My Chubby Baby Doesn't Like Food

He makes this face every time I feed him.
Apples, pears, sweet potatoes, rice cereal, bananas -- he doesn't seem to like any of it.

I don't know what to do with this finicky little man.

The Story of Our Strawberries

On Father's Day, we went strawberry picking at Stade's Farm in McHenry.

We picked about twenty pounds of strawberries (which is a lot of strawberries).

We took our strawberries home and got to work.

We made strawberry shortcake.

We made freezer jam.

We froze some for later (maybe a smoothie in September?)

Now we are waiting for raspberries and blueberries. I highly recommend putting your little pickers and jam makers to work. A totally delightful experience -- from start to finish.

The Tried-and-true Terrarium

Ever wonder how to make your own terrarium? We made one and it is pretty cool (it even has dinos living in it). Learn more about terrariums in my story in the July issue of Chicago Parent.

Self Portraits

Our Father's Day art project.
(Mini-canvases and easels from Blick Art Supply.)

For Me?

My birthday was last Saturday. I received many thoughtful and generous gifts. But this is my very favorite gift. Behold the Flower Castle Nuk Box, constructed by Eleanor and Brendan (with some help from their babysitter Nora).

I don't know how I lived life without my Flower Castle Nuk Box. No more searching the house for pacifiers when it is time for Colin to nap -- now I know to simply look in the box.

Genius.

The Making of My Middle Child

I wrote a guest post for the On Parenting Column on the Washington Post.com about Brendan's transition to being the middle child. I would love for you to take a look.

Introducing Wee Windy City!

I have a new blog called Wee Windy City! {Squeal!} Go have a look (and maybe even leave a comment to help a girl out).

Wee Windy City is a part of the soon-to-be-officially-launched site called Chicago Now. You probably haven't heard of it yet -- but you will be hearing a ton about it soon. Chicago Now is a being described as "Huffington Post meets Facebook." The site is going to aggregate news headlines, your favorite local blogs and social networking in one place. Sounds pretty cool, right?

I am going to be writing about the best family-friendly activities that Chicago has to offer. I am thrilled to be a part of this innovative media project. I hope you will have a look from time to time to learn more about great local activities for your family.

Summer Camp

Eleanor and Brendan started summer camp today. They look excited don't they?

Fifteen minutes after these pictures were taken, they were both wrapped around my legs crying hysterically and begging me not to go.

Then I got in my car and cried too.

Separation can be hard.

Petite Pommes

We going to have a lot of apples come September. I think we might have to set up an applesauce stand or something. These little guys are cute, aren't they?

Can't Stop Talking About CSAs

I guest posted over at Pivotal Productions yesterday about one of my favorite topics -- why a CSA is a good thing for your kiddos.

If you aren't sick of hearing me extol the virtues of boxes of kale and squash, have a read.

One Mother's Work

made pancakes
and bacon
extracted splinter
played with horses and firefighters
kissed Daddy goodbye
drank too much coffee
nursed baby (repeat eight to ten times)
made my daily attempt to combat the laundry onslaught
canceled trip to the zoo because of rain
talked to mother-in-law on phone
took a thirty second shower
made three beds
wiped marker off the wall with one of those magic sponge things
blew up the slide for the backyard kiddie pool
told Ellie that I would be happy to watch her babies while she played hockey for the Pittsburgh Penguins when she grows up
went to post office
got groceries
emailed
received unexpected freelance check in mail
decided to use it to open savings account for Colin
made grilled cheese, strawberries and smoothies for lunch
wondered what it is about the show Calliou that the kids like
provided bathroom assistance
vacuumed under couch (yuck)
put a Deigo bandaid on someone's face at his request
made an appointment to have a massage on my birthday
took a thirty minute nap with the baby
administered antibiotics to myself and Brendan
watched happy children splish and splash
coaxed Colin into swallowing a few bites of banana rice cereal
grilled (and unfortunately burned) chicken
cleaned yogurt smoothie out of crevices in my table and deck
let kids have ice cream for dessert
clipped the baby's lethal finger nails
bathed three monkeys
said no, don't, and stop too many times today
forcibly brushed Brendan's teeth
played janitor by cleaning up a million broken pieces of glass
and then played nurse while getting the glass out of one small foot (ouch)
read The Jungle Book
convinced daughter that it would be uncomfortable to sleep with her butterfly wings on
kissed three sleepy heads
told the dishwasher to work its magic
tried to type a coherent thought
gave up
took an extra minute to floss
closed eyes.

Our Prima Ballerina

Ellie performed as a butterfly in her dance recital yesterday. She adored the experience from start to finish.

Butterflies in waiting.

Just a little bit of lip gloss.

Ready for the show.

"I can't wait to hear the applause," she said.

Oh how I love this beautiful girl.

The Year of the Blue Lake Pole Bean

Until a few days ago, I didn't even know that it was the year of the blue lake pole bean -- right here in Chicago. Did you?

You might have heard about the One Book, One Chicago program which encourages Chicagoans to all read the same book and then attend various events and discussion groups about the selection.

Well, One Seed Chicago is the same idea. This year, Chicago is growing blue lake pole beans. Participants can share pictures, growing tips and photos on their website. Every household in Chicago is entitled to a free package of seeds.

I love this idea and I don't like to feel left out. Our seeds came in the mail today. I am a little bit late to the party on this, but I found some room in my already crowded garden and planted our first bean crop.

Click here to order your seed packet and get them in the ground asap.

Me in Mindful Metropolis

This is the June issue of Mindful Metropolis. See where it says "Got Green Kids?" right on the cover there? I wrote that story.

Mindful Metropolis is a new magazine from the staff of the former Conscious Choice. I really support their desire to create a Chicago-focused magazine for like-minded Chicago folks.

I hope you'll pick it up and have a look (I usually get mine from Whole Foods).

Brunchin' with Bloggers

Last Sunday started out like most of my Sundays (and all days really). I awoke at 6:00 a.m. to adorable little faces demanding breakfast and Calliou. I fed my kids croissants and bacon (it was Sunday, after all). I did two loads of laundry, made three beds, dressed four bodies, and then we went for a walk to the park.

Then things got interesting. Around 10:45 I hopped into a cab and headed down to Michigan Avenue for a moms-only event hosted by the lovely and gracious Cindy Fey and Kim Moldofsky, two fellow bloggers from the Chicago Moms Blog.

While taking in a lake view from the 26th floor or a beautiful building, we sipped mimosas and nibbled on really delicious food. Pastoral provided amazing sandwiches and artisan cheeses (were I not trying to impress people, I wold have stood by the cheese tray the entire time). Jane Addam's Hull House was kind enough to provide pickled and preserved items from their kitchen. And then cheesecake from Eli's on top of it all.

We talked blogs, kids, and new opportunities. A few brave ladies read their work for the group.

The whole thing was utterly delightful. I can't wait to do it again.

My Last Post for Being Savvy: Chicago

Sometimes you just know when it is time to move on to other things. You know that feeling, right?

After posting for Being Savvy: Chicago for over a year, I was starting to get that feeling.

This is my last post. Now moving on . . .