Saturday at Shedds

This past Saturday we took some time off from watching college football to go enjoy some family time together. Ok, Michigan had a by week, but even so, we thought it would be fun to get away and see some fish at the aquarium. We were meeting some friends from Michigan there, so the incentive was even greater to get there and enjoy.


We lucked out with no traffic despite the rain, so we were in the city within 25 minutes. Tom dropped us off so we could get the tickets while he parked the car. We had debated on bringing the stoller since we don't really need it anymore, but it did offer the chance to go into the side entrance, which is never busy. But, hey, who is going to be at Shedd's on a rainy Saturday? As I turned the corner in the pouring rain, the answer became clear - EVERYONE was at Shedd's today!


Armed with no umbrella, three hyper boys, and no raincoat for myself, I turned to Jeb and told him to turn on those brown eyes and find us some shelter! It only took a few minutes and soon we were sharing umbrellas with two kind ladies from Michigan. And, after 1 hour, we were in the doors. Wait, there was another line to purchase tickets. Why didn't I take that stroller?!?! Forty five minutes (and one very angry Tom) later, we were looking at the fish and with our friends (who did get in the side entrance! GRR!!)


The day only went up from there and we had a great time catching up with old friends and seeing all the cool fish. But, we knew it was time to go when we saw four boys (clearly not ours!) running around and waving the paddles of the show canoe and when we turned to see Jeb pulling down his pants and yelling, "I need to go to the toilet!" After a great ten yard tackle by Tom, we had all situations under control.


We walked out to clear skies, a beautiful skyline, and, well, no line.

4 Day House Arrest

I must admit, I don't know that I had ever really heard of "house arrest" until Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan appeared on the scene, but now I'm feeling it first hand. Let me just be clear that I don't live in a mansion like my afore mentioned friends. And I'm not sitting around with butlers and maids to entertain me while I am stuck here. No, I have it much worse - I am in the midst of POTTY TRAINING!

This is my last go-round at this and my biggest challenge yet. You would think that I know all the tricks to get this done, but I've got a stubborn one on my hands. We tried this a few weeks ago, but the stickers didn't do it, chocolate didn't do it and even the famed 'potty party' didn't do it (hey, I was grasping at straws). So, I thought about it and realized that since Jeb has been lugged back and forth chasing after his brother's activities his entire life, that just maybe Jeb's ulimate reward would be staying at home. I was right.

We began on Tuesday. Loaded with drink boxes, m&ms, stickers and no plans. Jeb got out of bed to find no diapers (aka nappies). He cried. He threw himself on the floor. The neighbors heard the three year old cries of "I need my nappy on!!" I ultimately paid Jacob 50 cents to talk Jeb into wearing underpants. His first trip to the bathroom produced the right results and I gave him an m&m. His response - "I don't want this, I'm giving it to Jacob." I was worried. We finally found the best reward was another drink box. We were in the bathroom a lot. We had 4 accidents that day due to school pick ups and making meals. Obviously, I need to be around him at all times.

Wednesday. Things are getting better, but the house is falling apart while I sit and do puzzles, play cars and read books. Jeb has never had this much attention and is gladly visiting the potty in order for mommy to continue playing. I found him in the corner while I was making lunch - opps. Two accidents today.

Thursday. Got some laundry done today, but I am getting restless! The cupboards are empty due to no grocery shop this week and the wine bottle is getting close to empty! Potty training has to end soon. I think it will - no accidents today. However, I have noticed a couple of things today. The first is that Jeb is staying dry during his nap. This is because he is calling me every 10 minutes to go potty. Not sure if he needs it or if he is manipulating me. I am guessing it's the latter of the two. The second thing I noticed is Jeb's request for me to hold his "willy." That sounds really bad when I write it doesn't it? I tried to correct this yesterday and had him hold "it." Big mistake. The aim was not to the bowl - it was the wall, then the floor, then the back of the toilet. And ultimately his hands and mine as I tried to stop the mess! We'll work on that later I guess.

So, my house arrest is almost over. I did almost go crazy, but I think it was worth it in the end. I am finally done with diapers after 6 3/4 years! Maybe I shouldn't have said that. Fingers crossed I'm right!

When the Relatives Came

It's been a big secret for the past month - the second grade classes at Jefferson Elementary were reading the book "When the Relatives Came." Doesn't sound like a very fun secret does it? Well, it is when you team it up with really having the relatives come!

I secretly invited both sets of grandparents and even got Daddy to clear his schedule. Everyone arrived at our house slightly before the big event (although Grandpa Koops wasn't able to make it, maybe next time!). We walked down to the school's front lawn and spread out our blanket, complete with cider and donuts.

While we were doing that, Jacob's teacher was reading the book (which, I admit have no idea what it is about...I guess the title is a big clue). Then Miss Lancaster announced to the class that they were going to plant some apple seeds on the front lawn. Jacob was the first out. Totally surprised with a hug for everyone. Except, now that I think about it, I didn't get one! Oh well, I was too busy crying! It was a bit emotional!

We had a nice time picnicking and having a nice chat. What a nice excuse to have the relative come!

Happy Birthday Jeb!

Last week we celebrated Jeb's third birthday. Yes, for me it was all the usual feelings - unbelief that my baby is this old, happy to reach this milestone, etc. Except this year I had the feeling of hope. Hope that Jeb is just going through a stubborn stage, hope that we were getting out of the terrible twos, and hope that this wasn't the "trying threes." On September 25 I realized all hope was lost! Oh well, so what if Jeb's stubbornness keeps building, at least he's still cute right?!


In spite of it all, we had a great celebration - smaller than in years past, but Jeb and I are actively seeking a new BBF for him! But, in keeping with tradition, Jeb had requested a Lightning McQueen cake. So, he got it for the second year in a row. This time made not by me, but the local bakery. It was seriously the worst cake I've ever tasted - even Jeb wouldn't eat it - but it looked really good. So, that is all that matters.


Jeb's one request for his birthday was an orange car. Easy request, but hard to purchase when the child is always with me! Let's just say that Jeb saw all his presents being bought, yet still acted surprised when he opened them. This may be the last year of that happening.


On Saturday we had a family day and Jeb got the choose where to go. The zoo of course! Brookfield Zoo is an easy 20 minute drive for us and we had a great time. Jeb loved petting the sting rays and was fascinated by the penguins as they dove down to see us. I can still hear the laughter - priceless.

So, here is to the next year and whatever it may bring. My wish as he blew out the candle was for good health, less dirty looks, and no more nappies!!!!! (I don't see the last two happening anytime soon). Happy Birthday Baby!

Mayberry RFD

Some days I really do believe that we moved to Mayberry. The friendliness of Elmhurst is unbelievable! People have been so welcoming - our calendar is getting full already! But, this past Saturday really made me believe that Elmhurst is the nicest place on earth!

After numerous people telling us that we needed to take the kids to Riley's pub for a Saturday lunch and to watch the game, we did. Only I didn't really think it through. Michigan was playing Notre Dame. Elmhurst is a HUGE Irish Catholic community and Rileys sign has a shamrock. We walked in with our Michigan stuff on like lambs being led to the slaughter!

After a few harassing, but friendly remarks and a completely embarrassing 100 yard touchdown by ND, we began to bury our heads. But, alas, Michigan came back and we whooped it up, much to the rest of the bars dismay. The game ended and at least 3/4 of the bar came over and said "great game!" Had we been anywhere else I think our tires would have been punctured. Welcome to Mayberry!

Back to School

Last week we started our new daily ritual of school. A bit different this time, as I tried to navigate through multiple stores trying to fulfill the school supply list. There was also the nervous feeling in my tummy as I wondered what American boys wore to school. (we did ok)

So we stepped out the front door at 8:05, taking a moment to snap some school photos. The boys are excited to do it now...we'll see when the look of dread an annoyance shows up on their pics in a few years.

The walk to school is a breeze and Jacob lined up right in between two nice boys. I felt really good as I watched him walk into the school. Aiden is in P.M. Kindergarten class, so he was going in a bit later since it was only a half day for the school. So, we grabbed some donuts at the PTA breakfast and I signed up for as much as possible.

Two hours later I was back dropping off Aiden, who was happy to go. He was fine walking in as if he had done it a dozen times before.

So it begins. The monotony of the school run, but the blessed time to sit and chat with other moms. We are all ready for a schedule, even poor Jeb who is constantly asking "who's my teacher?" Sorry buddy, looks like it may just be me this year. Let's hope we can make it through!

Aiden - Class of 2023

Jefferson School - Home of the Tigers

Jacob and Mrs. Lancaster (who is new too)

I Want to Ride My Bicycle!

Last Spring, we took the training wheels off from Aiden's bike. He was a bit apprehensive to bike on his own, but he did it and was quite proud of himself. That is, until he rode into a blackberry bush. Clearly it was all Daddy's fault and he wasn't going near the bike again.

Flashforward to August in the states. Aiden is beginning to notice all the kids in Elmhurst ride their bikes. Tom and I are starting to notice how ridiculous Aiden looks on his training wheels. Aiden could have cared less. So, leaving all the good parenting tips behind, we forced him to try biking without his training wheels.

The first night we showed the new neighbors just how short our patience was. My blood pressure shot through the roof, but knowing that everyone was watching to see what the "new neighbors" were like, I pasted on my best smile and walked away. Tom took over thinking he'd do better, but it all ended the same. Aiden is stubborn and so were we. We'd try again tomorrow.

Long story short, Aiden refused, but was forced into it and guess what? On the third try, he got it and has been biking ever since. It's been a week and he is now starting and stopping on his own, biking to town for ice cream, and making me run faster on my daily run in order to keep up with him.

Another milestone checked off the list. Wow, seems like there aren't many more left!