Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Letters
Yesterday while I was typing an email I looked up, wondering why it was so quiet. Henry was sitting over by the fish tank (not banging on the sides like he often does) playing with his letters. He likes this page in his book where he can match up the foam letters with those on the page. He's starting to learn his lower-case letters this way! Yesterday he was frustrated because he couldn't find the 'x' (there isn't one on this page). When singing the alphabet now he sings the whole thing correctly, except that he often omits 'k' or sometimes 'p'. He also likes to sing the BINGO song right now. If anyone can help me do YouTube and post videos to the site I would appreciate that!
Please ignore Henry's hair in this photo. I've been meaning to call for an appointment for him for weeks...
Please ignore Henry's hair in this photo. I've been meaning to call for an appointment for him for weeks...
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Happy Chinese New Year
I already emailed this picture to a whole bunch of people, but I just love it so much. I kiped it from Cute Overload where it was posted for Chinese New Year. It is now officially the year of the pig. Happy Pig Year! I like this photo because it just seems so genuinely baby. I can't imagine anyone would have said to their child "Okay, now lick the pig's snout, wait! I didn't catch it, do it again!" Now that I think of it, it does look a little like Rob or Will when they were little.....
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Oh Yeah...
I never really did post about the auto show, did I?
Here are a few classic moments. This first one is a remainder from the auto museum...just proof that Matt was actually here.
And in case, like Rob, you wondered if we could have a few more "thumbs up" photos...
Henry was very excited to actually get IN the cars (touching was not allowed in Volo).
And we saw BJ Armstrong. Henry tried to show off his sweatshirt and tell BJ "Go Hawks" but BJ didn't seem too enthused. He just wanted to sign the program, fake a smile and get to the next cheesy folks, who wondered why we were saying "Go Hawks" instead of "Go Bulls". Around here Hawks usually means Blackhawks...it's all very confusing.
Here are a few classic moments. This first one is a remainder from the auto museum...just proof that Matt was actually here.
And in case, like Rob, you wondered if we could have a few more "thumbs up" photos...
Henry was very excited to actually get IN the cars (touching was not allowed in Volo).
And we saw BJ Armstrong. Henry tried to show off his sweatshirt and tell BJ "Go Hawks" but BJ didn't seem too enthused. He just wanted to sign the program, fake a smile and get to the next cheesy folks, who wondered why we were saying "Go Hawks" instead of "Go Bulls". Around here Hawks usually means Blackhawks...it's all very confusing.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Big Train!
We took a whirlwind weekend trip to Minneapolis this weekend. It was sort of a surprise Valentine's trip for Pete. He knew we were doing something, but didn't know what. Maybe it's a little weird that his present was to visit my brother, but I think we all had a great time. Really, it was all about Henry, who loves the trains.
Here he is in the Glenview station. We had a bit of waiting to do. The train originated in Chicago, so we didn't think we needed to check the departure time. Turns out there was some sort of ice issue, so it was almost two hours delayed. Henry didn't seem to mind the wait.
Henry was very excited to be on the train. He couldn't decide if he wanted to sit next to me, or Papa or by himself. He requested that no photos be taken. Around 6 or 7 he conked out for the rest of the trip. He mostly slept across our laps.
I'll spare you the saga of arriving to Mpls/St.Paul late and Will's car breaking down and being the last people left in the station as they tried to close up at 1AM. Friday involved car fixing, errand running, napping, reading and eating yummy chicken and chocolate cake. I have no photos of Friday.
Here are Pete and Will on Saturday morning, brewing beer. They have some sort of Hawkeye basketball bet, involving beer, which Pete seems to be winning. Hopefully the beer is good, because he was supposed to get a case of "good beer" if he won. Instead he had to help brew his own. I thought it made the house smell a bit like a rabbit cage. Lucy was trying very hard to be involved.
While they finished up the beer and watched the Hawks lose again, Sandy and I went to the Knitting Cafe. She had taken Carrie and various other crafters there and I really wanted to experience it as well. The place was fabulous. See all the yarn! We browsed, ate lunch, chatted, ate some chocolate and knitted. 
That night we all pitched in a bit on dinner. Will made shrimp scampi. I made the noodles (I think Will is forcing me to learn, since I have only used my own noodle maker once), Sandy did the salad, Pete set the table...I think. I know he chose the wine that night, which turned out to be a little fizzy, but that wasn't his fault.
Here is some dinner-time train playing. 
Sunday morning we were up early to catch our 7:50 train home. Will dropped us off and took some photos (check his blog...he said he'd post some) . We headed straight for the dining car where we enjoyed some weakish coffee and decent eggs and grits. 
Henry stayed awake for most of the trip back, which was much more exciting than the trip up, mostly because it was daylight. We split our time between dining car, lounge car and our seats. I must say, I highly recommend train travel for those with kids!
Henry especially enjoyed watching other trains pass. Again, he was requesting no photos and would not give me a smile.
Home again, home again, jiggity jig. As soon as we stepped off the train Henry said "more train!" We were greeted by our friendly chauffeur and dog-watchers Grandma and Bampa. I think our next trip should involve a sleeper car out to Seattle or Portland!
Oh...one more note. I finished Pete's scarf while on the trip. Here's the tired guy showing it off:
Here he is in the Glenview station. We had a bit of waiting to do. The train originated in Chicago, so we didn't think we needed to check the departure time. Turns out there was some sort of ice issue, so it was almost two hours delayed. Henry didn't seem to mind the wait.
Henry was very excited to be on the train. He couldn't decide if he wanted to sit next to me, or Papa or by himself. He requested that no photos be taken. Around 6 or 7 he conked out for the rest of the trip. He mostly slept across our laps.
I'll spare you the saga of arriving to Mpls/St.Paul late and Will's car breaking down and being the last people left in the station as they tried to close up at 1AM. Friday involved car fixing, errand running, napping, reading and eating yummy chicken and chocolate cake. I have no photos of Friday.Here are Pete and Will on Saturday morning, brewing beer. They have some sort of Hawkeye basketball bet, involving beer, which Pete seems to be winning. Hopefully the beer is good, because he was supposed to get a case of "good beer" if he won. Instead he had to help brew his own. I thought it made the house smell a bit like a rabbit cage. Lucy was trying very hard to be involved.
While they finished up the beer and watched the Hawks lose again, Sandy and I went to the Knitting Cafe. She had taken Carrie and various other crafters there and I really wanted to experience it as well. The place was fabulous. See all the yarn! We browsed, ate lunch, chatted, ate some chocolate and knitted. 
That night we all pitched in a bit on dinner. Will made shrimp scampi. I made the noodles (I think Will is forcing me to learn, since I have only used my own noodle maker once), Sandy did the salad, Pete set the table...I think. I know he chose the wine that night, which turned out to be a little fizzy, but that wasn't his fault.
Here is some dinner-time train playing. 
Sunday morning we were up early to catch our 7:50 train home. Will dropped us off and took some photos (check his blog...he said he'd post some) . We headed straight for the dining car where we enjoyed some weakish coffee and decent eggs and grits. 
Henry stayed awake for most of the trip back, which was much more exciting than the trip up, mostly because it was daylight. We split our time between dining car, lounge car and our seats. I must say, I highly recommend train travel for those with kids!Henry especially enjoyed watching other trains pass. Again, he was requesting no photos and would not give me a smile.
Home again, home again, jiggity jig. As soon as we stepped off the train Henry said "more train!" We were greeted by our friendly chauffeur and dog-watchers Grandma and Bampa. I think our next trip should involve a sleeper car out to Seattle or Portland!Oh...one more note. I finished Pete's scarf while on the trip. Here's the tired guy showing it off:
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentimes!
We had more snow overnight and this morning. It was a lovely thick fluffy snow, swirling round and round. Sadly, for Franklin, this made his little potty space even more enclosed.
Here's a blurry shot of our calendar, with appropriate stickers marking our Play Date (read: take-home sushi dinner) and our mystery Family Trip which begins tomorrow.
Henry and I stopped by the post office to pick up a package from Grammie today. He got a book and 3 pairs of jammies (here showing off the Elmo set) and I got oodles and oodles of socks. Hooray Grammie! She didn't forget Pete, he had a special music themed mug arrive in the mail a couple of days ago.
Pete never fails to bring me flowers on Valentine's day. Today Henry acted as delivery boy. Note that he did not set down his other toys (parts of his Lego zoo) to hold on to the flowers.
Here's our kitchen table, all set and waiting for the sushi. Henry will have mac and cheese for dinner (he picked out some Arthur-shaped Annie's at the store) and then he will hopefully cash out early. He had no nap due to visiting Greenbriar for the class party in the middle of the afternoon.
Finally, a shot of a colanchoe (I think) that I've had for a while, which I can't remember ever having flowered. It has just a couple little pink blooms right now, which I find delightful!
Happy Valentimes to you!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Here's a blurry shot of our calendar, with appropriate stickers marking our Play Date (read: take-home sushi dinner) and our mystery Family Trip which begins tomorrow.
Henry and I stopped by the post office to pick up a package from Grammie today. He got a book and 3 pairs of jammies (here showing off the Elmo set) and I got oodles and oodles of socks. Hooray Grammie! She didn't forget Pete, he had a special music themed mug arrive in the mail a couple of days ago.
Pete never fails to bring me flowers on Valentine's day. Today Henry acted as delivery boy. Note that he did not set down his other toys (parts of his Lego zoo) to hold on to the flowers.
Here's our kitchen table, all set and waiting for the sushi. Henry will have mac and cheese for dinner (he picked out some Arthur-shaped Annie's at the store) and then he will hopefully cash out early. He had no nap due to visiting Greenbriar for the class party in the middle of the afternoon.
Finally, a shot of a colanchoe (I think) that I've had for a while, which I can't remember ever having flowered. It has just a couple little pink blooms right now, which I find delightful!
Happy Valentimes to you!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Snow Day! "Yaaayyyyyy!!!!"
We got the call at quarter to six this morning. When I hung up the phone and said "snow day!" Henry said "Yaaayyyyy!!!!" and clapped and bounced up and down. It was hilarious. I'm not sure he knew what it meant, but he knew it was good stuff.
Papa had to head outside to shovel. I tried to get a picture of him, but all I got was this:
I stayed inside and enjoyed a hot mug of tea (lately I drink my tea with half-and-half, not sure what's up with that). Here you can see one of my Valentine mugs and my lovely bread box in the background. Pete bought me the breadbox as a Christmas gift. The sides are red.
Franklin did not enjoy the snow as much as Henry and I did. No matter how often I scraped out a spot for him, the wind kept whipping up a new snowdrift. Poor little low-belly.
Henry and I occupied ourselves by playing train, doing laundry and making Valentine cookies. I had one little casualty...dropping this newly frosted beauty into the aloe plant.
And here's the boy, freshly up from his nap. He was promised a cookie post-nap, and he didn't forget it when he awoke. He chose a white one with sprinkles. This was taken shortly before the conversation featured in the previous post. You can almost imagine that he's starting to get a whiff of something in this picture.
Here's the snow piled up between the screen and the sliding door. I just thought it looked cool. It's about twice as high now.
Papa had to head outside to shovel. I tried to get a picture of him, but all I got was this:
I stayed inside and enjoyed a hot mug of tea (lately I drink my tea with half-and-half, not sure what's up with that). Here you can see one of my Valentine mugs and my lovely bread box in the background. Pete bought me the breadbox as a Christmas gift. The sides are red.
Franklin did not enjoy the snow as much as Henry and I did. No matter how often I scraped out a spot for him, the wind kept whipping up a new snowdrift. Poor little low-belly.
Henry and I occupied ourselves by playing train, doing laundry and making Valentine cookies. I had one little casualty...dropping this newly frosted beauty into the aloe plant.
And here's the boy, freshly up from his nap. He was promised a cookie post-nap, and he didn't forget it when he awoke. He chose a white one with sprinkles. This was taken shortly before the conversation featured in the previous post. You can almost imagine that he's starting to get a whiff of something in this picture.
Here's the snow piled up between the screen and the sliding door. I just thought it looked cool. It's about twice as high now.
Conversation
Henry: Mom, I mell cookies!
Me: You smell cookies?
Henry: Yeah!
Me: What do they smell like?
Henry: Um. Chocolate.
Me: Chocolate? Yummy.
pause
Henry: Mommy, I mell Franklin!
Me: You smell Franklin?
Henry: Yeah!
Me: What does he smell like?
Henry: Chocolate too!
Me: You smell cookies?
Henry: Yeah!
Me: What do they smell like?
Henry: Um. Chocolate.
Me: Chocolate? Yummy.
pause
Henry: Mommy, I mell Franklin!
Me: You smell Franklin?
Henry: Yeah!
Me: What does he smell like?
Henry: Chocolate too!
Monday, February 12, 2007
I Lied...
I'm not posting about the Auto Show quite yet. I thought I'd mix it up a bit. Here are some crafting photos instead, because there are wonderful things happening in the world of crafting...
Joyce has gone sock crazy. She is currently knitting some very cute socks for Henry. Here he is trying them on:
And the close-up of the unfinished toe. Don't you just want to nibble on those toes? Maybe that's just the mother in me...
Joyce also took up her whole suitcase with my quilt... Some of you may remember that she started this for me before my wedding. There may even be a piece in there that you donated! It turned out beautifully!
Here's a close-up so you can see the heart design stitching. Joyce did have some help finishing the piecing and I believe the stitching was done by machine. I absolutely LOVE it! On the back is a tag with my full name and Pete's full name, then first date (Valentine's '94) and engagement (Valentine's '02) and our wedding date.
Joyce and I spent a good two hours at the yarn shop in town (3 Bags Full) and I finally found some yarn I'm excited about for Pete's scarf. This shot is blurry, but I think it's fairly true for color. Several of you know that I started and re-started several scarves for him, but nothing was feeling right. I was wanting to do a ribbed scarf, but then saw a scarf that was knit on the length, giving it that vertical texture, but without all the hassle of purling. Not sure yet how wide I'll make it. The woman who helped me in the yarn shop is the mother of one of my first kindergarten students at Greenbriar. She said that "since Pete is an artist" I could go with a skinnier scarf for him. I still think I'll go wide.
One last note. We just received a call from Chloe's mom. Chloe got her valentine in the mail today. The report is that she's carrying it around the house saying "Henry made this for me!" and "Isn't Henry cute?" Oh dear. My little Casanova. He does know how to pick 'em!
Joyce has gone sock crazy. She is currently knitting some very cute socks for Henry. Here he is trying them on:
And the close-up of the unfinished toe. Don't you just want to nibble on those toes? Maybe that's just the mother in me...
Joyce also took up her whole suitcase with my quilt... Some of you may remember that she started this for me before my wedding. There may even be a piece in there that you donated! It turned out beautifully!
Here's a close-up so you can see the heart design stitching. Joyce did have some help finishing the piecing and I believe the stitching was done by machine. I absolutely LOVE it! On the back is a tag with my full name and Pete's full name, then first date (Valentine's '94) and engagement (Valentine's '02) and our wedding date.
Joyce and I spent a good two hours at the yarn shop in town (3 Bags Full) and I finally found some yarn I'm excited about for Pete's scarf. This shot is blurry, but I think it's fairly true for color. Several of you know that I started and re-started several scarves for him, but nothing was feeling right. I was wanting to do a ribbed scarf, but then saw a scarf that was knit on the length, giving it that vertical texture, but without all the hassle of purling. Not sure yet how wide I'll make it. The woman who helped me in the yarn shop is the mother of one of my first kindergarten students at Greenbriar. She said that "since Pete is an artist" I could go with a skinnier scarf for him. I still think I'll go wide.
One last note. We just received a call from Chloe's mom. Chloe got her valentine in the mail today. The report is that she's carrying it around the house saying "Henry made this for me!" and "Isn't Henry cute?" Oh dear. My little Casanova. He does know how to pick 'em!
The Shedd
A quick post from work...while I really should be doing other stuff...
On Friday, when Joyce and Matt got in, we went to the aquarium. Here's a photo Matt took of the beluga tank. If you look closely you can see the new baby (born July 31st? Franklin's birthday...) swimming above the two bigger whales.
There was also a special lizard exhibit that we got to see. We couldn't use flash, so it was hard to get clear shots, but this guy was pretty cool:
And we watched this guy down two full shrimp...it was pretty nasty. Matt took video. I was just glad there was glass in between us so I couldn't hear the sounds...
And we watched the dolphin show. Henry was pretty entertained by the jumping dolphins. I was distracted by his stinky diaper.
Next post: Auto Show!
On Friday, when Joyce and Matt got in, we went to the aquarium. Here's a photo Matt took of the beluga tank. If you look closely you can see the new baby (born July 31st? Franklin's birthday...) swimming above the two bigger whales.
There was also a special lizard exhibit that we got to see. We couldn't use flash, so it was hard to get clear shots, but this guy was pretty cool:
And we watched this guy down two full shrimp...it was pretty nasty. Matt took video. I was just glad there was glass in between us so I couldn't hear the sounds...
And we watched the dolphin show. Henry was pretty entertained by the jumping dolphins. I was distracted by his stinky diaper.
Next post: Auto Show!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Cars!
Joyce and my cousin Matt came to town this weekend to attend the Chicago Auto Show...a post on that to follow. When Joyce asked Matt what else he might like to do while he was here, he asked if there was a car museum around. After a short amount of searching we stumbled upon the Volo Car Museum. It was a bit of a drive, but pretty much worth it. There were many, many thumbs-up opportunities.
Matt preferred to stay behind the lens, and I borrowed several of his shots for this little montage:
I did not include photos of the scary military museum area. It included flashing lights and sound-effects. Henry and I rushed right through there. If you look closely, though, you will see The Mystery Machine, Kitt, Herbie, The General Lee and maybe the Batmobile! The whole place (which was several showrooms large) kind of smelled like Turtle Wax and grease. If you're moderately interested in cars, though, I would recommend a visit!
Matt preferred to stay behind the lens, and I borrowed several of his shots for this little montage:
I did not include photos of the scary military museum area. It included flashing lights and sound-effects. Henry and I rushed right through there. If you look closely, though, you will see The Mystery Machine, Kitt, Herbie, The General Lee and maybe the Batmobile! The whole place (which was several showrooms large) kind of smelled like Turtle Wax and grease. If you're moderately interested in cars, though, I would recommend a visit!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Busy Business
I should just keep my posts to one topic, but then I have lots of photos I want to share, so I jumble them all together...I'm doing that again now.
So here's a typical scene from our house in the evening. Henry and Papa were playing with the train. I was tired and lying on the floor. Henry and Papa decided to build the train track around me, and then for some reason Henry piled pillows on top of me. Then my brother called and Henry came over for the photo op.
And later Henry had some phone time with Grammie. You really have to catch him at the right time, or he's not in the mood to talk. This night he was very chatty.
We did, indeed, spend some time crafting yesterday. We didn't get out a lot of product, so don't feel hurt if you don't receive one of these valentines.
And last night I went to one of those assemble-your-own-supper-and-take-it-home-to-your-freezer places. It was mostly a social event with some of my co-worker friends. We had a fun time. They provided us with some samples to snack on and we had a little wine before we started. I brought home 7 meals to feed 3 for about $63. Not too bad! It will be nice to have some MREs on tired nights.
Here's a shot of the kitchen area...for those who are interested in that sort of thing... They were rocking the tunes as well. I think I heard "It's Raining Men" followed by "Love Hurts" and "Secret Agent Man" and I'm pretty sure the night ended with "Freebird".
Stay tuned for photos from the Aquarium and the Auto Show. Aunt Joyce and Cousin Matthew are coming in today. Henry developed a bit of a cold overnight, so I'm hoping he's up for all of the excitement. And now I'm off to try to put the house in some sort of order...or at least wash the sheets.
So here's a typical scene from our house in the evening. Henry and Papa were playing with the train. I was tired and lying on the floor. Henry and Papa decided to build the train track around me, and then for some reason Henry piled pillows on top of me. Then my brother called and Henry came over for the photo op.
And later Henry had some phone time with Grammie. You really have to catch him at the right time, or he's not in the mood to talk. This night he was very chatty.
We did, indeed, spend some time crafting yesterday. We didn't get out a lot of product, so don't feel hurt if you don't receive one of these valentines.
And last night I went to one of those assemble-your-own-supper-and-take-it-home-to-your-freezer places. It was mostly a social event with some of my co-worker friends. We had a fun time. They provided us with some samples to snack on and we had a little wine before we started. I brought home 7 meals to feed 3 for about $63. Not too bad! It will be nice to have some MREs on tired nights.
Here's a shot of the kitchen area...for those who are interested in that sort of thing... They were rocking the tunes as well. I think I heard "It's Raining Men" followed by "Love Hurts" and "Secret Agent Man" and I'm pretty sure the night ended with "Freebird".
Stay tuned for photos from the Aquarium and the Auto Show. Aunt Joyce and Cousin Matthew are coming in today. Henry developed a bit of a cold overnight, so I'm hoping he's up for all of the excitement. And now I'm off to try to put the house in some sort of order...or at least wash the sheets.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Oh the Ups and Downs of Life
We have been riding the ups and downs of life these last couple of weeks.
We were happy to see some of our dearest friends, but sad that the occasion was on the loss of Amber's dad.
We enjoyed some precious time with our family, which always seems to remind us that we never do have enough time together.
We delighted in meeting new little Kirin. He is as pleasant as we were told.
We were graced with the gift of a new lamp. Mary and Peter let us pick it out as a graduation gift. My lane change has finally gone through. My official graduation was in December, but they pro-rated my pay to October 10th, the day after I passed my comps! The benefits lady at school said it was the most confusing new contract she had ever had to make (from bachelors + 12 to masters + 0, pro-rated to October 10th, pro-rated to 50% + 2.5 days at previous per diem rate + 2.5 days at new per diem rate = whatever I make now).
We were happy to join friends to watch the Super Bowl (can you tell which cookie Henry got his hands on?) but, of course, sad about the outcome of the game. It was actually more fun to watch the boys play together. It was the first time I had really seen them play together. They talked to each other, copied each other and followed one another around. 
The weather has been torturous. Yet, the science teacher at school created this bit of whimsy in the courtyard....just because. At the base are a couple of frozen water balloons.
Henry is busily getting ready for Valentine's day. Tomorrow we have a whole day of crafting planned. We should probably start working on cookies as well...
And now I think we're all caught up...
We were happy to see some of our dearest friends, but sad that the occasion was on the loss of Amber's dad.
We enjoyed some precious time with our family, which always seems to remind us that we never do have enough time together.
We delighted in meeting new little Kirin. He is as pleasant as we were told.
We were graced with the gift of a new lamp. Mary and Peter let us pick it out as a graduation gift. My lane change has finally gone through. My official graduation was in December, but they pro-rated my pay to October 10th, the day after I passed my comps! The benefits lady at school said it was the most confusing new contract she had ever had to make (from bachelors + 12 to masters + 0, pro-rated to October 10th, pro-rated to 50% + 2.5 days at previous per diem rate + 2.5 days at new per diem rate = whatever I make now).
We were happy to join friends to watch the Super Bowl (can you tell which cookie Henry got his hands on?) but, of course, sad about the outcome of the game. It was actually more fun to watch the boys play together. It was the first time I had really seen them play together. They talked to each other, copied each other and followed one another around. 
The weather has been torturous. Yet, the science teacher at school created this bit of whimsy in the courtyard....just because. At the base are a couple of frozen water balloons.
Henry is busily getting ready for Valentine's day. Tomorrow we have a whole day of crafting planned. We should probably start working on cookies as well...
And now I think we're all caught up...
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