Operation Extraction Day One

Hear that sound.... shhhhhh... listen closely......  (tick tick tick tick)

What's that sound?

My maternity leave ticking away!!!!!!

Like sands through the hour glass so are the days left on my maternity leave (oh how I wish I was in the UK).

In heeding  the advice of my dear friends, who have listened to my concerns over returning to work or experiencing my panic attacks with me, I have begun the extraction of my lil man from my 24/7 presence (insert sob here).

I needed to run an errand (a small one - but knew I could get it done quicker than strapping Kiwi in my wrap and walking) and Natalie stepped up and watched Cillian for me.  Of course - she had help from her lil sissy - Rowan. 

Off I went, texting a few times (till she told me to stop all was well she would contact me if needed), and took care of my errand. 

Total time gone - barely an hour - but it seemed like 8 hours. 

I returned home to Kiwi playing with the girls, happy and cooing. 

Funny - when I walked in - lil man took one look in my direction, pouted, and started to cry till I was holding him in my arms (not nursing, just holding). 

It's a good thing - only in the eyes of me.  My friends would say he needs less of me right now or my return to work will be rough for all involved.......

I'm struggling here - but know they are right (and praying fervently that God will give me strength!)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

This year, unlike years before, we traveled to Michigan for Thanksgiving!  We literally packed up our house (kitchen stuff, bed stuff, baby stuff and other stuff) and took the four hour (plus) trek to my hubby's dad.  Not something one should do with a child less than 3 months old (or in reality less than a year) but it was something we needed to do as a family.   

(insert pout from me - but before you judge me - understand it was my idea to travel to Michigan).

My hubby's mom died a year ago and this is his dad's second Thanksgiving alone.  Let alone, there was a new grandson in his life, the need to go home was there.  It was my suggestion since I was on maternity leave and his dad would never travel to Chicago (that's another long story for another time). 

My hubby is ALL ABOUT cooking on Thanksgiving and was not giving that up even by traveling home.  So - the trek was made, the dinner was prepared and family time was had by all. 

I would like to squash my sarcastic stories, pouty moments, frustration and irritation by pointing out what I (we as a family) were thankful for this year (Cause the former was expressed in, text messages to my friends, twitter and facebook - and serves no purpose here.)

This year was a year of God's faithfulness to all that was heavy in our heart as a family.  Natalie had a successful year in 7th grade and ending with straight A's and more confidence in herself.  Rowan grew socially by leaps and bounds and tackled some difficult life decisions well, seeking prayer first (something I need to do a lil more).  My hubby tackled a personal goal and ushered in something very heavy on his heart - a son (such a blessing from God).  I had a wonderfully complication free pregnancy which resulted in a perfect, healthy baby boy (Thank you Jesus) that was such a testament of God's Grace, Mercy and Faithfulness to many of my friends.   All of this occurred stress free (well relatively stress free) during and because of tremendous support from some awesome friends in our life!

From a more worldly point of view - my career advanced (with a raise), my hubby is back at the bike shop working regularly (and happy with this career) and the girls are thriving and striving in Chicago. 

So on this evening of gluttony and football greatness.......

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Pregnant woman in the mosh pit!

Tonight I relived my childhood and baptized my baby (in utero no less) to my most favorite Band and Artist. 

I was 14 years old when I was in my first mosh pit at a U2 concert in Florida.  It was an incredible experience!

I am happy to say - tonight topped that experience.


U2's 360 tour returned to Chicago and my good friend Melinda, and her twin boys, (who attend North Park) stood outside (okay maybe we sat) Soldier Field in the hot sun (okay maybe prego here sat in the shade) in order to gain general access and PIT location.

We - (so smart we were) - ordered Jimmy Johns while standing (sitting) in the line for general admission.  

We succeeded and my lil guy (or girl) was totally immersed in U2 goodness. 

 It was hot!

It was crowded!

The concert did not start until 2030!!

I stood 80% of that time!!!!

But it was so worth it to see this!!!

To be this close, to take these pictures (mostly with my iphone) and to immerse my pregnant self in this was just the best.

Enjoying this with my friend and her sons - Priceless!!!

We were on the side of Edge - (priceless) with a clear shot of Larry Mullins

 

 Adam - such a great performer.....

I never noted this in any of the other concerts I have attended (and I have gone to every one of U2's tours - (EVEN POP MART)

Their music has evolved and matured much as the band members have.  I have enjoyed the journey as many other fans have, and so glad I was able to attend this concert (in which I purchased tickets for two years earlier but d/t an accident by Bono - a delay of two years made us wait.  I had no idea I would be prego at the time - believe me NO IDEA).

All in all - this event is one for the baby book (pre-birth) and one for my blog.