (aka big mirror, egg thing), sitting on the bull outside the library (or was it some sort of old exchange building??), eating ice cream, riding trains (aka the Metra), playing at playgrounds, and picking out pumpkins!

Side story: we are at the Cloud Gate and Jackson loves to look at himself and others through the mirrors. He saw this family of boys standing next to each other holding their hands up and starting copying them. All of a sudden I realize the boys parents are trying to get a family photo. I wonder if a picture of them and Jackson is out there on a holiday card.

 

2. Uncle Don finished his first season on Varsity Football at Xavier (Appleton, WI). They had a fantastic season and almost made it to the State Tournament, one more win and they would have been at Camp Randall. The family is so proud of him and his team. Jackson got to see his first HS football game the last weekend in Oct. It was a bit windy and cold but we all had fun watching Donny play. Jackson also liked being hand feed popcorn and hot cocoa!

3. Halloween was quick but fun. Mommy and Daddy were exhausted after we drove back from Kaukauna on Halloween Day we weren't sure if we even wanted to take Jackson trick or treating. Plus, for 2 weeks prior Jackson wouldn't even think of putting on his SKUNK costume. The costume was custom made by my mom and so awesome. The idea was given to me by my best friend (Anne), who suggested buying a black hoodie and sewing white fur onto it. Well, I couldn't for the life of me find a black hoodie. So Grandma made one from scratch (vest, tail and hat with ears). We tricked Jackson into putting it on on Halloween by telling him we were going to the playground (bribing with candy didn't work at all). Once we were out and about, Jackson had a blast. After some encouragement he would walk up to the door himself but he would only say trick or treat to mom or dad not to the strangers. He was so cute (esp from behind) to watch run in his costume.

4. In early November we dashed-off to our old neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio to visit some friends, who just had their second baby! It was fun to see Jackson and his old pal Nolan reunited. We only stayed for a day and a half but it was fun to see them all!

5. As soon as we returned from Columbus we were off again but this time a much shorter drive to Kaukauna for Thanksgiving. It was a very relaxed visit, which (to me) is the best kind. We saw most of the Carnot family. Some highlights include: playing in the YMCA's huge gymnastic room, playing with all my cousins, meeting up with Conner and Issac (Jackson's uncle Brett's sister's toddler), and taking a stroll around the block in my wagon with aunt Molly, Grandpa Frank, and Grandma Chris.

6. First snowfall it Chicago, and Jackson loved it. He loves eating snow but we can't do that here. There is just too much trash and GLASS. He listens well, especially if we remind him so I don't think this will be a problem.

7. Our last bit of news is that we are expecting baby #2! We are all very excited, although I think it might be too soon for Jackson to completely realize what's going on. We had our first ultrasound before Thanksgiving. We forgot how awesome it is to see those first glimpses of the babe. It makes it all seem so real and tangible. Tony would like to be surprised this time around and I'm wanting to find out the sex, so we have some thinking to do before our next visit. Our due date is late May/early June (official date of June 2). We'll be sure to try and keep the blog updated more often but things are definitely busy this time of year.

We hope you all have a spectacular Christmas and Holiday season. Happy New Year (if you don't hear from us beforehand). Wishing you all the best!

transitioning with kites

Fall has arrived and here in Chicago it has, for the most part, been sunny and beautiful. However, last weekend (particularly Sat) was gloomy and rainy, the sun poking out its face once in awhile. Mommy and Daddy decided to take Jackson to a park, a park with an open field to fly a kite. The wind was blowing; perfect weather for a kite flying adventure. We decided on Jackson Park (just south of us, right off the lake), which was fitting. We bought an Iron Man kite for a dollar at the Dollar Store back in June when we had to get a new tire and needed something to do with Jackson while we waited. Well, needless to say we were unsure of how this kite was actually going to fly. Jackson was in a funky mood, rightfully so with the changing weather. No one likes to stop wearing sandals and start wearing socks and shoes or needing to put on a jacket every time you go out side. But with that being said I love the transition from summer to fall (even if it requires gloomy, windy, rainy days). Something about wearing shorts and a sweatshirt or not sweating your a** off walking down the street or being able to watch a toddler fascinated with falling leaves. To me it seems like the year really starts in September and not in January (but silly me this is why we celebrate Rosh Hashanah!). I mean who wants to end and start the year in the dead of winter. Not me!  

We've spent two years raising and caring for Jackson full time and have loved every minute and am fortunate that Tony and I have made it work (through thick and thin). While figuring out our roles as parents in Columbus, I look back and think "wow, we were really lucky". We were lucky because we both had time. Time is so important. Tony was able to be around when Jackson hit huge milestones and also to dive right in to helping me at home. I've recently decided to take a job at the University of Chicago working with the Program on the Global Environment. My role will be part-time (with flexibility!). Although most of the job is administration type of work I feel like the program's mission and goals match my current resume trend. I start tomorrow bright and early. I have to say I'm a bit excited and hesitant. I'm already trying to think of how I'll have to use my time at home more wisely. Knowing me I'll choose to not run errands or go shopping because now I'll really want to make the most of our days. So my hesitation is NOT about working 20 hours a week or being away from Jackson. Its mostly about not being able to do everything (exaggeration) at our own pace or when we want to, but also about being fair to Jackson as he develops and grows. I know these are the struggles all parents make so I can't complain because I've had 2 amazing years with just Jackson. In addition, I'll be helping out (at night from home) with the athletic department on membership services. So much change in what seems like such a short amount of time. It will undoubtedly be a hectic academic calendar for our family but we plan on making it work (through thick or thin). We'll have to just fly kites more often!

 

 

 

 

Back to the kite. We got it up and it was so exciting. Jackson loved it but Mommy and Daddy loved it even more. If you haven't flown a kite in a long time (which I'll bet you haven't), go out today, this week, next weekend, whenever and fly one. Not only is it therapeutic - taking our minds off everything stressful - but it really brings out your inner kid, even more so then having your own child. After a windy, cold day of flying a kite we treated Jackson to a milkshake. Life is good!

 

birthday bash round 2!

We can't believe our little Mr. Man is now 2! We had a great weekend in Kaukauna, celebrating with family and friends. Thank you all for coming out to see Jackson. We all had a blast, especially Jackson! Once again, Jackson was fortunate enough to have both sets of grandparents at his birthday party (check out last years birthday party here). The g-parents were awesome and mom and dad can't thank them enough for all the hard work and cooking involved! Jackson made out with so great gifts - matchbox cars, choo choo trains and accessories, truck and drill set, Elmo books, undies, clothes, WI sippy cup (AWESOME!), stickers and much more.

Right after Jackson birthday we had his 2 yr check up. We all met his new doctor, we'll call him Dr. N. Things went well considering - we were really use to the quiet clinic/private practice of our old pediatrician, Dr. Thompson, and are now at a huge university hospital (pros and cons to both). But Dr. N was really nice! Jackson is now 34 lbs exactly and roughly 38 inches. The whole shebang went really well ... minus not getting a blood pressure reading because Jackson wasn't having the cuff thing. Oh well! No shots this time around (not until kindergarten) but seasonal/H1N1 will come soon.

We can't believe it is almost October, that fall is here, that Jackson is already 2, and that we are in a new city!

Chicago happenings

Hello all you land lubbers, here is a list of things we have enjoyed since moving to Chicago.

1, Last Thursday Jackson and mom spent a whole afternoon at Navy Pier. The Tall Ships were in town and we couldn't pass up the opportunity for a few peeks. Jackson loved the ships, but really loved the kids stage, creamsickles (ice cream with orange slush), his sword balloon, and getting to steer the ship (kind of). We met a pirate and he made Jackson this sweet sword but about 10 minutes later the sword popped. It was very humorous and sad all at the same time. The rest of the afternoon Jackson would randomly say "balloon broke". Mom tried her hardest to find that pirate and get another one ... no luck. Arrrrgh! The lines were ridiculously long to get on the ships but near the end of our afternoon at the Pier we got on one with no wait. It was awesome! Jackson loved it so much he started climbing the side of the ship. I had to put a stop to it and we ultimately got off, which made us mad. We got over it because we rode the free trolley back to our parking lot (and mom let Jackson ride it the long way to our car). At every stoplight Jackson would say "more choo choo" or "more ride" or "more drive". Well, I'd say the parking fee was worth it ... look at all these great shots (and I have more!).

 

2,  Agora by Magdelena Abakanowicz. About 3 weeks ago we spent a Saturday morning visiting the south end of Grant Park in Chicago. The large statues were fun for about 20 minutes and then we ran off to see the big horse statue (not of President Grant but of John Logan - I think a senator that founded Memorial Day???? We'll leave that up to Grandpa Dan or Uncle Andy to solve). No pictures of the horse ... it is huge!

3, Today we took the Metra downtown to Millennium Park (north side of Grant Park this time). We had a blast waiting for the train. How many times can a kid say "more choo choo"? A lot! We loved our first trip to Millennium Park. After seeing the Cloud Gate, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the gardens (one of my fav photos below), and the Wrigley Square, we stopped by the family festival tent. I guess all summer (daily) Target sets up a kid friendly area equipped with activities and live music. We heard the Wiggleworms and played some corn hole and Jackson skooled mom in hula hoop. This time on the way home via the train Jackson would say "choo choo wait" or "chain wait" before the train left the station. He is so awesome!

  

4, We've gone to the Lincoln Park Zoo (the free zoo) twice now. I have to say the zoo is beautiful - the landscape and architecture is amazing, especially with the backdrop of the city. Now this is where I might get a few grumbles but here it goes - the zoo (in terms of animals) is not impressive. For being in Chicago, the space is great but where are the animals? People were crowded around an exhibit so we rushed over to see the activity. Guess what we found? Just guess? People were getting crazy over DEER. Tony and I found ourselves bored (both times!). Even the carousel is lousy. But we are comparing it to the restored one at Como in St. Paul, so maybe that isn't fair. With that said Jackson's favorite part by far is the statue of the gorillas. On our last visit two weekends ago, Jackson noticed a train ride for small kids. We watched, he wanted to ride, we said "are you sure?", he nodded yes, he got in, he was happy, the train started, mom and daddy waved with excitement, he cried, he cried hard, the train stopped, he said "bye, bye choo choo chain". The End. 

5, Of course we have already been to the beach, Adler Planetarium, local playgrounds galore, the university pool, found a little produce shop (since mom dislikes the other grocery options), and much more. Next up? Gosh, where to start. Buckingham Fountain, Field Museum, Science and Industry (ah yes, since it is practically in our backyard), a Packer game at Soldier Field (ah yeah right, like me can score those tickets). Suggestions are welcomed but we won't make any promises!

Here we are - our little family!!!