Successful Trip to the Splash Pad

Last weekend we decided to hit up the Ty Warner Splash Pad in Westmont (if you have little ones I would highly recommend a visit to this park|splash pad).  Mason was so excited by the water park he was trying to bust out of his stroller.  He loved crawling around and getting wet; the trip was a success and we will be taking Mason back to the splash pad again!

August 28, 2013 Mason learns how to clap; we couldn't be prouder of our little man!

Much love from the Murray's!

10 months {lions tigers & bears oh my}

As Mason's first birthday creeps up on us it makes we question where the time has gone!?!?!? There really hasn't been a dull moment since his arrival (ok to be completely honest, Matt & I haven't had a dull moment since our engagement which was in November of 2010). Mason is all consuming & we wouldn't have it any other way. With each month comes new milestones reached, with each week he grows bigger and his looks change and with each day his personality evolves. I am both in aw of him and so very humbled by him all the time.

Mason is very active these days; crawling all around and pulling himself up. He loves getting into things he is not supposed to and has no fear. He loves to play with his toys and read books (he loves books). He naps twice a day once around 9:30 (this is when I try and get my stuff done) and again around 2pm (I relax if I can during this nap). He gets up around 6am and we are on the go from that point on (unless he is napping). I have found early morning walks to get coffee and watch trains are the best way to start both of our days. I am fearing winter since Mason prefers to be outside. Mason loves making animal noises; he is especially good at barking like a dog and growling like a bear.  He has added more words to his vocabulary this month which makes it so fun to "talk" with him.

Taking pictures each month continues to get more difficult!  He loves those damn stickers....


Mason's Likes:
- knocking down blocks
- turkey & meatballs
- his push car
- dogs
- pacifier (loving it more then ever)

Dislikes
- potatoes (especially twice baked or mashed)
- when we take things away from him (lots of crying)
- his once favored bouncy chair
-Monkey Business

Sunday Funday {Family Style}

Today the Murray Family ventured to the Brookfield Zoo!  Mason has been working on his animal noises so I thought it would the perfect time to take him to see some real animals.  Here are a few pictures from our day, along with a few others from this past weekend. We continue to take advantage of the wonderful weather we are having and tend to spend a LOT of time outside (hey, that is where Mason is happiest).  Walks at 7am our key these days and have become a staple in our household (I'm nervous about what we are going to do in the winter). 

Our little Frogy!

Loves to eat & drink like a big boy!

Mason LOVES books!  He enjoys playing with his books on the floor & he also LOVES when we read to him.  He gets so excited when we read one of his favorite books and is sure to tell us when we are reading a book he doesn't want to listen to (we never seem to make it through a book he doesn't want to read).  It is so very special for me to see Matt and Mason together.  The love and excitement they have for each other is heartwarming.

Where did our baby go?!?! {9 months}

Honestly, where did our baby go? The one I nursed & rocked hours on end!!! At 9 months our little baby has transformed into an independent toddler (ok, not really but we are getting there). Mason started crawling & boy is he on the move. He is great at communicating with us which makes our job a littler easier. Speaking of communicating he has added the following words to his vocabulary mama, dada, ba (bottle), car, up, bubbles, pool & papa. If we say the word he can repeat it...so fun! He can also pull himself up which is a little nerve wracking at times. Not going to lie falling and bumping his head are the norms these days. He likes to feed himself which makes meal time a little bit longer these days. We have to provide food for him to feed himself and then in between bites spoon feed him. And if we are lucky he will offer us a piece of his food which is like the cutest thing ever.  

Mason's likes:

- the book Lama Lama Nighty Night 

- straws

- avocado & watermelon

- his toy cars & trucks 

- being outside (I'm in trouble when it starts getting cold)

- playing in his room by himself 

Dislikes:

-  door stoppers (they scare him)

- bumping his head

We are so lucky to be Mason's parents! I love spending my days with him; it is priceless. 

4th of July

Unlike most of our weekends we had little to nothing on the agenda for the weekend of the 4th. This gave us an opportunity to catch up on some little things around the house and plan for the baby proofing that is getting very necessary these days. Of course, the weekend wasn't all work!

We celebrated the 4th with some friends! Mason loved splish splashing in the pool with all the ladies. 

This Child is Happiest in Water!

Come to think of it the rest of our weekend revolved around the pool! Mason did some skinny dippin' Friday night and we had a family pool day at Ruth Lake on Sunday (which may need to be a new family tradition).

 

We hope you all are enjoying your summer as well!

A Day Of Fun|Mason Style

My little man is on the move which has brought us to the next stage in parenting. But this post is strictly reserved for Mason. Today we spent the day together as a family doing things Mason enjoys (no errands allowed).  

We started the morning with a dip! Mason LOVES the pool; he kicks and splashes around. Occasionally he puts his face in...attempting to blow some bubbles. 

After a nap we hit up the carnival! There was lots for Mase to see. He watched the kids run around and the rides go this way & that way. They had live music too which also captured his attention for a bit. We took Mason on his first marry go round and train ride. Of course he just loved all of the above. 

Shout Out to Dads

I hope everyone had as nice as a Father's Day weekend as we did. The Baldo and Murray Families met for an early dinner on Saturday night at Greek Island. This is a perfect spot to bring Mase because the food is good and comes out quickly. We topped the night off with ice cream and watching the Hawks game.

Sunday was a perfect day in Chicago; warm and sunny. Dad and Matt golfed while Mason and I enjoyed pancakes with mom and his new pool. Mason is such a little fishy, he played on the pool for an hour. Sunday night was spent grilling out and hanging out with mason. Overall, a very nice weekend!

I want to give a shout out to my dad! He is such an amazing man, mentor and friend. He is always there for us above and beyond the call of duty. I am so lucky that we live so close and that Mason has the opportunity to form a strong bond with him as well. Dad, thank you doesn't seem adequate....but THANK YOU for EVERYTHING! I love you so very much and appreciate everything you have taught me and do for me. Mia and I have the best dad ever.

Watching Matt with Mason warms my heart. He is a pro at all things dad and it comes so naturally to him. I am so thankful to have such an amazing partner in the adventure of parenthood. And Mason is so lucky to have such a wonderful father who one day he will call a teacher, mentor and friend. 

Happy Father's Day to all fathers!