As many of you know, I (David) am not very fond of Wisconsin....or the upper Midwest for that matter. There have been countless days when I have been burdened by the question, "Why did we leave Florida?"
Well, in an effort to find some new family adventure spots, we have discovered some lovely places right here in Wisconsin!! Last weekend we ventured over to Lake Geneva and discovered a wonderful little resort town with a lot of things to do. We enjoyed a picnic by the lake and strolled through the shops of the downtown area. It reminded us a lot of of Winter Park, FL, which was one of our favorite places when we lived in Orlando.
On Friday, I worked a half day, so we enjoyed lunch at Noodles & Company and then spent some time at K&W Greenery looking at the plants and fish in their greenhouse. We didn't spend a dime, but the girls absolutely loved the Coy pond and looking at the abundance of plants.
Yesterday, we headed to Beloit, WI . We have heard that their farmer's market is great, so we decided it was time to check it out. It was a great farmer's market. There were a ton of people, dogs, things for sale, and even a decent saxophone player. When we left the farmer's market, it was time for Christopher to eat, so we stopped at a park by the river so he could eat. While there, we discovered one of the coolest playgrounds I have ever seen. The girls loved it! (See photos below.)
Maybe Wisconsin isn't such a bad place to live.....for now! :)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Four weeks ago...
Four weeks ago we met a sweet little man with FABULOUS hair. See?
Seriously, this hair is amazing. Since most of you haven't had the pleasure of running your fingers through it, let me just tell you, it is silky soft loveliness. And why did it take me nearly 4 weeks to comb it up like this?
Here is the little man snoozing. I love his eyes and his hair and his birthmark and so many things, but his sleepy face is so sweet, isn't it?
Seriously, this hair is amazing. Since most of you haven't had the pleasure of running your fingers through it, let me just tell you, it is silky soft loveliness. And why did it take me nearly 4 weeks to comb it up like this?
Here is the little man snoozing. I love his eyes and his hair and his birthmark and so many things, but his sleepy face is so sweet, isn't it?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Another Milestone...
Sometimes we still see Ally as a sweet toddler or a sassy little preschooler. And then there are moments that we are forced to recognize her status as a real-live girl. So, on that note, here's another milestone...
Do you notice anything missing? Look CLOSELY...
How about now?
Yep...she's for real, folks. She has lost her first baby tooth. And let me tell ya, it was dramatic. We were eating dinner somewhat peacefully, when suddenly Allyson let out an ear-piercing scream. She screamed like we have never heard her...over and over again...massive crocodile tears. We had tried to prepare her for this event when the tooth became loose a few weeks back. Unfortunately, our preparation did not adequately prepare her. She LOST IT. (And I'm not referring to the tooth.)
She wouldn't look at the tooth. She wouldn't look in the mirror. She wouldn't let us take a picture. Every time we brought it up or she was reminded of the event, she screamed and cried anew. Allyson does not handle new and/or unexpected events well. She is a creature of habit and anything out of the routine is not accepted with delight.
However, after about an hour, she was found in front of a mirror, giggling. She just needed a bit of time to accept the whole thing.
This shot was taken this morning, after she found the Tooth Fairy's gift.
Do you notice anything missing? Look CLOSELY...How about now?
Yep...she's for real, folks. She has lost her first baby tooth. And let me tell ya, it was dramatic. We were eating dinner somewhat peacefully, when suddenly Allyson let out an ear-piercing scream. She screamed like we have never heard her...over and over again...massive crocodile tears. We had tried to prepare her for this event when the tooth became loose a few weeks back. Unfortunately, our preparation did not adequately prepare her. She LOST IT. (And I'm not referring to the tooth.)She wouldn't look at the tooth. She wouldn't look in the mirror. She wouldn't let us take a picture. Every time we brought it up or she was reminded of the event, she screamed and cried anew. Allyson does not handle new and/or unexpected events well. She is a creature of habit and anything out of the routine is not accepted with delight.
However, after about an hour, she was found in front of a mirror, giggling. She just needed a bit of time to accept the whole thing.
This shot was taken this morning, after she found the Tooth Fairy's gift.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Three Weeks Old Already!
Here is our sweet boy, three-week-old Christopher, following in his binky-loving sister's ways.
Today was my first day on my own as a mom-of-three. I must say I wasn't confident that the day would be a great success. In my head I was writing a snarky little post about the traumas and tantrums, poopy diapers and nursing. But get this...it was a rather smooth day. Who would've thought? Don't get me wrong, I did change 8 poopy diapers (none of which belonged to Natalie) and manuevered through at least three tantrums (all of which were Natalie's), but overall the day was rather uneventful. I even tackled a small grocery list at a nearby grocery store. (Note to self for future reference: Christopher does not appreciate the grocery store.)
Let me take this opportunity to thank the two precious souls who accompanied us on our journey into the family of 5. My mom stayed with our girls while I was in the hospital and an additional week after I came home. I truly cannot imagine surviving those first few days home without her jumping up to get a snack for the girls or planning the next meal. She forced me to nap and played with the girls so that I could spoil Christopher. Priceless! After she left for home, David's mom, Sheila, came for 6 days. She was also fabulous at meeting the girls' needs and making wonderful meals...even homemade Italian Wedding Soup. I will treasure every mouthful!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are so grateful for our amazing moms!
Today was my first day on my own as a mom-of-three. I must say I wasn't confident that the day would be a great success. In my head I was writing a snarky little post about the traumas and tantrums, poopy diapers and nursing. But get this...it was a rather smooth day. Who would've thought? Don't get me wrong, I did change 8 poopy diapers (none of which belonged to Natalie) and manuevered through at least three tantrums (all of which were Natalie's), but overall the day was rather uneventful. I even tackled a small grocery list at a nearby grocery store. (Note to self for future reference: Christopher does not appreciate the grocery store.)Let me take this opportunity to thank the two precious souls who accompanied us on our journey into the family of 5. My mom stayed with our girls while I was in the hospital and an additional week after I came home. I truly cannot imagine surviving those first few days home without her jumping up to get a snack for the girls or planning the next meal. She forced me to nap and played with the girls so that I could spoil Christopher. Priceless! After she left for home, David's mom, Sheila, came for 6 days. She was also fabulous at meeting the girls' needs and making wonderful meals...even homemade Italian Wedding Soup. I will treasure every mouthful!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are so grateful for our amazing moms!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
How to Enjoy a Cupcake-in-a-Cone
When I was little, cupcakes made in ice cream cones were a fun delicacy. Last week when my mom was here, she and Ally made these little treasures. We're convinced they're even more tasty if you eat them like Natalie does.
In case you're wondering, they are quite easy to make using a boxed cake mix. Fill the cone about 2/3 full with cake batter and bake according to package directions for cupcakes. Add frosting and, of course, sprinkles.
In case you're wondering, they are quite easy to make using a boxed cake mix. Fill the cone about 2/3 full with cake batter and bake according to package directions for cupcakes. Add frosting and, of course, sprinkles.
Totally Terrific Two-Week Old
We thought one or two of you might like to see our handsome 2-week-old. Seriously folks, he's stinkin' cute. (In my humble opinion...)
Friday, July 03, 2009
The Truth Hurts....Daddy's Turn
A few weeks ago, Kristen posted about a comment that Ally had made to her about her "big" belly.
Today, I had my shirt tied around my head and asked Ally if I looked cool. She said, "You look like a pirate daddy......but, you need more muscles to be a real pirate." Offended, I said, I have muscles and flexed my arm to show her. She looked at my arm and started laughing hysterically and said, "Daddy, you're funny. You can just draw some muscles on."
Unfortunately, when I felt how soggy my bicep was, I could see why she was laughing! I guess Daddy needs to start working out! :) I'll get right on that....next week.
Have a great weekend and 4th of July.
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