Memorial Day at the Lake

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I cannot think of a better place to spend Memorial Day weekend than Higgins Lake. So, a last minute decision was made, and we prepared to head north for a much needed family weekend away from reality.





The weekend was filled with relaxation (well, for Noelle and me at least, TBD put his favorite son-in-law to work right away), good food, family, and even a couple of bon fires!




We visited with old neighbors, and met the new neighbors. We took Nono to the party store for her first  of many trips to Good Times, and she got to meet the rest of the kiddos that will carry on our traditions at Higgins one day.





Noelle is already looking forward to August when we'll be back at Higgins to wrap up the end of the summer.

{Not} Wednesday Wisdom

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

How was everyone's (hopefully) long holiday weekend? Ours was fantastic, and getting into the spirit of regular posting again, I'll have an overview for you all soon! We had a fantastic time and got to see lots of friends and family back in Michigan.

As I've eluded to before, the past (almost) month has been particularly chaotic and stressful. We're closing doors on those issues though, and looking ahead. I came across this quote recently, and it totally clicked with me in light of the recent happenings.

"Always remember that the future comes one day at a time."
Dean Acheson

Noelle's Seventh Month

Friday, May 24, 2013

Well, we're over the hump, and downhill to that milestone first birthday! It seems as though each month goes by more quickly than the previous, and I almost can't keep up.

Noelle loves running around in her DJ booth.


She confidently sits up, and can return herself to that position after leaning forward to reach for something.


She puts nearly everything in her mouth which means we're constantly removing the remote controls from her death grip when she's able to snag one.


She likes food more and more every day. I think her new favorite is Greek yogurt and mango - YUM!


It's been a big month for little Nono. Coming next? An adventure to the lake to meet the other little ones who will become her life long up north friends! See you soon, guys and gals!

Weekend in Review

Monday, May 20, 2013

first outing with the jogging stroller
enjoying the new back yard
showing off new teeth
holding her own bottle
It was a great weekend around Chicago, and it looks like summer may be here to stay. Now to get through the week, and head to the lake for much needed time with the lake crew!

{Not} Wednesday Wisdom

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Life has been crazy lately, friends. So, today I needed to take a step back.
Today I left the office at lunch (a rarity), soaked in the sunshine, and view of Lake Michigan. It was much needed to restore my optimism.

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else."
Winston Churchill

Happy Mother's Day

Sunday, May 12, 2013

I promise that I will get back to regularly posting very soon. Things have been VERY hectic around these parts lately. More on that later in the week.

Right now though, I just need to say happy Mother's Day!

Great Grandma, Cammy, Noelle (2 months) & me

Cammy, Noelle (3.5 months) & me

Noelle (5 months) & me

Weekend in Review

Monday, May 6, 2013


bedtime stories and blowing bubbles 


nap time at the dog park


bike ride to target, and a little nappetizer before bed

{Not} Wednesday Wisdom

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Needing some inspiration lately ...

"Man is born to live, not to prepare for life."
Boris Pasternak

Tomorrow is Friday. Is everyone as excited as I am?

Mom's Must Haves: Third Edition

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

It is unbelievable how much Noelle changed between five and six months. She went from not being able to sit, to having no problem sitting at all. She went from barely wanting to eat any food, to chowing down two "meals" a day. She grew from 25 to 27 inches, and gained two pounds. During all of these big changes, I have a whole new list of must haves for you.

My first is always having a stash of clean blankets around the house. Not only do we not want Nono playing in animal fur on the rug, the drooling almost doesn't stop. So, we always have a blanket down where she's playing. You know, like a baby drop cloth.


Next, frozen pacis! Dad came up with this one. We have teething rings, but then she has to hold onto it, and I feel like that gets a bit cold on her little paws. So pop a paci in the freezer (we usually keep a couple in there), and when baby's teeth seem to be a bother, a freezer paci should do the trick.


Now that Nono is eating more foods I'm totally loving cooking for her. It's seriously, SO EASY. I told you about my first baby food adventure when I made sweet potato puree. Since then, I've whipped up peas, corn, more sweet potato, and mango. Peas and corn were especially easy. Each of them can be bought in your freezer section. Empty the bag into your Beaba Babycook and follow the instructions to steam, then blend into the perfect puree. Mango? Just as easy. No cooking necessary. Just peel, chop and blend. Seriously, each of these foods takes no more than 30 minutes. And, most of that time is the food steaming, when you can be doing something else. I would recommend two of the multiportion silicone trays. I never commit myself to more than one baby food item prep per day, so two are plenty. After the portions are frozen, I pop them out and store them in a labeled Zip Lock freezer bag.


I could go on and on about all of the products that I love (and the ones I could do without), but I think three is plenty for now. If you're interested in hearing more about our must haves, leave a note and we can chat.

First Edition
Second Edition