Pig-A-Licious

     Nothing says summer in Chicago like an awesome barbecue.  Our high school friend, who is an amazing chef, invited us to his pig roast.  This 60lb. hog was slow cooked Cuban style, with not an ounce of fat to be found.  Probably the best pork I've ever eaten! Not to mention, herbed butter encrusted salmon, corn on the cob, octopus, and kefte kabobs. If I wasn't chasing the kids the whole afternoon, I would have taken more tantalizing food pictures.  Still, the unusually cool weather, indie music, and good friends made it an afternoon to remember.

Just A Sunday Afternoon

As I made my summer list of Chicago excursions, I realized wanted to get back to my hobby of antique  and thrift store shopping.  The Randolph Street Market, was the perfect way to kick off the summer.  I dragged the husband and kids to the West Loop, in hopes of finding that perfect treasure.  Well, things didn't go exactly as planned.  The kids didn't want to sit in the stroller and the hubby was irritated with the kids. Therefore, I didn't have the peace of mind to wander and wonder through the rows of vendors.  Still, the day wasn't a total wash.  We listened to some cool live music, Simon found a vintage train, and best of all, we ate donuts! The Randolph Street Market is running again this weekend, so maybe you'll find me there in disguise, hiding from my family.

What are your favorite local antique or flea markets? 

Summer's Here, Will It Be A Walk in the Park?

Trying to keep these two occupied will certainly pose some challenges.  No naps and challenging personalities means I need to keep them super busy.  Yesterday we (including the dog) went on a nature walk to Lake Katherine and Botanical Gardens located in Palos Heights, IL. The mile or so walk around the lake only exhausted me and the dog. The kids not so much. How are you keeping your kids busy this summer?  Help! I need ideas..

Last Day of School

Nine months ago, Simon began his first year of Montessori preschool.  Throughout this school year, I have seen him grow and flourish. He has developed a curiosity and love of independent learning.

On the first day of school, he met his first girlfriend, who shared the cubby next to him. From that day on, they were inseparable.  They spent their time working on the ocean map, playing outside, and sitting next to each other at snack time.  At one point, they even had their first fight. The teacher made them sit at the "peace" table to "work it out." Simon's version of "working it out" was getting mad and staying mad.

As the year progressed, I realized Simon could care less about reading and writing. We did not receive one piece of enrichment homework.  I loved that! I figured he has the rest of his life to read and write, and only one year to be a playful four year old.

On the last day of school, I took the same picture as on the first day of school. I can't believe how much he and Vivi have grown.  He no longer wears shorts, his green Sauconys don't fit him anymore, and he seems a foot taller.  I didn't realize until I edited these pics, that Vivi's baby made it to the first and last day of school.  In a few months she will join the toddler program.

People always say that kids grow fast.  I never realized the truth in these words.

Boots and Dresses

My little Diva has taken to dressing herself lately.  Boots, dresses, glasses, and baby in tow.  A walk around the block in style.

Up-Cycle: Create a Chalkboard Table

My 11 year old niece generously gave us her old cafe table.  I have fond memories of her serving us tea and creating fabulous art projects on this table.  In fact, the table was filled with layers of scotch tape, glue, and glitter.  After much thought, I had the brilliant idea to create a chalkboard table.  I became even more excited when I realized that chalkboard paint comes in a rainbow of colors.  So much fun to pick a color.. I picked purple, to pull from the purple flowers in the fabric for the chairs.
A quick sanding, and a few layers of paint and new fabric, we had a brand new table and chairs.

A Mom’s Confession: Nursing A Toddler

Everyone keeps asking me, “Are you still nursing her?” Um…. “Yes.” I always cringe, a bit embarrassed, but yes I’m still nursing her.  Vivienne is two and a half, huge for her age and every bit still needy for me.  Our nursing journey has developed from need, to want, to comfort.  Nursing a toddler looks something like this: play, fall down, nurse, comfort.

Am I over it?  YES, emphatically YES! I am over the pinching, pulling, hanging, undressing, nagging, whining, etc.  I am done!  Yet every morning, I give in.  At naptime, I give in.  Yet, she’s so cute, I can’t help it.  So all you moms out there, still nursing toddlers, it’s okay! I stand with you in solidarity.  

In honor of almost weaning, my husband photographed us.  I put on the dress my godmother wore to my christening, and Vivi wore one of my christening outfits.  A vintage Lord and Taylor, white sear-sucker tunic with a matching coat.  We gloriously jumped on my bed, then snuggled for some special time together.  I know she is my last child, and I wanted to mark this special moment in time.