14 months

I know his time as a baby is winding down (Tiny tears) by he is still so darn snuggly. So after he fell aslee on me I just held him and fell asleep a little too. Because I am going to miss this so so much quite soon. 

This boy....

Makes me totally happy! 10 months just flew by!!!

Summer's end

Summer is winding down- and on one hand that makes me happy to get back in an academic routine, but also sad for the carefree days to come to and end. We have traveled a lot this summer so getting in a groove and meeting some people my be nice. 

But anyway- today we had a doc spot and on the way home I decided it was so nice out an ice cream cone was called for. So we went to our fav place, Graham's, for a cone. Or three comes to be exact. And bayba had some of mine 😁Nora is really into taking pics so Bridget posed while Nora snapped away promoting some awws from passer bys. These are the moments i want to remember forever. And when carefree gets tough- to remember the amazing moments during carefree that mean so much!

P-o-p to the p-o-p

We drove to Ohio this weekend to see my p-o-p, aunt Susan, uncle Dave, jelly and AJ and Erin and her bf hank. Soooo much fun seeing my cousins- and sooo good to see my pop pop. 😘 love my family. 

Kansas City

So I hopped in the car with the kiddos and drove to KC for a few days. The drive really wasn't so bad. And it was so so good to see everyone and have a taste of the things that once were again. And extra awesome to see the kids running around with their friends. A piece of my heart will always be in KC. ❤️💙

Bayba play pen

He's on the move and making life a lot more hectic! So I decided it was time for the gates 😁 this way he can crawl around and explore, but I feel safe turning my back to most likely prep or clean up after one of the bajillion meals I make. (That's how it seems anyway!) bayba on the go! 

When daddy was away for 2 weeks, we spent a weekend with my mil. My little cheesehead shad a blast! 

Because this guy

He's 9 months! His fav to-do's are:

- clapping

- shaking his head to dance

- smiling at mama and his crazy sisters

- eat table food- baby food be gone!

- make his face 

- laugh 

Food!

My man boy found his pincher grasp and so he loves feeding himself. He also loves getting messy. Today's lunch required a bath :) oh bayba love! 

Boxes of boxes

I've moved with kiddos before- it's not fun times. Trying to be patient with the process and make realistic goals of what I can get accomplished. I'll be in a roll with something and then it's ' I need a snack' or the baby needs to be changed or etc etc Etc...but singing and dancing amongst it all remains!

Morning

I love the mornings when my sleepy looking kids with bed head stumble into our room holding their movies. Bridge has her white blanket wrapped around her little bod and her eyes squint not yet ready for the day. 

Nora's short hair sticks up in all directions and she is holding bun bun or the latest stuffed animal. 

They walk in our room and crawl into bed with us. I love grabbing them for a big snuggle hug and then they usually say 'mom I want breakfast' of course since dinner was probably not eaten that well anyway. *sigh*

Oh and then there is bayba of course who just looks up at us an smiles. Seriously his smiles are simply the best around! 

Trying to capture these moments- but in a sleep induced state- the pics with a flash are definitely not their fav thing!

Chicago here we are

I'm all rocking my KC shirt on day one of being in Chicago. Landed today from Florida and the adventure begins. Ran around picking up baggage and cars and thanking the bajesus out of kerry for driving our car here for us! Like for reals- that was the best gift on the planet like ever. 

So went to portillos because beef sandwiches and chocolate cake. Duh. Ahhhmazing. And then to target because target has the things you need when you move. Like princess goldfish crackers for hotel snacks. And while at target I was spotted. In the girls section trying to find Nora a cardigan or something because Chicago doesn't understand what spring weather should really be like- a girl sees my shirt and is like- 

"omg I love your shirt."

 I think- a human is talking to me. I say- "oh thanks!"

She goes- " I lived in Lawrence"

Im all- "oh my gosh I literally am moving here right this second from Kansas City- and my husband and kids are waiting for me in the car right now and I love Kansas City and I'm moving to geneva and I'm just at target here right now running around because you go to target to get stuff when you are moving- and yeah" 

And she looks and like I don't know what to do with all do this info so she says

"Well rock chalk"

So yay. Day one hour 4 and I'm makin the good impressions I need to be makin. 

It will be fine- my diarrhea of the mouth happens when I'm in spaz mode- which lets be honest is like often and stuff. Well oh well. As I said earlier- let the adventure begin! 

Crazy year

It's only February and it's already a crazy year. My kids have been sick.. A lot. We missed out on New Year's Eve, days of school and many other fun events and play dates. And now--- mama broke her foot. I mean seriously? I was all going to blog on our year on cash again- and instead I am going to the doc for pink eye, wiping vomit, giving medicine and now nursing my bum foot. 

Swell! At least it's the left one so I can still drive. I have surgery on Monday for it and have to be non weight Bearing for 6-8 weeks. Ah! Oh and don't worry- how did you break your foot you may ask? Just walking. Yes my friends- I was just walking and I got my foot stuck in a crack and fell and my foot stayed stuck. Wonderful wonderful! 

The ocean

I have to go to the ocean at least once a year. I need to see it. I need to hear it. I need to feel it. Throughout my life when I have been by the ocean, I have had moments of clarity on issues i have been struggling with. In high school- Some have been as silly as 'do I even like that boy?' To my adult struggles- 'should we have a third child?'

I'm here now in transition back to Chicago. This trip was planned back in October- months before moving back to Chicago was even on the table. The timing worked out this way- and I know that is how God wanted it to work. He knows the ocean helps me stop and pause about whatever is on my mind. My go go go attitude takes a seat for a moment and my mind becomes quiet. Though over the last few years I have worked at quieting my life a little and do think what I do today looks differently than what I would do in the past. 

However- straying from the topic at hand since my brain definitely still does that- gah! Anyway- God knows what's best. I'm just going with the flow with this one. I feel like it will all be ok. Moving is rough and painful- especially with kids. I know there will be times when I just want to in back to everything I know- everyone I know and everyone my kids know. But I know I can't do that. So I have to move forward. I have to let go of what-ifs.  And let go of thoughts like - did we make the right decision, should we have stayed through the end of the school year... And just trust we are making the right decisions. 

So often we judge other people because we disagree with how they have handled a situation in their lives. But really we have no idea all the internal thoughts and struggles they had regarding their situation. I've been heavily judged this year- I have been having a tough year- and somehow I have gotten through it. Or I'm still making my way through it. I have seen the ugliness of people and also the amazing good. It's weird how something like breaking your foot can lead to so much clarity. I really have some amazing family and friends in my life. Somehow I found my way back to the ocean and found some peace and relaxation. Somehow I am learning I don't care who is judging me I just care about doing the right things and being the best person I can be. 

Later gators

Since we are moving from KC (tiny tears) we celebrated with our good friends this weekend. It's sad to see this chapter end for sure. We love it here and think of this as our home. Onto Chicago once again and I am trying to stay positive about the new experience. Ah life!

Sitting up!

My guy is sitting up and eating food! Where did 6 months go???

Westy Walter

Random nights of fun

Dollar tree? Michaels? Taco Bell? Yes. Random night of fun with these two!