Uncle D, Aunt Laura and Cousin Z

Chicago trip, part 2

My sister, Laura, and her husband, Derrick, decided to come to Chicago while we were there. They've been wanting to go for a long time. With a baby on the way, it seemed like a good time to go.

Here are the two sisters and two cousins -- one live and one in utero.



Austin really got along with Uncle Derrick, or Uncle D (a long-standing nickname before he became an uncle.) Derrick played all sorts of games with him, like pulling his arms to show how strong Austin is and hiding in the closet.

Derrick got to try out his parenting skills, too, changing his first diaper. (It was only wet.)

He saw first-hand the range of emotions that go along with parenthood: Austin was cute and hilarious when he rocked out to "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix and saying "no" to the boring classical music that later came on the radio. But Austin also grossed out Derrick when he ate his spaghetti. And Austin had a major meltdown on the way to the airport, probably because of an upset stomach.

Now, I think Uncle D is ready to be a D-A-D -- and he'll be a fantastic one to Baby Z. (Their last name is Zwickl)



During our long Saturday outing, we first went to Rick Bayless' restaurant for tortas. Laura was really excited to see the famous chef in person.

Later, we walked over to Millennium Park where we saw the "Bean" statue.



Austin got up close to the side of the bean.



And even closer.



But right after this, he got too close and ran into the bean. Ouch!



Here are Austin and Aunt Laura at the park:



Too cute.



After that, we headed next door to the Art Institute to find a bathroom. On the way, Austin fell asleep.



So, we decided to go inside the museum while Austin napped. When he woke up, I took Austin to this very cool children's room with toys, books and computers that's free. Austin climbed into the box of blocks.



See more on the trip in the next post later. ...

-Sarah

Touchdown Jesus and Austin

Chicago trip, Part 1

Last weekend, the three of us headed to Chicago. Michael was covering the USC-Notre Dame game, which was about an hour and a half away. So, Austin and I decided to come so we could see family and friends. Austin still flies for free, so we only had to cover my ticket.

Austin was still on California time when we arrived Thursday night, so he didn't go to bed until about 10:30 p.m. By then, Noni (Michael's mom) was already settling in for the night on an air mattress at Auntie Ali's house. Austin jumped in bed to join her.



The next day, Michael had to cover USC practice in Michigan City, IN and later at Notre Dame. Austin, Noni and I kept him company on the trip.

In Michigan City, we ran into some USC players at the Steak and Shake. Austin got this cool hat while he waited for his chicken strips meal.



Notre Dame was pretty cold, so Austin had to bundle up. Noni bought him this cute winter outfit, including a coat.



We walked around while Michael was at practice and ran into some sort of pep rally with the Notre Dame marching band. Austin played in the fall leaves as the band played.



After practice, we went back to join Michael by the "Touchdown Jesus" mural. I'd never heard of the mural, but apparently you can see it from inside the stadium. Here's a rare solo picture of me, only because Austin wouldn't stand still for a picture. I'm facing the stadium.





You can see where we are in this video, where Austin shows off his "touchdown" skills.



After we got home, Austin rested by settling on the floor to watch some "Sesame Street."



More on our trip in the next post ...

Austin's kicks and helmet

Here are a few cute pictures from recent photo shoots.

Above, Austin is showing off his new kicks -- Nike's that he got as a gift as a newborn. They fit just in time for fall. They are his "moon" shoes: He calls the swoosh "moon."

Austin found the exercise ball in the closet the other day and insisted that I get it out (below).



He's quite obsessed with bikes these days. He loves his little push bike. And he loves going on bike rides with Daddy. He loves it so much that he puts on his helmet, even when they aren't going on bike rides. "Bike" is often his first word in the morning. He's still wearing his pajamas here.



Here's a video with the ball and bike:



I let Austin into the container cabinet the other day. Not the best idea.



Austin's ready to go on an outing with Daddy in his new kicks, vest and hat.



We'll post soon with pictures from our upcoming Chicago trip.

-Sarah

Woody and Mee-Mo

Austin went to Disneyland three times in one week. Big perk when your mom has to go there for a living.

So, it's not surprising that Austin can identify Mickey Mouse. Austin even has his own word for him: Mee-Mo.

Austin started saying "Mee-Mo, Mee-Mo, Mee-Mo," as soon as we saw Mickey on the parking garage signs. No doubt. I think it's darn cute.

We first went to Disneyland on a Friday for a MOMS Club outing. It ended up just being me, Austin, Elsie and her daughter, Emily. Elsie was a good sport and didn't freak out that it was Gay Days. So, we had a good time.

We headed over to Big Thunder Ranch to see the goats. Austin was really excited to see Woody from "Toy Story" there. Austin kept saying "Hat" in reference to Woody's tall hat. He had no hesitation about going up and saying "hi."



The next week, we caught up with Maggie, Sedona and their friends. We rode Astro-Orbiter, which I thought was kind of scary. Austin cried when it was over. It was a brief visit and we didn't get a picture.

The following day, Austin and I went for "work" so I could cover the Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at California Adventure. (See my Around Disney blog post HERE.)

Austin got dressed up like a bee.



Austin wanted to get out of his stroller when we found a dance party ...



... where he clapped and danced with a pirate.



See video:



Austin also tried to join the Halloween parade.



This probably won't be the last time you see this Halloween costume. Or the last time you'll read about a trip to Disney.