Eggs and Grandmama

Grandmama (a.k.a. Mama or Marilyn) visited last weekend to celebrate Easter and her birthday. Her trip began with a late winter storm that dumped about 6 inches of snow on Chicago, but the sun came out for the rest of the time melting a little of the snow in time for Easter. Sylvia was excited to see Grandmama but now expects to get gifts inside plastic eggs every time she visits, of course.

At the lake front


"Hidden" Easter eggs


The 'Ah-Ha' Moment


What is a holiday for if not to dress your child up as an animal?


Her Easter dress


About to head to church


The traditional after-church Easter romp in the snow

Looking Back

Well, in three days, Sylvia will be a year and a half which seems a lot more significant than turning two. At this time, a year ago, we had just moved into our new place in Evanston and Sylvia was trying to sit up. She was just trying mushy bananas mixed with breast milk and was smiling when we shook things in her face. We would tap her on the swings, afraid to send her soaring too high, and now, she loves to be pushed high and lifts her head up to watch the swing move back and forth. She holds her own bananas (I still get to peel them) and she's weaned herself of breastfeeding at 16 months. Instead of just sitting, she is now trying to climb everything in sight - the rocking chair, the coffee table, the bed, the sofa - anything climbable. Where did this baby go? Perhaps, we'll be asking this the rest of our lives. It is exciting to be part of this growing adventure with Sylvia. She learned how to tickle me tonight which she and Chris thought was quite amusing. Serves me right after all the tickling she gets.

I have to say what is most amazing is her own patience. She is training us, right? I'm not sure where is she is hiding the books about raising parents. She, the 18 month old toddler, at her check up today, waited more calmly than I did for an two hours for our entire appointment to be completed. Another child was ill, so there was a back up. Not knowing this, I felt crazed - how could these people leave me caged up with this child for an hour in a small doctor's office? I felt like it would have served them right if she had dismantled the computer which she almost did, however, I set up a blockade with several chairs. After the doctor told us that another child was very ill, I felt extremely grateful that other than a few colds and coughs, sleepless nights, and a little vomit, we've had this amazing year and a half of wellness.

During our 2 hours, Sylvia entertained me. We improvised and played move the raisins from one ziplock bag to another for a good 15 minutes, then there was count the cars, marching in a circle, take the pen in and out of the bag, and a small tantrum about the computer (Sylvia, not myself). Sylvia, however, managed better than I did. She is 32 1/2 inches and 22 lbs now. She is talking up a storm and moving even faster. She also braved her shot well and was proud of her sticker.

Breakfast with Shaira

A good friend was in Chicago this past weekend and we got to catch up over cinnamon rolls and other breakfast foods at Ann Sathers. Here are some photos of our fun time with Shaira.

Dress Up

Sylvia continues to amaze us adding new words to her vocabulary. Some of her latest additions include: purple, buttons, and pee-pee. She is always practicing words that we say to her, watching our mouth, and trying to repeat it. She's choosing what she wants to eat, wear, and play, and trying her new toilet. But the part that I enjoy the most is watching her observe and then imitate all around her. She has great phone conversations on her play phone or my cell phone. She cooks some fabulous imaginary soups. She also is well-versed in dress up. Here are some of my favorite photos throughout the past two weeks. She loves bags, shoes, hats, and keys. I'm hoping I can tone these interests down and help her find her "inner tomboy." It does make me quite happy that one her most favorite hats is Chris' bike helmet. I'm hoping that this bodes well for this summer.

(Re)Visiting Europe

If you weren't on the trip to Europe the past few weeks (or even if you were), you can see many of the sites for yourself by visiting our photo galleries. Photos from all of our destinations are now up. Enjoy!

A Few Photos Posted

We have posted the first two albums from our trip. Take a look at our time in London and Bristol, England.

Home Again, Home Again

Yesterday afternoon we made it through U.S. customs and were greeted by Sabrina who drove us home. Our trip was fun, but we were all happy to be home. Sylvia immediately began pulling out all of her toys (and integrating some of her newly acquired toys). We hope to have lots of photos posted in a day or two.


Sylvia taking in the sites in Lille, France