Our big girl {Ava 9 months}

 Our angel baby has really grown this past month! It's a gift to watch her learn new skills and explore her world. This past month Ava has grown a liking to real people food!  She loves turkey, chicken, ham, puffs, avocado etc.  She is getting the hang of her sippy cup (we use this one and love it). The majority of water ends up all over her because she can't figure out how to stop sipping when she is done.  This month officially marks the first time she slept through the night multiple nights in a row....it was also one with a bad sleep regression when the only person in the house getting any sleep was Mason.  Ava is also doing a lot of rocking and trying her best to get moving.  It almost looks like she is trying to stand instead of trying to crawl.  She is getting on her toes instead of her knees; either way this gets her scooting and to whatever she is in need of at the time.  Ava has also mastered the skill of babbling; lots of dadada, bababa going on around here.  I also think she is saying the word, hi.

Ava's LOVES:
- Mason, Mason & more Mason
- Being held
- kisses on her belly and neck
-holding onto her loveies while sleeping
- clapping her hands


Ava's DISLIKES:
- having her face/nose wiped
- not being part of the action
- not being able to get a toy on her own
- strangers (separation anxiety is in full effect)

Ava is so sweet and continues to warm our hearts everyday!  We are so lucky to be her parents and watch her and Mason grow together and develop their personalities.


Mason at 9 months

My Uniform

When I had Mason and became a stay at home mom (SAHM) yoga clothes became my norm. I found that I was on the floor crawling around and later chasing after him. He always found dirt and his hands always found my pants or shirt. Mason has super sensitive skin so all my sweaters were set aside for another time in my life and soft and comfy was where it was at. I made sure to wear jeans and "get dressed" at least once a week to make sure I still fit in my clothes and to feel put together once in awhile.  Our morning routine was relaxed; grabbing Mason from his crib in my pjs knowing I would have time to get dressed after breakfast and that much needed cup of coffee.

All that changed when Ava came along! I will not, do not come downstairs in the morning without brushing my teeth and throwing my clothes on. My trusty lululemon get pulled out 99% of the time and I have picked up some great pieces for my uniform at Lucy as well. Total fashion rut?  Perhaps! Or I'm just being practical and comfy for my lifestyle? I'll be honest, I still have 10 more pounds of baby weight to lose which makes fitting into my clothes a challenge (why did the pounds come off so much easier the first time?!?!) and plays into my yoga wearing black, stretchy pants uniform. 

The best part about my uniform; it endures dirty hands, spitup, boogers, drool and splattered baby food all day long! I've become accustomed to being dirty by the end of the day and I'm glad I don't have to worry about ruining my good clothes. 

In short my uniform reflects my life now. It's durable, practical and comfortable. One day things will be different; the 10 pounds  will be shed (I can only hope) and life will be a little less messy. Jeans will find a place in my life and won't just be for "special" occasions but till then I'll embrace the now  and my yoga based attire. 

What's your current uniform???

Ps: there are days I actually workout and how great is it that I don't have to change before running to the gym?!?!?

Mason's first train ride

Mason has been asking to take a train ride for some time now. I needed to have all the logistics ironed out prior to his first train trip (I know, I'm such a mom). I knew we would need two adults involved. I knew mason wanted to ride the train but I wasn't sure how he would feel once on the train so I wanted him to be able to get off at any stop and have a ride home.

Matt took the day off last Friday and we figured it would be a great time to take a mini trip. Ava and I dropped them off at the Hinsdale station and waited for them in LaGrange. Mason did great on the train and now asks more often if we can take a commuter. So I see many more rides in our future. 

Here are a few pictures of Mason & Matt's adventure:

Mason & Daddy waiting for the train

The train ride was followed by hitting up the toy store, grabbing hot dogs for lunch and taking Mason to Tates (an old fashion ice polar) for some pink and blue ice cream. 

Ava {8 months}

It has been a month since I last logged on; all is well over here we've been soaking up every minute summer has to offer.  Trips to the pool, filling up the pool for the kiddos in the backyard, walks walks and more walks, time with friends and family.  Enjoying the good kind of busy that comes along with summer.  It seems like we pack as much into our weekends as possible leaving all 4 of us extra tired Monday mornings but knowing that fall will be here before we know it keeps us on the go.

Summer Lovin:

 Not only have we been busy but so has Ava.  She is learned to sit up this month and she seems to have really found her voice.  Ava let's us know when she isn't happy (believe it or not she has a little temper) and she smiles and or screams when she is happy.  Ava attempts to clap her hands which is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen.  Her bottom 2 teeth have popped up; it was clear she was in pain during the process.  I have a feeling she is working on some more teeth because the drool; can't stop won't stop.  We are officially packing away Ava's 3 month clothes and starting to buy 9 month sizes for our little peanut.  We weighted her at home last weekend and she is 16 pounds and in size 2 diapers.  She seems to be eating more these days and is also a bit more active during the day.  She loves jumping in her jump-a-roo, rolling around on the floor, stroller rides and anything to do with her brother.  Ava is a little snuggle bug and loves to be held and cuddled.  I know that won't be the case one day so I try to remind myself that on the days she has been on me every second.  Ava wakes up between 5:30am and 6:30am; and anytime before 6am I really struggle.  Matt is much better at pulling it together for her 5:30 wake up calls (thanks babe).

first time with yogurt 

Likes:
- Bubble Guppies TV show
- being held
- being tickled
- when you dance and clap for her
- jumping in her jump a roo
- being part of the action

Dislikes:
- sold foods
- getting dressed
- long naps alone


Mason 8 months 

Our Ava Girl {7 months}

Ava is so very alert and when she doesn't have her eyes on Mason she is in awe of her surroundings.  I feel like she is constantly just taking it all in.  Ava goes with the flow; even in the most hectic moments she keeps her cool and remains calm (I'm fairly certain she gets this trait from Matt).  Mason has struggled this past month; I believe the move has affected him more then we realize....during the tough moments with him Ava just plays and coos unaffected by the craziness and not startled by the extra noise.

Ava gets up a bit earlier then Mason and I use this time to give her extra snuggles and attention.  She is so loving and cuddly.  It is amazing how much love I have for my kiddos, they fill my heart with joy each and everyday.  I am lucky to be their mommy and watch them grow and change right in front of my eyes.

1st brother/sister bath

This month's firsts:
- rolled from back to belly
- took a bath with her brother
- went swimming in the pool
- celebrated her 1st 4th of July
- had a cold
- sat up for a few seconds unassisted

Ava's 1st 4th of July

Ava is becoming more playful this month which has been fun for all of us.  Mason has been playing with her more; he wants to hold her and interact with her.  These moments are so heartwarming; I love how much these two love each other.  I know that big changes are heading Ava's way over the next few months so I am trying my best to relish in the moment with her.  I have a feeling she will be chasing after Mason before we know it.

Currently, Ava takes 2 naps during the day and one cat nap in between. She has 4 bottles a day (4- 6 oz on average) and 3 meals.  She weighted in at 13 pounds 10 ounces on July 12th and she is wearing both 3 and 6 month clothes.







Likes:
- her toes
- splashing in her bath
- kisses on her neck

- knocking down blocks
- holding on to her sleep sack or other material when she is having a bottle


Dislikes:
- taking long naps
- putting shirts over her head
- having the sun on her

Mason at 7 months

Our Growing Family {my sister is getting married}

Their proposal at Diversey Harbor

On June 6, 2015 my sister called me early in the morning (early for her) to tell me she is getting married.  She was beaming with her new bling and I was the first person she was able to get a hold of (funny how history repeats itself because she was the first person who know about my engagement to Matt).  Marc set up a perfect proposal and even had a photog capture the moment. Mia and Marc will be getting married in the Spring of 2016 and I can't wait to celebrate the couple between now and then.  I am so happy that my kids are gaining such a wonderful and thoughtful uncle and Matt and I are gaining a brother in law. Welcome to the family Marc! 

Cheers to Mia and Marc and  our ever growing family!  

Silenced by the Mayhem

Mason pulling his wagon to the new house.

We did in fact survive the move; although our move was just around the corner a move is a move is a move.  We had to take the same steps as if we were moving  miles away.  I did my best to prep for the move hoping  to make things less stressful in the long run.  However sometimes the powers to be have an entirely different plan.  We had a very stressful closing (one that might not have happened and left us to rent or move in with my parents), we ended up having less time to prep the new house (2 days instead of 6; my painters did an excellent job accommodating this.... let me know if you need a painter), Mason came down with a temperature of 104 the night before the move (which resulted in no sleep and the 3 of us sleeping on the cough together), and I fell down the stairs and sprained my shoulder the day after the move.  Mayhem at its best folks!  So, just when I thought we would be giving my parents a chance to breathe we now needed them more then ever.  Not to mention Matt was going to be gone for a week on a business trip.  We ALL have pushed through on pure exhaustion which has lead us all to come down with colds but fingers crossed the chaos is behind us.  Honestly, at this point you just have to laugh.  We have years to make this house our home so we just have to surrender to getting everyone healthy, happy and a bit more rested.


The house overall is fabulous, it is offering us the space we need on a block filled with children and friendly neighbors.  We are going to be happy here! Although, we have to figure out our new groove in this new space.  Last week while mom and I had the kids up stairs post bath time I realized Mason was being too quit.  I didn't think much of it other then to just go find him.  When we went downstairs looking for him we quickly realized the back door was wide open.  Mason and his "love bus" (one of his new faves) were in the backyard completely naked.  I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.  Disclaimer, since the incident doors have been baby proofed and or are now locked at ALL times.  Haha

Luckily our new yard is fenced in and no one can see Mason while he plays outside sans clothes.

During this time of chaos I am most thankful for Mason adjusting to the new environment better then anticipated.  I am also so grateful for my family.  My parents and my sister have gone beyond the call of duty the last few months.  I don't know how I will ever by able to repay them for their time and energy....they have certainly made all the Murray Family  Mayhem more bearable.  It truly takes a village to raise kids and I don't know how people do it when they don't have family/friends close by.  Thank you so much for everything you do for us everyday!  We truly owe you a vacation.

Trying to figure out where things go is never easy but we found the perfect spot for Mason's table.

The kiddos loving the huge tub....there is enough room for all of us in there.