-Carson's first parade at Roosevelt Park Day-

It was a cold rainy day, but we braved the weather, packed the blankets and sweatshirts, and found a front row seat to watch the local business floats, clowns, and marching bands parade through the park.

Carson decided to wake up at 5:15 AM that morning (anticipation about the parade, or those darn painful teeth coming in?) so by the time the parade rolled by he was pretty much zoned out. I think his favorite part was the shower of candy that landed on our blanket.

House Rule: Always play with your food.

Hey, whatever gets him to eat his veggies!

Carson helping Mom put his baby sister's bottles together.

He's a good little helper already!

----Chicago----

A fun little belated anniversary get-away, our last couple weekend before we are the parents of TWO! We stayed at the beautiful, historic Palmer House downtown, the same place we honeymooned. It was so nice to spend the weekend together relaxing and reconnecting, sleeping in, roaming around the city with no plans, catching the air and water show-free front row seats!- shopping and eating, and just enjoying each other's company. Of course all weekend we kept pointing out things to one another that made us think of our little guy..."Carson would have so much fun playing here, Carson would love that..." but as much as we miss him when we're not with him, we've made a vow that we will continue to make time for just us, as we believe that happy parents make happy families :) I'm sure that will get harder as our family size grows, but we'll keep trying to at least make a once a year get-away!

There's nothing better in the world then coming home to this face everyday! Carson LOVES to make us laugh and now that he is talking he knows just what to say to crack us up- and he does it constantly! He loves to sing and every night before bed we sing his favorite songs, and then lay him down and listen to him from the next room as he sings himself to sleep in his sweet little voice, it's just sooo cute. He's such a smart and curious little boy -which also means he's into everything and keeps us running!- but we would not have it any other way. He's such a joy to be around and lights up our life. Our hearts are overflowing with love for this amazing little boy, it's hard to imagine what it will be like with two precious little ones very soon!

Ryan was very patient as I learned the art of fly fishing. Ryan decided to take a "mental health day" on one of my lay-off days a few weeks ago and we headed north and spend a relaxing morning on the river. Wading through the strong current with my over-sized belly was certainly a work-out, so I spent a good part of the morning lounging in my chair with a good book, enjoying the solitude and beauty of the river and watching the grin on Ryan's face when he proudly caught the only fish of the day.

BEACH BABY

We love to play at the beach in the evenings after work, now that the weather is finally getting warm again!