It's Been a Very Long Time

 I haven't updated this blog in a looooong time.  I started it when our oldest daughter, Charlotte or Charlie, was born premature to keep family up to date on her progress.  It was a scary time, I was a brand new Dad and really not sure what was going on.  It was the medium I used instead of email and before the days of Facebook, which I now almost despise as a platform.  Charlie is now 14 and the time is going by so quickly that I can't believe it.  I'm very conscious to spend as much time with all my girls as I know they will be off to college before I know it and I won't be seeing them as much which already makes my heart ache.  So, I'm on an 8th grade graduate vacation trip with Charlie.  She wanted something different than Illinois and she wanted to see mountains so she chose Colorado.  I've planned a short trip for us to do a few things in CO where she can get the mountain experience but for me, just being able to spend time just her and I.  

Day 1 - we arrived in Denver, took a short walk around the city, saw the 16th Street Mall (which is under construction so very underwhelming) and took in a Rockies game.  Already, the day together was full of conversation and just hearing how she looks at things, what she is looking forward to in high school, what tea (that is a word for drama that I didn't know) that is happening for some of her friends and just an overall day for Dad and daughter.  It was a great start of the trip so I'm taking it all in!!!

Grandma Mickow

At times I have used this blog as basically a diary for myself to just write down my thoughts or updates on my family that I want to remember.  I'm not even sure if anyone even reads this any more as my posts are very sporadic.  Again, I'm using this blog as a channel for myself to put some of my thoughts down.

This morning, I received the news that my Grandma Mickow passed away.  She was 96 years old but I still find myself trying to handle the news.  My entire family knew this day was coming soon as over the past year her health continued to fail.  But now that she is gone, I find myself writing this with a sad heart and the tears forming in my eyes.  She was my last Grandparent and maybe another reason why this is hard.  Last night as I was driving home, I called my Mom to see how she was doing and could tell she was emotionally and physically drained.  After I hung up, a flood of memories came flowing into my head.  I drove in silence just remembering my times with her over the past 37 years.  It's the small things that I will remember about her and not the past year when the Grandma I knew really didn't exist.  When I was growing up, she lived in Elmhurst with a big yard and next to a huge park.  (Also where I played catch with her 80 year old brother who also showed me how to throw a knuckle ball).  Every Christmas Eve was at her house with everyone dressed up, drinking and eating where we used to (and still do) sing carols around the piano.  My brother and I used to stay overnight from time to time, to this day she made the best spaghetti I ever had, I don't even know how she made it but it was so good.  She always had Honey Smacks for breakfast and I tried Chop Suey for the first time with her.......and still don't like it.  Grandma was a good German who enjoyed her beer, even up to last year she had a few at Charlie's birthday, and a devout Lutheran.  In high school, I introduced her to my girlfriend at the time and her response was, "she's a good girl, for a Catholic".  In 96 years, I keep thinking of all she's seen and been through.  She has 7 grandkids and 6 great grand kids and the last was born a few months ago.  Part of me thinks she was holding on so she could meet her last great grand kid and that was what she was waiting for in order to move on.  I also know that my Mom is surely having a very tough time today.  Even at 96 years old, she is still her Mom and losing a parent has to be so incredibly hard and one thought I can't even fathom.  Some people say that she is going to a better place, yes this is true but many times doesn't ease the pain for the people that are still here.  Later today, I will go to my parents house and just hug my Mom for as long as she needs.  I know that my Grandma is now up there with my Grandpa, looking down upon me and my family, in no pain and will smile watching my kids grow up.  With Thanksgiving in two days, I will say a prayer and give thanks for the time I had with her, the love she shared with me and the memories I have.  

Good bye Grandma, I love you! 

Great Grandma with G and Lil soon after they were born.

Mini Road Trip

This weekend Charlie and I took a mini road trip together. I say mini as it was only one night but it was fun for both of us. I had volunteered to take part in EIU's Career Boot Camp which is where students voluntarily attend a one day workshop to learn more about transitioning into the "real world" and start to prepare themselves to find a job after graduation.  I spoke about my career in sales thus far and if they were looking into the field, a few words of wisdom to help. Of course, I use the word of "wisdom" quite loosely.  Now. If they wanted advice on the bars, I'd be an expert!  

So, the camp was all day on Saturday but Charlie and I left late Friday afternoon so we can spend the night at our friends the Robeys. Charlie was quite excited to play with their kids, Nancy and JoJo and it was great to spend a few hours catching up with Robey and Laura.  Charlie enjoyed the homemade peanut butter pie on Friday night. 

I really enjoy spending time with all my girls but the times I can be one on one are really a lot of fun too.  She must of had fun herself as she slept the entire 3 hour ride home.  So that meant silence for Daddy and I was OK with that too! 

Fun At The Lake

This past weekend we tried to squeeze in a weekend at Lake Summerset to enjoy an absolutely great weekend. We had the Smith family up to join us for the weekend so it was a packed house with lots of fun, plenty of food and of course some adult beverages. The weather was just about perfect so the kids had a chance to spent ample time at the beach. It was great seeing all the kids play together as Ashlyn, who is 9, is almost the Pied Piper as the kids followed her around. It was also nice as she took care of some of Charlie's questions that come at you like a machine gun.  Overall, a great weekend for all as summer comes closer and closer to it's end. 

A Night With My Girls!

This past weekend Donna went away to enjoy a night downtown with some friends. So, it was party time for me and the girls. Maybe not exactly party time but we had a really good time hanging out. We went to the park, went to the county fair and just enjoyed the time. Well, I did even though Lillian was screaming for Mommy at night.  They keep me on my toes but a good time was had by all. 

Charlie's Dance Class

As summer continues, Charlie has started something new that she hasn't done before.  During the winter she tried swimming lessons and now she is trying dance!  It's a small introduction as it is only once a week but so far she seems to really enjoy it.  During swimming lessons she would tell us from time to time how she didn't want to go. Even though its only been two weeks, she keeps saying how much she likes dance class. Donna also went out and bought her first dance dress which of course she loves. Just really cool to see how happy and excited she is.  I want to be that parent who just introduces my kids to new things and let them choose what they want.  So we'll see how the next 4 weeks go but just fun to see her enjoy it. 

Vacation - Last Day

We arrived home late last night and consider the vacation a success.  We left Nashville around mid-day after our last breakfast together. I think the kids will missing having chocolate muffins to start the morning.  I'll also miss having breakfast ready at any time in the morning too!

So we packed up the family truckster and headed for home. We popped a movie in the DVD player to keep the kids happy and away we went. We stopped about 7 hours into the drive in Arcola, IL at the Robey family's house to have dinner and let the kids run around. It worked out perfectly as we could say hello and the kids were worn out when we left. We got home about 11:00 and the van still needs to be unpacked. It's always good to be home but being on vacation is always nice. I am sure every parent wants the vacation to go perfectly and like Clark Griswold, try everything to make that happen.  With 3 kids, there were some trying moments and frustrating ones but overall we had a really good time. Donna and I made it through so another notch on our parenting belt.  It gives us confidence now to start planning the next vacation.  We mentioned the words Disney but that might be us being on a vacation high.  For now, we will relish on the memories of Nashville! 

Vacation Day 4

 Today was our last full day in Nashville and again it was a hot one as the temperature reached 95 degrees for the third straight day.  All my girls slept  in a bit and than it was to downtown Nashville again. We did a little shopping before we stopped for lunch at one of the bars on Broadway street. We had a few beers and listened to some live music which the kids seemed to enjoy a bit. As we were walking back to the car, Lillian decided she wanted more music and decided to dance right than and there. 

(Video to be added when can edit blog from laptop)

We also visited the new Cumberland Park which just finished construction and it across the river from where the Titans play.  At the park, there is a really nice splash water park which the kids loved. Have to admit, I was fine with getting wet as we stood there in the heat.  

We ended the night by going to Opryland and Gaylord resort. I'm not a huge country music fan but being an overall fan of music, I wanted to see Opryland. Unfortunately, the full experience will have to wait as it was late and kids needed food. (And they are like Daddy in that when they are hungry they get crabby). 

It was another good day and I think we wore them out, until tomorrow that is!

Vacation day 3 - y'all

Another hot day in Nashville but another good day at that. The Griswolds, I mean Burritts toured the day today with a trolley tour that showed all the main sights of downtown Nashville.  From the downtown farmers market, the Marathon shops where the kids ate homemade marshmallows to music row, we saw it all. Kids were really good until the end of the tour where we could tell the heat was getting to us all. So back to the hotel for a little relaxing and more pool time of course. 

To end the day we went to a Nashville Sounds game which is the Triple AAA affiliate of the Brewers.  Believe it or not but this was the kids first ever baseball game.  We picked a good one as it was "throwback night" so beers, hotdogs and popcorn were all $2.  Everyone had a good time but I think I just enjoyed having them all take in a baseball game.  Hell, they played better defense than my White Sox!

Vacation Day 2

The day began with a quick breakfast but nice to leave the cleanup to the hotel staff as we always come through like a tornado. The drive to Nashville went pretty well although, the last hour was fairly brutal as there was always one kid screaming.  Damn, those twins have some lungs!!

We are staying about 20 minutes outside of Nashville in Franklin. We had lunch and than headed to Centennial Park. It's a decent size park where they have trails and typical park stuff but they also have a actual size replica building of the Parthenon. It was built originally on 1897 for the Centennial Exposition and has of course gone through massive remodeling but pretty cool.  

We enjoyed the sights and than took the kids to the swings.  It's quite hot here as the temperature showed 95 degrees.  One of the things I was reminded of is that always need 3 of everything.....even bottles of water. 

Another lesson I was reminded of is that my kids are never to tired for the pool. We got done with dinner tonight and Donna and I would have been content to go chill in the room but that was a no go. The pool it was!!

So here we are now trying to be quiet so the kids can fall asleep.  We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Family Vacation Time - Day One

Today was the beginning of our first family vacation with all 5 of us.  Donna and I asked the man upstairs to grant us patience to embark on what we hope will be 6 days of fun.  We are heading to Nashville as it's in driving distance and hey, it's somewhere we haven't been yet.  We've researched plenty of stuff that we can do with the kids so we are hoping for a great time.  I'm just hoping that at the end, Clark Griswold would be proud!!

Here is a picture of the (rented) Family Truckster (for definition see the movie "Vacation").  Yes, it is a minivan but a pimped up minivan with a DVD player, Sirius radio and all the good stuff.

Today we made it to Indianapolis which is almost half way.  We figured it was a good time to stop as the kids were good and why take our chances.  We enjoyed the hotel swimming pool and went out to eat at a local brewpub.  Amazingly enough, the kids were great at dinner and it was the best dining experience we've had thus far!!

The kids are now in bed and time for Mom and Dad to relax a bit before starting Day #2.  Watch out Nashville, here come the Burritts!!!!

Charlie Time

We all like undivided attention if it comes our way, OK maybe when it's only positive I suppose.  Well, Donna and I thought it was important for us to take Charlie out for a little night on the town or some one-on-one time.  Even though she is great with the twins, she does have to fight for attention every once and while.  So, what is there to do with a 4 year old girl........well, "Disney on Ice" of course.  The focus of this version of Disney's on Ice was princesses so we figured she would definitely enjoy it.  On Saturday, off we went with Charlie while the twins all set with Grandma and Grandpa at home.  She got all dressed up in one of her favorite princess dresses and watched Ariel, Repunzel and a few others skate around.  When the program began, she was in a trance watching all the excitement.  She waned a little bit during the intermission and we thought we were going to lose her but when things started up again, her attention came back.

After the program, it was time for dinner.  Amazingly enough, at first she was not interested in going out for dinner but to entice her (OK, you can call it bribe) into going out for dinner b/c Mom and Dad really wanted to, we told her she could have ice cream for dinner.  Without missing a beat, she was "in"!

It was a great night to spend with her and see her smile throughout the night.  I remember the times I spent as a kid going to White Sox games, the circus and all that good stuff so I hope to start those memories for her......as well as Donna and I.  But yes, I am getting used to and enjoying doing these "girly" things.  But no, you won't seeing me wear a princess dress though, I guarantee you that!!

Did Someone Say Cookie Time?!?!

Just recently, I've had such a taste for homemade chocolate chip cookies with nuts.  Not the store made ones at Jewel, I'm talking about homemade chocolate chip like Mom (or Dad b/c he was the main consumer of the goods) and Grandma used to make.  (Yes, I did say with nuts b/c my cookies, my rules!)  Now, keep in mind that I am not the baker type at all.  I enjoy being around a grill and/or making a new pasta dish from my Sopranos cookbook but a baker is not in my manly description.  But sometimes the want for us is just so much that we'll try anything.  So, over the weekend I made sure we had all the ingredients in the recipe from the back of the package of the Nestle chocolate chips to make them some time in the near future.  Tonight, I was just thinking of making the cookies after work but when I mentioned it quickly to Charlie, she was locked in and wanted to know when we were going to make the cookies.  So, there I was after putting the twins to bed, getting everything out and ready to go....even the massive mixer that Donna, I mean we, got for our wedding 10 years ago.  Usually in any of my projects, household or cooking, I get a bit bored about half way through but Charlie made it so much fun and entertaining.  Asking her to mix, dump the ingredients together, watch out and not get her long hair in the batter and she had no problem licking off the mixer parts!  This is the first time I've made cookies since I was a much younger lad and it wasn't a main event.  Charlie won't remember it as a big event in her days of a 4 year old, but I will!!  Another example of the little things I suppose.  Now, I have to go as that 4 year old is asking me to get the cookies out of the oven since the timer just beeped.

The End of Fall

It's been a little while since our last post and I thought I'd write a few random things.  Like everyone, we've been keeping busy with the kids, catching up with friends and of course doing random things. Just a few pictures of what we've been up to over the past month or so.  I can't believe it is almost he holiday season already.  

Ending the golf season with a few rounds in Florida.

A pumpkin patch outside of Belvidere, IL

Pumpkin patch in Arthur, IL with the Robey Family.  (Yes, we did sneak in a visit to Yoder's)

My Cinderella Princess for Halloween

My good witches for Halloween

Charlie's 4!

Four years ago yesterday our world was rocked by the early arrival of little Charlie.  Every year Owen and I talk about how crazy and scary those few hours were before she arrived.  We also talk about how crazy and scary the first few weeks were after she arrived.  I'll spare you all the details that you've probably heard me tell a million times.  I just can't believe the little peanut who entered our world at 3lbs has grown into such a healthy little girl.  Charlie's spunkiness that helped her strive in the NICU has not gone away.  It has helped her develop into a spirited little girl who keeps us on our toes.














This past weekend we had a party to celebrate Charlie's birthday.  Since Charlie loves to jump on the couches, beds and anything else she can find we decided to rent a bounce house for the day so she could jump to her hearts content.  Seemed like all the kids had a good time bouncing around.  Hopefully, they all slept good that night!

 Kyri and Charlie testing out the bounce house.

 Lil and Charlie having a good time

Gwyneth is all smiles as she gets out.

 Charlie was eying the yellow rose from the time we put the cake in front of her.  Pretty sure she ate her whole piece - including the huge rose!

 Lil loved bouncing with her Daddy!

 Gwyneth got tired of jumping so she was seeing what else she could do.

 Just so you know, all these pictures did take place on the same day.  Charlie doesn't like to wear an outfit for too long so there were five wardrobe changes over the course of her party. 

 After all the baseball she watches with her Daddy, Charlie got her first glove and ball.  She can't wait to learn how to play!

On Sunday we went to the annual NICU Reunion.  As always, it was nice to see some of the doctors and nurses that took such good care of Charlie (and us) while she was in the NICU.  I spoke to the NICU Nurse Manager, Sue, and found out that one of Charlie's main nurses, Jean, retired this past December.  They offered her early retirement and she decided to take it.  I'm happy for her but would have loved for her to see how far Charlie has come.  Another one of Charlie's nurses, Leslie, was there.  She actually sought us out at the party to say 'hi'.  She remembers Charlie and how tiny she was when she was born and what I wreck I was.  Leslie said she remembers pretty much forcing me to hold Charlie for the first time.  I wish I could say that she had me confused with someone else but I was afraid to hold that fragile little baby.  I was afraid to break her, or make one of the millions of alarms go off.  There will never be the right words or enough time to thank the doctors and nurses for everything that they did for our little ones.  Hopefully they know that these kids would not be here if it wasn't for their dedication and heart.

 

 They have tons of activities for the kids to do but riding on Daddy's back is always the best!

 

 Every year they have a steal drum band.  It's a little random but still fun!

 

Leslie and Charlie.

Charlie is back in school

 I'm about two weeks late in posting about Charlie's first day of school but I'm hoping it's better late then never!  She is at a different school this year and is going three days a week (M,W,F).  The first two days were not pretty dropping her off.  Charlie talked a big game until it was time for us to leave.  There were a lot of tears and crying on those days but by day three she was much more comfortable.  She really seems to like her new school and her new teachers (Ms. Candace and Ms. Sue).

Had to get the picture of Charlie with her 'back to school sign'.  Can't wait to do this to her every year until she goes to college.  I don't think she'll be smiling when she's in high school and I make her take the picture!

 Owen was able to be around to see Charlie go to her first day of class.  That made Charlie's Day!

 I had to get a picture with my preschooler too.

 The twins wanted to get in on the action too...

 We did a quick switcheroo so Owen could get a pic with all his girls but, as you can see, they weren't having it.

 Owen helped Charlie find her name so she could hang up her backpack. 

 One last picture with Dad before he went off to work and Charlie started her first day.  As you can tell, she was starting to get a little scared/nervous.  The smiles and laughing were gone and she was pretty anxious. 

 Ms Candace and Ms Sue said that Charlie was fine about five minutes after we left in the morning.  We wanted to make a big deal about her first day so she realized she did such a good job.  What other way to do that with Charlie than to give her cupcakes!

 Once again, the twins wanted in on the action so they celebrated Charlie's first day of school too.

Gwyneth being Gwyneth!

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