See you later February...it's been real

Mommy/Willsy selfie. First day of basketball fun/Willsy with the ball. Someone is a tad excited for the first day of basketball. 100th day of school fun, and where has the time gone? Two sickies becoming Picasso's on a cold, winter day. Early wake up, calls for a nap at 7am with the weighted blanket. Double ear infections and a dump truck...ugh. One of the many weighted lap pads I have made this month for Eli's Weighted Blankets. Someone running free at Will's basketball practice.

Early morning ER visit when Eli was very sick. High fever, double ear infections and an upper respiratory infection. No fun. Method of weighted blanket/lap pad making. Chevron lap pad for an amazing 11 year old. Someone doing a #2 behind that curtain. Potty training is in the near future. Eli painting for the very first time, a huge step forward! Proud and happy mommy here. Batman lap pad for Will, who is already doing great things at school with it.

Eli

I am hoping that one day, when I read this again, that I will be like...see everything is ok.

Eli...when you look deep into my eyes, I feel like I am really seeing you. When you make that connection and our eyes meet, if only for a second, I feel like I know you. I do know you. But, I don't know what your words sound like. It makes my heart ache. Do you get what I am saying? Your little body and mind get so jumbled that it is so hard for you to connect to the here and now. So..when you turn and look at me, really look I feel like I am seeing my little guy for the very first time. I cherish those bit and pieces.

Sometimes they don't happen every day, that's ok. I know you are taking your time and I have started to cope. You are your own being. Constantly running, jumping, stepping off the couch and the bed. Literally. It used to make me nervous, but not anymore. You always land on your feet. In fact you get satisfaction out of it. Last night you even climbed on top of your peddle car with Will in it. Crazy. That, made my heart jump!

I am learning so much about you, and what your body and mind are going through. I read everything I can. I've joined support groups, and try and implement anything I learn, to help you. This week we are going to try joint compressions and brushing with your occupational therapist, which seems to help a lot of kiddos. Keeping my fingers crossed but I'm not going to get upset if it doesn't work. You will do it when you are ready. Your weighted vest is almost here! It is suppose to help you focus and calm all those sensory seeking actions.

I am trying baby. I just want you to know that. I am doing everything I can to help you. We tried so hard to conceive you, so I will never give up.

Love you more than air.

Mommy

Baby Steps

We have had a good week in our house. First, someone got his haircut. This is an impossible fete, as we have tried everything from kiddie cuts, to adult cuts, to mommy cuts. Today, it was a mommy cut. This time we had a weighted blanket in are arsenal and Thomas on the big screen. I have to say, he was amazing! Some tears and annoyance, but he eventually got used to it and was trooper. Not the best hair cut, but at least my little guy can see.

I was able to give his therapists their weighted lap pads, which they loved. So glad that I was able to make them, and know that they will be used by many kids each week. With the bitter cold, he was only able to see two of his therapists this week.  He did awesome at both sessions and really stayed in tune with what was going on. He allowed hand over hand signing, which he is not a fan of. He has stacked blocks after blocks and has even allowed big brother to help him. He really does love the ladies that come and help him, he is not shy and will sit right on their laps. Loves when they blow bubbles, he often does his little happy dance. Yesterday he got to experience beans and puffs together. Eli made quite the mess, but it was awesome to see how much he enjoyed it. Sticking his toes in it, stirring them up, and he even helped pick up a couple of them. 

Randomly, Eli has given out kisses this week. He's not overly affectionate. But, does love sitting on your lap and snuggling. Which we take as his affection. Yesterday, he gave me 5 in a row! I had given him his dinner and milk. He grabbed my arm and with his open mouth, gave me a kiss. Then I got four more after that, just to be sure he gave them. It seriously brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart.

Will and Eli have been playing a little bit more together.  I have been trying to read books that both of them are interested in, although Eli doesn't last long. Will is reading small books, with help from us. I can't wait for the day that I see the boys together and Will reading to Eli. 

More snow coming tomorrow, 9-12 inches! Will is excited and yes he and I will be sledding tomorrow. Life with my boys, might be crazy and challenging. But, I wouldn't have it any other way.

New haircut and his weighted blanket!

Mario Party!

Mr. Will celebrated his big 6th birthday this past week. Hence the reason for the long absence. I have been busy making and baking things for this party. My days were consumed with Mario projects. I made mario and luigi hats for all his friends, made all the games and most of the decorations. We had a candy bar with mario themed treats, that were a huge hit.  Will was over the moon excited and was thrilled when his friends started arriving.

We even got to have Aunt Mimi come in from Virginia to help out and visit.  So glad she was able to swing it, even if it was a quick trip. Love our Mimi!

1.Mine craft excitement 2.Hugging bff M for the Lego movie legos 3.Waiting at O'hare for Auntie Mimi's plane 4.Official birthday ice cream sundae and a cake pop 5.Pin the stache on Mario 6.Birthday morning excitement 7.Someone helping mommy sew a weighted lap pad 8.Birthday boy dressed to impress for his school day 9.Play room madness at the birthday party 10.Lap pad made for a very special baby 11.Mario table prepped and ready for little hands

 1.Mario and Mario...so serious 2.Love Mario 3.Silly Mario 4.Power up Mario

1.Mario and Luigi selfies 2. Silly Eli loves being upside down 3.Sister selfie 4.Mommy Mario selfie 5.Mommy and squirmy wormy, Eli 6.Boys in their new Pj's from Auntie Mimi, who spoiled them rotten(thanks! love you.)

Catching up...

I have made a promise to myself, that I must update this little blog of mine at least once a week.  Not only to remember these special moments, but to see how far we have come.  We are on a long journey for sure, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Without my 3 boys, my heart would be empty.

Baby boy enjoying the snow and the sounds of the snow plows up and down our street.  Little Hart Hart loves the snow and playing with her brother's in it.  Eli loves sledding but would much rather take in all the sounds of winter.  A long over due photo of Halloween.  They were so cute and Will was beyond thrilled that he was Mario!  He's even having a Mario party for his upcoming 6th Birthday! What! Eli enjoying a little play time at his gym class.  He'd much rather run all over the soccer field. Whatever gets him tired is fine by me.  He is a bundle of energy. Willsy and his Mario stache.  He is the king of make believe with such a wild imagination.  I am one lucky mama! Will, the snow kid enjoying his winter holiday by sledding, non stop. Getting crafty with mom for a school project.  He is just so kissable.

Updates: Eli has been incorporating new sounds into his vocabulary.  The "ish" is more prevalent along with "da" and "ma". Has been doing awesome with fine motor skills, like coloring with bath crayons, and putting blocks in the right spots. His gross motor skills have always been amazing, but now he thinks he can literally step off the couch, jump from the side of the couch and double step the stairs. Que freaked out mama, I have had my heart skip a beat on many occasions.

He still pats his belly or flaps his arms when he is waiting/excited about something that is getting ready to happen.  Toe walks.  Has had a couple "terrible twos" tantrums. Loves water!  Splashes, and dumps water in his head in the bath. Enjoys having his weighted blanket on him when watching Thomas or Super Why. Overall we have seen tons of improvement but still no definite words. February with mark 30 months and that is when we will most likely be seeing a developmental pediatrician.  Which will give us a bit more information about Eli.  Nervous and anxious is an understatement, but I am staying positive because he really is such a smart little guy.

As for my Will, he was so thankful to go back to school after a long winter break. We had numerous snow days and bitter cold temperatures that left us inside.  He really enjoyed Christmas this year and it was amazing to see it through his eyes.  It makes the holidays so much easier to see their smiling faces light up with each toy they open.  He is getting ready to turn 6 in just 13 days!  EEK.  That means I have been blogging for 6 years!  So hard to believe that he is becoming such a big boy.  He wanted to do a home party and invite his friends from school.  Should be interesting since we live in a town house, but we are going to make it work.  We are having a Mario party and he and I have been busy planning away.  I can't wait for it all to come together and see the excitement on party day.

Will is reading!  It is shocking.  A kid that hated coloring, didn't want to write, now loves doing it all. He was so upset when we had three snow days and wanted to go back to school.  He told me he needed to get his learn on!  Hilarious. He is quite the history buff and currently loves watching or reading anything about Titanic.  Hoping we can find a documentary for him because he is obsessed.

As for me, I have applied to many gyms but a lot are either too far or just not hiring.  I guess living in a small town, I can expect that.  That's why I have decided to put my sewing/crafting skills to good use. I am going to start a little business that helps kids with sensory processing disorder, sleep and autism. I mentioned before that I made Eli's weighted blanket for him and how much it has helped.  So...I am going to make blankets and lap pads.  At least for now.  It is going to be called Eli's Weighted Blankets.  I'm going to use the face book outlet and possibly etsy.  I am still getting prices and measurements together, so hopefully by February, I will have something to show. I am really excited to get started and hopefully help others.

Happy Weekend!

Being Honest...

I have been meaning to write about this for a while.  Not only for personal reference, but to see how far we have come.

It's about my littlest dude, Eli.  The one that we tried to conceive for over a year, the one we found out about on Valentine's Day, the one that melts our hearts with his smile.

He's wordless. He does talk, but in his own language.  Lots of sounds that you can't make out. Believe me, he is loud and fiercely independent.  Only says, "dadadada", to hear himself.  Only says, "maaaa" when he needs my attention RIGHT now.  Makes the sound of his favorite thing in the whole world, "choo choo". Just recently said. "ishy" for fish when we were at the store and wanted to see the fish. Sometimes we will get, "Z" for big brother Willsy.

He communicates in his own way, taking our hand to what he needs or wants.  Opens the pantry to show us what he would like from there.  Goes to the fridge to let us know he wants milk.  He is very consistent with these tendencies and I'm glad for that.  Hence his fiercely independent nature.

We noticed his delay, when he stopped saying the words he had already picked up, like mama, dada, einstein, and bites.  At his 18 month check up, we discussed this and decided that we should look into getting speech therapy for him.  It took a while to get everything set up, but Eli is now getting therapy three times a week. He sees a speech, developmental, and an occupational therapist for an hour each week.  I will say that there has been a definite improvement developmentally and emotionally.  He loves to be held by us, get tight bear hugs, and loves to give brother hugs. Although, the speech is a slow process, you can see him trying.  He does not like to sign, so I have pretty much given up on that.  I try to get him to talk more when he is wanting something from me. Usually that means that I do not respond to his initial request right away, and he gives in and grunts, mama.

I am not going to lie or sugar coat this, like my heart has been trying to do.  Autism has been brought up by the pediatrician and shot down by the occupational therapist. She doesn't believe he is on the spectrum.  He emotionally connected with her, gives her great eye contact and was engaged.  Autistic children tend to be in their own world and want things there way.  Routine.  Eli does have some "autistic" tendencies like tip toe walking, walking on surface that feel "different", loves routine, and sensory seeking.  All his therapists at this point think he has a severe sensory disorder which has caused most of his delays.

I am doing anything and everything I can to assist him on this "adventure".  I have made him a weighted blanket, which helps sensory seekers focus more. Also, thinking about starting a little weighted blanket business to help little ones. (More on that later.) We do a drop in play at our rec center to get all the wiggles out.  Rock, run, jump on couch cushions and our new trampoline.  All in hopes that we will get some words out of our little guy.

My heart is heavy most days.  By the end of the day, I'm exhausted.  Eli is a challenge.  But, I wouldn't trade him for anything in the whole world.  He is my little love bug, who gives me a smooch when I put him to bed. His smile brightens up your day. And when he runs to you after you have been gone, there is nothing like it.  I am bound and determined to help him through this.  This is our journey.

Holy Batman...We're Back!

Time to dust off the blog.  Wow!  Did not think the last time I was on here was July.  Life happens, and blogging takes a back burner.

Instead of trying to fill in 2 months worth of stuff, I will just start off with the Will's first day of school. He started August 20th, on a hot summer day with both his mom and dad there to see him off.  His teacher is amazing, a veteran and it is exactly what Will needs. He has done so well adjusting to full day kindergarten, but boy do I miss him!  He also has brought home a couple colds and a stomach flu.  No fun.  Hoping all those germs are building his little immune system.  

Will sits next to girls, which has been a blessing.  He now loves to color and is very meticulous when it comes to doing his homework.  I think those girls have motivated him and I like it!

Of course I can't leave my littlest dude out.  He started speech therapy this week.  He is going to have his hearing tested in two weeks and I am trying my hardest to come up with things that he enjoys.  He loves trains and cars and makes the sound of them all the time.  Good thing we live near the train station, which we try and go by everyday.  My little guy has had me so worried, that every spare minute I have, I want to spend nurturing and loving on him.

So...this is not the last of us.  We will be back, I promise.

Strawberry Kinda Day...

Last week we ventured out to a local strawberry farm, right after Will's swim class.  He was thrilled even though, he is not a huge fan of strawberries.  I guess that act of picking them is just as exciting.

It was about a 10 minute car ride, out into the country. We are lucky enough to be surrounded by tons of farms, but still have modern conveniences that we love.  Super Target is not as close, as we would like, but who doesn't love seeing goats on your way there?  

It was a perfect day to be out in the strawberry fields, sunny with a cool breeze, and a little boy ready to pick.  

Enjoying a homemade donut after all the strawberry picking...

A strawberry mess and a cheesy smile...

Loving his apple cider donut...so yummy!

Sweet baby boy...love him!

Hooray for donuts!

Willsy getting in there and finding some strawberries for mommy and Eli...love love

It was a great morning spent with the boys.  I was so proud of myself for venturing out in our new town, by myself.  It's the little things that make it all worth while.

Let the puppy countdown begin, Saturday we are picking up our new addition!  I cannot wait!

Happy Wednesday...off to the pool we go!

Trip and More...

Another wonderful trip back home, or shall I say Virginia is in the books.  Home is where your heart is, and that is wherever my guys are.

We crammed so much in.  Sister birthday, a random Grease movie sing-a-long at an amazing venue, shopping at our favorite stores, the pool, other sister's bbq, visit with my pape, a mini vaca to great wolf lodge in williamsburg, and new flowers to my mom's grave.

Before we left, Will got sick with a bad cold and Eli caught it while we were there.  Thankfully my sister's pediatrician was able to give us the okay to fly home. Two hour flight delay, some advil, and m&m's and we finally made it home to Daddy on Tuesday.  It was a whirl wind, but so worth it.

My brave Willsy going down the big kid water slide, totally proud mom moment.  Might have shed a tear. T-Ball prep and we have a pretty good hitter on our hands. Dino camp, bike rides on some amazing trails and tears after landing in Virginia.  Being sick and flying, no bueno.  Before take off trying to get a snap shot for daddy.

Little man Eli all sweaty after running around the park, while big brother is at t-ball.  2 hour delay = one sleepy and sick baby.  I carried, a 30 lb. baby, a shark back pack and a diaper bag on after our second attempt at going home.  Blue blanket hiding.  Sleepy baby after a 4 mile hike. More blue blanket and binki love.  We have done good on the binki and reduced to only bedtimes!  Yeah. Water baby loves his water table and could stay out there forever. Mommy/baby selfie at t-ball. Big boy going down the water slide.  He actually went down bigger ones, but I had to be right there to catch him.  Brave little one year old!  He loves the water and slides.

Sister selfies. Baby boys making their own indoor jump zone. Bike ride through a field of daisies.  Pretty awesome. The family on a morning ride. More water table fun.  Grease sing-a-long fun with sister/bestie. The quilt that has kept me busy for the last month and half.  For my sister's birthday.  She loved!  This was my first sewing project, and a very daunting one! More Grease fun, who doesn't put a brown bag on their head?

I can't believe July is next week and that we have been here for almost 9 months.  I'm still trying to find my groove, I joined a mom's group that is a town over.  But, I haven't ventured to it yet.  It just seems so weird going to a random group.  I wish I had friends out here, I guess with time it will happen.

Puppy is coming here July 13th!  We are so so so excited!  We are going to name her Hartley Grace.  We got to see them a couple weeks ago, and they were so tiny and cute!  Can't wait to have her here.  Daddy will be taking time off in the middle of July, thank goodness.  Will is getting checked out for a possible milk allergy.  All of a sudden, he seems to be not tolerating it well.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Then my sweet baby Eli, has kind of slowed down in the talking department.  He says mama and dada but, and a couple other words, so he is in the process of getting some extra help.  Gross motor wise, the kid is crazy.  Flips, climbs, runs, goes down big boy slides, acts like a big boy and gives me a heart attack!  Thankfully he hasn't tried to climb out of his crib, yet.

Hoping I can be a better blogger and stay somewhat up to date.  It's hard playing catch up!

reasons you make the day brighter...

Gloomy days, followed by rain, some sunshine and unseasonable low temperatures, even for Chicago, has us  well me in the dumps lately.  Thankfully sunny days are ahead and Lew is on vacation for a week.  Just us chilling out as a family.  Can't wait.  7 year anniversary coming up, father's day, and we are headed to VA for my sister's birthday.  Buck up girly, your days are getting brighter.  

What makes it all better?  Splashing in the sink with bubbles.  Seeing a one year old's cheesy grin as he giggles away.  Trying ice cream sandwiches for the very first time and throwing in the towel a couple bites in because it's just too cold. A morning run with the littlest dude because he is always up.  Playing in the train drawer just to be that much closer to your toys. And of course sitting in Mommy's rocking chair, watching a movie.

Going on a pajama walk with the hottest part of the day is at 6:30 pm. Creating a dino sailboat, that will of course take us to dino island.  Adorned with stickers and all. Showing off an amazing dino collection, and making a video about all the dinos names and what they do.  Totally awesome.  My little paleontologist. Snuggles and sleeping with daddy after a long day of bike riding and enjoying one of those sunshiny days. Sending Pape a picture of his grandson, who loves to see underwater in the bath.  Melts my heart. And just because, curly mess of hair on mommy, not sure where the curls came from.  Banana ice cream.  Yes.  Banana chocolate ice cream.  So delicious and all natural.  Yummy.

Off to get productive on that birthday quilt I am making for my sister's birthday.  Hope I can finish on time!  Happy weekending friends.

Blueberry & Banana Muffins

Lately I have been on a bit of eating clean kick.  Partly because I was feeling run down and exhausted by 5 pm.  Could be the fact that I have been getting up with a teething 18 month old, at the butt crack of dawn.  Taking care of two rambunctious boys, continuing with Will's school work (last week-thank goodness), and doing my thing.  It totally has taken a toll on my body.  So..I am focusing on me more.  Squeezing it in when I can, no MATTER what.  Hopefully adding yoga, along with my regular exercise routine will help when the boys are driving me crazy.

I have been pinning a lot of recipes, but this one just happens to be one of my favorites so far.  Super easy too. All you need is a blender!  So..into the blender in this order. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees and line with foil liners.  Must be foil or else muffins will stick.

1. 2 1/2 cups of oats blended into a flour before adding other ingredients 2. Add 1 cup vanilla greek yogurt, 2 very ripe bananas, 2 eggs, 1/4 honey, 1/4 cup of coconut oil-melted (trader joe's or whole foods), 2 tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of vanilla bean or real vanilla extract.  Then blend.  

Note...you will have to mix a little to get it going and you want to make sure all the oats at the bottom get incorporated.  Once all is blended, use an ice cream scooper and scoop one spoonful into each muffin liner.  It should take between 12-15 minutes depending on your oven. 

They are super moist and totally yummy!  I store mine in the fridge, just to keep them extra fresh. Give them a shot and tell me what you think.  Clean eating doesn't have to taste like card board, believe me because I have a major sweet tooth.

Happy Memorial Day friends.

spring is here...almost

Feels like I am always playing catch up, but I guess that is the life of a parent.  We've been busy trying to bring on spring here.  Chicago is completely different from Annapolis.  By now in MD it would be hot and humid, flowers all in bloom.  Here things just started blooming, and it's only 55 today!  Crazy. 

We planted flowers, raspberry and blueberry bushes.  So far, the raspberry bush is doing wonderful but the blueberry is lacking.  Probably because the temps.

Will is signed up for camp and swim lessons, we are signed up at our pool.  Unfortunately, it's a little too cold to go.  Never thought I would say that.

We have trips coming up and a new addition coming to our family!  No, not a baby.  I have my hands full with two boys!  We are going to get a puppy!  I am so excited.  I keep telling Lew, that being here will finally feel like home, once we have a puppy.  He just laughed. We are going to get a Rottweiler again.  We just love the breed and it's all about how you raise them.  Our Ella was amazing, such a sweet girl who loved the boys and was such a great protector.  Plus, I get to name her.  I am thinking Hartley Grace.  

As for the trips, the boys and I are going to VA for my sister's birthday in June.  Then in July we are headed to Door County, Wisconsin.  Lew grew up going there in the summers, and it is something that we want the boys to experience.  So...we are going to be busy!

1.boys at daddy's favorite restaurant on my mom's birthday. 2.wondering if I look like my mom. 3.someone is not too fond of his bike helmet, safety first, buddy. 4.getting into mischief and getting so big. 5. a little luigi's mansion with daddy. 6.getting good at writing his abc's. 7. sunny day wagon ride 8. oreo cookie mistake? nope. 9. bike ride with the boys, hoping willsy is brave enough to lose the training wheels this summer.

1.baby boy loves the slide! 2.evening walk with some bubble fun 3. slide racing, he won. 4.dare devil running  down the hill, yes he did end up face first, but got up smiling. 5.chasing big brother=one tired baby 6.hill rolling and of course getting all itchy. 7.boys play dress up too, just in cute puppy dog forms 8.who can make it to mommy the quickest? 9.after dinner binki walk, the only one to do it.

Happy weekend friends!

Meaning of a Mom...

1. Loves you the moment she finds out about you

2. Dreams of your future when she feels you kick from inside

3. Knows what kind of child you will be by how active you are in her womb

4. Is the first one who gets to hold you close to her heart

5. Feeds and nurtures you from the very beginning

6. Takes care and snuggles with you when you get the sickies

7. Tucks you in at night, even if you are in high school

8. Is proud of every accomplishment, small and big

9. Shares her dessert with you, even though she was hiding it from all her kids

10. Scratches your arm while watching Thorn Birds

11. Gives the best advice, even if it doesn't sink in right away

12. Makes the best tacos and frozen pepsi's

13. Takes you on adventure you will never forget

14. Works hard and still manages to keep it all together

15. Helps with homework, even after a 12 hour work day

16. Makes you laugh when she says, Ni-Ten-Do

17. When you know what a wonderful daughter she is

18. Teaches you how to drive and tells you it's okay, we won't tell dad you almost took of the mirror

19. Calls you Boogie, because you are her very last baby

20. Teaches you that you love with your whole heart and do it, unconditionally

Happy Mother's Day Mom.  Love and miss you so much.

And Happy Mother's Day to all my bloggy mom friends.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with all things beautiful.

Ft. Myers 2013

Trying to get back into the groove of every day life after an amazing trip is no easy task!  But, we are slowly getting there.  Unpacked, clothes washed, and beach pictures ordered.  If I didn't do it the second we got home, it would never get done.

Willsy of course, is my water baby through and through.  He loves the beach, pool and fishing with daddy.  He also wanted to save every piece of marine life he saw.  Sand crabs, Hermit crabs, Star fish, Sand Dollars and the little shiners daddy would use as bait.  He would pick it up and put it back in the ocean.  Because it needed the water.  Totally melted my heart.  The only fish that was eaten, was a sea trout.  The boys catch and release everything.  I asked Willsy if he was going to become a marine biologist and he told me he still wants to be a paleontologist, so he can dig up dino bones.

*One of many star fishes saved by willsy, love that smile, and the only catch that was eaten

*Mommy and Willsy having some time together on the beach, making silly faces

*Another star fish saved, making peace with the trout, and getting close

Baby boy Eli was not as fond of the beach/water.  He loved it the first day, then quickly changed his mind.  If you went in the ocean, he wanted to be held.  If you let him go on the beach, he would run everywhere!  Needless to say, when he was on the beach, we were always on the move.  He did like the pool but would go from the pool to dipping his feet into the hot tub.  At one point, I put him in his stroller and just walked around the pool because, he was just so hard to handle.  Hoping next year he will enjoy it a little more, and make my life a little easier.

*last night on the sand, tuckered out with thomas, always checking something out on the beach
*selfies with mommy, baby boy is getting some serious teeth lately, love him
*touching the sand for the first time, literally fell asleep at the lunch table, loving the ocean on day 1

*Daddy and Willsy making a trail of sand castles, digging a giant hole because that's what you do, one of many fishes they caught together, matching shorts and toys..love my boys

All the pictures from this vacation were taken with my iphone because someone stole our camera one morning when Lew was fishing on the beach.  We were totally shocked!  It had two days worth of pictures on it that hadn't been downloaded yet...boo!

Tell next year, Ft. Myers!

Long Over Due...

This post and this trip were and are long over due.  Does that make sense?  Being able to go on a road trip with your sister and kids was something for the memory book.  Being able to be on that road trip to Nebraska to visit my maternal grandparents, was simply amazing.

I have to get it all down before our next adventure, which is happening in just 3 days!  We are headed to the beautiful, Ft. Myers Beach in Florida.  So exited!

1.baby running main st 2. with the grandparents at the cheesecake factory, they were slightly overwhelmed 3. lilly taking baby eli for a ride on grandpa's 3 wheeler 4. baby eli sitting in grandma's chair/he was quite demanding of her attention when we were there, so sweet 5. grandma, jj and myself doing duck lips, too funny 6. lilly was in nebraska and iowa at the same time 7. grandma with baby eli 8. giving grandpa a smoochie...love him 9. will and lilly riding the 3 wheeler, it was pure entertainment for a good hour

1. will at the hotel taking a little swim 2. mommy on the 3 wheeler taking baby eli for a ride 3. swim suit is just a bit too big there eli, total water baby. don't look at my hair. total bed head friz mess! 4. baby model as we now like to call him. at the photo shoot in detroit for vw's summer catalog 4. lilly and will, up to no good 5. see...hours of entertainment on said 3 wheeler 6. will getting his modeling on 7. trying to control baby model 8. eli entertained by the $165 car...yeah i know, ridiculous!

One of my favorite pictures from the trip and of all time.  I love seeing the kids in the back, the endless side walk, the yard that I played in many a times as a child, and sitting on the front steps where I am sure my mom had.  So many memories there as a child, that are hard for me to remember without my older siblings.  Truly blessed to have amazing, loving grandparents and wonderful siblings to share these memories with.



Hoping to be more present on here after we get back from Florida.  With the move, spring break, and getting settled, it's been a challenge to get back in the groove.

Pre trip Pre easter Pre bloggy break

We have been on a bit of a break.  Home schooling.  Oh the joys... Moving.  Unpacking.  Many Target trips thrown in the mix for mindless things.  Decorating.  Making our new house, a home. 

A fun day of crafting thrown in the mix, to put smiles on all of our faces.

There is nothing like your smiles.  Will and Eli, you make my world so much brighter.  Thank you for the giggles, the brotherly love, the hugs and smooches (from Will).  And Eli, thank you for the warm, and sweet snuggles.



Big milestone happened today.  We signed you up for Kindergarten today, Will.  Didn't mean much to you, but my heart warmed and tears filled my eyes.  You are amazing. You taught me how to be the mommy I am today. Thank you.

Best Surprise EVER!

Ok.  So this past weekend was a kid's consignment sale that I have been looking forward to since we moved here.  You know in the past that I have always gone to the one back home in Annapolis, which is huge and I absolutely love.  (side note..I am totally bummed that I can't go to the one back home which is next weekend and there are over 600 consignors this year!) 

 

Anyway..all week I was telling my sister about it because we consignment buddies.  We love finding great quality clothes, at great prices for our kiddos.  Fast forward to Friday and my day really was starting off awful, I was texting my sister and telling her about it and told her she should come here and go to the sale with me.  She was in Detroit on a business trip and it would be so easy to do.  She told me to come pick her up.  I was like not with two little ones on short notice.  She was like make sure you take pictures, so I can see your finds.  And that was that.

 

Come lunch time, Lew texts me and asks me if I want to go out to dinner.  Umm...yeah!  I told him it could not have come at a better time, because my day wasn't going so well.  He said, I have training tell 5 and then I will have to come home and switch cars because I have to go deliver something to a customer. Very believable because his car is too small for anything.  So...he comes home gets the car and said he should be back in about an hour or so. 

 

After about the second hour, I was kind of getting worried and called him to see where he was at.  He said he was on his way back but was stuck in horrible traffic.  Fast forward to almost 9pm...and believe me, I had been texting him for the last hour or so.  I was beyond starving and starting to get cranky!

 

I told him once I heard the garage, I would come right out so we could at least go grab a bite to eat somewhere.

 

Garage door opens, and I see him walking towards me and I start going off on him about how long it took.  When my sister pops out from around the corner and yells...SURPRISE!  Holy cow was I surprised as ever.

 

I haven't seen her since Christmas so, it was an amazing surprise that Lew and her both pulled off.  We went out and got Mexican food and had margaritas.  It was awesome people.

 

I am still in shock, because my sister is not very spontaneous and changed her travel plans just to go to this consignment sale with me.  Literally she was here for 24 hours.  We had a great time at the sale and got some amazing finds.

 

The quality was definitely better than the sale back home, but they didn't have as much.  My sister rocked and found a Burberry shirt for Eli for $10.  Retails for $130!  He will be sporting that this Easter.

 

It was sad to take her back to the airport but I will see her in two weeks.  The boys and I are driving to Detroit to do a photo shoot for one of her marketing campaigns.  Then we are on spring break and heading to Nebraska to visit my grandparents, who have never met the boys.  So...so...excited. 

 

Oh...and we are outta here, by here I mean the mil's on Wednesday!  These next couple of weeks are going to be wonderful.

 

 

Not a big haul...but quality!  Mini Boden, Gap, Janie and Jack, and Gymboree



 

 

Holding up our numbers with our game faces on!  Ready to get some deals.  I look so tired!

 





Happy week friends!

It's Finally Happening...



After 4 long and I mean super long months, we have finally found a place to live!  Over the moon excited cannot even express my joy and happiness!  We are moving to a small little burb near the water, which we love.  Good school district, a Target that is somewhat close, 8.3 miles to be exact.  I'll take it!  We get the keys this week and plan on moving small things in for the moment and then next week we will get everything out of storage.

 

I cannot wait to be in my own bed, see all my stuff, get the boys settled, and of course Will cannot wait to see all his toys.  The boys are going to actually have a play area other than their room, which will be all sorts of amazing.  I might not see Will for a whole day because he will be amongst all his books and things.  Anxiety about being here, is slowly fading because we will be in our own place and space.

 

Unfortunately, the move is about 35 minutes from Will's school.  So, this is his last week there.  I never thought I would be doing this, but I am going to be home schooling him for the last two months of his preschool career.  I have done a lot of research, by that I mean pinning amazing ideas from pinterest to do with Will.  We will continue the writing and coloring daily, which he is starting to get into.  But, I thought I would make it specialized to his interests.  So..we will do a unit on dinosaurs, which I found some wonderful crafts on and marine life as well.  And as far as the socialization goes we are going to enroll him in  a couple classes through parks and recreation.  Lew and I just felt that putting him into another school would be too much on him emotionally.  I see trips into the city, visiting bloggy friends at museums, and lots of good things in store for us.

 

Today...we are getting lots of snow, I'm with my babies, Lew is going to come home early, and packing has begun.  There is a lot to be grateful for.

 

 



 baby toes

 

 



 warm fuzzy hats and an awesome sweater from their favorite auntie

 

 

 a giant snowman that you can climb on

 

 

 sledding on a 99cent saucer sled courtesy of our old target then warming up with hot cocoa, check mix and some vintage game boy

 

 

 snuggling with our stuffed dog lew, named after daddy

 

 

 brotherly love that really is lovely

 

 

 snow angel and snowmen with awesome daddy

 

 

watching the snow and the plow truck....