ho, ho, holidays 2016

It's February and I am just now posting this?  Oops.  It was written last month and I never got around to hitting post.  So, better late than never...


I had plans to give each holiday its own post.  But between all the other birthday and milestone posts I've been working on these past few weeks the holidays kind of fell by the wayside...  So, here's a combo post with a little bit about the entire holiday season of 2016.

thanksgiving

Our theme, if you want to call it that, after Oliver was born, has been to keep things as simple as possible.  We didn't plan a lot, or anything really, in the months that followed his birth.  We decided before he was even born that we would stay home through the holidays this year, and invite family to come to visit us.  In years past, we have always traveled to DC to be with Erik's family for Thanksgiving, and Tennessee to visit my family for Christmas.  Keeping in the tradition of spending Thanksgiving with Erik's family, they opted to come to our house.  His parents flew down, as did Scott and Caitrin.  We were also lucky enough to have our friends Anne and Zach join us.  Anne and Zach are both vegan and Zach is also a food blogger who loves to cook.  So when he volunteered to make most of the Thanksgiving feast, I happily agreed to it.  And feast it was, there was no shortage of plant-based deliciousness on our table.  I think there were three different kinds of "meat" plus all the usual fixins.  And pies, three delicious homemade pies (thanks Zach!!)  Even the non-vegans agreed it was a wonderful meal.  And during the gathering it was realized that we had all sort of matched our outfits, completely unplanned.  So here is the photographic evidence of our well-coordinated gathering...

family pic minus the babe who was napping

Arlo, me, Erik, Caitrin, Scott, Jill, Rich, and a Lucy head

plaid boys

grey girls

The rest of the long weekend was pretty low key.  Erik and I got to enjoy a date night out with Scott and Caitrin while the grandparents watched the kiddos.  Arlo was sad to have everyone leave, but no one was more upset than Lucy, who entered into a full 24 hour depression after Papa Richard left.  He spoils her with two walks and more attention in a day than she receives all week.  She has fully recovered thankfully and I know we are all already looking forward to their next visit.

christmas

Before the holidays even hit this year, Erik and I planned on a very low key Christmas, keeping the gift giving as simple as we could.  Even though it doesn't feel like we buy much for the kids throughout the year, the little toys here and there, combined with gifts and free secondhand toys given to us by friends and family really seem to add up.  I spent hours in the weeks before Christmas clearing out toys and books from the playroom, and packed up several grocery bags worth of stuff to donate.  I knew more toys were coming and "too much stuff" in general has been a big stressor for me lately.

When we asked Arlo what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas this year, he initially told us "a pillow, a Christmas flower, and a spoon and fork."  Later in the month he decided on a flashlight and was consistent in his request from then on.  Fortunately, flashlights are easy to come by.  We also bought him a memory matching game and a Richard Scary book, which is definitely his new favorite book.  I loved Richard Scary books as a kid and even though compared to todays books they are rather dated, I knew Arlo would love his style.  Since Oliver is a baby and needs nothing at this point in his life, we opted to wrap up a few of Arlo's old baby toys as his gifts.  It ended up working out great, Oliver is just coming into the age where he can start playing with baby things and as well it was a great transition to hand down some of Arlo's old toys.

We went with friends to visit Santa the week before Christmas.  Arlo was so excited to see him and both boys sat on his lap without any tears or meltdowns. We went to visit Santa at a new location this year, a local sporting goods store that really goes all out for the holidays.  They provide you with a free professional photo and wooden frame, as well they let you take as many of your own photos that you want. There are also kids crafts set up along with all the other fun things the store has on display year-round.  We made a whole morning out of it and Arlo had a great time.

My family came to stay with us for Christmas this year, including my sister Megan who flew in from Chicago. The days leading up to Christmas had Arlo asking us which morning that Santa was going to come.  Finally, Christmas eve arrived.  We all watched Elf together (and Home Alone after Arlo went to bed - this is a tradition Megan and I have done since the year it came out) and after the movie we put out cookies for Santa.  Except we didn't actually have any cookies so Arlo suggested we leave Santa cashews and almond milk.  And since Santa gets so many cookies already we decided that was a fine idea and Arlo happily put them next to the fireplace.  And then proceeded to eat nearly the whole bowl, ha.  I did convince him to save a few for Santa before he went off to bed.

The next morning Arlo was very excited to wake up and see the presents under the tree.  We waited for the whole family to wake up and migrate downstairs, by which time Oliver had already fallen asleep for his morning nap.  So we let him sleep while we all opened presents and set his gifts aside in a pile.  I promise kid, we won't do this in years future.  My favorite part of the gift opening was how Arlo responded to it.  He would find a present under the tree, and we would tell him whose name it had on it.  He would then take the present to that person and either help them open it or stand next to them and wait patiently while they opened it, and then reacted with amazement at each gift.  He was as excited for everyone else to open their gifts as he was when he found one for himself.  Geez, I love him.

The rest of the weekend with family was spent much like Thanksgiving, somewhat lazy but also productive as Erik and I got to sneak away for a little alone time again.  And I decided to go for a hike and then run four miles all on the same morning which was a terrible idea because I am still, nearly three weeks later, dealing with a knee injury.  Gah.  Anyway, another nice holiday season with family in the books.

DC + the beach

this post could also be appropriately titled "wanting to document and remember all the things we did right before we became a family of four" or "beginning of summer iPhone photo dump" so bear with me while I try and accomplish both...

Knowing that travel will be limited following the arrival of 2.0 later this summer, we have tried to squeeze in all of our summer travel plans in the span of about a months time.  Two weekends ago we drove up to DC to visit Erik's family and celebrate his Uncle's 70th birthday.  The trip up was probably the most uneventful travel with Arlo thus far - six hours in the car and he was so good we didn't even have to break out the iPad or DVD player we brought along in case things got rough.  Somehow he was completely entertained by a few toy trucks, books, and his open view out the back window of the new mom-mobile.  If the new view is enough to keep him that entertained on future road trips then that alone was worth the price of the new car, ha!

When we arrived on Friday we went immediately to the pool at his Grandparent's place.  Arlo has become quite the little fish and loves every opportunity he gets to go for a swim! 

probably saying "I not smile at camera mommy" or something like that, ha.

Saturday morning we took Arlo to the spash pad right down the street from his Grandparents.  It was a hit last year and equally as entertaining this time!

not a drinking fountain, Arlo!

fountain levitation!  also, he still fits into last years bathing suits!

Saturday afternoon was the birthday party.  Arlo napped for much of it, and Erik and I got to lounge poolside in the laziest way possible.  That evening, Memere and Papa watched Arlo while we went on a double date with Scott and Caitrin.  We ate at the most amazing restaurant in downtown DC, called Busboys and Poets.   I ate so much food I literally thought about pushing out the baby to make some extra room in my belly.  We will definitely be going back on a future trip!

Sunday was Father's day, and also the day we headed home.  We spent the morning in the city at the National Air & Space Museum and I don't know who enjoyed the planes and rocket ships more - Erik or Arlo!  This museum was one of Erik's favorites as a child and it was pretty neat that he can now share in the experience with his own son.

The following weekend my parents came to watch Arlo while Erik and I took a weekend beach trip.  It will be our last vacation as just the two of us for probably at least a year.  We went to Kure beach, which is a pretty short 2 1/2 hr drive from our house.  We had been looking forward to a quick getaway just the two of us, and while it was actually very relaxing and just what we needed, at the same time we spent an awful lot of time talking about how much we missed Arlo and how much he would love it there.  Good thing we have another trip planned to go back next week, this time bringing the little man along for the fun!

Erik taking pictures of me without me knowing.  no belly here...

but definitely a belly here!  31 + 1 weeks

Erik being silly when I told him to pose, haha

my view for most of the weekend

total beach bums.  this will surely not be happening during the next trip when we have a toddler in tow!

vegan hot dogs at Island Hots!!!  satisfying a very strange pregnancy craving.

vegan doughnuts at Wake and Bake!  also the best name ever for a doughnut shop.

While we were having fun at the beach, Arlo was having fun with "Nama" (Grandma) and "Dampa" (Grandpa), having back deck picnics and swimming in his little pool. 

...and when you are two years old and the Grandparents are in town, you can get away with pretty much anything - including swimming in your Micky Mouse undies and PJ shirt  ;D

Arlo's 2nd birthday party

I am a bit late in writing this, and we didn't really have a big party or anything, but I still want to document what we did on Arlo's second birthday. 

Erik's parents, Scott, and Caitrin were all in town visiting for the few days surrounding New Years and Arlo's birthday.  Even though Arlo got an overwhelming amount of Christmas presents just six days prior, we still wanted to surprise him with something new on his birthday.  His present from Erik and I was an Ikea play kitchen with accessories.  The night before Arlo's birthday, Erik stayed up late to assemble and organize the kitchen after Arlo went to bed.  I really wanted it to be all set up so it was a fun surprise when he came down the next morning.  Here he is checking out the kitchen (also, this was during our pant-less potty training phase, hence the no pants!):

Later in the day Arlo's bestie, Lyra, came over with her family.  I knew what would make him the happiest on his special day would be surrounded by some of his favorite people, and I know he had a great time!  Here are the kiddos playing together:

We took the easy way out in the food department and picked up some prepared salads, veggies, and chips from Whole Foods for lunch.  When Erik ran out to the store, I spent the morning baking cupcakes, which I suppose is becoming somewhat of a birthday tradition since I did the same thing last year!  I also sent Erik on a mission to find Mickey Mouse plates, cups, and napkins, so I guess that was the theme if you want to call it that.  My parents bought the "ARLO" candles and they were such a cute topper for his cupcake!

 

 

We sang happy birthday and afterwards Erik helped Arlo blow out the candles.  Arlo seemed like he would have been able to do it himself, so we relit them to let him give it a try.  He did really well until the last candle where he leaned over too far and got a little too close to the flame.  He didn't burn his skin or anything but I think it really startled him because he got pretty upset, poor kid.  He wouldn't even try his cupcake but then again he isn't much for sweets and doesn't like any baked goods so I wasn't too surprised, and I had no problem finishing his cupcake for him!

Our friends went home in the afternoon so the kids could nap, and Arlo was so sad when they left.  He did not want his party to end, especially since he had to nap right after!  Later that day, we made an official mark on his growth chart that I made a few months back.  33.5" tall!  That evening we all went out for pizza at the local Mellow Mushroom.  Veggie pizza is one of his favorite foods so it was definitely an Arlo-approved birthday dinner.

Happy second birthday, Arlo!!!

Easter 2015 + a first haircut!

For the sake of both saving time and simplifying things, I am combining two posts into one today - Easter Sunday and Arlo's first haircut.  We actually did the haircut on Easter so why not just blog about it all at once, I say.

This past weekend we had Erik's family in town.  We were so glad they could visit and had a great time with them!  Even though this wasn't technically Arlo's first Easter, it was the first Easter that he went egg hunting and received a basket.  So it was pretty neat to have family around as it made the time even that more special.

On Easter morning, the Easter bunny decided to wait until everyone woke up and had a nice big brunch before he popped in to drop Arlo's basket off, and he didn't even notice it at first.  It was almost nap time and he was starting to get sleepy and a little fussy.  He did look at one of his new books for a bit and happily ate the treats from the eggs, but then he was pretty much over it and wanted to go lay down in his crib.  In his basket the bunny left some sidewalk chalk, bubbles, two stuffies (a pig and a bunny), crayons, two books (the kind with big pictures which Arlo is really into right now), and some snacks.  I didn't want to introduce candy yet, so I found some organic fruit juice sweetened treats, and he loved them.  I found these bars at the grocery store, and am so glad I did.  Arlo loves them and they are individually wrapped so you can keep one in your purse or diaper bag for on the go emergency snacks.  Especially helpful for when you have a toddler who needs to eat seven meals a day.  Ha.  Moving on...

After nap time we headed out to the yard to find the eggs that the bunny had left outside.  I probably should have waited a while after he woke up to do this, but I was too excited to see Arlo's reaction.  As well, our guests were heading back home mid-afternoon and I wanted them to be around for the egg hunt.  I think the poor kid was still coming around from his nap and ended up breaking down crying halfway through!  He did pick up a few of the eggs (with encouragement) and ate the contents of every last one of them, no need for encouragement there.  One egg contained a cute little bird whistle but the rest were filled with the special Easter snacks I had bought.  The cloth basket in the photos below was made by my mom, probably more than ten years ago, for one of my much younger cousins.  So glad my Aunt saved it all these years and passed it along to us  :)

first egg!

now what?

over it!

but wait, these eggs contain food?  ok, happy once again!

After the egg hunt we took a few family photos.  Erik's brother, Scott, and their father both came downstairs on Easter morning dressed in red plaid shirts.  Knowing that Erik probably had a red plaid shirt himself (plaid is pretty much the standard uniform in the B family) I joked that he should put it on and match his brother and father.  He obliged, and after looking through the tub of clothes I have for Arlo that will fit him next winter, I realized that he too had a red plaid shirt.  So, this was not really pre-planned, but as it happens, all the B boys ended up in matching shirts (awwwww....)  The picture below captures the moment so perfectly.  The boys in their red plaid, Arlo with his beloved broom, and Lucy in the background staring intently at a bumble bee she tried to catch the whole time we were outside.  Perfection.

Our guests left mid-afternoon and we were so sad to see them go.  We love living where we do, but being so far from family and only getting to see them a few times per year is hard, especially now that Arlo is in the picture.  Fortunately we will be seeing everyone a couple of times this summer due to a family reunion and two weddings, and might even get to see them again before that! 

After everyone was gone, I decided it was time to give Arlo his first haircut.  I had called around to barber shops and salons earlier in the week, hoping to find one that was both kid-friendly and reasonably priced, but in the end I decided that I had the qualifications and skills to do it myself.  Actually, I really don't have any such qualifications, however I do cut Erik's hair myself and have now for several years, so I decided to just go for it.  I am so glad I did - it turned out great (pats self on back) and Arlo did way better than I thought he would.  Here are a couple of before shots, note the mullet in the back:

I started by using scissors to cut off the long part in the back, and saved a lock of it to put in his baby book.  I then used the clippers to go over his entire head.  For future reference, since I know I will forget, I used an 8 on the top and a 6 on the sides.  At first Arlo kept trying to turn his head to see what I was doing, but I handed him a turkey baster (why do we even own a turkey baster?!) and he was content to play with it for the duration of the haircut.

Here are the after shots.  I can't get over how much more grown up he looks now.  The wispy baby hairs are gone and he now looks like a little boy, ahhhh!!!

1st birthday party

Arlo had his first birthday party this past weekend.  I consider it a success, although I have never hosted a kid's party before so I don't have anything to compare it to!  We wanted to keep it relatively small, and most of the people who ended up coming was our friends who have children of their own.  I made chocolate and vanilla marble cupcakes with buttercream icing from the book "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World."  They were quite yummy, and I was super proud of how the cupcake display turned out.  It was exactly like I had pictured it in my head.  The theme of the party (if you want to call it that based on my cupcake display) was wildlife animals.  The original theme was going to be foxes but I couldn't find a whole bunch of small fox figurines so decided these would work.  (and side note - if you are looking for small animals such as these, I will save you the trips to seven different stores as I did, they can be found at the art's and craft's store, Michael's.)  I made the flag cupcake toppers from toothpicks and felt, and the cake stand is the same one we used at our wedding!

As far as decorations go, I kept it really simple.  Ok, actually pretty much non-existent.  I thought about buying signs and balloons to hang up, but hated the idea of just having to throw them out after the party.  I was trying to keep the party as eco-friendly as I could, so opted to only put up things we could recycle or later reuse.  I took down our Christmas cards (sniff sniff) from the card display, and put up Arlo's monthly photos.  I taped them to pieces of felt to help them stand out.  The change from the first photo to the last is remarkable, and really amazing to look at all the photos together in one place.

When we were in Tennessee, my Mom, Megan, and I made the banner for Arlo's high chair.  Megan did the computer work to print up the letters, her and I cut them out of felt together, and my Mom sewed the whole thing.  I love it, and it turned out exactly how I wanted it to.  Thanks Mom and Megs for making this happen!  And here is a little secret - the other side of the banner says "two" so it's definitely something we can reuse  :)

Ok, get ready for 4,000 pictures of Arlo and his birthday cupcake!

This last photo shows all that was left - just a bit of frosting! 

 And a few shots of some of the guests who came to the party:

Alexis (preggo with baby #2 - a girl!!), Carter, and Chris

Lisa and sweet baby Bean

Amy and baby Cameron, and Lisa (preggo with #2 - also a girl!) and Reagan

Rhianna and Lyra (looking pretty in pink!) - John was here too but I think when I took this photo he was probably off chatting with Erik about how awesome Ohio State is.  Ha.

And at the end of the party, Reagan jumped on Arlo's firetruck and started cruising around.  Arlo grabbed onto the back and had to walk very quickly to keep up with her speedy legs.  At one point he let go and Reagan said something like "he push" or "Arlo push" so we helped him back up and off they went.  I love watching him interact with other kids!

so bummed this picture came out blurry, they were just moving too fast!

Instead of gifts, we asked friends who wanted to buy something to bring a gift for the local animal shelter, either food or a toy.  Almost everyone brought something for the animals, and a few broke the rule and brought Arlo a present - you people know who you are!  Really, we very much appreciated everything and the only thing we expected was for our friends to come, hang out, and eat cupcakes.  Arlo seemed to have a blast and I think he was pretty happy our house was filled with so many people, including the four other kids, ranging in age from four months up to three years old.  A big thank you to everyone who came and celebrated Arlo's first year!

this picture is the best if you knew what happened next - I got slapped in the face with a baby hand full of frosting.  ha!