Sunday, August 30, 2009

Chicago Summer '09

Mehandis and I so look forward to our train trips to Chicago. Not only does Mehandis now feel that the Amtrak conductors are personally connected to him (as they pass through the car, the entire car hears, "Where did my conductor go?") but he gets to personally live out "Goodnight Chicago"... one of his favorite books since homecoming.

We were fortunate to get the chance to travel to Chicago together mid-summer, upon my parents' return home from Indiana. Adventures included the planetarium, a trip on the subway, preview of Lollapolooza, Italian al fresco and Mexican paired with margaritas. One of the stand out first time experiences included a sunrise breakfast along Lake Michigan... followed with a morning swim.

The pigeons, unfortunately, really enjoyed the breakfast (following our departure for the Lake swim) as well. Therefore Mehandis kept asking, "Where my muffin go?".

So much fun with Grandpa pushing his stroller Indy-style and Grandma sharing her laughter and treats. We thank you for our get away! The following pic shows the serenity of the mornings (beyond this picturesque sunrise... as I was able to get the chance to go and work out at the upstairs club most of the days as Grandma and Grandpa cuddled with Mehandis in the early hours!).



Check out the creation of our engineer. "Choo-choo" bring on the train!



We love you Grandma & Grandpa. Thanks for hosting us for our "busy" visit!!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Back to School

August has moved so quickly! I can't believe that I haven't posted since the end of July. But I guess I have been out of town for much of the month, including visits with my parents in Chicago, an extended stay at the Lake and also a week long camping trip to Michigan. I have fun stories and photos to share about those vacations... but for today I will stay in the present.

Mehandis and I went back to school this morning. Last night was especially hard for me. I was sad to send Mehandis into other caregivers' arms and I was nervous about the change back into our hectic Fall schedule. But Michael and our little guy helped make it easier for me this morning.

Following words of encouragement, Michael fell back into his role of readying Mehandis for the day. The new morning schedule starts 20 minutes earlier for all of us now... as my start time has been moved. Mehandis got up with Michael around 6:30 and they were ready (with smiles) by 7:00.

Before I left for our "schools", Mehandis posed for his First Day of School Picture. Looking pretty confident and excited I would say!


Mehandis's enthusiasm stayed with him the whole ride to school and through my departure. I then caught his confidence and proceeded to have a great first day back to work myself. Hooray!

Oh... and something else to cheer about is noted below.
This was a first for him! Something to be said for peer pressure? Or perhaps we just set the scene perfectly for this accomplishment. No matter what I celebrate all of the different caring hands that helps Mehandis and us!