Memorial Day Weekend and new milestones

We had a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend. Ms. Sandy came to visit us again. We LOVE when Ms. Sandy comes! A good time is sure to be had and we had a great time with her. She was a little delayed getting in to Chicago due to the terrible weather we've been having, but she finally made it. Mommy and Sandy got to spend some quality time together and you and Daddy were able to spend some time bonding together. We hope Ms. Sandy can get out this way more permanently in the future!!

It was dreary and cold for most of her visit, but we took full advantage of an overcast day on Friday and headed downtown. We were bound and determined to take Ms. Sandy on the architectural boat tour of the city. We had a fun lunch on Hubbard Street (YAY!) and then made it to the dock just in time for the 75 min tour. It was your first time on a boat and it was quite chilly, but you did great! and the grown-ups thought it was the BEST way to see the city! We will definitely take other visitors on this tour. After the boat tour, we took Ms. Sandy to Sprinkles. I mean, really, no trip to Chicago is complete without a Sprinkles cupcake. We can't wait till you're a little older and can try one. I can see where trips downtown will more than likely turn into "If you give a mouse a cookie" days. That is A-OK with me, downtown is super fun and I really want to make our trips down there special for you.

Touring downtown Chicago by boat... not too shabby!

It was cold and windy on the water. We had you bundled up and you were quite the little trooper!

A rare family shot!

 You and Daddy infront of the Sears (Willis) Tower

We love Chicago!

Saturday, Sunday and Monday were family days and you hit several big milestones! It was fantastic to have three full days with Daddy around! Sunday was cold and rainy. We spent the day indoors and you practiced crawling. You're still scooting backwards, but have made a lot of progress. You are up on all fours and rocking now. Daddy and I looked a little silly crawling around the floor trying to encourage you to crawl. I think you probably laughed at us more than anything!  You get so frustrated that you can't move forward. We feel helpless that our "tricks" haven't worked.  Daddy read that if we put a rolled towel under your arms, it would help.... not so much. I have to say, it's still nice to put you down and know you'll pretty much be in the same place if I have to run to the bathroom. You like to practice rocking on all fours, so I know it's just a matter of time before both our worlds are rocked!

On Monday, we packed a picnic and walked from our house to a local park and downtown in our little city. It was really hot (in the 90's) and sunny. You had some time in the swings and the play ground area. Your big thing lately is pulling up. You are quite obsessed with it. If we are any where around you, you grab on to us and stand. We were sitting by the fountain at the park when, much to our surprise, you pulled up on our fingers and then started taking a few steps! We were thrilled!!!!! Maybe you'll walk before crawling. Regardless, we were so proud of you!!!!

We also tried a finger food meal with you for the first time. Up until this point, we've just given you puffs to try on your own. This weekend, we tried cut up broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pasta and toast. At first, you picked the puffs out of the variety of food on your tray and cried when the puffs were gone. You didn't realize the other stuff on your tray was food. Once you did, oh boy! You were an eating machine!