tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20723171820372125392024-03-05T19:11:30.860-08:00Georgia BeanGeorgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-5296366754056883472016-04-07T12:01:00.000-07:002016-04-07T12:01:05.611-07:0074 - Making babies and food, no time for anything else<u>I just found this post in my drafts and though 8 months has passed since I wrote it and forgot to post it, I thought why not now.</u><br />
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So the title of this post pretty much sums it up. Beau Daniel, our beautiful baby boy, joined us 9 weeks ago. He arrived one week late and I have a whole new appreciation for mothers who carry past 40 weeks. Hate to say it but that was one of the most miserable weeks of my life. With my first two boys one came a day late and the other a day early, no complaints. I tried all the classics to make him come, long walks, stripped membranes, sex, spicy food. All of it a no go. When it did finally come, the birth was fast and the pain, awwww, they say you forget. I never have and I've done it thrice. After giving birth 3 times without any drugs or intervention I questioned my sanity. Really Georgia, what were you trying to prove!! But then my midwife placed him on me and all was right in the world. Our family suddenly felt so complete with the arrival of this plump and perfect little boy. Abel and Ansel love him and show it often. For Abel that means snuggles and cooing to him. While Ansel generously loans both his special "bankies" and babies to Beau. Not uncommon for me to find Beau all but buried under this pile and have to remind Ansel that the baby really and truly must breath. The big boys have their hard moments when Beau is screaming endlessly in the carseat or needing so much of my time, but overall it's been wonderful. <br />
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And while I have not found a single moment for things like knitting, sewing, etc; I have cooked because that one's not optional. Nothing difficult, no time for that. Here are a few things we've had lately:</div>
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1.Chicken w/Artichokes & Peppers / 2. Proscuitto, Mozzarella, & Arugula Sandwiches / 3. Arugula Salad w/Nectarines, Toasted Pecans, & Goat Cheese</div>
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-313408995161242722015-05-08T19:39:00.002-07:002015-05-08T19:40:08.041-07:0073 - Weeknight Dinners (and a third kid, no biggie)Haven't made mention of it here, but we are expecting baby #3. In fact he is due in three weeks. The boys are excited and of course I am too, but just like all mamas, I've got a serious case of mommy-guilt. I worry Ansel is too little grasp what's really going on and that he"ll be crushed when he realizes he has been dethroned as baby of the house. So what has this guilt driven me to, maybe a few extra cookies, ten more minutes at the park, and endless trips to the Chicago Children's Museum, the pool, the zoo, and on and on. Not that those are bad things, in fact they've been really great! But I feel the exhaustion settling in and it might just be time to slow down. I know the boys will feel a little stuck at home at first, but eventually we'll find our groove again. I need to give myself permission to rest and nest.<br />
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As my pregnancy has progressed, and our adventures have abounded, I have kept dinner pretty basic. Not too many new recipes have made their way into our rotation, but here are couple super fast meals and one slow cooker meal we also loved.<br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/900196/skillet-shrimp-and-orzo" target="_blank">1. Skillet Shrimp & Orzo</a> / <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/315328/slow-cooked-tex-mex-chicken-and-beans" target="_blank">2. Slow-cooked Tex-Mex Chicken & Beans</a> / 3. Rigatoni w/Kale& Sausage</div>
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I served the the Skillet Shrimp & Orzo with sauteed broccoli rabe, basic but good. Don't skip the basil! I can"t recommend enough serving lots of toppings with the Chicken & Beans. We had shredded cheese, avocados, cilantro, sour cream, and pickled onions. Oh, and soak those beans overnight, don't care what the recipe says, they need it. Luke likes his with charred corn tortillas. Pickled onions are easy peasy to make. There is a write below on how I make them. The last meal doesn't have a link to a recipe, just a simple pasta. I'll be honest that it isn't the healthiest meal, but it's delicious and makes a ton! The picture doesn't really do this meal justice. Every person who has eaten this at our house asks for the recipe. See below for that as well.<br />
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Pickled Onions Recipe (great on all foods Latin)<br />
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1 Medium Red Onion<br />
1-2 Limes (depends on size and juiciness factor)<br />
1 tea Sugar<br />
1/2 tea Salt<br />
1/2 tea White Vinegar<br />
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Half and slice onion very thin. Place in a bowl with juice from the limes, sugar, salt, and vinegar. Toss till fully coated and cover. I leave them at room temp mixing them every once in a while for an hour or so. They keep in the fridge for around 5-7 days.<br />
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Rigatoni w/ Kale & Sausage<br />
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1 lb Rigatoni<br />
1 lb Spicy Italian Sausage (casings removed)<br />
2 Garlic Cloves<br />
1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (1 teaspoon if fresh)<br />
1 1/2 cup Dry White Wine<br />
1 cup Heavy Cream<br />
Large Bunch of Kale (stalks removed and torn into pieces)<br />
Shredded Parmesan (for serving if so desired)<br />
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Put a large pot of water on to boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions. In a large pan saute sausage until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and rosemary for an additional 1-2 minutes. Pour in wine to deglaze all the good brown bits. Cook the wine for a few minutes then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Once the sauce starts to simmer add the kale to the pan. Cook till the kale begins to wilt. Add the rigatoni and stir until sauce coats it. Turn off the heat and allow the pasta to cool slightly so the sauce thickens. Serve!Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-5245917206447050662015-03-22T21:11:00.000-07:002015-03-22T21:12:05.135-07:0072 - Quick & Easy Slippers / A Free Pattern from Georgiabean<div style="text-align: center;">
Quick & Easy Slippers</div>
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Copyright GeorgiaBean 2015</div>
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I made these for my four year old son who wears a US 9-10 in toddler sizes. They are quite stretchy though and will probably fit him for quite some time. The leather soles are optional but make them sturdier though less stretchy.<br />
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Size - US 9-10 Toddler<br />
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Materials:<br />
Bulky Weight Yarn (I used wool)<br />
US#10.5 Straight Needles & Set of DPN<br />
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Using straight needles cast on 12 sts.<br />
Knit 4 rows.<br />
Row 5 - k1, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k1 - 14 sts<br />
Knit 3 rows.<br />
Row 9 - k1, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k1 - 16 sts<br />
Knit 3 rows.<br />
Row 13 - k1, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k1 - 18 sts<br />
Knit 3 rows.<br />
Row 17 - k1, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k1 - 20 sts<br />
Knit 15 rows.<br />
Loosely bind off all sts.<br />
Sew up the heel seam by folding the bound off sts in half.<br />
Sew from the toe up till where the increases end.<br />
You will have the basic slipper shape and now will create the cuff doing the following:<br />
Pick up 17 sts around the opening using the double-pointed needles.<br />
Purl 1 round.<br />
Knit 1 round.<br />
Purl 1 round.<br />
Bind off loosely.<br />
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If you want to add the leather soles flatten out the slipper and trace the sole shape. Stitch in place.<br />
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I realize these instructions are pretty basic so if something seems unclear feel free to ask for clarification.Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-67581125609384367442015-03-22T19:40:00.000-07:002015-05-08T18:39:04.272-07:0071 - A Baby Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is something so exciting about your friends having babies, especially when you feel like you're the only with with littles. Few of our friends have young children, mostly older kids or couples without. We've had to make an effort since having our kids to meet new people with kids so we have adults in our life relating to baby world and playmates for our boys. That being said we couldn't have been happier for our dear friends Kyle and Linn to welcome their sweet boy this last fall. Along with two other lovely ladies I hosted a shower for them. We tried to keep the event light and fresh, brunch, lots of flowers, and white decor. Here are a few photos from that special day with the lovely mama above... </div>
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-43072146895629609102014-10-02T20:35:00.000-07:002014-10-02T21:09:28.394-07:0070 - Making my Own Leather ClutchI signed up for a beginner leatherwork class last week. The description said the class offered the option of making a clutch, belt, or cuff. I have plenty of belts and haven't worn leather cuffs in probably a decade. But a clutch was something I wanted and so that seemed perfect.<br />
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Well, until I got to the class and saw what they were teaching. Asymetrical (and not in a good way), grommet and stud riddled items that I would never use. I'm sorry to say this, but talk about tacky and dated. I tried not judge too harshly and just focus on learning the techniques and I did learn a couple things. Thankfully when it came time to start our items we were allowed to pick our own leather. I steered clear of the shiny turquoise and found a lovely oiled natural brown. I fudged the pattern to make it more me, bigger, straight lines, simple. I skipped the grommet edges they were they insisting on and told the instructor I would just glue my edges and sew them down at home. She was skeptical, I wasn't. Once I got the clutch home I stitched up the sides. I monogrammed mine despite my initials being a bit unappealing and overall was very happy with my finished product.<br />
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Just the right size for a few essentials and fits perfectly in my Madewell tote for those times when I need to carry more.<br />
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Despite my disappointment with some elements of the class I'm still glad I went. I brought my sweet momma along with me and we had fun together.Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-12259095921503802982014-09-26T19:19:00.000-07:002014-09-26T19:19:39.375-07:0069 - Party Decorations, White Of CourseObsessing a little over white, painting every room in my house multiple shades of it at different times, collecting and rejecting immense amounts of milk glass, buying white things for my house that I know have no place in the presence of toddlers, and such, is bit of a thing with me. So when I took on hosting my dear friend's baby shower this last month I couldn't help myself...white it would be, at least for the handmade decorations. I kept it pretty simple and clean (I'll share photos from the actual shower soon), and well inexpensive can't hurt either. A couple boxes of white straws, white floss, and that's it. Here's what I wound up with:<br />
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-3681644371485936942014-09-23T19:50:00.000-07:002014-09-26T18:00:23.063-07:0068 - Best Baby Booties / A Free Pattern from GeorgiaBean<div style="text-align: center;">
Best Baby Booties Pattern</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Copyright GeorgiaBean 2014</div>
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This a pretty basic pattern that should be accessible to most knitters. I find it stays on baby's feet much better than many other patterns I've made for my littles. I'll try to add a larger size when I get the time. Also I traced the sole shape and size and added leather soles to these.<br />
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Size 0-3 months<br />
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Materials:<br />
set of 5 dpn - #US6<br />
bulky worsted weight (I prefer cotton, bamboo, or very soft wool since it's a baby knit)<br />
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Cast on 24 sts. Place 6 sts on each of 4 needles. Join for working in the round.<br />
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Work k2, p2 ribbing for 6 rnds.<br />
Purl in the rnd for 2.25".<br />
Next rnd (eyelet rnd): m1(using a yo), p2tog, p1 for entire rnd.<br />
Purl for 2 rnds.<br />
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Place the first 12 sts of the rnd on one needle and work only these stitches for the next 14 rows.<br />
Row 1: k1, p1 for 12 sts, turn.<br />
Row 2: p1, k1 for 12 sts.<br />
Repeat these 2 rows 6 more times - 14 rows total.<br />
Next work across the 12 sts as follows and then pick up sts along the edges of the gusset and beginning working all sts in the rnd again.<br />
Row/Rnd 15: k2otg, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 p2tog, pick up 9 sts along the edge of gusset, purl 12 sts from other needles, pick up 9 sts along the other side of the gusset. (40sts)<br />
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Take a moment to arrange the stitches on 4 needles as follows, 1st needle - 10 sts / 2nd needle - 10 sts / 3rd needle - 10 sts / 4th needle - 10 sts<br />
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Purl for 4 rnds.<br />
Rnd 5: p2tog, p6, p2tog, p10, p2tog, p6, p2tog, p10 (36 sts)<br />
Rnd 6: p all sts<br />
Rnd 7: p2tog, p4, p2tog, p10, p2tog, p4, p2tog, p10 (32 sts)<br />
Rnd 8: p all sts<br />
Rnd 9: p2tog, p2, p2tog, p10, p2tog, p2, p2tog, p10 (28 sts)<br />
Rnd 10: p all sts<br />
Rnd 11: p2tog, p2tog, p10, p2tog, p2tog, p10 (24 sts)<br />
Rnd 12: p all sts<br />
Rnd 13: p2tog, p10, p2tog, p10 (22 sts)<br />
<br />
Divide sts onto 2 needles - 11 sts on each (22 sts total)<br />
Working in reverse kitchner st (or grafting for garter st) to seam up the sole.<br />
<a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/grafting-garter-kitchener-stitch" target="_blank">Here is a link to reverse kitchner st instructions.</a><br />
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Cut 6 lengths of yarn as long you want you want your ties to be. Tie a knot at the end of three strands and braid until there is only 1.5" left and tie a knot. Repeat with the other 3 strands. Trim the ends to be even. Weave the braids through the eyelets and tie a bow. You're finished!<br />
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NOTE: I typed this up on a very tired brain and wrote a few numbers down incorrectly. I updated the math and all should be right. So sorry if you started this pattern already and it wasn't coming out quite right.Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-69102204379783890702014-09-22T20:56:00.000-07:002014-09-22T20:57:07.969-07:0067 - A Couple More Weeknight DinnersA couple years back I took the time to create a list of meals that went over well with our family. Nowadays when I make something new I almost always ask Luke if he'd happily eat it again, if so it gets added on. I actually find it incredibly difficult to come up with a meal plan each week without my list (and a couple recipe apps). Here are a couple of meals we recently added into the rotation:<br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/340565/half-hour-chicken-gumbo" target="_blank">1. Quick Gumbo</a> / <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/337001/spicy-coconut-chicken-casserole" target="_blank">2. Red Curry Chicken & Rice</a> / 3. Loaded Salad</div>
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Always so curious how others plan out dinners for their families. I've had friends who shopped each day on their way home from work, and even though I'm sure it's lovely to have really fresh ingredients that sounds so exhausting. I load up the boys at the beginning of the week and we shop for around 5 dinners. Those 5 meals carry us through the entire week with leftovers usually for one or two evenings. How do you plan out your dinners?Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-15492556173423018282014-09-09T12:00:00.000-07:002014-09-09T12:05:50.717-07:0066 - Baby KnitsBaby fever must have been going around nine months ago because I have a new niece, nephew, and two of my childhood friends are expecting little fellows with their significant others any day now. For so long Luke and I have been the only ones in our group of friends with littles and so it's exciting to know more are on the way. I knew I better get busy, and quickly, with some gifts for those new arrivals. As I've posted here before I usually make the same sweater and hat for each baby but I decided to mix it up.<br />
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One little fellow received this linen blanket and these booties. I attached leather soles to add a little something special to the booties and tassels to the simple quilted blanket.</div>
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These tiny booties and diaper cover will soon be in the mail for another.</div>
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And a couple basic hats for yet another. I found a simple roll brim to be the best baby hat, stays in place, and without seams it's gentle on baby's head.</div>
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I plan on writing out the patterns for a few of these items if time permits and posting them up here. I always find pattern writing kind of boring and time consuming, but I really should for my own sake so that next time I go to make something similar I remember how I did it.</div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-62050292636213895102014-08-29T20:44:00.000-07:002014-08-29T20:44:32.952-07:0065 - A Little Trip to Michigan<div>
As the warm days wind down so does my list of summertime to-dos. The final item hanging out there was a weekend away at a cabin. As luck would have it Luke's former boss offered us a few days at his A-frame cabin in Michigan harbor country. It's a popular destination for city dwellers since the drive is only about two hours from Chicago.</div>
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We hadn't budgeted for a vacation this year and so a chance to stay somewhere for free that didn't require expensive flights either was too good to pass up. When Abel was one we had stayed there for a night and I spent the entire time keeping him off the stairs. This time we remembered a baby gate and before we brought the boys inside I gathered up anything breakable. Without having to worry about the stairs or the boys breaking all the glass fish platters the dynamic felt so much more relaxed.</div>
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It turned out to be just what our family needed. The boys slept in every morning which is a really big deal when you have toddlers. Abel caught his first and second and third and well, seven fish all together. He quickly became just as obsessed with fishing as his Daddy and seeing them share such enthusiasm was too cute. We spent an afternoon out on a boat. And the boys even humored me with a day of shopping in which I scored a beautiful painting and a bench at an antique store. It was everything and more than we had hoped for.</div>
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-71050935062497655072014-08-19T20:45:00.000-07:002014-08-29T20:45:04.634-07:0064 - Wooden Bead Necklaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the most part we've spent our summer outdoors enjoying those things you should while the warmth lasts, but on the occasional rainy day or when I just need Abel to stay entertained we've turned to indoor crafts. Recently I took him to the craft store, grabbed a couple of bags of wooden beads and let him pick out whatever paint colors and leather cord he wanted. Bead necklaces seemed simple enough for a three year old to make by himself. I had no idea how into it he would be. He patiently painted each bead with multiple colors and they turned out very cool and marbleized. So far he has spent two afternoons making necklaces for himself, Ansel, and me. We love 'em!</div>
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-84486042984012778182014-08-11T21:08:00.000-07:002014-08-29T20:45:25.526-07:0063 - Memento of our beach daysEach time the boys and I have visited the beach we've found a shell or two, a few pieces of driftwood, even some sea glass. I've been meaning to do something more than leave them sitting on the kitchen counter. This afternoon Abel and I hammered small holes through a few shells and some wood and strung them up. It's a nice way for us to remember the days we spent together enjoying the sand and the sun.<br />
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-47304603636858502762014-08-10T21:54:00.001-07:002014-09-09T09:58:28.314-07:0062 - A Day at the ParkI want our boys to experience the magic of our bustling city, the dream of architects and planners. The way things are always growing and changing and becoming something more.<br />
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We live on the northwest side of Chicago and so a trip downtown doesn't happen everyday. It is a special experience and our boys loved every minute of it. We hopped the brown line el in the early afternoon on Saturday. It was time for them to see Millennium Park. Cloud Gate more commonly known as the Bean is so much fun for a three year old. A giant mirror to dance and wave into. After a short detour to enjoy the gorgeous sculptures currently on display in the Boeing Gallery, really breathtaking, we headed to the Crown Fountain. I knew this would be the highlight of the trip for the boys, the water, the changing faces. Both were enamored and only when the sun had finally descended behind the buildings and their lips started to turn blue was I able to pry them away. Bundled up in towels and after a quick dinner we headed to the train with two very sleepy, sweet babes. </div>
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-34086431116635714102014-08-03T12:17:00.000-07:002014-08-03T12:18:07.514-07:0061 - Learning to Cook SimplyI love to cook. Used to go nuts with all sorts of exotic recipes, baking homemade bread, braises that took endless hours. Then I had kids. I mourned the time I had been able to squirrel away in the kitchen. Suddenly take-out became a regular fixture, we started eating frozen pizzas. All this because I was unable to adjust my mindset to a realistic set of cooking expectations. When I would manage to get a moment in the kitchen I would attempt to make something that took so absurdly long that it would inevitably lead to a great deal of frustration and dinner at nine o'clock. I started to think I didn't love cooking anymore. Somehow thanks to the gods of obvious I realized there was all sorts of fantastic food that could be make quickly, or in advance, even frozen for a later date. At least I figured it out before baby boy #2 arrived.<br />
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Here are some simple and satisfying dinners we've had lately...<br />
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1. Steak & Black Bean Tacos / 2. Pork & Veggie Kabobs / 3. Antipasta / 4. Pimento Cheeseburgers & Oven Fries / 5. BLT Salad & Garlic BreadGeorgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-84642645641650791182014-08-02T12:42:00.000-07:002014-08-02T12:42:32.839-07:0060 - Summer Camping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer days are whipping past as they always do. Everywhere I go there are signs advertising back to school sales and such. And that list I made of summer things to do is whittling down to just a few things.<br />
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One of the biggest items I wanted to check off was taking the boys camping. Abel had his first camping trip at the beginning of the summer with my parents and was dying to go again. He came home filled with stories of campfires, raccoons, hiking sand dunes, and of course marshmallows. I wanted to experience all those things with him, not just sit on the sideline and hear how much fun he had. So I called Luke at work and said we should just pull the trigger. Sure the boys might not sleep all night and yes they would be absolutely filthy but isn't that what summer is for. After rummaging through the attic and basement I realized much of our camping gear had been destroyed or completely lost in the flood we experienced last year. But after a quick trip to buy a new tent and borrowing some essentials like a camp stove from my folks we were ready to take the plunge.<br />
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We woke early Saturday morning and packed up the car. It felt so chaotic and our little Forrester so stuffed I almost called quits on the whole thing before we even hit the road. But off we headed, our boys and their cousin in tow. And the further we got from the city the calmer I felt. Soon we were driving past hundred year old barns and homes made from the most gorgeous stone and through the rolling bluffs one would never expect Illinois to hold. We were headed to Apple River Canyon, a state park I've visited so often before I know every trail it holds. I forget how necessary it is to break free of the bustle of Chicago and just breathe.<br />
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After a quick jaunt into the local grocery store for some easy camp foods (hot dogs, fruit, mac 'n' cheese, and such/no way I was getting gourmet on such short notice) we headed into the park, found a nice spot and set up camp. In no time we hit the trails with the kids, exploring the bluffs and the river below. I taught Abel about wild blackberries, yum. Luke braved the river with the kids. And then we spent the rest of the weekend in classic camping fashion surrounding a fire with marshmallows included.<br />
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It may have been very last minute, totally nuts trying to pack the morning of, extremely dirty, and yes I might have sat rocking a one year old for 3 hours in the middle of the night, but I was so happy to see the excitement on the boys faces. They have such wonder for the world and I am glad to be a part of it.<br />
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-37966243893600604762014-08-01T21:39:00.001-07:002014-08-29T20:46:11.055-07:0059 - Beach DaysAs most mommas can attest to, it becomes easy to fall in a rut with your littles. Sometimes the effort it takes to muster all the things we'll need and pile the boys into the car in order to shake things up just sounds so exhausting. So I decided to write a list of things I hoped to do with my boys this summer, some were more challenging like taking them camping and some felt like goals I could reach such as regular beach days. We live about 15 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. I grew up even closer and spent summers practically living there, jumping off the rocks, tanning (horrible, I know), and generally being a beach bum. So far we have a couple visits under our belt and another planned for this week.<br />
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Ansel was a little unsure of the sand and ate a couple unfortunate mouthfuls before he warmed up to it. Soon enough though he was zipping around, splashing in the water, trying to climb in the lifeguard boats, and helping build, otherwise known as demolishing, Abel's sand castles.<br />
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And not to toot my own horn but I was proud of myself for getting over my worries of taking a 1 and 3 year old to the beach alone. It was perfectly enjoyable and the boys just loved every second of it.Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-87852374199498423152013-11-21T20:16:00.001-08:002014-08-05T21:57:31.950-07:0058 - Hippie HeirloomThese little jeans were bought for my big brother in 1978. Jeans and flannels were sort of the hippie equivalent to a layette I guess. Each baby in our family has worn them since then. Ansel is the latest to rock this hippie heirloom.<br />
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-89916815340715294692013-11-21T20:10:00.001-08:002014-08-01T21:56:26.082-07:0057 - ZooThe Lincoln Park Zoo is free. Stating the obvious, I know, but I've lived in this city all my life and been there more times than I could possibly remember, but each time I can't believe it's free. What a gift to the residents of Chicago, in a city that does its best to squeeze every penny out you with massive taxes on everything, water bills, city stickers, ahhhhh!<br />
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Little A loves the giraffes, I mean looooves the giraffes. I know the whole time we are there he is patiently waiting to get to the giraffes. He has a love/hate thing going on with the rhinos though. They are big and honestly he's scared, but that kind of scared where you still really want to look. It's funny!</div>
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Sometimes the super lazy momma in me wants to spend all weekend sitting in the house, but I rarely do because I know I never regret getting out. It's so refreshing, especially when the last warm moments of autumn need to be captured and indulged.</div>
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Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-49182553906612279702013-08-17T20:51:00.001-07:002013-08-17T20:51:09.605-07:0056 - Blue-Eyed Boy #2He's here!! Quite an overdue statement. Actually the sweet addition to our family arrived on July 3, making him a month and a half old. Oh God, it's happening already, time zipping by. He is a total joy! Loves to smile, nurses well, sleeps well. So very in love with this little one. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlLfWMb2Q-WpYEyN_FkFAELsdVFb_JthRKIiM71qSQSSzDykzn7hYYKJhn15zxTyM2YFcuGW3MvxWLw4yqa_Ji-hnyd0w0_mi2rUPVYrcilI3QUJknOPgdCwFThEhBftH35lYcD-kSTw/s640/blogger-image--741796003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlLfWMb2Q-WpYEyN_FkFAELsdVFb_JthRKIiM71qSQSSzDykzn7hYYKJhn15zxTyM2YFcuGW3MvxWLw4yqa_Ji-hnyd0w0_mi2rUPVYrcilI3QUJknOPgdCwFThEhBftH35lYcD-kSTw/s640/blogger-image--741796003.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I had an appointment with my midwife on July 3 at 1pm, a day before my due date, and just felt so very ready to be done. I asked her to sweep my membranes to see if we could kick start anything. Hadn't even considered that with my first pregnancy, but chasing a two year old and lugging my 40 week belly around just wasn't fun. At all! Luke, Little A, and I headed home for some lunch and a nap. I awoke at 4pm to mild discomfort and by 6pm Luke had called my parents to pick up Little A. I wasn't fully convinced it was the real deal until I snuggled Little A for a while before he left and found myself an emotional wreck. My darling boy, what was this change going to do to him? I was so worried.</div><div><br></div><div>Off to the hospital by 8pm and arrived at 6.5cm dilated. Intervals of standing and the tub and by 10pm my body said it was time to push. My water hadn't broken, but standing next to the bed a really strong contraction hit and splat. My midwife was right there, tucked of few towels under my feet, and I stood there and pushed. And wouldn't you know it pushing sure was quicker the second time around. With 4 or 5 pushes he popped right out as the midwife passed him up into my arms. Finally I was comfortable to enough to rest. I plunked down on the bed and snuggled my new baby close.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml9n2lrmrxVo7C7O7uLTrscCmjZm2Y-ktNg_9-IudZW_NvvUDcneUMtTZXoCV53XzSjVO8_oAaCBmCmVu-i9m6rH4JUjXQRTMnanNLaJaKYmS316OQ4uvAbncutGXI9eMgTOWvufMPbA/s640/blogger-image--1588458640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml9n2lrmrxVo7C7O7uLTrscCmjZm2Y-ktNg_9-IudZW_NvvUDcneUMtTZXoCV53XzSjVO8_oAaCBmCmVu-i9m6rH4JUjXQRTMnanNLaJaKYmS316OQ4uvAbncutGXI9eMgTOWvufMPbA/s640/blogger-image--1588458640.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TAHsX_VU7GUavYTyNdDHjSTJ19QcPBk4NecRSAmfV6929lMBPHtX2bEtjiHDUrw7DqNkJvoXy0OEM1hJ7D1W3gm6TCnGpfpBoHfQos7g4ilGbwIxJXLsotkuCsfAeaUggBJHGLrFxZw/s640/blogger-image-613838922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TAHsX_VU7GUavYTyNdDHjSTJ19QcPBk4NecRSAmfV6929lMBPHtX2bEtjiHDUrw7DqNkJvoXy0OEM1hJ7D1W3gm6TCnGpfpBoHfQos7g4ilGbwIxJXLsotkuCsfAeaUggBJHGLrFxZw/s640/blogger-image-613838922.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1tExLjURX8IjLwyB5lFWXAaHTTwryXxFcZxUf7hebN8hIVSX3aIRPTnALpMYu63RWuFeDyJCkoKdFKPxvD3Khxsz_TCFHPzGbEC0f9yW6LNFOuoHUJ_mtPWmd5U3fDjQeWxBw5oAxGI/s640/blogger-image--1368601411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1tExLjURX8IjLwyB5lFWXAaHTTwryXxFcZxUf7hebN8hIVSX3aIRPTnALpMYu63RWuFeDyJCkoKdFKPxvD3Khxsz_TCFHPzGbEC0f9yW6LNFOuoHUJ_mtPWmd5U3fDjQeWxBw5oAxGI/s640/blogger-image--1368601411.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div> Even in all those precious moments after I found myself thinking of my Little A and hoping that excitement and love would be what he would feel. My parents and the newly crowned big brother arrived within the hour and wouldn't you know it, Little A was absolutely enamored with "his" baby. Don't you just love how kiddies call their siblings their baby! Thus far my luck has held out. The brothers are already besties. Knowing that they get to have each other in this short life is such a comfort. I love the ring of "my boys." Sounds just right.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhPcWriCKo5_zzZs_CpTg3L4nDLFt2DQxbPO8ljHlBsGcNaWV9RzYO0c8CmjQye1sq5D-qj-X54nwo_Ny8mEBfUQYCftYQhv3Kw9tIxBQdmeNYbAGHQNnU_ho5Rwu18vhZP2-AXvz-pw/s640/blogger-image--486489474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhPcWriCKo5_zzZs_CpTg3L4nDLFt2DQxbPO8ljHlBsGcNaWV9RzYO0c8CmjQye1sq5D-qj-X54nwo_Ny8mEBfUQYCftYQhv3Kw9tIxBQdmeNYbAGHQNnU_ho5Rwu18vhZP2-AXvz-pw/s640/blogger-image--486489474.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-66165920574695155262013-07-10T11:41:00.001-07:002013-07-10T11:41:09.559-07:0055 - Baby MoccasinsLike so many mommas out there I am a great admirer of the beautiful leather moccasins from Freshly Picked, but I face a dilemma when it comes to getting them for my boys. They are simply not in our budget. I can't justify $60 for a single pair of shoes that will only last a few months before they are outgrown. So I started looking for a similar looking pattern to make my own. I found a great pattern on Etsy that comes in a wide array of sizes. Purchased a bag of leather scraps for $10 and had some baby elastic from a previous project. They may not be the genuine article, but I'm pretty happy with the results plus Little A loves wearing his.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DdNLbUYmAPDLUEBqpUUohPYrXwG0iKqHuRQ9jetcYM4Sl8_uEa1x3Y5T9c5gb-bl3pJuBGmkLTag6B4fgKqFK2ymVuHZFIiy3QsVBA5yTCp4s1RdSY22mjTnjSmHXxZlu1VStcV5B8U/s640/blogger-image-1970505961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DdNLbUYmAPDLUEBqpUUohPYrXwG0iKqHuRQ9jetcYM4Sl8_uEa1x3Y5T9c5gb-bl3pJuBGmkLTag6B4fgKqFK2ymVuHZFIiy3QsVBA5yTCp4s1RdSY22mjTnjSmHXxZlu1VStcV5B8U/s640/blogger-image-1970505961.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYkzTlV-gHdS9oh8oOs5ThlZdZoglmXEADfVg3UUp6MwycVVx-dLIFd5TWc5wUXcOQ2QJIjNhJzhaarvVSyzXTWDvfHb-W7jKscaGnMP5fTaf0pI562dA6EuIms0UWLr7Scfna2i-wSU/s640/blogger-image--171965614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYkzTlV-gHdS9oh8oOs5ThlZdZoglmXEADfVg3UUp6MwycVVx-dLIFd5TWc5wUXcOQ2QJIjNhJzhaarvVSyzXTWDvfHb-W7jKscaGnMP5fTaf0pI562dA6EuIms0UWLr7Scfna2i-wSU/s640/blogger-image--171965614.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkOnbxxb4VxhDA9_s4477PuzkOU9mVLycMqHIYx4n7AxOoTI-3oSdN8T70cfvaCOMTA884lmux-TXPuzYX6tFhU0PdW6Zem6f8TxhhORTIcYzTRsuuYlfvDsyHJaZXpA2N00kmxLodA8/s640/blogger-image-1932299931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkOnbxxb4VxhDA9_s4477PuzkOU9mVLycMqHIYx4n7AxOoTI-3oSdN8T70cfvaCOMTA884lmux-TXPuzYX6tFhU0PdW6Zem6f8TxhhORTIcYzTRsuuYlfvDsyHJaZXpA2N00kmxLodA8/s640/blogger-image-1932299931.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-24575822532707131842013-06-30T19:39:00.001-07:002013-06-30T20:19:13.115-07:0054 - Last Weekend Before D DayOur boy is due on Thursday. Not that a due date means all that much. He could show up tonight or two weeks from now, but Little A arrived a day after he was due and so I'm hopeful we won't be waiting too long. My belly feels stretched beyond capacity.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfhMoQZ8bhy1oMyPQVV6U49k8AqQKKZ413_iA7D-qLt5669qklbSnqEznvHrSmrbezLOCXKjM06Njl6qONtlwupo1j7a26aAi-8TxCjjpqtKwhDsU2MhEAUKdk1fCzaeM8-UL24A1ah4/s640/blogger-image-330548966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfhMoQZ8bhy1oMyPQVV6U49k8AqQKKZ413_iA7D-qLt5669qklbSnqEznvHrSmrbezLOCXKjM06Njl6qONtlwupo1j7a26aAi-8TxCjjpqtKwhDsU2MhEAUKdk1fCzaeM8-UL24A1ah4/s640/blogger-image-330548966.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I have been so consumed with the any moment mentality that I have not really taken time to relish the final days of free hands, long afternoon naps with Little A, boobs that aren't sore as hell, or even the chance to cook a real dinner. This weekend we made up for it.</div><div><br></div><div>Saturday morning we headed downtown to the French Market to pick up hot doughnuts from Beavers Donuts. If you live in Chicago and you haven't tried them yet go get some now. My faves are the regular powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar. Eating them fresh and hot is what makes them so "liscious" (as Little A says).</div><div><br></div><div>The day continued how a weekend should, a little shopping, a nap, a movie, backyard playing, and staying up late to watch yet another movie. And it wouldn't be a standard or special weekend at our house if muffins didn't make an appearance so Sunday morning Little A and I busied ourselves baking. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa5Xd5zSIYU3kWp4j6N3udXnihKdu_P_PSPd45dH55oI_2-VDg5KrktNRW29mYHsqSfe8_GQKBeVg4yU2bO63ku6x3AZC73KJJG0otpbKEvHQ95tgoj0MxL4nEuE7hJw0XPrMLAksqH4/s640/blogger-image--841452318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa5Xd5zSIYU3kWp4j6N3udXnihKdu_P_PSPd45dH55oI_2-VDg5KrktNRW29mYHsqSfe8_GQKBeVg4yU2bO63ku6x3AZC73KJJG0otpbKEvHQ95tgoj0MxL4nEuE7hJw0XPrMLAksqH4/s640/blogger-image--841452318.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The rest of the day until an hour or so ago was spent outdoors. Books, markers, sewing machine, trucks, beers (boo hoo, none for me just yet), lots of watermelon, and any other summer necessities were hauled out. Crafting, reading, swimming, it was good. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbmsEM2BHJ4Omq5GYWB4wURbksV9vz8rRrRapcxycRMVGSV48puA8zSjgzjIUimoFdKufLKcC8inSfV2HixJlQdUZfOZZg8kEp34qyXI2p2-wA6rD54CR_9I3RfXzVKLIMTKHC2UoYxo/s640/blogger-image--1607779141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbmsEM2BHJ4Omq5GYWB4wURbksV9vz8rRrRapcxycRMVGSV48puA8zSjgzjIUimoFdKufLKcC8inSfV2HixJlQdUZfOZZg8kEp34qyXI2p2-wA6rD54CR_9I3RfXzVKLIMTKHC2UoYxo/s640/blogger-image--1607779141.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My brother, his wife and their awesome kiddos joined the fun early afternoon and stuck around for steak taco night...mmmmmm! Probably one of Luke's favorite dinners and perfect one for enjoying at the picnic table.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSlL1cvPYhabF530XexzANUtn5KQXAkFoeWKpQ5Vx9w9Af2e9jyn-D6gv2LJxgmkpR1VyXpJ06gnGpUmHDaMcCuYV3L7EW6A8XXlTk3fAW2WDRfePi5G1WxSx7o8hypoFVv-Yb4r2Z_c/s640/blogger-image--633626376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSlL1cvPYhabF530XexzANUtn5KQXAkFoeWKpQ5Vx9w9Af2e9jyn-D6gv2LJxgmkpR1VyXpJ06gnGpUmHDaMcCuYV3L7EW6A8XXlTk3fAW2WDRfePi5G1WxSx7o8hypoFVv-Yb4r2Z_c/s640/blogger-image--633626376.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>Have a little project I completed this weekend for Little A and baby boy, but we'll save that for another day.</div>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-52672208639641592312013-06-17T10:04:00.001-07:002013-06-17T10:04:04.949-07:0053 - Celebrating LukeSome weekends don't work out all as you expect and yet they are just right in the end. This weekend was about focusing on Luke and reminding him how much we love him. We had plans to fish, go to the beach, and all sorts of things, but we ended spending most of it relaxing at home with a few jaunts out for some food, a bookstore and such. I was feeling bad that all our plans weren't coming together and then I realized Luke was having a great time and got over myself.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9aphaM2iaVNm_aBF_Z3M-LkNjCgSWRCfpTRgHajAm6Vpi4E1MnQNxtU2y3CQMSayxY0J03iioUMDfiqMBXM7ChqfCd4ATheRZZ3uoDkDKn3TbmUwt8CITSu4mvbAihRF9DJX6AEujOw/s640/blogger-image-631601008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9aphaM2iaVNm_aBF_Z3M-LkNjCgSWRCfpTRgHajAm6Vpi4E1MnQNxtU2y3CQMSayxY0J03iioUMDfiqMBXM7ChqfCd4ATheRZZ3uoDkDKn3TbmUwt8CITSu4mvbAihRF9DJX6AEujOw/s640/blogger-image-631601008.jpg"></a></div><br><div>For much of A's first year Luke was so swamped at work we sometimes would go days without almost seeing him at all. Although it was difficult, I knew that it was all for us, and felt his love through his dedication to provide for our little family. As he has settled further into his new(ish) job and the management role it brought, he has been able to spend much more time home. Little A excitedly watches for Luke to pull up each day. He is so giddy when Daddy walks through the door and usually proceeds to spend the entire evening following him around like a little puppy. We are so blessed with this man. He's just right for us.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WtpFzsl4lWc_7oqC8PVSGS6H7ZSAXP5KgN47E8dIUfTfy9WUbTFD7RnqcoaVj-kbislvLe3N1IbM2lHD4dmi1cn2RVmvVhBJF0Jv0HAcmIHFZaQULYBHgwdIn7TLjeFa71nzlKn-1IA/s640/blogger-image--1750223470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WtpFzsl4lWc_7oqC8PVSGS6H7ZSAXP5KgN47E8dIUfTfy9WUbTFD7RnqcoaVj-kbislvLe3N1IbM2lHD4dmi1cn2RVmvVhBJF0Jv0HAcmIHFZaQULYBHgwdIn7TLjeFa71nzlKn-1IA/s640/blogger-image--1750223470.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj_plMEyrDm1gJahw6YmUX_Xg4gQpDI72ZNJTDK8KNpCO0Gtc3h6ZEwJQPlGocAk39L9Urqvhqr2OAnO_kJbYzOmJzpkmzNzm1ZcIxTA0hCDl_rTLa65CIuSD8u-scEbyRq6M6wWOCqs/s640/blogger-image--189570723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj_plMEyrDm1gJahw6YmUX_Xg4gQpDI72ZNJTDK8KNpCO0Gtc3h6ZEwJQPlGocAk39L9Urqvhqr2OAnO_kJbYzOmJzpkmzNzm1ZcIxTA0hCDl_rTLa65CIuSD8u-scEbyRq6M6wWOCqs/s640/blogger-image--189570723.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_jN8R-sDRnEGSPBb1SENplZAT0-up-JL9HRJ5lws-ne-Jr-QI4VWiouA_8AaZeJB0yKw3scwNmX9NWJOIBQmRzPV6K83cyREZN5S3ziknb12AY6yayyYQmuf5VjmSnCkvnE5Iuxvc8U/s640/blogger-image--1984976830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_jN8R-sDRnEGSPBb1SENplZAT0-up-JL9HRJ5lws-ne-Jr-QI4VWiouA_8AaZeJB0yKw3scwNmX9NWJOIBQmRzPV6K83cyREZN5S3ziknb12AY6yayyYQmuf5VjmSnCkvnE5Iuxvc8U/s640/blogger-image--1984976830.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-41844363894162954582013-06-08T10:16:00.001-07:002013-06-08T10:16:56.273-07:0052- Time to be outsideWe've spent most of our days just being out. We are lucky to have a pretty big backyard for Chicago and even luckier (and much rarer) we live on a dead end street that ends three houses from a huge park. I'm doing my best to keep an active little fellow busy while I find I am slowing down in my last few weeks of pregnancy.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCnsyKCHHb_X8dEMVEh-iGWBW_Ys0XmAHo6x1FX8_ZTjYkbGdPxdrlNB7EEGGYFx2hy3C5Uo87TRUr-R2f6Fb_pfolMs8KCZ_lPY7fLdv1ptgjYkxbor40kiPDDCZRkkEC3Kw9kFQBmQ/s640/blogger-image--2069438643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCnsyKCHHb_X8dEMVEh-iGWBW_Ys0XmAHo6x1FX8_ZTjYkbGdPxdrlNB7EEGGYFx2hy3C5Uo87TRUr-R2f6Fb_pfolMs8KCZ_lPY7fLdv1ptgjYkxbor40kiPDDCZRkkEC3Kw9kFQBmQ/s640/blogger-image--2069438643.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgles6ltstZh_m_wGW3i-oI8_1sG6_V9SWkjOkWoWKWc5eh-GeVSgoNu_N1HxDdvRxdihq63DuntEjgUH-Wtuh18uRSwjHIiAGukKwUOUbApWWsvrc1eHYFzW_Z0ipDVLIXaJYlSZE1I6s/s640/blogger-image--1962352257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgles6ltstZh_m_wGW3i-oI8_1sG6_V9SWkjOkWoWKWc5eh-GeVSgoNu_N1HxDdvRxdihq63DuntEjgUH-Wtuh18uRSwjHIiAGukKwUOUbApWWsvrc1eHYFzW_Z0ipDVLIXaJYlSZE1I6s/s640/blogger-image--1962352257.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSOX8T1TK0bKlVimZdzDbjbmOlKwqF-QhpXKe7IfVMSAhzjSjwzx6qu-lDjtqET457SzJBcomoXZ7f8q_fUqP2HU4h49Es6trDcZBcDt9r0cmgn5-L4HrBxNS1E1bmhb06W0leWeWhws/s640/blogger-image-1036486066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSOX8T1TK0bKlVimZdzDbjbmOlKwqF-QhpXKe7IfVMSAhzjSjwzx6qu-lDjtqET457SzJBcomoXZ7f8q_fUqP2HU4h49Es6trDcZBcDt9r0cmgn5-L4HrBxNS1E1bmhb06W0leWeWhws/s640/blogger-image-1036486066.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-23257733671342384562013-06-07T07:32:00.001-07:002013-06-07T07:38:15.598-07:0051 - Time for new sunglasses<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So when Abel was quite small we were thrifting at our favorite secondhand shop when our diaper bag was stolen while I turned my head for a minute. It was a horrible day and unbelievable amount of stuff had been in there.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A year or so before I had bought a pair of fabulous Tom Ford sunglasses at a crazy sale, $65 for pair of almost $400 glasses. A deal I won't find again. Like so many of my favorite things, they were in the diaper bag. Since then I have been too timid to splurge on sunglasses, but I managed to find a pair I kind of love at Target. For $16 I can't be too bummed if something were to happen to them. And there is something about them that reads almost Madewell-esque to me.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9sABkr78SrbJ96h_0nDKcNVu2owazUU2BiUQdWZrEGVTaUUW7ySD4nfIUliFaZ6TLM7PoOvwZokFSvn5mJaMwphuxhMKCujR-US9rGwv0KpRxlTLcKgXBClRPQDhwulJ7Vie10wSoEg/s640/blogger-image--1854925300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9sABkr78SrbJ96h_0nDKcNVu2owazUU2BiUQdWZrEGVTaUUW7ySD4nfIUliFaZ6TLM7PoOvwZokFSvn5mJaMwphuxhMKCujR-US9rGwv0KpRxlTLcKgXBClRPQDhwulJ7Vie10wSoEg/s640/blogger-image--1854925300.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4igimr-rpeB6zgxyM5FH_wY3n873neMlBztoPsmuj9ixwFKai8aw52zsyM8_S_nLbYOAjInj8hYDnpJw7adjAJvaQg0El7Yh3zBVP36-5SivMvC3Ss5yO7bttiyZj2tNkuB2BJaeKDig/s640/blogger-image-1415209418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4igimr-rpeB6zgxyM5FH_wY3n873neMlBztoPsmuj9ixwFKai8aw52zsyM8_S_nLbYOAjInj8hYDnpJw7adjAJvaQg0El7Yh3zBVP36-5SivMvC3Ss5yO7bttiyZj2tNkuB2BJaeKDig/s640/blogger-image-1415209418.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072317182037212539.post-78779467830618814772013-06-06T17:10:00.001-07:002013-06-07T10:46:24.903-07:0050 - How does your garden grow...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-dGfNwH8HMTmsOIKJj9o3LwpNiLtVPJ5_Bj7Q3U2C15-nF8_10tD5GV4RsppsxmcieJEMDofiyFcXfO23QSne8cGgFVJtRrqJghtpSqkXIeyUutL1PII9B8XVLpQSGn1GZqx2W9v9Ks/s640/blogger-image-1172980605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-dGfNwH8HMTmsOIKJj9o3LwpNiLtVPJ5_Bj7Q3U2C15-nF8_10tD5GV4RsppsxmcieJEMDofiyFcXfO23QSne8cGgFVJtRrqJghtpSqkXIeyUutL1PII9B8XVLpQSGn1GZqx2W9v9Ks/s640/blogger-image-1172980605.jpg"></a></div><br></div>As long and weary as the winters are in Chicago the summers can make you forget how you cursed this city such a short while ago. Everything comes alive with such exuberance, not just plants, but people, the beaches, the sidewalk cafes, neighbors extricate themselves from indoors and suddenly a backyard becomes lively and full of conversations over the fence.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpNTTRtnkIhc96tP5KFcoz-Sf6tCbvBYX3qSH6_mu8UeF8JslZBLi4V5CRGiXRDzrJsA8JJvuo8TrHXXG3neMEcpeyPT5dn2aHvh_rMQxpfyEqZc5dz3JOWYwWSLM5eozq1op4uIxuDQ/s640/blogger-image-442058383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpNTTRtnkIhc96tP5KFcoz-Sf6tCbvBYX3qSH6_mu8UeF8JslZBLi4V5CRGiXRDzrJsA8JJvuo8TrHXXG3neMEcpeyPT5dn2aHvh_rMQxpfyEqZc5dz3JOWYwWSLM5eozq1op4uIxuDQ/s640/blogger-image-442058383.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI-ixVkZVF3CNs1yZMmNrAE_iCQMvrR2zikSlT0sWP-L6PZrL0ogdagmdGlSPXRKKNlhDiPI9LAfu2AhAJ40Cm6X6-SPtiHOxBVw-gVEKPg758JD5YH1CkGQwCkne0gRan98UPOknkgA/s640/blogger-image-532130815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI-ixVkZVF3CNs1yZMmNrAE_iCQMvrR2zikSlT0sWP-L6PZrL0ogdagmdGlSPXRKKNlhDiPI9LAfu2AhAJ40Cm6X6-SPtiHOxBVw-gVEKPg758JD5YH1CkGQwCkne0gRan98UPOknkgA/s640/blogger-image-532130815.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>With our new family member set to make his arrival within the month I have been doing my best to get the garden to a state where I don't have to pay it too much mind. All veggies and herbs are planted and thriving. Thank goodness for perennials which not only make life easy, but are so exciting to watch revive themselves each spring. The only annual planting done at our house is edibles and the two pots on my front step since I can't resist the colors of the coleus leaves. Otherwise it's too much money and work.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jq2tJPTdoy2JfGK_tbTS5s4b932cng_ZI_0EtrZftzEay34Zp9c9kQ8i3dsRjYrjCVFU4FkWP2mpBLnXJEm13zrA95XVlT_1tbu74VIfSkSzIeyrv6EJfdkqna5l6ILiY3fgsunH0Uo/s640/blogger-image-160750122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jq2tJPTdoy2JfGK_tbTS5s4b932cng_ZI_0EtrZftzEay34Zp9c9kQ8i3dsRjYrjCVFU4FkWP2mpBLnXJEm13zrA95XVlT_1tbu74VIfSkSzIeyrv6EJfdkqna5l6ILiY3fgsunH0Uo/s640/blogger-image-160750122.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE68emtKr23s9UOXV9cYph5zlSiAqamG5K1XbcWCQWjZeeCd2lu-JdnYu5dhKdEHgWDwUW8JhUroxdH8kA93_2kAAEFWMxZvcNQVOgeWxr3D0GLmKeiMMUMl2bccQ8L5RnQDozAi1aVDA/s640/blogger-image-950061364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE68emtKr23s9UOXV9cYph5zlSiAqamG5K1XbcWCQWjZeeCd2lu-JdnYu5dhKdEHgWDwUW8JhUroxdH8kA93_2kAAEFWMxZvcNQVOgeWxr3D0GLmKeiMMUMl2bccQ8L5RnQDozAi1aVDA/s640/blogger-image-950061364.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dwJMLu4NSmrCU92QJYqAeXZQgMqwYPLmKnssE8mKhtVEG1XcKM2sz8nMkr35ruBLPezm9r7nm9ppV_LrU2qIwmzxRiDltZZxjDv3kSUQxfjflrP_Pzq5vjcKGssODE1t2LHIa61Dfio/s640/blogger-image-777037831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dwJMLu4NSmrCU92QJYqAeXZQgMqwYPLmKnssE8mKhtVEG1XcKM2sz8nMkr35ruBLPezm9r7nm9ppV_LrU2qIwmzxRiDltZZxjDv3kSUQxfjflrP_Pzq5vjcKGssODE1t2LHIa61Dfio/s640/blogger-image-777037831.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWlRHiGU1qe6UpLSFxwbV-cI1QLTQVcSpjZjOouwRP_D2QQpDLlZnE22SCY8pdWy9g30IfbXhLHwnlH8rxGI4U2SKSapDr-gr0SE_n4Cwz6bxkHqJKizphKsNHdmUfxZCNfav0tv-xbk/s640/blogger-image-1934776558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWlRHiGU1qe6UpLSFxwbV-cI1QLTQVcSpjZjOouwRP_D2QQpDLlZnE22SCY8pdWy9g30IfbXhLHwnlH8rxGI4U2SKSapDr-gr0SE_n4Cwz6bxkHqJKizphKsNHdmUfxZCNfav0tv-xbk/s640/blogger-image-1934776558.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525842449061375816noreply@blogger.com0