I originally drafted this post in March during the weeks of spring training with a hope to say next year we are going, it's been 4 years too long to miss out on the fun!  While I missed the Spring Training window, what better timing than to publish the week of our first White Sox game of the season with my dad. 

This is a very special time for us as these pictures and videos also bring back memories of a very monumental moment for my dad. Leaving a Sox game last season back in May, he fell and tore both of his quads, with an emergency surgery and intense physical therapy sessions following, he made it a goal for himself to take batting practice at the August workout on the field.  

​Not only did he take batting practice, he had an amazing run, we were all so proud of him!  While I wish I had more videos to capture our time, I am thankful for the ones we do have.  My favorite moment by far is the happiness this brought him and especially love how I captured my  sister, who is in orthopedics greet him after his bat and see how proud she is of her dad that he accomplished his goal!  'Be tough' is a phrase he said to all of us growing up, and we got to see him 'be tough' for all us and and our kiddos as well!  

Prior to the boys turning a year, I tried to be good about blogging monthly updates....I was good, for about 3 months.  Time is not slowing down and the boys are almost 5, eeek, I am making a promise to myself to pick it back up starting today.  For those that know us closely, it's no surprise that some days are a blur, so I want to remember all the sweet, fun and crazy as it happens!

Soooo, here it goes, and what better time to start than now.  While the boys have been in school since 15 months, this year they changed schools began a 5 day schedule and full day curriculum for PreK.  The first few weeks it was a little tough to adjust to the new schedule, I distinctly remember them saying "not again".  But times have changed, now they jump up, look forward to each day and all upcoming activities!  

Speaking of upcoming activities, a few months ago, both boys celebrated being star of the week.  It was so cute, we made a poster sharing all of their favorite things, they got to bring a special show-n-tell, be the line leader...you name it!  But my favorite part by far was the activity they asked the parents to participate in.  We had to write a letter to both of our boys ... no rules - whatever we would like, this was the chance for the teacher to surprise them and read to the classroom.  My boys love books, so we thought creating a storybook would be perfect for them both!  Scott was the copywriter, and I played designer and editor (as always).  We approached both books differently with so much love for each.  

The boys came home from school during their special week and told us they loved it which of course gave me happy tears.  I'm so proud of how much they have grown and so glad we have this memory to look back on one moment in time.

​Dear Caleb:
Where can mommy and daddy start with showing how much of a blessing you are to us. From the moment we found out that you were going to be a part of our family, our lives were going to change forever. You were the one who made our family complete. Like a puzzle piece, you made our lives come to life with joy and happiness that nobody could never imagine could happen. As you grew up into the young boy you are today, you have shown what it is to love, care, laugh and even cry. To show you how much you are an amazing boy, we wanted to show you and your classmates who you are and what you mean to everybody you has ever much such a wonderful boy like yourself.
 
C – represents the caring that you give to everyone. When someone is hurt you are there to give a hug. When someone is crying you are there to make them feel better with a smile, a kiss or even a blanket.
A – represents the affectionate you are to all those around you. Your warm hugs, thoughts and tenderness when someone is hurt or having a bad day makes problems disappear.
L – is for the Love you show to mommy, daddy, Kyleigh, Christian, Grandma, Grandpa, Pappa and Nana and to all your family and friends
E – is for the excitement you show for all that is new to you and all of the things that you have grown to love
B – is for the beauty you see in everyone and everything. You see the best in everyone, their laugh, smile, funny way they make you laugh when they tickle you. You see the beauty in a bug on the ground, ant crawling in the backyard and a rainbow that appears after a rainstorm.
 
Caleb, you are an amazing boy. All that you do, all that you say, all that you share with us truly is amazing. I know you are only 4 ½ years old and you have a lifetime ahead of you. Mommy and daddy are so proud to call you our son and all the people that you have met are proud to call you their friend.
 
Love
Mommy and Daddy

Dear Christian:
                 
Well buddy, for all of two minutes you had a good run. You were our first born son and you where our world but two minutes later you became something more special than you could ever imagine. You became a big brother not only to your sister Kyleigh but also to your brother Caleb. Being a big brother has very special meaning, and you are the perfect person to be called a big brother. Why do you ask, well actually it is funny you ask. You see, mommy has three older brothers and daddy has two, so we know a few things about big brothers and we would love to share them with you.

First, big brothers are protectors. Just like you do with Kyleigh and Caleb, you look out for them. You make sure they are safe and happy. If Kyleigh and Caleb are unsafe you make sure that they feel safe as fast as you can whether you do it yourself with a hug or go get help by calling mommy and daddy.

Second, big brothers are caring. You are always there with a smile and a hug if someone is not feeling well or simply needs a laugh. Your personality is growing each day and anyone that is around you, enjoys their time spent around you.

Third, big brothers are loving. We cannot describe how loving you are. You are always there with a hug and a kiss. You always tell us you love us. You love Kyleigh and Caleb with all your heart because they know you are always there for them.

There are so many things that make up what a big brother is, and we would love to list them all and if we did, we could relate them all to you somehow. We just wanted you to know how special you are not only to mommy and daddy but Kyleigh and Caleb as well.  You are a very special little boy with a lot of characteristics that with time will make you not only a very special boy but later in life a special man. We are so proud of you, and we cannot wait to see what your future holds.
 
Love Mommy and Daddy

One of my first personal blog posts created while I was on maternity leave with 8 week old twins.   Back when I had a blogspot account...as I am much more official now with a fancy website (lol), I only hope one day I can move over my favorite posts and maybe make a memory book given I don't have anything else to document this beautifully chaotic life of ours!

Working at an Advertising Agency for the past 14 years I have spent countless hours profiling client products and target audience behavioral characteristics to understand the best time and place for ad consumption.  This includes researching lifestyle habits, purchase patterns coupled with media offerings to align successfully against the strategic brand objectives.  Throughout the year countless hours of work was brought to life by various clients such as…..

• Disney: when and how do consumers go about planning a vacation
• Allstate: switch auto insurance providers 
• MillerCoors: consider a portfolio of beers

and the list goes on.....  

I was able to break from that world while learning how to be a mommy of 2 new joys in my life alongside my cutie daughter and VERY hands-on husband.  I am definitely not what anyone would describe as a homebody, so during my leave I made sure to enjoy the time with my family and get out and create a memorable summer often times with 3 kids in tote on my own. 

I had always wanted to create 'a day in the life' for my family just like I did in my Strategic Planning days.  My life was turned upside down, but in a very special way.  Keeping my head above water the best I could .... many people asking how I do it or complete strangers telling me I have my hands full at the sight of me, this is my response. 

Photography and capturing moments on film has been such an important part of my life....so here it goes profiling a regular day in July one year ago, Kyleigh 2 1/2 and boys 2 months.

----

After a few middle of the night feedings and a total of 4 hours of broken sleep my day began at 5:30am with the boys first feeding. My husband had left for work at 4:30am....by 6:30am I had the boys back asleep (note: not sure what time Kyleigh crawled in our bed but guessing around 4am).  

Following the feedings I moved the boys into bed. Christian in the bassinet and Caleb in the pack and play. Previously both boys slept in the same space, but we started separating them around this time as they started rolling into each other. ​

It's about 6:50am and the boys started waking up again so I rotated them to the swings in order to wake up their big sister. Prior to maternity leave we were both out the door by 6:30 for school and work but oh how things have changes for the two of us. ​

I checked her summer school schedule to make sure I don't miss a sprinkler day or anything special prior to picking out Kyleighs outfit.   I'm all set, but Kyleigh clearly is not (she is definitely my daughter).

The time is now 7am and they boys are up raring to go.  With Kyleigh still sleeping I decide to get the boys ready for the day first. Outfits and diapers....check!

Time check: 7:54am, Ok now boys back in the swing so I can get Kyleigh moving! ​

Caleb distracts me a bit with some loud screams...but got this under control

Washing hands prior to greeting her friends outside for morning recess (before the hot weather kicks in, summer school starts the day outside).

Following diaper changes made the bed finally!

Christian is ready for another round while Caleb sleeps tight....I skipped breakfast but having some quick lunch at about 1pm. ​

With Kyleigh at school decided on mid-afternoon baths, which both boys love.

Yeah, it's 2:30pm and I am finally showered and ready for the day!

And it is Caleb's turn for some love as Christian takes another nap.

One hand free, Caleb is allowing me to edit some photos.

And now time to pick up big sister from school.

It's Disney Junior time as we patiently wait for daddy to get home from work.

Daddy's home and in charge of the boys....now it's Kyleigh's turn for a bath....lets get her all pretty for her friend Steven (my friend Laurie's cutie son from TX she met when she was 6 months old) and his little brother Camden.

OK I think we are almost ready to start packing up and head to dinner...

For those parents with toddlers and babies I'm assuming you can relate?   Rock Bottom here we come!

Just a little blogging and bed for me:-

Being back at work for the past year, life has changed so much from this point...between adjusting to working, learning our new neighborhood and all of the different stages as the boys grow and develop.  It has been such a rewarding and amazing journey and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

Maybe one day soon I can complete another a day in the life....this time throwing work and school for all 3 kiddos into the mix. 

Sometimes you just need and end of the week break....thanks to the Chicago weather, we got just that!  Two weeks ago, I took a Friday off off to allow me to complete 2 design projects with upcoming deadlines.  It's not very often I have the house to myself, and these days critical to get any kind of projects done as my kiddos are getting more and more interested in my computer, camera and paper!  Well, those plans changed with upwards of 12 inches of snow and school cancellations.  We mostly stuck inside watching the snow from afar, but did make it outside for a little while Scott shoved throughout the day....literally it looked like a winter wonderland snow globe!  It was hard to keep your eyes open from all of the snowflakes and even harder to take pics (but we did get a few).

The good news is the next weekend I finished both projects early!

Any free time we had this summer was spent park hopping throughout the neighborhood.  Three spots in one day is not unusual for us to enjoy the everyday moment....which of course always ends with an ice cream trip.  While I do miss these summer adventures, I am excited to see what this winter holds!  I've already informed my hubby we are making a bucket list of fun activities...which includes braving the cold! 

And for those that know me know close, know that I don't plan for anything in our personal lives.  Given this is new for me, if you have ideas to enjoy the holiday / winter season feel free to pass along as we make this monumental list!  

This special crew made my birthday weekend so very memorable!  The kiddos were loving the sparklers until Caleb accidentally touched the hot part, after lots of hugs and kisses he was OK with sitting it out for the rest of the night...regardless he had so much fun watching Kyleigh and Christian from afar...between the 2 of them likely had around 20 sparklers each!  

​Happy 4th of July everyone!

I will always remember this as the fun beach day everyone ended up in the water outfits and all....what I didn't realize until just last night was how many cute pictures we captured throughout the day.   Usually in the case of our personal photos, I'll pick a favorite picture or two within minutes of downloading them, and then not come back to them in months or even years.  In this case I'm so glad I did as I'm working on updating some photos in our house and have lots to choose from!  So glad my amazing sister joined us during our adventure to capture a few shots of all 5 of us!

...and we learned our lesson, next beach visit.....definitely bringing bathing suits {even in September}!

So lucky to have these three cuties as my sweet valentine's!

Kyleigh loved meeting her new baby cousin giving her lots of cuddles and kisses!  

All of the Ruby cousin's can't wait for the arrival of their new baby cousin....not only can we almost completely spell our favorite baseball team WHITE SOX....but more to LOVE and we can't wait to see Michael get promoted to big brother!  The countdown is on.....oh and we are very prepared over here the 'x' shirt is already designed and waiting!

Family time is simply the best, especially when you get to enjoy it on a major league baseball field.  Every year my dad rounds up all of my siblings and our families up to enjoy a night out together playing catch and taking batting practice.

Our family keeps growing and as they kids get older they start to enjoy it more and more.  It was so fun to see my nephew (and soon to be big brother) having so much fun playing catch and my boys taking batting practice for the first time.  I was not able to get them to smile for too many pictures as they were far too busy, but definitley captured what I could as they were playing around having a blast.  Next year we will have one more cousin  and we all can't wait.....the kids are each wearing a shirt I made to celebrate....and promise I will share in a post soon!  Until then, taking it back to August, finally went through all of the photos to share our special time! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....took a little journey out tonight to enjoy some Christmas music and holiday lights!