Friday, April 27, 2012

10 Months Old and On the Go!

Laineybug is 10 months old today! I can't believe how fast time has flown and how quickly she masters new tricks these days. She's a lightening-fast crawler and is now cruising along furniture, although she still gets licorice legs when I hold her up by her hands to walk. But, she hates anything that restrains her arms or hands, so it's quite possible she just wants to get free to move completely on her own. Just a few days ago, she started standing without holding on to anything. Such a big girl! Her mouth remains toothless, but everything else is right on track.

She said "Mama" twice this morning and I am convinced she actually used it in reference to me--not just gibberish. I am officially claiming it as her first word!

We've got a fun weekend planned with a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Brandi's house! I'm sure Lainey won't get spoiled at all...

Enjoy the latest pics of our best girl: Lainey's 10th Month

Happy girl!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Dwelling

I know I have been woefully neglectful of the blog. I just haven’t had the energy lately, and to be honest, we don’t have much noteworthy going on these days. Lainey will turn 10 months on Friday, so check back for the newest collection of photos!

Right now, selling the condo is the biggest thing on our plate. We continue to get showings, but no second trips back and definitely no offers yet. However, we’re still in major limbo on what our next steps will be when we do sell, so I guess I’m glad things aren’t moving quickly.

We’ve checked out two possible suburbs, Oak Park and Park Ridge. Both were nice, but we thought Oak Park had a little more character. We also want to get out to Evanston for a drive around, but that won’t be for a few weeks. We’re off to Moline this weekend and then Mark takes off to party in Vegas the following weekend.

So, yes, we are entertaining the idea that we may have to make the migration to the ‘burbs. But, in our heart of hearts, we really want to stay in the city. I’m happy to say that a handful of houses have come on the market in the last week that could be doable. Of course, we are going by pictures, and as anyone who has ever house hunted knows, real estate pictures LIE!!! 

Mark and I keep talking in circles about the pros and cons of all the options and kind of haphazardly evaluating our choices. Maybe we can make use of the car rides to/from Moline to get some thoughts down on paper and really prioritize what is important to us and where we’re willing to bend and list the major challenges and perks each scenario presents.

For instance, yes, we can get more bang for our buck outside the city, but even a move to the close suburbs will add at least 30 minutes to our commutes. As it is, we leave with Lainey at 7am and I don’t get home with her until close to 6pm many nights. It kills me to think of losing another hour a day with her. (And don’t even get me started on Mark’s schedule and the impact of an extra hour of commute each day.)  

On the other hand, when I do get home with her, she could have a lovely backyard to run around in—and a nice school to attend—and safe streets to ride her bike—and trees and fireflies—and don’t all these wonderful things outweigh those extra hours missed? Or maybe they don’t.

And…what about Mark and me? What about being where WE will be happiest and the most fulfilled? Maybe that sounds selfish, but Lainey is much more adaptable at this point. If we decide to remain city dwellers, then a city girl she’ll be—smaller spaces and fewer trees be damned.  If we decide it’s time for a change and move, then she’ll spend a happy childhood at the next place we call home (and run off to the city of her choice at the first opportunity).

These are the thoughts that spin round and round in my mind. It’s a big decision that involves a lot of money and a least a little sacrifice, no matter what we choose. These are the times I really hate being an adult.  

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

Our little Easter Bunny!

Lainey celebrated her first Easter today with her Grandpa Bob. Dad controlled himself on the gifts this visit. She did get an Easter basket, but it was filled with baby food, teething biscuits and baby cookies, so that was great! One stuffed animal did make it's way here from Ohio, but I had told him I would permit ONE, so I can't complain. It was tough getting him out of the Shedd Aquarium's gift shop empty handed during our Saturday outing, however. I don't think I'll be as persuasive when we visit the Columbus Zoo during our May trip to Ohio.

Lainey's daycare has been closed for Spring Break since Wednesday, and I stayed home with her Tuesday as well, because she was sick  with a really horrible cold and, you guessed it, ear infection! (Let's just not discuss that). So, I've had six glorious days in a row ith my Laineybug. I've alreay warned Mark that there will be waterworks in the morning when it's time to head off to daycare. Good thing he takes her in the morning. Not sure I'd actually make it there with her tomorrow.

Enjoy some pictures from Lainey's trip to the Shedd below and her Easter album! Lainey's First Easter

ooooooh!

I'll take that one!