Happy Easter

Sunday was Andrew's first Easter.

We had some school and neighbor friends over for Easter dinner. It was a fun way to celebrate Christ's resurrection. I wish we had gotten a pic of everyone together.

Courtney made amazing cupcakes.

Here are two of Andrew's favorite friends.

He was so happy hanging out with these guys.

I had to laugh that about half of all the pictures Eric took of Andrew were of him chewing something...see below. Can you tell what stage Andrew is in?

As always, a picture in parting...

Back to work

I am officially back to work. Here is the newest addition to the HP team. He takes great meeting minutes.

Here are some more pics from the week. Mike is now acting as Mr. Mom while he's in school. He and Andrew have way too much fun.

Here was the girls' Saturday evening craft project--binky clips. I am proud of my blue and brown striped clip. The snap part was the most fun.

Now they are all ready to go.

Lastly, a picture in parting.

Cal-ee-for-nee-ya

Last week for my spring break, the three of us headed West, to the land of sun and fun, California. Erin's folks were nice enough to let us occupy the vacant "Heather Room," which we quickly turned into a pile of clothes and baby stuff. We packed really light, though, which I'm quite proud of. Just one checked bag...

Andrew's first two days at the beach didn't exactly go over swimmingly. He's what I like to call an "indoor lily white Northern baby," which is very different from an "outdoor tan SoCal baby," and so the whole idea of being out with the wind and the waves wasn't something he was too used to. I got some good surfing in both days, though. Mom got to struggle with an squirmy infant on the beach. I love you for doing that for me, sweetie. 8-)







Shannon and Isabel came out for a few days, too. We got to hang out with them, Annie & Dan Pursley, and Kim. It was like an Irvine High Reunion + me! Good times.






That week was also Grandpa Greg's birthday, so we had a fun night of cake and games.


Erin's big project for the week was redecorating Nathan's room. They decided it was time that Nathan had a room that matched his age, and not an 8-year old's room. Here is the before:


And after 2 coats of paint, one trip to Ikea, one trip to Home Depot, two trips to Target, and innumerable trips to Ace Hardware:



Between Erin, Nathan, and Jillair, they put a ton of work in. It looks great, and Nathan now has a place he can play Rockband and write poetry. Call it a Nathan Sanctuary.

Our last day included such activities as trying on a new church outfit. This one is 18 months. The only thing that doesn't fit him are the pants--they're a bit too long. Otherwise, as far as Carter's is concerned we have an 18-month old.

The last big activity of the week was a combined b-day party for Greg and Jeff. Scott, Chari, and Big Jake drove over from AZ to join in the festivities. It was fun seeing them along with Grandma & Grandpa Robinson and the Jeff & Robyn Clan.


We were sad to leave, but it was time to get back to Chicago. We just felt like it was too hot in California and we needed to head back to the cold we were used to. For the flight home, we clothed Andrew lightly so he wouldn't get too hot in the overhead compartment.

We love and miss everyone already! We can't wait for our next California trip, as soon as possible!

Fun times

Just a quick post with some pictures and a video. We bought Andrew a fun new toy--the video is his first time using it.

Growing up so fast

We had a bit of a mid-winter warming, which meant we could actually get outside for some fresh air. Erin decided it was time for Andrew to take after his cousin Emmie and head to the park to try out the swing. We often forget the kid's only 4 1/2 months old. We're not sure where he got the idea he could grow up so fast. His stats: 28 inches and 20 lbs, 4 oz--still off the charts for his age. So cute and so fun, though. We can't get enough of this little boy.


Notice Erin's super fashionable Chicago Booth t-shirt in the next pic. It was Admit Weekend a week or so ago when this park trip happened, and Erin was helping out with the Partners Club that day. She now has more Booth gear than me (since my piles of t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets all say GSB). I'm holding on to them for nostalgic value.

His other new trick is standing up while holding on to things. This trick is especially worrying to us, since it means he could be more mobile soon...

Szmurlo & Co. Baby Photos

Our friends Eric and Courtney Szmurlo need to open up a baby photo studio. They came over the other day for some breakfast and to take pictures of Andrew. They made him look even more cute than we thought possible. Here are a few of our faves...