Jake a Roo and Abbie too :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Princess Abigail!

2009-05-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

It is my Daddy's birthday too!
I love to color myself, so I can have tattoos like Daddy. (We may be in trouble)

I LOVE my new big girl bike. I got a helmet too because I like to go very fast.

This is my silly face. I do it all the time to make everyone laugh.

I love being 3! I get to do so many things like dance class and preschool! Hmmm I wonder how much fun it will be to be 4?

OUCH!

2009-03-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

The car door gave Jake's finger a bear hug :(

I'm a Big Girl with a Big Bed!

2009-03-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

Wait I thought this was Abbie's bed.
This was my daybed and now it is Abbie's.

So happy!

Red +Blue = Purple

2009-03-22T10:08:00.001-07:00

It is the simple things that entertain kids....
Mix colored water then pour, pour, pour.

He was pretending to be a Scientist.

She was thrilled to play with water and have all of her spills caught by a cookie sheet.

Good Clean Fun...

2009-03-20T07:43:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when you let 2 kids grate soap into a bowl add water and mix with electric mixer....good clean fun!
Bubbles everywhere!

He said he looked like a bubble monster.

Santa beards--of course!

Get a large handful and slap your hands together to send the suds flying.

They took a bath after this and were actually a great clean up crew. The house smelled like soap for days--so fresh and so clean!

Flubber Fun!!!

2009-03-20T07:38:00.001-07:00

Hmmm does it have a scent?
Wet, squishy, fun!

The blob!

We made homemade play dough and flubber for Jacob's preschool class for his Valentine's treat and it was fun, fun, FUN!

Here is the recipe:

Solution 1:
1 1/2 C. warm water
2 C. white school glue
Food coloring- a few drops or to desired intensity.
Solution 2:
4 T. borax
1 1/3 C. warm water
Mix solution 1 in a bowl and mix solution 2 in another bowl. (Add several drops of food coloring)Dissolve both well. Pour solution 1 into solution 2. No need to mix or stir! Simply lift out the flubber and explore!! Store in an airtight container.

Happy Holidays 2008

2009-01-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

A huge Dino at FAO Schwartz.
Santa at Macy's

Can I go inside the window?

The Windows at Macy's

Taking it all in.

Here are pics from all of our holiday adventures this season. Sorry I am a little behind, but we have been busy :)

Holidays 2008 Cont...

2009-01-02T19:23:00.001-08:00

Buttering up the turkey
Dressing up with some of Santa's loot.

Ready to party.

The Walnut room.

Hiding under the dinosaurs.

Who needs elves when you have Daddy?

2009-01-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Daddy!

Working on the oven.

Happy Belated Turkey Day

2008-12-01T19:24:00.001-08:00

Look up! Do you see it?
Super Grover!

Abbie LOVING the balloons.

We headed downtown for the Thanksgiving Day parade. It was great! We were running late and made it to the loop in 8 min, got parking right away under ten bucks, and found great seats! Maybe we were lucky?? Either way this may become a Johnson tradition followed by a yummy dinner at Grandma & Grandpa Babydog's house. Off to see the windows at Macy's and Daley Plaza tomorrow! Whoo Hoo!

No more diapers :)

2008-11-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

She is so proud of herself! She hasn't worn diapers in 4 days! Go Abbie Go!

In fact she loves wearing under ware so much that she changes it 3-4 times a day.

Look mom I just put my Minnie undies on all by myself!

Baby got back!

Halloween 2008 continued

2008-11-01T20:09:00.001-07:00

Princess Abigail and Popeye the Sailor Man Toot! Toot!

Pretty in pink! Oh what $6 at a resale shop can get you.

Jake sporting the tough Popeye face. I think he spotted Bluto!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Seriously Mom do we need these hoodies?

Jake posing with his Ugly Pumpkin.

Abbie and her Kitty pumpkin.

Great shot Dad!

Carving Pumpkins 2008

2008-11-01T19:58:00.001-07:00

We carved the pumpkins outside due to the fabulous weather!

Yum fresh squash!

Scraping the insides clean.

Jake loved scooping the seeds out. ..

So did Abbie! This entertained them for about 1/2 an hour.

Our little bruiser!

2008-09-27T07:55:00.001-07:00

This is what Abbie's eye looked like this morning when she woke up.
When she went to bed it just looked like a swollen bug bite...
I guess she got into a little scuffle at the park. Man those suburban toddlers can be rough :)

We actually think this was a bug bite. Damn bugs!

Oh Happy Day....

2008-09-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

House 427=the house of unfair parents :(
Don't you just want to give in?
"I hurt myself!!!"

Sometimes you just need to cry.

Happy 4th Birthday Jacob!

2008-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Ouch! This is the day before Jacob was born. By the looks of my belly he was totally stretched out lounging around. (BTW lotions/creams do NOTHING for stretch marks, so save your money)
He always used to sleep with his arms up in the air.
Getting so much personality at 2.
Jacob LOVES breakfast and this is a typical morning. He will eat 1/2 of that pancake and then eat a bowl of oatmeal too. If he can eat this much at 4 I am afraid of how much he will eat when he is a teenager.
Happy Birthday Bug-a-Boo!

More fun In the Windy City

2008-08-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

We have made it to the Field Museum! Hooray! (one of Mommy's favorite places)
Looking up at Sue for the first time.
" Wow real dinosaur bones!"
Daddy and the kids in the lobby of the museum.
Abbie checking out the Polar Bears. She was excited to see "snow" inside.

The fun continues...

2008-08-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

He did this all on his own. The Evolutionary bond must be an instinct.
Some kind of gazelle/goat animal...
Jake does a pretty good impression of it.
A silly moment brought to by Little Miss Abigail.
The family area....becoming one with the woodland creatures.

Out of the Museum and onto the Lake front...

2008-08-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Time for a snack ....
and a cuddle with my blankie.
I am not sure how Adam can take such good pictures by just holding out the camera.
Such a beautiful day!
On the way to the big giant bean (as Jake calls it).

The end of our Chicago adventure.

2008-08-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

A reflection shot in the smudged bean.
Hanging out under the bean.
Abbie our free spirit...topless in the city.
Having a blast.
All of our piggies :)

Mom is Great....We make Chocolate Cake!

2008-07-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

I can't take credit for this idea. It was on the Jello website ;)

Splish Splash

2008-07-18T08:09:00.001-07:00

Jake loves to slide into the pool.
Splash!
Abbie is not so sure this is a great idea. (Check out her boo boo legs. Yikes she falls alot!)
I really don't want to slide.

Hooray for water on a hot day! (Abbie is in the background walking in the pool)

The Big 3-0 !

2008-07-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Yup I am now officially 30 (well tomorrow the 17th)! I actually feel really good about entering my 30s. I spent way too much time in my 20s worrying about what others thought of me...should I dye my hair unnatural colors? Our my crappy tattoos showing? Should I lie or say what I really think? Am I showing too much cleavage? Are skulls on clothing offensive?

UGH! What a waste of time and emotions!!

Now I feel like I have come into my own and really like who I am. I am pretty comfortable in my very pale skin.

Memories of Great Grammy

2008-07-01T19:53:00.001-07:00

Hanging out with Great Grammy.
Abbie is really checking her out.
Great Grammy and Jake.
Pops and Great Grammy with Jake.

We love you! We will miss your dearly! Be at peace!

Summer lovin having some fun...

2008-06-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is MY girl! Don't look at her like that.
Did you know 3 year olds have girlfriends?
Happy to be outside.

Silly time! I am very into riding my bike up and down the block.

Abbie's Summer so far...

2008-06-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

When it is hot my mommy can do my hair to get it off my neck.
Really into sidewalk chalk. I am just glad she isn't putting it in her mouth.
"Hey Dad I saw a Robin."
Got chocolate milk?
"Hurry up mom I want to swim."

What a Day for a Parade

2008-06-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a long tradition of Jake's preschool to participate in the Lilac Day Parade. Adam and his parents did this when Adam attended the same preschool in the 80s. The parents and kids decorate wagons to fit the theme of the parade. This years theme was "Everyday Heroes" and of course Jake wanted to make a fire engine. In the spirit of Lombard (and Daddy's work) Adam decorated the wagon to look just like a local engine.
I am very lucky I married someone handy or the wagon would have just had pictures of fire engine taped to it.
Waiting for the parade to start.
Jake and his teacher. He just loves her. He will have her again next year and I have asked her not to retire until she has Abbie Girl.
Hanging out with his teacher.

Abbie's B-day Party

2008-05-25T20:59:00.001-07:00

Here are the home-made cakes. Elmo and Abby Cadaby from Sesame Street.

Abbie poses for her pre-party photo shoot.

Waiting for the singing.

Hooray for presents and character clothing!

When is my party?????

2 Years Ago Today...

2008-05-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

Abigail Marie was born!

Here I am a few days before in an elevator at Oak brook. I had to get a pedicure before the c-section (I have no idea why I am making such a cheesy face. It is bad enough I am all puffy.).
Here is Abbie a few hours after delivery.
At home sleeping after nursing. I just slid the Boppy off my lap and she slept.
Hooray for turning 1 !
A sweet close up at age 2. Notice the grubby hair. That sums up the life of my busy little lady--Happy Birthday Abbie Girl!

Adam is 30 today too!!

2008-05-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

So cute that these two share a birthday!

Memories Of Great Grandpa

2008-05-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

Great Grandpa was a Ladies' Man. (I think Jake is taking after him)
Meeting Jacob for the first time (09/04). I can still feel the joy of this day when I look at this picture.
Meeting Abigail for the first time (05/06). Such wonderful smiles again!

We will miss you greatly Great Grandpa! We love you! Be at peace!

At least she is safe....

2008-05-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

From the time she wakes up in the morning Abbie has to wear this bike helmet. (It has almost been a week of helmet hair)
Here she is still wearing the helmet all ready for bed.
A side shot, so you can see just how silly she looks.
Off to bed. Yup it goes to bed with her. She will let me take it off just before I put her to bed, but the helmet must stay in the crib with her. We get all kinds of looks now. Adam with tattoos, Jake and his mohawk and Abbie and her helmet. I am already fearful of her next phase.

Jake's a Big Boy

2008-05-11T20:16:00.001-07:00

Jake goes on the potty....
puts on his shoes, picks out his own clothes, and
finally sleeps in his big bed!!

Everyday he is doing more and more for himself. Go Jake Go!

Crap!! They know we like each other sometimes.

2008-04-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Jake reading to Abbie before her nap.
Hanging out together watching the neighborhood.
They will grow up to hate this picture someday, but it will melt mommy's heart forever.

We are so Happy it is Spring

2008-04-29T13:26:00.001-07:00

Abbie's current "Say Cheese" face.
I love warm weather!
It is very rare to get a pic of Abbie with out her saying cheese. Adam's timing was just perfect here. Way to go Dad!
Hanging out on the porch.

Chicago fun...

2008-04-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

So sweet
and so silly
The Bean
Checking out the bean
Family reflection in the bean

Chicago fun contiuned

2008-04-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Abbie saying, "Cheese!"
Sitting together at Millennium Park
Hanging out on top of a slide.
Waiting for the police boat to sail our way

The worst picture of Abbie Girl

2008-04-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

I need to show Abbie in some pretty and cute pictures first.....

Cheese! Peek a Boo
Abbie's model pose.

The worst picture of Abbie. Too funny had to share!
Thanks mom :(

Just Jake

2008-04-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

The snow is gone and the mud is here. Jake is pretending to be Fireman Sam (a PBS kids show).
It is safe now. I put the fire out.
"I just hanging out Mom."

Easter Fun--Part 2

2008-03-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Cheese in my fancy Easter dress.

This is my model pose ;)
Mommy and Abbie girl.
This is how Chaos spent Easter. Hung over from eating too many hard boiled eggs.

Easter Fun--part 1

2008-03-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Abbie woke up before Jake and was all ears this morning.
Checking out the Easter Bunny's Loot.
I found an egg!
I love my baby duckie.

Organic Bunny 2

2008-03-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Free advertising!
Yummy!
Jake and the bunny. He asked him for a puzzle, horn and baby duck. Abbie said, "Hello Bunny," from a short distance away.

Organic Bunny 1

2008-03-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Decorating cookies at Whole Foods.
Enjoying the frosting.
Sitting still for face painting.
Cheese! Check out my bunny!
I dig chicks!

Spring Snow

2008-03-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were outside without coats on and today we are back in snow pants.

Jake was very happy to be out in some fresh snow. He was out twice today for about an hour each time. This is the only pic I caught of Jake since he was too busy to stand still for a photo.

Hey look who got over her fear of snow :) She didn't want to come inside, so I had to bribe her with fruit snacks.
She had fun scooping the snow and putting it in a bowl.
This was taken right before Jake showed her how to eat snow. I had to make sure they stayed away from any yellow snow ;)

I should mention that the colors under their noses is from smelling markers. Remember the smelly markers from elementary school art class? We have them and they can't resist smelling them and covering their noses and lips all sorts of colors. It takes a few washes to get it off.

Firehouse Family Fun

2008-03-18T20:10:00.001-07:00

Tonight we went to see Daddy at the firehouse and I actually remembered to bring my camera. We are regular visitors and the kids just LOVE it there!

So cute with Dad. I just love how the kids have their hands so nicely tucked in their laps.
Whoa! So cool! It never gets old.
Abbie in Daddy's Boots, boots, B-o-o-t-s! (anyone else know that Laurie Berkner song? If not wait till you have kids or your kids get older)
Child labor at the firehouse. Hey,I thought this was a union department.
Abbie driving the engine with Daddy.

Is this the future for healthcare?

2008-03-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

Role playing together :) This is why having kids 20 months apart is great.
Who says I can't have style & wear a surgical cap?
Apparently this boo boo requires some serious attention.
I think the baby is going to make it.
I have to take care of the local drunks like my Daddy. (Great toy for kids huh? Barney from the Simpson's)

No more diapers or clothes

2008-03-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a rough road when it comes to potty training in this house. It has bothered me for some time now that Jake is 3 1/2 and not potty trained. It just comes down to you cannot control your child's bowel movements. I should have accepted this when he was in the infant carrier car seat and would crap up his back once we got in the car. Two days ago Jake decided to only wear underware. He had a few accidents and them finally peed on the potty (day 1). Day 2 again only wanted to wear underwear and had 3 accidents (one terrible time holding his penis at Chuck E Cheese--didn't want a diaper+foreign toilet=pee in car seat) and then peed and pooped on the potty. Day 3 (today) NO ACCIDENTS & NO DIAPERS :)

Here Jake is modeling his new underwear. He will show anyone and say, "they are soft and not itchy."
Abbie had to run around in her cloth diaper to feel like she was part of the potty party. Here she is inspecting Jake's underwear.
A funny moment from almost naked Abbie. The poor girl has crazy hair and a little boogie in her nose, but she is so cute saying cheese.
Jake doing a celebration run through the house. He is so proud to wear his underwear!

The return of the orange glasses

2008-03-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

Grandma Kitty came by the other day with some books, storyboards and toys that were Adam's favorites as a kid. Apparently these orange glasses were one of his favorite things to wear. Doesn't he look handsome in them?

They are making there way into Jake's playtime routine too! Is your heart melting Grandma Kitty?

These two take the best pictures together

2008-03-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Sweet, sweet pink sugar....

2008-02-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

Shh don't tell them I am hiding in a cotton candy machine.
Come on in! There is plenty to share!

She actually just in a pink sleeping bag, but it looks like a sugary, sweet place to be.

The Doctor is in

2008-02-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

We have been to the doctor so much lately that Jake has become a pro at home.

Taking a temp in the ear.
Blood pressure check.
Success the Babies are cured!!
He takes HMOs too!

My Snotty Valentines

2008-02-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here is Jake out for a quick pic in the snow. This has been such a wet winter :(
And this is what comes along with winter in the midwest-----Two Sick Kids and a Sick Hubby! Jake had croup on Monday (1st visit to the urgent care center), Adam has bronchitis and a sinus infection (visit 2 to the urgent care center), and Jake has bronchitis too (visit 3 to the urgent care center), Abbie woke up with a 102.8 fever this morning, and I have a sore throat. The men of the house are pretty sick and us ladies are hanging in there. As you can see a valentine sucker seems to perk them up a bit.

Thanks Uncle Timmy & Sam

2008-02-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

You can see I am staying warm with my rosey cheeks.
Just had to stop and model my pig tails again.
She knows she looks cute with her little piggies.
I just love this pic. They look so much alike--even while making silly expressions.

This is the grey sweater that Abbie got at Christmas from Uncle Timmy & Sam. It has become a regular item to wear since it has been so cold lately. It is so cute and warm that I wish it came in my size.

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

2008-02-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

Jake has had a mohawk for a little over 2 years. It started off as a joke since his hair stuck up so bad in the back no matter what we did. As time went on we always asked him if he wanted to keep it and he would reply, "Yes! I like the mohawk." When people would tell Jake, "Hey little guy I like your hair." Jake would smile and say, "It's a mohawk." On Sunday I went to trim up the mohawk since he was looking pretty shaggy and I started with the sides---nice and short. Then I asked, "Do you still want your mohawk?" Of course I started with the sides since I assumed the answer was going to be Yes-----but to my surprise the answer was, "I don't want a mohawk anymore." What????? Really??? I stood Jake in front of the mirror and explained to him that all of his hair was going bye bye and he said OK. SO........

Here are the results!

After the haircut he looked in the mirror and said, " I handsome now. Like Dada" And there was the reason he didn't want a mohawk anymore :)
Maybe Jake will be fond of Dada's hairstyle here?? (Adam was Joey Ramone for Halloween 2007) Let's hope Abbie doesn't want Dada's hairstyles either!!!

Pretty Abbie Girl

2008-01-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

The girly side has arrived :)

My Girl has the giggles

2008-01-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

Abbie, just like her Daddy, LOVES stupid pet tricks!

Sorry for all of the videos, but we need to keep Grandma & Grandpa Baby Dog up to date while they are basking in the Maui sun.

Smelly Wake Up Call

2008-01-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

No room for bed bugs

2008-01-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

Here is Abbie girl waking up from a nap. As you can see she needs to have all kinds of things with her when she sleeps. Everyday she takes one thing out to add another.
She wakes up quite happy usually talking to one of her bed buddies.
Just when you think there isn't room for anything else....along comes Jake.
They love to hang out in her crib. Who wouldn't since 50% of the toys seem to end up there.

All this fun leads to 2 Bs....

2008-01-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

1. Bonding

2. Bath time :)

We Play Dirty Continued

2008-01-12T13:05:00.001-08:00

The weather was really warm so we had to play outside and of course get dirty!!

Again she needs to taste everything. She wears a lovely shade of mud here.
These are officially play outside pants now
Check out her shoes.
Jake's new job mud excavator
Muddy boots to match Abbie's muddy face, butt, and shoes.

Watch out We Play Dirty

2008-01-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

We bought new paint today and had to try it out.

Of course that means Abbie had to taste it :(
She quickly learned it is much more fun to wear and squish around.
Who needs paper when you have a canvas like this??

Jake's version of American Idol.

Just some old pics

2008-01-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

Erika here is Jake's 2 year picture in his scally cap.

Abbie in her Jumperoo in 2006, which led to...
Jake in the Jumperoo too.

Two phrases echo through our home: 1. My turn 2. Me too

The woes of cooking

2008-01-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Ok in my last blog I explained the challenging 3s. This is one of the upsides to 3: A General Willingness to Help. As you saw with the Christmas turkey Jake is my cooking buddy. Here I am teaching Jake all about vegetarian cuisine and how to cut vegetables.We started off with red peppers.I'd cut them first and then he would try and cut the chopped red pepper with a butter knife.

The cooking lesson was going so well that we moved on to onions.....

and Jake learned that onions make you cry :(

The Challenging 3s and stuff

2008-01-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

Jake has the nap time blues!

He is always trying to get out of taking a nap, but then after a 1/2 hour of playing in his room alone he is out cold. We are very lucky that he never attempts to escape his room. I hope that continues, but once he is potty trained we will have to let him open the door to get the the potty.

"I'm mad." Jake is really into telling you how he is feeling. Especially if he is mad, angry or sad....as if the crying and dragging of feet wasn't a give away to his mood.
I really think there is no such thing as the terrible twos. Jake was an EASY 2 year old and Abbie really isn't bad either (the twos are just around the corner for her). I think it should be called the Busy Twos and Challenging Threes. He loves to challenge us on just about everything....eating, sitting still, keeping on his coat, any basic request. As far a 3 year olds go he isn't awful, it just requires more parenting and lots of follow through.

There is an upside to 3 and that is he can tell you what hurts when he is sick, imaginary play,better books to read (they have a plot now), he is funny/silly, he can almost dress himself, cleans up well, and gives real good hugs.....there are more these are just some of my favorites.

AS for Abbie she loves a good old fashion game of Peek A Boo.

Peek A....

BOO!
Our lives are a little more drama filled with a little girl. She hates the snow and any kind of uneven flooring. We were at the zoo today (it is 50 out today) and she wouldn't let me put her down on any bumpy or rocky kind of ground. She also is more quick to get her feelings hurt and go off crying. But she is a busy, chatty little girl! Her vocabulary is HUGE! I can't believe the things she says sometimes such as ambulance, my turn, mine, broccoli, etc. She will be texting her little boyfriend next door very soon.
Who me?

Happy New Hair!!

2008-01-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

It is a new year so I celebrated by trying out a new color and Adam went extra short. We will be married 6 years this year (in June) and turn 30 (May/July). It has been a crazy life with two kids 20 months apart, but we are still smiling. Hugs & Kisses to my hubby!!

There is some blonde under the red. You can see it on the side here.

Ahhh a new year....

2008-01-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

It has been a cold & snowy start to 2008.

This is the frost on Jake' s bedroom window.
Home sweet home.
Jake's 1st big snowman. Abbie still hates the snow.

With the cold weather comes CABIN FEVER!!!

My Christmas joy...

2007-12-27T19:28:00.000-08:00

Abbie actually wore a dress!!!! I put the dress on her and Jake kept following her calling her a Christmas Queen. She then got lots of attention at a family party (since she was the only little girl there). I think Jake was a little jealous and wants to wear dresses now. As if he doesn't get enough attention with a mohawk. Just imagine a mohawk and drag.......maybe that is how you win mother of the year???

Jake and I buttering up the turkey getting it ready for stuffing. He is actually a good helper. SO maybe an apron will get him over wanting a dress??

It is good to be a kid at Christmas

2007-12-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Jake got his big excavator from Costco. The fat man kept his promise.
Abbie wasn't finished eating breakfast, but Jake couldn't wait any longer.
She no longer needs to use a straw since Santa brought a harmonica.
Daddy showing Jake his new firehouse.

Mommy showing Abbie her new Brio blocks. It is one of her favorite things...well next to waffles.

The Other Man in My Life

2007-12-19T20:51:00.000-08:00

His name is Ralph and he is a married man.
He sings to us everyday. Sometimes more than once....twice..... a 100 times a day.
Here is Abbie Rockin out to her favorite song, You're all my colors.
Jake pretending to be Ralph too. (singing the Muffin Man song)

While Jake had the guitar Abbie used this straw as a trombone. Who needs all of those fancy toys??

Adam doesn't mind that I have another man in my life since he allows us to cook dinner and steal a moment to read the paper or just go to the bathroom alone. In fact Adam prefers Ralph over the Dora the Explorer CD the kids like to listen to in the car. However, I'll listen to Dora singing the whole car trip it keeps the kids happy in the car. Oh the sacrifices we make for our kids.

Local Lights

2007-12-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Santa's Sleigh. Jake is so into all of the Santa stuff now! (Don't you just love the expression on Jake's face?)
We let him go past the rope to stand next to the display. Hopefully this won't start a bad habit.
A huge rocking chair. Not so much fun when it is covered in a layer of ice. We had some rosey cheeks after that...not like santa.
Abbie LOVES the lights and doesn't mind being out in the cold as long as her feet never touch the snow. Is her girly side finally coming out??? She is wearing what she calls her "pretty coat."
Here is an overview of the park. On the weekends they run a tractor/train to ride, so we will have to come back. I was excited to see a good chunk of LED lights being used! It is a small step in the right direction. Hey does anyone else feel like they are drunk when they stare at blue colored LED lights??? For some reason that color really messes with my eyes....or maybe I am drinking too much again...hic...up!

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time....

2007-12-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Here is our tree looking pretty and festive.

Jake, our outdoor kid, enjoying the snow again. BTW according to Jake those are not snowpants they are his snowman pants.

Chaos just before she started eating snowflakes.

She is no snowbunny! She lasted less than a minute outside. She actually liked putting on her snowpants and puffy coat, but wants nothing to do with gloves or the snow. Maybe next year :(

Abbie would rather be in some footie pajamas posing for pictures. Here is her current model pose. Believe it or not Jake was actually giving her a hug. It is so nice to know they actually like each other most of the time.

Breakfast with Santa 2007

2007-12-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Jake cuddling with Santa & Abbie sitting, but not to sure about the big guy
Gandpa & Grandma Baby Dog, Jake & Abbie, Carter & Dylan (my bros kids)
It is about time we had a family photo where both kids are looking at the camera!
Everyone already pictured above plus Greg(my bro) & Heather
Who had more fun? The adults or the kids????

Jake meets the big city

2007-12-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

Jake loves to go up, up, up on Daddy's shoulders
Ahhh the joy of a 3 year old boy seeing the holiday windows for the first time
Jake thought the little girl was sick because she was laying down. (Can you believe there was no crowd and he got to walk right up to the windows??)
The boys
And his favorite thing to do in Chicago was chase the pigeons. (Can he make it more obvious that we live in the burbs?)

It is kind of nice to be writing about a fun day Adam got to spend with Jake. I have been feeling like many of my entries have been ending with "Adam worked." I went to sub again and my parents spent the day with Abbie girl while Jake, Daddy, & Grandma Kitty went to Chicago. It wasn't too cold and they packed in a lot of fun: the Garfield Conservatory, the windows at Macy's, FAO Schwartz, a visit to Santa, McDonald's, and Daley Plaza. Needless to say Jake crashed in the car on the way home. Next year the ladies of the house will be joining them :)

Snow Much Fun

2007-12-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Jake's first snowball this season
Trying to catch the snow
So happy to be in the snow he did a happy dance.

Jake and I took full advantage of the first snow of December. Abbie was taking a nap and Jake only takes a nap a few times a week now, so it was mommy and Jake time. We made snowballs, a mini snowman, and made train tracks in the snow with a paint roller. The neighbors must have gotten a good laugh at me running down the block with a paint roller and Jake running behind making train noises. We then came inside and put up the Christmas tree. It was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Too bad Abbie girl slept through it and Adam worked. She was pretty surprised to come downstairs after her nap and see a huge lit up tree in the living room :)

You never know what is lurking inside of our kitchen cabinets

2007-11-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

Just an average morning in our home: Feed the kids & dog, make Mama coffee and then...

Peek-a-boo

I find Abbie hiding in the one cabinet that we can't put a child lock on.

(FYI: That is not mouse poop on the shelf. It is coffee grounds. Abbie likes to shake the bag.)

It is funny because Jake used to hide in there too!

How to win Father of the Year....

2007-11-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

Snuggle with you kids

(Geez she looks like Daddy here)

Hog tie them up once in awhile

And give them the keys to your totally rad 2000 cavalier.

Off to Grandma & Grandpa Baby Dog's house for Turkey

2007-11-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

We loaded up the minivan for an overnight at Grandma & Grandpa's House. Adam has to work Thanksgiving and the day after so we stuffed ourselves, hung out with Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and dogs, and then put on our PJs and had sweet dreams of Santa coming to town. It was a nice time had by all :)

Party Animals

2007-11-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

Daddy & Jake during the Halloween Party
Grandma & Grandpa Kitty during the Halloween Party
Grandma Baby Dog and the kids during the Thanksgiving Party

Jake is fully enjoying his time at preschool. He really likes the party days. I am the party parent for his class and it is fun to help the kids prepare the treats for their party guests. Jake loves to see Abbie, his Grandparents, & Daddy come by a celebrate with him. He loves to show off his school. I hope he is always this excited about school :)

I should probably mention that Jake has named his Grandparents for the pets that they own. Grandma Kitty is Adam's mom and Grandma Baby Dog is my mom.

She's no lady....she's Active Abbie

2007-11-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

Fun at the park (notice my chipped front tooth)
Climbing things I shouldn't climb
Silly girl with a big boo boo on her nose
Slide baby slide
I love to play and drool by the looks of this shirt

Oh my little girl is super duper active. For awhile I thought she might be a careful one like Jake, but once she starting walking she was running a few days later. She never did the new walker Frankenstein walk. Abbie is also a climber...couch, table, chair, stairs, you name it she will climb it. She also HATES to sit too long in anything. She wants to be walking just like everyone else. I have to time our stroller time to be around a snack time, so I can keep her sitting with food. She is a busy girl happy to run, jump and explore the dirt. She does have a shoe obsession, so maybe bows and dresses are in the near future. Nahhhh she is MY daughter and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Look at me! I am 3!

2007-11-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

Jake the preschooler is forever surprising us. He is starting to venture away from being the careful little toddler we used to know. He rode a horse at the pumpkin farm, which is a huge deal for him (He still won't ride the train at the mall.) He dresses himself now too. He insists on wearing his fireman coat 80% of the time and is now wearing boots 100% of the time...he wore the boots to bed the first night he got them.

The Green Life

2007-11-10T18:36:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh nature
Project organic garden
Success
Tree hugger in-training

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of my green living ways, but I have been pretty dedicated to going green for some time now. I think I have always felt a bit of a call to respect the earth since my grandmother and mother had/have very green thumbs. (There are still plants that my grandmother grew being passed down in the family.) It was a very happy day in the house when Jake said the word "Compost."

I could fill up this whole blog about things we all need to do, but instead I will start a list on here of Green Lving websites if you want more information. Or send me a regular e-mail and we can chat in more detail.

We all need to take a step back and think about the choices we make today and the future it creates for our children. I don't want my kids one day to ask me why I didn't do anything to help stop global warming, pesticides on food, and the list could go on and on.

Adam as a Daddy

2007-11-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

So sweet!
The boys
This is one of my favorites
Halloween 2006

It is amazing to see your husband become a father. They may not grow the babies or bear the stretch marks, but they do play a huge role in molding children. One of my favorite times of the day is when Adam comes home in the morning, usually after breakfast, and the kids go running to greet him. Even if I don't make it into the kitchen to see the greeting just hearing the little feet run across the house is enough to make me smile.

Need a Laugh???

2007-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

The endless fun of a drum.
Look Ma! I did my hair with Buttpaste while you put Abbie down for a nap.
Ahhhh pets...don't we own them so we can laugh at them??
Come here and let me kiss you.
Abbie's first yogurt facial.

Just thought you all may need a laugh ! Smile :)

Look Out Betty Crocker

2007-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Jake 's 1st B-day Cake

(Farm Theme Party)

Jake's 2nd B-day(Crazy Elmo Phase)
Abbie's 1st B-day Ladybug party
Jake's 3rd B-day party(now Curious George Phase)
Cake for his actual b-day Choo choo

Some people sew, but I bake. I have always loved finding my way around a kitchen, especially to make something sweet. I still get a little excited when the weather gets cold because I get to go on a baking frenzy for the holiday. Anywho, I won't bore you all with Martha Stewart talk this time, but I wanted to share with you all one of our family traditions. The only cake that is hard to see is Abbie's. It was a ton of mini-ladybugs that were baked in icecream cones. It was a pain to decorate them all, but a breeze to serve them at the party. I must give credit to Adam who is always a major part of the decorating. He is sooo much more artistic than I am. Plus it is always nice to have a man in the kitchen. (Also since Adam does decorate the cakes----yes the piggy cake made a poop :( Why are pooping, farts, and burps forever funny)

Other Living Things in Our Household

2007-11-06T12:05:00.001-08:00

Chaos everyday during naptime
A boy and his dog
The box turtle at Cosley Zoo
Popeye and Jake

I am not talking about the bacteria/viruses that live on the play food and other various toys ( I do clean them, but every child that comes over has to put everything in their mouth or wipe their nose with them), but the dog (Chaos) and new addition a Russian Turtle (Popeye).

Chaos is fine most of the time. She tore her ACL and is not getting surgery---can't afford it and she is getting to old. She still pees in the house out of spite and gets my blood pressure going everytime, but she is soooooo good with the kids. She is so gentle when they give her treats and she keeps a watchful eye on them when they all play in the backyard. She is starting to go gray....but she is now 63 in dog years, so it is to be expected.

As for Popeye the turtle....he joined our family in October after a fun fall day at Cosley Zoo. Jake & Abbie plopped down next to a box turtle and that was it. We now have a turtle, well actually a tortose. Jake named him Popeye because he eats spinach and Jake loves Popeye the Sailor Man Toot Toot.

So now I am in charge of poop detail for myself, a boy, girl, dog, and turtle. Thank goodness Adam is potty trained!

Where does the time go????

2007-11-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Jake September 2004
Jake September 2007
The Family May 2006

Abbie Girl August 2007

Where does the time go??? I went from having a Big Baby Boy to a mini-Adam who runs to the door to go to preschool. And a Chubby Cherub Baby Girl to a Busy Little Lady with her first bad haircut. And crap I am almost 30 too!!!!!!

Fall Fun

2007-11-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a little preview of some fall fun. Why can I never get a picture of myself with both kids looking at the camera??? Jake is now 3 and Abbie is 17 months and Mommy is forever chasing after someone.....even Adam sometimes :)