Weekend Shenanigans: Back in the Saddle

Posted on March 18, 2013 by lauren

First, thank you to those of you who reached out during my little blogging break. I was overwhelmed by your emails, comments, and phone calls checking on me- though I certainly didn’t mean to cause any alarm! You know, sometimes it’s just good to step back for a few days, take the pressure off, and make sure that blogging is still fun. And you know what? It is!

On Friday (the last day of Andrew’s spring break, though he didn’t get to take any time off until Friday afternoon… bummer), Andrew came home from work early so we could enjoy what was to be one nice warm day in a sea of cold rainy ones. He came home to find us with the back door wide open, music blaring, and kids playing in the mud on our back deck while I snapped some photos and basked in the sunshine.

Then we headed to Laumeier Sculpture Park to check out the outdoor exhibit, which was pretty cool. And though we respected the signs that asked us not to climb on or touch certain structures…

We took liberty in trying out the few that didn’t have signs… and then found out later that we weren’t supposed to (oops!). So if you go, don’t climb.

Which begs the question… would my kids have had fun here if we hadn’t let them touch anything? Probably not. But it sure was great to get out of the house and into the open air!

And this is officially “The Face of Three.”

Actually, he just banged his knee pretty hard on that rock seat. But, you know, it’s a face we have been seeing a lot of lately. Especially around bedtime. Today kicks off spring break for the boys, which I am trying to pump myself up for! Around this time last year, we were already starting our garden, spending every waking hour outside, and even playing in basins of water in the back yard. We had weeks of weather in the mid-70′s and 80′s, and spring was in full-swing. But this week looks bleak. It’s snowing as I write this, and we are looking at temperatures in the 30′s and 40′s all week, plus rain. Sigh. It would be nice timing for you to show up now, spring.

Not sure what I’ll be up to with the boys while they are out of school. I am kind of up to my gills sick of indoor activities, and we have worn out all of the children’s museums around St. Louis. So… do you have any ideas???

Also, Happy Birthday to my mama today! We love you, Grandma!

Favorite Places: U City Public Library

Posted on March 12, 2013 by lauren

When I was a kid, I was lucky enough to live right across the street from our neighborhood’s public library. It was an incredibly small and cozy place where my brother and I spent hour upon hour after school. I have very fond memories of sitting cross-legged in a random aisle, absorbed in books, unable to put down one after another. I lost track of time on more than one occasion. And I remember feeling greedy about all the knowledge that was at my fingertips. Shelves of books were like gold to me.

And you know what? Nothing has changed. I still feel that sense of awe whenever I enter a library. It’s like I’ve hit the jackpot– all these books, and I can just check them out for free?!!

My boys are exhibiting signs of the love of the public library already. We have a big blue reusable bag that is sturdy enough to accommodate more than 20 books, and it is a struggle to narrow it down to that few sometimes! But the point is, they are becoming lovers of books, and that makes me so happy.

Our local library is not across the street from our house, but it may as well be. In the warmer months, we walk there with a wagon or stroller, and the children’s librarians all know us by name. They know what books Milo and Oliver are into, and make recommendations accordingly. It is one sense of community that I cherish in a world that often seems too big for my little guys.

The children’s area is upstairs, where there are not only rows and rows of books by some pretty awesome authors, but puzzles, games, stuffed animals, a few “reading bathtubs,” and a fish tank! It is a destination for us, especially on cold or rainy days.

We start upstairs in the children’s area. The boys do puzzles and collect books, and if Emil is up for sitting still, we even get to read a few (usually cuddled up on the giant bear’s lap). After that, we go on a “walkabout” around the library, during which the boys practice their best library voices while exploring the mazes of shelves, sculptures, and interesting nooks and crannies.

We end back downstairs, to give the city mascot a smooch or a pat, then check out our books before heading home to devour story after story. The library is a place I hope we always have access to, no matter how internet-based this world becomes.

Do you hang out at your local library? Donate to it? Enjoy it? If not, you should at least check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Weekend Shenanigans

Posted on March 4, 2013 by lauren

I’m not going to lie. This past weekend was a rough one. Andrew left Friday morning and will be returning today from a trip, so I was on my own with the boys. Which of course is always a pleasure– when I am solo parenting, I try to do extra special things with them and play more with them, read more to them, and act silly and goofy since there’s no one else around to spread the attention around, and plus, it is a bonding experience– but I am wiped out, mainly from lack of sleep, but also from a certain three-year-old’s wily behavior and two nasty cases of croup at night.

Oliver is having such a tough time right now. And the interesting thing is, he saves it all for the home front. At school, he is an absolute delight. In public, people fawn all over how cute and polite he is, squeezing his round little cheeks and complimenting him on his great dimples. But man, as soon as he is out of earshot, he really lets it go. All temper, and sometimes just really hurtful things. But he is three, which I have deemed the-worst-age-ever, and so I know his sweet, smart, caring personality is in there somewhere. You know, under all the irrational lashing out behavior. He’s just so darn angry all the time. Sigh.

But we did have fun… I took the boys to the Science Center and the Magic House, and even out for pizza by myself (the looks I got were of pure terror, but it went really well!). But nighttime proved a real challenge. Oliver and Emil both developed what Milo coined the kazoo cough, which is croup. They were up all night Friday and Saturday barking like sea lions and crying and even vomiting from coughing so hard. But I was an attentive, if not weary, parent, of course, staying up past 2am with Oliver and throwing a load of laundry in the wash after Oliver and Emil threw up all over themselves and their beds, and reviewed this more than once because even though we’ve been through it before, croup freaks me out because it involves labored breathing and wheezing and terrible noises. Though scary and unpleasant, they were alright. I on the other hand…

… am just utterly wiped out! Milo, feeling great and sleeping through the hellish disaster, awoke at his usual 5:30am, so I was also up and at ‘em pretty early every morning! It’s truly amazing how much energy it takes to care for, feed, calm down, and keep safe three little ones so young. They can be so needy and vulnerable and there were a couple of instances where I realized I had accidentally skipped a meal just from taking care of everyone else– wiping bottoms and cooking and consoling and cleaning up and sitting with one child or another on my lap in the bathroom with the hot water running, and changing clothes and bathing and and and… you know. This parenting thing can be tough stuff, no?

I am ever-grateful for that amazing partner of mine. Without him I would surely be off my rocker by now! They are a fun bunch, though. And I know one day I will look back fondly and laugh about the craziness, and surely miss it so much (the being needed part, not the croup!). Perspective.

Favorite Places: The Purple Cow

Posted on December 11, 2012 by lauren

Many of our readers ask where we buy our kids’ thrifted or consigned clothing, so I wanted to feature one of our favorite children’s clothing stores (which also specializes in maternity resale and even children’s gear such as strollers, carriers, highchairs, and activity centers, among other things). *The Purple Cow is about a 30-minute drive from our neck of the woods, located in Sappington, MO. The drive is well worth it.

Not only does this store carry high-end clothing and shoes for kids, but they also buy gently used clothing and allow the option to use store credit. I have bought the boys’ Halloween costumes here, Milo’s winter coat, several pairs of amazing little shoes (including the Minnetonka moccasins for Emil), and many shirts and pairs of pants that look brand new but cost at least half the price of the new stuff. I have a seriously hard time buying full-priced children’s clothing after visiting this store and seeing all they offer… plus, it’s recycling, which is good for the environment, and good for everyone!

Don’t feel bad about bringing along your kids. The owners/salespeople are extremely friendly, accommodating, and helpful. There are also kid’s tables filled with puzzles and a drawing table to distract the little ones while their parents shop.

You surely know my weakness for Crewcuts by now? This incredibly soft gingham shirt was around $12.

I found these amazing shoes for Oliver for around $8!

If you are not in the market for kid’s clothing, The Purple Cow also sells new toys, puzzles, art supplies, and an array of other goodies (and would be perfect for holiday gifts!).

Their maternity selection is also located in the same store, and there are changing rooms next to this area, along with a lounge chair for the token expectant dad to rest his weary bones (just kidding!).

Here is the loot I went home with last week:

A few gifts for a friend’s new(ish) baby girl

Shoes for Oliver; a shirt for Milo, a gift for a little cousin (Jack, it’s comin’ your way, buddy!), and a ridiculously awesome affordable cashmere (!) sweater for Milo!

And, if you choose to part with your kids’ clothing after they are all grown up, you can sell it to this store for cash on the spot. But good luck leaving without something amazing!

*This is not a sponsered post. We just really love The Purple Cow!*

Weekend Shenanigans

Posted on December 3, 2012 by lauren

Despite (or maybe because of?) a hitch early in the weekend (literally 30 minutes after Andrew left for the airport I found myself stranded in the parking lot of Winslow’s Home with a car that wouldn’t start and a couple of boys who needed to be dropped off at preschool in 10 minutes)… the boys and I had a great (carless) weekend. Friday was rough, but I was thankful for many things: friends coming out of the woodwork offering their help, beautiful weather, and a reminder of why we chose to live where we do. I was able to leave the car in the parking lot, strap the baby to my chest, throw Oliver in the little stroller I had in the trunk, and run (with Milo running alongside) the boys to preschool. We were only 10 minutes late! On the walk back home (now with Emil in the stroller), my friend Bethany offered her car for the morning so I could get some food into our empty fridge. After rushing to the grocery store and a couple other places, I made it back in time to pick up the boys on foot again, feed them lunch, and meet the tow truck down in the parking lot all before 12:30. Whew.

So… we walked a lot this weekend. Saturday was one big walk, I swear. I decided to pack a couple of lunches and we walked to the zoo (7 miles round-trip, plus whatever walking we did while at the zoo), and we stopped off at Washington University to check out the twig houses. I was banking on Oliver and Emil falling asleep in the stroller after so much action, but I guessed wrong, so we had some very cranky boys by the time we got home. And I woke up pretty sore Sunday morning (carrying and pushing all these dudes all day up and down hills and such was hard work… or I’m just really out of shape!).

On Sunday, my amazing friend Ingrid brought over a delicious feast that she and Brent had slaved over all morning (soooo good) so I wouldn’t have to cook. I begged Ingrid to stay and eat with me while the little ones ran around screaming and playing dress-up upstairs. Oh, and she also brought me a pair of brand new AG jeans that she had found while thrifting that just-so-happened to be in my size!

Seriously. I am so spoiled by our friends! So even with a few hitches, I can’t help but feel extremely lucky and happy after this weekend. Andrew returns on Tuesday morning, at which point we will be getting a whole lot of Christmas cards written and mailed by the end of the week.

Really, I can imagine things being a lot worse. The weather was in the high 60′s and 70′s all weekend, and with playgrounds, coffee shops, the library, and other fun destinations within walking distance, I have no right to complain about being car-less and on my own with the kids!

Hope you had a great weekend, too!

Reading…

Posted on November 29, 2012 by lauren

“Sparrow bellies cheep and chirp. People’s bellies belch and burp!”

About once a week, the boys and I walk to our local library. It is one of their favorite places in the whole world, and I know this because they literally jump up and down when I suggest we go, and they are perhaps the most well-behaved when we are there (other moms have actually come up to congratulate me on my kids’ behavior at the library, which, if you know my kids outside of the library, is quite laughable). And this is a good thing, because frankly, I can barely contain Emil, what with all the outlets and tables to climb upon and librarian’s offices to ransack.

So… in light of my major slacking off with the DIY fun this month (cut me some slack, all of my creative juices are going toward holiday gifting and holiday party shenanigans), I thought I would feature a favorite book once a week instead. Just until things settle down. Today’s book: The Belly Book by Fran Manushkin (her name alone makes me love this book!) and illustrated by the ever-talented Dan Yaccarino.

It’s very simple, very cute, and Emil’s most favorite book at the moment. Plus, the illustrations are just fantastic.

Happy reading!

Weekend Shenanigans

Posted on November 19, 2012 by lauren

Another beautiful weekend here in St. Louis! We celebrated by spending every waking moment outdoors, including twice-daily trips to the playground and a nice long morning at the Missouri Botanical Gardens (see Milo and Oliver there exactly 2 years ago). We had a really fun time despite missing Andrew a lot. And just as I was feeling pretty lonely last night, a neighbor friend dropped by with her boys and ended up staying for dinner, which was a welcome luxury, being able to converse with an adult, let me tell you!

This weekend I was reminded of just how sweet Milo is. For a five-year-old, he is extremely helpful and responsible with the baby; keeping him out of trouble, entertaining him, helping to feed him and distract him during dinner preparations. I think sometimes I take for granted what a helpful boy he is– at the playground, a parent of an 11-month-old little girl came up to me to ask how old he was and tell me what a kind little boy he was. Milo was sharing his beloved superhero ball with her, gently rolling it back and forth and speaking to her so sweetly when just moments before he had been kicking that ball with a mighty force and running and sweating and nearly bowling people over. But he saw that baby and immediately shifted gears. It warms my heart to witness his growth and tender-heartedness.

There was a definite sense of calm that came over me this weekend. Maybe it is the knowledge that a relaxing holiday is right around the corner– a holiday that brings to the forefront things we should be appreciating every day– whatever it was, I felt much better about being on my own and started to understand how one would fall into a routine (albeit a slightly lonesome one) if his/her spouse was not able to be around for much of the child-rearing. I am so grateful for Andrew’s companionship and really miss the guitar and banjo that usually fills our house during the evenings! And, the downside is, I am starting the week with a lot of housework catch-up to do while the big boys are in preschool this morning. The amount of crumbs and pieces of dried out play doh on our entire first floor is pretty gross, and the laundry is quite piled up, but knowing that we are not having guests on Thursday for the first Thanksgiving in 5 years (!) takes a lot of the pressure off.

Hope you are feeling some inner peace as well– happy Monday!

Shaw Nature Reserve

Posted on October 1, 2012 by lauren

This weekend left me feeling incredibly centered and lucky. With my favorite month around the corner (happy October 1st, everyone!!!) and beautiful weather gracing us with its presence daily, I couldn’t help but enjoy all that wonder and share it with good friends.

We spent nearly all day Saturday at Shaw Nature Reserve, an affiliate of the Missouri Botanical Gardens about 30 miles southwest of St. Louis. It was a beautiful drive, surprisingly and suddenly hilly and rich with fall foliage on the brink of being absolutely stunning (we will have to make this trip again in a couple of weeks, I think!). Ingrid and I shared with each other the feeling of being able to breathe just making the drive out of the city. And the kids. Well, they were giddy with excitement of course.

This had to be one of the most relaxed, enjoyable outings yet. Maybe because our kids are getting older, or maybe because the park was nearly completely empty and so we took our time, didn’t feel rushed, and explored at our own pace. There was no drama with the kids– they all got along better than fine, and it made me dream of years to come, watching this family grow as we watch our own. I feel so close to only a handful of friends this way. It is really a special thing when that happens, don’t you think?

***P.s.- I am totally considering dying my hair the exact color of Oliver’s locks above– which used to be my hair color when I was a little girl– weird, or totally do-able?***

One of the coolest things at the reserve was the “Nature Classroom,” which had all kinds of natural elements to explore. Our obvious favorites were the many animal bones with which to…

… build animal bone structures, of course! Really. Sorry for the inundation of bones in these pictures. I’ve been reading Richard Dawkins’ The Ancestor’s Tale and I find that I simply cannot get enough of science-y stuff lately! True story.

But of course, there is much more to this place than bones. There are hiking and bike trails, ponds and streams and even a path to the Meramec River. There is also an area with a pretty sweet teepee and sod house, but we decided against dragging the five youngins’ on such a long hike for fear that we would be carrying three out of five of them most of the way (Milo and Eliza are pretty sturdy, but not the rest of ‘em).

We did, however, make the best decision of the day to stay for a nice long picnic which included the following deliciousness: homemade guacamole and chips, fresh berries, balsamic grilled chicken sandwiches with bleu cheese and dijon mustard (and pb & j for the kids), kale chips, and an amazing raspberry ganache courtesy of the lovely Ingrid. Um. I may have eaten myself into a slight food coma.

The kids found all sorts of wildlife– tiny frogs near the pond, crickets and grasshoppers (which had to be nearly pried out of Oliver’s hands when it was time to drive home: Oh, Mama, I want to keep him! I PWOMISE I’ll take good CAWE of him!), and even a box turtle (which almost met an untimely demise… almost).

And Oliver sweet-weaseled his way into Georgia’s heart again…

… while Milo and Eliza played at the ever-delicate struggle of two first-born competitive, athletic, and imaginative kids in nature. And though the age difference is small, Milo clearly looks up to Eliza on so many levels.

There were black walnut throwing contests and races and even a last-minute grasshopper race in an attempt to stall us when it came time to leave this beautiful place. There was also much discussion about the benefits of smaller homes and the dream of a vacation home near the Ozarks some day if St. Louis is our forever home.

It was literally the perfect day.

… Especially after I showered this handsome young chap with kisses!

Here’s to many more perfect days! Thank you, Ingrid and Brent, for some amazing memories!

Our Weekend

Posted on July 30, 2012 by lauren

This past Saturday, the heat broke (for one day!) and the morning air finally felt thin enough to breathe. So, reminiscent of summers past, we headed outdoors to make the most of it. In the morning, we ended up meeting up with our cool friends again– this time at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, where their friend’s band was playing in the open air pavilion between the food stalls and the fountain. After stopping off for some coffee at Local Harvest, we schlepped the kids on over to the market.

One hundred of your closest friends doing yoga

Prettiest produce

All three in action!

Peach thief all “growed” up– this rascal managed to consume three entire peaches by asking three different people for them! Smart boy.

Mini peach-thief-in-training

We took a break but headed back out for an after-dinner walk to The Loop for some ice cream! We used to do this all the time over the past two summers, but since no naps have been happening, the kids usually crash by 6:30 or 7pm. But we decided, screw it, and headed out anyway since the weather was so nice!

P.s.- Do you like Milo’s style? Two different shoes AND two different socks!

And I’m so glad we did, because Sunday was a rainy one! We were relieved, because we’re in the middle of quite a drought around here– we could actually use quite a bit more.

Dare I say… I am so ready for fall.

Favorite Places: The City Garden

Posted on July 27, 2012 by lauren

Our friends Ingrid and Brent know 10 million cool places to hang out in St. Louis. And they’ve lived here exactly as long as we have. But seriously, they mention 5 awesome coffee shops or parks or farmer’s markets or festivals or music venues in every conversation and I’m beginning to think that I should secretly just record our conversations so that I can remember all the cool wisdom they are trying to impart. Yep. They are our “cool friends.”

Anyway, last Sunday they suggested we meet up at the City Garden in downtown St. Louis, which is about a 15-minute drive from our neck of the woods. It was amazing! Of course.

Cool feature #1? A giant hollow head that the kids can play inside, accompanied by a water feature that raised all sorts of questions from inquiring young minds, such as Mama, where does the water come out and where does it go???

Where is the brain? Did he have any bones before he lost his head? Am I his eyeball?

On a hot Sunday morning, we found ourselves in a large, comparatively cool green space with the river just east of us, the breeze flowing over the water and through the Gateway Arch. It was the perfect place for a summer picnic. Only, you know how picnics go with little kids. You plan and bring all this great stuff to eat only to set up and have the kids running haywire all around you, refusing to eat and wanting only to play. One of these days…

The Lovely Ingrid enjoying the one bite of food she got to eat

Oliver sharing rice krispie treats with Brent (and only Brent)

Even Emil was standing while eating!

But honestly, who could blame them? They had this to explore! There was a long basin with chlorinated water in which you are allowed to swim (the whole place is artwork for play).

And Georgia, who I think I will eternally think of as BabyGeorgia, has become so incredible with real babies! She asked to have her hands dried off so she could stroke Emil’s face gently while cooing sweet nothings in his ear. He was just as smitten:

The big kids enjoyed swimming like sea lions through the pathways between the boulders. I was kind of wishing I were a kid again so I could fit!

And Oliver took Georgia’s hand and led her though, telling me later, I held Georgia’s hand tight so she wouldn’t fall under wa-lah! (he speaks so well but still says “wa-lah” for water– and it is so cute I refuse to correct him)

Another Georgia/Emil encounter:

And we could have stayed at the basin all day, but there was more to see! Like an enormous spray ground surrounded by benches– so convenient for the mamas and papas. And plenty of shade nearby to chat!

Coolest ice cream truck ever. I pretended I didn’t know they sold ice cream… maybe next time I’ll let the cat out of the bag?

Oh, oh! And if you go there, be sure to check out this unassuming 9-square contraption by the spray ground. Each square plays a different musical note when you step on it. Really cool and hours of fun!