Things have been pretty busy her for a married couple sans kids. David's been preparing for the bar over the past three months and just returned from CA after taking the 3 Day test this week. We both survived thank goodness. I've been busy with work and wrapping things up before my last day on August 3. So in between all that we've been preparing for a baby and I think we are almost ready or at least we have everything we think we need to survive the first couple of weeks of parenthood.
Back to my parents visit. They came up last weekend to stay with me while David was out of town. We had a great visit and even though I didn't go into labor while they were here I glad they were able to stay with me. I worked all week while they took on the city. My mom and I shopped for the remaining items we were still missing. Shopping with my mom (and sister) is one of the things I miss most about living near my family. We also drove out to the burbs to visit my cousins. I took off one day towards the end of the week and we took advantage of the cooler temps and did one of the Chicago Architectural tours. It was surprising informative. We also ate at one of my fav restaurants , Flat Top. I had an awesome time with them and told them could visit again anytime they wanted. I'm definitely going to miss them when we move.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Girls Weekend Chicago Style
Since I won't be Chicago forever, I thought it would be a grand idea to have the girls in my family up for the weekend to hang out. Over the past few years, my mom, sister and I have taken trips together since we all lived in different parts of the country. Last year my cousins joined in on the fun and we made a trip out to NM to visit my great aunt and uncle. It was a lot of fun and I wanted to repeat it this year.
So for several months we planned our trip to the Windy City. I was very fortunate that I won a 2-night stay for our apartment's rental suite that we were able to use to help keep costs down. The apartment suite is really nice and comes with a ful kitchen and 1 1/2 baths. It provided just enough room for everyone. Half of the crew came up on the Mega bus and the other half drove up in my sister's car. Two kids under three would not have been a pleasant ride for the other bus passengers.
The crew arrived last Friday afternoon and after a short break we headed out to the "Mag Mile". We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory then headed over to the American Girl store. After hitting up a few more stores it was time to head back. We had plans of going up the John Hancock building but the little ones were ready to get out of the strollers.
Saturday was David's birthday, happy birthday sweetie, so we convinced everyone to join us for the mile walk to the Doughnut Vault. The special of the day was Orange Dreamsicle. Everyone thought the dounuts were good, but I don't think we convinced them that they were worth the walk or the hour we spent waiting in line. I'll tell you, these suburban folks aren't used to city life. After a delicious breakfast we walked to Old Navy for some shopping. Next we walked back home and got ready for the beach. My sister and Harper decided to skip the beach in lieu of meeting one of her friends. The rest of us enjoyed several hours of sun and sand. I will say that I was completely surprised by how much my almost 3 year niece loved the water and sand. I knew she enjoyed swimming but I thought she might be afraid of the waves. Nope.
After dragging the two girls form the beach we came back rested and showered before heading off to dinner to celebrate David's big day. The wait was longer than expected and the little girls did really well. Everyone enjoyed dinner especially our little "piggy" Mak. She ate two whole pieces of deep dish pizza. We then celebrated with ice cream cake for dessert.
Now what happend during the middle of the night I did not find out about until the next morning. Little Piggy got sick overnight and the everyone else spent hours cleaning up the aftermath. We were still cleaning up the apartment the next day. Needless to say when I came up around 8:00 ish everyone was still in bed. Several hours later when everyone was up we headed off to the Zoo. For those of you who frequent the STL Zoo this one pales in comparison, but we had a good time.
After a couple hours it was time to head back and regroup. We decided we needed a sugar fix and visit More Cupcakes. Then we headed to the Rain Forest cafe for some shopping. By this time we were all ready to head back and rest before dinner.
So for several months we planned our trip to the Windy City. I was very fortunate that I won a 2-night stay for our apartment's rental suite that we were able to use to help keep costs down. The apartment suite is really nice and comes with a ful kitchen and 1 1/2 baths. It provided just enough room for everyone. Half of the crew came up on the Mega bus and the other half drove up in my sister's car. Two kids under three would not have been a pleasant ride for the other bus passengers.
The crew arrived last Friday afternoon and after a short break we headed out to the "Mag Mile". We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory then headed over to the American Girl store. After hitting up a few more stores it was time to head back. We had plans of going up the John Hancock building but the little ones were ready to get out of the strollers.
Saturday was David's birthday, happy birthday sweetie, so we convinced everyone to join us for the mile walk to the Doughnut Vault. The special of the day was Orange Dreamsicle. Everyone thought the dounuts were good, but I don't think we convinced them that they were worth the walk or the hour we spent waiting in line. I'll tell you, these suburban folks aren't used to city life. After a delicious breakfast we walked to Old Navy for some shopping. Next we walked back home and got ready for the beach. My sister and Harper decided to skip the beach in lieu of meeting one of her friends. The rest of us enjoyed several hours of sun and sand. I will say that I was completely surprised by how much my almost 3 year niece loved the water and sand. I knew she enjoyed swimming but I thought she might be afraid of the waves. Nope.
After dragging the two girls form the beach we came back rested and showered before heading off to dinner to celebrate David's big day. The wait was longer than expected and the little girls did really well. Everyone enjoyed dinner especially our little "piggy" Mak. She ate two whole pieces of deep dish pizza. We then celebrated with ice cream cake for dessert.
Now what happend during the middle of the night I did not find out about until the next morning. Little Piggy got sick overnight and the everyone else spent hours cleaning up the aftermath. We were still cleaning up the apartment the next day. Needless to say when I came up around 8:00 ish everyone was still in bed. Several hours later when everyone was up we headed off to the Zoo. For those of you who frequent the STL Zoo this one pales in comparison, but we had a good time.
After a couple hours it was time to head back and regroup. We decided we needed a sugar fix and visit More Cupcakes. Then we headed to the Rain Forest cafe for some shopping. By this time we were all ready to head back and rest before dinner.
My sister and I were both super excited for our dinner plans at Flat Top Grill. David is not a fan, so I never go. We decided to walk because we didn't want to worry about parking two vehicles, but I don't think we anticipated how far it actually was. We made it however and enjoyed a delicious dinner.
We had a great weekend overall and I was sad to see them all leave Monday morning, but I'll be home next weekend for my baby shower and see everyone again.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
4 weeks and counting
Only four more weeks until my due date. I'm glad that I'm working up until my then otherwise I'd go crazy, especially since I hear that the last month is the longest. We saw the doctor today and found out baby is head first which is great news but she hasn't dropped yet. This is also good news (although I'm ready to meet her) because David leaves next weekend for California for the week. My parents are coming to stay with me while he's gone in case she decides to make an early appearance.
I know that no one is really ready to become parents but I have no idea if we are prepared. I mean we have the majority of things we need or at least what I think we need, but our place is nowhere near ready for a baby. We're looking to sell our kitchen table and use the space for the pack n play. If we don't sell the table I have no idea where the pack n play will go.
We still have a couple things to pick up including:
I know that no one is really ready to become parents but I have no idea if we are prepared. I mean we have the majority of things we need or at least what I think we need, but our place is nowhere near ready for a baby. We're looking to sell our kitchen table and use the space for the pack n play. If we don't sell the table I have no idea where the pack n play will go.
We still have a couple things to pick up including:
- socks
- mittens
- nursing cover
- long sleeve onesies with mittens
- burp cloths
I've got several projects I'd like to accomplish before the little one arrives. I'll have to see if I find time over the next few weeks to get everything done.
Monday, July 09, 2012
STL Shower
This weekend I made my last trip to STL sans baby for my baby shower. I have been looking forward to this weekend for several weeks now. Who doesn't enjoy a day off work with family? Leave it to me to choose the one weekend of the summer that the temperature soars above 100 degrees, but I am so thankful for all my family and friends who came out and celebrated with me. I've said it before but I feel so blessed. Here are some of the photos from the weekend. We are obviously going with yellow and gray and owls.
Candy Bar!
French macaroons
Owl cake my sister in law made.
Me and Carrie
Me and Mak.
Me and Abby
Me and my sister
Me and Mom
Me, Amanda, Kaylin and Mak
Me, Natalie and Harper
Me and Harper. She stole the show.
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