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Happy 13th Birthday, Natalie!!! (December 19, 2023)

How did we celebrate?

On Saturday, December 16, we went to Jira’s house to celebrate with her family. She made glass noodles and creme brule for you. Unfortunately, Conor got sick (stomach bug – very bad) within 15 minutes of us arriving, and he and I spent the rest of the time in Nana’s and Pop’s bedroom. You and Elliott did get to have a sleepover, so that was a bonus.

Then, on Sunday, December 17, you and I went to get your first facial. You loved it so much! She gave you suggestions on what to use on your face – I bought you some of the soap they recommended – but you also got so many facial products for your birthday, and I don’t think you’re following her instructions with one mask a week and sticking to the same products. Unfortunately, I started to get sick about 2 hours after we got home. You were supposed to go out to sushi dinner with Dad, but you wanted to eat Jira’s leftovers anyways.

And, then, on Monday, December 18, you got really sick. Oh no. You were home sick from school for your birthday. You were able to rally by the evening to open up your presents. No sushi dinner. No pumpkin cupcakes from me. We need to do both of them when we get back from Florida in January. I did make yellow cupcake with chocolate frosting in Green Bay. 

Your big gifts for your birthday were getting your room repainted (I think you’re choosing cream), comforter (sage green), and from other people – tons of skin care products, a Harvard sweatshirt. 

A list of your favorites:

Treat: Gum (despite having braces)

Movie: 10 things I hate about you is up there

TV Show: Walter Boys (Netflix)

Color: green. 

Food: Avocado 

Book: Blackbird Girls

activities: ballet (just restarted) and lax

Thing to wear: Oversized sweatshirts with Lululemon leggings or really short shorts, with Nike socks and white Converse high tops

School had the kids send a card to someone special.

When I have you in my hands, I think about rainbow gummies.

Tis the season for a lot of illness. Poor Natalie spent the day before her birthday and birthday sick with the stomach bug (Conor was patient 0). She brightened up enough this evening to open presents and smile. Conor was a super big helper – basically, took over for her. Maybe too much of a helper. Here’s a pic of Natalie and me at our first spa facial on Sunday – four hours before I was down for the count. We are hoping for a healthy holiday, with trips to Green Bay and Florida coming up!

“I really love little things” – Conor

Nana and Pop took Natalie to the Big Apple for her 13th birthday! Rockettes, pizza, nice hotel, carriage ride in Central Park, shopping, 911 Monument, Statue of Liberty. They are on their way home as I type. We are excited to hear more about the adventure! What a special memory for all.

Elliott is into basketball and his favorite player is Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo

Natalie was in NYC!!! this weekend with Nana and Pop to celebrate her 13th bday, so we decided to take the boys on a boys trip. We went to a Bucks game and Dino museum. My cousin Mike, his 1st grader son Xander (who looks up to Elliott and who Conor looks up to) and my Aunt Lisa joined. It was a blast. Amazingly, both E and X got a free shirt (XL men’s) and we’re on the Jumbotron! How does that happen?!! We are so thankful to have been able to do this fun trip with cousins! C is already pitching his dad for this to be an annual thing.

Go Bucks! (They won by 3!)

while writing this post I got this text from Mike: X just said he would like to see Connor and Elliott more.

I love this! My cousins were such an important part of my childhood  I’m happy that second cousins can be too!

We’re watching Leo, a class pet of fifth grade class. The iguana goes home with the kids but the turtle stays at school. Conor asked me why. I said I didn’t know. Conor then said: lets Sk Brudha. He knows everything.

After I Said good night to Conor, he yelled after me: Mommy smells like yummy banana bread  haha

Happy 70th Birthday to Nana! We celebrated with a whole-fam party at our house. Conor painted a picture of Nana (see the painting on the left) in her favorite colors of dark red and navy blue. We then celebrated with–gasp–an adults-only dinner at Gigi’s in downtown Barrington. Best of all…. Mom spa day at Kohler Spa in Lincoln Park on Tuesday. We are so lucky to have Nana/Kat/Mom in our lives!

We went to Richardson’s Adventure Farm. It was a beautiful day- which meant it was way too crowded. the corn Kernel pit was the highlight. Aren’t the pictures of Conor and Natalie so cute? He definitely looks up to his Sissy.