Much Love

A few photos from the Cleveland-stravaganza...I ended up staying through and spending an extra week at my parents house rather than attempting to return to Chicago with hubby, only to turn around a few days later and come back. Too much travel for the little guy and Stella, especially with family lined up to babysit. I ended up being home for 14 days, a long time to live out of suitcase but otherwise it was well worth it. Ben spread smiles every where he went...a few highlights below:

Merry Christmas!

The very best to you and yours from our little family (and the Claus'). Happy Holidays!

Little Mover

Thankfully the little dude has been delivering laughs and hugs throughout our visit home, and overall just brightening things up.

He learned how to walk around the coffee table at my parents house. I've said it before but it is really amazing to watch him learn.

The first day we got here he was trying to figure out how to pull up; next day it was successfully navigating the turn at the corner; this video is day three and he is motoring along fast as ever. He even falls down and pops right back up to continue on the journey.

Santa hat courtesy of grandpa Ted.

Hubby - this one is for you. We miss you, hurry back to OH.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

As I mentioned, Chris’ sister Deb lost her husband unexpectedly last week.

Many of you have likely met Deb and her family over the years, whether it be at our wedding, the pig roast or during one of their annual visits to Chicago. Aside from being one of the most amazing, genuinely good people on earth, she is also mother to three fantastic kids: Kelly, 17 yrs old; Jennifer, 14 yrs old; and Jack, 11 yrs old.

For those who've reached out regarding how you can help Deb during this tough time – and of course nothing changes the circumstances - creating a sense of security for her kids and their future will allow her to focus her energies on healing. The Straniero Children’s Education Fund, announced in John’s obituary, will collect donations for the kids education – current and college.

If you're looking to spread a little additional holiday cheer, contributions would be much appreciated. Donations should be made payable to: "Deborah Straniero" and "Straniero Kids Education Fund" should be written in the memo line, please send to Deb directly (email me if you need her address).

Even more important, please keep the entire family in your prayers. They need your positive energy right now and are drawing strength from the love and support around them.

Thank you and happy holidays.

To Our Brother John...

...your absence leaves a void that will never be filled.

Please keep Deb, Kelly, Jennifer, and Jack in your prayers. They are feeling the love and will need your positive energy in the coming weeks and months.

Rest in peace.

A Few Notes From the Week

Settling in for the night and so looking forward to catching up on sleep tonight...a few photos and misc notes:

- hubby picked out the perfect tree earlier this week, and finally won in the 'white' versus ghetto 'bright' Christmas lights battle. I have to admit, they are growing on me.

- the little guy is in to everything and is the biggest ham out there. He discovered Stella's food and water Tuesday, I figured better to just let it run its course. He seems far more interested in things I'm trying to keep him away from than things he explores and tires of. I snapped this one b/c it reminded me of a few rough mornings I experienced back in the day.

- the next is Ben during his bad hair days...posing for the camera. He seriously can't get enough of the camera - or attention. We had his 9-month appointment today and he charmed all the ladies in the office with his coy little smile.

- and lastly, mini me and his dad.

Hope you had a great week and enjoy the (slightly) warmer weather.

Closed for Business

Since I've reported on BFing throughout the process, I thought I'd include a final post on the topic (at least as far as Ben is concerned). We've officially closed up the shop.

The little guy doesn't seem to mind, or frankly even notice. He is still just eating one formula bottle a day b/c we have quite a bit of milk stored. It is more to keep him familiar with it so we can gradually start increasing as the frozen supply diminishes.

I'd guess we'll make it another month before we run out completely which is nice. And he is eating so much real food his milk consumption has gone down as a result.

While I loved every minute of it, I feel pretty liberated being free of the pump. And pleased that I made it as long as I did. Of course the awesome assets that came along with the job and the jolt to my metabolism weren't too bad either...until the next :)

Mexican Fiesta

What is better than going to our favorite Mexican restaurant for margs?

Going with the little dude for his first fiesta.

We went out for an early dinner tonight, rolling the dice that Ben would tolerate staying up a little late and enjoy new tastes. He didn't disappoint. Guac was a no brainer since he loves avocado...from there he dined on rice, beans, veggies and even a little ground beef. Perhaps no surprise, he loved it all. And managed to charm our regular waitress and anyone else who would give him the time of day.

(He didn't eat chips, but likes to feed himself so this was just to pass the time in between bites)

A perfect Sunday evening. Hope you had a great weekend.

Up, Up, Up

The adventure continues ... Ben loves all the low shelves, drawers, and furniture because if he can reach and pull up, he can work into a stand and achieve an entirely new perspective of the room.

He isn't picky -- it can be the stove, the rung of the dining room chair, even me when I'm on the ground with him. He isn't happy unless he is on the move. And subsequently there are a lot more bumps, knocks and tumbling over. Thankfully he is so curious, he has little time to slow down for sympathy. We mostly just pretend nothing happened and continue on our journey through the kitchen, into the dining room, off we go!

Bundle of Joy

Added to the long list of reasons I prefer warm weather over cold, is the need to bundle Ben in a thousand layers before leaving the house. We typically walk Stella every morning and it now officially takes us longer to get ready to leave than we are actually outside.

Here's a picture of him all geared up. I do love his new boots - they rock.

I'd love to tell you that his belly busted out of his coat in this picture but it was actually just a zipper malfunction.

Stay warm my friends.

Bad Hair Day

Something crazy happened to Ben's hair yesterday and we can't shake it. It looks like he has antlers. Big, wispy cowlicks are twirling around on both sides of his head. Patting it down with water hasn't worked, so until his bath later today he will tour the tour sporting his weird do.

As you can see it's really bringing him down.

Lucky or stupid?

With winter quickly approaching, I started researching classes a couple weeks ago to sign Ben and Paula up for. They used to spend countless days sitting at the park, swinging and do all kinds of fun things I can only imagine.

I found a bunch through CPD (Chicago Park District) within walking distance but have also heard horror stories of how fast slots fill up, so I set the calendar for admission day and scheduled hubby to back up my efforts.

Imagine my surprise when we got right in...initially I was elated, signed us up for two different classes and felt really proud.

But then I start to wonder...why did I get in so easily? Do you think people aren't signing up b/c of H1N1? Is that crazy? A coworker just delivered a baby and they shut Prentice down to kids 12 and under b/c of it, so her son couldn't come to meet the new baby. And they stopped doing the hospital tour we took last year, to limit exposure.

For now I'm still excited they will have something to do when the snow decends. And we'll continue to monitor the flu news. He did get his shot (thanks uncle B), so that is comforting. But I guess "they" are right, the worry always sticks with you...