Summer Days!

Carter

Saturday night Chris and I went to bed both saying, "Wasn't this the best day EVER?"

It didn't entail anything extraordinary, just filled with a lot of great moments that make you remember how blessed you are. The weather was perfect and the city seemed to be filled with endless activities. 

We loaded up the stroller, grabbed burgers and salads from our local favorite pub, walked to Colin's favorite park and had a picnic. We ate, we watched Colin play, enjoyed our babies and met some of our neighbors. 

Afterwards, my parents offered to watch the babies and Chris and I made a last minute call to take Colin to see the movie Shrek, playing in the park just next to our house. 

Don't you love when a day just organically unfolds into something wonderful?

After our picnic, we heard the music that only means one thing: the ice cream truck was approaching! 

To Colin this was the "music truck" and nothing more. He'd yet to experience getting ice cream from the truck. We've sort of been holding off on that little milestone. 

On this night, Chris really wanted to show him what the truck was really all about, so we did.

Of course, Colin was thrilled to discover that the "music truck" also gave out ice cream!

I remember making this same discovery as a kid. Life is never the same!

When it's 100 degrees out, there's only one reasonable thing to do:

Dear little c,

Your dad and I had the best time "watering the flowers" with you tonight. Somehow you figured out how to kink the hose so that when you let it go it sprays everywhere (I'm still not sure who to thank for teaching you that little trick!).

Thanks for reminding us to stay silly.

Living the dream

Today was a great day. The weather here in Chicago was as perfect as it gets. Warm, but not too warm. A breeze, but not too much of a breeze. A few clouds in the sky but just enough sun to keep warm and make you feel good!

Our plans for the day consisted of heading to a play date downtown. After mapping it on my phone, I decided the 5 mile walk was doable.

And it was. What a difference being outside makes. I reclined c's stroller and he laid down, curled up with two giraffes, and fell asleep. What it must feel like to sleep like this while someone gently pushes you along....

Tonight, Chris called and said that he'd be stuck at work late, so I alone got the LM bathed and ready for bed. Then I brought him downstairs to grab some milk before I planned to put him in his crib. He shook his head "no" he didn't want milk.

All he seemed to want was me.

And then he pulled his giraffe over his eyes, curled into me as much as he could, and buried his head in my neck. So I sat down on the couch next to the open window and held him as we both felt the warm breeze and listened to the cars passing by.

Seriously, does life get any better than this?

Screw the "sleep trainers" that emphasize never straying from routine, never rocking them to sleep, and letting them "cry it out". While holding Colin, I realized that this is what feels right to me as a mom. While I know he won't remember this moment when he's older, I hope that on some level he internalizes these experiences of togetherness and holds on to them.

I know I will.