Swinging into Fall

Yesterday around 5:45 in the evening, I sat down to work on some homework after a long afternoon of cooking for this weekend's adventure to New Buffalo, Michigan. As soon as I sat down, I heard some soft cries coming from underneath the sensory gym a few feet in front of me. That's when I realized that I needed to pack up the computer and take advantage of this special time I have with my son. Although it had been a warm afternoon, there was now a definite crisp in the air, so we bundled up and headed to the park down the road. Kyle tried out the baby swing for the first time and seemed to enjoy it for the most part! Look at him sporting his cool knit cap from Heidi and his new big boy shoes from Grandma P. So comfy. So cute ;) Daddy got a little jealous of all the fun we were having and can't wait to come with us next time ;)

Big Boy Chair!

Meeting Baby Olivia

This weekend, Kyle finally got to meet his newest friend, Olivia Jean McHugh. Olivia is so tiny! I forgot how small and precious newborns are, even though Kyle Sir is only 3 months old himself. She was so light, so delicate. Just a joy to meet. We look forward to watching her and Kyle grow over the years! Congrats Jim and Sylvia! Olivia's here and she's a keeper for sure ;)

Kyle Steven and Olivia Jean

Illini Run!

Sunday, Chris, Katie, Sarah, Matt, Sean, Kelly, Lauren, and I all joined forces and ran the first annual Illini Run in Lincoln Park. Although we all signed up to run the 5K, Matt got a little carried away (or a little lost) and ended up running an 8K. Actually, most of us got a little lost. The signs weren't very clear, and the help was a little lax given that this was the first year for the event, so several of us ended up running a little under 4 miles, making it more of a 6K if you ask me! Overall we really enjoyed the race despite all the confusion. The sun was shinning along the lake. There was a nice breeze going. The U of I cheerleaders were there rooting us on as we crossed the finish line. And there actually weren't that many participants so it felt more like a family affair than a big race. Afterward we celebrated with brunch at Orange ... the perfect place for Paint the Town Orange!

Sensory Gym!

On Friday, Kyle and I went to check the mail after our afternoon walk to and from Dominicks. To our surprise, the huge package in the lobby was addressed to our very own Kyle Sir! When we opened it up moments later, we found a fun, colorful safari activity gym from my parents good friends, John and Kathy Tseng. The Tsengs live in South Carolina, and they were able to meet Kyle when we vacationed in Hilton Head last month. Kyle LOVES his new gym and is SO THANKFUL for the thoughtful gift. While I was in the kitchen making a carrot cake for my mom's birthday dinner, I heard Kyle laughing and laughing in laughing from his bedroom where he was getting acquainted with all of his fun new hanging toys. He is already getting very good at grabbing/swatting at the hanging animals (with his hands and toes). This gym is the best 15 minutes babysitter ever!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my Mom's official birthday, but we had the family over last night to celebrate in advance. On the menu: spinach and ricotta cheese stuffed ravioli; Italian sausage and peppers; tossed salad; red wine; and carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting. Grandma and Grandpa P got their Ky Guy fix, and we all had a really nice evening.

Happy Birthday, Mom! Have a great day ;)

September School Days

It's officially September, and that means back to school for most kids. Since Kyle is now over three months old, the teacher in me has decided to get him a new little learning toy every other month or so as to avoid clutter, but to stimulate curiosity. This month we went for the simple Sassy ring stacker. Although Kyle is still a little young for this toy, I like to think he is at least being introduced to color names, sizes, and fine motor skills. So far he seems to like gripping/chewing on the rings, looking at the overall structure, and watching me stack and unstack the different rings. That's pretty much all I was going for right now, and for that he earns an A+ in my book!