It's been just under a month since our last Kladder Update and we've got a lot to catch up on...
Biggest news of course has been the arrival of Thomas. You can read more about our newest family member HERE. A very genuine 'thank you' to friends and family for the meal train we've been riding. I'm averaging 3 cookies a day.
Another noticeable change you may have seen are the updated images on the website. Another big thank you to James Richard Fry for the awesome shots. We were able to capture Thomas' newborn photos, Natalie's 2-year photos (her birthday is on Easter this weekend) as well as some new family pics. I think replacing our framed family photos around the house may take me a little longer than the digital update.
We also launched the newest page on MCL titled GR Family. Here is where we'll compile content containing lists, tips and tricks helpful to raising a family in Grand Rapids. We had great feedback about our first post, Getting Coffee with Kids in GR, and hope to add to this page over the next year. If you have specific questions or posts you would find helpful drop us a line and let us know!
So outside of having a baby and telling our community and the internet about it, what have we been up to?...
Escape Michigan.
The evening before Thomas made his debut we joined friends for a fun night out at the Escape Room. It was SO much fun. They recommend a team of 6 and together you have 60 minutes to solve a series of riddles and puzzles by finding clues and keys hidden within a room of which you are locked. The goal is to escape before time runs out. We were successful in our escape with only minutes to spare and had a great time. Following, we dined at Amore for some of the best Italian food in Grand Rapids. It was an unplanned carb-load before the marathon of child birth that followed the next day.
Amore pasta!
That same weekend Natalie and I headed down to Kalamazoo to meet with my Mom and friends Kathryn, Addie and Grandma Sandy for the annual Princess Brunch at Burdicks downtown. Kathryn is the owner of Once Upon A Princess, a fairytale character company that specializes in parties and events through performing arts so we had a special 'in' for the event this year. Natalie and Addie enjoyed pancakes and photos with the princesses. It was adorable.
Breakfast with the Princesses in Kalamazoo.
Last weekend Jeff was in Detroit for opening day. Thinking I would still be pregnant, the home openers weekend plans did not involve me. The Tigers played the Red Sox which made Jeff happy (he's a big Boston fan) until they lost. Needless to say, I didn't feel too sorry for him.
Utilizing the double stroller at Art Downtown last weekend.
And last weekend we took our first official family of four outing to Art Downtown put on by Avenue for the Arts with a member group from ArtPrize. They fed us tacos and beer followed by a 1.5 hour walk to 5 different venues. We finished at the UICA where there was a student exhibition as well as the phenomenal 'Us Is Them' exhibit on the top two floors. It's a pretty great showing and completely stroller friendly if you want to take the family.
It's been a wonderful last two weeks at home with the kids. I cannot wait until the weather is consistently warmer so we can take walks and play outside. Until then, I'll continue snuggling on the couch watching cartoons with my kids and try really hard to capture the sweet moments by memory - I know my maternity leave is going to fly by.
A walk to Wilcox Park on one of our sunnier days last week.