Magnolia & The Bean

With our time in Chicago drawing to a close, I'm looking for any excuse to squeeze in more time downtown. On this crisp autumn day, I decided the family absolutely NEEDED to have some cupcakes from Magnolia so I loaded Liesel and Ireland in the SUV. Again, Brent was happy to get some one-on-one time with the newest Wuehler and catch up on some football. After a completely traffic-free drive, we parked and headed towards State Street via Daley Plaza. Since we weren't on any time constraints, the girls could slide down the Picasso to their heart's content. The moment Liesel got to the top and sat down I realized the white jeans were a really horrible idea. Ireland wasn't too keen on the slide-she only went down once-but she loved the fountain.  

Liesel's expression says it all, don't you think?

Eventually we headed over to Magnolia. In a stroke of serendipity, it was the Chicago location's 1 year anniversary. Before we even got to the door we received samples of banana pudding and cookies. The girls got to decorate mini cupcakes with different frosting and toppings. Ireland lit up when they presented her with an array of sprinkles. Then they decorated chef's hats. The cupcakes we planned to buy anyway were on sale! There was a photographer wandering around and when she spied the girls, she immediately began clicking away. 

Those cupcakes were gone just as soon as they were decorated!

The girls are up for anything involving glitter.

I took the girls to lunch at Millennium Park and told them we'd stop by The Bean afterwards. While Ireland positively devoured her salad, Liesel peppered me with questions about the "B" and what did it look like, what color was it, etc. I think she was expecting one of those foam letters you see on Sesame Street. When we rounded the corner and she saw it for the first time, she cracked a HUGE smile and excitedly laughed and pointed. They loved looking at themselves and each other in the reflective surface. 

Healthy self-esteem, that one!

The drive home had a bit more traffic but it didn't matter because the girls fell asleep from exhaustion. I had a rare moment of quiet time which I soaked up like water in the desert.

Change

After vowing to never separate the family again, Brent and I have decided to separate the family again. My parents need someone to look after the house while they're on their mission in South Africa and we heartily agreed to make it work. In one month, I'll be moving with the girls to Iowa City and Brent will be moving into a small bachelor pad out here. He's been approved for a 4-day work week and will again take advantage of the bus that runs from downtown Chicago to downtown Iowa City.

Yes, it will be hard. I'll have to step up as a parent and practice more patience. The girls will miss their daddy not to mention their grandparents. Brent's going to put in some seriously long hours at work so he can be with us every weekend. We're planning to live as cheaply as possible over the next two years so we can save for a down payment on a home. Luckily, everything in Iowa City (from gas to gymnastics classes) is much cheaper than here in the suburbs of Chicago. I'm fortunate to have an amazing support system between the familiar faces of my hometown and my old ward. And of course, we have faith that the Lord will support us as we support missionary efforts around the world.

Not that life will be completely dreary over the next two years. Preschool in Iowa City is every day for a full 3 hours and it's completely FREE!!! We know all the fun places to go and all the fabulous places to eat. I'm excited for my girls to experience a bit of what I had when I grew up. Brent will be able to work on projects he's shelved with young children around. Somewhere in there is a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa for sure... with perhaps a layover in London? Stay tuned for that one :)

Hashtags

Like many kids, Liesel is somewhat adverse to the vacuum. Recently I'd only been able to vacuum half the living room when Brigitta absolutely demanded to be fed. Once she finished, I put her on the portion I'd just vacuumed and finished doing the rest of the apartment. When I came back into the living room, Brigitta was up on the couch. I sharply questioned Liesel about how she got up there to which Liesel replied, "Uhhhhhhm, she just walkeded up there by herself!" My sister Reagan pointed out Liesel was probably terrified I'd accidentally suck her up with the vacuum. #babysafety

Whenever one of the girls gets pushy with the other (which is pretty 50-50 these days), I'll intervene by asking, "Who's the boss applesauce?" The point being that Ireland shouldn't be telling Liesel to go brush her teeth or she'll go to time out and Liesel shouldn't tell Ireland she won't get dessert if she doesn't eat all her peas. Brent and I are the ones to make that call. During lunch the other day, Ireland asked if she could have more "boss applesauce" after finishing her Motts. #foodvsdiscipline

After she'd been fed, after she'd been changed, we had Brigitta on our bed when Brent and I were discussing our schedules for the next day. I looked down at my girl and said, "One thing I'm sure of is that this one's not going to let me get a good night's sleep!" Right then she cracked the most adorable open-mouthed smile. #mamaknowsbest

At the playland this week Ireland had no less than 3 boys chasing her at the same time. They looked sincerely fascinated by her and she looked absolutely terrified. She raced around the playland with them close on her heels and finally ran headlong into my lap. "Why are they doing that?" she asked. Oh my little Ireland, that kind of behavior is just a little too complicated to explain at this point in your life. #heartbreaker

Early yesterday morning Brent and I were cuddled in our warm, comfy bed with Brigitta sleeping soundly between us. We heard the girls get into the kitchen and knew right away one of us needed to supervise. Without a word we raised our fists and battled it out with rock, paper, scissors. After tying with scissors, paper and scissors again we laughed and both got out of bed. Clearly the universe was telling us we were both needed for this one. #couplesinsomnia

Today during the sacrament, Ireland noticed the old man in the pew behind us had fallen asleep. During that relatively silent moment of church, she called out in her baby voice, "Hey, WAKE UP!!!" And he did. Oh how my cheeks burned with embarrassment! #teachreverence

Call Me Maybe

Spotted on Design Mom, I cannot get this version of Call Me Maybe out of my head. Watching the video makes me want to be back in my high school chorus. There are so many versions of this song floating out there, have you seen any others that have you smiling?   

Indian Summer

I can't help but feel the girls were cheated out of their summer. Sure Ireland loved gymnastics while Liesel enjoyed swimming and math camp. We made it downtown a handful of times to go to the MOSI or meet Brent for lunch. There were playdates and birthday parties here and there. But other than that, it was a lot of sitting around the apartment with a hugely pregnant mom and the air conditioner on full blast.

Love this shot. She was actually annoyed with me asking her
to smile at the camera. This is Liesel obliging me.

HOW do they crouch down like that?

When I noticed the weather was going to be 78, sunny, and slightly breezy, I made my case for a family trip to the beach. With Brigitta still so little, Brent was hesitant. When I mentioned I'd be willing to take Liesel and Ireland on my own, he lit up. I wasn't sure which football games were on, but I was confident Brent wouldn't be missing us much as he cheerfully hosed the girls down with SPF, slid them into their swimsuits, and ushered us out the door. 

Look at those curls! When did her hair get so long???

Ever creative, Liesel made a sand angel!

Just as I had hoped, the beach was practically empty. There were a few families and some leathery college age girls soaking up the last drops of vitamin D. Liesel and Ireland are such beach veterans! They didn't hesitate when we picked a spot and I began laying out the towels. Ireland immediately went to dip her toes in the water while Liesel started digging in the sand. Per usual, neither wanted to leave even though we'd been there for hours and still hadn't had lunch. Eventually we said goodbye to the beach. 

I took the girls for a late lunch at the downtown McDonald's that was revamped for their 50th anniversary (corporate headquarters are out here in suburban Oak Brook). Guide books said they had displays of past happy meal toys and the decor was really cool. They also have an upstairs cafe which serves cheesecake, muffins and other goodies. All in all, I would have to say it's still a McDonald's and not really worth the trip. However, after playing in the sun we ferociously feasted on our food.

First Day of School

She was so excited she could hardly
hold still for the photo!

Perhaps it's because we had such a long, hot summer. Maybe it's because Liesel really thrives in a classroom. Or it could be Ireland was craving some time away from her big sister. Even Brigitta seems to like some routine built into her day! Whatever the reason, I think everyone is thrilled that preschool has finally, finally started! I have to admit I'm not that mom who's eyes well up with tears as I drive away in my empty(er), quiet(er) SUV, contemplating how my baby has reached yet another maturing milestone. Nothing endears me to my kids quite like a little time away from them... and I'm confident they feel the same!

Back when Liesel was in daycare she'd jump right into the fray without looking back. Her first day of 4-year-old Preschool was no different. When we arrived, she enthusiastically pointed out her old 3-year-old Preschool classroom and announced she wasn't going to be going there anymore as she's now the ripe old age of 4. As Liesel sat criss-cross-applesauce on the rug in the middle of the room, she shouted out answers to the teachers questions and loudly laughed. After practicing a fire drill, it was time to go home and Liesel begged to stay.

After she finished this puzzle, Liesel noticed a little girl
clinging to her parents in the corner. She went over and
offered her the puzzle.

We all went to Panera for a cookie to celebrate. When the tinies are a bit older, I'd like to start a tradition of baking chocolate chunk cookies on the first day of school. I hope to sit down with them to chat about their day over a glass of cold milk. Let's face it, as long as I'm still nursing, that's just not going to happen but Liesel seemed perfectly content to pick out a giant cookie with MnM's. A table of elderly women who were clearly enjoying a lovely brunch had their day interrupted with my loud trio of energetic girls. They oohed and aahed over Brigitta's tininess, Liesel's hair and Ireland's hilarious running commentary.

The video is during roll call. The kids were supposed to raise their hand when they heard their name and say "Good Morning." You can see how eager Liesel is to participate! You can also see how she avoids sneezing on her hands only to wipe her nose with the back of one a few seconds later. Ahhh, at least she's trying!

Amnesia

I'd forgotten how it just about breaks my heart to see my newborn's lower lip quiver after being left to cry a tad too long... as if to say "I thought you didn't love me anymore!" I'd forgotten how she'd take a big breath when I pick her up and cuddle her in my arms... as if to say, "I'm okay now that you're here Mom."

I'd forgotten how my post partum body vengefully makes me pay for all the menstrual periods I've missed while pregnant. Odd, since it's not like I was on vacation! I'd forgotten about the night sweats and how it feels to wake up drenched and shivering, with my hair plastered to my skin. I'd forgotten what it's like to turn my pillow over only to discover I'd soaked that side earlier in the night and I'm left with nothing but a pillow that's been wet through and through.

I'd forgotten how adorable a milk-drunk baby can be--the way she smacks her lips in satisfaction after a feeding. I'd forgotten how, even with eyes closed in semi-darkness, my newborn can find her way to my breast. How she'll shake her head a couple of times before contentedly burying her face into my bosom. I'd forgotten even the best pacifier is no match for the comfort tugging on her mama can provide. I'd forgotten how sweet an excuse nursing can be to hold your little one as close to your heart as possible.

I'd forgotten how much I can do when I'm so very very sleep deprived. Even if I slept every allowable moment, it's not the same as a decent night of uninterrupted sleep. Yet, somehow the days pass and we've all survived. I'd forgotten how much laundry a little one creates. Santa vaca! I went from doing a few loads once a week to a few load a DAY!!!

I'd forgotten how we sleep best facing each other on our sides within sight and smell of one another... SIDS warnings be damned. I'd forgotten how now and again her eyes would flutter open, as if she's just checking to see if I'm there, and then close again with a faint smile.

I'd forgotten how grown up the 2 year old becomes in the presence of a newborn. What seemed like small, dimpled hands yesterday are suddenly baseball mitts today. What was once toddler gibberish are long, strung-together sentences. What passed as a few curls not so long ago has sprung into flowing ringlets that cascade down to the middle of her back. Tempus fugit... I forgot.

I'd forgotten how profound silence can be after the cacophony of children all day and all night. I'd forgotten how I much prefer to quietly sit and soak in the peace rather than watch TV or get online.

I'd forgotten how irritating the stitches become once all the swelling goes down, once the feeling returns, once my body aches to be normal again. I'd forgotten how I can look so absolutely horrible for days on end. Passing a mirror always brings an unpleasant surprise so I focus on my newborn who is the picture of beautiful perfection.

I'd forgotten how newborns tuck their legs, arch their back, and raise their tiny hands in fists to their ears when they need a good stretch. How they relax into you when you cuddle them. The tiny sounds they make. I'd forgotten how it feels to forget life before this new family member. How it seems like she's always been around; how the family would now seem incomplete without her.

I'd forgotten all the things I can do one-handed from making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to changing the laundry. I'd forgotten how much I'd long to put her down for just a few minutes and then when she's swaddled and peacefully sleeping how I'd rather do nothing else than hold her.

Maybe, just maybe, if I write it down I won't forget ever again...