Laowai

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  • A GREAT DAY FOR MUSIC

    Our day has been filled with music today. First, we went to the playground and there was a guy (a dad I think) playing the banjo. He played the nicest upbeat tunes. I felt like we were in an episode of Sesame Street where they show a kid going about their day doing kid things. It was a great playground soundtrack. 

    Then we went to Potbelly Sandwich Shop for lunch. And they had a couple guys playing guitar like they often do. We sat right up front and Bea bopped along to their classic songs. Then they played The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I’m sure those songs are not in their normal play list. Bea’s ears perked up and she starred at them as if to say hey wait a second, I know that song. 

    Sometimes things pop up in an otherwise ho-hum day and make it special. Those are good days. 

    One more musical thing that I’ve been meaning to post. The Olympics have reminded me of the great time I had on my first trip to China. We rented a boat with our Chinese friend Annie at the Summer Palace in Beijing. The lake was full of boats and everyone seemed to be smiling and having the best time. One boat that came near us had some friendly old Chinese people who were singing. Brian was smart to get out the camera and record one of my favorite memories. It’s not much but it takes me back to that day. Towards the end you can hear Annie say wow in her cute voice.

  • AUGUST IS FOR VISITORS

    This August is for vistors. Last weekend – Gramma and Grandpa C. Next weekend – Jenna, Jennifer and Grandma J. 

    Here are some photos from last weekend. We had fun at the playground, at The Morton Arboretum (with its new children’s garden) and at Ravinia.

  • ADD THIS TO MY CHRISTMAS LIST

    I had to share this ad that I ripped out of a magazine. 

     
    Here are the details:

    This playful little sweetheart is quite a handful! 

    Baby Jingles
    Heavenly Handfuls Li’l Monkey Hugs Doll
    by artist Darlene Austin

    Pose her anywhere! 

    A whole new way to fall in love with babies
    This little one knows how to get your attention. If she makes a silly face or jingles the tiny bells on her shoes, maybe you’ll tickle her feet… or give her a grape as a treat! Introducing “Jingles,” a playful newborn monkey who just wants to be “babied.” Are you ready to love her back?

    Sculpted and dressed to delight you
    “Jingles” is realistically sculpted (right down to her adorable monkey feet hidden inside her baby shoes.) She’s covered with hand-applied mohair. Best of all, she’s constumed just like a pampered human baby, in a little knit tee that says “Mommy’s Little Monkey,” with matching cap, tiny diaper, wee baby shoes, and fancy socks. She gets her name from the jingle bells on her shoelaces!

    Available for a limited time and demand is expected to be great so order NOW. 

    This doll is not a toy. It is a fine collectible to be enjoyed by adult collectors.

  • SAN DIEGO

    We got back from our San Diego trip last night. We had a great time – it just went too fast. We were there to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company that Brian works for. It felt like a very luxurious few days, or as Brian put it “the founders dropped a lot of money”. We stayed at a really nice hotel where it seemed like there were twelve employees per guest. The type of service that is so attentive it makes me a little uncomfortable. The hotel was chosen partly because of it’s kid friendly features. All the principles and managers were invited to bring their families and wow the number of five and under kids was impressive. The company is really being productive – in and out of the office. The hotel had a buffet table for kids that was a foot and a half off the ground. They had a special kiddie pool and a snack area at the pool with mini tables and umbrellas. They had a plate of cookies and milk waiting when we arrived – the plate had Bea’s name written in chocolate. They must have had about 100 high chairs available at all the group meals. And at the restaurants they had special kid’s silverware and dishes with characters on them. I could go on…. There were also a bunch of fun activities like an Amazing Race style scavenger hunt in the Gaslight District of San Diego. And we took a trip to the zoo. The food was really good – not scary buffets but interesting, fresh and beautiful. I never did get to take advantage of the spa but I had a great time. I got to meet a bunch of Brian’s co-workers from all over the world. And I suppose I could get used to that kind of luxury (ha ha).

    Here are a few pictures:

  • SEWING SPREE

    I got a bunch of fabric for really cheap a couple weekends ago. Our local fabric store is kinda like a big messy warehouse with rude employees, but it’s fun to sift through the bolts and find fabrics for around $2.00 a yard. I made a dress and a shirt from this pattern and another summer shirt for Bea. I’m not sure the neckline is the most flattering on the dress but I might try it again. I’m proud that I actually made a dress… with a zipper even. Sorry for the bad photos.



    Here’s Bea with her favorite new toy. She carries the kitty around everywhere and says meow over and over.


  • MONDAY MORNING

    This morning Brian had to catch a 6:00 flight. He woke up well after he was supposed to leave the house because his alarm didn’t go off. Oh, isn’t that the worst feeling. He showered, shaved, got dressed, zipped up his suitcase and jumped in the car in about 7 minutes. I quickly got Bea up an put her limp, sleepy little body in the car. Luckily there wasn’t any traffic because it was around 5:00. Brian drove like a maniac and we were so nervous the whole way. 

    He emailed me later to let me know that he made it. I felt so bad for him. What a horrible way to start the week. 

  • LOOK WHO’S COLORING




    I’m so excited that she is showing some interest in coloring! I’m hoping we can get through any winter blahs and cabin fever by doing some toddler crafts. I have tons of inspiration from blogs like the crafty crow. When I thought of having a kid I always thought about making art and crafts together. I have so much to look forward to and this is just the first little step. 

    Here’s the masterpiece:


  • MISCHIEF IS HER MIDDLE NAME

  • MORE OF THE SAME

    I can’t remember when I last really enjoyed summer like I am this summer. Bea has forced me to get out and enjoy the sunshine and notice all the little things that make summer great.

    We went for another outdoor concert/picnic at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Tuesday:



    Wednesday was a fabulous hot day for the beach:



    Watering our plants keeps us busy:




    We discovered that the Very Hungry Caterpillar is living on our dill plant:


    Summer reading in a new top that I whipped up for her last night:




    Learning how those door handles work. Doesn’t she look grown up?


  • J-E-L-L-O

    If you love Jello like I love Jello then go here.

    Go ahead – you’ll like it.