Another Precocious Story

Gavin's language is really exploding this week and he is comprehending how to string three or four words together to form sentences. Some of the things he says are hysterical and I can barely believe a 20-month-old child can process them. But then again, I wonder how much of what he says he fully comprehends?

He was in his high chair during lunch today, entertaining me with his little rendition of "Ice, Ice, Baby" (we believe in teaching him only the highest quality songs from the '80s), when he abruptly stopped singing and said, "Ice is frozen water."

Yeah, I doubt even Vanilla Ice knows that bit of information.

Be Careful About What You Say

All I can say is we never should have said "goofball" around Gavin. Gavin to his dad yesterday:

"Don't do it...goofball!"

Oh, my.

Conversations

Gavin and I are finally having some meaningful conversations...he talks to me about Starbucks and other beverages mostly. Here are a couple of recent exchanges:

In the drive through line at Starbucks about a week ago:

Me (placing my order at the loudspeaker): "I'd like a gingerbread latte."

Gavin: "No whip!"

I'm so glad he's keeping me committed to good health.

And then there's the other day when I asked him if he wanted some milk. Gavin looked at me and said, "Fresh milk!"

Mmmm.

Other fun little phrases right now that crack us up:

"Peace out, Daddy!"

"Oh, man!"

"No means no, an no means yes."

"Stop it, Joey!"

"Wan watch Wah-Pets show!" (I want to watch Wonder Pets!)

"Baby say goo-goo, ga-ga!" (said with a giggle!)

"Hewwo!" (Hello!)

"Dis is sewious!" (This is serious!)

Can you tell the kid has only ever seen the Wonder Pets show? He even has the song down, singing, "La la la...TEAMWORK!...ba ba ba...TEAMWORK!"

Too cute.

Kriskindle Market

We enjoyed visiting the Kriskindle Market today with my parents, despite a little rain. I'd been dying to get my dad there ever since I discovered it during my first year in Chicago, finding it remarkably similar to the Kriskindle Markets we visited when we lived in Stuttgart, Germany during my high school years. Sure enough, my parents loved it...the Nuremburger wursts, gloggwein, gingerbread, and brightly striped awnings on the tiny booths where ornaments and chocolate are sold.

Thanksgiving

We're enjoying a busy Thanksgiving week filled with lots of family time, food, and shopping! It's been so nice to spend a full week with my parents and I've actually been able to get some long-neglected shopping errands accomplished while I have help. Seriously, I had not bought a single Christmas present (completely unlike me...I like to be done by the time December rolls around) and was in desperate need of a warm winter coat. I'd been putting off this project for two year--ever since I was pregnant--so I was glad to get that done.

Yay for grandparents!

It's been fun to see Gavin interact with so many people he feels comfortable with over the past week, especially as he spent time with both sets of grandparents over Thanksgiving. He is definitely showing off for my parents, running around house and laughing and singing every song he knows (not a big repertoire yet, but he's working on it). And I think he shocked my mother by singing the ABC song all the way through. Those first borns are over-achievers, right?

It's been a great week and helps make up for the fact that we won't be traveling to Utah for a while due to Joe's crazy work/school schedule. One day of vacation left!

Favorite Photos

Orlando

I took a last-minute trip to Orlando a couple of weekends ago to be a part of a 90th birthday celebration for grandfather. Several of my family members flew in from across the country for the party, held at my grandparent's church. It was great to be a part of the celebration and to visit not only with my grandparents, but my parents and brother in from Utah, and my aunt, uncle, and cousin in from Virginia.

Joe and Gavin stayed home for this one and I traveled by myself, so I was able to really get some good visiting in. We also fit in visits to every chain restaurant on International Drive. Can anyone say Denny's?

Anyway, it was a festive weekend and as you will see from the pictures above, my brother and I both know how to Smize.

Daddy Adoration

So, Gavin is in love with his Daddy. Mind you, I am not complaining, especially when his modeling and adoration influences him to do useful things like taking out the garbage.

Even so, I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy when Joe walks through the door after work and Gavin immediately wants to play with "Da Da." In fact, he shrugs me off if I try to pick him up when Joe is home and says, "No! Da Da!" I am the Invisible Mother when my husband is around. Does anyone else find this to be true in your household? Does this shift back to mom at some point? Right now I feel like the chief bottom wiper and cook without the fun benefits.

However, I did get a heart-melting little kiss this morning and Daddy did not, so, nanny nanny, boo boo!

Birthday

Those who know me well know that I am a BIG fan of my birthday (to put it mildly). Birthdays weren't a super big deal in my family growing up, so it took me a while to figure out where this passion came from. The best I can determine is that from the time I moved out of the house to go to college when I was 18 years old, I always celebrated big with my friends and it just sort of stuck. In fact, I have friends who encourage my birthday behavior and revel in their own birthdays with just as much gusto. We collect tiaras as we go and I hope we never stop (Larisa).

Because last year was such a milestone throwdown (thanks to my fabulous husband), this year's birthday celebration was a bit more chill. Just a great evening with a few friends dining at a newish restaurant called Mixteco. The food was delicious, and the company even better, which is all you can ask on your birthday. You've got to celebrate...or at least, I do.

Gwapes!

I took Gavin to his 18-month check-up yesterday and found out that he is staying true to his growth curve. The boy is tall at 34 inches, which in the 90th percentile for his age! And he's also pretty lanky, with his weight not even hitting 23 pounds yet, which puts him in the 10th percentile. He's like a big head on a stick body! But such a cute head.

I was surprised that Gavin and I actually sat around shooting the breeze, chit-chatting while waiting for Dr. Shana. Sample conversation:

Gavin: Gwapes? (translation: grapes?)

Me: Grapes? I didn't bring any grapes with me, honey.

Gavin: Why not?

Me: Why not? Because I didn't. I don't have any grapes.

Gavin: I want it.

A very mature conversation, indeed! But he reverted right back to babydom by breaking into sobs when the doctor walked into the room. Hey, that kid knows what's up when it comes to getting shots.

Like Father, Like Son

I spent hours yesterday on the phone and in the car trying to track down a specific winter jacket and matching bib overall for Gavin. Earlier this week, I spent hours in different stores and online trying to figure out what the heck a newly-minted toddler should wear to play in the snow. It was so much easier last year when all the boy did was lie in a carrier--zip him into a Bundle Me and you're done.

After much deliberation about buntings, I finally figured out that the warmest and easiest thing to get on my 18-month-old child is just a jacket. A matching bib overall will suffice for walks outside and rolling in the snow. I found what I was looking for at Baby Gap, but of course they were out of Gavin's size throughout Chicagoland, with the exception of one set left at Northbrook Court. So, I braved rain, cold, and a missed nap to nab an outfit my son isn't even that thrilled about wearing. But maybe he'll realize that his jacket looks a lot like Dad's and clamor to wear it.

Doubtful. I realize that this cute matching winter outfit is really for me and I worked darned hard to get it.

Boy at Play

"No Tank Ooo"

I have a very polite son. Sometime in the past two weeks he caught on to the phrase, "Thank you," and has even been using it in appropriate context. He took things up a notch this week and began saying, "No, thank you." Again, surprising us by using it appropriately most of the time.

Of course it sounds adorable to hear a tiny toddler say, "No tank ooo," so Gavin has received a lot of positive affirmation whenever he says it...when he is full, when he doesn't want to be held, when he doesn't want a drink. He's sort of realized that he can politely refuse requests if he utters this magical phrase.

This is all well and good, but "no tank ooo" does not fit every situation, despite what his toddler brain is telling him. We had to help him reign it in a few days ago when I was trying to change his diaper. As soon as Gavin realized it was changing time he started yelling at the top of his lungs, "NO TANK OOO!! NO TANK OOO, MAMA!"

Never let them see you laugh.

Gavin's First Haircut

We took Gavin to get his first haircut yesterday, and boy am I thankful for places like Kid Snips. Kid Snips is a kiddie "salon" that is essentially a toy store that just happens to offer haircuts. In other words, it's a fun experience for kids but you definitely pay for it. I think most parents would say that the price of a haircut and a small toy is better than the alternative of cutting hair at home and having your child end up with either A.) a mullet or B.) a bowl cut. If you're not a professional stylist, put the scissors down.

So the whole cut took a total of ten minutes and included a "ride" in a chair that looked like a race car, bubbles, a Blues Clues video, and various distraction toys. At the end of it all our little guy walked out with a nice haircut, baby curls still intact. The best part? No tears were involved.

Gourmet Magazine Folds After 70 Years

Conde Nast announced today that they are folding Gourmet Magazine after 70 years. What a shame. Millions of food lovers across the country are sad about the demise of this foodie institution that is helmed by editor-in-chief and food writer extrordinaire Ruth Reichl. If you haven't read her books, get on it. They are among some of my favorites.

All I can say is, stupid economy.

Gourmet magazine dies after 70 years
Downturn and ad drought claim longstanding Gourmet magazine. Publisher Cond� Nast announces 3 other closures: Cookie and bridal magazines Elegant Bride and Modern Bride.
By Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: October 5, 2009: 3:43 PM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Foodies got some sour news Monday.
Gourmet, which has amassed a devoted following over nearly 70 years of publication, will be shut down, publisher Cond� Nast said.

The magazine, introduced in 1940, is expected to close by the end of the year.

"I feel like Linus and somebody has yanked away my security blanket," said Stuart Clifford, 55, who has been a subscriber for 32 years.

For Clifford, the November issue, which may also be its last, holds particular sentimental value. "My brother and I would always grab the November issue and find the featured meal and make a big deal about cooking it. That was our Thanksgiving (meal) year after year after year," he said.

Even though many fans enjoyed flipping through the glossy pages, popular food shows on television and online sites eroded the magazine's advertising revenue.
"The magazine industry is in a difficult position generally speaking, it's losing revenue to online advertising and it's a tough business right now," said Richard Dorfman, managing director of

Richard Alan Inc., a financial advisory and investment company focusing on the media industry.
Gourmet, which has nearly 1 million subscribers, fell victim to a decline in ad sales and followed a companywide review of magazines.

"The review has led us to a number of decisions designed to navigate the company through the economic downturn and to position us to take advantage of coming opportunities," Cond� Nast CEO Chuck Townsend wrote in an e-mail to employees.

In addition to shuttering Gourmet, Cond� Nast said it was also killing parenting magazine Cookie and two wedding magazines, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride.

"In this economic climate it is important to narrow our focus to titles with the greatest prospects for long-term growth," Townsend wrote.

Roughly 180 people were affected by the news of the four titles closing, according to Cond� Nast spokeswoman Maurie Perl.

According to Townsend, Cond� Nast will continue to use the Gourmet brand in book publishing and television programming, and Gourmet recipes will still appear on Epicurious.com. The publisher's other epicurean title, Bon App�tit, will remain intact.

Cond� Nast is also bumping up the frequency of its Brides magazine to monthly to fill some of the void left by the closing of Modern Bride and Elegant Bride.

"These changes, combined with cost and workforce reductions now underway throughout the company, will speed the recovery of our current businesses and enable us to pursue new ventures," Townsend wrote.

Other magazines have also been hit hard during the downturn. Titles including Blender, Vibe, Domino and Portfolio were all lost in the last year.

Finally!

Well, folks, this will be short but sweet. Gavin is finally walking! Yay! Is it any coincidence that I have lost two pounds in the past week? Perhaps this is the reason I hadn't lost those final five pounds of baby weight up 'til now? My child walks and I drop to single digit clothing since I'm chasing him all over the house. Carry on, little man, carry on!

Oh No He Didn't!

Overnight it seems that I have a sassy pants toddler on my hands. Gavin tried to pull one of his grandparent's floor lamps over yesterday, and when I asked him not to play with it he said, "Want to!" What?? Where the heck did he learn that? He has said it a few times since, so he is obviously aware of its meaning.

Gavs is also becoming quite clever. At dinner tonight he picked up his sippy cup and started shaking water all over his head and on the floor. When I asked him what he was doing he said, quite proudly, "Waining!" Is that smart, or what??

I'm Going Back to Cali

Here are some pictures from my trip out West to California in August for the Harvest Crusade. It was a wonderful event, with some 126,000 in attendance over three nights to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Plus, Chris Tomlin was there and gave a concert on the final night, complete with a fireworks display. Pretty amazing. The great news is that Harvest will bring a crusade to Chicago next September at Allstate Arena. I can't wait and will fill you all in with more details as they are available.

While out in SoCal I was able to visit with some of my great girlfriends, Lisa and Victoria, for a day. We had a blast visiting Fashion Island for some shopping, lunch, and Pinkberry Yogurt. Lisa and I even got to go to a kids and husband-free movie and saw (500) Days of Summer. Good times!

We're Still Eating at Cozy Thai

I'm beginning to think that I've gone overboard with the Thai food (okay, you all can stop laughing now and pick your butts back up off the floor). Gavin is going nuts, asking for it all the time now. As soon as he wakes up from his morning nap he starts chanting, "Soup? Cozy? Noo-dahs?" Every single day.

We go once a week (usually on Tuesdays for anyone who wants to join us) and I have now learned to pack up everything they put on the table to take home as leftovers. This means all the free bowls of miso soup. Heck, that's two more meals for a toddler! And a noodle dish can feed both of us, plus our wonderful babysitter, Carol, for a couple of meals. It's value-added in this economy.

I'd better stick to the Thai lunch specials with Gavin for now. I don't want him developing a taste for anything like Alinea or Charlie Trotters before he's two.

Talking, Talking, Talking

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that my son is a big talker. Hmmmm...I wonder where he picked up that quality? It's really getting fun now that he can have little conversations with us, and some of the phrases he uses crack us up. For instance, when he is in distress or really wants something from me, he anxiously implores, "Hon-ey, hon-ey!" Half the time I don't think he remembers my name is Mama (to him) since all I seem to hear is Hon-ey, but it's super cute!

Some other funny little phrases:

Cacoon: "Ah-Coon"

Seriously: "Sil-ee-ous-y"

Dangerous: "Dane-jus"

Open Door: "Open Door!"

And, of course, every stranger we come across is on the receiving end of a "Buh-bye" or a "Hi!"

Gavin is taking little steps here and there until he remembers he is walking and instantly develops shaky legs and begs Hon-ey to help him "sit!" But this week he has been telling us, "Walka, walka!" This means he wants to walk holding our hands. Hey, I'm all for this progress. I'm starting to think my child might be the only kid in pre-school to crawl out of the car to meet his teacher. I like to think that he talks so much he doesn't have much interest in walking, and that would be about right.

Summer

The summer is flying by, with lots of work to keep us busy around here. Joe is managing personnel changes and the impact of the declining economy at his job, as well as preparing to begin grad school at Northwestern next month (yay!). He is enrolled in a two-year program (one day a week) called Master of Product Development, which is in the McCormick School of Technology. The program is basically an MBA combined with a design degree, so it is perfect for him and will, hopefully, allow him to manage new product design and implementation for just about any company imaginable. He will also be a real asset to B & O, of course! :)

I'm gearing up for the final Harvest event of the year next weekend in Southern California, which is also the largest--especially since this is the 20th anniversary. I've been busy booking a lot of interviews and preparing for the three-day event at Angel Stadium. I love going out for this event every year to witness the spiritual impact on so many, and I also look forward to the usual routine of staying at the Doubletree, visiting the Block at Orange for some shopping, sushi with dear friends and El Torito for Mexican food with others, and time with one of my best pals, Lisa. This year I'll also get to stay a night with my friends Karen and Shawn, who transplanted to L.A. from Chicago last year (sniff! sniff!). The only downside is being away from my hubby and baby boy for six days since they usually come with. But YOU try writing press releases with a 16-month-old crying and running around. No, thank you.

So you can see that I have managed to successfully merge my business trips into mini-vacations. :)

The rest of the summer has been pretty chill...days at the beach, grilling out, lunch with friends, chatting in the courtyard with our neighbors each day, spending hours on Facebook (I just threw that one in there for Joe. Facebook is a mama's best friend when she can't see her best friends). I'm bummed to even think about it coming to an end, but I will be glad to have less work for a season so I can hang out with the Gavinator.

Speaking of Gavin, he called me "honey" yesterday. Sweet.

Summer Fun in Michigan

We headed to Harbor Country, Michigan for the night over the Fourth of July weekend and had a great time visiting our usual haunts: Lakeside Inn, Froehlich's, and Casa Tosi's. Good summer memories, even though Gavin refused to sleep at the hotel and cried in his pack-n-play until midnight. Ahhh, good times.

Goodbye, King of Pop

Goodbye, Michael Jackson, King of Pop. Don't think us tacky for remembering your address from one of your lyrics and driving to your childhood home in Gary, Indiana just two days before your memorial service. Clearly, we weren't the only ones to visit, and clearly, we won't be the last.