Congratulations to the newest Mr. and Mrs. Fisher!
There is nothing better than being Mrs. Fisher:)
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
A Summer Friday with a Toddler
I have a love/hate relationship with summer Fridays. I work at an university, and for a variety of reasons, it was decided to close for eight Fridays during the summer about three or four years ago. In the past, we were able to make up some time during the year, so it never seemed so bad. Usually, I'd end up working an extra hour and using my time for the rest. This year, we had to either work the full nine and 1/2 hours or use our vacation time. Because of that and the fact that I pick up my son and am home and up with him until about ten at night, it makes for some pretty long days.
By the time Friday comes around, I'm glad to be off, but I'm pretty drained. Tim has really stepped up to the plate, making sure things are done around the house so I don't have to and making sure I have a few hours to myself before he goes to work in the afternoon. This week, he told me to go see a show I've been wanting to see. Even though it was weird going to the theater myself, I really enjoyed some time alone.
However, I think our kids sense things like this sometimes. I know as a little girl I HATED it when my mom went out and didn't take me with. Maybe John is no different. Or maybe it was one of his no good, bad days where his crankiness took over.
Soon after Tim went to work, we tried nap time. For an hour and a half! I finally gave up and let him have run of my bedroom where he pulled all my shirts out of my dresser, threw everything off my bed and pulled on the cat.
So, I got sick of all this, took him downstairs and tried to put his shoes on. He refused. Frustrated, I took my purse, went out the door and stood out on the porch for 30 seconds to a minute, though it felt like ages. I don't know who needed that time out more, me or John. I went back inside, and happy to see me, John was suddenly happy to deal with me. As a compromise, I threw his shoes in the bag and picked up and left.
When you have a small child, you really shouldn't pick up and leave. Luckily, most places make up for this. We had his diapers, wipes, sunscreen, snacks, all the important things, but I did forget a cup, water and my camera.
So, we're driving and I have NO idea where we're going to. I was thinking the zoo, where we are members, but it was three and the zoo closes at five, so I went to the Arboretum, where we also have a membership. The one thing about me is that I am very fearful of driving places I don't know too well and I refuse to take the Expressway. This is something I share with my dear mother-in-law, so Tim is used to driving everywhere. However, now that I have John and Tim isn't with me as much, I'm trying to suck it up and do my best.
Our first stop was the visitor's center. I got some lunch I desperately needed, a tuna sandwich, chips, a pop and some water. I shared with John, who only would eat the chips. Feeling much more myself, I went to the gift shop and brought a camera. I wasn't going to miss out on recording this impromptu outing.
We went to the Children's Garden. It was about 4:30 before we got there and the garden closes at 5:00. However, we managed to pack in some fun looking at flowers and playing in water. John did get a little clingy and refused to walk. It was hard since I had his stroller, my purse and his bag, but we managed. We got out just as it closed and walked along a beautiful lake. They had another path through conifers. I pushed John, we rested and explored, I let him walk slightly ahead of me until he fell, then I carried him. We explored the different conifers. I pushed him some more and we got to the adult garden and walked through beautiful flowers. When our journey ended, we took a bathroom break, filled up our water bottles and took the scenic walk along the lake to the parking lot. I belted him in, gave him some animal crackers and left.
We stopped at my parents' on the way home. TOTALLY different kid. Cute, pretty cooperative, happy and the like. I guess he needed a break from home just as much as I did.
With having these Fridays off, I've both enjoyed my time with my son and had moments of pure hair tearing out frustration (figuratively, all my hair is in my head still). Toddler hood is a challenge. The fourteen hour Friday without Tim we pulled last week was rough and this Friday started the same way. After the Arboretum, I might be liking Fridays off again. Too bad we only have two left!
By the time Friday comes around, I'm glad to be off, but I'm pretty drained. Tim has really stepped up to the plate, making sure things are done around the house so I don't have to and making sure I have a few hours to myself before he goes to work in the afternoon. This week, he told me to go see a show I've been wanting to see. Even though it was weird going to the theater myself, I really enjoyed some time alone.
However, I think our kids sense things like this sometimes. I know as a little girl I HATED it when my mom went out and didn't take me with. Maybe John is no different. Or maybe it was one of his no good, bad days where his crankiness took over.
Soon after Tim went to work, we tried nap time. For an hour and a half! I finally gave up and let him have run of my bedroom where he pulled all my shirts out of my dresser, threw everything off my bed and pulled on the cat.
So, I got sick of all this, took him downstairs and tried to put his shoes on. He refused. Frustrated, I took my purse, went out the door and stood out on the porch for 30 seconds to a minute, though it felt like ages. I don't know who needed that time out more, me or John. I went back inside, and happy to see me, John was suddenly happy to deal with me. As a compromise, I threw his shoes in the bag and picked up and left.
When you have a small child, you really shouldn't pick up and leave. Luckily, most places make up for this. We had his diapers, wipes, sunscreen, snacks, all the important things, but I did forget a cup, water and my camera.
So, we're driving and I have NO idea where we're going to. I was thinking the zoo, where we are members, but it was three and the zoo closes at five, so I went to the Arboretum, where we also have a membership. The one thing about me is that I am very fearful of driving places I don't know too well and I refuse to take the Expressway. This is something I share with my dear mother-in-law, so Tim is used to driving everywhere. However, now that I have John and Tim isn't with me as much, I'm trying to suck it up and do my best.
Our first stop was the visitor's center. I got some lunch I desperately needed, a tuna sandwich, chips, a pop and some water. I shared with John, who only would eat the chips. Feeling much more myself, I went to the gift shop and brought a camera. I wasn't going to miss out on recording this impromptu outing.
We went to the Children's Garden. It was about 4:30 before we got there and the garden closes at 5:00. However, we managed to pack in some fun looking at flowers and playing in water. John did get a little clingy and refused to walk. It was hard since I had his stroller, my purse and his bag, but we managed. We got out just as it closed and walked along a beautiful lake. They had another path through conifers. I pushed John, we rested and explored, I let him walk slightly ahead of me until he fell, then I carried him. We explored the different conifers. I pushed him some more and we got to the adult garden and walked through beautiful flowers. When our journey ended, we took a bathroom break, filled up our water bottles and took the scenic walk along the lake to the parking lot. I belted him in, gave him some animal crackers and left.
We stopped at my parents' on the way home. TOTALLY different kid. Cute, pretty cooperative, happy and the like. I guess he needed a break from home just as much as I did.
With having these Fridays off, I've both enjoyed my time with my son and had moments of pure hair tearing out frustration (figuratively, all my hair is in my head still). Toddler hood is a challenge. The fourteen hour Friday without Tim we pulled last week was rough and this Friday started the same way. After the Arboretum, I might be liking Fridays off again. Too bad we only have two left!
Friday, July 20, 2012
18 months
My son reached the 18 month mark on Wednesday! The last year and a half has been both the greatest joy and challenge of my life.
This month was marked with mostly verbal growth. He now says go, something that sounds like thanks, done, one and bye. It's getting hard to remember not to use bad words around him! After being among adults for years, it will be a challenge.
He is also playing more independently. His main sitter, my mom, went on vacation this month and John got to spend a week with his Nana instead. He really enjoyed playing with the Little People Carnival and Airport they have there. His favorite thing is making sure all his people are where they belong. If one can't fit on the carnival ride, he gets pretty upset.
Another growth milestone is that he is starting to "count." He will line things in a row, whether it be cans of pop or his Little People, take his pointer finger out and say, "one" (next object), "one" and so on as he goes along the line. I guess when your mother is an accountant and your aunt's teaching specialty is Math, numbers are in your blood. Even if you can't count past one.
With the summer, John has developed an appreciation for watermelon and grapes. I'm glad he's liking "good" food from the start. He does like whatever mom is eating, never dad. I dunno if I'm just an easy target as my cats have in the past sat on my lap and start trying to drink milk from my cereal bowl or get a piece of meat from my sandwich. Anyway, Tim and I were eating a Klondike bar on Sunday and we gave John one of those freeze pops. I'm on the couch and John hands Tim his freeze pop. He then climbs up into my lap and eats my ice cream! I asked, "Did I tell you you could eat my ice cream?" He nods his head yes. We laugh! I told Tim he's lucky since no one tries to eat his food on him. He told me I was just an easy mark for the child and animals we share our house with.
It has been hot out, but John has enjoyed Grandma's pool. He doesn't like to wear his safety devises, so you have to always have a good eye on him. I'm thinking once it starts to get cold for outside swimming, we should take swim classes through the park district. He's a natural. One thing I am thankful to my mom for (even though I'm not good, but I'm good enough not to drown) if for giving us swim lessons the summer she was pregnant/had the girls. Maybe it was to just get us the heck out of the house, be it did teach us to be comfortable around water.
Okay, so here it is. John is eighteen months! Stats on height and weight to come later as our appointment is on the 27th! Now to enjoy the quiet before my boys awake:)
This month was marked with mostly verbal growth. He now says go, something that sounds like thanks, done, one and bye. It's getting hard to remember not to use bad words around him! After being among adults for years, it will be a challenge.
He is also playing more independently. His main sitter, my mom, went on vacation this month and John got to spend a week with his Nana instead. He really enjoyed playing with the Little People Carnival and Airport they have there. His favorite thing is making sure all his people are where they belong. If one can't fit on the carnival ride, he gets pretty upset.
Another growth milestone is that he is starting to "count." He will line things in a row, whether it be cans of pop or his Little People, take his pointer finger out and say, "one" (next object), "one" and so on as he goes along the line. I guess when your mother is an accountant and your aunt's teaching specialty is Math, numbers are in your blood. Even if you can't count past one.
With the summer, John has developed an appreciation for watermelon and grapes. I'm glad he's liking "good" food from the start. He does like whatever mom is eating, never dad. I dunno if I'm just an easy target as my cats have in the past sat on my lap and start trying to drink milk from my cereal bowl or get a piece of meat from my sandwich. Anyway, Tim and I were eating a Klondike bar on Sunday and we gave John one of those freeze pops. I'm on the couch and John hands Tim his freeze pop. He then climbs up into my lap and eats my ice cream! I asked, "Did I tell you you could eat my ice cream?" He nods his head yes. We laugh! I told Tim he's lucky since no one tries to eat his food on him. He told me I was just an easy mark for the child and animals we share our house with.
It has been hot out, but John has enjoyed Grandma's pool. He doesn't like to wear his safety devises, so you have to always have a good eye on him. I'm thinking once it starts to get cold for outside swimming, we should take swim classes through the park district. He's a natural. One thing I am thankful to my mom for (even though I'm not good, but I'm good enough not to drown) if for giving us swim lessons the summer she was pregnant/had the girls. Maybe it was to just get us the heck out of the house, be it did teach us to be comfortable around water.
Okay, so here it is. John is eighteen months! Stats on height and weight to come later as our appointment is on the 27th! Now to enjoy the quiet before my boys awake:)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Sisters
It's been a wild ride since I asked God for two sisters. I love them each so very much. Kelly, our little mama and Elyse, my personality twin. God bless them both.
Brothers of The Sun
My Dad and I were lucky enough to attend the "Brothers of the Sun" show at Soldier Field on Saturday night. Tim and I were supposed to go together as my late birthday gift, but it ended up that Tim's co-worker already requested the whole week off. It was Daddy to the rescue.
We started our day in Flossmoor at the Flossmoor Station where we dined on a corned beef sandwich for Dad and a Pulled Pork sandwich for me. We made it out in enough time to catch the 3:10 Metra to the show. Let me tell you, when they say it's "The only way to really fly," they aren't kidding. $14 dollars for the two of us and we beat the traffic downtown and saved on a $49.00 parking fee. Yes please! It let us off right by the Field Museum. It was a brisk walk! Let me tell you, even though my dad is twice my age, he still walks faster than I do. I guess that's from 38 years as a letter carrier on a walking route.
Thankfully, after a week full of 100s, it was a beautiful 80+ degree day with a nice wind off the lake. We were really blessed by the weather.
We got to the stadium, and Dad being Dad insists that we take a bathroom brake at the first one we saw. Good for him, not for me! Line was a mile long. He was kind of trying to talk me into waiting, but I wasn't having it, and I used the next one, no lines! Ha, it's funny how dads never stop being dadlike.
We got to our seats which for "cheap" seats, ended up being perfect. We were at the top of the end zone, so we looked directly out at it. Jake Owen was the first act. I didn't remember much about him other than I enjoyed his music and was sort of disappointed that the sound was kind of rough and I didn't know his first few songs. Soon, he was rocking out with "8 Second Ride," Barefoot Blue Jean Night," and "Alone with You." I was singing my little heart out and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of his set.
We started our day in Flossmoor at the Flossmoor Station where we dined on a corned beef sandwich for Dad and a Pulled Pork sandwich for me. We made it out in enough time to catch the 3:10 Metra to the show. Let me tell you, when they say it's "The only way to really fly," they aren't kidding. $14 dollars for the two of us and we beat the traffic downtown and saved on a $49.00 parking fee. Yes please! It let us off right by the Field Museum. It was a brisk walk! Let me tell you, even though my dad is twice my age, he still walks faster than I do. I guess that's from 38 years as a letter carrier on a walking route.
Thankfully, after a week full of 100s, it was a beautiful 80+ degree day with a nice wind off the lake. We were really blessed by the weather.
We got to the stadium, and Dad being Dad insists that we take a bathroom brake at the first one we saw. Good for him, not for me! Line was a mile long. He was kind of trying to talk me into waiting, but I wasn't having it, and I used the next one, no lines! Ha, it's funny how dads never stop being dadlike.
We got to our seats which for "cheap" seats, ended up being perfect. We were at the top of the end zone, so we looked directly out at it. Jake Owen was the first act. I didn't remember much about him other than I enjoyed his music and was sort of disappointed that the sound was kind of rough and I didn't know his first few songs. Soon, he was rocking out with "8 Second Ride," Barefoot Blue Jean Night," and "Alone with You." I was singing my little heart out and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of his set.
Next up was Grace Potter and her band. As my dad said, she's a great singer, but her songs weren't all that great and with their Gospelly sort of feel, seemed out of place. I spent most of my time getting some t-shirts for myself. This is when having an eighteen month old comes in handy! He doesn't expect anything when Mama goes out! I love having concert t-shirts to remember the fun I had and to wear to work on casual Fridays and weekends.
Finally, at about 6:30, my man Tim McGraw came on. Now, I've been a fan since he came out with his "Not a Moment Too Soon" album in 1993 or so. I had his picture on my bedroom wall growing up. To say I was excited to see my childhood crush LIVE (and much better looking then when he had that awful mullety thing in 93) for the first time is an understatement. He came out in a black cowboy hat, a white t-shirt and white jeans. I can't think of too many 40+ year old men could pull that off, but he sure did!
He worked the crowd up with "Felt Good on My Lips" and worked his way through songs both old and new. Especially meaningful to me was “Live Like You Were Dying," which he wrote in tribute to his own dad. I knew all the words to all but two of his new songs and I'm a bit sorry for all those who heard me sing at the top of my lungs. I loved "Down on the Farm," Southern Voice", "I Like It, I Love It." He really is a timeless musician. I read something comparing him to Garth Brooks. A better comparison in my mind is George Strait. Like George, he knows how to pick hits and keeps entertaining his fans.
He ended to tons of applause and came back again to sing, including his new song "Truck Yeah!" It was great and I was surprised by his 90 minute set. He really rocked the house. I do kind of wished he talked a smidgen more about his music and used background video like Kenny later did, but Tim delivered and didn't disappoint.
About a half hour later, the sun goes down and Kenny came out. Man, our section was rocking! I mean, literally! I could feel the concrete shake beneath my feet! He came out to "Welcome to the Fishbowl," the title song from his new album. He didn't sing it however. I was a bit disappointed since, hello, I'm a "Fisher."
If I was to describe Kenny, it would probably be the Jimmy Buffet of Country Music. A lot of his songs focus on the beach and water. The highlight for me was “Back Where I Come From." During the song, scenes from around Chicago and the various Chicago sports team played behind him. It was sort of emotional for me. I never lived in the city, but having such roots (I have a few great-great grandparents who were born in Chicago), it was especially moving. I also enjoyed all his beach songs and "Never Wanted Nothing More," probably because the love interest in the song is Katie:)
He ended with "Boys of Fall," which was so appropriate for Soldier Field and gave a young man a Bears helmet. What a perfect way for him to end his set!
A few minor things. Kenny wore a sleeveless t-shirt that looked like it was drenched in sweat. I felt so bad for the poor guy! Another thing, he would talk about songs or what not and you could barely hear him. All and all, worth every minute of time.
Dad and I left just as Kenny and Tim came back on stage. They sang their new song, "Feel Like a Rockstar" together which we could hear, then went to Kenny's "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy." By the end of that song, we were out and couldn't hear the rest. I was disappointed to find out that Tim's "Indian Outlaw" followed, but we had a train to catch.
Surprisingly the train out wasn't bad. We easily got seats and were in Flossmoor by 12:30 AM. We ended up the day with a breakfast at Denny's.
As much as I loved the concert, the best part was sharing the time together with my Dad. I'm lucky to have him, even if I'm still trying to catch up with him:)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
We Went Out Last Night
After eight days straight of working, Tim was finally able to enjoy a day off. We were even luckier to enjoy a night out together sans child. I never fully realized how important it was to have some time alone together with your spouse until I had John. Since our work schedule keeps us apart quite a bit, nights like last night are even more important.
Tim and I went to our favorite brewery, Rock Bottom. We began going there a few years ago and have been hooked since. I enjoyed a Lorado burger and a Summer Ale while Tim found a burger and a beer of his own to enjoy. The good part of dining on Monday? $5.00 burgers. And they are awesome. I really enjoyed the food, but being with Tim and being able to sit and have a conversation was the best part of the evening.
Thanks to my in-laws for this much needed night out.
Tim and I went to our favorite brewery, Rock Bottom. We began going there a few years ago and have been hooked since. I enjoyed a Lorado burger and a Summer Ale while Tim found a burger and a beer of his own to enjoy. The good part of dining on Monday? $5.00 burgers. And they are awesome. I really enjoyed the food, but being with Tim and being able to sit and have a conversation was the best part of the evening.
Thanks to my in-laws for this much needed night out.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Fourth of July
Our July Fourth was nothing to write home about. Tim had to work at noon and didn't end up getting off until nearly midnight and my sinuses led me to sleep in quite a bit. Thankful for my sweet husband for that.
Anyway, I made John and I lunch of baked beans, hot dogs and American flag cookies. We played awhile and then both took LONG naps. Too long in fact! We ended up being late to my parents' cook out.
We went to my parents and feasted on fresh fruit, brats for me and a hot dog for John (he doesn't get a lot of them, but it seemed like it this time) and Mom's homemade salsa. Unfortunately, between us being late and my mom working an eight hour shift earlier, we ended up going home pretty early.
I had dressed John in the cutest outfit. He has a pair of blue shorts with a flag on the side and a blue Old Navy flag tee on. So, I got out my camera. Ugh, battery dead! Doesn't it figure. Here's a few kind of crappy quality pictures from my cell.
Anyway, I made John and I lunch of baked beans, hot dogs and American flag cookies. We played awhile and then both took LONG naps. Too long in fact! We ended up being late to my parents' cook out.
We went to my parents and feasted on fresh fruit, brats for me and a hot dog for John (he doesn't get a lot of them, but it seemed like it this time) and Mom's homemade salsa. Unfortunately, between us being late and my mom working an eight hour shift earlier, we ended up going home pretty early.
I had dressed John in the cutest outfit. He has a pair of blue shorts with a flag on the side and a blue Old Navy flag tee on. So, I got out my camera. Ugh, battery dead! Doesn't it figure. Here's a few kind of crappy quality pictures from my cell.
Around the time the fireworks were to start, I grabbed a beer and John grabbed a juice and we sat outside. However, between the heat and the trees blocking our view, we ended up back in within fifteen minutes. However, we did enjoy the firework display from New York on TV. Later, we were in the kitchen and were treated to a small display we could see outside our back door.
Overall, it was an okay sort of day, but next year, I'm going to try to at least see the fireworks, even if it means going without Tim. I'm still trying to get used to his absence at things due to work. I need to become more in dependant.
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