Two toddlers hugging in a tub

Drew and his good friend Sadie had a playdate over the weekend. Playdate turned into bathtime.  The hugging and kissing in these photos was so innocent. Really. It was.

Summer days

Just a few pictures of Drew hanging out in Chicago this summer....Enjoy!

Housewives of New Jersey

Last week Drew had a mommy/son getaway and flew to New Jersey to visit Aunt Norah, Uncle Brian and cousins Brooke and Ethan.  (I got to live like a New Jersey housewife and I've got to say--it is pretty fun. Meanwhile, Ron got a break from us for 3 days.) The kids went swimming, ate at the mall, and played non-stop. 

We miss them already. We also miss the chocolate bobka, their Thomas train set, Ethan's panda bear adoration, and Brooke's dancing. Luckily, the will be visiting Chicago in August.

Out the Blue

Playing at Wicker Park

Hot Dog fun at the Chicago History Museum

Lincoln Park exhibit at the Chicago History Museum

Drew roars like a Lion

Lincoln Park Zoo

Cousin Jonah and Aunt Alison came over to play.

Since it finally warmed up we have been out and about in the city.  Drew visited Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago History Museum just the other week.  Picnics and playtime at our neighborhood parks fill most of Drew's days.

Walken (All By Myself)

Here is a video of Drew taking a few steps.  It is a bit dark, but you can see him walk!

Walken

This just in! The previous blog post was created this morning. Mere hours after it was posted Drew took his first steps. He stood up and I said, "walk to mama" with my arms outstretched. He did it! He has been walking quite a bit on his own today. We can't wait to encourage him to walk tomorrow and hopefully we will have better luck catching it on video.

Blowing kisses, pushing around toy school buses, singing nursery rhymes, and playing on swing sets are all part of the daily grind for Drew. He also got to go to the Cub's game on Mother's Day and you might find him brushing up on his art history--evidenced in one of the pictures above. Drew is as smiley as ever and it is thrilling for us to watch him learn to walk. He really defines the term "baby steps" as he has been remarkably cautious about standing and walking. (His daddy is pretty sure he inherited "cautiousness" from his mom. His mom is thrilled that her son might grow into a "cautious" little boy who hopefully won't hurt himself too often.) He can now "stand up" on his own and when he does he squeals in delight. He is also really big on walking holding our hand. This is a whole new world for him. We are all happier that it is warm out because there is a lot more to do. Morning strolls with daddy and Abbey have been reinstated and we can't wait to go back to the zoo.