Up Before the Sun

My otherwise perfect child is back to his wake-up-before-the-sun antics. We've been pretty consistently on this 5am call time for about a month - as usual, I remained in denial for too long, hoping it was a phase.

And he is getting a few new teeth, which I blame for everything, so maybe they are the cause. I've also started working on pushing our bed time back a little. If he had his way, he'd still be sound asleep by 6pm. But we've pushed all the nap times back a little and it has helped quite a bit. Most days we have been able to eek out 7pm which is really great - especially now that it is getting nicer.

Lately I get home from work, we pack up the crew and take a nice family walk around the neighborhood before eating, taking a bath and going nite, nites.

And it stretches the best hour of my day a bit longer.

Today we had PB&J for breakfast b/c by the time we ate, we'd been up for hours anyway...

Happy hump day.

Pilates, you complete me

Could there possibly be a logical explaination for why I ever stray from pilates?

The prenatal classes were so refreshing and amazing, I felt like a new woman after every session. Stretched and pulled in ways I never knew possible. And I whole-heartedly believe it made my labor easier, no question.

And yet somehow it has taken me literally a year to get back to the studio. But enough berating...I went tonight and am counting the minutes until I can return again.

I tried beginner equipment - the class was familiarizing us with the reformer, pulleys, bars, mats.

Simply put, it was a religious experience. I'm fairly certain I will not be able to even breath tomorrow, but I'm in love all over again.

Frog Temple - you complete me.

Growing Pains

With the milestone of turning one year old, come a few fun advancements...

...the car seat turns around to face forward, rather than towards the rear;
...he ditches formula and starts on whole milk (yay!);
...we can try peanut butter AND bring a blanket into the crib (obviously totally unrelated).

However there are a couple bittersweet changes too...

...while we never relied too heavily on them, pacifiers have long since passed their time of necessity and off they go. Outside of briefly revisiting our trusty friend during a nasty cold this week, the little guy has done a much better job than anticipated leaving this habit in the dust. Something about this makes me feel like he is growing up too quickly though, I guess b/c you don't need a pacifier when you're not a baby.

And then there is the bottle. Sigh.

Months ago I started integrating the sippy-cups, and drinking with straws, in anticipation of this day. In fact we've nearly phased out bottles, keeping them for just two occasions - first thing in the morning and bed time. Yet, with this transition looming, I find myself making excuses and putting it off. Not because I don't think he'll deal well (though it is a tough competition as to who loves these sessions more), but b/c I'm going to miss them so much.

Man, this kid is a cuddler. You can't even imagine what a good cuddler he is until you've got his little arms wrapped around you, squeezing tight. He gives the best hugs. Especially during these two feedings, both done in the dark, snuggled together in the glider, just me and my little guy. He never cares how tightly I hold on. And when he's finished he always climbs up, latches on and lays his head down on my shoulder.

There is seriously nothing better in my world.

How do I say goodbye to this happiness?

Thankfully I have a full container of formula left and the ped said no reason to eliminate bottles before it's used up :)

Is there a support group for adults giving up the bottle? I need help.

"Beee-ahhh"

In addition to his newly discovered ability to walk, Ben has learned to walk while holding things in his hands. He ceremoniously picks up items and carries them all over the house, to be deposited far from their rightful home, and replaced by the next object of desire...toys, coasters, remotes, shoes, it doesn't really matter as it's much more about the ability to walk and hold.

He is also talking up a storm. No words yet, but somehow these ramblings seem much more real, and I find myself listening harder to what he is saying. By far my favorite is "beee-ahhh." Not necessarily because of the word itself, but I like to watch the way his tongue rolls around in his mouth when he says it, almost with a smile every time. He is having such fun talking to himself, it's hard not to join in on his fun.

Oops-a-Daisy!

We were upgraded on our flight down to Naples last week. While I'm sure annoying to those in the cabin, the extra space and row to ourselves is such a nice treat with the little guy.

He did a great job and when we landed, he must have squealed or laughed because he caught the attention of the guy sitting in front of us. He said "I hardly knew there was a baby behind me," (which I tried to explain to hubby is the highest compliment possible in air travel, but he was still clinched with the stress of flying with a baby...)

Anyhoo, the guys asks if Ben likes to read. I say 'of course!' and he tells us he is a children's book author, and then promptly gives us a copy of his latest work. How awesome is that?

It's called Oops-a-Daisy (author is David Algrim), and has the nifty lift-and-reveal tabs that Ben absolutely adores. It's a cute little story about common mishaps of kids.

It's definitely worth checking out or picking up for your next baby shower.

And thanks for the free copy David!

How cute are these?

OMG - how cute are these pants? I think I need a pair for Ben, though hard to tell if they'd really be this awesome on his little body. What do you think? Buy them here.

And click here for other cool kid-related gifts from Cool Mom Picks...

Chihuly exhibit

Not sure I've ever mentioned before but I'm a huge fan of Chihuly...the glass artist. His work is amazing, the size and scale of which really needs to be experienced in person to appreciate it. I think my first introduction to him was in Vegas, he did the ceiling in the Bellagio.

When he did an installation at Garfield Park in Chicago a few years ago, I took my parents who happened to be in town at the same time. It was something I'll never forget.

The Naples Art Museum has a few permanent pieces that I've always meant to go see, but never made the time. But this month there was a show featuring countless more pieces. In fact, Chihuly himself was in town a couple weeks ago and my MIL went to hear him speak, said it was fascinating.

Anyway, we managed to squeeze in a trip while down there and I'm so glad we did. It was really amazing, many enormous bowl-in-bowl pieces (my name, surely not correct) that I love. Silver glasswork I've never seen before, his sea foam collection which I love, and many more pieces that I didn't care for but interesting to see none-the-less.

The permanent fixtures though, were by far the standouts. An enormous, elaborate orange 'chandelier,' a blue icile, and a shell ceiling. Photos aren't allowed, but I stile this one with my cell phone. Not great but gives you a small sense of how awesome it is.

Enjoy!

The Big Red Dog

We said goodbye to a special furry friend last week, Reiley, otherwise known as 'the big red dog.'

My sis' dog, originally Ryan's, making him special from the start. And 'special' came to life in many ways over the course of his life. Obviously an unconditionally loving reminder of Ryan to keep sis company over the years. But also a big, barking, high-energy, eat-anything-I-can-get-my-teeth-on super sleuth of a puppy to the very end.

He will be missed by those who loved him (and that list is longer than many people are lucky enough to claim themselves) -- in our little world, certainly most by Stella and Ben.

And in a beautiful, bittersweet twist, he went home on Ryan's birthday - I like to think Ryan had him on loan to my sis to keep her company those first few years...and that now he must believe she is strong enough to give him back.

I can almost hear Ryan yelling "C'mon Reiley, c'mon!" ... can't you?

Cool pool guy

My new favorite photo...little guy chillin' in the pool.

Naples, part 2

Great visit this week in FL, filled with family, great food and warm weather.

Ben slowly learned to love the sand, beach, pool and ocean - more with each experience. Most of all he loves chasing the birds. The beach is especially fun b/c the seagulls are about the same size as his and waddle along as he approaches before taking flight.

We took him over to Tiger Tail in Marco Island where he really enjoyed going in the water (a first given the death grip he usually latches on to my neck with). In fact, he even picked up a few of his own shells, which delighted Grandma Es to no end.

I ran every day and managed to finish nearly two books - both extremely rare occurrences of late, so wonderful for me as well. And hubby and I squeezed in a date night before he headed out (a bit early to get back to work).

Enjoy the pictures, my favorite to follow shortly.

Rockin' Bunny

Celebrating Ben's 1st birthday in Naples this week with the whole gang. Hubby and I flew down Saturday and have visited with both sets of grandparents all week long. We had a big party Tuesday, with tons of presents for the little guy. Sis joined yesterday, big surprise for me. Yippee!

Grandma Marsha got him the "Rockin' Bunny" to which he dances a serious gig. He adds a new move each time he hears the song, but this gives you a little taste of his rhythm.

BLT Steak, NYC

Recently found myself at BLT Steak in NYC and completely, totally over-indulged. Like don't-look-back-to-even-consider-calorie-consumption over-indulged.

Prove it, you say?

Check out these little friends: blue cheese stuffed tator tots. Imagine the mess if Napolean tried to pack these into his pants' pockets to save for later. They actually sound more extravegant than they tasted. But everything was amazing.

My favs: two different kinds of short ribs, creamed spinach (I'm a sucker), and the banana dessert.

Yu-mmy.

Snow anyone?

We hit OH last weekend to check in on great grandma S in Lima, and Deb and crew in Cleveland. Little did we know there was a snow storm forecasted. Or was there? Regardless, it snowed. A lot. We squatted at the in-laws house, though they are (wisely) in Naples for the winter.

This is a picture of their patio table in the backyard.

Kind of puts our Chicago winter in perspective, doesn't it?