PRIDE

I'll warn you ahead of time, this post is a bit of a platform piece for me. I am generally not an overly confrontational person, and try to avoid talks of politics & religion, but we all have our causes, and for me one of my biggest passions is fighting for equal rights for the LGBT community. I know that not everyone will agree with my views, including some people close to me, but at the end of the day I just want everyone to be happy and have the right to love who they want, and I'll never be ashamed to admit my beliefs on this matter.

Last weekend was Pride weekend throughout the country. In cities all across America members of the LGBT community and their supporters came out to celebrate being proud of who we all are - whether that be gay, straight, bi, questioning, etc. This Pride weekend was an extra special one since the Friday before New York passed a legislation allowing gay marriage. I couldn't be more thrilled in this step towards equality for all! Sunday was the day that most cities hosted the 2011 Pride Parade. My cousin Bridget lives near the parade route (as do we, albeit on the other end!) and recently moved, so she hosted a morning housewarming brunch, followed by everyone heading over to watch the parade.

The parade was such a blast. I want to dispel the notion that it was just a bunch of gay people prancing about in flamboyant outfits. The parade was comprised of members of the LGBT community as well as people who support them. Companies such as Walgreens, Orbitz, Macys, and many local businesses had floats to show their dedication to the community. Several politicians also marched. The parade represented many different communities all tied together by one theme - acceptance. Tim & I were really excited to take Timmy to the parade, as it is incredibly important for us to raise him to be tolerant and loving of all cultures of people. No, we're not saying to him "you should be gay!" but we want him to grow up knowing that no matter who he is we love him. As long as he is a loving person, who cares about others, then we're happy. Our love isn't limited by who he decides to love, what career path he chooses, what his religious beliefs turn out to be. He is loved and accepted no matter what. Hopefully by exposing him to many different ways of life, in a joyful fashion, he will in turn out to be a loving person who cares for all people of our world.

Timmy was quite a hit at the parade. He danced to the music from the floats and had his picture taken by many a person in the crowd. Cousin Bridget gave him a pinwheel which he waved proudly. Aside from a few protestors yelling at us on the way home (shouldn't they have been raptured by now?!?) it was a lovely day. And even that didn't ruin the day. If anything it emphasized to me that it isn't my place to judge others, and being hateful really goes against what I think God would want from us. To love others and leave the judging to a higher power. We were just there to have fun - and we did!!

All right, if you made it this far you are now rewarded w/pictures of Timmy from the parade! Thanks for reading!

Watching the parade with Daddy & cousin Bridget

It was super hot so Timmy had a popsicle treat.

Me & Bridget

All Aboard Diner

I'm not sure if I've mentioned before, but I'm part of an online Mom's group. It's a great group of ladies from all over the country, and most of us have been a part of this community since we were pregnant a few years ago. I've made some amazing friends from this community, and learned so much. It's really wonderful to have a place to go to with questions, or just to get some support from ladies who are going through the same things that I am.

Anyway... Monday a group of 9 Moms from the Chicagoland area decided to meet up in the burbs to take our kiddos to the All Aboard Diner. The entire place is just train central, so I knew that Timmy would love it. We sat in the party room (we had 9 moms & 15 kids), but if you sit at the main counter a train even brings you your food. Timmy was in heaven. I'm already planning on having Tim take his birthday off from work so we can take him there for lunch. Between the traincentric decor and fun friends to play with it was a fantastic time - for the kiddos and the moms alike!


I had a complete brain fart and didn't check the settings on my camera, so the first few pics are super blurry. Awesome. Anyway you can see how excited Timmy is, which is the most important part!

Timmy & his new girlfriend Addie. They were killing me. Hugging, holding hands, tickling each other. It was too much!

Timmy & Tyler watching trains.

The train at the counter that brings you your food.

Timmy was mesmerized by the train!

Happy Father's Day!!

Yesterday was Father's Day. A day to celebrate the amazing Dads in our lives. I have to say, as far as this goes I've hit the jackpot! Yesterday I was fortunate enough to spend the day with my three favorite guys. Timmy, my amazing husband Tim, and my dear old Daddy Boy, who was in town for the weekend. Unfortunately we couldn't be with Grandpa John, aka Tim's dad, on Father's Day, but send him our love and hope he had an amazing day as well.

Tim wanted to play mini golf, so we headed down to Diversey Harbor to play. Timmy has a lot of work to do if he's going to be able to beat his Dad & Grandpa one of these days!! Not to mention his lovely Mother who got not one, but TWO holes in one! I think I'll let the photos illustrate some of Timmy's..... "skills!!"

Timmy was delighted that there was a playground next to the mini golf course, so afterwards we HAD to go play. I got some sweet pics of my boys together!

Lunch in the park, afternoon naps, and a fantastic dinner rounded out this lovely day!

Happy Father's Day (albeit a day late) to all you Dad's out there. There's no understating the impact a Dad can have on his child's life. It's a hard job, but someone has to do it! We love you all and thank you for all you do!

Painting Baby Henry's Room!

Sunday afternoon, while Timmy was napping, Tim & I decided to paint the base color of the nursery. We're doing two-toned stripes, but decided we better get a move on and start by painting at least the bottom shade. When we were done I opened Timmy's door to get him to start waking up from his nap and ran to Trader Joes. Tim said there was quiet upstairs... too much quiet. He went upstairs to check on the boy and lo & behold he was inside the nursery painting the wall! When asked what he was doing he excitedly said "Painting Baby Henry's room!!!" Tim quickly stripped him down and rinsed his clothes before I got home. When I got back he was still painting so I grabbed a few quick pics. Sorry they're terrible, I was in a rush!

While we're delighted that Timmy is so eager to help out, I'm not sure that we need a two year old's help on painting walls! I did however ask him to paint a special picture for us to frame and hang on the wall. Here's a shot of the finished masterpiece. It's a bit crooked b/c I took it with my cell. I think he may have a real talent!

Hopefully we'll get the stripes done tomorrow and get this nursery put together. Stay tuned for more pics!

Pool Time

Last week I decided we needed a bigger kiddie pool for our courtyard. Timmy has a small one, but it was HOT outside and I wanted to swim too! Ok, not really swim, but I wanted to lounge in some cool water. Tim was on board with this idea so we headed over to Toys R Us to grab another pool. Great idea right? Um.... sort of. Apparently we neglected to look at the actual dimensions of the pool we purchased and we ended up with this gem....

It's lovely and all.... but I don't think we were planning on buying a pool that takes up our ENTIRE courtyard! lol! It seriously took about 2 hours to fill up halfway. Tim and I were cracking up at how big it was (you can fit several adults in there!), but eventually caved and gave in to the majesty that is that huge pool. Timmy loves playing in it and filling it up with as many toys as possible.

But you know who loves it even more that Timmy? This gal right here. I am telling you it is pregnant heaven. One realllllly hot day I sat in it the entire time Timmy napped. Some lemonade, a few trashy magazines, and a pool full of cool water to soak my large self in = heaven! So while it was a ridiculous purchase, it was also a fantastic one!! It's down right now since it got cold and rainy towards the end of the week, but as soon as the high temps return POOL PARTY AT OUR HOUSE!!!!

7 Months

Last Sunday we decided to walk over to Lincoln Park Zoo & Lincoln Park Conservatory. While we were there I realized that I had just passed the 7 month mark, so I decided some photos were in order. I was so good about taking weekly bump pics with Timmy, but I've been terrible this time. But hey, once a month is better than nothing right?!? I tried to pick photos that minimize the fact that my butt is getting as big as my stomach. Good times! lol

These are just two pics from the zoo, but I'm just cracking up at them and had to share. Red, the fire engine from the movie Cars, had to accompany us. I love where he ended up!

And finally two adorable pictures of Timmy from the Lincoln Park Conservatory. I was pleased that Timmy liked walking around and seeing all of the plants. When he saw this neon bench he was super excited. Too cute!

St. Louis Trip - Part 2

Get ready.... this is going to be a long one too!!! I'll just narrate by pictures!

On Monday, Memorial Day, we headed over to the City Gardens in downtown St. Louis to play in the fountains! We went last June and had a blast, so we decided to brave the heat and crowds and try it out again. It was so much fun.

First Timmy had some fountain splashing fun....

Then we played in a big wading pool for a bit. I have a TON of great pictures, but decided 5 was probably enough for one post! (especially since I have other events to blog about as well! lol)

Tim drove back to Chicago with Ben & Tina on Monday evening, but Timmy & I stayed for Tuesday and Wednesday, since I doubt I'll make it back to STL this summer.

Tuesday my Granny Franny had us over for lunch so Timmy could play with some of our cousins. Cousin Charlie comes by for lunch every Tuesday, so we were excited to get he and Timmy together, and my cousins Hannah & Jake came by too, which Timmy loved!

Wednesday we went to Norwood to swim (aka "Grandpa's Pool). Norwood is fantastic b/c it has a beach entry so Timmy can go in and out as he likes. In the beginning he was a bit tentative, and by the end he was going in up to his neck and trying to play with the big boys. It's such a great way for the kids to get comfortable in the water. And did I mention they have awesome pool food? My cousin Maggie would have been really jealous ;)

I lured Timmy out of the pool after several hours with the promise of ice cream. In my hometown we have an awesome frozen custard place called the Whistle Stop Cafe. Whistle Stop is in our old train depot, and right on the train tracks, so aside from the delicious frozen custard appeal, there are trains. 2 1/2 year old heaven!!!

don't freak out - these tracks clearly are old and go to nowhere. they're just for fun!

St. Louis Trip - Part 1

As I mentioned in my last post we spent some time in St. Louis last week. Tim & I had a wedding to go to, which was the main reason for the trip, but we also had all sorts of St. Louis family fun as well! I took a gazillion pictures, so I'll try to keep this post quasi-brief, but I want to share our fun with you! So without further ado here is Part 1 of our latest St. Louis adventure!

Friday morning we headed over to Grandma & Grandpa Carey's for brunch. They were leaving for Florida that day, but delayed their trip to spend some time with us which we really appreciated. After a delicious brunch Timmy was ready to swim! He seriously ran straight to the diving board, climbed on, and rushed to the end. I was amazed at what a daredevil he is... and a bit freaked out as well! Lol. I was disappointed that I left my camera at my Dad's, but Grandma Kiki emailed me some pictures she took. Their pool is just gorgeous as I'm sure you can tell. We had a great time and could hardly get Timmy to leave!

When Tim & I got back from our wedding adventure on Sunday we met my Dad & Timmy at our close family friend's house for a Memorial Day BBQ. There were a ton of kiddos Timmy's age, amazingly fun toddler toys, and yet another pool, so clearly we had an awesome day!

Timmy was smitten with cutie pie Olivia. Around this point he said to her "there's a playground over there. Want to go play?!?" It was hilarious. I felt like he was asking her out.

 Oh cupcake face.... he really thinks he's funny!

When we got home I wanted to play with my new 35mm lens that just arrived in the mail. I got some really fun shots of my boys! Timmy is such a Daddy's boy these days, and I just love it. They're adorable together. 

I still have many, many more pictures to share with you so stay tuned for part two!!!