Chicago Recap

We're backkkk!! 

We had such a great time in Chicago. We saw tons of family and friends, enjoyed the fall weather, and stood up in the most beautiful wedding ever.

I'm going to catch up here this week but hope everyone is doing well! 

How the hell is it almost November???

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Leo is such a happier baby when he is out and busy, so after day one at home, I quickly saw that we needed to find a few baby friendly activities in order to keep him happy.

 I found "Rock'n'Kids" online, and was able to attend two classes while we are there. The classes were SO perfect, and honestly one of the better baby classes we've been to. The owner Jamie, keeps the energy up, has different sensory activities, tons of great music and books, and lots of free time for the kids to interact with each other as well.

 

They have classes during the week in tons of Chicago suburbs, so you should absolutely check them out!

When we weren't out at classes, we were visiting parks, taking long walks in the perfect weather, and soaking up Grandparent time.

Gia (my cousin) and her girlfriends are literally obsessed with Leo and basically came running over everyday after school to get their fix. 

Friday night was Senior night at my old high school - which was perfect since myGia is a cheerleader there and was going to be honored.

We had an early dinner at The Cottage in downtown CL, and made it back to Central in time to catch an unreal sunset.

And it was pretty cool to take Leo to "mom and dads" old stomping grounds. We even saw a few old teachers who were able to meet him!!

That Saturday morning, we walked around the lake with my parents before the Hawkeye game.

 Pretty crazy the difference a year makes....

One of my best friends Jenna drove out from the city to get a little Leo fix, and then her and I snuck away for a little lunch during Leo's nap. 

Sunday afternoon, we went to Iowa with Joel's parents to visit Leo's cousins and Aunt Lauren and Uncle Jake!

I was hoping we would catch a nap on the three hour ride there, but no such luck and it made for a verrrry long drive.

 

Luckily it was worth it - we had such a fun time visiting and playing, and Leo was much better on the ride home!

 

Must Have's

I've been using this for a week and I am....obsessed. My therapist recommended this homeopathic option for daily anxiety relief, and its been working really well. I bought it off of amazon, and I mix 4 droplets in a glass of water every morning. It has a long lasting effect throughout the day, and while its obviously not magic, I don't find my body going into these tense, anxious states as much as I had previously. I also really like that you can use this when your pregnant (not that I am), but I suffered with a lot anxiety and this would have been really nice to have had.

Etsy shop here

You probably saw this bib in Leo's birthday party recaps, but I can't stop using it. I keep this bib in my diaper bag and use it when we are out. Its cute enough to have it on him the entire dinner, its machine washable, and it folds up so tiny it doesn't take any space in my bag. When I was thinking about buying things for Leo's birthday, I didn't want to get a shirt or bib that he could only wear once, and at $20 dollars, this bib was festive enough - but still useful after his birthday bash too.

I've tried a lot of pumpkin spice coffees this season, and this one from Target is by far the best. Just sweet enough - just spicy enough - and I've been obsessed with it. It's even better than my old faithful Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice.

We've reached a point where this just has to happen. Leo is in a phase of needing to be held or entertained constantly  and even with extra hands here in Chicago to help - that just can't be done 100% of the day. Coupled with the fact that we are now down to 1 nap, I'm feeling very grateful that I'm able to by some time with the help of Mickey and his friends. I've bought one episode through itunes and so far, Leo doesn't seem to mind the repetition!

Week 1 in Chicago

Per usual we are having a great time in Chicago. Leo is getting spoiled rotten, I'm loving getting a chance to be in the fall weather, and we've spent each day catching up with friends and family.

By some amazing stroke of luck, on our flight here to Chicago we had an empty middle seat.

 

I've traveled quite a bit with Leo alone, but each month brings a whole new level of complications. He never sits still, so I was pretty worried that we were going to be in for an extra long flight, but I'm happy to report that he did absolutely fantastic.

Much in thanks to the extra seat - but we ate a lot, watched some mickey mouse, really enjoyed the toys and books I brought, and even gave me a 55 minute nap in the ergo!

The first two days we were home were pretty low key. Lots of walks and chili, a few play dates, and just time spent with Leo's grandparents.

                '

 

 

Friday night we had a happy hour play date at our friends house, and then snuck home so we could see my sisters who came in for the weekend. 

                 

Every year my mom's side of the family gets together to bake apple pies and then freeze them for the holidays. We made 12 pies this year, ate tons of food all day long, and had a blast having all of the little cousins together.

  

 

   

This week will hopefully be more of the same!