Saint Louis Vacation

Beckett's first vacation and Phoebe's second! We didn't get very creative, since we took Phoebe to the same place last year, but it worked out well and it's so kid-friendly. We did not go to that sculpture garden last year--which was amazing. Though she might say otherwise, I think that was Phoebe's favorite place because she just ran and ran and was excited to see each new thing the whole time we were there. I'm not sure what Beckett enjoyed most--probably the hotel or the garden because he got to explore a new place on his hands and knees. Most other places he was confined to the stroller or the mei tai. He was more leary than thrilled the entire time we were at the zoo and Grant's Farm because he didn't know which animals were going to be rearing their heads in his general vicinity. Beckett got a little concerned when the animals seemed to be too close. He isn't so cautious when it comes to inanimate objects, but things that move give him pause, apparently.

Summer 09

In this group, a trip to the Aquarium with Sydney and Grandpa and the Chalk festival (pretty amazing drawings) which was held in Oz Park. Phoebe insisted on having her picture taken with each statue of the characters in the Wizard of Oz. Also, she apparently walked around the entire time holding an imaginary cup of coffee that she was bringing home to me because Beckett and I stayed home that day. Brett said, occasionally, she would ask him to hold it while she did something.

More Summer 2009

More MCA pictures and Millenium Park--this year's sculptures by the Crown Fountain were from China--and the Art Institute. Apparently, random strangers were photographing my child at the same time as we were. She was just resting in a room and drawing.

School Starts Next Week

Recap of Summer activities. We did a lot this summer despite my intense 4 week American Lit course and Brett's duties as summer school principal, so I want to post the pictures of some of the memorable events.

This first set of images includes a visit to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, the MCA, and some play time in the back yard with the sprinkler, which mostly sprinkled the lawn while Phoebe ran on its outskirts.

heart melting

So I just wanted to remember this:
As I was driving Phoebe over to my mom's house, Phoebe said to me, "Mommy, I miss you when you're not with me." Sincere and sweet and with no reward in sight. I was dropping Beckett and Phoebe off because I was going to teach my class and Brett was at a meeting.

I realize most of my posts are about Phoebe still, but she speaks. You know what they say about the squeaky wheel. And Beckett is just a ball of cuddly, laughing goodness. I'm sure I'll have more to report when he starts talking back. pun intended.

"I'm gonna kick him out!"

This morning, I was finally sleeping after a horrible long night of elusive sleep. At 3 a.m., Phoebe called out for me which was about 5 minutes after Beckett cried. Do you know what she wanted? She wanted a kiss and a hug and to tell me that we need to plan a night for Sydney to sleep over. These are the things occuring to Phoebe at 3 o'clock in the morning. I went back to bed hoping that now I might finally sleep soundly--no such luck. I tossed and turned and stayed largely awake until 6:15. Brett left for work and I fell soundly asleep (also after I discovered the notebook Phoebe left under my pillow--I think it was a princess test). Apparently, around 6:45, Beckett woke up and was making a lot of noise which woke Phoebe up, but I didn't hear it. Phoebe came into my room "Mom!...Mom!"
to which I replied with a sleepy "hmmmm?"
"Beckett woke up and he woke me up and now I can't go back to sleep, can you come get him?!" in her best valley girl tone.
"But that would mean I would have to get up, and I was sleeping so nicely. Why don't you climb in bed with me and we can both go back to sleep and we'll ignore Beckett." (I know this is my parenting at it's best)
"Okay, but I don't like your bed. My bed is so much more comfortable and I love my bed and I just want to sleep there."
"What's wrong with my bed?" (my bed, the extremely comfortable latex foam mattress, the special soft pillows, etc. vs. her 20 year old twin mattress with no padding and a flat pillow)
"your sheets are kind of rough and mine are so much more comfortable." (my sheets are jersey knit--I have no idea what she is talking about)
"But lets just rest here for a few minutes."
"I'm going back to my bed and I don't want Beckett in there anymore! I'm going to kick him out"
"Phoebe, how are you going to kick him out?"
"With my foot," was her matter of fact reply.
So she went back into her bedroom apparently intending to kick my son out of his crib. I waited in my bed to see what ensued. When she returned to their bedroom, she spat through clenched teeth "GO BACK TO SLEEP, BECKETT!"
and then almost in the same breath, her other personality jumped in and I heard in a sweet voice, "but I really love you, Beckett." Then Phoebe got in the crib and I heard the bouncing begin, so I knew it was time to go rescue the boy and feed the girl--she wasn't going back to bed and my half hour of solid sleep would have to do for the day. :)