Day 133 | One of My Favorite Places

I have a confession: 

I think, taking into consideration all the amazing places I've been, my bed is on the top three list of my favorite places.

Is there really any better feeling than crawling in between soft sheets and resting your head on a cool pillow to make your soul happy? Of course, it helps that I get to share it with the love of my life (my husband, that is, and not the little guy pictured above, thank goodness!). 

I've recognized my love affair with my bed, and sleep as a whole, has grown dramatically with my nightly baby wake ups and feedings. One of my favorite moments of the day is putting a happy, zonked-out baby back in his crib and walking as quickly (and quietly) as possible to be enveloped by my blankets once more. Ah. Just thinking about it brings me to a happier place.  

Day 132 | Train Watching

Every now and then we do something blog-worthy after naptime (usually I blog our morning shenanigans). Can you believe it?

Since I had dinner in the slow cooker yesterday (it was delicious, by the way!), we busted out of the house to do some up-close train watching. We only had to cross two streets to get to this prime viewing spot. Chase enjoyed helping me count the train cars (although he always ended up with five) while eating his snack and Robbe was just happy to be outside enjoying the scenery and his toys.

Day 131 | A Long Over-due Morning Date

It's been 14 months (!!) since I've had a minute of time in the morning to myself during the week. Today, I had 45 glorious minutes of me-time with Chase at preschool (his second day went amazingly well) and Robbe taking his morning nap (I actually managed to coordinate it!).

Eventually, if this trend continues, I promise to take advantage of the down time for some relaxing, but today, the goal was to get as much accomplished as possible:

1. Prep dinner: This yummy meal is in the crock pot as I type.
2. Prep lunch: There's not much time for meal prep when Chase gets back from preschool.
3. Make baby food: Today's menu was spinach and avocado.
4. Drink tea: I managed to sneak in a little something for just me.

Whew...the 45 minutes went by really quickly (shocking!), but I enjoyed every second.

Day 130 | The Countdown Has Begun

We booked a vacation to Cape Cod! I couldn't be more excited to break out of our rut (the days all seem the same lately), spend some quality family time (yay for Grandma and Grandpa M joining us!), and see my dear, dear friend in her own environment.

We're a little over a month away from departure, but Chase is buckling down early to get ready for the trip. He needs to hone his foosball skills if there's any chance of holding his own against his dad (there's one at the house we're staying at). 

He kept saying the red guys were "broken," though. We need to work on the concept of the game, I guess. 

Day 129 | A Walk in Takoma

We took advantage of the cooler temperatures this morning during a stroll around the neighborhood.

Chase enjoyed a few samples at the Farmers Market, I enjoyed running into a few friends (we know people that live here!), and we got to try out the giant bench (it's been calling my name every time we walk by).

Day 128 | Chase's Choice

When we woke up this morning, I gave Chase the choice of what to do today: go swimming or visit a museum. His choice (in case it's not obvious from the photos)? Museum...he's such a DC baby. He selected the Air and Space Museum even though we've visited this one a lot. His reasoning? Daddy needed to go. So kind of him to be thinking of others.

Chase had an absolute blast. He was running from exhibit to exhibit so fast he was sweating. Down right giddy. And so fun to watch. 

Day 127 | While Big Brother's Away...

Little brother gets to go on his first shopping cart ride. He loved it! Was there really any question?

Day 126 | The First 1st Day of School

He looks so grown up, doesn't he?!?

We celebrated a big (huge!) first in our house today. It was Chase's first day of 2 year old preschool.

The morning could not have gone better. There were no tears (from anyone) and he was the only one in his class who got upset about leaving. He wanted to stay and play longer. I'm trying not to take that personally.

On the car ride home, Chase asked if he could go back to school tomorrow. I guess that means he had fun, right?

Day 125 | The New Look of Lunch

Yep...here it is, the new and improved lunchtime routine for this trio. Notice I said improved and not simplified. However necessary the solids-introduction is, it is not the easiest or enjoyable process (or maybe that's just my perspective). It will get easier, I know that and for now I'll just appreciate how sweet it is that Robbe couldn't be more excited about expanding his diet.

And for those of you keeping track, Robbe had his six month well visit today and here are the stats: 

• Weight: 17 lbs, 15 oz (60th percentile)
• Length: 28.25 inches (98th percentile)

He's happy and healthy and even showed off some of his new skills to the doctor: sitting up, getting up on all fours and moving back to sitting up from the crawling position. Pretty impressive!

Day 124 | Going Places

Today is the day: this little peanut is six months old! I wouldn't say he's been a barrel of fun so far today but he's got the afternoon to make up for it. 

Robbe fun fact: he's the best snuggler. One of the many benefits of nursing is that I get to experience the extra-sleepy, extra-snuggly version of sweet Robbe. His little head fits just perfectly between my cheek and collarbone, melting my heart every time.

*A couple of notes:
1. This photo was taken before our trip to the library. I swear I did strap him into the carseat before we left.
2. The reason he wasn't strapped in yet was to show off his new District of Columbia onesie. It outlines all the District's neighborhoods and I'm obsessed with it. 

Day 123 | Play Time

Robbe fun fact: he loves his brother. I mean, really loves him. He's always having more fun when Chase is around. Hopefully that fascination continues for years and years.

Day 122 | Changing Perspective

It's an exciting time for this little peanut.

Robbe fun fact: Crawling on the horizon (maybe?) and Robbe is working on changing his perspective by sitting up. He's not officially a sitter yet, but he's making progress. He's stable enough if he's focused but no walking away from him quite yet. I'll keep you posted with any updates.

Day 121 | Yum, Delicious

Big, huge day for Robbe. He had his very first taste of people food.

Robbe fun fact: this guy love (LOVES!) sweet potatoes. At one point he attempted to eat the glass bowl because he was so excited. I think he has been dreaming about this day.

Day 120 | Making a Move?

Robbe fun fact of the day: he's thinking about making a move. He's up on all fours and swaying. How long does this stage last before he puts it all together into a full blown crawl? Who knows. Not sure if any of us are ready for a not-yet-six-month-old to be cruising the house, though. 

Day 119 | Good Morning

Robbe fun fact for today: he always wakes up with a smile-whether it's at 4am, 8am or 4pm.

I wish I was always that cheery when I wake up.

Day 118 | Read about Robbe

Aside from the last two days, Robbe goes highly underrepresented on the blog. I know! Poor little guy.

To remedy that, for the week leading up to his half birthday (woohoo!), I'll be posting photos of him and attempting to include a little tidbit that helps you get to know this little guy better. 

Today's fun fact about Robbe:

He loves/is obsessed with his dad. He gets a bit cranky at the end of the day before dinner lately and I think it's just because he's sick of me. Chris walks through the doors and he's all smiles again and is happy to sit and hang out in his dad's arms. It's very sweet (and I'm only slightly jealous). 

Day 117 | My Babies

Look at these two. I swear, they don't just act loving for the camera. Chase is honestly the best big brother we could ask for and Robbe simply adores him. We are very lucky. Very, very lucky.

Day 116 | Berenstain Bears

I've waited a long time to start reading my beloved Berenstain Bears books again. Luckily, Chase is as smitten with this adorable family as I am. We asked Grandma and Grandpa G to send my whole collection of books and the package arrived today.

I can't tell who's more excited: me or Chase? Time will tell!

Day 115 | Berry Delicious

The sunshine was calling our name to the berry fields again this morning. We packed up and headed to Butler's Orchard...this time for their raspberry harvest. The temperature was a little warmer, the berries not quite as plentiful (but no complaints!), and the bees had found the raspberry bushes, too, but none of that inhibited our good time. I mean, is there anything more enjoyable than a beautiful morning with your beautiful family enjoying delicious berries? I think not. 

For those of you who remember Chase eating "just one" blueberry, this time he splurged and ate "just two" raspberries. His ability to underestimate must have developed early, because we're pretty sure he ate about as much as we brought home (2.5 pounds). 

Did I mention we stopped and got soft serve ice cream to eat with our fresh berries? Could this day get any better?

Day 114 | Farewell, Friends

We had a lovely dinner with dear friends tonight. We're so sad to have to say goodbye to our old neighbors, Nick, Maureen and Row, as they move across the country. 

Thanks for the fun times and good memories. We look forward to visiting you in the Golden State as soon as the thought of a six hour flight doesn't scare me to pieces.