So, Keaton turned 7 months the other day and with that milestone came tooth number 3, the HARDEST one by far!! He is just generally fussier because of it and has even refused his bink and solid foods because of it (and he has bitten mommy twice--OWW!).
He also has expanded his list of solids, adding carrot (he hates) and butternut squash (I think that this might be his new favorite). We also have green beans, pumpkin, asparagus, peach and oatmeal to try--looking forward to seeing all of his reactions. We have been video recording him every time he tries something new, looking forward to that video montage.
Keaton also officially hates his carseat--I mean I can't take him ANYWHERE without him throwing a huge fit. JJ is getting ready to load his Nook Color with some Sesame Street videos, so I can give it a try....I'll let you know how it goes.
And last, but NEVER least, his sleep. Here is the latest...Keaton has definitely gotten into a NEW pattern (we may have helped a bit), but it is not the sleep from 7:30-7:00 with a little help now and again that it used to be. Now, Keaton sleeps from 7:30 (goes down with no problem), but then wakes up regularly around 11-12pm and needs help back to sleep and then wakes up again between 12-1pm and won't go back to sleep until we move him into our bed...now I am sure some of you are rolling your eyes and thinking that we have made a HUGE mistake, but I don't think so. One, I don't mind the idea of my son sleeping with us every night, especially if it means that we ALL get more sleep and two, he then will sleep until his morning feed at 4am. (don't know when we brought that feed back, funny how a new routine can happen and you not even notice the change!) Anyhow, for now, we are in a bit of a routine and I can handle it--just hoping that a full night's sleep is in the near future. I realized the other day that I have not had a full nights sleep since April 6, 2011. AHHHHHHH! Hoping that will change soon!
IN Andrea news: I am still couponing, I got 19 cent jello, 3 free greeting cards, 33 cent Vitamin Water, free Cornstarch and cheap detergent this week--thanks to my Walgreens and CVS couponing, and still planning on hitting up Target.
I have also started planning Christmas gifts for Keaton--so excited to celebrate the holidays with our little guy.
Well, that's it for now (and probably the week)...
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Trying to catch up...
Wow--it's amazing how hard it gets to even keep up with my own blog sometimes! AHHH! So, here's a quick update on the Boswell-Burns clan...
1) Keaton had his first Halloween--he was an adorable blue alien/monster. We visited Chicagoween downtown and Navy Pier with family! It was a lot of fun. It's always soooo nice to have a house full of people. JJ and I ended up going as the Men in Black (as Keaton was an alien/monster). We got all dressed up on Saturday, to go to a local Halloween meetup, but the weather kept us at home, so we were all dressed up eating White Castle and playing Cranium! It was amazing.
2) Keaton's sleep has been an up and down thing lately--still no idea exactly what we should be doing to encourage good sleep, but REFUSE to do cry it out. I realize that it works wonders for some, but it is not my style and a lot of stress is not good for any of us.
3.) Keaton has officially made it through the list of "safe foods," without any crazy reactions. (Brown Rice cereal, avocado, banana, apple, squash, zucchini, sweet potato and peas) Now, we are getting ready to start oatmeal, asparagus, green beans, peach and many more...love this part of his development! He amazes me all the time.
4.) Keaton is starting to understand so much...
* He can now turn the pages when we read--if I just hold the page up a bit, he will grab it and turn it...amazing.
* He can "kiss the baby" in the mirror
* He is moving himself from a seated to a crawling position (no crawling yet, but we are getting close).
He is so smart and I am proud of all of his accomplishments!
In Andrea news:
My couponing has become a bit of an obsession, admittedly so, and has gotten me some amazing deals.
My last grocery trip went from $134 to $74 after coupons.
I've also had some good Wal-Mart & Target online luck!
My CVS trips have included:
*12 Airwick 2 pack refills for a total of $10.50 out of pocket and I made $20 in gift cards...this was all thanks to my friend Callie.
*3 American Greetings Cards, 1 tube of Crest toothpaste, 2 Aveeno travel size lotions and Dawn Dish Soap--Out of pocket was $7 and I received $13 back in extra bucks. Not too shabby!
Planning on hitting up Target tonight for some Christmas gifts...hoping that couponing continues to make us money, especially during the holiday season.
Going to try and get back on track with this blogging thing.
1) Keaton had his first Halloween--he was an adorable blue alien/monster. We visited Chicagoween downtown and Navy Pier with family! It was a lot of fun. It's always soooo nice to have a house full of people. JJ and I ended up going as the Men in Black (as Keaton was an alien/monster). We got all dressed up on Saturday, to go to a local Halloween meetup, but the weather kept us at home, so we were all dressed up eating White Castle and playing Cranium! It was amazing.
2) Keaton's sleep has been an up and down thing lately--still no idea exactly what we should be doing to encourage good sleep, but REFUSE to do cry it out. I realize that it works wonders for some, but it is not my style and a lot of stress is not good for any of us.
3.) Keaton has officially made it through the list of "safe foods," without any crazy reactions. (Brown Rice cereal, avocado, banana, apple, squash, zucchini, sweet potato and peas) Now, we are getting ready to start oatmeal, asparagus, green beans, peach and many more...love this part of his development! He amazes me all the time.
4.) Keaton is starting to understand so much...
* He can now turn the pages when we read--if I just hold the page up a bit, he will grab it and turn it...amazing.
* He can "kiss the baby" in the mirror
* He is moving himself from a seated to a crawling position (no crawling yet, but we are getting close).
He is so smart and I am proud of all of his accomplishments!
In Andrea news:
My couponing has become a bit of an obsession, admittedly so, and has gotten me some amazing deals.
My last grocery trip went from $134 to $74 after coupons.
I've also had some good Wal-Mart & Target online luck!
My CVS trips have included:
*12 Airwick 2 pack refills for a total of $10.50 out of pocket and I made $20 in gift cards...this was all thanks to my friend Callie.
*3 American Greetings Cards, 1 tube of Crest toothpaste, 2 Aveeno travel size lotions and Dawn Dish Soap--Out of pocket was $7 and I received $13 back in extra bucks. Not too shabby!
Planning on hitting up Target tonight for some Christmas gifts...hoping that couponing continues to make us money, especially during the holiday season.
Going to try and get back on track with this blogging thing.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
City Parking (or lack there of), brunch and a $20 bill...
Today was FABULOUS! Keaton had a much better night last night...I still think it's because he sleeps better for JJ in the middle of the night. Either way, just glad that sleep was in our cards last night. I was up and ready around 9am this morning and after Keaton took his first few bites of apple (which he really liked) I headed over to a local church rummage sale. Unfortunately, by the time I got there the place was pretty bare, but I still managed to find two onesies and 4 new books. When I got home, I got to catch up with my friend Ashley who is officially pregnant with Baby Scheufler #2--so excited for them!
Then, JJ, Keaton and I headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo for their Halloween festivities, but the parking spots in Lincoln Park were not very welcoming. We drove around Lincoln Park (in the midst of swarms of parents and children in costumes) for about 25 minutes only to find NO WHERE TO PARK--not even the zoo parking lots (where you pay an arm and a leg to park) had parking spots. So, we went home...I was extremely defeated--just wanted to go, as a family, to a Halloween meetup on a gorgeous fall day. (may have even gotten a little teary eyed about it...)
When we got home JJ decided that we to shake off the loss of the zoo we should have brunch at Baker's Square (haven't been there since I went to school at Olivet!). We both had amazing food and I ended my meal with a strawberry chocolate pie--WOAH BABY! Afterwards, we walked to the park, where Keaton took a nap outside and then woke up and played with the "bag'o'toys" that daddy had packed.
We ended it all with a walk around the neighborhood with Bentley. While we were walking, I found a Blackberry on the ground and with no one in sight called the person listed "MOM" in the phone. I ended up talking to the sister and met up with the girl 20 minutes later to give her back the phone--she gave me $20 for "saving" her phone...this meant free takeout for the Boswell-Burns' and JJ has been CRAVING Popeyes Chicken. haha, weird, but true.
Tonight, aside from Popeye's Chicken, we got to iChat with my brother, sister-in-law and nephew. It is so amazing having family who is going through the same things that we are...just can't wait until we get to meet the little guy in person at Christmas!
Keaton has also started sleeping in his crib without his snuggle nest (as of tonight)--I am hoping that he will soon figure out that if he prefers to sleep on his side that he can maneuver himself into that position on his own. So proud of this baby boy--no matter what he is doing, I am impressed with him! Recently, he has started understanding the word "kiss" and now when you say "kiss the baby" when he's looking into a mirror, he will lean forward and presses his face against the mirror. Precious. Tomorrow, we are going to start giving him one serving of fruit and one serving of vegetable at each setting...hoping that by the time he is 7 months that he is eating a fruit, veggie and grain at each sitting.
In Andrea news: I am looking forward to tomorrow, we are going to a family meetup and one of the members houses--"Waffles & Bacon," hoping that we meet a few couples/families that we can hang out with. We also plan on our first grocery shopping trip with coupons...hoping that we save a ton!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Then, JJ, Keaton and I headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo for their Halloween festivities, but the parking spots in Lincoln Park were not very welcoming. We drove around Lincoln Park (in the midst of swarms of parents and children in costumes) for about 25 minutes only to find NO WHERE TO PARK--not even the zoo parking lots (where you pay an arm and a leg to park) had parking spots. So, we went home...I was extremely defeated--just wanted to go, as a family, to a Halloween meetup on a gorgeous fall day. (may have even gotten a little teary eyed about it...)
When we got home JJ decided that we to shake off the loss of the zoo we should have brunch at Baker's Square (haven't been there since I went to school at Olivet!). We both had amazing food and I ended my meal with a strawberry chocolate pie--WOAH BABY! Afterwards, we walked to the park, where Keaton took a nap outside and then woke up and played with the "bag'o'toys" that daddy had packed.
We ended it all with a walk around the neighborhood with Bentley. While we were walking, I found a Blackberry on the ground and with no one in sight called the person listed "MOM" in the phone. I ended up talking to the sister and met up with the girl 20 minutes later to give her back the phone--she gave me $20 for "saving" her phone...this meant free takeout for the Boswell-Burns' and JJ has been CRAVING Popeyes Chicken. haha, weird, but true.
Tonight, aside from Popeye's Chicken, we got to iChat with my brother, sister-in-law and nephew. It is so amazing having family who is going through the same things that we are...just can't wait until we get to meet the little guy in person at Christmas!
Keaton has also started sleeping in his crib without his snuggle nest (as of tonight)--I am hoping that he will soon figure out that if he prefers to sleep on his side that he can maneuver himself into that position on his own. So proud of this baby boy--no matter what he is doing, I am impressed with him! Recently, he has started understanding the word "kiss" and now when you say "kiss the baby" when he's looking into a mirror, he will lean forward and presses his face against the mirror. Precious. Tomorrow, we are going to start giving him one serving of fruit and one serving of vegetable at each setting...hoping that by the time he is 7 months that he is eating a fruit, veggie and grain at each sitting.
In Andrea news: I am looking forward to tomorrow, we are going to a family meetup and one of the members houses--"Waffles & Bacon," hoping that we meet a few couples/families that we can hang out with. We also plan on our first grocery shopping trip with coupons...hoping that we save a ton!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Research Study, Angry Carseat and my first Couponing Rush...
This morning I was up and ready (showered, hair and makeup done) by 7:30 am...I know, right? But, Keaton and I had signed up for the Kolcraft research study on baby activity centers and had to be downtown at 10am. Luckily, Kolcraft offered parking, so since the weather was so bad we drove...which, as many of you know, Driving = ANGRY CARSEAT TIME! Ugh. We started off the trip in rare form, bink in mouth and playing with the dangling toys, but two stoplights before the interstate the bink was out and Keaton was in rare form. The next 15 minutes were spent with me singing everything from "The Itsty Bitsy Spider" to Pink's "Perfect," it all failed. Needless to say, the sight of the Kolcraft parking lot was a welcomed one! We then spent the morning looking at and analyzing 6 different exersaucer/jumper toys--I absolutely LOVED doing this. I only hope that Kolcraft listens and creates the perfect play station for my next child! We then drove home aka ANGRY CARSEAT TIME (take 2). haha. We did make it in one piece and once we got home Keaton took a 3.5 hour nap--the crying must have worn him out, that and deciding that sleep was for the birds last night.
In Andrea news: I had my very first couponing rush/experience tonight--I had planned out my entire trip and was pretty happy with the outcome. (See my loot below).
In Andrea news: I had my very first couponing rush/experience tonight--I had planned out my entire trip and was pretty happy with the outcome. (See my loot below).
Okay, so here is what I got:
4 pkgs. of diapers (144 diapers total)
Almay Eyeshadow
Almay Mascara w/eye pencil
16 rolls of Charmin toilet paper
20 4x6 prints
Total Spent: $46.43
Total Saved in Store: $39.35 (with coupons and Extrabucks)
Total Earned: $10 CVS Giftcard (after final purchase)
I plan on going back later this week, as they only had 4 pkgs. of the diapers that I was looking for, but should be able to score a free pkg. of diapers and another $10 giftcard after that purchase!
Love saving $!!!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Rolling with the changes...
Keaton rolled over--front to back yesterday! Next stop crawling! He also started back to solids today, started on sweet potato. He wasn't too sure about it at first, but soon warmed up to the idea/taste. Happy to be back to normal. He has been enjoying his new toys, playing a lot with the new Poppity Pop Dino--that toy is just adorable!
I have started organizing our guest room (finally) and I am excited to start hanging up his nursery stuff. My sister made the letters that spell out "Keaton" on the wall and now that we have our family photos, I am ready to wallpaper every room in my baby's face.
Keaton and I have not been out, except to walk Bentley Jane (the baby once removed) every afternoon. But, we will be back on the move tomorrow--meeting our friends Casey and Veronica for a research study on baby toys--hoping that it will be fun and that we will get some freebies. And since the weather is supposed to be so cold, I think that we are going to have to drive--here's hoping that Keaton takes his morning nap in his carseat, instead of screaming the whole way downtown.
In Andrea news: I dyed my hair--it's a lot more "brown" than I had planned, but I think I can handle it until it's time to change again. I am currently planning out my first "couponer trip" to CVS...won't be a huge trip, but just trying to get a handle on the couponing world. It's a bit overwhelming--especially when you are not someone who wants to build a real "stockpile" of anything. I just want to save some money and get things for really cheap/free (preferrably FREE!) Yay for the blogs that people have suggested for locating deals--so far I have been pretty dependent on these to get the "deals." I will post on my first "shop" later this week!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
I have started organizing our guest room (finally) and I am excited to start hanging up his nursery stuff. My sister made the letters that spell out "Keaton" on the wall and now that we have our family photos, I am ready to wallpaper every room in my baby's face.
Keaton and I have not been out, except to walk Bentley Jane (the baby once removed) every afternoon. But, we will be back on the move tomorrow--meeting our friends Casey and Veronica for a research study on baby toys--hoping that it will be fun and that we will get some freebies. And since the weather is supposed to be so cold, I think that we are going to have to drive--here's hoping that Keaton takes his morning nap in his carseat, instead of screaming the whole way downtown.
In Andrea news: I dyed my hair--it's a lot more "brown" than I had planned, but I think I can handle it until it's time to change again. I am currently planning out my first "couponer trip" to CVS...won't be a huge trip, but just trying to get a handle on the couponing world. It's a bit overwhelming--especially when you are not someone who wants to build a real "stockpile" of anything. I just want to save some money and get things for really cheap/free (preferrably FREE!) Yay for the blogs that people have suggested for locating deals--so far I have been pretty dependent on these to get the "deals." I will post on my first "shop" later this week!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
A normal Sunday turned crazy...
Well, this morning started out to be a pretty great day...we were all up around 7:45am, Bentley went out, JJ made coffee and Keaton sat down in his high chair for another day of big boy food. In the past day, Keaton has made it abundantly clear that he is NOT interested in peas (as he spits them out EVERY single time!), so we gave him rice cereal again, but with some prunes (first time). After he ate, he played for awhile, nursed and then took his morning nap. Around 10am, Keaton woke up again, played with daddy and then I came to change him, so we could go to Target and get his 6 month old toy! (a big, inviting toy that will motivate this boy to get crawlin'). When I took him back to the changing table he threw up--this was just the beginning from around 10:30am to 12:30pm Keaton threw up around 10 times and not just baby spit up, real throwing up...miserable! So, we took him into the ER, where they ran some tests. Luckily, they determined nothing was wrong and by the time we left the hospital (around 4pm) Keaton had nursed twice and had kept it down. Needless to say, our quiet Sunday that was supposed to be full of toy buying and playing took a turn, but happy to report that all is now well. Sometimes I don't know how I will ever survive these minor catastrophes. Being a mom is by far the hardest job I have ever had and at the same time, the MOST rewarding.
The nite ended on a much better note--after we got home from the hospital, I ran out to Target to get Keaton's new toys! (I LOVE shopping for him, even more than I like shopping for ME--how crazy is that? haha). Keaton seems to really like them both--hoping that they will be crawling motivators!
In Andrea news: I meant to dye my hair today, but that obviously didn't happen, so maybe tomorrow? I also decided to host my first meetup in December and I am already looking forward to it.
Hoping that tomorrow and the rest of the week are somewhat uneventful!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
The nite ended on a much better note--after we got home from the hospital, I ran out to Target to get Keaton's new toys! (I LOVE shopping for him, even more than I like shopping for ME--how crazy is that? haha). Keaton seems to really like them both--hoping that they will be crawling motivators!
In Andrea news: I meant to dye my hair today, but that obviously didn't happen, so maybe tomorrow? I also decided to host my first meetup in December and I am already looking forward to it.
Hoping that tomorrow and the rest of the week are somewhat uneventful!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Music Therapy Session, Peas and Extreme Couponing...
Well, today was the first day that I felt like Meetup.com let me down, ROYALLY! I have been planning and prepping for my mock music therapy session for about 3 weeks now, this includes posting for my free music session on Meetup.com and getting pre-schoolers/families to volunteer their time, planning my session, practicing my music and cleaning/baking for the event. I thought that I had everything ready to go and when 12pm rolled around today...no one was here...12:15, nada...12:22, ONE PERSON. I had planned on 6 children and 3 parents...and ended up with 1 parent and 1 child. (aside from my husband and Keaton). However, I couldn't have been luckier--Mandy (mom) and Esther (preschooler) were the PERFECT pretend clients! Esther loved the music and was willing to sing, play, dance, make animal sounds and play any instrument that I put in front of her. This means that my Music Therapy Grad School video is complete and once it arrives at the university my grad school app. will be COMPLETE! YAY!
In more important news, Keaton started peas today! He was not too sure about them, which was adorable! Can't believe how fast my baby is growing up. We have also noticed that our little cue ball is slowly, but surely getting more and more hair. (don't know how I feel about this--I love my baldy!)
In Andrea news: I am seriously contemplating becoming a serious couponer (don't know that I want to become EXTREME anything). Today we went on a walk and I collected 6 local inserts and I am hoping that this gets me started. Though, I would like to be able to find all of my coupons online, as this would be a lot easier for me and something I can do while Keaton naps. Anyhow, if any of you have suggestions on where to find coupons, how to make it easy, etc. I will gladly accept any and all advice!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
In more important news, Keaton started peas today! He was not too sure about them, which was adorable! Can't believe how fast my baby is growing up. We have also noticed that our little cue ball is slowly, but surely getting more and more hair. (don't know how I feel about this--I love my baldy!)
In Andrea news: I am seriously contemplating becoming a serious couponer (don't know that I want to become EXTREME anything). Today we went on a walk and I collected 6 local inserts and I am hoping that this gets me started. Though, I would like to be able to find all of my coupons online, as this would be a lot easier for me and something I can do while Keaton naps. Anyhow, if any of you have suggestions on where to find coupons, how to make it easy, etc. I will gladly accept any and all advice!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Friday, October 14, 2011
Keaton's 1st Halloween Party, Lunch with Daddy and Music Class Prep
Yesterday afternoon Keaton and I attended our first neighborhood meetup and Keaton's 1st Halloween party! He was an adorable blue monster! The funny thing was that since this meetup was in our neighborhood, we did not have to pack lighter, drive to public transportation, ride public transportation, or walk any ridiculous distance. However, somehow this ended up being one of, if not the hardest travel experience yet. Our car was parked 3 blocks away (thanks to me getting home from my Weds. nite interview so late), it was pouring rain and Keaton was wearing a large blue monster costume. By the time we arrived at the party...Keaton had shed the blue monster costume and was in a onesie with no pants (he ditched his socks half way there) and I had hair matted from the mix of hairspray and rain--ah! the joys of motherhood! Needless to say, we made it and we had a nice time--met some new mommies and some older kids (most were 9 mos. and up), but it was fun and we got some great pics.
We also received the CD of images from our family photoshoot today--the photo below is one of my favorites--it's goofy, but hilarious!
The evening was spent getting some "mommy time" at the Babies'n'tots Consignment sale--it was the early shopping event for first time mommies and though I did find a new nursing cover and some sleep sacks, the best part was that I won a VIP Membership to Bump Club and Beyond and a huge bag of loot to go with it---all thanks to my lucky raffle ticket. Overall, it was a lot of fun and nice to shop with some of my fellow mommies.
Today, Keaton and I ventured downtown for lunch with daddy...Keaton was a huge hit with JJ's co-workers and free Chipotle (for the second time--thanks to the Cultivate Festival and my rents) never tasted so good. Keaton and I took the Metra again and had plans to take a bus from the train station to JJ's work, however, the bus signage wasn't good enough for first timers to figure out in 6 minutes (our transfer time) so we shlepped it, but the walk was only 7.5-8 blocks and the weather was chilly, but gorgeous. Keaton fell asleep to and fro. Keaton talked a LOT today--hoping that he's coming back to this skill again, I LOVE it when he has soo much to say--he's my world!
The rest of the day has been spent rehearsing for my mock music therapy session tomorrow. I am feeling pretty good about it and again am sooooo thankful for Meetup.com, as that is where I found preschoolers to fill the group. Anxious to complete the video recording and complete my grad school application. I am also anxious for Keaton to start eating peas tomorrow--dorky, but true! I love introducing him to new foods--well, just food in general!
In Andrea news: I have decided that JJ and I need to set aside a night a week to have "date night"--not to go out and spend money and leave Keaton, but to stay in, enjoy each other, eat good food and celebrate (as cheesy as it sounds) how much we love each other, all while Keaton sleeps a room away.
Big plans for next week include: getting the guest room more organized (at least until we get a new mattress and move the guest furniture back into the guest room) and at least one, if not two, mommy's night out! Yay for having girlfriends in the city!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
The evening was spent getting some "mommy time" at the Babies'n'tots Consignment sale--it was the early shopping event for first time mommies and though I did find a new nursing cover and some sleep sacks, the best part was that I won a VIP Membership to Bump Club and Beyond and a huge bag of loot to go with it---all thanks to my lucky raffle ticket. Overall, it was a lot of fun and nice to shop with some of my fellow mommies.
Today, Keaton and I ventured downtown for lunch with daddy...Keaton was a huge hit with JJ's co-workers and free Chipotle (for the second time--thanks to the Cultivate Festival and my rents) never tasted so good. Keaton and I took the Metra again and had plans to take a bus from the train station to JJ's work, however, the bus signage wasn't good enough for first timers to figure out in 6 minutes (our transfer time) so we shlepped it, but the walk was only 7.5-8 blocks and the weather was chilly, but gorgeous. Keaton fell asleep to and fro. Keaton talked a LOT today--hoping that he's coming back to this skill again, I LOVE it when he has soo much to say--he's my world!
The rest of the day has been spent rehearsing for my mock music therapy session tomorrow. I am feeling pretty good about it and again am sooooo thankful for Meetup.com, as that is where I found preschoolers to fill the group. Anxious to complete the video recording and complete my grad school application. I am also anxious for Keaton to start eating peas tomorrow--dorky, but true! I love introducing him to new foods--well, just food in general!
In Andrea news: I have decided that JJ and I need to set aside a night a week to have "date night"--not to go out and spend money and leave Keaton, but to stay in, enjoy each other, eat good food and celebrate (as cheesy as it sounds) how much we love each other, all while Keaton sleeps a room away.
Big plans for next week include: getting the guest room more organized (at least until we get a new mattress and move the guest furniture back into the guest room) and at least one, if not two, mommy's night out! Yay for having girlfriends in the city!
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Getting into a groove...
Well, unlike the title of this post suggest, I was not in my blogging groove last night. I had an interview at 8 o'clock last night, so by the time I got home, ate dinner and watched 1/2 of Top Chef: Just Desserts with JJ, I was ready to call it a night. So, Keaton is down for his morning nap, so I thought I would get caught up.
Yesterday was another beautiful, fall day here in Chicago and it was our second time going to our Wrigleyville Meetup. Lots of new faces (babies and mommies) and another confirmation that Meetup.com is probably the best thing that has ever happened to Keaton and me, here in Chicago. This group is going to become a regular part of our week and these moms and babies will become a regular part of our lives--I love it! It's nice to provide Keaton with an opportunity to interact with other children and adults, while still getting to be beside him the entire time. (Though yesterday he only played for a little while before conking out--check out the pic below!) My only concern is that once the weather gets bad we may be stuck inside more than we'd like. (or we will have to start driving everywhere again.)
I am pretty proud that Keaton and I have now figured out how to regularly utilize public transportation! The L' and the Metra are both part of our regular routine, our goal before we leave is to also utilize the bus system (at least once). However, my problem with our L' and the Metra is that they have not made our ability to travel with a stroller an easy one. A lot of the L' stops have elevators, our stop doesn't. This means that if I want to take our stroller along that it has to be the umbrella stroller and it means that I have to carry Keaton in the Bjorn while carrying the umbrella stroller up the stairs and can put K in the stroller only once we get onto the L'. UGH! The worst news of all is that the Baby Bjorn is only built to carry a child up to 25lbs. If you've been keeping up on my blog you know that Keaton is really only about 5 lbs. away from this---I'm terrified at what this will do to the ease of our travel. Don't worry--I'll keep you updated.
In Andrea news: After my interview last night, I realize that no matter where I work, there will ALWAYS be a lack of knowledge regarding my profession. I have really made it my goal to educate individuals/communities that I come in contact with about what Music Therapy is and how it works. However, when I go in to interview for a part-time position and someone tells me that an individual with an Orff Certificate is comparable to what I do or the skills/knowledge that I possess, I become very frustrated and somewhat motivated. I have decided that Music Therapy advocacy is going to be a big focus of mine--I hope that starting grad school will assist me in this goal and will change the understanding that many have of what a Board Certified Music Therapist is and what skills/abilities one possesses.
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan!
Yesterday was another beautiful, fall day here in Chicago and it was our second time going to our Wrigleyville Meetup. Lots of new faces (babies and mommies) and another confirmation that Meetup.com is probably the best thing that has ever happened to Keaton and me, here in Chicago. This group is going to become a regular part of our week and these moms and babies will become a regular part of our lives--I love it! It's nice to provide Keaton with an opportunity to interact with other children and adults, while still getting to be beside him the entire time. (Though yesterday he only played for a little while before conking out--check out the pic below!) My only concern is that once the weather gets bad we may be stuck inside more than we'd like. (or we will have to start driving everywhere again.)
I am pretty proud that Keaton and I have now figured out how to regularly utilize public transportation! The L' and the Metra are both part of our regular routine, our goal before we leave is to also utilize the bus system (at least once). However, my problem with our L' and the Metra is that they have not made our ability to travel with a stroller an easy one. A lot of the L' stops have elevators, our stop doesn't. This means that if I want to take our stroller along that it has to be the umbrella stroller and it means that I have to carry Keaton in the Bjorn while carrying the umbrella stroller up the stairs and can put K in the stroller only once we get onto the L'. UGH! The worst news of all is that the Baby Bjorn is only built to carry a child up to 25lbs. If you've been keeping up on my blog you know that Keaton is really only about 5 lbs. away from this---I'm terrified at what this will do to the ease of our travel. Don't worry--I'll keep you updated.
In Andrea news: After my interview last night, I realize that no matter where I work, there will ALWAYS be a lack of knowledge regarding my profession. I have really made it my goal to educate individuals/communities that I come in contact with about what Music Therapy is and how it works. However, when I go in to interview for a part-time position and someone tells me that an individual with an Orff Certificate is comparable to what I do or the skills/knowledge that I possess, I become very frustrated and somewhat motivated. I have decided that Music Therapy advocacy is going to be a big focus of mine--I hope that starting grad school will assist me in this goal and will change the understanding that many have of what a Board Certified Music Therapist is and what skills/abilities one possesses.
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Life is short...and ours is kind of boring...
JJ told me last night, as he watched me write my blog entry for the day, that our lives are boring and don't make for a great read. I am sure this is somewhat true. However, it's amazing to me how I feel like everyday is somewhat eventful, whether Keaton tries a new food, we go someplace new in the city or we just stay at home and play. So, I guess my blog comes with a warning...This blog may cause heavy eyes, boredom, drowsiness, or severe cases of discontentment. For those of you who continue to read, consider yourself warned.
In other news, today was Keaton's first pediatrician appt. in Chicago. We were given the recommendation for this doctor from a mom in one of my Meetup groups and couldn't have been luckier. Our doctor is a real straight shooter, no sugar coating (JJ loves this) and he has a pretty dry sense of humor. Aside from this, his staff was willing to accommodate us by filling the vaccination syringes in our room, so that JJ and I could be assured that Keaton was getting the correct injection. Keaton did really well--hardly any tears this time. I think the biggest downfall of the office was that we ended up waiting 30 minutes for the doctor, after the nurse took Keaton's vitals. Now, the REAL news, drum roll please, Keaton weighed 19 lbs and 9 oz. today and 26.5 inches long! BIG BOY!
In Andrea news: Found out that one of my previous clients passed away yesterday. He was only 49 years old and still full of life. He prided himself on being a man's man and loved his family dearly. I was shocked to hear of his death, but will always remember him fondly. Life is short and it's unfortunate that it takes the loss of life to remind us of what we have. Don't take the ones you love for granted.
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
In other news, today was Keaton's first pediatrician appt. in Chicago. We were given the recommendation for this doctor from a mom in one of my Meetup groups and couldn't have been luckier. Our doctor is a real straight shooter, no sugar coating (JJ loves this) and he has a pretty dry sense of humor. Aside from this, his staff was willing to accommodate us by filling the vaccination syringes in our room, so that JJ and I could be assured that Keaton was getting the correct injection. Keaton did really well--hardly any tears this time. I think the biggest downfall of the office was that we ended up waiting 30 minutes for the doctor, after the nurse took Keaton's vitals. Now, the REAL news, drum roll please, Keaton weighed 19 lbs and 9 oz. today and 26.5 inches long! BIG BOY!
In Andrea news: Found out that one of my previous clients passed away yesterday. He was only 49 years old and still full of life. He prided himself on being a man's man and loved his family dearly. I was shocked to hear of his death, but will always remember him fondly. Life is short and it's unfortunate that it takes the loss of life to remind us of what we have. Don't take the ones you love for granted.
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan...
Monday, October 10, 2011
Family photos, hair dye and a steam basket...
Tonight we got a sneak peek of the family photos that we had taken in September and we couldn't be happier! I look at the pictures of this gorgeous little boy and have to pinch myself to think that he is ours! He is perfect! Everything about him makes me happy--a happiness I couldn't even fathom before he arrived! We are the luckiest people alive. Excited to share photos of this perfect being with our family and friends. (and to plaster our walls in his face!)
Aside from photos, we spent the day pretty typically, though JJ was home (working, but home) which made the day even better. Lots of playing, singing, eating (avocado and I may or may not have had some Halloween candy that JJ tried to hide from me! haha), walking and just enjoying each other. I also got our first steam basket from Target and made Keaton's next food in the Baby Magic Bullet tonight--pears. (Thanks to my friend Veronica for the bag of organic bartlett pears--you rock!) Anxious to see how the little man responds to pears tomorrow morning.
In Andrea news--planning on changing my hair color. I need a change for fall...so, unless it bombs, then you will see the debut of the new color relatively soon.
That's it for tonight. Tomorrow Keaton tries pear and his first doctor's appt. in Chicago.
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan.
Aside from photos, we spent the day pretty typically, though JJ was home (working, but home) which made the day even better. Lots of playing, singing, eating (avocado and I may or may not have had some Halloween candy that JJ tried to hide from me! haha), walking and just enjoying each other. I also got our first steam basket from Target and made Keaton's next food in the Baby Magic Bullet tonight--pears. (Thanks to my friend Veronica for the bag of organic bartlett pears--you rock!) Anxious to see how the little man responds to pears tomorrow morning.
In Andrea news--planning on changing my hair color. I need a change for fall...so, unless it bombs, then you will see the debut of the new color relatively soon.
That's it for tonight. Tomorrow Keaton tries pear and his first doctor's appt. in Chicago.
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
A pretty nice little Sunday...
Keaton started avocado today, seems like he liked it, just like his parents. Next stop SUSHI. haha. I also spent time planning my music therapy session and wrote a new 5 Little Pumpkins song--JJ keeps telling me that I should publish a book of my original children's songs...I need to get on that.
Bentley and I went to PetSmart and Sam's and when I got home the boys and I walked to McDonald's (mama needed a Caramel Frappe--pretty amazing!) and to the park for some play time. Another beautiful fall day here, but it made me miss home--Sunday dinners at mom and dad's and then an afternoon of dad watching football while the rest of us hangout/nap/facebook, etc.
The rest of the night has just been pretty chill, though Keaton has a stuffy nose and keeps waking up--hoping this is not going to be an all night affair.
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan.
Bentley and I went to PetSmart and Sam's and when I got home the boys and I walked to McDonald's (mama needed a Caramel Frappe--pretty amazing!) and to the park for some play time. Another beautiful fall day here, but it made me miss home--Sunday dinners at mom and dad's and then an afternoon of dad watching football while the rest of us hangout/nap/facebook, etc.
The rest of the night has just been pretty chill, though Keaton has a stuffy nose and keeps waking up--hoping this is not going to be an all night affair.
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Fall Day...
Today was a gorgeous fall day in Chicago and we took advantage of it. The boys and I went to the Cornucopia Fall Festival @ Eugene Field Park, where we met up with Callie and Scarlett for some family fall fun. We got to feed the animals (goats/sheep/etc), play in the park and pick pumpkins (plus LOTS of picture opportunities!) Keaton, JJ and I then hit Chipotle for lunch and Barnes & Noble, where we bought Keaton's first book with pictures of babies. (Note: All of the literature I have read re: babies and literacy say that infants should be given books with pictures of other babies...Barnes & Noble must not have read any of this because we had a whopping 2 books to choose from--bizarro!)
Aside from all of the family fun, I started planning my mock music therapy session this afternoon. This session will be videotaped as part of my grad school app. Funny how it's only been 6 months since I was planning sessions every day and it already feels somewhat foreign to me again. I will be happy when this application process is done and all I have to do is wait...story of my life. Hairspray anyone?
As for this very moment, fish sticks for dinner and some time with my hubby! Then, dishes, laundry and what my mom would call a "folding party!"
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan!
Aside from all of the family fun, I started planning my mock music therapy session this afternoon. This session will be videotaped as part of my grad school app. Funny how it's only been 6 months since I was planning sessions every day and it already feels somewhat foreign to me again. I will be happy when this application process is done and all I have to do is wait...story of my life. Hairspray anyone?
As for this very moment, fish sticks for dinner and some time with my hubby! Then, dishes, laundry and what my mom would call a "folding party!"
Stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Summary of the Week
Well, since I just started blogging today, I figured that I better do a quick update of our week--so here are some of the highlights:
~Keaton started solid foods last Saturday and has so far experienced brown rice cereal and bananas (both of which he has LOVED!) We bought a Baby Magic Bullet and our lives have forever been changed!
~Wednesday we went to a new Meetup in Wrigleyville, where we met a couple of new moms who are definitely keepers! Not only did we make some new friends, but we enjoyed a gorgeous day outside!
~Thursday we went to UrbaBaby (where I stole my blog name from) for storytime. Keaton won the book "Llama Llama Red Pajama" and a Make Your Own Board Book Kit in the raffle.
~Friday was spent relaxing at home! Keaton and I did a lot of playing and working towards learning the sign for "more" and how to kiss mommy without opening his mouth (he is hilarious!). He has already learned what "tap" means...and "are you done eating?" It is amazing to me how quickly he learns. Love that boy! At the end of the day, we found out that daddy is getting a 3 day weekend--thanks to Christopher Columbus--dig it! Bentley also had two seizures today--she's only had this happen once before, but I hope that this does not become a regular occurrence.
Tomorrow we are heading to Cornucopia Fall Festival, where daddy will get to meet some of the wonderful moms and kiddos that we have come in contact with. I think another pumpkin recipe may be in the works--loving that fall is here!
Alright, well stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan!
~Keaton started solid foods last Saturday and has so far experienced brown rice cereal and bananas (both of which he has LOVED!) We bought a Baby Magic Bullet and our lives have forever been changed!
~Friday was spent relaxing at home! Keaton and I did a lot of playing and working towards learning the sign for "more" and how to kiss mommy without opening his mouth (he is hilarious!). He has already learned what "tap" means...and "are you done eating?" It is amazing to me how quickly he learns. Love that boy! At the end of the day, we found out that daddy is getting a 3 day weekend--thanks to Christopher Columbus--dig it! Bentley also had two seizures today--she's only had this happen once before, but I hope that this does not become a regular occurrence.
Tomorrow we are heading to Cornucopia Fall Festival, where daddy will get to meet some of the wonderful moms and kiddos that we have come in contact with. I think another pumpkin recipe may be in the works--loving that fall is here!
Alright, well stay tuned for more from the Boswell-Burns clan!
New to the blog world...
Okay, so I have had a couple of people ask me if I have been blogging about our adventures in the city and until today the answer was no. However, I recently met a new friend who has a great blog and I got inspired. So, here it goes...it probably won't always be life-changing, but it will be a real life account of how the Boswell-Burns' experience Chicago.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)