Wicker Park Inn

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"

"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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Little Beans Cafe

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

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?

 

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

Gymbo The Clown

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?"

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!

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

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!!

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!