Day 75 | Mommy's Big Helper

It dawned on me today how much of a helper sweet Chase has become. The pictures above are all from today...and none of them staged. 

1. Sweeping the floor

2. Changing Robbe's diaper 

3. Carrying the shopping basket

4. Starting laundry 

So far my workload hasn't exactly lightened up but maybe soon? 

Day 74 | Happy Birthday, Grandma Bibi

Since we couldn't celebrate in person, we decided the second best way to celebrate Grandma Bibi's birthday was to spend the morning at her favorite store: Target.

It's always a production when you walk through those doors, isn't it? We ended up with WAY more than we expected but it was a worthwhile trip for sure. Chase and Robbe were real troopers. In fact, Chase really enjoyed his quality time with the red balls out front and one of the chairs on display (we practically had to rip him away from it). 

Happy birthday, Grandma Bibi. Sending lots of hugs!

Day 73 | Mommy Marshall Morning

Last weekend, we celebrated Daddy Marshall Day so today we had to even the score with a Mommy Marshall Morning.

Even though it was a pretty lovely day (weather-wise), we decided to check out a really close neighborhood attraction that has been on our list since we moved. Chase and I walked to the Takoma Aquatic Center for some indoor swimming fun. The kiddie pool wasn't open which was a bummer but Chase did great in the big pool. Lots of jumping off the edge, kicking on a kick board, using a noodle to float, and walking up and down the ramp into the water. 

I really enjoyed the one on one time and I think Chase did, too. We'll definitely be back to the Aquatic Center (maybe we'll go when there's bad weather next time...). What a fun activity to have two blocks from our house. 

Day 72 | Frozen Yumminess

I made this really delicious frozen dessert this week and have been waiting for a quiet day to share it with all of you.

I followed the recipe fully this time...sometimes sugar is, in fact, needed. I did add some of our fresh-picked blueberries to the strawberries. It ended up being about a cup of each. 

I'm in love with the granola bar crust/crunch topping. And the frozen center is just perfect on these hot days. If you have a trusty baking assistant, it makes the dessert even tastier. 

Highly recommend this one:

Frozen Strawberry Crunch Cake 

Day 71 | Jump for Joy

We managed to get out of the house in time to make it to Sky Zone in Columbia to help celebrate a friend's birthday this morning.

Chase enjoyed the trampoline park much more than I would have guessed (remember, he takes awhile to warm up to things). He had a blast jumping in the foam pit, honed his somersaulting skills, and started jumping from his feet onto his bum. It was very sweet to see. 

Of course, Chase left wanting to go back again...with Daddy. Seems all of our outings are just dry-runs for the real deal later on with Daddy. Ha!

Day 70 | Hello, Old Friend

Chase and his friend, John, doing legs up the wall.  Cutest thing ever.

We got back on the yoga train after taking a few weeks off. Since we've moved, the Arlington studio of Tranquil Space (where we have been taking tots yoga) is just a bit too far. So now we're taking class at the Dupont location...my first yoga love.

This is where I spent a little over a year (practically every day) finding myself, working a job that I truly enjoyed (What? That's possible?), detoxing from a stressful past work experience, and enjoying my last baby-free moments (even though that wasn't completely appreciated at the time). I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming, nurturing environment as a place to fall in love with yoga and discover a wonderful community of people at the same time. 

It's strange going back now after giving so much of myself to those walls. To see someone else thriving in my old role and experiencing all the same ups and downs that go with it. 

It will always feel like home walking through those doors...even if I'm completely anonymous now. 

Day 69 | Another Trip to the Doctor

One of the downsides to living in a big city is that you never really make personal connections with anyone other than friends. Your dentist won't remember you. The grocery store clerk has no idea if you frequent the store. The bank teller and pharmacist always have to ask for your name.

For those of you living in the city, that's totally normal. Having grown up in a town of 1,000 people, though, this every day occurrence is very odd to me. I don't mind it, in fact the anonymity is kind of nice. Just takes a bit to get used to. 

Where am I going with this? It dawned on me today that we have been going to the doctor so much lately (between Chase's rash and Miles's frequent infant well-visits) that the doctor and staff actually know our names. Whoa. 

The appointments went well. We've got a couple new things to try with Chase for his skin and Robbe proved to be the perfect patient once again. Smiles all around and he showed off his impressive tummy time and rolling skills. He continues to top the charts with height (98th percentile) but his weight trajectory slid a bit (from 88th to 75th percentile). He's happy and healthy, that's all that matters!

I made another appointment for Robbe's six month well-visit...hopefully we will make it that long without another trip!