Active Endeavor

We're nothing if not active on this vacation. Biking, golfing, walking, swimming and stroller rides have kept us busy. Even getting the kids to sit on the couch to read a book is nothing short of a gymnastics routine. Quite frankly, if I wasn't pregnant, I'd probably be losing weight.

So Far So Good

Road Trip

Our summer vacation is officially underway. We were in the car ready to rock and roll right on time, but had to abandon ship when we realized that Sam had a dirty diaper. Ten minutes and a diaper change later, we were back in the car and on the Kennedy. The first 100 hundred miles were marked by a thunderstorm and a steady stream of construction, but now Sam's asleep and we're smack-dab in the middle of Wisconsin. Things are definitely looking up.

BP II

If the bulging belly, insatiable appetite and constant fatigue didn’t prove it, yesterday’s ultrasound did. BP II is well on his way to making his big debut in December. Yep, you read that correctly, we’re having another boy.

The news was quite shocking to me as I’ve been convinced it was a girl for months. Apparently my gut isn’t exactly accurate – especially when you look at the undisputable proof in this picture!

So there is some good news and some bad news here (although I’ve decided the bad news can be turned into good news):

Good news:
· We can recycle all of Sam’s clothing and toys
· We’ve already mastered (?) how to care for a newborn boy’s special needs (read: circumcision). · Sam will have a younger brother and given the proximity in age, they’ll likely be playmates for life.

Bad, but good, news:
· I’m destined for years of wrestling and rough-housing, but Steve will have to carry the burden of really trying to keep up with them (we’ll just need a bigger house).
· I’ll end up hauling around stinky boys and their stinky athletic equipment, but I like sports and I’ve got a bunch of nieces who can help me get my fill of gymnastics meets, dance recitals and prom dress shopping.
· As the only female in the house I should be adored and pampered for the rest of my life. :)

So bring on BP II. Only 19 ½ weeks to go!

Gross

There are lots of things about being parents that are pretty gross. A petting zoo that pops up in the middle of the city is right up there. I’ve never been much of an animal lover, but there’s something about a herd of sheep, a couple of geese and a hog shoved in a 15 foot pen that puts me over the edge. Needless to say, when we stumbled upon one at a neighborhood street festival, I looked at Steve and said, “I’m not going in there.” Thank goodness Steve is more open minded because Sam was perfectly happy with the whole scene.

Made in the Shade

Fourth of July Fun

These pictures speak for themselves when it comes to our Fourth of July weekend. A couple of speed bumps, but all-in-all another outstanding weekend.

Steve and I were all ready to enjoy an adult afternoon at Wrigley on Friday, but a miscommunication with our sitter meant giving up our date to take Sam. The outing was equally as successful as our Father's Day trip, so it was actually a big win for all of us.

We dodged the rain on Saturday morning and made our first trip to Millenium Park. We scored $6 parking downtown (totally unheard of) and discovered that there is free live music for kids and families every day of the week. We'll definitely be going back soon.

On Saturday evening we stopped in at a friend's barbeque. They happen to have a dog, Baxter, and Sam fell in love instantly. He couldn't get enough of playing catch and getting doggie kisses. Too bad I forgot to bring a clean diaper and we had to depart early!

We spent Sunday afternoon at Ravinia for another outdoor concert. This time the sun was shining brightly and there was absolutely no downside to the outing -- it was a perfect way to end the long weekend!

Aquaman

Now that summer is officially underway, you're going to see a recurring theme: water. Sam loves it -- always has -- so we're indulging him every chance we can get. The sprinkler is a big hit -- especially after Steve showed Sam that sticking your whole head in the stream of water is really refreshing. We've also been hitting the neighborhood pool. It's just a couple of blocks away and there's a great wading pool that's perfect for Sam. I didn't take any photos at the pool, but his hairdo after a day or sunscreen, sweat and chlorine was definitely a photo opp not to be missed (don't worry, we took him in for a haircut this week!)