Family Fun!

We were lucky enough to have three different sets of Belgian relatives visit this summer.

First, we had Uncle Patrick and Aunt Viviane. They came here and got married in Vegas! Next Cousins Christophe and Eva came with their kids Esther and Noah. Esther is 2 and Noah is 8. All of the American kids had a great time with them. Noah spoke a little English when he got here, but by the time he left it was even better! Esther didn't speak so much English, but picked up a few words along the way. She loved baby Simon. Anytime she would see he wasn't around, she would look at me and ask "Baby slaapt?" in Flemish to ask me if Simon was sleeping. Then she would say "Baby Wakker" to ask me if he was awake. It was so precious. She was also obsessed with a Flemish character and song called Piet Piraat (Pete the Pirate) we loved singing it with her.

Next came Cousin Steve with his girlfriend Darlene. They ended up renting a car and driving the original Route 66 from Chicago to LA to see Gabrielle. It looked like an amazing trip!

We also had a visit from Uncle Ronnie, Aunt Masako and Cousin Susie. It was so fun spending time with them as well and can't wait to see them again soon.

We were so thrilled to have all of our family visiting. We love and miss them all!

Here are a few photos from the visit

Sing us a song you're the piano man

Simon's favorite thing to do is play or listen to music and dance. As soon as he hears music, he starts dancing or bopping to the beat. We can be in the grocery store and he'll dance to the overhead music. He even dances if we sing a fast tempo song. For his birthday, we gave him a bunch of musical instruments including a mini piano. He loves it!

We have already taken two music classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The first (which we already posted pictures from) was Aloha Baby. And now, he is in a Spanish music class.

Here are a bunch of pictures and videos (at the bottom) from various classes, music festivals and jam sessions. Some are older and you can see he is much smaller, but some are recent. Enjoy!

Simon is 13 Months Old!

Dear Simon,

You are walking! We knew you would be walking by your first birthday (which is when you ended up taking your first steps). But, just in time for my birthday you completely quit crawling. I still can't believe it when you walk over to me like a little person. You are so proud of yourself too. At first you would stick out your arms all of the time and waddle like Frankenstein. You get faster every day and I just can't believe it.

Your little personality gets more developed every day. When you like something, you make it clear with a lot of cooing (and cuddling if it is a stuffed animal). When you don't like something, it is also just as clear. You either move on to the next thing or give me a little complaint to tell me you don't like it.

Since you started walking you've been too busy to eat. Don't get me wrong, you'll still eat watermelon, banana and yogurt with gusto. But, the faster you can get out of the high chair the better.

After your birthday party, we walked over to May Fest to celebrate your Daddy's birthday. Of course you both went in your finest Lederhosen which was adorable. You wanted to drink beer out of everyone's glasses (which you didn't). But, you did splash around a little bit.....

We visited the Shedd Aquarium with your cousin Will. You absolutely loved the beluga show. Every night before bed while you are drinking milk, I sing you Baby Beluga. So, at the gift store I bought you a stuffed Baby Beluga and you love him. You push him around in a baby stroller all the time and give him a cuddle when we ask "Where is Baby Beluga?"

We had a nice Father's Day and you were nice enough to help Daddy open his presents.

Here are a few of your one year pictures. Thanks to Uncle David for doing the photography. They are absolutely gorgeous!

It has been such a quick month and you continue to change every day. I love spending each day with you and feel so blessed that I am able to do so. You are "talking" a lot more and I think that will be the next big development. Can't wait to see what is new next month!

I love you with all of my heart,

Mommy

Simon's First Birthday Celebrations

Simon's first birthday was an amazing series of celebrations. We were lucky enough to have Grandma Lin and Grandpa Joe here from Hawaii. Plus, Gabrielle and David came from California (oh, can't forget Buster too!)

On June 1st, which was Simon's first birthday, we took him to his first Cubs Game during the day. It was as if we were at the game with a celebrity. He was so cute in his uniform that everyone around us was talking and commenting about it. He had a great time and the Cubs even wished him a happy birthday on the scoreboard.

Later that evening, we had a dinner celebration with all of the family. It was a lovely day.

On Saturday June 4th, we had a party at our house for our big one year old boy. The house was filled with family and friends. Simon even got to taste birthday cake for the first time. As we expected, he was not that impressed. Simon really just loves his fruits and vegetables and still mostly wants baby food. Simon takes a Hawaiian music class at the Old Town School of Folk Music and we were so honored that his teacher wanted to come perform for his friends. She came with her family and they did some traditional chants, drumming, hula and singing. It was very special.

After a much needed nap, Simon put on his lederhosen (and so did Daddy of course!) and we headed down to May Fest in Lincoln Square.
Here are some (read: a lot) of pictures from the birthday celebrations

It was a truly special celebration. We are so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends and will treasure the memories forever.