Today was a SUPER lazy day at the Bischoff house. We didn’t make it to church this morning (my fault, I could not get my prego self out of bed), so we settled in for a day of inside play and HGTV. Last week Charlie received a birthday gift from her Great Aunt Issy that she already had, so I went to Target and scoured the toy section to find something worthy of exchanging it for. I happened upon this fairy tent and knew Charlie had to have it. It is completely too big for our apartment, but we decided to put it up anyway, at least until our “slice of heaven” recliner arrives in a month or so.

As you can see, Charlie enjoyed the view from inside her tree stump tent…Thanks, Great Aunt Issy!!!

Saturday morning Vann took Charlie to the park so that I could attend Ms. Kim’s Matilda Jane fall trunk show…and it did not disappoint!! I wasn’t sure what I would end up getting, as Charlie’s closet is already bursting, but I did want to get at least one outfit and it was a HARD decision. I ended up going with this “Chrissy” dress and the most adorable pair of tights. It was soooo much cuter in real life and the fact that it has a hoodie attached just sealed the deal. You all know that Charlie LOVES hoodies of all kinds, don’t you??

That night we were invited to a last minute bbq and it was so nice to sit outside and chat as the weather cooled and the sky got dark. We even had to pull out blankets, which made me so happy. The guys played with the girlies indoors and Vann got this adorable shot of all of them giggling. So cute, right??

Charlie and I drove out to Schaumburg, Illinois (home of Ikea) to roam around the gigantor Woodfield Mall. It was a very productive trip considering I found a dress for Erik’s wedding (yay, Pea in the Pod 50% off sale!) and picked up this delicious sweater from my favorite store, Anthropologie. Pregnant gals are lucky during these times of empire waists and bohemian flair, and you know these things are right up my alley. So, when I found said sweater for (wait for it) 50% off (I know, must be in the water out there) I knew I had to have it.

Not only that, but I made the discovery that H & M (a former favorite store, only less so because of our far proximity from the downtown store) has a maternity line!! Crazy, right?? The things you learn when you have a Friday morning and nothing to do.

The best part of the day (or should I say most interesting), was when my hunger pains became too much to handle and we simply had to find a place to eat. No Corner Bakery (my favorite shopping sustenance), BUT we did happen upon a Rainforest Cafe. Let me just say, I have never set foot in the place. It is like a theme park in a restaurant. I braved the seemingly alive crocodile at the front entry and kindly asked the hostess to seat us next to “whatever might keep my daughter busy”. Poor Charlie, what with the five huge tropical fish tanks, the animatronic cheetah swishing it’s giant tail, and the periodic “rain” and thunder claps, my little girl was a little overwhelmed.

She pointed, she screamed, she chattered, and she refused to sit anywhere but Mommy’s lap. So I ate my turkey wrap with one hand as furiously as I could before she had a volcanic meltdown. Really fun place, but maybe more manageable when Daddy/Grandparents/Auntie Em are in attendance.

Here is a shot of a clearly overwhelmed Charlie saying goodbye to one of her many new animal friends…

Thursday after naps we met up with Ms. Alisha and Olivia for an early dinner at our local cafe. Charlie loves to chase the pigeons, and usually around dinnertime the little Square is jam-packed with strollers and toddlers (and often a dog or cat as well). For whatever reason, Charlie insisted on taking this monkey bath mitt/puppet with her when we left the house. Ms. Alisha commented that this was the most charming thing about Charlie…her affinity for lovies and her constant attachment to something when she’s out and about. I do draw the line at anything bigger than a pink penguin accompanying us to the garage, though…the other day she wanted to bring her doll stroller with us to the grocery store.

So if you have a daughter or son who has an animal that they especially love, you HAVE to check out this Etsy store, Planet Pudge. I bought this penguin tee with the money that Nana and JJ sent Charlie for her birthday, and let me tell you, it is darling. The quality is wonderful, and I loved this girl’s work so much I bought Charlie a pumpkin tee for next month as well. Really sweet and affordable, and you know that someone’s going to want to wear this ALL the time!

Thanks, Nana and JJ!!!!!

For Today, September 9th…

Outside my window… I am wishin’ and hopin’ for cooler days.

I am thinking… I am LOVIN’ the baby announcements we ordered! Truly special for the season…

I am thankful for… my community of other moms, what in the world would I do without them??

From the kitchen… tried the most amazing “colossal butterflied shrimp” from Trader Joe’s last night…delicious!!

I am wearing… my full panel maternity jeans, baby. Yup, we’ve moved into the next phase, 3rd trimester!!

I am going… to Michigan to visit Ms. Jen and her boys a week from today!! Can’t wait!!

I am reading… my 900 page Vogue (hey, it takes awhile to get through that thing!)…

I am hoping… for some positive signs about our future.

Around the house… I am project-less for the moment. Not quite ready to start figuring out the office situation yet. I think I’m “nested out”, at least for the week. 😉

A few plans for the rest of the week: (hopefully) the last glucose test tomorrow morning to determine if I will have to monitor my sugars at home (aka finger prick), a possible drive out to Woodfield Mall on Friday, Ms. Kim’s Matilda Jane show on Saturday morning, and Happy Birthday wishes to Aunt Janet, Mimi, and Uncle Evan, all in a row!!

Here is a picture I am sharing… getting ready for Ballet this morning…

If you want to know more about the Simple Woman’s Daybook…

Let me tell you, toddler ballet is no joke. Not only did the girls have a real ballerina as their instructor, but they practiced stretching, running jumps, and pointing (of toes). Did Charlie participate? Mmmm…sorta. She spent most of the time clinging to me and running in place (Flashdance-style), and she and her friend Emilyn alternately giggled and hugged on each other.

Totally fun though, to see all the little girlies in their tutus and glittery barrettes. I was pleasantly surprised to see a few of my Mom’s Group friends in the class as well!!

Check it out: ARCC Ballet & Dance!