tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24050192217274850322024-03-13T04:42:08.168-07:00Windy City Westy'sJoin us on the winding road of urban family lifeSheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-13268503020821621602011-08-28T14:40:00.001-07:002011-08-28T14:40:36.992-07:00The long walk home...Well, it's not usually a long walk. But with this "help", the trek between the el & home takes a little longer than usual. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/28/4111.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/28/s_4111.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/28/4112.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/28/s_4112.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/28/4113.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/28/s_4113.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Notice how Beary Bear's strapped to her arm. Saving her from the huge "push or hold BB" dilemma blocks before.<br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/x7ym_W5bnwg" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/x7ym_W5bnwg" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7ym_W5bnwg"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/x7ym_W5bnwg/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-45062675865644067292011-08-28T14:14:00.001-07:002011-08-28T14:14:07.808-07:00Music in the cityIt's no surprise to anyone here that we love living in Chicago... Especially this time of year. One perk is the many summer festivals and live music. <br /><br />Hands down, our fave venue is Millenium Park (shown in the first video during a recent visit from my family's former xchange student, Jana). Free. Amazing skyline. World class performers. Need I say more? Unfort, since the arrival of our monkeys we don't make it as often as we'd like.<br /><br />The second video is a free concert right in our 'hood. As you can tell, it's quite the draw for all the families. <br /><br />How cool it is to be able to share such diverse music and culture with E & A!<br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/PMIUILRlB7Y" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PMIUILRlB7Y" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMIUILRlB7Y"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/PMIUILRlB7Y/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/sLW0ZPqDmEc" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sLW0ZPqDmEc" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLW0ZPqDmEc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/sLW0ZPqDmEc/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-50337295199147695482011-08-27T19:25:00.001-07:002011-08-28T14:27:01.555-07:00Beach Day!We're soaking in the last days of summer around here... Which means hitting the beach as often as possible. Yesterday we introduced Aunt Katie to "our" beach and finally documented some beach-side adventures!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Learning to wave jump!</span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Not yet a fan of the water... But finding plenty of sand adventures! (most likely searching for Beary Bear here)</span>
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<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
<br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-66869239394114020242011-08-01T20:54:00.000-07:002011-08-01T21:50:23.345-07:00A sensitive soul...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlzKmHFUBtU/Tjd7AOuHNeI/AAAAAAAAGBY/K7jd2uwdXgQ/s1600/IMG_8412.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlzKmHFUBtU/Tjd7AOuHNeI/AAAAAAAAGBY/K7jd2uwdXgQ/s400/IMG_8412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636108702559188450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQLyIDp1VSo/Tjd6_qr06uI/AAAAAAAAGBQ/pYYMOJ4mZgo/s1600/IMG_8437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQLyIDp1VSo/Tjd6_qr06uI/AAAAAAAAGBQ/pYYMOJ4mZgo/s400/IMG_8437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636108692885924578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3LIn_wtSEs/Tjd6_Z0S9EI/AAAAAAAAGBI/1dAefRiRVjo/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3LIn_wtSEs/Tjd6_Z0S9EI/AAAAAAAAGBI/1dAefRiRVjo/s400/IMG_8453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636108688358044738" border="0" /></a><br />Underneath E's sassy, spirited, effervescent (my Mom's descriptor), Fancy-Nancyesque facade we're starting to see a sensitive soul. Don't get me wrong, there's still plenty of the above stated 'tude/fits to go around, but these little rays of *unprompted* sensitive, caring, thoughtful sunshine are brightening more parts of more days of late. I thought it worth noting a few (for possible reference next time she is dragging her sister across the yard because she just. won't. come. when i call her!). A few exhibits:<br /><br />- After talking about the famine in Somalia and the reality that many children don't have enough to eat, she pondered quietly for a few seconds then offered: "Well why don't they all come here and we can give them food?" When we explained that it takes money they don't have to travel here, she thought a little longer and countered: "Then why don't we just send them food?". <span style="font-style: italic;">Duh. </span><br /><br />- One of the joys (and challenges) of city living is the real-life exposure to people with obvious needs. Almost every time we drive somewhere we encounter someone asking for something. Sadly, my hardened, adult eyes (and heart) often *don't see* them. But E rarely misses an opportunity to remind me to give them some food (we try to carry granola bars or the like) and is sincerely puzzled and concerned by the fact that someone wouldn't have a home when "There are so many houses all around us!".<br /><br />- She's actually starting to ask us if we would like something BEFORE. HER. or letting us pick between two choices before she does. Now, this doesn't always mean she'll happily <span style="font-style: italic;">give </span>us our selected whatever without a fuss... but at least she's starting to think about it, right? Here's how this might go. E: Mama, which color would you like to color with? Blue or pink? Mama: Pink. E: Uhhhh.... But I <span style="font-style: italic;">really </span>like pink. Are you sure?! Baby steps...<br /><br />- And we're even hearing more unprompted pleases and thank yous. Hallelujah!!<br /><br />Now, lest I leave anyone with the false impression that this is the norm (and we've thereby overcome the toddler years...) scroll back to the top and re-read the dragging her sister across the yard reference. Which is way. more. the. norm. My point in posting is to not forget these emergent glimpses into this beautiful little girl's heart. Our prayer is that the Lord would continue to call her and guide us in this journey!SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-41332541088008806282011-07-25T16:41:00.001-07:002011-07-25T16:41:02.175-07:00Future Skateboard Queen?If I had a crystal ball I suspect it would show Annikah as a future skateboard queen. She is fearless, agile, and handles spills, bruises, and even her sister's tackles with relative ease. And she is enamored with our local skate park. We drive or walk by at least once daily and if I'd let her I think she'd jump right out of the stroller/car and join in the action. For now we'll stick to the fire scooter.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/4204.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_4204.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-8860341643739907162011-07-17T20:51:00.001-07:002011-07-17T20:51:02.746-07:00A little about our little ANearly 18 months and not close to 18 blog posts in her honor... Let me help you get to know Miss A in her current glory (warning, this may creep into for-her-record-book detail).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/17/5439.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/17/s_5439.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All in all, she's a sweetheart who charms the hearts of most who meet her. I know, that sounds like a biased statement... But really, Miss A's personality is precious. She waves to strangers, and bats her eyelashes at restaurant staff. She cuddles, kisses, and takes directions with smiles (we're bracing for the impending 2yo change).<br /><br />But don't be fooled, she will be the class clown who never gets caught (or always gets away with it). She's not shy about pushing the limits... But she always does it with a smile. And if discovered silently getting into mischief, she simply bats her eyelashes as if to say, "Who, me?"<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/17/5440.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/17/s_5440.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She & Beary Bear are <br />inseparable. We're talking write-a-story-book-about-them proportion. Like, I'll choose not to eat or go play in the sand if it means no Beary Bear (though he's been in sand, water, dirt... And I hate to think about what else). Like, he was once lost and found in a public garbage can on a walk and nap time had to wait for the Dryel load. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/17/5441.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/17/s_5441.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/17/5443.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/17/s_5443.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/17/5444.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/17/s_5444.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She loves to eat (though always <br />on her terms) - and therefore fits in quite nicely around here!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/17/5445.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/17/s_5445.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She doesn't want to be left out of anything. Especially if it involves her older sis getting attention from her mom or dad! That said, she & E are becoming great playmates. They can be found racing their baby strollers or shopping carts around the house, sliding down (or diving off) the outdoor slide, having a tea party, or hiding (and giggling) under the covers in E's bed. <br /><br />- She also sleeps - a lot! Like, down at 7:30 or 8 and we have to wake her at 9:30 or 10. Really. Then it's back down for a 3ish hour nap. Maybe this is the secret benefit of her still sleeping in the Pack-n-Play in the basement (ahhh, the city life). Maybe also why she's tall. And happy? <br /><br />- And she still likes to clean & organize. She takes trash to the garbage can without prompting and she closes the gate, doors, and puts things in their place at her own discretion. We hope this pattern remains into her teenage years!<br /><br />- Finally, she's starting to talk. Some. Though I may be the only one who can understand most of these words (listed in order of appearance/frequency):<br />Uh oh<br />Bye bye<br />Hi<br />Mamma<br />Please, shoes, drink = eese<br />Bear, ball = ba <br />Night = ite<br />Kiss = iss<br />Signs - please, drink, all done, more<br />...of course we laugh, who needs words when eh, eh, uh, uh, accompanied by pointing and head shaking/nodding get your point across just fine?!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-48827333015322179032011-03-28T20:46:00.000-07:002011-03-28T21:09:02.126-07:00Celebrating Rye's B'dayWow - have I really not posted since January 14? Looks like I'm failing miserably at that goal to post at least 2x's per month in 2011. Oh well. Life's been full in the last 2.5 months - there was snow that seemed to stay forever, Annikah's first birthday, a trip to Cancun for Rye & Sarah, guests, work, playtime, basketball... and last week, Rye's 32nd b'day! I'll start by sharing some snapshots from this fun (though low-key) day... and maybe I'll work backwards through the other events before summer arrives!<br /><br />Happy b'day Rye! Here's to another fabulous year together. XO<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ha7TqK3o2fQ/TZFXjf0SeuI/AAAAAAAAF_g/nJH-AWRxJo0/s1600/IMG_8116.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ha7TqK3o2fQ/TZFXjf0SeuI/AAAAAAAAF_g/nJH-AWRxJo0/s320/IMG_8116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589344879891348194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My annual cheesecake... this year E insisted on getting a candle too. A is obviously not happy to be left out (a common theme around here these days).</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oELbqau-dj0/TZFXj0M3cDI/AAAAAAAAF_o/VqjmuybKbpk/s1600/IMG_8122.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oELbqau-dj0/TZFXj0M3cDI/AAAAAAAAF_o/VqjmuybKbpk/s320/IMG_8122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589344885363142706" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m70vEmM_gOA/TZFXkn7qfPI/AAAAAAAAF_4/uplsOPekrw4/s1600/IMG_8138.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m70vEmM_gOA/TZFXkn7qfPI/AAAAAAAAF_4/uplsOPekrw4/s320/IMG_8138.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589344899249634546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">E insisted Rye would like this balloon. In fairness, she also selected a sports one and orange & blue stars. Oh, and a princess one too.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3hIZ0dj8vU/TZFXkYfRUUI/AAAAAAAAF_w/5BrEdpvFkkg/s1600/IMG_8130.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3hIZ0dj8vU/TZFXkYfRUUI/AAAAAAAAF_w/5BrEdpvFkkg/s320/IMG_8130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589344895104012610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The best $5 entertainment... that lasts for days! Really, these balloons WERE for Ryan.</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6886opQwfc/TZFXlax88aI/AAAAAAAAGAA/Awl_hXbdtB8/s1600/IMG_8132.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6886opQwfc/TZFXlax88aI/AAAAAAAAGAA/Awl_hXbdtB8/s320/IMG_8132.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589344912899109282" border="0" /></a>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-9720048633492675682011-01-17T12:56:00.000-08:002011-01-17T14:51:58.482-08:00To Make You SmileSeveral of these videos are a little old... but I just stumbled across them and found myself instantly glowing. Granted, I'm biased... but I think they'll make you smile (or laugh) too. Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw3DpMoT8uRCgGG_p3peLNE8Ad0yy2JPengRzE-PD6EeZsWLqzzCG2epBXrLA-eKNyKFs-RnEsZ7HSEWlS-tA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxENwQIYDasxt4fFU34wO_MIIB7s7RUpyE1bguPGbtb0JtMYZ-vcwLN64MNEnrC4vYpF3UCcRxmAUnmi_Modg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzjLBD_n6k-sNLUfaX-5W9DH1W_ZuEUfdz4WqgWlYggMoQrDenJj1Sog8QVoW6LOoTL0R20jJtOq2wjIylgpw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzAkFtzQnWXjMeYr-1SIbzZtEl6Jm5_VGGxdYJMSUSmZi2nEV2t6rImeyYIvONZUyShqIFjlrzjwAHfcWkV8Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-45961140804652082082011-01-17T12:07:00.001-08:002011-01-17T12:43:00.552-08:00Elynor & Lyla: Best BudsOne of my fave things about E's current age (and sadly, there are days when I have to really dig deep to find these...) is watching her friendships grow. Here's a peek into one such friendship with her buddy, Lyla. Their birthdays are only 2 weeks apart and they've been friends (well, I've been friends with Lyla's Mommy, Allison) since they were approx. 4 months old. With very similar strong-willed personalities, there are times when their friendship is contentious... but for the most part, they dance, chatter, and giggle together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTShoCVoFmI/AAAAAAAAF78/X081bpXntfQ/s1600/IMG_7380.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTShoCVoFmI/AAAAAAAAF78/X081bpXntfQ/s320/IMG_7380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563249148903822946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hard at work (gotta earn their keep)...</span><br /></div>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-64955273599177264062011-01-13T14:19:00.001-08:002011-01-17T12:38:09.219-08:00A peek into DecemberWow, have I gotten bad about posting on this blog! If you still check in here, thank you for your faithfulness. I wish I could promise to be more consistent in 2011. But, well, life happens... and it seems the reality of my life is it's often about all I can handle (or more than I can...) to LIVE life. So documenting it, is, well, an added bonus. I will continue to TRY to post periodically, but it's mostly for the purposes of keeping some records for my girls to look back at someday... think the scrapbook/journal that I will never do.<br /><br />So with that out of my system... here's a quick peek into our December. I apparently didn't take many pictures. Good reminder to ask my mom/sister for some shots from Christmas in Greenville (consider that your nudge, ladies... if you still check in here;).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSmj_sZq1I/AAAAAAAAF9I/O1Bo7Bb-Vfs/s1600/IMG_7267.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSmj_sZq1I/AAAAAAAAF9I/O1Bo7Bb-Vfs/s320/IMG_7267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563254577032702802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Standing & pushing things all over the place... but no unassisted walking.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSmjqPkyWI/AAAAAAAAF9A/utkDawG-WiE/s1600/IMG_7334.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSmjqPkyWI/AAAAAAAAF9A/utkDawG-WiE/s320/IMG_7334.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563254571274652002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Dance party with Aunt Katie.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSl-3F3WYI/AAAAAAAAF84/sw50MoE4gHo/s1600/IMG_7264.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSl-3F3WYI/AAAAAAAAF84/sw50MoE4gHo/s320/IMG_7264.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563253939068426626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Proud of her homemade Christmas tree (Mama proud to have created this activity on a cold afternoon).</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSl-axkVvI/AAAAAAAAF8w/BsCmQMLYXgM/s1600/IMG_7368.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSl-axkVvI/AAAAAAAAF8w/BsCmQMLYXgM/s320/IMG_7368.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563253931467101938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Brrr... Yes, she's THAT bundled up to play on our back porch. Thankfully she has her Daddy's MN blood. And thankfully we are having a heater installed back there this week - every square inch matters in this house!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSl-MYAJpI/AAAAAAAAF8o/ntakgKISrJg/s1600/IMG_7349.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSl-MYAJpI/AAAAAAAAF8o/ntakgKISrJg/s320/IMG_7349.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563253927601776274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">After our cold (but fun) community caroling concert at Millennium Park. E's fave song was </span><em style="font-style: italic;">Mele</em> Kalikimaka - we sang it for the entire week following.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSdXjBWrhI/AAAAAAAAF70/SV0P0hFJcHc/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSdXjBWrhI/AAAAAAAAF70/SV0P0hFJcHc/s320/IMG_0955.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563244467572878866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">She's now an official American kid (and she LOVES french fries).</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSdWzbC-aI/AAAAAAAAF7k/y1dY6VKHLAs/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSdWzbC-aI/AAAAAAAAF7k/y1dY6VKHLAs/s320/IMG_0946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563244454795737506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">One of our Sunday morning dates (translation - get out of the house so Daddy can sleep in).</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSdWoL4rUI/AAAAAAAAF7c/0D_piZuwi4c/s1600/IMG_0990.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TTSdWoL4rUI/AAAAAAAAF7c/0D_piZuwi4c/s320/IMG_0990.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563244451779358018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Our fave Christmas gift (A's fave was the paper).</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz8rTuzro7IZeKZr-0FyVhR-o6v1Zur-2ZNd2NFH58LHxYlroS92ImKoixlJEwoCBW4hhjaR5sH6_nMLrQPCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A glimpse into E's first Christmas program (we were shocked she participated, as she tends to get stage fright)</span>.<br /></div>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-6543276862784798902010-12-14T21:54:00.000-08:002010-12-14T22:02:03.111-08:00Blustery Day Photo ShootWhat's a girl to do on a cold, blustery day in Chicago, trapped indoors with 2 crazy kiddos? A photo shoot, of course! We like the way you think, Miss Heather. Thanks for these fab shots, capturing the girls' personalities and relationship so well!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZGyudE3I/AAAAAAAAF64/OAIe3dQrL6k/s1600/DSC_0911.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZGyudE3I/AAAAAAAAF64/OAIe3dQrL6k/s320/DSC_0911.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550784513964839794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZGiqqSHI/AAAAAAAAF6w/vY4iwOACHgw/s1600/DSC_0873.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZGiqqSHI/AAAAAAAAF6w/vY4iwOACHgw/s320/DSC_0873.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550784509653960818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZGVxKKDI/AAAAAAAAF6o/JOi4-Tp1zD4/s1600/DSC_0892.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZGVxKKDI/AAAAAAAAF6o/JOi4-Tp1zD4/s320/DSC_0892.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550784506191554610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZHYklEVI/AAAAAAAAF7I/4NbMiCJfzHA/s1600/DSC_0881.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZHYklEVI/AAAAAAAAF7I/4NbMiCJfzHA/s320/DSC_0881.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550784524123967826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZHK-4tAI/AAAAAAAAF7A/Nbra35tngcI/s1600/DSC_0901.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZHK-4tAI/AAAAAAAAF7A/Nbra35tngcI/s320/DSC_0901.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550784520476210178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZGyudE3I/AAAAAAAAF64/OAIe3dQrL6k/s1600/DSC_0911.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZWVVVMYI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/3fGexxeoKb8/s1600/DSC_0935.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQhZWVVVMYI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/3fGexxeoKb8/s320/DSC_0935.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550784780952744322" border="0" /></a>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-91716773118397795812010-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:002010-12-12T20:58:23.666-08:00Black Friday Photo ShootThe Westrom fam donned their best and played the role of models for a Black Friday family photo shoot at Como Park in St. Paul, MN. Many, many thanks to Tracy's friend, Melisa Bergin, for her patience and creativity in capturing our crew. Here's a peek into the fun we had.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmhSYazyI/AAAAAAAAF6g/YaV4E0guFyU/s1600/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-23.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmhSYazyI/AAAAAAAAF6g/YaV4E0guFyU/s320/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025206604156706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Adorable skirts compliments of Aunt Tracy & Aunt Katy!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmgcINqdI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/Zat-YrUaO3M/s1600/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-40.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmgcINqdI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/Zat-YrUaO3M/s320/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-40.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025192040671698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Our little Eskimo baby (poor girl... she was at the worst of her teething...).</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmf1stMDI/AAAAAAAAF6I/4Visuwa_RIA/s1600/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-35.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmf1stMDI/AAAAAAAAF6I/4Visuwa_RIA/s320/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025181724749874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Awesome Aunt Tracy spins round & round & round & round...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmfte_T7I/AAAAAAAAF6A/x-bRoA90I8E/s1600/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-32.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TQWmfte_T7I/AAAAAAAAF6A/x-bRoA90I8E/s320/Westrom%2BFamily%2BNovember%2B2010-32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025179519733682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Four generations, Siira's/Westrom's</span><br /></div>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-662357528801620892010-11-03T13:11:00.000-07:002010-11-03T13:36:44.007-07:00Hilton Head & E's B'day (a little late...)Better late than never, right? Ahh! That's a phrase I seem to recite a little too often of late. Ah well, a sign of the times, I suppose...<br /><br />At any rate, WAY back in September we enjoyed an awesome family vacay to Hilton Head Island. We road tripped with my parents (yes, they are saints to endure a looonnnngggg car ride with our crew), crashed at Aunt Tracy's in Atlanta on the way, then crashed my p's time share condo, and basked in relaxation. R, S & A flew back on Wednesday while E took in a few more g'parent days and the beach/pool before road tripping back.<br /><br />Though my p's had this vacay on the book for some time (to celebrate my dad's retirement), we built it up with E as a celebration for her birthday. We may regret this later (she's already asking about Hilton Head for her next b'day), but for now, it meant no big shindigs back home. So, on Monday, 9/13, we celebrated Miss E's #3! What did this little lady ask for? Swimming - check! Cupcakes - check! And hotdogs - check! Oh, how I hope the requests stay so easy... We took in a relaxed day with her marked by a morning on the beach, a bike ride for ice cream, and a poolside hotdog/cupcake picnic in the eve. Wahoo! Here's to our sweet Miss E and another fabulous year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFqP3AyUI/AAAAAAAAF5A/UEiTFG07BiQ/s1600/IMG_6513.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFqP3AyUI/AAAAAAAAF5A/UEiTFG07BiQ/s320/IMG_6513.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535422746617497922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Wahoo! We made it to the beach!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHGdkOF-7I/AAAAAAAAF5w/QdAMEhVlAbc/s1600/IMG_6595.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHGdkOF-7I/AAAAAAAAF5w/QdAMEhVlAbc/s320/IMG_6595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535423628256345010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">One of many early morning beach rides w/ G'pa Kev.</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFraoUMwI/AAAAAAAAF5g/M8Wg7O-hC-c/s1600/IMG_6586.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFqsZBerI/AAAAAAAAF5I/1OVCTbtNRA0/s1600/IMG_6544.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFqsZBerI/AAAAAAAAF5I/1OVCTbtNRA0/s320/IMG_6544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535422754276342450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Birthday morning sandcastle tutorial with Daddy.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFq1jxG_I/AAAAAAAAF5Q/MmXN0ulHMEw/s1600/IMG_6560.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFq1jxG_I/AAAAAAAAF5Q/MmXN0ulHMEw/s320/IMG_6560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535422756737326066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Birthday afternoon bike ride & ice cream (ahhh... to be 3!:).</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFrP3CYkI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/YqHL2KYVNdY/s1600/IMG_6574.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFrP3CYkI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/YqHL2KYVNdY/s320/IMG_6574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535422763797471810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Poolside birthday cupcake!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHGeNdZrvI/AAAAAAAAF54/CmPJeYDlRSc/s1600/IMG_6617.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHGeNdZrvI/AAAAAAAAF54/CmPJeYDlRSc/s320/IMG_6617.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535423639326404338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>LOVE the zero-depth pool!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHGdVlJENI/AAAAAAAAF5o/39-Cu5iYRyk/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHGdVlJENI/AAAAAAAAF5o/39-Cu5iYRyk/s320/IMG_6592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535423624326484178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A sunset dinner out!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFraoUMwI/AAAAAAAAF5g/M8Wg7O-hC-c/s1600/IMG_6586.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNHFraoUMwI/AAAAAAAAF5g/M8Wg7O-hC-c/s320/IMG_6586.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535422766688514818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">We loved you Hilton Head (there was an alligator under this bridge)!</span><br /></div>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-43403756641668409132010-11-02T22:35:00.000-07:002010-11-02T23:02:40.393-07:00SistersIt's difficult to keep up with the fun sisters photos we're capturing of late. And even more difficult to capture the sweet moments with the camera.<br /><br />It's no secret that my kiddo's first 3-6 months are not my favorite as a Mama. They just feel like so much work for so little return (okay, I'm selfish...). But once the kiddos start movin' & shakin' and sharing their emergent personalities the light really comes on for me. And I'm finding this time around it's even more exciting to experience the bond emerging between the girls. Elynor has always been tops on Annikah's list, but this love has gone through the roof in the last month or so as they learn to play together and even communicate with one another. Most days they can be found "chasing" one another around the house, "playing with" each other on the back porch, and "sharing" food. Along with Annikah's movement and growing presence in the fam have come some terrain challenges for Miss Elynor, but all in all, the good still outweighs the bad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4KkR7_ZI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/58ZLbycZetM/s1600/IMG_6817.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4KkR7_ZI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/58ZLbycZetM/s320/IMG_6817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535196802459630994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4K93a2TI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/HcN9tBw4e0Y/s1600/IMG_6805.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4K93a2TI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/HcN9tBw4e0Y/s320/IMG_6805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535196809327728946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4MqFhWqI/AAAAAAAAF4w/ydCRMN9yoks/s1600/IMG_6914.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4MqFhWqI/AAAAAAAAF4w/ydCRMN9yoks/s320/IMG_6914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535196838377904802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4MEdjofI/AAAAAAAAF4o/8rEBpzgMvH8/s1600/IMG_6847.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TND4MEdjofI/AAAAAAAAF4o/8rEBpzgMvH8/s320/IMG_6847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535196828278170098" border="0" /></a>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-53374498305799613472010-11-02T21:59:00.000-07:002010-11-03T12:23:43.853-07:00Halloween FestivitiesOur Halloween celebrations started about 2 weeks before the actual event, when Elynor donned her Cinderella butterfly costume for her preschool dress-up day. Yes, a Cinderella butterfly is correct. She couldn't decide. We had a Cinderella dress hanging around the house from a garage sale and then she saw a butterfly costume on the cover of a magazine... so Mama (and even Daddy) went to work making some wings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDveRp55GI/AAAAAAAAF3o/YWSMtYFpnWo/s1600/IMG_0791.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDveRp55GI/AAAAAAAAF3o/YWSMtYFpnWo/s320/IMG_0791.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187245452616802" border="0" /></a>But while she loved this costume, it turned out the sleeves were a bit itchy (or so the Princess said). So for the next week's mom's group festivities she shifted from Cinderella dress to tutu (another garage sale find hanging around). And, much to her Mama's chagrin, skipped the wings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvfcpMN0I/AAAAAAAAF3w/_KufgUdNVLw/s1600/IMG_6795.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvfcpMN0I/AAAAAAAAF3w/_KufgUdNVLw/s320/IMG_6795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187265582282562" border="0" /></a><br />Like a movie star's Oscar wardrobe, the Princess's actual Halloween costume selection was a mystery to all. Daddy did his best to encourage the return of the Cinderella dress (maybe the tutu was a bit too short for him?). And Mama continued to push those hand made wings... But it was ultimately up to her, and for the big day it was a tutu + wings = a ballerina fairy. This fairy was accompanied by an adorable dragon (also a garage sale find just 1 week before Halloween = perfect!).<br /><br />On the Trick or Treating front, Miss E approached it like an old pro. Last year's NYC experience definitely broke her in and she excitedly recalled the most important detail - CANDY! She led the pack of her novice buddies (whose parents may have preferred they not yet meet this American tradition) and bravely ran from house to house. Her only scary moment was a close encounter with a boy in a freaky mask on a house's stairway. Tears were shed, but she happily returned to the Trick or Treat adventure once the boy removed the mask and assured her it was pretend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvftYGIaI/AAAAAAAAF34/xIimKU6Adxs/s1600/IMG_6860.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvftYGIaI/AAAAAAAAF34/xIimKU6Adxs/s320/IMG_6860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187270073983394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvgSU-WnI/AAAAAAAAF4I/FjRZmpJMmA4/s1600/IMG_6872.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvgSU-WnI/AAAAAAAAF4I/FjRZmpJMmA4/s320/IMG_6872.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187279993002610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvf9rgHdI/AAAAAAAAF4A/auFZqzmQhPQ/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvf9rgHdI/AAAAAAAAF4A/auFZqzmQhPQ/s320/IMG_6867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535187274450345426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNG1uM4pueI/AAAAAAAAF44/JWmNmBZjtQo/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNG1uM4pueI/AAAAAAAAF44/JWmNmBZjtQo/s320/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535405222352501218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Even R & S got in on the dress-up action for our friend's party. Ink steals - $.95 for the full arm! Who knows, maybe we'll make the looks permanent for our 10-year anniversary this summer!? Poor A... she must wonder who the crazy is holding her!</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TNDvgSU-WnI/AAAAAAAAF4I/FjRZmpJMmA4/s1600/IMG_6872.jpg"><br /></a>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-84560045671988744922010-10-21T11:46:00.001-07:002010-10-21T12:17:21.787-07:00Splish SplashThanks to Grandma Sue's inspiration, the kitchen sink has become the preferred bath time locale for our two little monkeys. It's faster. Uses less water. The kitchen's typically warmer than the bathroom. And it's much more manageable for me to execute w/o Rye's help (meaning we can do them in the morning, when there's more time & we're all happier). Hey, and with all the splashing my counters, cabinets & floors even get a quick clean.<br /><br />I think these shots prove this new approach is a hit -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TMCLpa3qOGI/AAAAAAAAF3Y/pw3qpbDyKzY/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TMCLpa3qOGI/AAAAAAAAF3Y/pw3qpbDyKzY/s320/IMG_6749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530573886114642018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TMCLohzXpUI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/0pDPo1wkCoo/s1600/IMG_6740.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TMCLohzXpUI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/0pDPo1wkCoo/s320/IMG_6740.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530573870795826498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2iPfZ8oJhl5LfjXCMDBKiEvPzAvBK2PAXuPDX2ObovKIfpKeBX2opo_ElVWM5QX5klEzKFBfV6t4t-H-bzQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNfVfrRsz-GdT2yn8uAVxetvuvJEZnq1rXnjN2iZFc7xmR0lL268YY19Pw_5iZDn5eQFc235MlSHoqww6lPw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-32189817318413188232010-10-17T19:23:00.001-07:002010-10-17T19:55:37.957-07:00A HOT day at the pumpkin patchThe second weekend in October seemed the perfect time for a trip to an apple orchard. That is, until we learned unless you wanted to drive what seemed like forever we had missed this year's pick. I know - it always seems so crazy that orchards no longer have apples to pick this early in October! Still itching for some fall fun, we decided an excursion to a pumpkin patch/petting zoo (and other carnivalesque craziness) would fit the bill. Despite the HOT (80+) temps, we headed out with our friends the Chatburn's for what proved to be a fun day (if not exactly prototypically fall). Here are our summaries from the day -<br /><br />S: HOT! Oh, and OUCH... that is, my forearms after holding a heavy, screaming toddler while she does her business in a steaming HOT port-o-potty. I think there's a market for a kiddie version of these dreaded boxes.<br />R: Overwhelming. We left the city for this crowd? And did I mention it was hot?!<br />E: Two words: PONY RIDE!<br />A: HOT! And mmmm... yummy grass.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxLNxvQjI/AAAAAAAAF2A/DtjqgsuTr2A/s1600/IMG_6637.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxLNxvQjI/AAAAAAAAF2A/DtjqgsuTr2A/s320/IMG_6637.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529207773762372146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hooray, we're here! Now can I go ride a pony?!?!</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxLWfqpkI/AAAAAAAAF2I/865MnUghGNM/s1600/IMG_6660.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxLWfqpkI/AAAAAAAAF2I/865MnUghGNM/s320/IMG_6660.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529207776102491714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">This front row view of the pig races is all well & good, but what about riding that pony (seriously, she was relentless)!?</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxLuAdyEI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/JCtBKj2Rfv0/s1600/IMG_6651.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxLuAdyEI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/JCtBKj2Rfv0/s320/IMG_6651.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529207782414075970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Annikah *clearly* enjoys her first pig races.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxMVIpztI/AAAAAAAAF2g/jait2ZYRMpg/s1600/IMG_6674.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxMVIpztI/AAAAAAAAF2g/jait2ZYRMpg/s320/IMG_6674.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529207792917401298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">After a 30 minute wait, I STIIILLLLL want to ride that pony! I'm next! I'm next!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyi24eLZI/AAAAAAAAF2o/GdKgQfa0uNM/s1600/IMG_6683.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyi24eLZI/AAAAAAAAF2o/GdKgQfa0uNM/s320/IMG_6683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529209279445085586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A mixture of pride & sheer bliss as she independently rides the pony (Honestly, we were shocked she didn't bail... and then didn't require Rye walk alongside her. This focused, relaxed joy we've only also seen on swings or when riding in the kid's seat of a bike. Maybe we need a pony!?).</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxMFrIssI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/e7atAEid66s/s1600/IMG_6673.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuxMFrIssI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/e7atAEid66s/s320/IMG_6673.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529207788767064770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Annikah's almost as thrilled about the pony ride. Did I mention it was HOT!?</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyjFo_u-I/AAAAAAAAF2w/LCZAGihxmlI/s1600/IMG_6690.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyjFo_u-I/AAAAAAAAF2w/LCZAGihxmlI/s320/IMG_6690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529209283406707682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The heat didn't seem to bother Elynor & Keegan.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyjt58oqI/AAAAAAAAF3A/qs5nNJv9izE/s1600/IMG_6704.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyjt58oqI/AAAAAAAAF3A/qs5nNJv9izE/s320/IMG_6704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529209294215226018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It's difficult to pin A down for a photo when there are pumpkins to climb.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyjblsdhI/AAAAAAAAF24/Fp5FhNQj_hY/s1600/IMG_6700.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyjblsdhI/AAAAAAAAF24/Fp5FhNQj_hY/s320/IMG_6700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529209289298441746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The best sisters shot we got. Did I mention it was HOT?!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyj5RSTjI/AAAAAAAAF3I/1XksZNNEu9s/s1600/IMG_6707.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TLuyj5RSTjI/AAAAAAAAF3I/1XksZNNEu9s/s320/IMG_6707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529209297265905202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">If only the shopping cart was large enough to fit everyone on the trek back to the car. </span><br /></div>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-15684187316277223272010-10-04T09:37:00.001-07:002010-10-04T09:37:02.242-07:00R & S take DCA dear friend's wedding (it was lovely Paul & Audrey) gave Rye & I a great excuse to escape to our nation's capital for a kiddo- free weekend. Grandma Sue arrived in Chicago Thursday eve, allowing our adventure to take flight on Friday (thank you!!!). <br /><br />We touched down Friday eve and filled the next 2 days with the gorgeous wedding, exploring DC's many neighborhoods, sleeping in (on a heavenly bed... Ahhhh...), and playing tourist by bike (HIGHLY recco this!). Spending a little time with Jen, Wes & Hadley, and Tracy were icing on our cake. Ahhh... I wonder how long it will take to feel tired and running on empty again?! For now, I'll enjoy my relaxing flight home.<br /><br />We did not take our camera, which was kind of nice actually (allowed me to enjoy the exploration without thinking of good shots). So here are a few iphone shots, taken simply to document our adventures (and not win any photog awards).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5524230805338197506'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TKoCphl0DgI/AAAAAAAAF10/rNTq4_HPNwI/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Not used to hold-outs on the iPhone!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5524230821162481362'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TKoCqcindtI/AAAAAAAAF14/Hpa4KwJneow/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Shortly before the rain...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5524230830780572338'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TKoCrAXv4rI/AAAAAAAAF18/l9-F4KHgPlA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bringing greetings from Chicago to the Obamas (E asked us if we were staying at the prez's house). <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-49735924217745996102010-09-02T20:44:00.001-07:002010-09-02T21:28:21.852-07:00Happy 7 Months, Annikah Kate!I'm so happy Heather keeps track of things like today was Annikah's 7 month b'day! And conducted a photo shoot to celebrate the occasion...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TIB1H_5VOyI/AAAAAAAAF1E/qlREN8c3rhU/s1600/DSC_0146.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TIB1H_5VOyI/AAAAAAAAF1E/qlREN8c3rhU/s320/DSC_0146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512534724172921634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TIB1IaJGwGI/AAAAAAAAF1M/3kBCFjo54_8/s1600/DSC_0191.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TIB1IaJGwGI/AAAAAAAAF1M/3kBCFjo54_8/s320/DSC_0191.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512534731218403426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TIB1IpsP8JI/AAAAAAAAF1U/UJyA5vbUenU/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TIB1IpsP8JI/AAAAAAAAF1U/UJyA5vbUenU/s320/DSC_0140.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512534735392338066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />If you're curious what she's up to (WARNING: This is baby book kind of documentation) -</span><br />Miss A continues to be a sweet, cuddly baby, even as she's growing like a weed. She still nurses 4 times/day and has taken a liking to every solid food she's met (peas, green beans, banana, apple, peach, squash, sweet potato, pear, rice). When eating solids she often finds a way to also get her feet and/or hands to her mouth, making for some interesting clean-up. She's been on the move for a few weeks - Army crawling everywhere she sets her mind to it (usually making b-lines toward Elynor's most coveted toys, creating some not-so-fun encounters). I predict it a brief period before she finally gets that tummy off the floor and really takes off! And with all this eating & moving she also continues to sleep well, like a baby... She goes to bed when Elynor does (usually 8:30 or 9pm) and then we typically have to wake her at 9:30am (no, that's not a typo!). If we're at home she then naps from about 10:30-12:30, is awake for another 1.5 hours, and naps again from about 2-4:30 or 5. THEN, if we're home, she'll take another catnap from about 6:30-bedtime. Boy, do I wish I could sleep that much. At night she sleeps in a pack-n-play in the basement (makes the mornings much easier when we're all awake in this smallish house) and during the day she plays musical beds depending on what everyone else is up to (we have pack-n-plays set up in the basement & our room and then her crib in the girl's room). She doesn't really sleep anymore when we're out & about, but she loves to snuggle in the Mei-Tai carrier... moments which I cherish since Miss E rarely snuggled. Elynor continues to be her fave person on Earth - almost always prompting giggles. But A shares her beautiful, big smile with most everyone, always! She sometimes cries when left alone, but for the most part, any crying is reserved for when she's tired or when a certain person who's name starts with an E and ends in an R gets a little too rough.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">As far as our family's life 7 months in to joining the 2-kid club -</span><br />In complete honesty, right now it feels like life in this home is moving at the speed of light. Most days I feel like I'm running on a treadmill with the pace set a few notches too high. You know that feeling, right? It's okay when you're pushing yourself, like, for a minute or two... but the entire time your legs are moving as fast as they can just to prevent an embarrassing face plant and all you can think about is notching it back down to something more manageable. And you're just hoping beyond hope that you can make it. Yea, that's what it feels like. All. Day. Most. Days.<br /><br />I keep telling myself this feeling just comes with the territory of this stage of life. The trouble is, it seems this will be our stage for the foreseeable future. So maybe instead of focusing on notching the treadmill back down (fighting the current pace) I should just accept it as our new norm, adjust my gait, and pray that my lungs & muscles catch up before I face plant.<br /><br />So when you keep checking back to our blog and wonder where we've gone... just picture me adjusting to this pace and please say a prayer for us. Oh, and keep checking back. My best intentions usually do get actualized... eventually!SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-23582499292019031102010-08-15T19:59:00.000-07:002010-08-15T20:10:30.208-07:00Highchair fun!A little food... a little more drool... LOTS of smiles!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TGiqCSVb4yI/AAAAAAAAF08/Mp0NXjDU-Ic/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TGiqCSVb4yI/AAAAAAAAF08/Mp0NXjDU-Ic/s320/IMG_6397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505837500718637858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TGiqBmJlBhI/AAAAAAAAF00/8HBM_xyyMbQ/s1600/IMG_6396.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TGiqBmJlBhI/AAAAAAAAF00/8HBM_xyyMbQ/s320/IMG_6396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505837488857744914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TGiqBPJSCJI/AAAAAAAAF0s/P7g-z-yXzrY/s1600/IMG_6376.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TGiqBPJSCJI/AAAAAAAAF0s/P7g-z-yXzrY/s320/IMG_6376.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505837482682484882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz6-g87naOI7Ci8S510Hqt1vsED59SKI8skVEWhQzuTZcXshkDxTEMeFERKxmEGOBGTptgfdEPnu_f4XmM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-170204388029454512010-07-26T07:34:00.001-07:002010-07-26T07:34:56.056-07:00Monet?...and yes, she's wearing clip on earrings. She asks to get her ears pierced all day, everyday. So this is our compromise. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5498223364324047970'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TE2dBN5JvGI/AAAAAAAAF0g/Nbzp0NON2J0/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5498223385808710098'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TE2dCd7fqdI/AAAAAAAAF0k/ORPHrazSqQo/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5498223407494347186'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TE2dDutwObI/AAAAAAAAF0o/3MHWnHA4LKA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-65537951523964393862010-07-26T07:28:00.001-07:002010-07-26T07:28:54.736-07:00Saturday in the parkA enjoyed her first picnic/concert in millenium park in Saturday nite. What a gorgeous nite it was!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5498221800071529650'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TE2bmKmShLI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/wj8KIHZvqls/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5498221820157716610'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TE2bnVbNaII/AAAAAAAAF0U/5_3KSgrEP5Y/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5498221838454548338'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TE2boZlg53I/AAAAAAAAF0Y/eajmQl9oACo/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/SheWesty/WCWWindyCityWestyS?authkey=Gv1sRgCMa53YXXupux1AE#5498221850223877714'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TE2bpFbinlI/AAAAAAAAF0c/4Nf2Fh0EG-4/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-9185903189312832272010-07-19T20:37:00.000-07:002010-07-19T20:42:17.386-07:00A has 2 teeth!... but getting a pic of them has proven challenging.<br /><br />They broke through around July 4 with little fanfare beyond the non-stop drool.<br /><br />This means real food is right around the corner. And our sweet Miss A has officially bid farewell to the tiny newborn phase, turning the corner towards toddlerhood.SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-70359857027359190722010-07-19T20:12:00.000-07:002010-07-19T20:37:14.474-07:00The EntertainerWhen she's not trying to poke A's eye out, E is her non-stop entertainment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUUjMJIgBI/AAAAAAAAF0A/RiQhI0LXGL8/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUUjMJIgBI/AAAAAAAAF0A/RiQhI0LXGL8/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495821515063066642" border="0" /></a>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405019221727485032.post-8131573107870184292010-07-19T20:02:00.000-07:002010-07-19T20:09:55.719-07:00Our Budding Artist<div style="text-align: center;">Indoors -<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSqmwydGI/AAAAAAAAFzo/r-INY4suykE/s1600/DSC_0092.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSqmwydGI/AAAAAAAAFzo/r-INY4suykE/s320/DSC_0092.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495819443444544610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSrD9tgpI/AAAAAAAAFzw/ri-gxCFZFmA/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSrD9tgpI/AAAAAAAAFzw/ri-gxCFZFmA/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495819451283374738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And Out -<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSpvUCpoI/AAAAAAAAFzg/hxscOiTCpmI/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSpvUCpoI/AAAAAAAAFzg/hxscOiTCpmI/s320/DSC_0014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495819428560021122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSodasrDI/AAAAAAAAFzY/DLp7dvTO-Vk/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fweinQxqGI8/TEUSodasrDI/AAAAAAAAFzY/DLp7dvTO-Vk/s320/DSC_0007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495819406576233522" border="0" /></a>SheWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07593952534153804575noreply@blogger.com0