Catching Up

Here's proof of the busy week we had, in the form of the longest post ever. Seriously, get comfortable, this one's going to take you awhile.

Brookfield Zoo
Our crazy week began with a trip to Brookfield Zoo. Even though we knew we'd have a lot going on the next several days and could've used the time to get stuff done around the house, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy the 1st weekend of mild weather we've had in months. We're so glad we did, b/c the kids had a great time!

The boys loved riding in their new wagon, which was a Christmas gift from Papa & Grammy. Chris & I look forward to the day when they are big enough to pull us in it :)
Andy saying hi to the dolphins

Aidan and Mommy waiting for the sea lions to make an appearance

Exhausted from a really fun day, both kids were asleep before we even reached the expressway (and I didn't last much longer either...poor Daddy was the only one who didn't get to sleep on the way home).

Aidan's Family Birthday Party

Two weeks ago we had our extended family over for Aidan's 1st birthday party. Mimi arrived that morning for a 9 day stay and we were so glad she could be there to celebrate w/us. As usual, the birthday party was a whirlwind of eating and presenting opening, followed by several hours of Chris & I trying to pry all the new toys from their boxes (seriously, why do toy companies use actual screws to hold items in their containers????).

Aunt Kathy & Uncle Pat win Aidan's approval by including his favorite snack in their present Aidan diving right into his birthday cupcake

He was kind enough to share once he'd licked all the frosting off

Wrestling w/Daddy & Andy, on a MAJOR post cupcake sugar high.

Finally coming down & going to bed about 8 pm, the latest our sleep lover has ever stayed up!

Aidan's Adoption Hearing

The morning after Aidan's birthday party, we had to wake the kids up early & make it into the city by 8 am for Aidan's adoption court hearing. The kids did great, I think Mommy, Daddy & Mimi were the exhausted ones! Now that the hearing has taken place, we simply need to have two more post-placement visits w/our social worker and our adoption will be final May 25th!

Waiting for our turn in front of the judgeAidan being officially "served" his adoption papers. Hopefully its the only time in his life that happens!

Cosley Zoo w/Addy, Aunt Sandy & Mimi

We took advantage of one of the nice weather days we had and spent the afternoon at one of our favorite summer spots, Cosley Zoo

Andy & Addy were very happy to be back at the "little zoo"

Aidan didn't share their excitement and seemed unimpressed w/his 1st experience there Andy & Addy took to holding each other's hands when told to "hold a hand"Seriously, cutest thing ever!

Mr. Mom

I went to Florida for a bachelorette party for my friend Kathy (aka Aunt Kathy), marking my 1st weekend away from the boys. I had a great time, but I have to admit I missed them so much and thought of them constantly. A number of times I had to stop myself from speaking "Mommy" (i.e. exlaiming things like "Look - a birdie!!!") and also found I could not sleep in, even when given the chance. In the past, I would've been one of the last ones up every morning, but on this trip I was always the 1st. Crazy how motherhood changes you! Meanwhile, Chris got to experience what its like to take care of the kids all day. He did a great job (no one had any major accidents, got off their schedules or contracted serious diseases!) and Andy now constantly asks me when Daddy will be home to play w/him.

While Mommy was...

Toasting the bride w/a "Welcome to Florida!" glass of champagne in the hot tub

Lounging by the pool while enjoying 3 of her favorite things - Starbucks, reading & sunshine

Having a meal out where only a small clutch, rather than a duffel-sized diaperbag, was necessary

Indulging in a tropical beverage complete w/special glass & fancy straw (don't worry Mom, I only had one and although the glass looks enormous it really was mostly ice!)

Relaxing at the Spa (Mommy not pictured - too busy enjoying Spa's Relaxation Room to pose for photo)
And finally, what girls-only weekend would be complete w/o seeing a Chick-flick (Shopaholic, perfect chick-flick material!).
Daddy was overseeing...

...snack time...

...and bathtime...
...and bedtime......and a trip to the Dupage Children's Museum......and a second trip to Brookfield Zoo...
Good thing he had Mimi there to give him a hand!!