The snow continues!

The snow continues on here in Chicago-land where we are already well past our average snow fall totals for the season.   We had a bit of a reprieve from the biting cold and managed to get outside a bit this past weekend when Allie was in town visiting.

 Layla makes Aunt Audrey's meatloaf recipe, both kids loved it! 

Brunch and zoo with Aunt Allie and cousin Kate.

Allie and Layla building Cindarella's castle.

A visit to The Grove and a meeting with a de-scented skunk!

Apparently, a de-scented skunk is a lot like a cat.

Jayden's new train table from Aunt Allie. 

15 Months!

Our little boy is 15 months old today!  He has only gained a few ounces since his one year check up and it's no wonder: he is finally walking.  He took his first steps around Thanksgiving, but up until the last two weeks had only taken a few steps at a time.  Now, he staggers like a drunk from room to room saying, "Ball, ball" over and over looking for one of a thousand balls we have strewn about.  He makes it a habit to stash them under the couch, in the tupperware cupboard and so on, so he knows there is always one nearby.

He has new teeth coming in, one broke through this week and the dr. says his molars on the way.  I totally forgot about one year molars, so it was either very easy or very difficult with Layla since I have blocked it out entirely.

Lately, Jayden's favorite activity is to play in the kitchen sink or at the bathroom sink (where there are stools he can climb on) and play with the dishes or just turn the lights on and off repeatedly.  Good times!

Here he is at the Botanic Garden for Wonderland Express, looking into one of the conservatories. 

I love seeing his reflection in the window. 

Testing the strength of his stocking. 

At the doctor's office.  Of course, he wanted to be up in his own chair like Layla.

Stats: 32" tall, 24 pounds and 13.9 ounces.  He is right about the 78% on the growth chart.  

I read through the handout from the doctor "Well Child Care at 15 months" and my favorite part was under the "Behavior Control" heading: You need patience.  

He is definitely becoming a toddler and making his wishes known.  The cute baby phase is ending, the toddler tantrums are beginning......

Letting the dust settle

We have now finally come the end of our holiday events.  Last night was my annual Christmas date night with Carrie to a lovely fondue place in our old neighborhood in Lincoln Park.  We have been going for 12 years now (though we did miss last year - we blame the babies!).   I took down the tree and watched the garbage man pick it up this morning.  It's a little bittersweet: Christmas is fun and exciting and also overwhelming for both us and the kids.  I am ready for life to go back to its usual level of chaos. 

We had such a fun month with marvelous parties, our beautiful tree, dozens of cards arriving each week showcasing our friends and family and, best of all, travels to Minnesota and Wisconsin to spend time with our family.

Laurie, Katy and Ben graciously hosted us and we had a great time.  Katy gave up her room and migrated around the house to different locations each night.  I guess after sleeping on a dirt floor in Africa just about any place will be fine to sleep.  We were very grateful for their hospitality and it was fun to hear about Katy's travels, Laurie's students and Ben's college plans.

Ben, being typical of a teenage boy, made himself scarce and when he was with us made polite smiles at my attempts to humor him.  I have officially become one of those people that talks incessantly about 'the good old days' and 'when I was in college......'  whenever I am around someone under 25.  I was Ben's age when Ben was born and I didn't listen to a darn thing anyone said anyway so I doubt I have permanently scarred him. 

Layla had a wonderful time playing with Katy's Barbie house, made by her own father when she was a girl.  It really was cool (I think we all enjoyed playing with it).   I think both Katy and Laurie got to read plenty of books and color with crayons.

Here are a few photo highlights of the last couple of weeks:

Christmas Eve with Lindahl (Haack) cousins. Jayden is not pleased about the photo but otherwise had a great time, especially with the two newest family members: rescue puppies for both Uncle Bob and Aunt Lynne and the Haack clan.

Layla and Allie on Christmas Eve

A new zebra scooter from Santa for Jayden

Christmas Day at Laurie's house

The Edberg cousins including Jim, who flew in at the last moment to be with us for Christmas!

Our traditional day-after-Christmas trip to the Dayton's Auditorium was cancelled due to it being CLOSED!  We have always gone the day after, but I guess they close it early now.  We hit up the Children's Museum in St. Paul and had pizza at Cossetta's instead.  

Wonderland Express with Aunt Rachel

 

Jayden really loved all the trains.  He would have stayed for days. 

 A BIG gift from us, the kids got a bounce house to burn off energy.  It's not too big though: it fits in our basement play area!

 I haven't uploaded Wisconsin pics yet, so I will probably add a few here!