Happy Father's Day

We had a nice Father's Day weekend. Friday afternoon we tried to go the Shedd Aquarium downtown, but since it was a free day - many others had the same idea and the line at 4pm was still a block down the street - so we ate (a very early) dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Grace O'Malleys.

Sean gave us a very entertaining evening - We drove by McCormick Place on our way - to which he gave a big "WOW!" as we drove by (I'm sure that made daddy feel pretty good!) - and then at the restaurant, the waitress asked Stan if he wanted another Bells (beer) - Stan said "no," but as the waitress walked away, Sean leaned back in his high chair and shouted out "Another Bells please!" I think Stan and I laughed for 5 minutes - did that really come out of his mouth? And then our dessert came, and Sean leaned back in his chair one more time, pulled his shirt up to his neck, started rubbing his belly and said "Big dessert!" - Can anyone tell me who has been modeling that behavior?!?

Aunt Beth & Uncle Ryry took Sean took the zoo on Saturday morning so we could get some packing done without all of Sean's 'help' - and then that evening we dined on surf and turf on our porch - also thanks to Aunt Beth and her GFS connections!

After church on Sunday, we went to Five Guys in Oak Park for hamburger - apparently if it is good enough for the President - it is good enough to qualify as a Father's Day treat!

So in the midst of packing all weekend - we ate very well and did our best to celebrate Daddy!

Sean's newest phrases

Sean has been talking up a storm lately - and luckily it is almost all intelligible

1. "Carry you?" - This means he wants me to pick him up
2. "I love it!" - A phrase I must say to Sean quite a bit, because I recently tried a jacket on him to see if it still fit and he turned around and said "I love it!" He then proceeded to use the phrase about 5 more times over the weekend - once referring to his lunch on Sunday - I'm not sure I could tire of hearing it!
3. "Watch this!" - Also a recent addition in his repertoire. Last time he used it though, he tripped and feel into a patio chair - coming up with 2 bumps on his noggin...
4. "Surprise!" - He also likes to shout "surprise" if he thinks you are sleeping, or he shouts it as he runs out of a closet. His newest version of peek-a-boo.
5. "Ka-chow!" - This is from the movie Cars - and Sean is very into race cars right now and almost always has 1 (or 2) in each hand at all times. The last time Sean went to time-out he recited his rules (1. Obey, 2. Listen to Mommy & Daddy, 3. No throwing, No hitting, 4. Love Jesus) - and ended his rules with a 'ka-chow' - pretty funny.

Sean has also become quite a mimic - if I tilt my head to one side in disapproval, he tilts his head too and starts getting a huge grin - he has also mimicked on a couple occasions the way I say "Sean" when I'm frustrated - both of these are fairly clever strategies at this point because I find it so hilarious that I'm instantly less frustrated... I thank God for this kid's sense of humor.

Sean is also beginning to show a sympathetic side - if anyone is crying, he looks at me and says, "Hobbes?" - and then proceeds to find his blankie and offer it to the one who is crying. Hobbes also seems to have magical healing powers because a kiss from Hobbes cures any boo-boo as well. I need to start looking for a "Hobbes" for Baby #2.

"I love it!"

Photo Flurry!

Today I was able to post a bunch of photos during nap time, getting us caught up to date. I imagine I won't be posting many more photos until after we've settled into our new home - but here is what I put up today:

• Playtime with Bridget (6/10)

• Memorial Day Weekend & Galena (5/31)

• Birthday @ the Arboretum (5/30)

• Mother's Day Weekend (5/13)

Enjoy!!

Playtime with Bridgie

It seems like it has been awhile since we have had Bridget over for a playdate - these two sure love spending time together. Just picture Sean sitting on his blue chair with a book and patting the small little area next to him, saying, "Bridgie! Bridgie!" (By the way, Bridget now likes to call him "Sean, Sean")

Unremarkable!

We had our 20-week appointment with my Ob/gyn last night - and everything on last week's ultrasound was "unremarkable" - yeah! I think that word was used about 15 times in the report - which was music to my ears - once this child is born, he/she can be extraordinary, but for now - I'm praising God for their unremarkableness :)

Speaking of he/she... our baby was also quite modest during the ultrasound and decided not to reveal his/her gender - I was pretty disappointed (ok... very disappointed) - and since I can, I'm blaming some of my irrational crying and kicking the groceries on these hormones. But as I was getting over my lack of knowing, it appears in the ultrasound report that they were unable to get any facial measurements, which means I'm allowed to get a free "do-over" ultrasound :) Now, I don't know how important facial measurements are... makes me think that my ultrasound tech was trying to find a way for me to come back - so in 4-5 weeks we may decide to have another peek at the baby. We'll see. I definitely want to make sure that the insurance stuff is handled with the in-network/out-of-network issue from these first 2 ultrasounds beforehand. But that was some good news too.

And today I'm also thanking God for a remarkable husband and celebrating our 8 years of marriage. I couldn't ask God for a more caring, hard-working man to team up with in this life. I adore the way he loves on Sean, the ways he has cared for me (especially recently with my RA pain), his expertise and attention to detail when it comes to all of this home stuff - and doing all of this while still giving over 100% to his job and his education. He is truly remarkable.