Day 66 | A Berry Picking Kind of Day

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We survived the barrage of fireworks in our neighborhood last night...some of us got more sleep than others. To celebrate, we decided to head a bit outside the city to pick some yummy berries.

Butler's Orchard was great. It was packed.  I mean, crazy packed, but it was really well organized and there were plenty of berries to go around. Seriously, I can't imagine what more plentiful bushes would look like.  We walked away with 2.5 pounds of blueberries and .75 pound of black raspberries. The best deal? Chase ate at least that much of both so we got double for our money! If you ask him, though, he ate "just one."

Day 65 | Happy Independence Day

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It's a beautiful day in the District. Perfect for celebrating the Fourth.

So far today:

Patriotic breakfast: check
Outfitted in patriotic attire: check
Discussion about the significance of the holiday: check 
Neighborhood parade: check
Stop at tree park (that's how Chase celebrates): check 

We'll see what other festive activities we can squeeze in today. Just to keep expectations in check, I wouldn't bet on seeing us during the Mall's fireworks show. 

Happy Fourth, everyone!

Day 64 | Sleep Like a Baby

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Not every day is a dream. 

Full disclosure: I wrote this post several days ago. I didn't post it at the time because I didn't want to bring you all down into my black hole with me. I purposely waited until Robbe had a couple good nights (he has!) to give us all (ok, mostly me) a little bit of hope. Who knows what tonight will bring and who knows how long the next good stretch will last. I'll just hold on to the last couple of nights and keep reminding myself it's all a phase. 

Sleep like a baby? What a joke. How did this phrase come to be? Obviously it originated from a non-parent. Babies are not good sleepers. They are loud breathers, stir constantly and the slightest bit of tummy rumblings wake them up (or is it just my boys?). And that's not even mentioning the frequent night wakings. Which is what brings me to this post...

I'm tired. Really really tired. Possibly because it's 4am as I type and so far I've had about 2.5 hours of sleep tonight. Not my favorite. 

Call it a sleep regression, call it a wonder week, call it coming down with something, call it gas, call it just being a baby, call it whatever you want, I just want it over with. 

As a second time parent, I know that everything is a phase and all the really hard moments will pass. Somehow that doesn't make it any easier when you're up for the third time before 330am. When will it end? Will I survive to witness the end? What comes after the "end"? 

Have I mentioned...I'm really really tired. 

Day 62 | Library Auditions: Take two

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Chase posing with the loot from completing the challenge.
We found our library home.

It's a short walk and the story time is actually pretty good. Chase seems to really enjoy it. Maybe it's just the fact that he's older but he's so much more comfortable and focused during this story hour. He approaches the librarian without hesitation, gets smooches from the stuffed rabbit, Benjamin, that she uses, and follows along with the dances and songs. They even have choo-choo books (Thomas, specifically) on the shelf...always a hot commodity at the Hill libraries. 

To top it off, Chase and Robbe completed their first challenge today. They both took on the DC Library Summer Reading Challenge. We needed to check off eight out of 16 items in three months to complete it. Both boys managed this accomplishment by day two. Some of the tasks? Ask a librarian for help finding a book (we're looking for train books, obviously), attend a library program (story time!), sing a song about animals (all day, everyday), practice turning pages (more of a challenge for Robbe), etc. Each of the boys won a book for completing the challenge, Robbe got a rubber duckie, and Chase got a free kids meal to Chipotle (??). Quite the haul!

Day 61 | A Blueberry Popsicle Kind of Day

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The sun is shining, the temperature is high and the blender was calling my name. The perfect opportunity to use our popsicle molds for the first time (they were a wedding gift eight years ago!).

Here's the recipe I used

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Pretty much followed directions except I omitted the sugar and didn't substitute anything for it. I think they turned out plenty sweet so no regrets there.

The popsicles were just as yummy as they look. The yogurt was a little overpowering but still delicious. Chase appreciated the flavor (blueberry, of course) and enjoyed getting ridiculously sticky. He does have some work to do preparing his teeth for cold treats, though. He couldn't bite into the popsicle so I had to assist more than I should have!

Happy summer. :)

Day 60 | All is Quiet

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And by quiet, I mean full of the requests of an attention-deprived toddler. The last of the family left today (time for one last choo choo playtime with Uncle Matt).

It's going to be a rough transition back to reality this week. Good thing it's a holiday weekend. I think I can make it through four days solo. I'm pretty sure, at least. 

*On a side note, I did do a blog post yesterday but, to my horror, I just realized it didn't publish. Boo! To my devoted followers, please accept my apologies. That's the last time I trust you blindly, Internet. 

Day 59 | And It All Comes to an End

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The family parted ways this morning. It honestly could not have been a better break from reality:

-the resort was perfect 
-there was a ton to do on and off site
-the weather was just fine for what we were hoping to do (Virginia in late June could be disgustingly hot)
-everyone got along (not terribly surprising but you never know with that many people for a whole week)

I love my boys and our new house but I  am not ready to face everyday life again away from the constant support (people actually want to rock my baby to sleep?!?), the meal planning and preparation organized by someone else (I think I did one load of dishes all week...sorry, guys), the distractions from everyone when I wasn't feeling particularly positive, the list goes on and on. 

I'm feeling very lucky to call these people family. And after a week with me, they still agreed to take the above selfie. That's love. 

Day 58 | Vacation: Cramming it all in

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The days just fly by too quickly on vacation. I'm not ready to call it quits. I've actually got a bit of the depressions about it. So, instead of fixating on that (sniffle, sniffle), I'll focus on what a fun last full day of vacation we had.

Another beautiful day beckoned us to the pool. Chase got even more comfortable in the water and had his dreams come true to be joined by all his cousins, uncle Matt, Grandpa Paw, Grandma Mary and his Dad. I started out on Robbe duty until he was willing to sleep solo on a lounge chair...and good thing...it was hot out!

My friend, Val, was sweet enough to join us for lunch. It has been years (years!) since we've seen each other and yet it felt like no time has past. Isn't that the test of real friendships? We had a ton to catch up on and we shoved as much into an hour as could be imagined. I wish we could see each other more often, but I'll take what I can get. 

After putting the kiddos down for their naps, mom and I snuck out to the outlets to spend some quality baby-free time. Ahhh...a taste of a past life. 

As if all that excitement weren't enough, we came home to a Gullicksrud Family Mini Putt contest and another delicious meal. 

Seriously, vacation life is the best. Now you see why I have the depressions?


Day 57 | Vacation: Poolside firsts

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The rest of the fam headed to an amusement park this morning (shout out to Val for helping with tickets!) so we decided to spend a quiet morning by the pool.

I think Chase is on attention overload with all the family around (definitely not complaining!!) so the morning with just our family is hopefully what he needs to snap him out of the crankiness that's been following him around the last couple of days. The poolside morning could not have been more perfect: the shade was a comfortable temperature, it wasn't too busy, and both boys checked a first off the list.

Robbe went swimming for the first time! He seemed to enjoy it...no tears at least. His brother even splashed him in the face a couple of times but no problem. He also enjoyed a lovely poolside nap in his dad's arms. Nothing better than that!

Chase's first? He jumped in from the side of the pool. This probably doesn't seem that impressive, unless you know our toddler who takes a lot of encouragement to try new things. He went from only wanting to spend time in the 4-inch deep kiddie pool to jumping off the side of the big pool, floating on his back, and learning the doggie paddle. Big day! He kept asking to go back with IsabelleAnneLane (all one word) to show off his new tricks!

Day 56 | Vacation: Beach day

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And by "day," I mean beach hour and a half for me and the boys.

Apparently the beach is not Chase's idea of a fun way to spend the day. I'm all about pushing him out of his comfort zone to encourage him to try new things and usually it works and he enjoys whatever it is (ie the carousel). After a few too many wake ups with Robbe last night, though, I just didn't have the energy to offer enough "encouragement" for Chase to enjoy himself. So, after an hour and a half at Virginia Beach which consisted of Chase playing on a pretty average playground and the boys sitting with me on a towel in the shade, we loaded the car and headed back to the resort with my dad (who was sweet enough to give up the rest of his beach day to haul us back). 

They'll learn to appreciate it eventually, right?!?

*On a happier note...Robbe decided to spend the first few minutes of his beach lounging learning to roll from back to front. He's done the front to back a couple of times but apparently he was waiting for the right motivation (the ocean...not silly toys like other babies) to tackle the more complicated maneuver. 

Day 55 | Vacation: A boy with his grandpa

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Chase is smitten with Grandpa "Paw". He asks about him constantly and will do just about anything to be by his side.

It might have something to do with the acrobatics that ensue when Grandpa is anywhere near the couch (see above photo). 

The relationship that is developing/has developed mostly long-distance is really very sweet (and that's true with all his grandparents, actually). I have a feeling this bond will continue to grow as the years go on. I can only hope. 

Day 54 | Vacation: Old timey town

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Family trip to Colonial Williamsburg!

We might not have gotten the earliest start this morning...thanks to our boys, but we made it to the Revolutionary City before noon and were able to have a lot of old timey fun.

Highlights:

-Chase "baa-ing" at the sheep
-Old timey crafts for the girls
-Authentic bonnets = pretty pricey
-Chase can now say blacksmith
-It was the first occasion in Chase's short life that he skipped his nap. He did amazing. Really no meltdown. I couldn't believe it. Makes me very happy and a little nervous (he can't drop that nap!).
-Cool summer breezes = the best
-We learned that there's a breed of sheep that have heart attacks during thunder storms. There aren't many left...surprise, surprise.

We celebrated the great day with a special ice cream treat. Chase requested blue but had to settle for purple.

Day 53 | Vacation: Family is the best

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Seriously...the best.

How lucky we are to be surrounded by such amazing people that don't mind (and maybe even semi-enjoy?) taking care of us and spoiling us with their attention and cooking and diaper changing (ok, no one enjoys that) and toddler chasing and baby bouncing. 

Have I mentioned how happy I am to be spending quality time with my neices, specifically? Our recent visits have been too short and too far apart for my liking. This week is just the ticket for learning more about the young ladies (eek!) they've become. 

Day 52 | Vacation Begins Today

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A deep sigh of relief...a much needed vacation starts today. We arrived in Williamsburg this evening but the real vacation started when my parents arrived yesterday.

The boys need some undivided attention.  Chris is looking forward to a break from work. And me? I'm going to soak up as much family help in the childcare department as my mom, dad, brothers, sister in-law, and neices will offer!

Is it terrible that when I took the photo above my first thought was, "oh, such a sweet moment" followed very very closely by the thought, "I'm just so happy to not be the one putting him down for the nap"? Thank goodness for family. 

It's going to be a glorious week. For all of us. 

Day 51 | Movie Time

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From left to right: John, Chase and Caroline.  Getting ready for the show.
Chase joined his friends Caroline and John for a movie at the National Air and Space Museum today (mom and Robbe tagged along, too).

The crew saw One World, One Sky starring Big Bird and Elmo. This was Chase's first exposure to these characters outside of his bandaids (so he did have immediate recognition) and he loved every second of it. The movie was shown in the planetarium theater so it spanned the ceiling and totally captivated Chase. He laughed at some of the "jokes" and got so excited every time Big Bird reappeared. Somewhat shockingly, he was able to sit patiently through the 25 minute showing even while almost getting folded up in his chair. Overall, a huge hit! 

Day 50 | A Miniature Train Ride

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Well, we've finally started exploring the options for kiddos outside of tree park. A whole two weeks have gone by!  It's hard to discover things to do it turns out. I'm so glad I stumbled upon today's adventure during Robbe's 4am feeding, though.

We headed to the Wheaton Regional Park to ride the carousel and, more importantly, the miniature train. The morning was a big hit. Chase didn't even have to be coerced (that much) to get on the carousel this time. Making progress! And the ten minute train ride through the woods was just perfect for him. Of course now he just keeps talking about how Daddy needs to go with next time. No respect around here!

Looking forward to discovering more gems like this in our new area. 

Day 49 | Depicting Motherhood

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Is this really what I look like?

Chase gets two baby magazines in the mail and he loves them. For the most part, they're great. New reading material every month, fun songs to learn, and ideas for projects to create.

Over the last few months, though, I've started noticing a trend in how they depict moms. A sweatsuit (and sweatband!)? Hair kerchiefs and aprons? A scrunchie? I swear they have no idea how to represent a modern mom.  I don't get worked up about many things and I can't say that I would consider canceling our subscriptions or anything severe like that, but I wouldn't mind seeing a few more moms that represent me and the moms I see everywhere I go. 

I'm going to go find an apron to put on now...

Day 48 | A Morning Surprise

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Daddy and Chase talking birds.
Since Chris has to be at work at 8am, he's long gone before the boys wake up (yippee for me, sad for him).

This morning, however, he's making his rounds at government agencies (the Social Security office and DMV, to be exact) to continue our never ending quest to update our registration and get a new parking permit. Turns out when he went last week his middle name was not spelled out on his Social Security card and "W" could stand for anything (?!?) so now he needs a letter from them verifying his identity. Even though he already has a DC license. Lame. 

Anyway...the happy part of the story is that he left later this morning. Chase couldn't have been more excited to spend some surprise time with his daddy. They sat together over breakfast and discussed their new favorite topic...birds. It was one of my favorite moments: just listening to the two of them and thinking about how lucky we are. A nice reminder after a less-than-ideal night with Robbe. Somehow it's so much easier to focus on the hard moments until sweet ones (like this morning) snap you back into reality.