Has the Duck been replaced by a Pig?

Every day, at least 3 times a day, Izzy turns to playing with the pig. I could rehearse this song in my sleep...... "I'm too sexy for my love, too sexy for my love. Too sexy for my love love's going to leave me...."

Sandy Saturdays

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I blogged about taking Isabella to the beach and she wanted nothing to do with the sand? It looks like she may have changed her tune! (YES!!!) On Saturday afternoon, we took her camping and to Warren Dunes State Park located in Michigan. Our intention was to go to Indiana Dunes, but when we got there the campsite was full, so we decided to drive on!
The rugged dune formation rises 240 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views. On a clear day you can see the Chicago skyline across from the top of Tower Hill sand dune! Baxter was a happy camper once he reached the sand (I think he could be a fun, laid-back surfer dog!!) and Isabella seemed to like it better this time.
I didn't realize Michigan Dunes were so close - it only took about an hour to get there from the house and it was a nice getaway. Peaceful, relaxing and beautiful.
But why is it that when you go to the beach, you always bring at least a pound of sand home with you?

GO Bears!!

Isabella Marie is chillin out right now in her comfy cozies cheering for her favorite football team - the Chicago BEARS!! Will Chicago or Pittsburgh win? Izzy votes for CHI TOWN!!

Everyone Needs a Little More Laughter in their Day!

Watch and I hope YOU laugh too : )

The Beach

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day in downtown CHI town. Not a cloud in the sky. So, we headed to the beach. It was a big hit with Baxie. He acted like a kid in the candy store - running playfully, swimming in lake michigan, and chilling out. Right up my alley!
Isabella - not so much. I spread a blanket out for her and she didn't want to move off of the blanket. She was not a big fan of the sand or lake michigan. She was VERY NEEDY at the beach. Crying, frowning, making faces at the sand? WHAT???!!!
I keep trying to believe that I don't have a "girlie girl" on my hands - but all the signs are leading to it. OR, I could in fact be wrong - and perhaps next year, everything from eating cake to hanging out at the beach will become "IN."
We shall see..... I think I was a tomboy growing up - so if I have a girlie girl - what will I do?
The walk home was full of excitement and paparazzi - Izzy got to see Bono from U2 exit the Park Hyatt. It was a "BIG DEAL"

Happy Grandparents Day

Sunday is happy grandparents day!! This day has a threefold purpose: To honor grandparents. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.
Isabella sends lots of LOVE to all of her great grandparents today and also her grandparents - LOVE YOU!!

Rub a Dub Dub - Baxie Hits the Tub

Baxie got a bathie last and his nails clipped. He feels like a brand spanking new dog today!

The "Monkey" on Her Back

Isabella found a new friend and she won't let him leave her back. For her birthday on Sunday, she received a monkey backpack. I have to say, it was the one present she went "BANANAS" over - as soon as she reached her hand in the bag - she pulled the monkey out and got a big smile on her face!! Then she gave it a big hug as if it were her long lost friend??!!
Today is Thursday. She wakes up in the morning, and wants the monkey strapped on to her back. She goes to bed, and wants to sleep with it. She has not stopped wearing it since she got it!
On another note, today was her one year old doctor's visit where she received 4 shots in the arm. (Ouch) She weighed in at 23 pounds. Doc said she looks great and is super cute.

Taste of Polonia!!

Today's adventure was pierogis, Polish sausage, sauerkraut, kabobs, stuffed cabbage roll, potato pancakes and polish beer. YUMMY! Polish food ranks right up there with Mexican food. Heck, who am I talkin to - ALL FOOD IS YUMMY!! but polish food has a special place in my heart : ) Maybe it was due to Betty Jean making me homemade pierogis or potato pancakes - OR my dad's love for Polish sausage. Or Mary Alice's homemade pierogi's!
Marked as their 30th annual Polish fest, there were over five stages with all types of different music! There was an Elvis impersonator and he sounded just like the real thing! The crowd loved ELVIS! A good time was had by all!!

Lions, Tigers and Bears - OH MY....

Izzy received a walking/riding lion for her birthday and she LOVES it. She loves to walk circles around the living room and run into the walls - WA HOOO!!! Maybe she will walk a bit sooner now that she has a little extra help : ) P.S. Sorry the video is sideways - Daddy is still learning which way to take the videos!!

Gook Gook.....Gook....Gook....

For the last 48 hours all you heard from Isabella's mouth was GOOK GOOK and that's because today was her 1st birthday and it was a DUCK themed party!! There were rubber ducks everywhere! Thank you to all who were here with us to celebrate and those of you who could not be here with us (the byrne's), you were in our hearts and spirits! It is not every day that both sets of grandparents and great grandmother can be in the same room to share a special day together - Isabella Marie Vail's 1st Birthday!
I know it was not easy for several of you to get up the stairs and it means the world to Isabella, Bob and I that you could make it! I wish I could take the pain away in your achy joints!!
Did Izzy dive into her cake??!!! ABSOLUTELY not! She just picked the ducks off and wanted nothing to do with the frosting! They say smash cake - I was thinking Izzy would smash her face right into the cake but WRONG! Maybe next year! It's almost 10 p.m. (Izzy normally goes to bed between 6:30 and 7:00) and there is a little girl still up playing with all of her new presents that she received today! THANK YOU again for making Isabella's day super duper special (and ours too)!! We LOVE YOU!! Check out our great group photo - EVEN baxie posed : )

Happy First Birthday Isabella Marie Vail

One year ago today, I started having contractions at 2:30 a.m. I thought it was just pain at the time, so I got up and went downstairs and looked out the bay windows. As I was looking, I thought I peed my pants. So I decided to take a nice warm bath. Hours went by and I still couldn't get comfortable - at 5:30 a.m., I woke up your daddy and told him IT WAS TIME - i didn't pee myself - my water broke!! So at 6:30 a.m. we headed to Northwestern's Prentice Hospital.
At 3:42 p.m. you were born at 7 lbs. 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long!! We look forward to celebrating your birthday with you today!

Oopppsiessss.....

This duck was supposed to be part of her birthday decorations on Sunday(not to be seen until Sunday), but it fell out of my bag. I better turn the Santa role over to Bob because I wouldn't do so hot at the job!!
All I heard after that was "gook gook" and looked at her and she was pointing. I gave it to her and then I was lucky enough to capture what she did after receiving it.