Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 16, 2019 2:26:28 GMT -6
duskymonkey Yay for your trip to Chicago! I lived there pre-kids and pre-SEA, and I loved it. We’ve been back with both kids for day trips and weekends, it’s a fantastic city. I’m not familiar with taking kids there in cold temps though. Some things I remember from when i lived there that your kids might enjoy: -Ice skating in millennium park (near “the bean”) -christkindlemarket in Daley Plaza - so much fun!! Tasty food, drinks, big Christmas tree! www.christkindlmarket.com/-Looking at Macy’s Christmas windows on State Street - Christmas “zoolights” at Lincoln Park Zoo www.lpzoo.org/zoolights-presented-comed-and-invesco-qqqIn terms of food and places to stay - lemme think and get back to you! Also, the toenail is coming back...but since you asked and all...well, it looks a claw growing back 😩. The kids think it looks weird, and it is really thick and rough. I don’t really know what to do besides hiding it with a bandaid. 🤣😭
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Post by August Blooms on Nov 16, 2019 6:18:17 GMT -6
duskymonkey The aquarium is great in Chicago if you want an indoor activity. I’ve only been there once and pre kids so that’s all I have.
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 16, 2019 7:44:56 GMT -6
On the car seat thing - we turned DS1 front facing when he was about 2.5. I personally am prone to carsickness, so I really feel for your little guy duskymonkey ! That might make me do FF right at 2; car sickness is really horrible to deal with, and I wouldn’t wish it on a kid for years. Do you do lots of long distance, highway driving with him? If it was more local, low-speed trips, I’d probably switch to FF at 2 if I was in your situation. But that’s just me, someone who really hates being nauseous.
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Post by doodlemommy on Nov 16, 2019 12:51:41 GMT -6
DS is still rear facing and will be for another year as long as he still fits the limits. He is 85%ile for height and 80%ile for weight so he might outgrow it before then, we’ll see! DD was over 3.5 when we flipped her, quite frankly she would almost still fit rear facing since she’s tiny.
My dad is our dentist so I have always taken my kids to appointments and they ride in the chair and my dad checks/counts their teeth and they get prizes. DD had her first real appointment at 3 and DS will too. We are going in a couple weeks for appointments and DS is excited to get a new toothbrush
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danvers
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Post by danvers on Nov 16, 2019 18:11:28 GMT -6
I’d like to keep DD2 rear facing longer and she doesn’t seem to care. Shes like 95%ile+ for height and weight but doesn’t complain. She loves to take her shoes though and chuck them to the back of the minivan and then laugh. CoachTsWife I totally get what your saying about daycare and H helping out and I probably wouldn’t give it a second thought. I remember how freeing it was when b-ball season was over and H could do pickups or drop offs. I hope your H’s recovering is going smooth (again!) and you don’t feel like you’re losing your mind yet! What a year it’s been for you and him!
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danvers
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Post by danvers on Nov 17, 2019 13:04:33 GMT -6
My SIL had her baby. I haven’t seen him yet and I’d love to because I love all.the.babies but that’s not the way this family works...
Anyway, the first name she picked out it seemed nobody liked and I do feel bad for her. I didn’t like the name either but I would have taken that to my grave because ultimately not my decision and, like most names anyway, they tend to grow on you after awhile. I feel bad because her mom and her MIL both explicitly told her how much they didn’t like the name so she went with a different choice. I love the second name but still feel bad people closer to her gave her such shit about her first choice.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 19, 2019 0:39:48 GMT -6
Thanks guys for making me feel less ambivalent about FF the car seat and I am not sure why I am struggling with this. Anyways I'll have to wait until this weekend when hubs is available to try it out. He conveniently forgot to tell me that he had a conference this week even though he said he did. It's down in the city but he's gone by 630 and tonight just got home at 1030 so he's really back just to sleep. He did tell me about working over the weekend a fortnight ago which got postponed. Lucky for him, I am recovering well and can handle everything and the boys. Taitai Don't worry your toenail won't look gnarly after it begins it's 2nd cycle of growth. I remember mine growing out all wrinkly and gnarly looking and I was mortified. Also, we've been on highways with lil fella and he seems fine. Local curvy road and I am guessing stop and go is when he loses his lunch in a matter of a couple of miles. doodlemommy I totally forgot your dad is your family dentist. I am sure it helps a ton that grandpa is checking out their teeth instead of a stranger. danvers congratulations! when do you get to see your new nephew. Is this your brother's son? I feel bad for your SIL and ugh about people throwing their opinion. Why can't they just keep it to themselves and just be happy for your SIL. If she loves the name then so be it.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 19, 2019 0:41:03 GMT -6
duskymonkey The aquarium is great in Chicago if you want an indoor activity. I’ve only been there once and pre kids so that’s all I have. Definitely will have to add that to our list! DS is totally obsessed with fish.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 19, 2019 0:53:55 GMT -6
Taitai, thanks for the recos. Ignorant question, are the bridges across the river pedestrian friendly and it's not too wide is it? ( comparing the Hudson and East river in NYC ) that might open up more lodging options for us. I don't mind walking in sub zero temps but it may be too cold for the kids so finding lodging close to a metro station could be good too plus DS would lose his mind riding the L! Anyways I am super duper excited planning for this trip. Hopefully the weather will be somewhat pleasant so we can travel safely and make it to the city.
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 19, 2019 8:17:11 GMT -6
Taitai, thanks for the recos. Ignorant question, are the bridges across the river pedestrian friendly and it's not too wide is it? ( comparing the Hudson and East river in NYC ) that might open up more lodging options for us. I don't mind walking in sub zero temps but it may be too cold for the kids so finding lodging close to a metro station could be good too plus DS would lose his mind riding the L! Anyways I am super duper excited planning for this trip. Hopefully the weather will be somewhat pleasant so we can travel safely and make it to the city. The bridges are all pedestrian friendly (they have sidewalks on either side, and they’re not long at all...half of a city block long. I am sure your DS will love riding the L, or the redline (underground). If you want to do any of the Christkindlemarket/Macy’s window stuff, it’s all right off the redline, and you don’t have to walk outside for long at all to get to it. In fact, Macy’s and Daly Plaza are connected underground to the redline. All the tips I learned to avoid the cold when I lived in Chicago...lol. I miss it though - I’d probably move back in a heartbeat if given the right opportunity. Have fun planning your trip! In terms of hotels - I thought about it, and I really don’t have any recs that are particularly kid friendly. I love Kimpton hotels, and there are a lot of them in the city with great locations. For food - again, my life there was pre-kids, so I’m not much help. I do find that when we’ve been there, we just go to all the tasty places and bring our kids along. Nobody seems to mind. Here are some of my favorite places you could check out: -Nookies on Wells Street- in old town - best brunch in the city and kids friendly - diner atmosphere - get the trio specials! -Brick’s Pizza - in old town - best pizza in town, it’s not Chicago style...I am not a fan of Chicago style pizza -Portillo’s on Clark Street - so good. Italian beef, hot dogs, burgers, chocolate cake shakes!!! It’s not healthy, but it’s delicious. -Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s - Chicago style pizza, if you must - I prefer Malnati’s if I have to. -The Purple Pig on Michigan Ave is good Mediterranean, we’ve taken DS1 there when he was like 2 and it was kid friendly. -Coco Pazzo on Chicago has great Italian -La Scarola on Grand also has very tasty Italian
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 19, 2019 8:27:58 GMT -6
duskymonkey Some more indoor recs for the kids: -The field museum (on the same campus as the shed aquarium that August Blooms mentioned) - see dinosaur bones and gems and mummies. I remember them having lots of kids friendly stuff too. -The museum of science and industry - you’d have to cab it here (on the south side), but it’s a really great museum that people love. Your kids are into trains, and I remember there are a lot of trains/machines exhibits. I think they’d really enjoy it. -Children’s Museum - I’ve heard good things about the one in Chicago, but I’ve never been.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 19, 2019 23:14:46 GMT -6
Taitai thanks for the eatery recos. I’ll have to add them my list. I love to go to a good Italian. There’s only a couple of good Italian close by worth eating at here. We aren’t opposed to taking the kiddos to posh restaurants, just not in the likes of Alinea 😂 I cant even savour and enjoy my experience there with them in tow. If we had disposable funds, heck I’ll take them there cos I’ll have a nanny along too 😉 They don’t eat off any kids menu....just off our plates 😬 and these days, a split entree between the two. We’re only going to be there 2 days i think so not much we can cover. However I have a feeling we are going to go there again with hubs when he’s needed back at HQ. August Blooms, It’s funny how travel plans are so different since having kids. I started thinking of accommodations too and how we need room to fit a PnP and DS’ air bed too. In a few years time, we can get just a double room and the boys can either sleep together or with either of us. With the cold weather, I’m also thinking we could use an indoor pool just in case the weather takes a turn 🤷🏻♀️ Regardless, I’m certain they would be excited and I’m super thrilled they can experience a big bustling city. I can’t wait 😆 Also if you all asked me about kid friendly spots in nyc....I’ll be like 🤷🏻♀️
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danvers
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Post by danvers on Nov 20, 2019 16:35:07 GMT -6
It was “Dress Like A Storybook Character” day at school and I went as a member of the Ravenclaw house. Harry Potter is a bit lost of my 4th graders though as most assumed I was Harry Potter himself and trying to explain this was “my house” vs just a movie character or whatever was a bit exhausting 😂
It was super fun to teach with a wand all day today though 🧙🏼♀️
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 21, 2019 0:31:14 GMT -6
danvers That sounds like a lot of fun! I love they you chose someone from Ravenclaw - they are supposed to be the super smart kids, right? DS1’s school also has dress like a book character day. Last year he was Clifford. I wonder what he’ll choose this year? duskymonkey We would most definitely not be taking our kids to Alinea either 🤣😂 I think they’d much rather prefer Portillo’s. I do think people in Chicago are very friendly and laid back about kids, so no matter what you try to do or where you go, I think you’ll have a great time. I miss it there so much!
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 22, 2019 8:23:18 GMT -6
It’s the weekend here! We’re having friends over on Sunday, but nothing planned for Saturday. I think I’m going to plan our our Thanksgiving shopping and baking/cooking schedule. Thursday here I just another normal day (I have to work and the kids have school), so we’re doing Thanksgiving next weekend.
Anyone have their menus set yet? What is everyone having?? I need inspiration - otherwise, we’ll probably just do the same old thing.
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Post by August Blooms on Nov 22, 2019 17:25:58 GMT -6
Happy weekend! What’s everyone up to? I was feeling great up until I turned my head at work today and whoops my neck is messed up. The physiotherapist warned me it would get bad before it got better. We are trying a new Thai restaurant that just opened in town tonight. Tomorrow I work and we may go to an evening Santa Claus parade in the neighboring town tomorrow if I’m better. Then I took Sunday off work to take DD1 to her very first movie, Frozen 2.
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danvers
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Post by danvers on Nov 22, 2019 20:32:00 GMT -6
August Blooms I’m taking DD1 to see Frozen II next Wednesday! She is so excited and, to be honest, I kind of excited to see it too! Taitai no menu plan as we go to MIL’s every year. I do offer to make green bean casserole (my favorite!) but no one but me apparently likes it so 🤷♀️ My big plans this weekend are to continue binging The Crown season 3 on Netflix.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 22, 2019 22:13:30 GMT -6
I’m so glad to have hubs back again from his Super Geeking conference so I’ll stop complaining about him 😝 danvers all you teachers do so much fun things with the kids and I really love it. DS had a 50s day several weeks ago yo celebrate 50 days of school and all the teachers donned on 50s outfits - they were so into it. Are you off next week too? August Blooms gosh. You need to catch a break. I hope you’ll start feeling better and yay to spending 1on1 with your DD at the movies. Also I keep forgetting that you already had your thanksgiving in October. Taitai are you going to have people over this year for your thanksgiving? Between hubs being gone all week and me getting distracted planning our first vaca since DS was born, I started scramble planning for our thanksgiving feast.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 22, 2019 22:32:50 GMT -6
Well, I’m getting ready for my house to be destroyed all week starting tomorrow. My sister’s family is coming for thanksgiving and this is the first time our family has been together as a unit since the kids were born so it’s really special. It’s going to be tight quarters 😆 anyways we’re starting our feasting on Sunday! With some Malaysian BBQ - satay and all the fixings. I was busy today prepping all that and I have my pumpkin chocolate swirl cheesecake in the oven to have on Thanksgiving Day. Taitai you should definitely make that - so tasty 😋 and can be made in advance and frozen. My menu is the usual Roast Turkey Mashed potatoes & gravy Cranberry relish Corn casserole Stuffing Roasted Brussels sprouts with wild mushrooms This year’s desserts will be more than the usual cos my sisters family have requests 😬 Pumpkin chocolate swirl cheesecake Pumpkin pie Apple pie Key lime pie Bonus pumpkin cheesecake brownie cos I will have pumpkin purée left over.
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 23, 2019 1:05:18 GMT -6
duskymonkey That menu sounds awesome!! I should try the pumpkin choc swirl cheesecake this year. H doesn’t like cheesecake, so I never make that dessert in general, but I know everyone else would love it! We’re having 11 people total (including H, myself, DS1, and DS2 for thanksgiving). Just the right number of people to make it fun, but not overwhelming! I like your brussel sprouts idea too - we might do that if we can find them on sale. They’re soooooo expensive out here. August Blooms danvers How cute that your are taking your DDs to Frozen 2! Let me know how it is. Unfortunately, my boys never got into any of the Frozen characters...we’re more of a Cars family 🤷♀️
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 23, 2019 1:10:15 GMT -6
Duplicate post.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 23, 2019 16:44:27 GMT -6
I logged in just to lament how much work is involved making a Malaysian dish 😓 Taitai ,heres the roasted brussels recipe link here’s the cheesecake recipe linkI’ll be back later with some tips 😬 Are avocados readily accessible? I have a fab suggestion for a dip
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Post by curmudgeon on Nov 23, 2019 21:27:24 GMT -6
Hi! I haven’t caught up at all, mostly because this entire month has been crap. DS1 started us out with the puking, then DS2 the following week. Week 3 was mostly ok but DS1 came down with strep on Thursday. He’s feeling better finally.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to Thursday. Mostly because I don’t have to cook anything. Or clean my house!
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Post by curmudgeon on Nov 23, 2019 21:28:48 GMT -6
Oh, and DS2 climbed out of his crib today. And can also open doors so we have to keep all outside doors deadbolted. I’m not ready to convert the crib. 😖
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Taitai
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Post by Taitai on Nov 24, 2019 7:31:24 GMT -6
curmudgeon Like was for you not having to cook or clean this week! You’ve had a rough month - I hope your oldest gets over strep quickly. duskymonkey Thank you so much for the links! I’m going to do the pumpkin choc swirl cheesecake - it looks amaaaazing! I have a friend with 5 kids under 5 - yes, you read that right - 5 under 5. She came over for a play date this afternoon. The destruction 😱😩. All is tidy and clean now, but man - my uterus was like...”newp, no more kids,” after seeing how calm and zen everything was (comparatively) once she and her brood left 🤣
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Post by curmudgeon on Nov 24, 2019 20:50:42 GMT -6
My house is 1/3 clean. I’m so tired of wiping stuff down. How do cabinets get so dirty? And doors? I don’t know what these kids are doing or smearing all over everything.
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Post by August Blooms on Nov 26, 2019 19:41:53 GMT -6
duskymonkey That sounds amazing and delicious! Do you have room for one more? danvers I’m working my way through the Crown season 3 too. What episode are you on?
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Post by August Blooms on Nov 26, 2019 19:44:50 GMT -6
My house is 1/3 clean. I’m so tired of wiping stuff down. How do cabinets get so dirty? And doors? I don’t know what these kids are doing or smearing all over everything. I am living this life too.
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 27, 2019 1:30:01 GMT -6
Oh, and DS2 climbed out of his crib today. And can also open doors so we have to keep all outside doors deadbolted. I’m not ready to convert the crib. 😖 I've caught lil fella over here trying to put his leg over the crib! and he's been opening doors for a while now and actually we also replaced our entry doors with keyed 2 side deadbolts. DS wasn't like this!
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Post by duskymonkey on Nov 27, 2019 1:56:41 GMT -6
Crazy busy here with my sister's family. We've been out and about and I've also been playing hosts and feeding everyone and dealing with the kids! So so tired. How in fresh hell do people have more than 2 children!! I am currently waiting for my pumpkin pie to not be so jiggly! Maybe 10 more minutes. August Blooms , more than 1 spot is available, in fact your whole family is invited, I will have so much food! Taitai , A few tips with the cheesecake I discovered since making this for years now. Add another half a cup of pumpkin batter to the chocolate batter. Also after mixing the pumpkin batter, put it in the refrigerator. Do this while you make the chocolate batter. Reason is that the chocolate batter is very dense and the pumpkin batter is very thin so when you dollop the chocolate batter it will all sink to the bottom and disappear and there will be no pretty swirling. Also add the pumpkin batter + chocolate dollops in in 3rds, so you'll essentially be working the swirls in 3 layers if that makes sense. Again all this to combat the interaction between the 2 different density problems of the batters. If you are using a spring form pan, be sure to double or even triple up your foil around the bottom of the pan. It was a sad situation when I first made it, the bottom was soggy even though I double foiled it and I couldn't get pretty looking swirls. It tasted great so I kept on attempting it until I got it right. I also no longer use a spring form pan to make cheesecakes - the water seepage has made many sad moments for me. For the brussels sprouts, I find earthy rich mushrooms is best and I know there's a plethora of mushrooms available for you but I think maitake and king oyster with a lesser portion of fresh shiitake will go well. I also just reduced the cream. Plenty of flavour and IMHO, the amount of cream in the recipe makes it too rich. I didn't realize brussels sprouts were dear. We didn't grow up eating a lot of it due to availability or so I thought but whenever the market had them, my mom was sure to get them, but then she never put a limit on food and books for us unlike everything else.
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