Early March...playing in the snow & Peoria

Our flight to Chicago was delayed due to snow, and a week or two later we got dumped on again! Go figure:) It was beautiful, don't get me wrong, but being cooped up in a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 kids and a 100 lb dog is NOT the place to be, let me tell you. So, when a couple days later the sun came out and the blustery winds died down, we went for a hike in the forest preserve a few minutes from where we are staying. So funny though, the kids aren't used to this winter sun, so they immediately cover their eyes with their arms when we walk out the door! It doesn't take them long to request their sunglasses!

 

We went to Peoria to see Gramee, Granddad & Aunt Jenny. It was great to see everyone, but it quite a circus with 3 dogs...we successfully introduced Morris to Bella (Aunt Jenny's doggie, who is the sweetest dog known to mankind) and attempted to reuinite "best buds" Morris & Wrigley, which turned into a mild disaster. Ok, it wasn't that bad, but they certainly didn't pick up where they left off! Maybe next time...

 

 

 

Since the move, we have attempted to keep things as "normal" as possible, but constantly moving back and forth from a 2 bedroom apartment, Nana & Papa's on the weekends, and heading to Peoria makes it feel like we are living out of suitcases. It's tough without a routine, but it could be worse and we feel very fortunate for all of the support we have had from our family. Somewhat surprisingly, the kids have handled it extremely well and have been very adaptable. I think sometimes they actually like to share a bedroom!

What's new with Isaac?
He is obsessed with time...constantly asking things like, "what time is it, how much longer until we get off the highway, how many more minutes until we get there, how much longer until we do something...?" He continues to be very particular - he needs to be able to see the clock when he goes to bed and definitely has an opinion about what to wear. His favorite? The same Seahawks shirt and "cozy pants", and loves his spiderman jammies. He is interested in spelling and likes to read books and frequently asks, "what does that say?" He is starting to really use his imagination when playing; like pretending we are on a boat or a plane, complete with instructions on where we are to sit and what we are supposed to do. He is interested in playing his legos, organizing his toys, says, "love you, see you soon" when you leave, he loves watching Tom & Jerry on the tablet, and last but not least...has been holding "new-bee" in the neckline of his sweatshirt ALMOST everywhere we go. I think he has been his buddy and a sense of comfort for him throughout all of this transition.

What's new with Brooke?
She is quite the mama's girl these days, but also works really hard to keep up with her brother, who she calls "I-o". She sings the alphabet and knows her colors...her favorite is purple. She is starting to talk much more, putting 3-4 words together. She says, "I do" all of the time and copies Isaac. She is still a SUPER picky eater, loves to wear her "owl boots" and her "owl at", and is a snuggler right after her nap. Speaking of nap - we have a very specific routine prior to nap or bedtime. While holding her, I sing the alphabet and then twinkle twinkle little star. Then, she lies down and I repeat the alphabet and twinkle twinkle. She then has to be covered with 2 blankets (pink on top) and have pink bear, panda bear, frosty, and "brown-b" with her head on blue puppy blanket...phew, I think I got that right!