St. Patty's in Chicago

A week ago, I talked with Bryce about how Stake Temple Day (it had been awhile) and Chicago's St. Patty's Day celebrations (never been) happen to be the same weekend.... SO we should go! 

Discussions to stay downtown Chicago were talked about (any excuse for me to stay in the city!) and we named our own price on Priceline. 

AND landed a 4 star hotel (for a 2 star price, of course!), right at the tiny portion of the river that will be dyed. 

Of all locations, I couldn't believe it! 

Thursday night came and Cian started to not feel so well. 

He became cuddly, clingy, runny nosey, and coughy. At dinner, he asked to sit on my lap (a very very common occurrence--that can drive me crazy). 

Having pity on him for being sick, I picked him up, and then I leaned in for a bite--resulting in him leaning forward and he sneezed right into my food. 

Motherhood can be so gross. 

He fevered most that night but it broke and he seemed to be doing okay the next morning so we continued on with our plans. 

On our way to the temple. Cian had fallen asleep and woke up super grumpy. You know it's true love when (without even thinking about it), you sacrifice your only bag of Funyons for his happiness. Man, I love those things. Why are they never on sale? It was my first purchase of them in years. Of course it was too much to hope that he wouldn't like them. He LOVED them and ate every last one. 

As much as I love kids napping, my neck hurts just looking at them sometimes.  

After the temple, I drove into the city. Bryce and I both hate driving but he almost always gets stuck with it. He especially hates city driving. So to help with the atmosphere of both the car and trip, I drove. 

Bryce agrees, it was much more enjoyable. 

The hotel was super nice.

And Giordono's happened to be a block away, sure love when that happens.

 That night, Cian and I both fevered. I could feel sickness settling deep in my lungs earlier in the day, it was all just a matter of time. Our little homebody Cian, just asked to go home over and over.

Our view of the dying of the river the next morning was perfect while we ate breakfast.

See all the people lined up to see it? I don't feel too bad for missing out on that.

When we were ready, we headed down for pictures.

Attempt 1

2

Haha! Gotta love it.

Shade and a photographer helped get a family picture.

Brycen loves picture taking. 

It was awesome to see.

Next was to make our way to the parade.

I read somewhere that a million people attend. 

So we basically followed the crowds.

The public drinking and intoxication was so sad. 

It totally littered my beloved city with bottles and trash.

Meanwhile, my lungs were burning. Whatever sickness was setting in, it caused me to be very short of breath while exerting energy. Not fun.

We made our way to the parade and found one of the last, smallest spots that we could find. 

It was near the end, never a place I want to be in. 

However, this parade had the shortest route I had ever seen (3 blocks) so I thought it would work out. 

After 25 minutes of being pushed in like sardines, it started.

The bagpipes were one of the best parts.

Having been in Marching Band myself, it was cool to see some. However, 38 bands (maybe a exaggeration?Totally lost count)--not so much. The parade seemed to be going on forever; especially after the wait, not being able to really see or move, it being lunch time (okay okay, huge factor!), and after 45 minutes in to it, not seeing really anything too exciting or different.

Brycen apparently came under the assumption that he would be getting candy. He asked and asked about it. After 45 minutes, that changed to anything. The one flyer that came his way, he was ecstatic! However, he kept wishing for candy. Cian was not feeling too hot and didn't want to be held or stand any longer (we had to fold up strollers so that we could see over heads).

When this float came by, we knew something was off. They could've been handing out samples! Just like so many people before them, they all seem "out" of whatever they came to do and didn't know what to do, so for those looking on--it really wasn't too exciting. 

Crowds started to thin out about 45 minutes to 1 hour into the parade, so we thought several times that must mean that the end was coming soon. As time went on, Bryce and I discussed several times if we should leave. I had planned on for sure, not spending more than an hour to see the parade. But at the same time, I felt we would miss something if we left early. People come to see this for a reason, right?

However, Cian was done so I told Bryce that I would push him around in the stroller to try to get him to nap. I decided to walk along the parade route in hope to see the end. As I walked, I didn't see the end, but did see that the crowds that had left, had opened up bigger spots to stand than what we uncomfortably fought hard to hold at the end of the line. 

So I went back and fetched Bryce and Brycen. Bryce loved the idea of seeing the parade in "fast forward". We walked and occasionally stopped to watch and then continued on. The further we got to the start, we found that people were giving things out! Tons of things but of course with 1 million people, they were running out long before they had ever reached us at the end.

Yes, people at the start had Lucky Charm samples. 

So we found a new spot and enjoyed the parade a whole lot more. The new floats that were coming had waited just as long to be in the parade as we had been watching, so they came on excited and full of goodies!

Brycen got beads after beads. Candy after candy. 

What truly saved it (and for a bit, my belly) for me: H and R Block gave out full size chocolate bars from Ghirardelli. It was heavenly and not around near long enough to warrant a picture.

Our sick Cian had room to sit in the stroller, warm, and still see the parade. A few parade people made sure he got beads too. 

Some of the goods. Brycen was given a ball from the street hockey players. He loved that.

The parade lasted for 3 hours! I would've never guessed that it would. If we were to go again, I would pack a sack lunch. Go up towards the front of the parade, stay back behind the crowds and have a picnic in the park that surrounded the parade and after the crowds thin out, then go up and enjoy the last 2 hours on a full belly and crowd free. 

Having said that, would I go again? Not sure. It was fun to see it once but all the drinking really bothers me so I'm not sure I would sign up to attend this particular weekend again. 

Even though, I do love Chicago!

On the way back to the van, I saw the outdoor ice skating rink that closed for the season 6 days before. Just missed it!!

The trek to the van was another painful one with my lungs, I was near tears by the time we arrived :(

Poor Cian desperately getting his nap. Again, the neck thing...

He LOVES driving! 

He did happen to stumble across this awesome underground street that carried us from downtown Chicago to the highway with no stops, lights, or pedestrians, all in 4 minutes. As much as I missed being able to see my city out the window, it was pretty amazing. 

At home, the beads have been a favorite! Cian loves being home.

Sorry for the angle of the picture, I was laying down and  not feeling well.

10 minutes after taking the above picture, I went to the immediate care to get checked out. I hurt so bad. My chest ached with every breath and burned with every cough.

They diagnosed me with Bronchitis.
Cian and I have had quite the weekend (of shows).
Not much sleep. Lots of coughing and staying in bed.
Who knew two people could go through so many tissues?

Cian sneezes about every 3 minutes and depending on what direction he is facing, the contents could be found on the opposite wall.
So so gross.
If not sneezing, he snuggles up to me and then coughs into my face.
My favorite.

One day, Spring will come.

Brycen:"I will do dishes, Mom. You color my picture. C'mon Cian! Dishes time". 

Cian comes running, pushing a chair over as he does and asks, "How do dishes?" 

They amazing worked really well together. Cian handed the dirty dish to Brycen, Brycen washed, Cian then walked and dropped it (literally) into the dishwasher.

Result:  22 more (at the very least) gallons of water used than usual. I sat at the kitchen table, instagraming and coloring.

After a few minutes, Brycen asks,"...How's the coloring going?"

Upon completion of the dishes, Brycen then asks, "What other chores can we do?"

The snow has done all sorts of crazy stuff to us.

Last Thursday, at 2am (after getting the 9-10ish inches of snow as predicted), Brycen woke up not being able to breathe. It was accompanied with the croup barking cough. Which he has had before. Always scary. 

However, this time, he could not be comforted nor his breathing improved. Bryce rushed him to the ER. Within minutes of arrival, they were able to administer something amazing (inhalant epinephrine?) and he was breathing better almost instantly. Brycen's doctor happened to be the mother of one of his preschool friends. Brycen came home informing me that his next doctor visit will include shots, for shots are so much better than the yucky medicine he had to take (can you tell it's been a while since he has had one?). 

Brycen raved about his ER visit, loving every minute of attention. He will gladly scare anyone with the experience. The not being able to breathe part is always a great attention grabber.

However, croup has kept us indoors even more as he had to stay home from preschool and then Cian caught it. 

Absolute desperation has resulted in this:

"CANNONBALL!!"

It probably should be one of those "kids, don't try this at home" but they LOVE it.

We purposelessly share all sicknesses with our friends/basically family (since contagiousness seems to happen long before symptoms appear) so that thankfully, never keeps us apart. And it saves my sanity. Every day.

Current favorite Cian moments:

"Cian to the rescue!" As he goes off running.

"Me got it". Cian insisting on pouring his own milk, juice, sprinkles, cereal all over the table.

When he was sad on Saturday, Daddy asked, "Cian, do you want a hug?". I thought for sure that would be the last thing he wanted. He replied, yes and ran into daddy's arms for the biggest bear hug.

2 days later, he got bonked and came crying, "Mommy, me need hug".

Brownie Ice Cream Sundaes makes FHE a hit. Every time.Notice his multiple layers. He refuses to use covers as he sleeps. Sometimes I can't be quite sure he is my kid.

Time Standing Still. The ground hog SAW its shadow.

It's cold.

Yeah, what else is new--right??

Well, after barely enduring the first month of "winter", I've finally accepted--not at all, happy about it--that it's just going to be cold. Unreasonably cold.

The word on the street is another 10 inches of snow is due to arrive sometime tomorrow night. 

Awesome.

BUT if I am going to keep sane, we have to get out.

Not wait it out like we did for what seems like the first 7 snowstorms.

Today it was to the dentist. 

I'm slightly known notorious for my tardiness. To everything. 

I'm trying to change that though.

So it has turned into: if I am going to be on time, it is ON time. Not early. Basically, calculated down to the minute of what time I can leave with all going well and being there on time. 

I should change that to. You know, to account for traffic lights, kids, the garage door,weather, actually eating breakfast, etc. 

Maybe next new year's resolution.

Today's temperature was apparently colder than the past few days. 

I wouldn't know really. I wrote off looking at the weather. 

I want to be surprised.

However, I have a nice built in temperature gauge called my automatic garage door.

It refuses to work for anything under say, 20 degrees. The sensors glaze over or something and the only way around it, is to close it manually. 

Our garage has terrible insulation.

Of course by manually, I mean: backing the van out, attempting to push the button, the garage door doesn't budge. Become irritated, turn the van off (hey, I never want a situation where one could potentially drive my van off with the kiddos inside), run into the garage, hold down the button on the wall until the door reaches the bottom. Not a millisecond earlier or else it will go back up. It goes up and down at least five times. Run through the house, through the front door, lock front door. Run to car. Projected ETA thrown out the window.

I guess between that and scrapping ice off my van, I will take the garage door battle any day.

Mother Nature's insistence on us spending time together has resulted in:

Desperate forms of entertainment.

3 kids is apparently the pack-n-play's limit, we had to rotate kids in to get the opportunity for such a thrilling experience.

My boys playing REALLY well (which could never get old. I love watching them together.)

Or really not (alas, siblings after all). 

Lots and lots of "Uno". And tears if Brycen doesn't win.

And here's an (lengthy!!) update because it's been awhile.

Cian is talking up a storm. Always asking what happened and where we are going. I love when kids can really talk! Makes things SO much easier! If Cian didn't hear me or didn't understand, he will say, "Hm? What you say me?" With his ear pressed against my lips. It's adorable. Other adorables: whenever I say "no" to such things as watching a fifth show straight or having mms for breakfast, Cian will put on his ultimate pouty face, and say "me sad". There was an old man that told him, "he better get back to his Mommy or else he will be spanked" while we were grocery shopping the other day, Cian had every right to stop moving and say, "me sad" to that!
First off, I don't spank.

Cian has the best pouty face,this picture doesn't come close to justice.

He is also very vocal and opinionated in almost every way. Totally love or hate, no between. Phrases such as, "no thank you" or "no way Doc! (when he is really adamant about something, usually mad)"-- are common responses to everything from bedtime, to eating dinner, to asking him to help pick up toys. Others include, "me HATE yummy meat" ( I tried to get him to try it by calling it yummy) and "me hate wipes" (he absolutely loathes his bum being wiped by wetness. especially when it's cold---who can blame him?).

He sure loves to read. If he ever goes quiet during the day, I can usually find him in his room, sitting in the rocking chair looking through a stack of twenty books.

Most recently, he has been slowly transitioning from using me to I. Saying, "MMm. Nummy. I love this! Delicious!"

And after telling him that he's cute, Cian will say, "No, you're cute!"

Pictures from summer.

He can be a huge Daddy's boy.

I love.

Any time I am cooking, buying, or opening a package of something that Cian doesn't know, he will ask what it is. After I reply, he will ask, "Nummy?" (Yummy?) Today it was to food coloring. Try explaining that one.

He is also always the first to say, "bless you" after someone sneezes and has moments when he says, "I need you"--which I love! Other favorites: after every hiccup of his, he says, "ecuse me". "Thank you much" has been heard at the dinner table and "don't hit me, okay?" to Brycen. We love it, he is always making us laugh. Oh, and after having something explained to him, Cian will reply simply, "Oh!" It's so cute.

He can always be found on the table! This was from the summer but it is still so relevant today. Like on the train table at the dentist today.

I LOVE LOVE love his sweet giggles while he watches his favorite show, "Justin Time". He loves that squidgy.

Monumental: 

Asleep in Nursery back in September.

Cian went to Nursery yesterday at church! The entire time. No tears. Just because he decided to. It's been almost a 1 year (okay, 9 months) of straight up screaming. If one of his teachers touched him, the screaming rose an octave. So he cried himself asleep in a corner or went to class with Mom or Dad. Hard part, we both have callings that aren't easy with him. So we juggled him between us, and every second we could, we took him back and stayed in Nursery.  So to say the least, the teachers were floored yesterday when I walked out of the room (which I have tried every Sunday) and Cian remained quietly humming to himself as he played with play dough, acting like no big deal. I checked on him (through the peep hole, only 2344 times). When I came to pick him up, he took his snack to go, gave "bones" to each teacher and said, "see you!" like he's been doing it for a year. I think the teachers spent most the class scratching their head at what a character we have. 

After leaving Nursery, Cian insisting on marching not being carried through the halls to find Daddy and Brycen. As we passed people, he waved, saying, "Hi!" He even gave hugs to the bishop's family that have always adored him (and he has never adored back). They apparently wanted to soak every minute in, because they lined up to give hugs/bones/high fives repeatedly. 

I have no idea if he will return to Nursery next Sunday.

Lately, he hasn't been sleeping well and will cry in the middle of the night. When I ask what's wrong he will reply, "I don't know know know". 3 knows.
It perfectly sums up how I feel sleep deprived too.
I can count on one hand how many times Cian has slept through the night in his life.

He has also finally (finally!) quit nursing since my last update about him. I have been done for a long, long time but he straight out refused to eat anything consistently. And he is already on the smaller end, weight and height wise--especially compared to Brycen. Okay, maybe no one should be compared to Brycen. But I very reluctantly, waited it out.

He will now eat consistently: milk, cereal, yogurt, applesauce, noodles, fruit smoothies, and most other things I make for dinner. I love love love it, his appetite, and my freedom.

I think by far the biggest change, and I remember this age with Brycen, is that Cian can be reasoned with (except Nursery).



I can explain to him why things are happening or what needs to be done, and he understands and is usually willing to cooperate. Like times when I can't hold him, or brushing his teeth, changing his diaper, waiting at the dentist, sitting in his carseat--without a fight! Etc. It's huge and he asks questions and expresses himself. Like tonight, he said: "me grumpy" when it was time for bed.

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CTR ring can be seen on his right hand.

Brycen: " Please forgive me!" can be heard when he is caught telling a lie. He has an imagination that creeps into the accuracy of what exactly happens lately and we have been trying to stress honestly, while not damaging the imagination part.

He has memorized the first two Articles of Faith and loves learning scripture stories. After he learns all 13 Articles of Faith, a milkshake from Steak n Shake has his name on it. He is so excited.

He was given his first "CTR" ring in Primary last month. And LOVES it. It never comes off or when it does, tears have been shed until it is found. He has been so helpful in helping him tell the truth. He also has a very green finger because of it. He has requested one that does not turn his finger green, for his birthday.

He talks about his birthday daily. We have barely under 100 days now. He wants to go back to Chuck E Cheese desperately.


His first time there was in January for his friend's birthday.

He also wants to have friends sleep over (already?). I have told him that we will see when he turns 5.

He continues to do well in preschool. Working hard on writing his name in lower case letters rather than in all caps. The dentist, hygienist, and assistants raved about how awesome he did today. He is so out going. He also has not needed any dental work for a year. Yes! (If you are new to my blog, Brycen's teeth grew in with problems and he had his first work done when he was 18 months old). 

He is a huge help at home. Always wanting to help cook, vacuum, or spray when I'm cleaning the mirrors. I have assigned him as the dishwasher "unloader" and he knows that his bed needs to be made, teeth brushed, and family prayer held in order to watch a show. It helps keep me in line too.

He is still off the charts for weight and height. He loves to dance, play hard, learn, read, and laugh. We stayed at a McD's playplace for 3 hours one day--we were desperate-- and I still had to drag him away from his new friends. His face was red hot from all the running and laughing.

Brycen also cracks us up constantly. One day, he was wearing a pair of thermal long underwear that his Minnesota cousin handed down to him--one of the only ways we are surviving this winter! I guess Brycen hasn't really used his "extra pocket" yet. He said, "Hey Dad! why do I have a pocket to my leg?" We turn to find Brycen's arm 3/4rds of the way through the pocket, touching the far side of his leg. And we died laughing for a good 10 minutes. We have an epic video of it. Potential future wedding footage of his?

Currently, he is really into money (has been for about 3 months). Finding a penny completely makes his day.When we went to Arizona in October, he found 4 pennies on the airplane. Somehow before the week was through, those 4 pennies grew to be over $3 in coins that he weaseled out of Grandma and Uncle Mike and Dallin through "trading". Brycen was so proud of his collection.

Only lately has he grasped the idea that paper money is actually worth more than pennies. While at mentioned McDonald's one day, he eyed a coin collection for Riley Children's Hospital in Indy. After asking me, I explained it's purpose. To help kids in the hospital. Later that day, we went grocery shopping and he was attempting to sit on the edge of the basket. "Brycen, sit in the basket, or risk falling and possibly going to the hospital". He replied, "That's good! Then I can have the money!" He is smart. However, after explaining to him that if we get the money, it would probably go to fixing his injuries, not into his 4 piggy banks, he seemed more content to sit in the cart.

He no longer asks about or for the money, but he loves peering inside coin collections whether it be at McDonald's or Sam's Club. It's part of the routine.

Another time we were going through the BK drive through (I know, super healthy these days!), I needed one penny to make the payment perfect and not have to break a quarter. I couldn't find one so I ended up breaking one and when the lady gave me 4 pennies back, I thought Brycen would enjoy having them. (I hate pennies except for the times I need one). I gave them to him and he said, "It's okay Mom. I want you to keep them so the next time we come here, you will have one!" And he handed them back.

Almost every dinner these days Brycen exclaims, "I love your dinner, Mom!" Either he is famished or we owe someone for teaching him to say that. If so, they deserve a huge brownie sundae for that one.

Brycen also loves to color.  And has gotten really good! I love these.

Someone was giving away a free desk right before Christmas. We saved it to be one of his gifts.

He LOVES it and scribbles on it often.

Brycen is really good about watching out for Cian. Sometimes it takes a prompt of, "Brycen, I need you to help Cian", but Brycen will always come back, put his arm around Cian and say, "c'mon Cian". Cian will gladly leave my side to go with him. Playdates/playgroups are much more fun (for me!) because I can actually sit and talk while the boys play.

Also pictures from the summer that I don't think I ever posted.

Both boys are at great ages. Both night owls.

 I love watching them sit in a Lazy Boy chair together as they read a book, play a game, or watch a show together. And especially listening to Brycen tell Cian over breakfast this morning, what he learned in Primary yesterday.

I love the brother hugs they give, the laugh that erupts as they chase around the house and Brycen constantly wanting to carry Cian around (depending on the day, Cian may or may not be appreciating it).

Last Sunday, the boys watched and smiled while Mommy and Daddy danced in the kitchen. Then we each took a son and danced, ending the song by chasing the other pair around. They giggled and giggled. 

And time stood still. 

I love my boys, they are getting us through this crazy lengthy winter that apparently, has 6 more weeks to it.