happy weekend

Soren asked me to rock him to sleep tonight.  No, really - my wee toddler pointed to his rocker, grabbed my neck, tucked in his little legs as I picked him up and gave me a big snuggle-squeeze.  I really didn't think that my heart could possibly grow any bigger, but it did tonight.  ​

This week has been full of fun, but not without it's tough moments.  Soren is learning how to sleep in his toddler bed, or rather - we are learning how to work with him on sleeping in his toddler bed.  He has this tendency to wake up at about 3:30 in the morning and since he can ​wake up and roam around - he does.  SO - we are working on getting him to fall back asleep.(whew!)  

Basically - this sleep deprived momma really, really​ loved her snuggles tonight and REALLY needed them.  Thanks little man.  This week I grabbed some of these priceless shots of the little dude having fun at Sawyer Point.  He is really starting to look like a little boy and less like a baby every day.  Oh goodness, how the time flies! 

We are planning on doing some relaxing, re-focusing careers (me, basically), but most of all getting ready for our trip.  My bro's last day of Paramedic School is next Tuesday - so we will be Skype celebrating with him early next week.  I will be gearing up for that one - butterflies already.  This is such a BIG deal for him and his family!  Love you bro!​

​what are your plans for the weekend?  anything special to round out your summer?

Here are a few things that have perked my interest this past week:​

Squarespace has changed my blogging life​

I still use blogger to organize the writers I follow​

99% Invisible is my new favorite podcast and work inspiration​

Cheers!​

Cincinnati Parks

...and recreation.  The recreation part is very important.  Because these aren't  just wonderful green spaces for wee ones to run, but playgrounds, for everyone - from Sawyer Point's handicap accessible ramps to Washington Park's sprayground.  Cincinnati is doing a great job of giving parents a place to hang out with their kids that inspires imagination and perpetuates laughter.​

​ready, set... Go!

(special thanks to the Ridges - you are part of what makes music in Ohio so awesome!  The video is accompanied by the Ridges tune - Invented Love)​

We Love Cincinnati Parks from Chelsea VandeDrink on Vimeo

Squarespace!

I am now an SS user, at least I think that's the lingo I should be using.  I used the trial for about 5 days, roughed it through customizing my blog template, redirecting my domain - the whole kit and caboodle.  I was really hesitant to do the switch though.  Honestly - but after some really stellar 24/7 customer support and finally taking a look at the finished project, well - I couldn't say no.  ​

​I am now linked to all my social networks, including vimeo and dropbox.  I am excited to see where blogging will take me now!  For all those other bloggers out there - the cost is worth not having the headache of 'how am I going to import that into my blog?' or 'how come my code isn't working' or even 'who can I ask to fix this?!?'.  It's all right there.  

I dig my new digs - what do you think?​

Avocado and Paul Westerberg

​I had this dilemma the other day.  I couldn't decide what I loved more, dancing with my son to his father's very good taste in music (Paul Westerberg, from the former Replacements...in case you don't know...) or sharing multi-grain toasted bread with gi-normous avocado slices.  I decided that it was neither - it was both.

As we hung out before bed, getting our last set of dance moves in - we snuck in some toast and avocado and some fresh juiced (from our Juiceman, courtesy of Missy - Soren's Mamaw, psst - thank you!!! your grandson LOVES juice) carrots, orange, strawberries, pineapple and celery.  The babe can't get enough of this stuff.  As soon as he hears the switch of the juicer he comes running into the kitchen, screaming, 'eeeeee!' and signing please as fast and hard as he can!  I love it!

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So in answer to my conundrum. It was all of it and more that I fell in love with that day. And the day after - something different, like watching Soren make the connection between the chalk, color and concrete. There were lines all over our sidewalks! It was the best artwork I have seen yet. I can't wait to fall in love with motherhood more tomorrow!

Mariemont in top 20

What top 20? The top 20 planned neighborhood success of ALL TIME. This hood is not 20th or even 19th, but 12th! Here in Ohio!

Mariemont is, obviously - our next Cincinnati neighbor to visit and so far has been eye opening. I never thought too much about Mariemont other than being this quant, not even a square mile community canopied by trees - but now my perception has completely changed. If you are familiar at all with the Gilmore Girls hit sitcom from the CW (if you aren't - get on top of it! Some of the best sitcom writing EVER!), the neighborhood is a real life Stars Hollow. Down to the town meetings!

So far we have had the opportunity to speak with the Woman's Art and Cultural Center which is in quite possibly the coolest barn I have ever seen. This town is so rich with Cincinnati history and culture - just to give you a snid-bit, the barn alone was built by Mary Emery - who is the woman behind the planned community of Mariemont established in the 1920's, which was used as a model creamery at which both Linder brothers worked at. The barn then sat for a period of time and was bought by the Woman's Art Club and turned into an immaculate gallery space equipped with classrooms and A LOT of character.

We snagged a sweet snack for me (because of my ridiculous obsession with ice cream...) from Graeters, another Cincinnati business - and then off to a high energy interview with the Mayor of Mariemont, the village mind you. This is even cooler. The village convenes in a town meeting to nominate the Mayor and other major offices after each completed term. The nominees then have a month to campaign before the election. The election is between specific times for one day and there you have it - a Mayor - complete with a town crier! Love it! And of course we snagged lunch at Dilly Cafe or to others the Dilly Deli - amazing, good food. This is definitely going to be a one of a kind show that I think you will all enjoy!