What a Week

8/19/12

We didn’t really have much of a choice, so we both dove into the workweek headfirst.  Dad started school on Monday and Mom also had to work several part time hours this week.  Luckily, only a few of those hours overlapped so we kept the babysitting hours to a minimum.  Mom and Dad also experienced extended time alone with Brenden and Jackson.  There were definitely a fair share of moments that tested our patients, but all things considered, we survived to tell of it. 

Hey Mom.  See if you can find me.

Mom signed up to sing at church on Wednesday.  So, I had the boys all to myself in back.  We have done this a few times before, but not after a long day at work.  It was exhausting, but all worth it in the end.  I came as close as I have ever come to experiencing a moment of Zen.  I was trying my best to keep the boys calm so I could hear Toni sing the Ave Maria.  It happened to work out so that I was heading up to receive communion with Brenden and Jackson in my arms, right when she started.  It was perfect!

Aside from my moment, this week has been such a blur.  Feed, work, babies, make dinner, laundry, feed, repeat… We literally don’t have a minute of free time with our new schedule.  I think this is why the weekend has been so great!  Adam and Corrie came out for dinner on Friday.  We made pizzas on the grill and caught up on some DVR.  Saturday, I walked up to Pazza Di Pizza with the boys and met Toni and her friend Katelyn for a little lunch on the patio.  That afternoon, the Cardinals were on Fox so I was able to catch a win before we headed to church.  That evening, we fired up the grill again and spent some more time outside. 

It’s a beautiful day and Toni is attending a wedding shower downtown.  I guess the boys and I will have to head out and enjoy this weather on our own!  I’m looking forward to another day of sunny skies to cap off a perfect weekend!

Roll Over Brenthoven!

8/12/12

So… While Dad was away at the gym check out what Mom caught on camera!

Lions and Tigers and Chicago Bears... Oh My!

That's a good lookin fami

Soooooo excited for the zoo!!! 

8/10/12

Lions and Tigers and Chicago Bears… Oh My!

Where did the summer go?  Somehow I’m down to my last weekend of freedom.  School starts on Monday with a teachers institute and Tuesday is our first day with students.  In an effort to distract me from this harsh reality, we decided to take the boys to the Brookfield Zoo.  It was the coolest morning in a couple months, so Brenden and Jackson got a chance to show off some new threads. (Tiger shirt at the zoo… too much)  They absolutely loved it!  Anything that involves spending the majority of the day outside is a great day in their minds.  We started with a few outdoor exhibits and got a little braver about removing them from the stroller as the day progressed.  We used the baby carriers for the indoor stuff.  Brenden and Jackson are finally big enough to face out which is one of their favorite positions now.  They love to be able to check out the world.  They are really starting to follow things with their eyes.  After we had our fill, it was time to load up and head home.  Of course, no trip is complete without a Brenden blowout.  There’s just nowhere for it all to go when he’s in his car seat.

A few minor meltdowns later, it was time for Brenden and Jackson’s first trip to Portillo’s.  They did really well so we decided to push our luck with a trip to the mall… bad idea.  Our hunt for Grandma’s birthday present was cut short by two screaming babies.  Mom was finally able to get them calmed down while I went in to make a quick purchase.  We managed to come back with our stomachs full and a gift in hand so I guess we’ll have to chalk it up as a successful trip, but our nerves were definitely tested.

8/11/12

Grandma’s Birthday

Grandma and Grandpa came up to see the boys and celebrate a birthday today.  Grandma was very happy to receive her cupcake accessories from all the kids, but I think we all know what the real gift was. Haha!  They were sooooooo excited to see Brenden and Jackson.  The boys didn’t spend a single second of the day in their rock’n plays.  Between the arms of Grandma and Grandpa and the stroller, that pretty much covered it.  Mom had to work in the morning so Grandma and Grandpa took the boys for a walk while dad got in a run.  Once Mom got back, we walked downtown to Salseria for lunch and again for ice cream that afternoon.  We put some serious miles on the stroller being such a nice day.  It was really nice to be able to take advantage of a beautiful day with family!

The Big Move

Oooooooo...

8/1/12

We decided to make the transition from rock ’n play to crib last night.  We were a little nervous about the move, but Brenden and Jackson did really well thanks to the mobiles Mom made.  She hung them above the boys’ crib before they were born, but they’re finally starting to take notice.  I swaddled them, laid them down, and their eyes were fixed on the colorful display.  After about 20 minutes of leg kicks, they finally gave in and called it a night.  The boys slept 5 hours followed by another 3 ½ hours.  School is starting in only 2 weeks and we have successfully reclaimed the bedroom.  What a relief!

Ahhhhhhhh...