Monday, February 1, 2010
CJ and Molly's Wedding
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
18 Months, 2 1/2 Weeks
On Friday Ethan had his 18 month appointment. We saw a different Dr. in the practice this time and I felt much more comfortable leaving our pediatrician downtown than I did at Ethan's previous appointment at Central DuPage. I felt like Dr. Christiansen was much more thorough and more warm and fuzzy than Dr. Flannigan.The appointment was a couple weeks late, but we thought this would give him a chance to add a couple more ounces to his weight. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Oh, and the holidays had something to do with it too! Ethan is still a peanut, weighing in at 22 lbs. 7 oz. (8%) which is up a percentile from his 15 month check up. Ethan did shoot up in height though, measuring 33 inches tall (66%), up from the 33rd percentile at 15 months. So, we have a string bean on our hands, but the Dr. assured me that he continues to grow at a steady pace and that I should stop worrying so much. Easier said than done in my world! Ethan also had 4 shots and did very well, only about 2 minutes of crying and then he was back to his happy little self. A Thomas sticker makes everything better too! We did find out later that he must be allergic to an ingredient in one or more of the shots because he developed quite a bad rash that evening and into Saturday. Thankfully it was nothing serious and had disappeared by Monday.
We also discovered during Ethan's appointment that he has something called a hydrocele. You can read more about a hydrocele here, but basically a hydrocele is a swelling of either one or both testicles caused by a hole that allows fluid into the scrotum. The Dr. assured us that this is somewhat common in male babies and is nothing we should worry about, but something we should have taken care of in the next couple of months. Most likely, Ethan will have to have surgery to remove the fluid and seal the hole, but we will not know for sure until we see a Urologist at Children's in February (appointment is February 9th). We will keep everyone updated.
Other than that, Ethan is doing great! He continues to be a really good baby. No wait (and I can't believe I am saying this), he continues to be a really good toddler! Why oh why does time go by so fast? I can't believe we are going to be celebrating his 2nd birthday in less than 6 months. I try to cherish every moment, but unfortunately life gets in the way and days go by too fast! I still love his snuggles and every time he wants to sit on my lap and read a book. He is all boy and loves his tractors, trucks, trains and cars. He is fascinated by big machinery and loves books. I actually think love is an understatement because he could sit on your lap for hours and read books. He has to be on your lap though, there is no sitting next to you! He also loves to read to himself in his big red chair! He is always busy, busy, busy which keeps Matt and I on our toes at all times.While he is still not saying a ton of words (again something the Dr. told me I should not worry about until after he turns 2), he can recognize almost anything. He knows what a rooster, pig, sheep, dog, duck, and horse say and love to make funny faces and show emotion (see his "O" face above). He can point to pretty much all his body parts and knows where they are on mommy and daddy too! He still loves bath time and is getting more adventurous in the water....blowing bubbles, putting his face in, kicking, etc. Our paci (or 3 or 4) is still our friend at nap time and at night, along with several stuffed animals and 4 blankets. Again, the Dr. assumed that we don't have to do anything with the paci until age 2...whew!
Ethan has always been a good sleeper and that has not changed. Eating on the other hand pretty much stresses me out on a daily basis. He is just not a big eater. Does not like to try new things and does not like veggies. He is pretty much eating the same things he was at 15 months so I am gladly willing to take any suggestions one might have to broaden Ethan's eating horizons. He loves his milk, chicken nuggets, veggie burgers, raspberries, strawberries, cheese and any kind of snack you can imagine. That is all really! Oh, and he has a sweet tooth like his daddy!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Celebrations
Last week was a big week for birthdays and anniversaries in our family! My mom and dad celebrated their 33rd anniversary and my dad celebrated his birthday on the 8th. What better way to recognize such a wonderful day, than with a little party at our house. Nothing fancy, just make your own pizzas and a little cake!Just a side note...my mom bought some pizza crust from Trader Joe's so we could make own own pizzas on Christmas Day, but because we had too many leftovers, we never got the chance to use the crust. Well, she and my dad ended up using the crust and a special sauce she made a couple days later and my dad claimed it was the best pizza he had ever had. Well, I will say, it definitely lived up to the expectations my dad created! Not sure if it is the crust or the sauce she made, but Trader Joes refrigerated pizza crust is definitely worth checking out! And, it's only $.99!
Before dinner, we opened presents (a watch and some clothes for my dad and a photography session for my parents) and took some pictures.
Dad enjoying a card
Parents to be!
Ethan and his Nanny
Yum...cake! 
It was so much fun to have everyone together and celebrate 2 amazing occasions! We can't thank my mom and dad enough for all that they do; their continued support and being great role models. I know they have had 33 wonderful years together, but I truly believe the best is yet to come. Cheers!Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Just A Little Something
In the meantime, a picture of Ethan sporting his new IU jammies from his Auntie Kristi and Uncle Ben! The PJ's looked so big when we opened them on Christmas morning, but fit him perfectly! Our little man is growing! Stats to come next week after his 18 1/2 month appointment!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Currently Investigating
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Snowy Night


Not too sure about all this white stuff.
Mmmm, this stuff tastes pretty good!Tuesday, December 22, 2009
My Buddy and Me
The weekend before Thanksgiving, the Berndt's stopped by for lunch on their way to a party in Plainfield. It was an unseasonable warm November day so we took Alex and Ethan outside to burn off some extra energy before nap time.


The boys had a great time on the swings and the slide and loved chasing each other around the yard. By the end, they had both figured out how to climb up the steps and use the slide by themselves. After lunch and running around, the boys were exhausted and ready for a nap. This gave us adults some time to watch football, have a few beers, and catch up! It was so good to see Jaime, Mike and Alex. We can't wait to meet their newest addition in just a few short weeks! Thanks for making the trip out to Glen Ellyn!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Farm



Heck, he even rode a horse:




If you want to find the farm CLICK HERE. Just north of the intersection of Mills and Hunt Roads (seriously.)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Family Photos
On Sunday we had some family photographs taken by an amazing photographer, Carley Slater. Even though the weather was a bit chilly, we decided to brave the cold and head outside for some shots. I stressed all week about what we were going to wear and where we were going to take pictures, but finally came up with a plan the morning of the shoot. After Carley arrived, we decided to take a different, less matchy-matchy approach and I could not be more thrilled with how the pictures turned out. I am having a hard time deciding which ones I like the best because they are are beautiful!




To view our additional photographs, go to Carley Kay Photography by clicking here.Give A Little Bit
Weathered Wood Jewelry Cabinet
Multi Initial Key Ring
Assorted Initial Pendant
Bottom row from left to right
Delicate Initial Necklace
Lace Pedestal Jewelry Stand
Scalloped Wall Jewelry Rack
Friday, December 4, 2009
Snowy
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Halloween
We had grand plans of heading to downtown Glen Ellyn to do some trick or treating at the local shops, but due to nap and eating schedules, it just did not work out. Instead, we hung around around the house with Katie and Jack and Meredith and Collin. Collin, Ethan, and Jack had a great time playing together and getting into trouble as you can see from the picture above. The "what did we do?" look on their faces is priceless! In reality, they were just raiding the animal cracker bucket!
We headed outside around 4, when trick or treating began, in hopes of getting the boys to a few houses. The boys were more interested in running around and playing than getting candy. Regardless, Jack and Ethan looked adorable in their cowboy and fireman costumes.Our neighbors next door always do a bon fire on the drive way and hand out candy. We took advantage of the warmth from the fire and set up shop right next to them. It works out pretty well since we share a driveway! 
The weather this year was a lot more brisk than last Halloween which was perfect for our chili dinner tradition. This year we added White Chicken Chili to the mix and it was a perfect addition!
After several hours running around outside, it was time to hit the hay! I couldn't resist a picture of the two boys in their Halloween jammies!
The first Halloween in our new house was a lot of fun with visits from good friends and family, but I will have to say I was a little disappointed in the lack of trick or treaters that visited our house. I was expecting tons of trick or treaters and had prepared myself with 3 huge bags of candy from Costco. Much to my dismay, I only went through about a bag and a quarter (which left us with a TON of leftover candy...not good). I don't know if Halloween being on a Saturday actually put a damper on the number of kids out or if it was just the chilly weather. Regardless, I loved seeing all the kids dressed up, especially the little ones. Most popular costume this year....Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz....go figure! See more pictures from Halloween here.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Good Luck Hilltoppers
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I Am So Excited, I Just Can't Hide It!
I am beyond excited to share this little bit of news with you....On or around May 11, 2010, Matt and I will be blessed with another niece or nephew! Yes, Ethan is going to be a cousin again because my sister and Ben are expecting a baby! Ahhh, I am beside myself about this!
While we have known for a couple of months now, my sister gave me the "go ahead" last week to do a blog post about their wonderful news! We are so excited for Kristi and Ben and I can't wait for my little sister to experience pregnancy and motherhood, it is so amazing! I know that they are going to be wonderful parents; their baby does not know how lucky he or she is to have them in their life.
So, many many CONGRATULATIONS to my sister and Ben. We cannot wait to meet your little baby boy or baby girl in May. Enjoy the upcoming months and all the wonderful things pregnancy and parenthood have to offer!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Foodie
The first recipe is Chicken, Lemon, and Dill with Orzo found in November 2009 Martha Stewart's Everyday Food
Chicken, Lemon, and Dill with Orzo
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 pound chicken tenderloins, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 pound orzo
4 ounces crumbled feta
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup grated Parmesan
Preheat oven to 400. In a sauce pan, bring broth, 3/4 cup water, butter, salt, and pepper to a boil. In a 3 quart (I used a 2 quart and everything just fit) baking dish, combine chicken, orzo, feta, dill, lemon zest and juice. Pour broth mixture over orzo and stir to incorporate. Bake until orzo is tender and cooking liquid is creamy, 40 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan on top and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
The second recipe is one that I love from Weight Watchers new Comfort Classics cookbook. It is not quite as easy to put together as the orzo, but equally delicious.
Chicken and Sausage Paella
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 (1/4 lb.) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
4 ounces turkey kielbasa, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
3/4 cup long grain white rice
1/2 cup frozen peas
8 small pimiento stuffed olives, sliced
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
Add the kielbasa to the skillet and cook 1 minute, stirring often, until browned; transfer to the plate with the chicken. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken, kielbasa, broth, tomatoes, rice, peas, olives, and saffron and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 20 minutes. Remove fro the heat and let stand 10 minutes before serving.
We hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we do! And if you have any that you would like to share, bring them on, we love to try new things!


Ethan and his daddy are hoping to be part of a state championship sometime between 2021 and 2026. Good luck