Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had as great of a Christmas as I did. We were able to go to my parent's house in Minnesota and see all of my family! It had been a while since I had seen my nieces and nephews -oh yeah- and Jeff, Amy and Shelley :). And of course, they were all excited to see Jude (and me and Ryan). The kids are all getting so big. Jude LOVES walking around with his Tonka Truck or moving along any piece of furniture he can get ahold of. He would probably walk on his own if he could muster up the courage. Jude is also starting to become much more vocal. Which is good and bad.... He was trying to say "Stitch" the other day which was cute, but he also knows how to scream REALLY LOUD! That little stinker! I have a feeling the word "NO" will become quite popular in our house. He has always loved monkeys- and now is definitely becoming a Curious George of his own. The other three little stinkers we got to see during Christmas are amazing as well- Aislinn (who is only 9 months) is already standing by herself, Garrett made my day when he loved the giant chocolate Pee Wee the Penguin I gave him as an extra present on Malia's birthday party day, and Malia (who turned 3 Christmas day) lit up the room with her smile. She had a Mickey and Minnie Birthday Party the day after Christmas and loved the singing, cakes, and presents. Although she asked for a football at the last minute, the big hit was the real camera and real cell phone (old ones that aren't being used/hooked up). She cracked us up when she put the timer on her camera (not really) and would run to the other side of the room to take a pictue with her mom and say "Cheese!" after she saw Grandpa doing that to take the big family picture. She just didn't understand why her camera wouldn't flash.
Oh- one last good Jude story- I answered the phone the other night and said hello- I looked down at Jude and he put his hand up to his ear and said "Mmmmhhh?" (hello- with a pacifier in his mouth). Definitely the son of two actors...

Jude is 1, and Christmas is only two weeks away- time is flying!!!

Sorry I haven't written much lately. Been pretty busy at work, and with Jude all over the place, the computer doesn't get out much at home. Jude is really starting to look like a big boy now- he has 4 teeth, with pretty much ALL of the other teeth coming in at the same time (yeah!?!?), he is standing and walking with the furniture like crazy (if Stitch is on the couch- he will be next to her in no time- he LOVES grabbing on to her tail- makes him giggle (side note: Stitch gets him back by eating all of the Cheerios he drops on the floor)), and eating, eating, eating. If the kid likes the food at that particular moment, you can't give him enough. A whole grilled cheese (with corn and pineapple afterwords).... half of mommy's Maggiano's ravioli (Mommy doesn't like sharing that much)... He has moved up to the "Turtle" room at daycare. It was a tough transition for the first week, but yesterday he did really well the whole day. I think he is starting to really like the bigger kids, and getting to move around and play more. I am sure he will be walking and talking in no time. I have to admit, as well, that I gave him a little haircut last night. His bangs were in his eyes, his ears were covered, and he had quite a fine duck tail working in the back. I should've tried to get a picture of the half-way haircut - short in the front and party in the back kind of mullett - HILARIOUS!!!! But now, as Ryan says, he looks like a 13 year old boy. It is really cute.
I will try to post more pictures soon. We just did a mini portrait studio in the Hall house the other day and have some really good shots. The family in matching "Ho Ho Ho" t-shirts. (we wanted to do matching sweaters and make it look like a family from the 50s - mom serving dad and child cookies and milk, etc, but we didn't quite make it that far this year), and we even got Jude in his outfit cousin Malia brought back from China for him. Good thing we put it on now, because in another month or so his "budda" belly would have kept it from closing! :)
Quick note on me and Ryan- we shot a commercial for a local carpet company - Luna. I will try to post that on here as well. It is quite funny- if you understand that a Luna commerical is supposed to be really big and over the top, of course.
All I can say is, I am really thankful that I have Ryan and Jude in my life!

Jude's First Birthday- November 21

Here are some funny pictures - I will write more details later. As you can see- he had a good time, eating mac and cheese, opening presents, wearing hats, and EATING CAKE!!!

Merry Christmas- I mean, Happy late Halloween, and Happy Thanksgiving?

I promise to add a picture of Jude in his pumpkin costume soon, but we just got back from the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's in Ohio, and have been busy every night since. But, I did get this picture emailed from a friend of Ryan and his family growing up. She had a boy a few months after we had Jude, and couldn't wait for them to play together now that they are a little older. Well, you can see from the picture how that turned out. Logan just reached over and grabbed Jude's Halloween shirt and he just started wailing..... He had a long day the day before- daycare during the day, traveling all night, sleeping in a new place, etc. He is still getting used to the daylight savings time change now too.... Used to wake up everyday at 6:00, but now it is 5:00. (no matter what time he goes to bed.... little stinker) . But he is pulling himself all the time now, and the doctor said that he lost the reflexes in his foot and that he will start walking any time now! Wow- we thought we were busy before, but I think it has just started.

Oh, yeah- one more thing- GO OBAMA!!!!!! This country (and world) needed a change, and that is what we got. We are so excited at the Hall household..... This is going to be amazing! (Jude even wore his Obama sticker at daycare all day yesterday to cheer him on.... and both Malia and Garrett called to say "Go Obama" - even the two year olds knew who the best candidate was)

It's almost Halloween! (or the beginning of Christmas with my family)

Well- only one month until Jude's first birthday! I can't believe it. Time is flying, although it seems like he has always been in our life. He is crawling and moving like crazy - our time of just playing on his little foam mat is over. Now it is on to better things, like finding the dog food, or discovering the little orange lights we hung around the window (Christmas is going to be fun!). Grandma and Grandpa from MN came in this last weekend. We had a great time shopping on Michigan Ave., popping into my work (and Ryan's) to show him off, going to the Lincoln Park Zoo, and shopping at Old Orchard (oldy but a goody). Then on Sunday after the took off for their car ride back, we met some friends at the good ol' Apple Holler. It was a lot of fun, but a little disappointing that they only had 2 rows of trees that had any apples left at the far end of the orchard. We just got some that had already been picked- but man, were they were delicious. Perfect crisp, sour but sweet apples. Apple Holla! We got a big pumpkin to carve and a little one for Jude to decorate. I think Jude wasn't quite sure why we put him on the dirt next to those pumpkins, but the photo op was too cute to pass up. I wanted to put him in his pumpkin costume next to the real pumpkins, but it got left in the car (which was good, since it was hard enough walking the 10 miles (it felt like) back to the car with Jude, a 16 lb pumpkin, 6 lbs of apples, a diaper bag, you get the idea...). But he will get a chance to wear it at Grandma and Grandpa Halls when we go there for Halloween weekend. Maybe we will make him trick or treat at the gas stations along the way!

Jude is crawling!

We had a great time this last weekend. We took a car trip to visit the family in Minnesota, and to help host a baby shower for a long time neighbor/friend of the family. Betsy and I grew up together (one year apart) - taking dance, driving to High School, etc. It was a lot of fun - except for the mistake I made on the game I put together (really my one and only job and I messed it up! - opps!!!!). Jude was such a trooper through it all- car ride, missing naps, different schedule on his food... But, he thought it was all worth it to get to see everyone - Grandma and Grandpa, Shelley and Malia, and Jeff, Amy, Garrett and Aislinn (and the answer to the picture on the side is Jude, although you may think otherwise). And most importantly- Jude was excited because he got carpet and started crawling!!!! YEAH!!!! He also was standing up all on his own, holding on to a little Winnie the Pooh scooter. I can't believe how in just a few days he is doing so much more. We will have to get out his truck Grandma and Grandpa bought him so he can do that at home too. I picked him up at daycare yesterday, and they showed me the pile of toys that he had taken down from the shelves and played with - they are glad he is crawling, but maybe not so glad either :) I also have to wish my sister-in-law Amy a Happy Birthday. Poor girl had to go to three showers (yes, three) this weekend (two on her birthday), and then we heard a good story that cute little Aislinn threw up in her mouth and on her shirt! AH!!! (Amy was holding her up for a kiss after a long day of work, and... surprise!) I am not sure what Ryan would have done if that had happened to him. We don't even want to think about it.
In other news, I guess Ryan has a new spot on TV for Papa Murphy's now. Everyone thought the one was done playing, but now they came out with another spot, and he is in that one too! Everyone in MN is pretty excited. Tomorrow is October, so I will be keeping an eye out for the Luna spot. And anyone in the western chicago/suburban area should be looking out for Ryan on a car shop spot. (I know, I know- Ryan as a mechanic?)
Well- hope everyone had a great summer. The high is 60 today, so I think fall is here. And remember, only 31 days until we can start playing Christmas music! :)

Ryan is 30!!!!!

So, today is his big day! I already told him he doesn't have to worry about getting older- we already are old.... We have been married for 5 years (this Saturday), own a condo, have a baby, our big night out is getting Chillis to-go and renting a movie. Actually, we had a big night out on Saturday. We went to the new Trump Hotel and Residences and ate at the restaurant, Sixteen. it is (obviously) on the 16th Floor and had great views of the city (see the dark picture with the close up of the Wrigley Building in the background), and great food. We went with our good friends, and had a perfect evening. (Thanks to everyone for coming along with us, and humoring Ryan on his expensive dinner) We then went to our old hangout "The Irish Oak" in Wrigleyville for drinks. I limited Ryan on the drinks at the restaurant because they were so expensive, and figured we should just wait until we got to the bar for some "cheaper" drinks. We did get some chocolate covered strawberies that said Happy Birthday for Ryan, complementary from the chef. It was a great night! Our neighbor watched Jude (and Stitch) for us - it was really nice of her. Especially since she ran a marathon the next morning! And... we are lucky enough to have another night out to see a dance show this Friday for our anniversary. I know, I know, a dance show? But, I swear, Ryan wants to see it too!
Jude had his 9 month check-up, and did really well. He is now 20 lbs 4 oz, and is 27 inches tall! Poor guy has an ear infection, but the doctor said it wasn't anything to worry about (like too many in a year, etc). He is supposed to start eating more foods and really start working on that sippy cup. We tried to mash up some spaghetti for him last night (that is what we were eating), but it was a little hard for him to eat it. Oh- and he did one crawl for me this morning.... He gets on his hands and knees now, and will move his hands forward but just can't quite get the legs going. But I am pretty sure I saw the knee go forward once this morning. Anyway... he is getting really close!
Hope everyone has a great week, and make sure to wish Ryan a Happy Birthday!

Jude (and Ryan's) first trip to California

We just got back from California and had a GREAT time!!! We got a lot of time to visit with our friends, Chris and Scott (Thanks Chris and Scott- you were the best friends, hosts, inn keepers, travel guides, etc), and they kept us busy showing us all around. We, of course, went to Disney. We went to Malibu beach and Santa Monica beach. We saw the Walk of Stars, listened to John Williams conduct the Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, went to Rodeo Drive/Melrose, shopped at The Grove, saw a production of The Actor's Gang (Tim Robbin's theatre - our friend Scott is part of it), ate at Geoffries in Malibu right on the beach, tried Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, In n' Out Burger, Pink's Hotdogs, and found a little time to sleep. Jude did so well, especially since there was a time difference, he had a plane ride, and a new tooth is peeking through. He is such a good kid! He also learned to sit himself up all by himself while we were out there too! And he really is going to finally crawl any day now. Oh, Jude the Dude!!!!

773-202-LUNA!

So Ryan and I both shot a commercial for Luna Carpet yesterday. For a while we thought we might get Jude in on the action too, but just the two of us. That is fine, though - we want to make sure Jude has a "normal" childhood. :) It will air in October, for Luna's 50th anniversary. I think it will be really funny. Maybe a little cheesy, but funny. I will try to get a copy of it for everyone to see. Maybe if I even get advanced enough I can try to get it on the blog. (probably not since I am not very tech savy). And we apologize now to those that live in the Chicago area- I guess they are going to be playing it a lot..... But can you ever get sick of seeing us?

Oh, yeah.... and Jude is 9 months today! Can you believe it? 9 months ago at this time he was just about to be born. So weird and awesome at the same time, how much your life can change.

First tooth!

Mr. Jude the Dude got his first tooth. The other night Ryan and I saw a little fleck of white when we were feeding him and upon closer look we saw that it was his first tooth trying to poke through! It is almost all the way through now but still just flush with his gums. I tried taking a picture but it is probably a little too hard to see since the picture is so small. I swear, he is just doing something new every day now. Still not quite sure about the crawling, though. But... last night I was sitting on the couch and he was right below me on the floor playing with his toys. He scooted over to me and then reached his arms up and tried to pull himself up! I couldn't believe it.
Also- just found out my goddaughter, Aislinn, weighs the same amount as Jude. She is definitely going to be a model :). And my other goddaughter, Malia, said her first unsolicited (as my sister calls it) "I love you" to her mom. Guess everyone is growing up! (even Ryan- don't forget that his 30th birthday is in a few weeks - he, he, he)

So close

Jude is REALLY close to crawling. He will be sitting and start to reach for a toy that is far away and will just about get onto his hands and knees. Or if we prop him up on his hands and knees he will sit there for a minute and rock back and forth but then just kind of gives up. He knows he can get around fine without crawling (it is amazing how much you can scoot), then why put in that extra effort? We are all still trying to get over our cold thing that we all got (well, really just me - Ryan and Jude are pretty much better- I still had a temp of 101 last night) (stupid doctor wouldn't give me any medicine).

We are getting excited for our trip to California for Labor Day weekend. We are going to visit our friends that we went to college with. It will be really nice to see them. We of course are going to Disney, Rodeo Drive, eat at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, go to the beach..... I can't wait!

We also have a busy couple of weeks coming up. Next weekend we are going to the Sox game with Ryan's work. (then off to CA). Then Ryan is going to a Notre Dame game with his parents (can't wait until they start calling me and playing me the fight song - please note the sarcasam :) ) And then it is Ryan's birthday and we are going to eat at the new Trump Restaurant (and Trump will therefore eat our paycheck). Then it is our 5 year anniversary, and then we are going to Minnesota for a friend of the families baby shower (congrats again Betsy- we are so excited for you- I still remember driving you to school). Then before we know it, it will be the holidays! Exciting, but kind of sad that it means summer is almost over - it feels like it just started. But I am enjoying the weather as much as I can while it lasts. I still remember after having Jude last winter being inside for 3 days straight, because it was too cold and snowy to make it worth brushing off the car and bundling Jude up.

Have a great weekend!

Like Father, like son (or... like cousin, like cousin)

So, Jude is on his second ear infection. Poor little guy. Those little ears just can't handle it! He is such a trooper, though. He is a little fussier than normal, but I know that his "fussy" still isn't that bad. He still loves standing, and was holding himself up hanging on to the couch for a couple seconds at a time. I know he loves to stand on those tip toes (which I love), but I think he would balance a little better if he would stay flat.... We tried out a new toy that shoots balls up in the air, catches them, they swirl around and then back out again. I thought it was the coolest toy, and so did Stitch (who would chase after the balls that went flying), but Jude wasn't so sure. I don't know if it was the loud music or what, but he definitely wasn't loving it. He is growing up so quickly. Don't you love his hair in the picture standing up? We were putting sun tan lotion on him, and had to do his head because there are a few bald/thin spots. He was great at the beach the other weekend. He liked the weather, and even took a nap on the blanket (under the 100% UV proof umbrella). I think he even started to snore just like his Grandpa does when he lays out. The next weekend when we went, I didn't get him in the water (it was a cooler morning with the breeze), which was a good thing, since the water was actually closed for high levels of bacteria...... AHHHHH!!!! Got to love Lake Michigan.
Not much new otherwise. Just working away (working for the weekend (imagine Chris Farley dancing to this song like on SNL)) and enjoying our free time.

Another fun filled weekend

This weekend we went to Ohio to visit Ryan's family, and to go to a friend of the family's wedding (Ryan's family and this family grew up together, it was one of their daughters a little younger than Ryan)- Congrats, Stacey and Greg! It was great to be able to visit everyone again. Grandpa watched Jude (and Stitch even!) Saturday morning so Ryan and I could lay out and swim in the pool! That felt SO good- just soaking up the rays and just being able to swim again. Then Grandma tried taking Jude around to show him off to everyone, but no one was home. But boy, did she make up for that at the wedding. There were several other babies there, but I don't think anyone was as proud as Grandma Hall. Then, on Sunday, we got to visit Ryan's cousins and there babies. They were so tiny- I almost forget that Jude was that small. We tried getting a picture of the three of them all together on a blanket. I am curious about how that turned out. Jude was quite a bit bigger, and much more mobile (I wouldn't say he was actually kicking them, but pretty close- opps!- the boy just wants to move)

Jude is SO close to crawling. He can get on his knees up or on his shins pretty well now, but just is nervous about moving forward. I was helping him do it the other day, inch by inch, and he was smiling the whole time. But that wears him out (can you imagine being in the push up position like that for that long?). He is also pulling himself up really well. I just hold his hands and he does the rest of the work. I just can't believe how quickly he is growing. Daycare sent home a note that said "Jude wants to walk, slow down Jude!" Oh, and I have another good giggle story... He has a teething ring that I balance on my head (thought of this when we were bored on the car ride back from Ohio). Then I just tilt my head forward, the ring falls off, and I catch it, and Jude just CAN'T STOP LAUGHING. Then I was putting it on his head and when it fell off, it was just as funny. It was even funny on Stitch's head!

Just some quick info on me and Ryan.... I am back at dance class. It feels really good to be back out moving and dancing. I feel like I am on So You Think You Can Dance :), other than I can't even walk the next day. Ryan is auditioning like crazy - he even got an audition for the show The Beast with Patrick Swayze. Keep your fingers crossed. His Time Warner commercial is on tv now (it was even on Fox during the All Star Game the other night!!!), and his new one for Papa Murphys should be airing pretty soon.

Hope everyone is having a great summer. I can't believe it is already almost the end of July! Time is just flying! Hopefully we can get a little more beach time in. Oh, and merry Christmas in July!

Wrigley and the Family visits

We have had a busy couple of weeks. My parents came in to visit for the 4th of July. We met them in Lake Geneva on Friday and had a great time. It is a really cute place. Ryan said he even forgot he was in Wisconsin (no offense, to those people in Wisconsin - we have just learned to not care for it so much when we have to drive through it all the way to visit in MN). Jude even stayed up late enough that night when we got home to see the fireworks over the lake. He did fall asleep in the middle of them, but he seemed to like the first half. Saturday we went downtown shopping, of course, and then even had time to lay out at the beach. (We spent 1 1/2 hours- Ryan spent 4 1/2- guess who got a little burnt?) Then Sunday we had our tour of Wrigley. It was really cool, and Jude was perfect during the whole 2 hours! It was a perfect weekend.

Then this weekend, Shelley and Malia got last minute good ticket prices to come and visit us. It was really nice to see them. On Saturday, we all went to the Kohl's Children's Museum. It had rooms for the kids to play in with a different theme- water room, art room, a fake Dominick's grocery store, a fake potbelly, a baby nursery, cars, etc. They even had infant areas for little babies, too. I can't wait until Jude gets bigger so he will enjoy it more. Although I think he liked pushing the button and watching the balls shoot out of the cannon. Sunday we went shopping downtown and got to take Malia to the American Girl (and Shelley to Tiffanys). We played at the park in Evanston, and even got to watch BB10 once the kids went to sleep.

Next weekend we are visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Ohio for a friend of the family's wedding. Hopefully it will be good weather, and we can lay out (although, someone who won't be named probably should wait until the peeling stops at least). After that, we will only have about a month before we head to California!

Oh- and one good Jude update: The other night we were just sitting down for dinner, Ryan left to wash his hands, and Jude was in his highchair. He sneezed, and I turned my head quickly toward him and said "bless you." And I guess that was the funniest thing he had heard in a while, because he started to laugh harder than I have ever seen. His face was turning red, and he could barely catch his breath. Ryan walked back in wondering what happened.... I had to explain not much, other than Jude thought his mom was very silly. He kept going for so long that we even got the video camera out to capture it.

Have a great 4th!

Jude is going to have a fun and exciting weekend ahead. Grandma and Grandpa from MN are coming in tomorrow and we are going to meet in Lake Geneva. None of us have been and thought it might be nice to try out (and Grandma said if it was good enough for General Hospital people (it is on the show) then it is for us). Then we are going to just have fun on Saturday- we will see what we are in the mood for- most likely...going downtown for shopping. Maybe the Taste if it isn't too hot out- I can't do hot AND crowds (unless it is Disney). Then on Sunday, Ryan, Jude and I are going to take a tour of Wrigely Field, and stop at Murphy's Bleachers for pizza and a beer (not Jude, of course). That was Ryan's Father's Day gift- he doesn't like too much more than Wrigley. It is supposed to be nice weather all weekend- Finally!!!!

Malia celebrated her 1/2 birthday at Build-A-Bear. I got lots of pictures and look at them everyday. I also always check up on my other God Daughter, Aislinn.... I can't believe how much she has grown- she is pretty much the same size as Jude, but 4 months younger! She will be the basketball player and Jude will be the gymnast! Or they can just both be astronauts. Garrett called Ryan the other day and informed us of his booger. It was pretty funny. Oh-and Malia called Ryan to say hi..... note to Jeff, Amy and Shelley- have them call ME next time.

Jude got to see his "aunty" Antigoni this week. She was in town to visit- and we LOVE it when she does. We just don't get to see each other enough. We just have to keep working on her moving to Chicago.

Hope everyone has fun, but stays safe over this weekend. I don't want to hear about any drinking and driving... cabs, Metra, el, are all great options. (sorry for the comment- have fun but be smart) :)

Oh- and Jude is posed like George Costanza did in Seinfeld. He had rolled over when we were changing him and both said that he looked like George. Had to capture the moment and share with everyone. Plus, he likes pretending he is celebrities.

Already the middle of June!

So another busy weekend for me and the fam. We drove to Minnesota to celebrate my two nieces/goddaughters baptisims. I was honored to be part of both of their lives! I just can't wait until I can get them in some dance shoes and show them how to leap across the floor. Although, the way things are going, Jude and Garrett are looking like the dancers (at least we can hope for Jude, huh?). Jude is still doing really well- sleeps through the night, eating more and more everyday, and even doing an art project for Dad for Father's Day this weekend. We don't have any plans this weekend for Father's Day, but Ryan will have a good time for what I planned for him for July 6th. He is dying with the suspense- hopefully he doesn't have any idea what Jude and I got him. Also, got something planned that is pretty special for my Dad... I know I would like them both :)

Just so no one is worried, I was able to get some NKOTB tickets for their added show in October. And I just heard that my friends from when I was little actually got tickets to see them, too, in Minnesota. Pretty funny, although I think we were probably some of the biggest fans there were. Too bad my Mom and Dad donated all of my memorabilia..... but who knew they would be making a comeback? As much as I loved them, not me.

Oh.... for more of an update on Jude: he is sitting up by himself now, and will hold it for a long time. We put the Boppy around him in case he turns to watch Stitch and tips. Also, this morning I guess I wasn't getting the bottle to him fast enough (heaven for bid I try to put the bib on him), and he grabbed the bottle from my hands and put it in his mouth!!!! So I let go and he held it - and then when he needed a breather he pulled it away, and then back to his mouth when he wanted more! After that he was ready to let me hold it (can't work him out too much the first time), but it was really cute. I can't believe how much he is growing and developing. We even tried him in the pool for the first time this weekend. He wasn't so sure about that - didn't cry, but didn't really smile either. But with us as his parents, I am sure he will grow to love being outside at the pool or beach.