Chicago 2009: Days 1 & 2

Since Reid's parents live in a suburb of Chicago, we have consistently made an annual trip to the area. The problem has always been that the trips centered around holidays--specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas, a time of year so cold that you don't actually go out and see Chicago. So this year we headed out for the Labor Day vacation with lots of plans. While some proved to be too ambitious we had a great time. Here's a brief recap of our trip, spread out over many posts simply because we have lots and lots and lots of fun pictures.

Day 1--Saturday September 5

We flew from Denver to Chicago O'Hare. Kai was super excited about getting to ride a bus, a train, and an airplane all in one day! We thought that if we kept him awake on the car ride to the airport he would be so tired that he would crash on the plane. No such luck! He was so excited about being on the plane that there was no thought of sleep for this little guy. (It didn't help that the person in front of him leaned their seat back so far that he couldn't even sit in it. Don't ask us how we feel about that!)


Day 2-- Sunday September 6

We were exhausted!! Really truly bone-aching exhausted. So, we decided to forego church (yes, I know, I hear the scolding already) and just stay home with Grammy and Papa and relax. In the evening we wandered outside to pick some tomatoes and explore the backyard. Kai also got to run around with Abby, who over the week affectionately became known as "Ab" to Kai. He loved that dog!
To be continued.....

One of Kai's tricks

I was straightening up our bedroom one day and turned around to find Kai sitting on our bed with the biggest grin. I was in complete shock, as Kai has never been a big climber and our bed seemed to be a much bigger feat than I thought he was capable of. So, I took him off of the bed and asked him to show me how he had managed to get up. This is what I saw.

Finger Painting

This afternoon we had a good time fingerpainting. Kai used some sponges that I had bought him and created several pictures. Considering the circumstances, he didn't end up all that messy. But he was certainly cute!

Two Haircuts

Kai hasn't had a haircut in a couple of months and I really wanted him to get one before we went on vacation this weekend. So, about 2 weeks ago I took him to our normal spot. Normally, haircuts for Kai are hard, but in the past we've been able to soothe him with a binky, a mirror, a toy, or most recently lollipops. But this time, nothing worked. I've never seen him throw such a big fit--ever. He screamed and cried and refused to have his haircut. I tried to hold him down and it only resulted in him clawing at his neck and giving himself scratches. In the end, we came away with only the hair on the back of his neck getting slightly trimmed. The lady was nice enough to only charge us for a shampoo. I was frustrated and embarassed.

This weekend, we tried again. Kai was in a better mood and Reid needed a cut, too. So off we went again, armed with toys and lollipops. And once again, Kai did not want his hair cut. Luckily the fit wasn't even half as bad. I was able to talk him into the chair after a couple of minutes and then after a couple of minutes more we had the apron on him. The lady was even able to trim up around his ears and almost finish his neck (again) before he declared himself done. And then there was nothing we could do--again. This lady was also nice and only charged us for a bang trim.

So, we've gone for two haircuts in two weeks and we have yet to actually get one. Ugghhh---I hope we outgrow this phase soon. His hair could really use it!

Does this look like a haircut to you???

Duck, Duck, DUCK

Last week, Kai started covering his head when I would get him in and out of the car. (I'm trying not to think what sad commentary that is about how often he gets whacked on the head getting in and out but I'm trying to concentrate on the humorous side of it!) I teased him and said he needed to duck.....and then I started saying "duck, duck, goose" as I would put him in and take him out. Of course, he quickly picked up on it (after only one of two reptitions, I believe) and started asking to play "duck, duck, goose", a game that he though was played "on the computer". Well, on Saturday Reid and I proceeded to illustrate "duck, duck, goose" for him. He LOVED the part where you chase the other person around.

So, after our illustration, Kai began to play. We've seen several variations which include: standing in front of momma and daddy, alternating smacking our heads while saying "duck, duck, duck, duck......" and on and on until he shouts "DUCK!" and begins to run. Or there's, "duck, duck, duck....." until he finally hits himself on the head and says "DUCK!" and starts to run in circles. We finally were able to get across the concept of "goose" and so recently there's been only running up to momma or daddy, whacking as hard as possible on the head, shouting "GOOSE!" and running circles around the couch until someone proceeds to chase him.

We've all had a good laugh and enjoy playing "duck, duck, goose" together.

Kai's First Tattoo

This morning Kai and I trekked out to the hospital for some lab work and a Rhogam shot for me. (I'm RH negative, therefore I have to have this shot everytime I'm pregnant. Can I choose to blame Reid for being normal? Or is it my fault that I'm strange??) For being a tired boy, Kai was very well behaved while they drew my blood. After the blood draw, they sent us up to the maternity ward to wait for the shot. Kai LOVED the play table that was in the waiting room. In fact, when they were ready for my shot, he didn't want to leave the table. So, the nurse bribed him with a sticker. When we got back to the room we found that it wasn't a sticker, but rather a tattoo. She was nice enough to even get a washcloth and put in on for him. He was very intrigued by the whole thing and when we were done he was asking to go play at the "hodpital" again. Ummmm.....too bad I have no desire to go back until we have to. Today's visit will have to last him for a while.

3D Ultrasound

We had our 3D ultrasound on Wednesday afternoon. It was a fun experience and one that we weren't expecting. Our doctor's office offers these 3D ultrasounds for all of their patients at 28 weeks. They give you lots of pictures and a free DVD. We were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed our half an hour looking at baby boy. We think he looks a lot like Kai. The other interesting thing is that he is already head down and way down there. He's ready to go! Maybe that means he'll come early??! One can hope, right?!