Babysitter Blues

I left Matt with our first babysitter this morning. Matt and Jack have never been with a sitter other than an aunt or a grandparent so this was a big deal. (Of course he is the second child so not too big of a deal - Just kidding Lauren!)
When we left, Matt was in good spirits (see picture!) but I guess it went downhill from there. I got a call from the sitter saying he had been crying for two hours and refusing to eat. As soon as I got home he was all smiles again - the little stinker! The two girls sitting for Matt were still smiling and said they would babysit anytime so that is good news. The girls are so cute and so good with both of the boys. We will just have to keep trying.

True Love

Jack and Hayden have known each other since they were about 5 weeks old and we have been apart of the "North side" playgroup since he was about 4 months old. I get such a kick out of all of the kids and love watching them grow up. Jack seems gravitate toward Hayden during play group. I think he also just likes being around one or two kids. Yesterday, Jack and Hayden kept disappearing. Courtney and I found them playing "going to bed" in my room. I think all play dates with these two will need to be supervised for next 20 years!

Blanket Love

At home, Jack is totally attached to the green blanket. When we first moved, the rule was no blanket outside of the room. Then I said no blanket downstairs. Now it is no blanket outside (unless he wants it!). The last rule has been in effect for about a year so I am holding on to it. Jack and the blanket are so cute though and they play so nicely together!

Dad's 60th

The Birthday Boy


Who is watching this kid....

The stairs down to Lake Michigan....

Uncle Greg trying to steal Jack's cookie...
Matt's favorite sleeping position...

Griffin lending a hand...
We celebrated my dad's 60th b-day at my Aunt Debbie's last weekend. It was a perfect day with great weather, good beer and plenty of activities and trouble for Jack. Jack loved Debbie's two pools, walking down to Lake Michigan (via 100 stairs) and running up and down the hills in her backyard.

Photo Albums

I have been scanning pictures from my Grandma's pristine photo albums for the past few weeks and have really enjoyed the process. I loved seeing pictures of babies, birthday parties, holidays and just everyday pictures of my aunts, uncle and dad. Having kids back to back must have been really hard but I know the kids were incredibly loved and seemed to have a good life. I also found it interesting how much my cousins look like their parents or how much Matt and Jack resemble my dad and his brother, Greg. Here are a few pictures where I think I can see Jack's smile in my dad and Matt resembling Greg.

My dad, Uncle Greg, Aunt Karen

Aunt Karen, Uncle Greg, my dad

Grandma, Uncle Greg, Dad

Hayden the Photographer

I have been trying to take a picture of the four kids: Matt, Jack, Hayden and Declan. So far I have not had much luck. Everyone participated this time but not every one looked at the camera at once. Hayden took some great photos of me and Jack though. I was very impressed.

"I'm Jessi by the way."

This past weekend, my good friend, Mo, and I went to our 10 year college reunion. It was probably one of the best times of my life. Mo and I met freshman year as roommates, went to Rome together our sophomore year and have been great friends ever since. I could not wait to "relive" some of the good times we had at Saint Mary's. In 10 years, most of us have gotten married and had kids but so little really seemed to have changed. We all were able to pick up where we left off. Unfortunately for Mo and I, we left off as buffoons. I don't think we let anyone down this weekend.
Some highlights from the weekend were Mo asking Sara Pluta if she went to the Rome Reunion and Sara replying that she did not go to Rome, Anne Schneeman calling us "wretched little bitches" (I guess she did not appreciate the drunk dialing), security coming to our room because my alarm clock was going off for a few hours and Jessi introducing herself to Joya who knew her and had spent a good part of the dinner talking to her. Jessi is a rare, totally good natured person who also had to put up with the drunk dialing when Mo called and asked her take us from Holy Cross to LeMans (a 2 minute walk).
Terry said the next reunion cannot come fast enough. He said I came back very giddy. I guess that is what happens when you are finally allowed to have a full meal, conversation and night's sleep without interruption. It felt great.

Too Much Fun

Jack is so good at making Matt laugh. After "surprising" Matt several times, Matt had his own surprise for us. There are no embellished sound effects...