Working Off That Baby Fat

Everett is starting to roll and become more and more mobile. Trinity was the only one to see the first roll. Thankfully, he didn't roll off the bed. I was able to catch some action shots.

Bouncy

Everett is quite happy to get off the floor and into Trinity's old "office."

Matthew 14

I have been meditating, stewing and focusing on this chapter in the bible for several weeks now. It is one of my favorite stories in the bible and it keeps coming back to me in various situations. The story of Jesus walking on water, and Peter getting out to meet Him, has been preached to me several times in the past year. In fact, my step mom appropriately gifted me a book called "If You Want To Walk On Water, You Have To Get Out Of the Boat." The last month has been no exception as God tapped me on the shoulder and whispered "Hey Leslie, how is that boat looking? What are you focusing on?"
When I brought this up to Eddie he said, “You are kidding me!” “Leslie, that is so weird because I just heard this story on the radio 5 minutes ago and it has been brought up several times this week!” hmmmmmm…
I have yet to do a post that reflects my spiritual journey or what God has me working on right now. However, in this case, He has insisted upon me writing this out for those to read. Hopefully someone will benefit from it.
Let me give you some context: On this day, Jesus was tired, exhausted and wanted some alone time with God the Father. As He was about to retreat off in prayer, a crowd followed Him. Instead of being irritated or resentful (as I probably would have been) He saw their eagerness and need for Him. Putting aside His own plan, He healed them, taught them and loved them. He fed 5,000 people (excluding women and children) with a couple fish and loaves of bread. Tired and weary, He told his disciples to get into a boat and row out in the lake. He then would go and spend some time with Dad. As He prayed well into the night He looked up and saw His disciples struggling in the boat in the middle of a crazy storm. With no sleep, He joined them on the lake.
Here is where I have some reflection time:
The disciples fear for their lives, they could easily drown and here comes Jesus walking on water towards them. They know Him very well and believe Him to be God’s Son so you would think seeing Him would be a relief. Yet, no, they freak and become even more scared thinking He is a ghost.
Jesus is there to help, to meet them in a pretty awful circumstance and they are scared. So, I think, in the middle of my life circumstances, my rocky, tipping boat, what do I fear? Do I fear Jesus meeting me exactly where I am and try to handle it myself to no avail. Probably! Why is that?? I fight with my nature and my heart so often.
Peter gets out of the boat with great faith and starts walking towards Jesus. Yeah, Peter! Then, he focuses on the storm again, instead of Jesus, and starts to sink. Yep, sounds familiar to me Pete. However, Peter faltered but did not fail, He called out to the Lord for help. That is such a great example to me. In addition, Peter got back in the boat…no one starting high-fiving or saying “way to go!” “We saw you walking on water man, that was great!” Nope, they bowed their heads and worshipped.
So I think to myself: Do I fear to get out of the boat? Do I fear asking God to meet me where I am? Is Jesus sufficient for me in every situation?

Things about me that you may or may not have known.

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Little Caesar's Pizza
2. Kohls
3. Claire's Boutique
4. Rave


Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Aladdin
2. Say Anything
3. Gladiator
4. Beautiful Mind

Four places I have lived:
1. Oak Forest, IL
2. San Diego, CA
3. Groton, CT
4. Chicago, IL

Four T.V. Shows that I watch:
1. Lost
2. Brothers & Sisters
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. The Office

Four places I have not been in the states:
1. The Dakotas
2. Alaska
3. Montana
4. Alabama

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Sushi
2. Ahi Tuna
3. A good gnocci
4. chicken pot pie

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. in bed
2. Italy
3. on the beach in Hawaii
4. on a date (w/ my husband)

Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. going on a vacation
2. experiencing many 'firsts' with Everett
3. Everett sleeping thru the night
4. pools, parks and walks with the kids

Four places I like to shop:
1. Target
2. Old Navy
3. my local scrapbooking store
4. Macys

Hi Sue.

We took advantage of Eddie's day off work and the free admission to the Field Museum for the month of Feb. I had yet to see Sue, the T-Rex. I thought Trinity would like to see her too since she loves dinosaurs. When I told her our plan for the day she said, "I don't want T-Rex to squeeze my face!" (My friend Angela always tells Trinity that she is so cute that she wants to squeeze her face. Apparently she thinks Sue, the T-Rex, thinks the same of her.) I promised her that Sue wouldn't squeeze her face. However, she countered with, "I don't want T-Rex to bite my face!" Ok, not a loving term we use around here. I spent the rest of the day leading up to the trip trying to explain that Sue is not-real, but really is, and that she is pretend but not really. How do I explain dinosaur bones to a toddler!?!?!? Any suggestions???

She loved Sue when we finally saw her and had no worries about getting her face bitten. She L-O-V-E-D all the animals and spent 3 hours running from room to room. She was looking for the tin-man from the Wizard of Oz most of time but that is a whole different story.

Everett sat calmly in his stroller the whole time and didn't say a word. He was a silent and happy observer.

Happy, Happy, Happy

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.
*Hugs* and *Smooches*

Belly Button Hill

It is exciting that Trinity will be 3 next month and yet we still have many "1st's" to experience with her. This past weekend, we bundled up and headed to the 'burbs to take Trinity sledding for the first time. I am pretty sure Eddie and I had a bit more fun than she did. We haven't been sledding since we were kids. We were giddy, excited and ready to get down that hill. We hopped out of the car, grabbed the kid, grabbed the sled and headed for the hill. We meet a dad on our way up. As we giggled and laughed we ask him "how is the hill? is it great? are you having fun?" He looked at us in a somber way and said, "I just broke my arm, I am headed to the ER!" That made me re-think my sledding abilities as I zipped down in a sled made for kids, not adults. However, no major accidents occured and Trinity had a great time, as did we.

Here are some pics:

4 Month Check-Up

I can't believe that Everett is 4 months already. I guess time moves faster in a sleep deprived haze. He is actually doing much better since we got back from Arizona and is back to sleeping until at least 5:30AM. Praise God!
We took Everett to see the friendly doctor yesterday. I had to pray over him before the nurse gave him his shots because if you remember my post from his 2 month check-up, you will remember that he cried for hours afterwards. Of course, the Lord heard my desperate cries and granted us peace. Everett cried for about 1 minute and then quickly returned to his normal happy self. Thank you Jesus!
I wasn't too surprised over his mammoth growth since my back is killing me and he was up all night, eating every 3 hours for the last 2 weeks (growth spurt???).

Here are his stats:
___________________________________________
Weight: 16 lb. 13oz. 75th percentile, for boys
Height: 26-1/2 in. 90th percentile


Go Everett Go!

Desert Detour

Everett and I took a hop, skip and a jump on over to Phoenix, AZ to visit with my dad and stepmom. Nothing makes grandparents smile more than a new baby to cuddle. Everett was a champ on the plane rides. He did much better than his mama (I don't like to fly) but I am happy to report that I was calm the entire way. My only complaint was the possible ear drum damage I may have incurred from sitting 1 foot from the left engine. Wow, was it loud!

Everett had lots of cuddle time with Dad, Anne, Fred & Ginger (the doggies). He almost met Wayne Gretzky but he stayed home while the 3 of us saw the Blackhawks vs. Coyotes game. He visited his first park and took his first cruise on the swing set. He was pretty happy about it. Although, he doesn't like his swing at home...hmmm! Here are some pictures and video from our trip. We are not enjoying the frigid temps but we have missed Eddie and Trinity so we are happy to be together again.

Survey

I borrowed this off Suzanne's blog. Eddie and I had some good laughs doing this together. Keep that in mind when reading...

On Marriage...
How long have you been together? almost 9...married for 5.5.

How old is he? Between 30 and 32.

Who eats more? Eddie. He has portion-distortion..and a parasite.

Who said I love you first? Eddie, with some bullying.

Who is taller? Eddie

Who sings better? Its a tie, we are both equally bad. This doesn't stop the spontaneous musicals that happen in our house on a daily basis.

Who is smarter? I said Eddie hoping he would say "no, you are babe" but yet he agreed.

Who does the laundry? mostly me, but he will help if I ask instead of nagging.

Who does the dishes? both but I do more.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Eddie wants to make it clear that while sleeping in bed, he is on the right but when looking AT the bed, I am on the right. Apparently this question is confusing to the genius.

Who pays the bills? me

Who mows the lawn? Eddie will mow the 20 x 5 foot slab when it grows once a year.

Who cooks dinner? Both. I make simple everyday meals while Eddie gets elaborate.

Who drives when you are together? Both. It depends who has more energy to entertain Trinity and give Everett his paci 20 times.

Who is more stubborn? Eddie says me "for sure!!!"

Who kissed who first? This is up for debate. I think it was me but Eddie likes to think it was all him.

Who asked who out? I gave him my number without him asking but he called and asked me out. For those who know us well, you know it took 8 weeks for me to get back to him after the first phone call.

Who proposed? Eddie, on bended knee.

Who is more sensitive? worldly issues: Eddie. In our marriage: me.

Who has more friends? Me. 5:1

Who has more siblings? Its a tie. We both have a brother and 2 sisters.

Who wears the pants in the family? Eddie says that since this is on the blog, I have to say him.

Sit N' Spin

No, I do not mean a derogatory phrase that someone yells at you in traffic. I meant the kid's toy we all probably loved and cherished as a kid.

Girlfriends

This is what happens when you get two girly toddler friends together.

Only Little Bruce!!

Eddie took Trinity to the Shedd Aquarium this past Monday. Eddie called on his way home and said they had a great time. I heard them come into the side hallway so I opened the door anxious to hear all about her first trip to see the fishes. She came running in the house yelling "Get out of here Bruce!!!, only Little Bruce!" I was a bit confused as to who the heck Bruce was. At first I thought I miss understood her. But, Eddie confirmed that indeed she said Bruce.


You see, our friends Angela & Rick got Trinity a Finding Nemo game for Christmas that she plays on the computer. There is a pinball event in that game that features Bruce the Shark. I admit, he is a little scary looking. She doesn't really like to play the "Bruce game" and likes something a little more her speed such as the Dory memory game.


Anyway, in the Wild Reef exhibit, they have sharks. Trinity took one look at the big shark and told him where to go. There was a baby shark more her size that she didn't mind keeping around.


Unfortunately, I have no footage of the day so I leave you with a Bruce pic.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Sadly, Christmas is over. We had such a wonderful time this year. It was low stress, we had great time with family and loved seeing the kids open their gifts...Trinity anyway. Everett wasn't too sure what was going on.

Thank you to our families for spoiling our kids beyond comprehension. Trinity has a ridiculous amount of toys. I hid half of them so we can rotate them. Everett will not need any clothes until he turns one.

We know that Christmas is not about the gifts and have tried to instill that thinking to Trinity this year. We have had a lot of good conversations and great book suggestions that focus on Christ's birth...and the reason for gifts. I think she understands for the most part. In the meantime, she thinks she is a doodlebop with all her new instruments.

For the first time we hosted a holiday event. We have meaning to for years but have always passed it on. I think we used the excuse that no one wanted to drive from the burbs to the city. However, this Christmas Eve dinner was here and all were happy to spend it in the city. Eddie's parents, grandparents, sister and brother-in-law, brother and daughter, aunt and others joined us. Eddie's alternative personality, Chef Entree, came out and joined us. He purchased fresh Cod and Red Snapper from the fish market. He baked and fried with several different recipes. It was delicious. In addition, we served oven roasted squash, potatoes, peppers, etc., cole slaw, shrimp, cheese and plum pirogis, asparagus. I made a pistachio cake and cinnamon apple dessert. After dinner we retreated to the downstairs to open gifts and watch It's A Wonderful Life. We put the kids in their Christmas pj's and relaxed.


Christmas morning we spent at home, just the 4 of us. We took our time getting ready and getting out the door. We drove to my mom's for Christmas dinner: ham, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, corn casserole...yum! My brother made the trip into town with his girlfriend...Yeah! We had a casual, low-key, relaxing perfect time. St. Nick made it to her house too.

This next week we might still be organizing and cleaning up. But most of all, we will be giving thanks.

Happiness

Snow Angel

Trinity helping shovel last weekend...in her piggy pajamas.

One of the things I appreciate most about being a mom is the happiness and innocence that children have. Trinity is at the wonderful age of exploration and imagination. Last weekend when we had a foot of snow dumped on us, I grumbled. I enjoyed the extra calorie burn shovel experience but could live without the ice patches and fear of slipping with Everett in my arms.

Trinity awoke Sunday morning with shock and awe of all the snow outside. She couldn't wait to get out there. We bundled her up and headed out on the sled. You have to get a little creative living in the city. You see, unlike Sarah's neighbors, our neighbors shovel their sidewalks which leaves little sledding room. Therefore, Eddie took her in the alley. Once over a couple moguls and a few spills, she was done with that adventure. She was quite happy helping shovel, sprinkling salt, making snow angels and throwing snowballs at our neighbors upstairs.

The smile on her face totally brightened my grumbling day.

B-I-B-L-E

Trinity attends a bible study with me on Thursdays. While I am studying God's Word, she is in the kid's program. Last Thursday, she was in her first musical. She was "supposed" to sing:

The B-I-B-L-E, that is the Book for me...

However, her introverted personality took over and she sat silent, but looking cute as ever. Her best friend Emma is in the red sweater in front of her. I apologize for the grainy pictures, I had to bring the small not-so-good camera so I could snap yet hold Everett at the same time.

Ho Ho Ho

Trinity and Everett visited Santa today. Trinity has cried and cried at first glance of Santa the past 2 years. We expected the same today but she hopped right on his lap and told him she wanted the new Shrek video. Everett didn't have much to say to him. He almost pulled his beard off when I took him off Santa's lap. I am glad I caught it so I wouldn't have to a) traumatize Trinity or b) come up with a believable explanation.

After the Santa visit, we did our traditional Christkindlmarket shopping at The Daley Center where we ate some good bratwurst. We purchased our annual glass ornament to hang on our tree. Supposedly it is made in Germany but probably is made in China.

We then headed over to Macy's for some shopping, and warmth, and to tour the windows. Trinity called them "magic windows." She was happy to see ballerinas and princesses.

Everett slept through the "magic windows" look-see.

Gingerbread House

We all helped build a gingerbread house. Trinity mostly helped eating the candy and Eddie was rather territorial over his creation. I was allowed to draw some windows and roof tile. We are all working off a sugar high right now.

Note the frosting on the face:

Christmas Tree Chaos

Shortly after Thanksgiving we put up our Christmas tree. Trinity helped decorate it and was so happy to put the star on top of the tree. It was a nice family time.

I have been wanting a pre-lit tree for some time now. As my friend Jill told me, "we are the only ones living in the stone ages without a pre-lit tree!" I have to admit that I wanted one for the sheer convenience of it. In addition, Clark (our cat) always bites the light strings. Eddie has become the master splicer. Not stringing the lights every year has been a dream of mine. Therefore, when Eddie heard the loud crash from downstairs the other day I thought my dream might be coming true. Sure enough, the base of the tree broke and the tree landed on a wooden chair that shattered some glass ornaments. Fortunately, nothing sentimental was broken.

I sent Eddie on an unknowing wild goose chase looking for a pre-lit tree (YES!!!). when he came home hanging his head I realized that everyone in the City of Chicago have raided all the stores and the trees were all sold out. We turned to the Internet and found a nice one online. It is hard to know for sure what you are getting from a small picture online. In addition, it was called a "blue fir." We weren't sure if that was a kind of tree or if the tree would be blue!?!?! For all we know we could be stuck with an Avon inspired, retro blue tree. The shipping cost to return a 70lb. tree would be rather costly.

I am happy to report that it came in the mail (free shipping) and is quite beautiful. I will post some pictures as soon as we find the motivation to decorate it all over again.