Plants and Pals

Last week, a few of us headed to the Garfield Park Conservatory. This place is such a gem in Chicago and even better, they have free parking and free admission. Lots of Chicagoans first checked it out when Chihuly had an exhibit there in 2002 and some of the works are still installed. The place is huge with lots of greenhouses and an outdoor area. It wasn't that crowded and the boys were able to run around. They had a blast touching everything, smelling flowers, seeing fish, rocks, sculptures and even playing in the indoor playground. It really was such a great day and I'm sure in the winter months we'll be back for some much needed humidity and greenery.

Popsicles

About a month ago we had a 'playground incident.' Gabe is not scared at the playground but is very cautious, so it's kind of ironic that he got hurt. He was running down a hill and tripped and fell smack dab into his aunt's knee cap. The result was gushing blood, a hysterical Gabe, and a panicked mom. Thankfully, Aunt Bari is cool under pressure. We eventually got the bleeding to stop and drove home. Gabe was hysterical the whole way home and was trying to say something. I finally deciphered that he was saying 'more park.' Poor guy didn't care that his face was the size of a softball and had blood in his mouth, he was just upset his park time was cut short.
His medicine for his swollen face and terribly bruised gums, was some children's ibuprofen and popsicles to bring the swelling down. Dr. Bari suggested popsciles for about a week. So after a loooonnng story you see why my kid is in pj's eating a popsicle.

The 'Mandatory' Pumpkin Patch Post

What kind of blogger would be if I didn't do a pumpkin patch post? It seems that one of the reasons that people have kids is to take them to pumpkin patches and other festive places. How many pictures have you seen of cute kids surrounded by pumpkins? Last year, I had really hoped to take Gabe, but the weather was lousy all October and he had only been home 6 weeks. I actually sorta felt guilty about it. Well this year we made it! And he could actually ride some rides and say 'puh-ka.' He had a ball and so did his parents :)

Where's Gabe?

We love to play the standard 'where's Gabe?' game or as he says 'more dada' or 'more mom' depending on who's playing with him. When we walk around the living room asking questions such as 'is he on the couch?' or 'is he on the front porch?' you hear a faint 'no' from behind the curtain. It's all we can do to stifle our laughter.






There he is!!

There's a Party in My City

A few months ago, Gabe's aunt Bari noticed that G's favorite show, Yo Gabba Gabba, was coming to town to be performed live. On 10/10, after the marathon, we headed to the Chicago Theater. I wasn't sure how Gabe would react to seeing his favorite characters right in front of him and the energy of the crowd. Well, he was grinning ear to ear from the start, then he settled into a chin drop fascination. The show was about an hour and a half, which was the perfect amount of time. At the end of the first half they did a balloon drop from the ceiling. After all the swag I had gotten already, G was obsessed with getting one of those balloons. Another mother heard the anxiety in my voice and went out to get one for her daughter and Gabe. So nice! The balloon was a big hit and during the second half of the show, G found a little area to throw his balloon in the air, while listening to his favorite Yo Gabba Gabba tunes.

Nothing like walking up to the Chicago Theater...
There's a Party in My City...

Getting ready for the show...

And it begins...


I love my balloon...





Thanks aunt Bari for a great day...it was awesome!!!

Run Sisters Run!!

If you're a regular reader of LBOS, you know that I have an awesome group of friends that I met through this blog. A few of these friends signed up to run the Chicago marathon and a few of us signed up to cheer them on. Sue came up with cute t-shirts and a cute name...Seoul Sisters. So, today we donned our Seoul Sisters shirts and set out to conquer our respective 'jobs.' Christine and I cheered them on and saw all but one (sorry, Jill) of the six (Kara, Emily, Jessica, Kris, Jill, and Sue) runners. We are so proud of you ladies!!

A beautiful Chicago day...

LOVE this pic...

Even Joel got in the action...

Can you see which Seoul Sister this is?

Bye Bye, Sue...

After the marathon, Gabe got a very special treat. That post is coming soon.

Welcome Home to Another Cutie!

Last Friday, Gabe and I went out to meet another of his Korean brothers, Sam, who came home about a month ago. His mom, Beth, and I are old friends from college. She is very funny with a unique point of view and way of putting things. She's currently a blog stalker, though she should really be a blogger. Sam is just as cute as can be and an easy going, smiling, happy little guy. Gabe wasn't so sure about this little guy that was taking all the attention. But he eventually warmed up and even gave Sam a hug.
Welcome Home, Sam!!

Book Give Away W(M)inner

Congratulations, Min!! I hope this can brighten the looonnng wait to bring your sweet daughter home.
Thanks to everyone for all the great book suggestions. We've already bought a few and plan on saving the list for book buying/borrowing expeditions in the future.