So it has been a long time since I last posted and a bit of stuff to catch up on. I am going to go a little out of order because I need to address something first and foremost:
The most wonderful Christmas gift we received was from Uncle Mark, Auntie, Miya, Nathan, and Jacob. We were delighted to have them over and be able to do a Christmas exchange, and were completely blown away by their thoughtfulness and generosity. IF you remember last year they gave us the awesome banners for the Joshua Charge for CHARGE run that we will use year after year. A very thoughtful gift and couldn't be topped. Well, I was overwhelmed with emotion once again to receive not only a beautiful family ornament with each person in our family represented, but also a memorial brick to be dedicated to Joshua. As you know, if not from my millions of pictures and posts of us spending time at the Arboretum whenever we can, or from me constantly talking about how great it is there, I love the Arboretum. I have gone there with friends, family, alone to run or mill around, with just my kids to spend some adventure time and picnic, or to just reflect. I feel very close to Joshua at the Arboretum, whether its because is a serene place or just a place where I find myself connecting a bit more while I run or play around, it has become a place I go when I want to do something fun and for me. I am lucky that Joey and Jillian have the playful energy and love the outdoors as well! I know they will have fun going to the Arboretum and looking for the brick with Joshua's name on it. We plan on being there when the brick is put in this spring, and will have Uncle Mark, Auntie Miya, Nathan, and Jacob there as well! It truly is a most thoughtful and generous gift that I cannot put my gratitude into words. I am thankful not only to have such a lovely gift, but the great friendship and support that Miya and Mark constantly provide. Thank you!
Unfortunately I do not take enough pictures when they are around because we are usually too busy talking and having fun, but I got a few of Joey and Nathan together. Nathan loves Java and I think Java likes the attention she gets when he's around!
Last Sunday (12/11) we had a busy morning. After church we headed over to Assumption to bring a Christmas tree. It was a bit cold so we weren't there long, and luckily across the street at Cantigny a friend of mine gave me an article about a train show! So we went in to see the Lego railways. It was very detailed and elaborate. After a bit of time there it was off to the Arboretum! (You know I can barely go a week without being there!) The Arboretum has an Enchanted Railroad with trains galore! When I had gone the week before I spoke with a lady that worked there and she said it was possible to spend hours there watching the different trains go by, so to bring a book if I brought my kids. She was right, Joey and Jillian absolutely loved it. Before going in, we noted where the brick in Josh's memory will be placed, it is a great area right when you walk in! We spent almost 45 minutes there before we made them stop for lunch. Of course they had us back in after lunch all the way up until nap time!
Last Friday (12/9) we woke up to finally a little bit of snow! Of course it is all gone now, but our fingers are crossed for a white Christmas anyways! Joey could not wait to put on his boots, hat and gloves and play in the snow, no matter how shallow and bare it was! Jill was initially hesitant, but then learned how much fun it is once you leave your gloves on! They found the little patch of ice from the grill container lid that had blown off so they were taking turns ice skating on a 10x12 piece of ice!
Saturday (12/3)we went to Joey's school for a yummy pancake breakfast and who did we meet...Santa! Joey enjoyed seeing his teachers outside of the classroom and loved telling Santa all the things he wanted for Christmas! Jill even sat on his lap and said a few things that she wanted too! (I think the pics are on Phil's phone so I will add those later). After coming home from breakfast with Santa we were ready to continue the festivities having Auntie Pam, Auntie Tiff, and Auntie Trish over for lunch, and to meet Auntie Trish's new puppy Chevy! Chevy and Java got along really well, and Joey and Jillian (as well as the rest of us) fell in love with Chevy, she is so cute!
Auntie Pam brought the kids a gingerbread house to put together and decorate! Of course Joey wanted to do it right away, but we waited until that evening and we assembled and decorated away!
On Sunday (12/4) Daddy and Joey along with Andrew and Grandma went to ride the Polar Express! They took a train ride, sang songs, visited with Santa, had some yummy snacks, and got an ornament too! We did this last year, and the boy seemed to have just as much fun this year too.
When I was younger, and even now, I would lay underneath the Christmas tree at night with my blanket and stare at the lights. I love the magic of Christmas and all the joy it brings. So each year I have made it a point to do it with my kids as well, and they enjoy pointing out the different colors, talking, and cozying up under the tree.
Finally some other random pics of the last couple weeks...
Showing posts with label Andrew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andrew. Show all posts
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Weekend in Photos
The lazy days of summer have got me again. I am in a rush to post these pictures so that I am all caught up for Joey's birthday on Sunday.
Last Friday we went to see Andrew at his last day of camp. He was at camp for 2 weeks because he did 2 camps back to back even though it was the same theme. He got to spend time with his neighbors the second week which made it all the more fun for him, and a little different than the first week on the last day we were invited to hear some of the songs he had learned. Since Andrew was so supportive of Joey in his big race, Joey didn't hesitate at the chance to see Andrew in action.
Friday night was Northlake Days. We went to Auntie Steph and Uncle Don's beforehand where Joey got his first birthday gift. Unfortunately Auntie Steph and Uncle Don won't be here for Joey's birthday, but he was super excited to get a ball, hat and mitt, a great Cars outfit which he wore the next day. We walked over to Northlake Days where Joey and Jillian loved all the rides, lights, games, and attention. Auntie Steph even braved the merry-go-round with Joey and Uncle Don cuddled Jill. Afterwards we went back for some birthday cake and to hang out with Uncle Mikey and his friend and kids before heading back home.
Saturday Joey went to his first movie theater movie... Cars 2! We were surprised to find out that it was in 3D, so Daddy spent some time tinkering with the glasses to get Andrew and Joey some non-3D glasses. It only took the Smurfs preview with something jumping out at the screen to make Joey flinch and not want his glasses on anymore, so Daddy's hard work didn't quite pay off, but the effort was appreciated. The girls were at Grandma's while we were at the York Theater, which I hadn't been to since I was in high school so it was neat to see how things had changed there as well. Joey kept saying that the movie screen was bigger than his house! Even though he watched it without the glasses so I'm sure it was a little blurred at times he loved it, sat threw it really well, and did a great job eating all of his popcorn. We have heard in the past that 3D movies can make kids sick, as Ben has displayed in the past, but Joey actually choked a little bit on popcorn before the movie and got a little sick in Mommy's popcorn bucket. I guess he was helping me with portion control!
Last Friday we went to see Andrew at his last day of camp. He was at camp for 2 weeks because he did 2 camps back to back even though it was the same theme. He got to spend time with his neighbors the second week which made it all the more fun for him, and a little different than the first week on the last day we were invited to hear some of the songs he had learned. Since Andrew was so supportive of Joey in his big race, Joey didn't hesitate at the chance to see Andrew in action.
Friday night was Northlake Days. We went to Auntie Steph and Uncle Don's beforehand where Joey got his first birthday gift. Unfortunately Auntie Steph and Uncle Don won't be here for Joey's birthday, but he was super excited to get a ball, hat and mitt, a great Cars outfit which he wore the next day. We walked over to Northlake Days where Joey and Jillian loved all the rides, lights, games, and attention. Auntie Steph even braved the merry-go-round with Joey and Uncle Don cuddled Jill. Afterwards we went back for some birthday cake and to hang out with Uncle Mikey and his friend and kids before heading back home.
Saturday Joey went to his first movie theater movie... Cars 2! We were surprised to find out that it was in 3D, so Daddy spent some time tinkering with the glasses to get Andrew and Joey some non-3D glasses. It only took the Smurfs preview with something jumping out at the screen to make Joey flinch and not want his glasses on anymore, so Daddy's hard work didn't quite pay off, but the effort was appreciated. The girls were at Grandma's while we were at the York Theater, which I hadn't been to since I was in high school so it was neat to see how things had changed there as well. Joey kept saying that the movie screen was bigger than his house! Even though he watched it without the glasses so I'm sure it was a little blurred at times he loved it, sat threw it really well, and did a great job eating all of his popcorn. We have heard in the past that 3D movies can make kids sick, as Ben has displayed in the past, but Joey actually choked a little bit on popcorn before the movie and got a little sick in Mommy's popcorn bucket. I guess he was helping me with portion control!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Vacation pics, updates, and CS Fire Station Open House
So I have been purposefully negligent in updating the blog. I just loved Phil's post and all the videos of Josh and didn't want something else to be on the screen when I first look at the blog. Anyways we have been fairly busy. Mid September we went on our first family vacation to Door County for a long weekend. It was a fun time, although the weather was a little on the chilly side. Joey loved being by the water, Jillian enjoyed the outdoors, and we all thought the cabin was perfect for our first vacation. Joey slept in a big queen bed, and Jillian had other plans. She refused to sleep in the Pack and Play and insisted on sleeping with Mommy on the couch (Daddy did take one night too). We were worried that she would be spoiled and insist on the same treatment once we got home, but she must've known we were on vacation and went back to her regular sleeping patterns when we got home, as did Joey who did not nap at all when we were on vacation! We had a fire pit outside of our cabin so we could have fires and make S'mores. We went to the beach one day, although it was quite cold Joey took his shoes off and ran towards the water! We also spent some time in Sturgeon Bay at the Maritime museum and Joey went on a tugboat! Joey and Jillian enjoyed walking around the towns of Door County and were so well behaved when we were out and about and at restaurants. They definitely seemed to have a fun time. It was a perfect getaway for us, and at a good time for us as well.
Jillian turned 9 months Sept. 30! I can't believe how time is flying! She is doing so well and seems to be growing up so fast. Jillian refuses to be fed by anyone and will only eat table food. No more baby food for her! She definitely puts Joey to shame at the dinner table, but we knew that would be the case early on! Watch out Nathan and Juliette: Jillian has her 9 month appointment next Tuesday so we will see how her "healthy" stats compare! Jillian loves her walking stroller and will stroll her doll around the house by herself (stopping to clap for herself, pick something up, or adjust her baby doll). She likes holding your hand (usually just one) to walk around and has taken 2 steps all on her own! She will most likely skip crawling all together, as she throws a little fit when she is put on her tummy. She will roll over and find a way to squat and then pull herself up and walk. She definitely prefers being upright! Jillian has become quite vocal as well. She will say Mama, Dada, ni-ni (for night-night), no no, yeah, cat (because of a toy), dog, and has attempted ball. Of course she also does the Lala, Gaga stuff as well. She loves hearing songs and will clap at the end of a song, or if a song involves clapping she will join in with you. She lifts her arms over her head (like "so big") when we say "Amen!" and will wave hello and goodbye (especially at her reflection in the mirror!). She enjoys peek-a-boo and also ripping off her bib and teasing you with it, as well as smashing her sippy cup on Cheerios or flipping the plate on the floor. Which also leads to her joy of feeding Java!
Joey has been doing really well too. He enjoys giving his sister hugs and kisses, but is also not afraid of taking toys or claiming which are his. He cracks us up with his witty comments and we sometimes wonder where he even picks up some of his hysterical phrases. The other day I was changing out pictures in our frames and he pointed to one and said "that's Jillian, me, Andrew and Emma picking apples, waiting for the tractor." He pointed to the other one and said "me and Andrew with our firehats." The third one he asked who was in the picture. I told him it was him and his brother Josh. He responded with "Where is my brother? Where is Josh?" It put a smile on my face to have my first conversation with Joey about Joshua, and know there will be many challenging, heartbreaking, and also joyful times in explaining that Joey is a twin. I want to keep this post very light, but will probably revisit this at a later time. At any rate, it shows Joey's curiosity and Joey is always asking "why" these days. I respond with "because..." which is usually followed by another "why?". After a few of these back and forths Joey responds "Why because?". So I am now consciously trying to answer without saying "because..." I am really enjoying his energy, curiosity, and ways that he constantly amazes me!
Finally, today we went to the Carol Stream Fire Station for their open house. They had a lot of activities for the kids to do including a big bouncy slide (which neither Joey or Andrew cared for), a firefighter's obstacle course, mats to stop, drop, and roll on, all the gear to try on, firetrucks and ambulances to go in, we watched a helicopter land, balloons, and refreshements. Joey was a bit more shy than Andrew, and both seemed to like the popcorn the best! If you ask Joey what town he lives in he responds "Carol Stream Fire Station." In my attempt to teach him the town he lives in I always tell him as we are driving by the fire station that the Carol Stream Fire Station is his town's fire station, so I think he thinks he lives in the Carol Stream Fire Station! At least he has a bit of a clue!
Jillian turned 9 months Sept. 30! I can't believe how time is flying! She is doing so well and seems to be growing up so fast. Jillian refuses to be fed by anyone and will only eat table food. No more baby food for her! She definitely puts Joey to shame at the dinner table, but we knew that would be the case early on! Watch out Nathan and Juliette: Jillian has her 9 month appointment next Tuesday so we will see how her "healthy" stats compare! Jillian loves her walking stroller and will stroll her doll around the house by herself (stopping to clap for herself, pick something up, or adjust her baby doll). She likes holding your hand (usually just one) to walk around and has taken 2 steps all on her own! She will most likely skip crawling all together, as she throws a little fit when she is put on her tummy. She will roll over and find a way to squat and then pull herself up and walk. She definitely prefers being upright! Jillian has become quite vocal as well. She will say Mama, Dada, ni-ni (for night-night), no no, yeah, cat (because of a toy), dog, and has attempted ball. Of course she also does the Lala, Gaga stuff as well. She loves hearing songs and will clap at the end of a song, or if a song involves clapping she will join in with you. She lifts her arms over her head (like "so big") when we say "Amen!" and will wave hello and goodbye (especially at her reflection in the mirror!). She enjoys peek-a-boo and also ripping off her bib and teasing you with it, as well as smashing her sippy cup on Cheerios or flipping the plate on the floor. Which also leads to her joy of feeding Java!
Joey has been doing really well too. He enjoys giving his sister hugs and kisses, but is also not afraid of taking toys or claiming which are his. He cracks us up with his witty comments and we sometimes wonder where he even picks up some of his hysterical phrases. The other day I was changing out pictures in our frames and he pointed to one and said "that's Jillian, me, Andrew and Emma picking apples, waiting for the tractor." He pointed to the other one and said "me and Andrew with our firehats." The third one he asked who was in the picture. I told him it was him and his brother Josh. He responded with "Where is my brother? Where is Josh?" It put a smile on my face to have my first conversation with Joey about Joshua, and know there will be many challenging, heartbreaking, and also joyful times in explaining that Joey is a twin. I want to keep this post very light, but will probably revisit this at a later time. At any rate, it shows Joey's curiosity and Joey is always asking "why" these days. I respond with "because..." which is usually followed by another "why?". After a few of these back and forths Joey responds "Why because?". So I am now consciously trying to answer without saying "because..." I am really enjoying his energy, curiosity, and ways that he constantly amazes me!
Finally, today we went to the Carol Stream Fire Station for their open house. They had a lot of activities for the kids to do including a big bouncy slide (which neither Joey or Andrew cared for), a firefighter's obstacle course, mats to stop, drop, and roll on, all the gear to try on, firetrucks and ambulances to go in, we watched a helicopter land, balloons, and refreshements. Joey was a bit more shy than Andrew, and both seemed to like the popcorn the best! If you ask Joey what town he lives in he responds "Carol Stream Fire Station." In my attempt to teach him the town he lives in I always tell him as we are driving by the fire station that the Carol Stream Fire Station is his town's fire station, so I think he thinks he lives in the Carol Stream Fire Station! At least he has a bit of a clue!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Just Play!
Last weekend was Just Play, a big outside day of fun for the whole family. Mommy had to work both days, but Joey, Andrew, Jillian, Emma, Daddy, Auntie Christy, and Grandma came to play for a while. After Just Play Joey woke up from his nap and wanted to be outside again so we went to the park. Jillian enjoyed the swing, but Joey was enjoying the slide much more this summer. He also had a lot of fun running the bases on the baseball diamond. It was very hot, but a very fun day!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Emma Rose's Baptism
Sunday was the baptism for Emma Rose, my niece and Goddaughter. In no way can I ever replace Mary, but I was honored to be asked to be Emma's Godmother here on earth, while Mary takes care from above. Emma looked so beautiful and behaved quite well in church. (The best part was after she was stripped of her diaper before being dunked she took the opportunity to tinkle on her mommy--Good girl!) The celebration continued at Emma's home with lots of family, food, and fun. It was a very nice ceremony and party. God Bless Emma Rose!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Mother's Day
We had a low key, but fun mother's day. We had brunch at the country club that Uncle Chris works so we were well fed, and the boys went on the golf carts for a ride. We walked around a little bit and got some cute pictures by the fountain.
Later, I brought some flowers over to Assumption (the cemetery) and spent some time there. Unless I am running at the cemetery (which I have found to be a very peaceful and concentrated place to run), I spend all my time at our grave site. However, on Mother's Day I decided to wander over towards the area where most babies and young children are buried. Maybe it was a newfound maternal instinct, one of a bereaved mother, but I felt the need to take the time to appreciate the lives of all the children there, and the families they have left behind. Josh has sent me on quite a journey, but I appreciate all that he has taught me, and look forward to many more experiences he has in store for me.
I came home to Joey napping, and was able to find Phil playing with Jillian. Jillian gave me a great mother's day gift by laughing her first big belly laugh! She laughed over and over, and we were actually able to capture it on video. Like Josh, Jillian waited until Joey was napping to give her first laugh. They both wanted our undivided attention, and had the same leg kicking, eyebrow lifting giggle going on. It was so cute, and definitely made my day! (I'll have to see if Phil can get the video posted for you to see!)
Later, I brought some flowers over to Assumption (the cemetery) and spent some time there. Unless I am running at the cemetery (which I have found to be a very peaceful and concentrated place to run), I spend all my time at our grave site. However, on Mother's Day I decided to wander over towards the area where most babies and young children are buried. Maybe it was a newfound maternal instinct, one of a bereaved mother, but I felt the need to take the time to appreciate the lives of all the children there, and the families they have left behind. Josh has sent me on quite a journey, but I appreciate all that he has taught me, and look forward to many more experiences he has in store for me.
I came home to Joey napping, and was able to find Phil playing with Jillian. Jillian gave me a great mother's day gift by laughing her first big belly laugh! She laughed over and over, and we were actually able to capture it on video. Like Josh, Jillian waited until Joey was napping to give her first laugh. They both wanted our undivided attention, and had the same leg kicking, eyebrow lifting giggle going on. It was so cute, and definitely made my day! (I'll have to see if Phil can get the video posted for you to see!)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Big Brother Andrew
Andrew spent a couple of nights at our house when his baby sister was born. Joey and Andrew had a lot of fun together. They loved playing outside, and Joey loves to tackle and rough it up with Andrew but Andrew is still a little unsure of the whole idea. On Saturday, before Easter, we went to th e park district for "The Bunny Bash" where we made some Easter crafts, saw animals in the petting zoo, listened to music, did an egg hunt, potted flowers and more! Sunday was Easter, and the Easter bunny made a stop at our house! Andrew and Joey had a great time, but Andrew also enjoyed going to see his parents and baby Emma too. Here are some pictures of Andrew, Joey, and Jillian over the weekend.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sledding Birthday Party
January 4th is Auntie Christy's birthday, but we celebrated yesterday since baby Jillian arriving Wednesday and might be home for her first day or two on the 4th. Sorry Auntie, that we had to celebrate so early, but we were also celebrating the fact that you, Uncle Chris, Andrew, and Baby G made it back home safely from New York on Saturday after a long wait at the airport. While they were away we had quite the snow storm, so Joey put on his new snow suit from Nonna and Grandpa and we went by Auntie Christy's for a little "sledding" in the driveway. We headed back inside to warm up with some hot chocolate and celebrate Auntie Christy's birthday!
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