We Celebrated! We Painted! We Ate!

The little mister turned two on Sunday.

Two. Let's just take a moment to let that sink in.

We threw a party. Not an insane party for the family who has a not-even-six-week-old baby in the house, but a party to celebrate the little boy that brought us back to life. Back in October, I was researching Halloween costumes that were simple and unique. I came across a cute idea to write on a mustache, throw on a French beret, apron or t-shirt and hand the kid a paint palette. Voila. French artist.

I loved the idea so much that I just envisioned our neighborhood friends coming over and all walking around with cute little French mustaches and painting while wearing cute berets. Let's not confuse this whole daydream with me actually liking all things French. While France was nice, I had other European favorites. But little tiny mustached artists with cute hats? Sign me up!

Then I got a reality check. Is my kid actually going to let me draw on a mustache and wear a beret? Unlikely (spoiler alert: he DID!). But I had already bought the paint supplies and French berets because I was smitten with the theme. Most kids want to choose their theme, but he's still too young to articulate or really understand the whole hoopla over birthday parties and themes and such. So this one was my freebie. Lord knows if he was able to tell me, we'd have tigers and trolleys and a theme I didn't really want to embrace. I'm already swimming in all things DT. I sing those songs in my (little) sleep.

All the kids at the party... missing the two that couldn't make it and dreaming of their little mustached faces!

The party went off without a hitch. Aside from a few friends not being able to make it, we still had sixteen people in our house. Considering the 40+ from last year, this one was a breeze! The only thing that was not a breeze? Prepping for the party with a toddler and newborn. The toddler is about 4 inches behind me taking down all the party decor and the newborn needs to be fed what seems like every 18 minutes. Okay, not really... but you know. Feels like that. Friday night was a little hectic and the toddler was given two DT episodes to keep him in the living room while I ran around blowing up balloons and setting up a paint table for the kids.

Party decor, paint table with berets hanging on chairs, paper people and wooden cars to paint & random mashed potatoes in the KitchenAid! My friend recommended it and what a breeze!

Yes, this was all happening at exactly the same time! Unheard of for children this age!

Benjamin received a balance bike for his birthday. We live in Chicago. It's currently being used in the house. Wuh, Wuh.

The food was fun and relatively easy. Most of the it was store bought, but I really like to put an added personal twist to things, so I added Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes to the mix along with a Fresh Express Salad Bar. The salad was provided, as I am part of Green Moms Meet and try out fun, healthy and green products with my friends at playdates and parties. It fit so well with the party and theme and the salad bar was a hit by our friends! Fun little tidbit about Fresh Express salads: when Elliot and I were first starting to chat some eight years ago, he brought two bags of Fresh Express salad to a party we were both attending. I still remember what they were, and I'm not kidding-- the Asian and Southwest mixes. I've bought both many times ever since.

I purchased the pre-washed Fresh Express lettuce mixes at the store and consulted their free Salad Swap phone app that has recipes and food indulgences you like that can be used to swap out for a delicious salad instead-- but not just boring salads--salads with a kick. For example, if you're into grilled cheese sandwiches but want to cut the calories, they recommend (with recipe and calorie information) a spring mix and grilled cheese crouton salad. You're getting a hint of that indulgence food and adding in some greens to your diet to make it more balanced and healthy. There is a website dedicated to the 30-day salad swap challenge as well.

I opted for a salad bar with a number of their mixes. We used the Fresh Express Baby Spinach, Baby Kale Mix and Sweet & Crunchy mixes. I threw them in my big wooden bowl and offered a variety of full and low fat dressing options along with five toppings to make up a salad bar: honey ham, crushed butter crackers, sliced pepperoncini, raisins and Parmesan cheese. Tasty combinations were made and the salad mixes and options were an extra nice added touch that definitely lightened the heaviness of the rest.

To make up the rest of the (heavy) food, I wanted to feature a food my 2-year old scarfs down when we're shopping-- Ikea meatballs, gravy, mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. I bought a few bags of the meatballs, oven baked them & stuck them in a crock pot. I made PW's mashed potatoes (incredible), whipped up the gravy and opened up a can of that lingonberry sauce. Surprisingly, among the group of 16 people, including six children ages 5 and under, it was all a huge hit!

We finished things off with a Costco sheetcake, ice cream, and some incredible mustache-themed cookies made by a friend we met at storytime who lives just blocks away. She's a super fantastic baker and kind of a big deal. She's a freelance writer for the Boston Globe even! Told you she was a big deal. She may have scoffed at the Costco sheetcake purchase when I told her, but the damage was already done. However, her cookies were nothing to scoff at. They were every bit gourmet and totally expert status like everything she creates. You should see the tea party she threw for her daughter's 2nd birthday last month. She's also suffered many struggles to grow her family as well and that has connected us in many ways. She's dealt with PCOS and infertility and is hoping to add another child to their family. She's been writing candidly about that and ways to improve fertility through diet as well, since she's knee deep in the process and has quite the expertise in all things food.

Family photo attempt (Andrew is behind us but that wasn't planned well) & the amazing mustache cookies made by my baker friend, Karoline!

Food pictures: sheetcake (tons of leftovers I may or may not be eating at every meal), ice cream, meatball plates, salad bar. Drinks: easy with milk boxes for kids & water bottles for adults

As for the rules and a schedule...we had none. I kindly requested no gifts because my child really does have everything under the sun and he has not been a very thoughtful recipient lately. So instead, people ate as they wanted, played with toys and balloons we had blown up and thrown around the place and all of the kids painted. It was like a little zen moment (that lasted at least 10 minutes!) where the kids all hopped up on chairs and embraced the theme. Every one of them painted the little people and some of them painted the wooden cars. It. was. awesome. They were quiet, concentrated, and totally into it. To say that we were all shocked because the majority of kids were two years old was an understatement.

Not too stressful and a house full of friends and cute little mustached kids. It doesn't get much cooler than that.

You can like Fresh Express on Facebook or follow them on Pinterest. There's even a a coupon available at greenmomsmeet.com/freshexpress if you'd like to try out the Fresh Express 30 Day Salad Swap for yourself and "indulge" in some of their delicious recipes and cut the calories at the same time.

Disclaimer: I received this product (Fresh Express Salads) free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC. or the manufacturer of this product.

The Day He Became a Whole Lot More Expensive to Fly With

His birthday itself was a relaxed and fun day.

I decorated his door with streamers the night before so he'd wake up to that. Of course we lock him in his room, so it's not like he would walk out on his own, but anyway. He was pretty excited.

He helped make a smoothie (his favorite because he can press the blender buttons!) and his number 2 pancake with sprinkles. And as a result, sprinkles will be found all over my kitchen for the next 6 months.

For lunch, we went to the train restaurant. I don't know if they have these in other areas, but this suburb area of Chicago has a number of different restaurants that are train themed and bring your food to you on a train. They sing to you and ice cream or a cupcake with a candle is also delivered via train. It's overly stimulating, but we had to check it out. He had already been with both sets of grandparents, but this was our first time taking him. Surprisingly, the food was even good for adult standards! Something tells me we'll be back.

Both sets of grandparents took him to the train restaurant as well... here are their photos!

First expensive flight on the books for April. We're going to Florida to escape the never-ending winter we're having this year! Hello 75 degrees and sunny! And that extra plane ticket. Two wonderful years... can't believe it. Feel like I just wrote this post. But on days when the tantrums and menacing reach terrible heights, it feels like a million years ago.

*party post to come. It's just about done. :)

Big Brother, Little Sister

When Benjamin was born, he was gifted with a little brother shirt. I took some photos and he wore it a few times and then it was over. It's not like I could have him wear it in public without the questionable stares and confused looks from strangers because I don't have the older sibling with me. Ever.

Benjamin and Claire were just gifted two new shirts-- one that says big brother and one that says little sister. These statements are in and of themselves, totally true. Benjamin is definitely Claire's big brother. And she is definitely the little sister. Everyone and anyone who sees my children would be able to identify with this reality.

First picture = marshmallow bribe. Second picture = uncertain. Third picture: Claire meltdown and brother holding her hand to calm her.

I love that there is a big brother/little sister relationship in our house. It's all I've ever known. I was a little sister and had a big brother. My husband is a big brother and had a little sister. And here we are representing the next generation with the same number count-- except not really.

It's obvious to anyone who knows me above a casual acquaintance level that I've had three children. That Benjamin is not just the big brother, but is also the little brother. And that Claire is not only the little sister but is a little sister to two big brothers. Obviously I mourn the loss of that extra t-shirt in so many ways. And yet I know that there probably wouldn't be a little sister at all if the big big brother were alive. But I can't get over that extra t-shirt and how it should be here. I was burned by seeing these shirts out in public after Andrew died and even after Benjamin was born. I wanted so badly to boast such numbers (two kids!), but I literally didn't have the number of carseats to show for it. It broke my heart. It was definitely a grief trigger.

I love that I can be proud of Benjamin and Claire and that they are both alive and able to wear their big brother and little sister shirts. These days are fleeting and they are both growing rapidly. How is Benjamin 24 months old? Preschool is seriously around the corner! The days left for them to proudly sport their love for one another in t-shirt form (even if they are totally unaware) will be long gone and they will soon be pestering one another like brothers and sisters do. But oh, to wonder... what our lives would be like if the four bedrooms upstairs were all filled and there were three t-shirts to hang in three closets representing my three kids.

= Five

My mother-in-law was a math teacher. She's taught middle and high school math, but has spent most of her career as a guidance counselor. Though, she's never really lost her love of numbers. Once a (math) teacher, always a (math) teacher.

When my in-laws were visiting and meeting Claire over Valentine's weekend, she announced that our family number is five. I caught on that Andrew's birthday is the 5th immediately... but the others took some explaining.

My birthday is the 10th
My husband's birthday is the 13th

Together:
1+0+1+3 = 5

Andrew's birthday is the 5th

= 5

Benjamin's birthday is the 23rd

2+3=5

Claire's birthday is the 14th

1+4=5

Last week, I overheard my husband telling Benjamin that his favorite number is 6. In the 8 years of us being together, I never knew that. Then he asked what my favorite number is... I told him I don't have one.

While I think it's very cool that we have some mathematical connections as a family, I do struggle with five being my favorite number. A family number, okay. I can stand behind that because I love the connection of us all being weaved together in a web. My favorite number would've been four. If the doctors had the same intuition for Andrew as they did for Claire and pulled him out before it was too late.

Bug & Bear

Nicknames for the littles that run this joint. We have many nicknames for Benjamin, but Bug has stayed because it's short for lovebug. And he's definitely our lovebug. Bear is Claire's nickname... because naturally. What Claire is not referred to as Claire Bear?

We had a doctor's appointment and I got those same sighs as I did with Benjamin because Claire is gaining 3/4 ounce a day instead of the fictitious rule that babies must gain 1 ounce a day. She's gaining steadily. SHE'S ALIVE. She already started off (once again) at a disadvantage being born so early. Cut the girl some slack! She gained 12 ounces in 16 days (latest tracking) and is over 7lbs now. I'm trying not to take things personally, but that's hard. As a babyloss mom who will always sort of feel inadequate, that's hard. I know I have enough milk for her, but I've started adding Fenugreek and feeding every 2 hours during the day and still every 3 at night. The girl is a fairly good sleeper, but I have no idea how long she can sleep because I've been waking her to force feed. It's exhausting and maddening. And I'll stop once she's gained a little bit more. I have to remember, as many of my friends and family have reminded me, that doctors use numbers and data. They don't see each child individually because they see you for 10 minutes every few months. She's my child and I should know best. And for goodness sakes. I have friends who were still pregnant with their kids at this gestation (41w). Girlfriend is 5 weeks and kicking butt.

Other than the usual your child is small speech, she's doing great. Eating, pooping, sleeping, and looking overall cute in the overload of clothing people have gifted her. I had no idea people would enjoy gifting girl clothes so much. We have not bought her a single piece of clothing. Not with friends and grandparents who have gone to town!

Chicken legs run in the family. And that bow is too big for her head. And holy crap. A bow.

Benjamin is doing fantastic. He's been majorly spoiled by his grandparents from both sides and I'm pretty sure he owns every single Daniel Tiger toy that Toys'r'Us sells. He's nearly two, you guys. Like, Sunday. We're throwing a party for him Saturday with just a few families who have kids his age. I am not planning a ton, but it's paint themed and the menu will be Ikea meatballs, gravy, lingonberry sauce, Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes, salad, ice cream and a big Costco sheetcake. I try to choose foods that Benjamin likes (at the time) for lunch, and he almost always powers down a plate of those meatballs (which is unheard of for him to eat meat!) when we're at Ikea. Watch. He won't eat a single bite at his party.

At two years old, he's both exhausting and fascinating. I love watching him learn.

• Obsessed with pointing out his favorite letters and numbers on everything. In books, on my K-cups (saw the #2 this morning and insisted on carrying it around), on sweatshirts, etc. He has a particular favor toward the letters B, L, S and O. He loves the number 2 the best, but he can also point out 3, 6 and 8 (if he wants to).
• When anyone walks in the door (or randomly at home), he says "chase", looks over his shoulder to see that you're following and moves his shoulders and legs rapidly and runs away. He looooves to be chased. 
• Daniel Tiger is known as "DT" and is an obsession. He calls it DT because that was the code name we called it before he learned the code and started using it himself. Then we switched over to "the show" and he now has learned the word "show" as a result. 
• He loves calling people on the phone and on Skype. But not really to talk. I think he just likes knowing there is a reaction when he does it. If I press this button, something will happen and people will talk to me and say my name and ask me questions! If you do answer, he will say "hello" and various words of things he sees in the room or in his general area-- "snow", "stool", etc. He also loves calling and hanging up promptly. Like this morning when he called a number of people on the west coast who may or may not have still been sleeping. He says "call call" (twice, always) and shows a look of genuine concern that it's the very most important thing you could be doing is "call call" at that moment in time. He doesn't understand why we don't sense his urgency. It's sometimes the first word out of his mouth when he wakes and the last word before he goes to bed.
• When he wants music on, he says "dance" and shakes his head, shoulders and hips from side to side. He can accurately select the music option or Pandora on our phones and get his "dance" on.
• He's learned to be resourceful with the stool I bought him for the bathroom sink. He doesn't wash his hands (hates it), but instead pushes that thing all around the downstairs to get things he wants (i.e. lightswitches, the Keurig, knives, pizza on the counter to pull off the pineapple pieces...). He is great at helping in the kitchen, too. We made a strawberry cake and brownies on Valentine's Day, and he often helps with dinner. By help, I mean creates more of a mess... but alas.
• He loves to be tickled and will tell you when he wants it. He usually tells you "no", but then pulls up his shirt for more tickling. 
• He has an obscure vocabulary. He says lots of words, but what really gets me is when he speaks a word that most 2-year olds wouldn't have any connection with. He has learned the word garlic. GARLIC. And he can tell you where it is. He also knows the word salt. Because he loves it. Just like his mama.
• Perhaps a testament of my parenting skills lacking (two kids at home is hard work, yo!), but he is starting to sing the songs to his favorite PBS shows. It's mostly humming along and then picking up a word here and there. When the song for Super Why comes on, he sings "why" when it comes time. It's really cute. He also knows "EIEIO" for Old McDonald.

Helping himself with his stool & making sure sister has a hard hat on. Laying on a playmat can be dangerous business (when you have a toddler brother around anyway!).