Role Reversals

Some would say a SAHD is a role reversal of sorts. Times, they are a changin' and SAHDs are much more common. Cool stuff!

This past weekend, P and I had a huge role reversal. P ran a race and I, along with the girls, spectated. The race was the Walk to Empower, or in P's case, RUN FAST AS HELL to Empower. It's a huge deal, with people walking or running to support people affected by breast

cancer (which has got to be everyone).

The race/walk was a 5K in downtown Chicago. Weather was amazing, and it takes place on Mother's Day. I can't think of a better way to spend Mother's day morning. I loved that our kiddo's could experience the race, the atmosphere, the kindness, quitness but also, somehow, joyous occasion.

P raced a perfect race! She booked the entire race and finished much faster than anticipated. T was on my back, and was content with people watching. M looked for Mommy, and managed to miss her everytime she went by, despite the fact that P stood out with a fluorescent pink shirt.

We then took P out to an amazing brunch at Sweet Maple Cafe in Lil' Italy, an area which we seem to always overlook for dining options despite being so close!

Sweet Maple's version of MickeyMouseP'cakes, which I like much better, but I'm not sure what the circles above the blue berries are!???

School Lunches

Yes, I'm going out on a limb here. I'm risking my reputation and saying that the Oak Park lunches look half-way decent. There, I said it. This Monday's lunch gives the kids a choice of ham/cheese sandwhich, a caesar salad, or pasta with marinara sauce. However, on Wednesday one of the choices is a pizza burger.

M starts k-garten this fall, and I was scared sh#*less that she was going to have the temptations which I grew up with: taco pizza (apparently a taco pizza is a cheddar cheese pizza with taco "seasoning"), swiss rolls, and breaded chicken sandwiches.

Anyways, I was very nervous. I've planned for several years to be the parent who sends in a bag lunch with all the delectables any child would dream of: spaghetti bolognese (dinner tonight), stir frys, steamed veggies, and M's favorite: diced tofu.

All in all, the District 97 school district looks to be doing a decent job with the meals.

This is a great time to mention a killer blog: http://fedupwithschoollunch.blogspot.com/.

Ms. Q eats a daily school lunch and, well, discusses it. Every day! And I just noticed a link to the site from my good friend and killer blogger, Mel. What a small blog world:)

"Come on ride the train"

C'mon N' Ride the Train by Quad City DJ's

When M was 1, I started riding my bike with a kid trailer, aka burley, on the back, with M in tow. We would start riding in May, end in October, and cover the near west suburbs with a big smile on both our faces. As each summer passes, M finds more and more things to do in the trailer, including singing, talking to all the passing cars, looking for bumps to go over (she actually gets mad when I miss them), reading lots of books, and, of course, falling asleep with the warm wind in her hair.

I started off riding in only great weather, but would progressively ride in wind and the occasional drizzle.

In 2008, P, M and I visited Portland to see Uncle and Aunt M. The weather was, of course, rainy and cold. One weekday morning, we were at a restaurant on a side street knoshing on a late breakfast and I couldn't help take notice just how many bikes with kid trailers whizzed by. I remember at least 10 in one hour. Uncle M remarked how common it is, no matter the weather. Anyways, since then I realized that I shouldn't give up what both M and I love just because it's a bit rainy out. Last year we covered almost all summer and fall miles on the bike/trailer.

I've been very bummed that I havn't been able to ride with M during this beautiful spring since baby A can't ride yet. However, every Friday I get to see my friend GD, his daughter and M's friend C, and her little brother S, 'ridin' the train.' How cool!

Daddybloggin'

Interesting post about SAHD bloggin:
http://edelmandigital.com/2010/04/07/dad-bloggers-deserve-respect/

Swings

I read recently in a review of Oak Park that the name of the town was a misnomer, since it's lacking vast parkland. Agreed, the town doesn't have a large green oasis, like a central park.

However, I think we have numerous, really cool parks in the area where kids can be kids. Better yet, the parks are small and intimite, fostering a great sense of community. Being from Atlanta, where one must drive 15 miles in traffic for a decent green space, I think OP

While M runs around the playground equipment looking for slides and stuff to climb, A has found her niche...

She sat there swinging on Tuesday for an hour, watching life go by with a smile from ear-to-ear. Amazing to see.

A-Maze-in

So, anyone who knows me well knows I go crazy for Libraries. Yes, with a capital Y! Where else can you go to get so much free information and resources?

Ok, so what if the Net is at your fingertips? The library gives the added bonus of so many untangibles: the smell of books, the faint sound of a photocopier in the distance, interactions with other patrons (why is a patron only used for library customers?)...oh, and stuff is usually free, so long as you have a, ahem, free library card. Crazy.

Anyways, I love going to the Oak Park Libraries with M, and now A. M loves going and getting a couple books and movies, but can't wait to get on their computers for some games.

She could play for hours.

Oak Park has a wonderful downtown location with a great layout, especially on the kids floor. Closer to us is the Maze Library, very quaint and cool architechturally with the exposed buttresses. It's small, but very condusive with keeping up with 2 kiddos at once!

Zoo Bound

(take note: 2 heads, 1 neck...sort of)

Before I go any further: I'm not a huge fan of zoo's. A giraffe should be wherever a giraffe is meant to be (according to the zoo, they live in African savannahs). I'm sure there is an excellent arguement about raising such an animal in captivity, especially when it's endangered, or injured. Thats pretty cool!

Anyways, what I like about zoos is they provide a great open area for kids to walk, walk, run, walk, and be entertained for HOURS. AND, it is close to our house. AND, a family season pass to the Brookfield Zoo is cost effective! AND, the zoo lets you bring in all your own food (I highly recommend BYO...the food there is dismal).

A and M and I went lat week, when the temps were nearing 70 degrees. M did great of course, and A was very happy riding shotgun in the stroller, sitting upright.

BIg M and Ms. A

M, and her good friend, and close neighbor, R.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to discuss one of my key supports for raising my two girls: their teachers! M and A go to school 3 days per week, which gives me the ability to work part time. While I love being with the kiddo's, I must admit the break from them is nice sometimes!

Anyways, BigM and Ms.A do a knockout job with all the kids. They are a husband and wife team who care for about 1o kids. What a job...they do it so well.

Today they had their annual valentines day party for the kids (and parents). The children are always so happy there. Thanks BigM and MsA!!!!!!

BigM (sorry, my pics for MsA were fuzzy)

Contemplative M!

All the kids in place!


Chocolate Hearts Rock!

Priceless

A digs butternut squash:

Winter at Rehm

Science Anyone?

I must admit that I'm a bit geeky.

Not that geeky, but I love science.

Given a choice of the chicago museums, I'll opt for the Museum of Science and Industry most of the time.

Is it wrong that I've brought M there 5 times, while she's never stepped foot in the Art Institute nor the Contemporary Museum of Art? A has been 3 times in her now 6 month life span.

Funny how our own preferences influence our parental decisions!!!!!!

Well, I just love this pic of M in the Mariposa exhibit, where projected virtual butterflies land on the participants.

BaByFoOd

OK, everyone who knows me knows that eating quality food is important to me. I'm not a stickler for a certain "mantra" for my diet, except when it comes to feeding my daughters, especially when they're young. While most moms and dads think I'm wasting my time and energy, I make nearly all the baby food I give my under 1 year olds.

Our 6 month old, A, has been on cereal for about a month now. I had a very strong urge to give her real food today, so I introduced a beautiful avocado. I mixed it with some oats, and A went to town on it, gobbling the stuff. She was pissed when I ran out. She ate an entire half! Off to a great start!
Chef M


Chef M and I spent much of an afternoon last week making a months supply of homemade baby food for A. Butternut squash, pureed and chopped, pureed edamame, and chopped green beans, along with a slice of nature's finest...avocado!



Much better than munching on toes!