Days With Dylan

Moving Week/Grandma's Visit

2011-07-08T17:59:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe it's already been over a month since we've moved. We are LOVING Downers Grove! And are happy to report that we are nearing the end of our unpacking. (A certain little visitor due to arrive on September 27 has been a tremendous motivator!) We were so thankful to have my mom come out the week after we moved, to help with Dylan. And of course Papa and Nana have had their share of Dylan overnights. What would we do without grandparents?!

Dylan spent moving weekend with Papa and Nana. This picture is of him walking through the door of his new home, for the very first time.

Dylan - in heaven - with both Grandma AND Nana, in his new backyard.

Watching Snow White with Grandma.

Spectating as Daddy mows the lawn for the first time.

Out front with Grandma.

Plenty of boxes to play in!

At Washington Park in Downers Grove with my mom.

The big field at Washington Park.

Oak Brook Shopping Center.

Roaming the aisles at Toys R Us. (Notice what he is placing on the shelf, so that he can check out the car more fully - a watering can.)

Our rental truck from Move #2. We hired movers for the move from our apartment, but we had about just as much stuff stored in Russ and Sharryn's basement that called for a second move, 5 days later!

This was Baby Girl's one and only box of belongings. :)

Final Weeks in Chicago

2011-07-08T17:40:00.015-05:00

Some pictures from our final weeks in the Windy City:

At our much beloved Welles Park.

Building blocks at Fantasy Kingdom.

Feeding the ducks off of Wilson Avenue "water bridge."

More playtime at Fantasy Kingdom.

My dear friends in Moms Group. You are truly missed!

Tuesday's Child

2011-07-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

Dylan is a proud graduate of Tuesday's Child, a program we enrolled him in for our final two months in the city.

Airport

2011-07-08T17:37:00.000-05:00

Papa took Dylan to Midway airport a few weeks back, to watch the planes take off and land. He was thrilled, and, since going back two subsequent times to pick up visitors, requests to go there almost every day.

First Watch

2011-07-08T17:35:00.000-05:00

Dylan is sporting his first ever watch. Very important to be on time for those playdates, you know.

Watering Can Obsession

2011-07-08T17:32:00.000-05:00

Dylan's latest thing has been watering cans. He is attracted to them in books and in stores, so I finally went out and spent the big bucks (i.e. $1 at the Dollar Tree) and got one for him. It's been the best dollar we ever spent! He LOVES his watering can, and it comes many places with him - splash pads, pools, the park, Nana's house, his bed, the car. Also - you'd be surprised at how many places have watering cans. So far, we have discovered them at the Dollar Tree, Target, Toys R Us, Home Depot, and Pottery Barn. Keep your eye out, and when you see one, think of "D."

Shayna Hardy Photography

2011-05-20T19:38:00.002-05:00

We recently had a photography session with my talented friend Shayna. She does what I like best - capture people in their natural environment. I highly recommend her to those of you who live in the Chicagoland area. Please check out her portolio at www.shaynahardy.com. These are some of my favorites from our photo shoot in March:

3 Sort of Big Announcements

2011-05-20T19:20:00.006-05:00

It occurs to me that I have not officially shared three exciting pieces of news that have occurred in our life recently. Here they are.....

Sorta Big Announcement #1:

We are moving to the suburbs! At long last, our search is over. We are moving to Downers Grove in a week! (Gulp.) These weeks have been filled with mixed emotions, as we say our good-byes, and at the same time, anticipate the next chapter in our life together. As we look back, we clearly see God's faithfulness, as He closed certain doors and opened new ones, in regard to our housing search. Marc and I look forward to SPACE. Dylan looks forward to the GARAGE DOOR.

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Sorta Big Announcement #2:

I am pregnant! Due date: Sept. 27. We continue to be OVER- WHELMED by God's goodness to us, with this gift. As many of you know, the fertility journey has not been an easy one for us, and we were surprised with this amazing news in early January. Words cannot express my excitement, joy, and thankfulness to God and those who prayed for us.

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Sorta Big Announcement #3:

And it's a girl!!! We found out this fun (shocking) news just last week. I'm still trying to wrap my arms around this fact. I am so very used to thinking blue, so the idea of hairbows and little ruffle butts (one of my favorite things about girls - those ruffle butts they wear) is still a bit foreign to me. But very fun, nevertheless. :)

Easter

2011-04-30T18:38:00.001-05:00

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death, to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation..." -Colossians 1:21-22

All praise to Jesus for His radical obedience to the Father and great love for us. I am in awe that, because of Him, I will one day be presented to the Father as holy and without accusation. That just blows me away. Not because of what I have done, but because of Jesus my Savior. How I love to celebrate Easter, and the reminder of what He has done for me - and His victory over death!

One of the take-aways from the sermon for me was to go out and live from the resurrected life, not from the flesh. What a wonderful, practical "charge" going forth from Easter Sunday!

We celebrated Easter at New Life Community Church, and then at Marc's Uncle Richard's house.

On the way to church.

Hunting for Easter eggs.

Dylan and cousin Morgan.

Hugs!

As always, a not-so-successful family picture. It never fails.

Kids In The Square

2011-04-30T16:53:00.000-05:00

Lincoln Square hosted "Kids in the Square" this weekend. There were a lot of businesses involved, offering everything from face painting to teddy bear picnics.

The Davis Theater graciously provided a free movie for the kids - "Despicable Me." Dylan didn't want to sit inside the theater, for some reason, so we watched from outside for a few minutes.

A stop at the park, along the way.

Old Town School of Folk had a table full of instruments for the kids to play.

The plaza was packed!

Dylan's First Big Screen Movie

2011-04-30T16:37:00.004-05:00

We took Dylan to see his first ever movie on the big screen last weekend. It was a hoot. First off - he took his popcorn VERY seriously, stuffing his little hand into the big bucket before I could even finish paying at checkout. Then, when we arrived to our seats and he sat down, the chair folded right up on him, because he's so light. We helped pin down the chair, he settled in, spread his legs and put the big bucket of popcorn between them. He then started shoveling the popcorn into his mouth - using not one, but two hands, alternating, so that he could get it into his mouth faster.

He was by far the most vocal audience member, giving commentary throughout, and singing on one occasion. (Nothing too obnoxious, and the theater was full of other parent-kid combos like us, so we were not "those" people.)

He lasted 3/4 of the way through - longer than both Marc and I thought he would. So we all left happy campers.

We saw the movie Rio. (Very good, by the way.)

Marc and D, on the way to the theater.

There he goes!

MOPS

2011-04-30T16:29:00.000-05:00

A few pictures from MOPS this month:

You know the skit where twenty clowns come stumbling out of a teeny, tiny car? That's what happened at MOPS one day. I went to pick Dylan up from the childcare area, and couldn't believe how many kids kept emerging from the blue tunnel! They just kept coming and coming. Dylan is to the left, about to join the mayhem.

We had a teacher from Kindermusik come to MOPS last Thursday.

Dylan's "involvement" mostly involved eating a snack, on the sidelines. I was just pleased to not be one of the many moms chasing after her kid all over the small gym. So I let him go to town on rounds 1, 2 and 3 of having a snack, since he was sitting there so nicely. :)

It's A Hard-Knock Life (Until Your Mommy Goes and Gets You Another Balloon)

2011-04-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

Dylan had his first lesson in helium last week. He got a balloon after his haircut, and he was so happy. We were on a one-block walk to another store, and all of my comments of "hang onto the balloon, don't let go of the balloon" were made to no avail. As we were about to go into the store, Dylan turned to hand me the balloon and off it went into the sky. One second, two seconds, three seconds, "waaaah!"

Thankfully, the haircut place was gracious enough to give us another balloon. And now, it's one of Dylan's favorite stories. He asks me to tell the "haircut" story all the time now. :)

DJ Voice

2011-04-28T16:51:00.000-05:00

Cow Store

2011-04-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

One of our new favorite things to do is to visit the "cow store" in Lincoln Square (Gene's Sausage Shop). We refer to is as the cow store because of the large cow suspended in the air above the shop. D loves to go in because of the elevators inside, the fireplace upstairs, and the chickens roasting in the fire.

Dylan appears to be guiding Marc in making a fine selection from the deli.

Physics 101

2011-04-28T16:39:00.001-05:00

Who would have ever thought that becoming a parent would remind you of high school physics? But every time Dylan comes down a slide at the park looking like he's been electrocuted, or, in this case, walking under a slide at Fantasy Kingdom, I am taken back to the basement of good 'ol CHS, and can still hear Mr. Ligtenberg's voice shouting out lessons on electrons and the like. :)

(And yes, the correct word is "shouting." He is one memorable teacher. And also one of the very best I ever had.)

Hello, Albert Einstein.

Easter Art

2011-04-28T16:30:00.001-05:00

These are two art projects Dylan made at Tuesday's Child, a program we've been participating in since April. The cup on the left is jello he helped make.

Confession: before I was a mom, I'd look at something like this and say, "big deal." Mommyhood changes everything though. I look at these through mommy eyes and think they are the coolest, best looking art projects I've ever laid eyes on.

Sing A Little Song - Literally

2011-04-28T16:20:00.000-05:00

There is a song on of of Dylan's CD's, that has such a pleasant little chorus. It's all the more precious, coming from a 3 yr. old's mouth.

One Fine Day

2011-04-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

We got reacquainted with the plaza in Lincoln Square one gorgeous April day, after maaaany months of winter kept us away. Dylan picked up right where he left off, with throwing coins in the fountain.

Snow White

2011-04-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

We have been frequenting Fantasy Kingdom quite a bit this month, and Snow White made a surprise appearance on two occasions. Above, Dylan (far left) takes her in.

Dylan (far right, in blue) participated in a marching game for a very short while. He was "over" Snow White within a minute, though.

Caifano Ladies

2011-04-28T16:01:00.000-05:00

The Caifano ladies all gathered in Evanston for Marc's cousin Catie's baby shower last month. It's Catie and Joe's first.

Dylan Reads By Himself

2011-04-08T14:36:00.000-05:00

Wicker Park Inn

2011-04-08T14:30:00.000-05:00

Marc and I took a stay-cation in the city in March, and stayed at the Wicker Park Inn- a delightful little bed and breakfast.

We highly recommend this place, if anyone has family coming to town that needs a place to stay. A great neighborhood spot, in walking distance to all the Wicker Park/Bucktown action.

"Just Call Me Elton"

2011-04-08T14:26:00.002-05:00

"This is cool - Mommy's letting me pretend drive her car.

Wait - something's missing...."

"All right - just let me get things situated here..."

"There we go. Now we're ready to cruise."

Jack (Well, Rabbit) -In-The-Box

2011-04-08T14:21:00.000-05:00

I feel like a bit of a deliquent mom, but I believe this was the first time Dylan's been exposed to a Jack-in-the-Box toy. He thinks it is awesome.

Sleeping Pics

2011-04-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

I always think it's amazing how kids sleep with their tooshies up in the air like that. Could you imagine yourself going to sleep like that?

Snoozing in the car on a day Dylan decided he didn't "need" a nap at home.

My Two Guys

2011-04-08T14:13:00.000-05:00

Nana gave Marc and Dylan "Big Guy"/"Little Guy" t-shirts for Christmas. I tried to seize the moment and snap a shot of them together wearing them, which is always hard to do with Dylan.

This was 2 seconds later. That is literally a look of disgust on Dylan's face, for us asking him to pose for a picture.

"B" is for Big Boy Underwear!

2011-04-08T14:06:00.001-05:00

I am thrilled to announce that we are virtually potty trained! Enough to head out each day in our big boy underwear, anyway. We proudly don Thomas the Train or Toy Story underwear every day now.

Visitors

2011-04-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

Dylan entertained some visitors in his new digs last month.

Playing with Mia, one of his playmates in Moms Group on Wednesdays.

My dear friend/college roommate Jaymi and her family were in town last month, to see her brother Gabe in a play. If any of you are looking for a play to go see - check out "Night and Her Stars" at The Gift Theater. And if you frequent Chicago theater, keep an eye out for Gabe Franken's name!

Having a blast with Lainey and Grace.

Movin' On Up

2011-04-08T13:43:00.004-05:00

Dylan has had some exciting changes made to his room recently. At long last, we moved him out of his crib and into a toddler bed. Also, we bid farewell to the changing table, and made room for a small table and chairs - Dylan's 3rd birthday gift from Nana and Papa.

His new table and chairs. His favorite thing to do is eat there with friends.

His name is on his little pillow.

Checking out his "big boy" bed for the first time.

Funny how such a small change (removing one side of the crib) was such a special thing for him.

And we are happy to report that he has done a great job of staying in the bed and not climbing out. Alleluia!

My Gym

2011-03-11T17:04:00.001-06:00

We tried out My Gym this past month. D had a blast!

Little Beans Cafe

2011-03-11T16:54:00.000-06:00

A fabulous new play area opened on Webster called Little Beans Cafe. There's a seating area for the parents, if they'd like to indulge in a coffee drink or snack. And then a village, of sorts, for the kids, complete with an auto repair shop, grocery store and ride-on choo-choo train.

Driving the firetruck.

Coming down the slide in the house that's "on fire."

Glow Stick

2011-03-11T16:35:00.001-06:00

I get these glow sticks at the Dollar Tree sometimes, and they are a special treat for Dylan at nighttime. Whenever we give him one, we walk in to check on him later in the evening, to see him fast asleep, with glowstick still in hand.

This PB & J Is Good; Will You Marry Me?

2011-03-11T16:09:00.004-06:00

Dylan was eyeing his little friend Campbell while having dinner together. I think he has a little crush.

Gymbo The Clown

2011-03-11T16:04:00.001-06:00

This is video from our very last day at Gymboree. Dylan loved dancing with Gymbo the Clown at the end of class each week. Dylan is in the blue shirt.

"Will It Float?"

2011-03-11T15:54:00.000-06:00

Did any of you ever watch the David Letterman Show when they had the series "Will It Float?" Well, Dylan and I had a version of that going one day. It kept him entertained for quite...a...while. :)

Happy Birthday to Marc!

2011-03-10T16:01:00.000-06:00

February is always our busy birthday month, as we celebrate Marc's birthday a week after Dylan's! He and I celebrated with a dinner downtown. So fun to have a date night together, and toasting to my amazing husband.

More Birthday Memories

2011-03-10T15:43:00.002-06:00

Dylan's actual birthday was Super Bowl Sunday, so he got a second celebration with the Noti Family when we went there to watch the big game.

Opening his new doctor kit.

D's train track received a much-needed expansion!

One of his favorite gifts was the Twilight Turtle. For all you parents out there - BUY ONE. It helps motivate Dylan towards bedtime each night, knowing he'll get to see the stars and moon all around his room once he gets to bed. :)

Dylan Turns Three!!

2011-03-10T15:25:00.001-06:00

Our little tinker turned three last month! We celebrated with a party at the newly renovated McDonalds Playland on Ashland.

Checking out the singing "Happy Birthday" bear from Nana.

The birthday boy, loving his birthday party.

Scaling the bridge in the playland.

One of his new best friends - Mia.

We were surprised when he allowed us to put a birthday hat on him, but he kept it on during the entire dinner!

Family shot.

D seems to be really enjoying his guests. :)

Playing with cousin Connor.

Action shot - he loved jumping off the big red shoe.

And then at the end of the night, he helped clean up by carrying out his balloons!

Dylan LOVED having Happy Birthday sung to him, and requested for everyone to sing it again, when the song was all over. So we did!

Store Scenes

2011-02-28T20:49:00.001-06:00

At our local toy store. I looked away for 10 seconds, and turned back around to see that Dylan had climbed into an empty white tub, and then camped out spinning the puzzle rack around and around.

He loves to watch the "escalator" that the shopping carts come down, at Target.

Land Surveyor

2011-02-28T20:43:00.000-06:00

Towards the end of the day of the blizzard, Marc and Dylan went out to check out the snow scenes. Dylan looked as though he wast truly surveying the land.....

Blizzard!

2011-02-28T20:38:00.001-06:00

Chicago had a huge blizzard in early January, closing much of the city down for a couple of days!

Seabiscuit

2011-02-28T20:32:00.000-06:00

Some scenes from our recent "equestrian" night. Dylan chose quite the interesting positions as he rode his horse.....

South Dakota Trip

2011-02-28T20:19:00.000-06:00

Dylan and I had a fun trip home to South Dakota in January! We spent lots of time with Grandpa, Grandma, cousins and friends.

Up Close and Personal

2011-02-16T17:05:00.000-06:00

We visited my friend Brooke's sweet baby girl Eleanor last month, and Dylan invited himself right into her little world.

Nutcracker Dudes

2011-02-16T17:03:00.000-06:00

We were on our way to the car one night, and Dylan drifted off (well, trespassed) into somebody's yard, intrigued by their Christmas lawn display. I think he liked it because the little nutcracker men were just his size!

Muffin Man

2011-02-16T16:59:00.000-06:00

Dylan "helped" me bake one day. His assistance mostly involved doing what you see in the above picture, dumping clumps of flour on the floor. I was so eager for anything to distract him while I baked, that I let him go to town.

If you look closely, you can see the flour on his cheek and shirt. :)

It's Hard Work, But Somebody's Gotta Do It

2011-02-16T16:55:00.000-06:00

Dylan pushed his Trader Joe's shopping cart through the rain one day, all the way to the car. What a tough little guy.

Toy Store - Er - Land of Nod

2011-02-16T16:39:00.002-06:00

We ran an errand to Land of Nod, and Dylan had a hay-day in the store, checking everything out.

At The Car Wash, Yeah

2011-02-16T16:34:00.000-06:00

D enjoyed our trip to the car wash last month, and keeps requesting to go back.

New Playland

2011-02-16T16:31:00.001-06:00

We checked out the newly remodeled McDonalds Playland on Ashland Ave. last month.

Dylan didn't seem to miss the tunnels and slide that used to be there, and enjoyed climbing onto and into all the new play equipment.

Newsboy

2011-02-16T16:28:00.002-06:00

Just a Little Nibble

2011-02-16T16:27:00.000-06:00

Jumping Night

2011-02-16T16:20:00.001-06:00

We had a fun family night one winter weekend - setting up the hide-a-bed mattress on the ground for a "jumping night," followed by pizza and a movie. Fun was had by all.

Fun With The Fam

2011-01-21T21:02:00.000-06:00

Magic Kingdom

2011-01-21T20:42:00.001-06:00

It IS magical, if you ask me. I am 32 years old, and I still get goosebumps arriving at that entrance. When the tram approached Magic Kingdom our first day, and my sister and I got our first glimpse of Disney World, we both gasped with excitement. Mom and Dad were right there and smiled and said, "Some things just never change."

Our entire extended family went together on Monday, and then I returned with some family members on Friday. We had a very special "guest" for that first day, too! Marc's brother Marty recently moved (ironically, from Orlando) to Ft. Lauderdale, and he made the trek back to see us and spend the day with us at Disney! Dylan was with all 7 of his aunts and uncles that day!

At the entrance in front of the Micky Mouse created out of poinsettias.

My cute parents.

Another Christmas tree picture pose.

The classic Disney World shot.

Waiting in line for our first ride - Dumbo.

Dylan and Mommy "high in the sky."

On the "It's A Small World" ride for the first (of 7!) times.

Dylan loved the boats, and asked to ride it again and again and again.

The carousel. I'd like to point out my husband's artistic photography here, with the castle in the background. Nice one, honey.

D is enjoying himself.

I title this picture "An Uncle's Love." Bless Uncle Marty's heart for willingly climbing aboard a white horse on a carousel to enter into his nephew's world for a bit.

Waiting for the choo-choo with Grandpa.

On the train ride - one of D's favorite parts of the day.

Grandpa, Tage, Olivia, and Trace.

At a mini-playground. Those are D's feet/legs, as he heads southbound.

A Bug's Life

2011-01-21T20:16:00.000-06:00

Eye of the Tiger

2011-01-21T16:02:00.000-06:00

Dylan got up close and personal with a tiger at Animal Kingdom!

Animal Kingdom

2011-01-21T15:45:00.001-06:00

Marc, Dylan and I went to Animal Kingdom our third day there.

Our first stop was Animal Kingdom's version of the Dumbo ride, with rhinoceroses that went up and down in the air. D was quite the big boy, and was not fearful at all.

Excitedly running to Daddy after the ride.

It's a little hard to believe that my son was just inches away from a tiger, with only a sheet of plexi-glass separating the two!

There was a big bongo drum area for the kids to play. Dylan loved this section.

D made a fast friend with this gentleman, dancing for him and even playing his "xylephone."

Outside the dinosaur graveyard park.

Scaling a huge net up one story.

Digging for dinosaur bones.

Going down the huge tunnel slide.

And then peaking to see if Daddy was making it through ok.

This park-within-the-park was massive!

A family shot in front of the luscious greenery that was everywhere!

Crossing the bridge to another "continent."

More gorgeous greenery.

Universal Studios

2011-01-20T20:50:00.002-06:00

There were huge Christmas trees at every park we were at! You can't tell, but that's Marc and me. :)

We spent the day with my sister Nicole and her husband Craig at Universal Studios, while Grandma watched Olivia and Dylan.

Orlando, or San Francisco?

There's a funny story to go along with this picture. We all did the Tower of Terror ride, where you sit in rows of 4, in a little box elevator, and drop multiple stories at a time. It...is...scary. We all admitted it. As we were departing the ride, Marc said to Craig, who is a police officer and member of the S.W.A.T. team outside of Seattle, "Did you reach out and grab my leg?" Craig sheepishly admitted that indeed he had, out of a reflex. So the two men had to reinact the way they clung to one another in their moment of fear.

SeaWorld

2011-01-20T20:37:00.004-06:00

There were Christmas trees in the water everywhere. Such a cool, unique sight!

Riding the carousel. I was slightly disturbed by the fact that it was sea creatures that you rode on. I guess I'm an old-fashioned girl. I prefer carousels with horses, or any form of land animal.

D taking a spin with his only two girl cousins - Olivia and Kalli.

The whole family checking out.......something. (I forget. I was the one taking the picture. But it was one of the few times our entire family met up at the same place at the same time, so I had to snap a picture.)

Shamu!

Dylan is not a sit-still kind of guy, but he did last for almost the entire Shamu show.

Daddy and Dylan seeing what they can find in the water.

Dylan getting upclose and personal with a "boad." (Bird.) And yes, he is wearing only one shoe. When he got upset riding in the stroller, he'd kick off a shoe. It was a losing battle putting it back on, so we spent 50% of the trip with one shoe on.

Downtown Disney

2011-01-20T06:08:00.002-06:00

As I mentioned, my entire family - parents, siblings, and their kids - went to Disney World for Christmas this year. It was such a special trip. At long last, here are some pictures, starting with our night at Downtown Disney.

Checking out the sights.

Favorite part of the night - riding the choo-choo train.

Cousin Kalli and Dylan checking out the "alligator" at Rainforest Cafe.

This sea monster sprouted up from the water, and was entirely made from Legos!

Dylan LOVED the "pop-up" fountains from the ground.

Potty Training Success

2011-01-15T15:41:00.000-06:00

I am thrilled to report that Dylan completely surprised us mid-December by requesting to go to the potty, and actually using it! It was a FABULOUS, very welcome Christmas gift for this mommy. We are not there 100%, but we are definitely up and running!

Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer

2011-01-15T15:31:00.000-06:00

Caifano Christmas

2011-01-15T14:59:00.002-06:00

A few pics from our Christmas celebration with Papa and Nana. Nana always makes it a very special evening. (Yes, I am completely aware it is mid-January, and I am doing Christmas posts. Oh my...)

Mather Nursing Home

2011-01-10T19:03:00.000-06:00

Moms Group visited Mather Nursing Home in Evanston with the kids in December. It really went well! The kids got into it, and Dylan even interacted with the residents!

Reindeer Games

2011-01-10T18:56:00.000-06:00

Cold Weather Outside = Fun Times Inside

2011-01-10T18:53:00.003-06:00

Dylan and his buddy Ollie having fun on the couch.

Shooting hoops!

We rejoined Gymboree this season. Dylan just LOVES it.

More hoops.

30 seconds before this picture was taken, Dylan was trying to push this little boy off "his" cart ride. (15 seconds prior, D was getting a-talking-to from his mommy.)

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-10T18:24:00.000-06:00

This was after one of the first snows of the season. Dylan is definitely intrigued by the snow. He mostly likes to kick it. (Interesting.) Within days, we had ordered some much-needed boots.

My, How You've Grown!

2011-01-10T18:08:00.000-06:00

Best Family Picture Ever

2011-01-09T14:05:00.002-06:00

Disney World Sneak Peak

2011-01-08T16:23:00.000-06:00

We went to Disney World for Christmas! Life has been a bit hectic since getting back, so I haven't had time to post anything to the blog. But for now, a sneak peak. (And yes, I'm a bit frustrated with the dude who cut off the top of the castle. That's like the cardinal sin of picture taking at Disney World, isn't it?! Well, it probably ties with cutting off Mickey's head.)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T20:00:00.005-06:00

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." -1 Timothy 1:15-17

Merry Christmas, everyone!

"Days With Dylan" Newsletter Article

2010-12-15T07:01:00.001-06:00

This is a newsletter article I recently submitted for MOPS:

A Challenging Journey

Our journey to expanding our family with another child has been a longer and more challenging one than I had expected. After another recent round of failed fertility treatments, I sat in my car, talking to my sister. I talked honestly about the disappointment I was feeling, but that God was leading me to shift my focus a bit. “I guess I just need to take my focus off of achieving another pregnancy, and just focus on my days with Dylan.”

I mentally stopped myself in my tracks. “Days With Dylan” is the blog I created almost 3 years ago when our son was born. I happily updated it regularly, keeping family and friends in touch with the daily goings-on in our life. But honestly, as these past months have gotten harder, I have been adding fewer and fewer posts. I realized how consumed and distracted I’d been, with the “goal” of pregnancy, not to mention some other big factors going on in our life – like trying to buy a home. I felt myself withdrawing, as my wishes continued to go unmet.

Stop Waiting!

While talking about these topics recently, my husband Marc recalled a sermon he heard preached by John Ortberg at Willow Creek, on “waiting.” He remembers Ortberg shouting, “Stop waiting! Single ladies, stop waiting for a husband. Married couples, stop waiting for a child. If you’re jobless, stop waiting for a job!” His voice got louder and louder as he admonished that we are to live our lives right now. Stop waiting, and start living.

Surely this is to be understood in the right context, for the Bible actually has an awful lot to say on the topic of “waiting,” and makes it very clear that God can accomplish a lot during such seasons. But I think that what Ortberg meant was to stop “holding out until ___________ happens.” Instead, start living right now, with what you’ve been given.

Advent – Awaiting The Birth of Christ

It’s kind of like Christmas. Right now, it is Advent – the time of awaiting the birth of Christ, as celebrated on Christmas Day. Now, Christmas Day rocks, doesn’t it? I just love it, for everything it represents spiritually, and, honestly, for all those awesome presents you get to open and to give. And there’s usually a scrumptious meal involved, some yummer Christmas cookies, and being with your loved ones.

But the days leading up to the 25^th are so great too! I am one of “those people” who just LOVES Christmas music, Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, you name it. I love meditating on the mind-boggling truth of what God did in sending His son Jesus in the form of a babe in a manger.

Just as Christmas Day is absolutely wonderful, and yet the days leading up to it are “fruitful” too, I realized the same can – and should – be true in my life. While I continue to hope for the blessing of another child, I am refusing to put life “on hold” in the meantime. He has given me an amazing, humble husband who loves me so well. He has gifted me with a precious, precious son who is truly the apple of my eye, and a joy to my heart. And most significantly, He has given me everything in Christ! Colossians 2:9-10 says, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” I need to remember this and live this truth! Christ lives within me, and fills my heart and my days.

With Thanksgiving, Present Your Requests…

Philippians 4:6 finally makes sense to me. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,” it says. I used to be confused by how we’re commanded to present the burdens of our hearts to God, while giving thanks. That seemed like an oxymoron to me. I now understand it – pray your heart, pray your desires, pray your hopes and your dreams, according to His will. And yet….be thankful for what you already have. We have been given everything in Christ. Everything else is the icing on the cake.

This isn’t to say I’ve suddenly mastered contentment 24/7. But God has generated a more thankful heart for, and a more attentive mind to – my Days With Dylan.

About This Blog

2010-12-15T06:59:00.000-06:00

It has been impressed upon my heart lately that we are to be stewards of our time. God has so much to say about the concept of "time" in the Bible, and that it is something that He entrusts to us. Do I use my time well? In some cases, yes. In some cases, no.

I've been thinking about this blog - is it a wise use of time? Honestly, I am prayerful about that question. I do believe that God highly esteems our roles in the family, and our relationships in life. For that reason, I love keeping the blog updated - to keep loved ones connected. I also have a creative side to me that, since leaving the workplace, has gotten surpressed. This blog allows me to have a creative outlet - a hobby.

But I do believe that God is calling me to do something more/different, if I continue on with "Days With Dylan." He impresses upon my heart soooo many things I'd like to share about my journey as a Christian, a wife, a mom, a friend, a Chicagoan. And so, as time allows, you will hopefully begin to see a bit of a change in this blog's contents. I will still update it with our daily goings-on, but I plan to also throw in there a few more of my writings. The first of which, will follow this blog post.

I hope to simply make it worth your time, if you so choose to follow "Days With Dylan."

Blessings to you this Christmas season!
Kim

Christkindlmarket

2010-12-06T15:01:00.001-06:00

We went to Lincoln Square's Christkindl Market on Sunday.

Gingerbread Man

2010-12-06T14:54:00.000-06:00

Dylan and I made a gingerbread man last weekend. D's participation mostly involved eating the left arm, but I will still allow his name in the "credits."

Thanksgiving Weekend Festivities

2010-12-06T14:51:00.000-06:00

We were happy to welcome Marc's brother Marty for a spontaneous visit to Chicago for Thanksgiving weekend. And Marc and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on Nov. 29!

Dylan is just "one of the boys." I actually crack up at this picture, because for some reason Dylan wanted to bring his toy CD player along for the outing. It's like he's one of those dudes who walks down the street with his boombox blaring.

Marty and Dylan having a man-to-toddler chat.

We went to one of our very favorite places for our anniversary dinner - the Chicago Chophouse. (Then to McDonalds across the street for ice cream for dessert.)

Thanksgiving

2010-12-06T14:42:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Marc's parents' house this year. It is always a fabulous event and scrumptious feast!

Not Shy In Front Of The Camera

2010-12-06T13:56:00.000-06:00

D now understands the connection between taking a picture on our digital camera, and immediately seeing the picture on its screen. So we had a photo shoot one day.....

First picture.

Then I asked him to smile. (I didn't know it was possible to have a fake smile at age 2, but apparently it is.)

Then I told him to open his mouth, but he got a little anxious and started walking to see the picture as he was "posing."

Then I asked him to touch his nose. (Close.)

And show his belly button.

Little Mozart

2010-12-06T13:38:00.001-06:00

Dylan's piano lessons have officially begun! Papa (a piano teacher, along with Nana) put different colored stickers on the keys, and told Dylan which ones to touch, in order to play " Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." They've tried this a few times, but this was the first time he made it all the way through. And yes, it IS Dylan playing!

Package From Grandma

2010-12-05T15:37:00.001-06:00

One of the items that was in it - a funny, cute, dancing Christmas tree that sings "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree."

Cheap (Cool) Date Night

2010-12-05T15:24:00.000-06:00

Marc and I wanted to go on what we call "cheap date night," where the goal is mainly to get out, not necessarily enjoy "fine dining." We discovered a pizza-by-the-slice place in Wrigleyville that we loved, and in the meantime got in on the Wrigleyville Classic scene. It was a rare event where two college teams - Northwestern and U. of IL - got to play in Wrigley Field. Those happened to be the two schools Marc and his brother Marty graduated from, so they had a 6-pack bet on the game. :) It was the ESPN Gameday headquarters, so there was a lot of media set up all around, to cover the game the next day. Fun to be around it all.

Elmo Surgeons

2010-12-05T15:14:00.000-06:00

Giving Elmo new life, with some batteries.

Elevator King

2010-12-05T15:12:00.000-06:00

....or so he thinks. Dylan continues to look forward to our trips to Target and Whole Foods, where he knows he'll get to ride the elevator for at least the first 10 minutes before starting to shop.

City Park

2010-12-05T15:10:00.000-06:00

We recently discovered a park near my doctor's office, close to downtown. Dylan loved exploring the new territory, and Marc and I loved the view.

When's The Last Time You Laughed Like This?

2010-12-05T15:06:00.000-06:00

[Music Playing:] "I'm A Big Kid Now"

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Dylan can reach the rings at Adams Park now, and just has to lift his feet to "hang" all by himself!

Moms Group

2010-12-05T14:59:00.000-06:00

These are the women that so greatly bless my life on Wednesday mornings - my Park Community Church Moms Group.

Potty Training Trials

2010-12-05T14:56:00.000-06:00

After many months of occasionally trying out Elmo Potty, we decided it was time to really kick things in gear, and devoted the first weekend of November to "Potty Training Boot Camp." 72 hours, 30 Honey Bunnies, 14 videos, and 18 potty "attempts" later, we threw in the towel....for now. The kid can hold it in! We didn't even really have a chance to show him the ropes when an "opportunity" came, because there were hardly any "oportunities"! Check back in 2011 for an update on the Potty Training Diaries.

Such A "Mom"

2010-12-05T14:47:00.000-06:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I feel like such a "mom" when we use this shopping cart. :) And I'm not complainin'.

Halloween Can Be A Little Scary

2010-11-13T09:19:00.000-06:00

Our Halloween turned out a little differently than we expected. We excitedly welcomed Papa to join us (Nana was out of town) in our favorite trick-or-treating neighborhood - Lakewood-Balmoral, near Andersonville. We headed out, and 3 houses into it, Dylan threw a tantrum that landed the back of his head onto the cement sidewalk, causing a gash in the back of his head that didn't stop bleeding. We took him to the ER, and he got 3 staples in his head. :( The little trooper that he was, he asked to go out trick-or-treating when we left the Emergency Room.

This is at the very same time - the cutest and saddest image of Dylan I've ever seen. He actually really enjoyed the ER, and ran around checking out everything in the room.

(Note to Chicagoans: if you ever need to go to the ER - St. Joseph's on Diversey and Lakeshore Drive is always fast and efficient! We've gone there 2 other times, and have never had to wait.)

The Letter "E"

2010-11-12T20:35:00.000-06:00

Dylan really likes - and often points out - the letter "E" these days.

Lincoln Square Business Trick-or-Treating

2010-11-12T20:32:00.000-06:00

We went trick-or-treating in the Lincoln Square Business District, the day before Halloween.

On our way to the Square.

"Just let me reach down and get that rock..."

Here, Dylan is showing his "reflective Halloween pose."

Dylan bumped into a "brother" from his litter!

Trick-or-treat!

Really, Dylan didn't have much interest in the whole idea. The main thing that peaked his interest was that at the end of the strip was the toy store, and he'd get to go play with the choo-choos. Mission accomplished.

Halloween Playdate

2010-11-12T15:02:00.001-06:00

Dylan's first opportunity to dress up in his doggie costume was for a Halloween playdate in mid-October. He was the cutest little puppy this mommy's eyes had ever seen.

On our way to the house.

Gotta include a shot of the back of the costume!

Some of the attendees.

After snacks, and when everyone had gone to the other room to play, I realized mid-conversation with a mom, that Dylan had disappeared. I came into the kitchen to see that Mickey Mouse and the Puppy had gone back for seconds.

Somehow these two knew they belonged together.

Illini Weekend

2010-11-12T14:40:00.003-06:00

Our family took a trip to Champaign, IL to see some friends, and to visit Marc's alma mater, University of Illinois. (I had never been there.) Here are a few shots from our campus visit:

Seattle Trip

2010-11-12T14:16:00.001-06:00

I went out to Seattle to visit my sister and her family in early November. They had moved in June, and I hadn't seen their new house yet. They have a beautiful mountain view, and it was so refreshing to be in that setting. I loved being with her family, learning about Olivia's new school, and getting to know my now-1-yr-old nephew Nathan, who I hadn't seen since last November! He's changed so much.

At a local playground with OE.

At Olivia's bus stop. It was so neat to see her as such a big girl, boarding the bus and off to school.

Baby Nathan is the most "go-with-the-flow" baby I've ever met in my life. Can't you just tell? He is so funny, and so precious.

Nathan, taking after his daddy (who's a cop) - supervising his older sister's playtime.

Nicole and I outside of our beloved Starbucks.

UPS Truck

2010-11-08T15:57:00.000-06:00

A UPS driver noticed that Dylan was interested in his truck one day, so he let Dylan get in. When he asked Dylan if he wanted to see the back, I hopped in too, because I always wondered what it looks like back there - how do they keep all those packages organized? Now I know their tricks.

"Tall"

2010-11-08T15:53:00.000-06:00

Dylan built a very tall tower one day.

We got the camera out to capture the small-but-big accomplishment, and I told Dylan to smile. To my surprise, he did! The tower got knocked down in the meantime, but I was happy to learn he understands and responds to the request to "smile!"

Machine

2010-11-08T15:45:00.001-06:00

Since we are into "Bob the Builder" in our household, we take note of any and all machines that we encounter when we're out and about.