May 2012

We had a last minute visit from my family the first part of May. Christian found some really cheap tickets and a week later nanny Elaine, Allyson, and Brooke were here for a fun weekend. We stayed up way to late every single night chatting, ate lots of yummy food, shopped, went to a cubs game, and of course had a hair party.

The Cubs game was a lot of fun. It started to rain while we were waiting for the game to start. Of course it postponed the game, so we headed to Portillo's for lunch. There were some intense plays in the game and the Cubs ended up winning in the 11 inning. Nanny Elaine purchased Benson his very first baseball. He sure loves that ball! Christian took the kids down to run the bases after the game. It was seriously such a fun opportunity for my kids. They were so brave and ran all the bases alone. Benson was hilarious! He fell and got right back up and started running again. He made it to home plate and turned back around to find his sister. Of course I just had my little point and shoot for this event so I wasn't able to get very good pictures. It was dark and the kids were in motion. The pictures are blurry but I was still able to capture the moment

Addy's first performance for the spring show of Singer's Company was at an assisted living in Naperville. The people there loved the girls! It is so sweet to watch them enjoy the music and our cute girls. Addy did great and sang a solo in "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Here are some pictures of after the show with most of the girls in our ward that are in the group.

Addy had her 2nd performance at the Morton Arboretum in the children's gardens. It was a very hot day, but the girls did great! I was so excited for Christian to hear all the new songs she has been working on.

We stayed after the performance and played in the children's area. It was our first time ever at the Arboretum. They had several playgrounds, fountains, ponds for the kids to explore, and lots more. Addy was very brave and wanted to try and catch a tadpole. This is definitely something she would normally be afraid of.  Both Addy and Benson loved it! Addy could catch them all by herself! It was so hard to get them out of the water because it was very refreshing to cool off from the heat.

Later that night, we got our 2nd babysitter for the year and went out and celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. We ate at McCormick & Schmick's for dinner. It was so yummy! We both got mahi mahi, but the way Christian's was prepared was the best. After dinner we walked the river walk in downtown Naperville and just talked. It was amazing to actually hear what each other was saying and not have our kids screaming over us. I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband! We have definitely been through a lot in the past 6 years. We have lived in 5 different homes in 2 different states. It has definitely been an adventure but one I would not change!

Addy's last performance was at the library. She had a second solo also in "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Daddy brought her flowers which made her night! This has been such a fun group for Addy to be in. She has definitely built more self confidence and loves to sing. We are very excited to sign up for the Fall semester.

Addy had her last day of preschool the 3rd week in May. Christian surprised her and took the day off of work. The class put on a little program for the parents. They sang all the songs they had learned through out the year. Mrs. Linda gave them their certificate and a treat for completing the class. 

Addy chose to eat at Olive Garden afterwards for her special lunch. She is so much like her mom! We decided to let her pick what she wanted to do for the rest of the day, and she chose the zoo. We had a great day together as a family celebrating Addy.

Memorial Day we went to Nike Park and played for the day. Christian and Addy made us a picnic lunch. The kids played for hours on the playground and Benson got to fly a kite for the first time. 

The wind was blowing like crazy so it was perfect for our kites. Addy did great and loved running all over the soccer field with her kite.

After the park we came home and grilled for dinner. The kids enjoyed a sprite and sherbet float for dessert. They were being so silly and I couldn't resist more pictures of them! Shocking, I know! 

June 2010

The month of June went by really quickly for us. We have been busy playing outside enjoying our summer. Here are a few highlights of our month.

Benson's First Hair Cut 6/6

Benson had the usual baby hair in the back. Long through the neckline and a big rubbed bald spot above. He has lost at least half his hair through the top so he was getting a little comb over. So I buzzed the back and sides with a number 1 and cut about an inch off the top. I had a hard time blending his bald spot because he was so wiggly, but it looks so much better. He hated the hair cut! He fussed through the clippers so I didn't do as good of a hair cut as I wanted. Oh well! He sure looks handsome!



Benson turned 4 months old 6/18

- Weight: 15 lbs 9 oz 73%

- Height: 25.75 inches 85%

- Head: 17.25 inches 90%

- 6-9 month clothing

-Sleep: 10 hours at night

3-4 1 hour naps through out the day

Brookfield Zoo Dolphin Show 6/19

The brookfield Zoo has a new dolphin exhibit that just opened up for the summer. We took the kids to check it out. Addy loved it! She giggled through the whole show. The best part was when the mom dolphin splashed Christian and the kids. Benson wasn't thrilled but it made Addy so happy. Worst part was when my skirt was sticking to me and I flashed everyone behind me. NEAT! Luckily a nice lady told me right when I stood up.

Fathers Day 6/20

We celebrated Fathers Day on the actual day this year. This was Christians first weekend of not working at the airport anymore. It has been awesome having him home. The kids and I got him a blue ray disc player that he wanted. He was definitely surprised!




Park


We have spent half our days this month at the park. Addy loves to dig in the dirt. She can't wait until Benson can play with her. Addy chose a pair of new sun glasses from Target. She wears them everywhere she goes! Such a stylish cutie!


Swimming 6/28

Addy had several play dates with Ella. They have a lot of fun together. The girls had a little lunch, went swimming in her new pool, colored with chalk, blew bubbles, and ate sugar cookies. They had a lot of fun running around outside. Thanks Erin for the cute pictures!



I am starting to get the hang of having two kids. It was definitely harder in the beginning! I seriously don't know how mothers do it. I guess that's why we have one at a time. (well some of us do!) Now that Benson is a little older he is more content to play on his own. He is a very happy baby as long as he is in your arms. I am really trying to enjoy him being so little because this baby stage is all ready going by so fast! He is almost ready for solid foods. Freedom! I mean that lovingly.

A little catch up

Since I have had Benson the computer has taken the back seat. So I am behind on what we have been doing. We stay home most of the time because it's too hard to get out the door. It seems like all I do is feed Benson. This little guy is always hungry! My body can barely keep up with him.

Benson is staying awake more during the day. He is smiling a lot and loves when you talk to him. He is such a sweet little baby! He will be 7 weeks tomorrow. Wow the time is flying by fast! Benson's 1 month check up stats: weight 10lbs 10.5 oz, 22 1/4 inches. He has out grown all his
0-3 month clothes and is now sleeping around 6-7 hours through the night. Last night he slept 7.5 hours!

2 weeks ago the weather started warming up, so we have been playing outside more. Addy has been really enjoying the sunshine. The kids rode in the double stroller to the park for the first time together. Addy loved having Benson next to her. Christian is so good about chasing Addy around. The two of them have so much fun together.




Both my sisters came to stay with me toward the end of March. Allyson came to visit first. Of course it was bad weather almost the entire time she was here. We did a little shopping, but mostly just hung out at my house, relaxed, and played with the kids. Sadly I didn't take one picture! We both kept thinking we would take some once we got ready, but instead stayed in our jammies most the time. I am sad I don't have one with her and Benson. I am happy she came and got to meet my little guy though.

Andrea came two days later and stayed for four days. The weather was a little warmer so we were able to get out more. One of the days we went to Brookfield Zoo for the first time. Of course Addy enjoyed seeing all the animals. Some animals were still inside from the winter season but we were able to see plenty. Christian bought us a year pass so we will be going there throughout the summer.

This last week the weather was in the 70's. We met some friends at the park and played outside in our front yard coloring with chalk and blowing bubbles. I was able to snap my first picture of Benson's little smile. He melts my heart! His smile is getting bigger and is sweeter than ever!