Our First Attempt at a Family Vacation

Is it at all sad that in the past 3 years John and I have not once attempted to take a family vacation? I was sort of feeling like a bad Mommy for never even considering taking my children on an actual vacation. Then again when you live in a city like Chicago that’s full of museums, parks, aquariums, lake front attractions, beaches and more diverse people watching than you can shake a stick at, where do you go on vacation anyways?!?

Apparently the answer to that question is ‘Milwaukee’. No – I’m not kidding – we actually went to Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend. The deciding factors included a short drive (who knew that Milwaukee was only 90 minutes away from Chicago) and kid friendly activities that even though were in the same nature as what you’ll find in Chicago were still promising to be different than what we actually have here. So plans were made, a hotel was booked, the car was loaded up and we headed out – for our 2 day, 1 night “starter” family vacation. After all I’ve seen one too many Griswold movies to think we should attempt anything more than the bare minimum required to be considered a vacation. Baby steps people, baby steps…..

We left Sunday after attending church (Thank you, Jesus!) and a brief yet filling lunch at Arby’s on Jackson St (you should see my kids each destroy a medium roast beef sandwich – seriously – it’s a massacre of sorts). Traffic was light, bellies were full and 3 of the 4 Chung’s were passed out in the family vehicle (Thank you, John – for driving!).

We arrived in Milwaukee and proceeded directly to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum where we were greeted with a various assortment of sleepy parents trying to do something entertaining for their offspring. Seriously, it can’t really be that bad, could it? We found out shortly that it wasn't as bad as some were making it out to be – and the girls enjoyed it so much that they wet their pants, literally. OK, that was only Addy, but that’s Addy protocol. She’s all about wetting her pants, and I’m pretty sure she only does it just to prove to herself, and her adoring parents, that on some level she still is in control, much to my dismay.

After a full tour of the museum we headed out for a brief walk by the lake front and a pit-stop at a local coffee shop. John and I loaded up on our caffeinated drinks while the girls screamed and giggled in delight of all the 4-legged creatures running amuck around the outdoor patio.

4-hours into the trip and no “Griswold” mishaps (Thank you, Jesus!).

After checking in and getting settled into our hotel room we headed out for a child friendly dinner that was also sure to promise a few brews for this hard working woman her hardworking husband. AJ Bombers was a short walk from our hotel room, just over a cute little bridge, crossing a duck filled river, that the girls adored. Addy filled her belly with mounds of the free peanuts while Sidney destroyed a cheeseburger like a starving grown man. Me? I had another beer while waiting for the rain to subside. Ah – vacation (Thank you, Jesus!).

The rain eventually ended and we made a dash out the door, back to our hotel room, where we hung out in the lobby with a few other Milwaukee visitors and their friendly pets. The girls were in bliss, petting a vast arrangement of doggies while filling their bellies with M&M cookies, while John and I sipped on adult beverages as our nightcap. Our evening concluded with 3 of the 4 Chung’s passed out snoring in the hotel room (curse me and my light sleeping determent).

8-hours into the trip and no “Griswold” mishaps (Thank you, Jesus!).

Day two started off with rain. Rain?!? What is this rain?!? There was no rain in the forecast for the day! Yep, there was rain. Which for some days is a mere matter of inconvenience – but for a day that was planned for the zoo was a deal breaker. 4 Chung’s and 1 umbrella = an earlier than anticipated arrival home, after a trucker-style breakfast and a pit stop at Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte of course (Thank you, Jesus!)

So – all in all it was a decent mini-vacation. I could have done with out the rain and without the snoring Chung twins and their father – but they are all so cute I think I’ll keep them!

Thank you, Jesus indeed!

Can I Get a Three?

Well - actually - in our case we have two of them already.... Two three-year-olds that is. Yep, that's right - my babies have officially entered into their fourth year of life by turning three (feel free to do that math). Don't bother in asking me where the time has gone because I certainly haven't got a clue.

The girls were blessed with not one but two birthday parties this year. The first one being on their actual birthday (July 14) with only John, myself and the girls in attendance. We took them out for one of their personal favorites - buttered noodles - and then held a small celebration at our house - full of gift openings, ice cream shoveling and fire eating. If you haven't seen the video yet you can check it out here (you'll have to excuse the snort - it's a genetic defect of sorts):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mbFj2S5qvI

The second party was held on Saturday, July 17 at Pump it Up in Lincoln Park. 12 children, 19 adults, 5 pizzas, and 4-dozen cupcakes were in attendance for the festivities and a good time was held by all. Despite some momentary stage fright from the Chung Twins - the rest of their day was spent speaking of how "everyone sang me happy birthday" and opening a few gifts at a time - for fear of "over exposure". A huge thanks for everyone that made their day extra special - we love you guys!

Up next for the Chungs this summer:

John's Annual Golf Trip (July 21 - 25)

Bon Jovi Concert (July 30)

Trip to Iowa (August 6 - 8)

Rob and Neha's Wedding (August 21)

John's Trip to Napa for David Wojtonik's Bachelor Party (August 27 - 29)

I can already feel myself wondering where the summer went.....

Girly Girls

So anyone that knows John and myself knows that neither one of us have ever been defined as “girly”. Obviously this applies more to John than me, unless you knew me as a child – which is a completely different story!

Either way, as I was sitting on the deck at my in-laws in Michigan over the weekend I became very aware of the fact that my girls are indeed girly girls.

The proof is in the photos (and the high heels and the constant wearing of dresses – EVERYDAY). I just don’t know what I’m going to do when the day comes when they tell me they want to be cheerleaders!

Flower headbands in purple (for Sidney) and pink (for Addison):

Sidney and Addison trying on their flower girl dresses for Uncle Andy and Aunt Amanda's wedding (not pictured are the enormous tearful cries that went on and on and on after I made them take them off):

Just another typical Saturday with the girls still in their pajamas, Sidney already in her purple dress and both of them attempting to wear their Momma's heels:

The first 5/12 of 2010….

Does it really need to be said that we suck at updating our blog? I swear to you it’s only because we really don’t have much to share – our lives honestly resemble more than a few scenes from the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ with John and I changing our routine just enough to hope for a different outcome from the day before. Sometimes we are successful, other times not so much, but we try. There has to be something said for trying – right?

Anyways – this year in all its routine familiarity – has brought a few unforeseen twists. Here’s the high level preview of things that might or might not be worth mentioning:

We spent Easter in Michigan with John’s parents and had a great time watching the girls hunt for Easter eggs and discover the treats that the Easter bunny had left for them for the first time. Plus getting the girls on video shouting “Jesus is risen!” was priceless

We spent a short weekend in Iowa for Andy and Amanda’s bridal shower where I got to spend some time with cousins and more importantly with Andy and Amanda who we haven’t been able to spend much time with as of late. Law school, jobs and children will do that to siblings

We are officially in the highlights and frustration of potty training! Today was the first day the girls went to school in actual underpants – and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the extra set of clothing was not needed – though knowing my offspring I fully anticipate a load of laundry in my near future

I spent a weekend in Columbia, Missouri visiting one of my closest friends Miss Tina Joy Ubben. I had a wonderful time shopping, eating, drinking and being the laziest, sleepiest bum in the world that weekend. I also love the fact that it can be months since I’ve last seen Tina and yet it some how feels like we pick up right where we left off without skipping a beat. (P.S. please do not ask John about the shopping I did while in MO – it is a touchy subject!)

I recently applied for, and was offered, a job at the Blue Cross Blue Shied Association. After long, hard and difficult deliberation, and a few promises from my current management, I ended up turning down the job. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that promises will not be broken and that I will remain a happy little girl at BCBSIL

All in all it has been an excellent year so far and we still have so much more to look forward to. Events for this summer include (but hopefully are not limited to):

Andy’s graduation from law school (May 14)
Andy and Amanda’s wedding (May 29)
John’s PMP classes (June)
The Girls’ 3rd Birthday (July 14)
John’s golf trip (weekend of July 24)

We are continually astonished at how much easier our lives have become over the past year and the joy that Addy and Sidney bring to other people. They are a true blessing in our lives and obviously do a great job of keeping us on our toes! We will see what antics they will come up with next. Until then I will just hope that they continue to learn and grow and somehow over come their mother’s clumsiness! All the bumps and bruises, tripping and falling, not to mention bloody noses is about to drive my normally very rational self right into crazy town!

The Summer of Chung

OK - I know - we suck at updating our blog. Seriously though - our life is like the movie 'Groundhog Day' where it seems like there isn't really all that much going on - or at least I should say nothing worth telling the world about. So I figured that now it's officially fall that I'd recap our little summer - and by little I mean that I'm still not sure we even had a summer at all cause it was flipping cold!

July 2009 - the girls officially turned 2 years old! We had a small birthday party in our condo with family to celebrate the occasion. There was cake, Portillo's, a few beers, a few less tears, gifts and two little girls that were absolutely thrilled for a room full of people to sing to them the 'Happy Birthday' song. Seriously - they love that song - and sing it often - mostly to their blankets, dolls, stuffed animals and to Dora - but none the less it ranks right up there with 'Old McDonald' and 'Twinkle Twinkle'. I'm pretty sure neither John nor myself will be surprised if one of both of these girls have music become a vital part of their adult life.

August 2009 - 2 weekends of August were spent in Michigan this year. The first weekend entailed a wedding (congrats again to Steve and Chris!) and a short trip to Toronto for John and Jami minus our little turkeys. John's mom and dad graciously watched the girls for us while we went off to relax, sleep, wander aimlessly, dine and sleep some more. Great times were had even though it rained basically the entire time we were in Canada. Though when you've only spent a grand total of 4 days away from your kids in 2 years not much is gonna keep you from enjoying your time away. And in case you were wondering - yes - I have already started contemplating where the next anual Turkey-less Chung Vacation will be held. I'll have to update you all on that one later
The second trip to Michigan during the month of August '09 was to South Haven where the greater Chung family congregated to spend some quality time bonding. And bonding we did! Again it rained and rained and rained and rained and for the 2 minutes that the rain would stop we'd throw on our shoes and dash outside with the kids in hopes of burning off some of that pent up energy we were all feeling - only to have it start raining once again. We did manage to spend some time around a camp fire in the back yard Saturday night and some time at the beach on Sunday before we left for the 2-hour trip back to Chicago - so the trip wasn't a complete bust. Plus Helen and I spent many many hours the kitchen making meals for the entire family - and if any of you know me well you will know that I love to cook! Plus learning that Trader Joe's makes an awesome pancake mix - well that was more than well worth a trip!

September 2009 - Ah September! I love September - mostly because of Labor Day and that coveted day off of work - but I can't forget that September marks the beginning of Fall - and again - if any of you really know me you know that I love Fall! I digress....

Labor Day weekend was spent in Iowa this year celebrating my mom's birthday. The girls seem to love spending time at my parent's house running around smelling all the flowers, watching the bubbling fountain and finding produce in their giant garden. My mom was also able to secure some babysitting from the neighbor girls so that the rest of the Wendling family could enjoy a not so quiet dinner out at The Brown Bottle. It is possible that our dinner antics had other fellow diners running for the hills - but it's also quite possible that we didn't really care! Good times were had - and it's rare that 3 of the 4 Wendling siblings are available to break some bread together - so we had to take advantage of the time that we had.

September also marked a few more trips to the Brookfield Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium, a U2 concert (a child-less night for John and Jami) and a few lake side bike rides that always seem to be a favorite of The Chung Twins. The girls have seemed to vastly develop their speech and are now speaking in almost full sentences and have also managed to learn all their colors, shapes, animal noises, numbers and on rare occasion can even count to 20. We're still working on the alphabet and potty training - and I'm fairly certain that is going to be a long, long dirty little road! At least they are developing their taste for John Cougar Mellencamp and the Black Eyed Peas - what more could any mom ask for - right? Now if only I could get their feet to stop growing!

I know...I know...It has been forever.

I know I've said I'd be better about posting...so I lied. Anyway, I'm having a slow day at work, so I figured I would do a quick post.

Daycare - Things have been going well. I drop off the girls each morning on my way to work and Jami has been picking them up when the weather is nice. They were really enjoying their teachers, but we recently had their teachers switched up. Sid doesn't seem to like the change, but it has only been since the beginning of June. We really miss Ms. Cierra who was always encouraging the girls to dance and play and be happy. She did this thing where she encouraged the girls to dance by saying..."Go Sidney, Go Sidney, Go Sidney"...then Sid would dance and jump. Well, we do this at home now since their new teacher doesn't seem to be in to that. At least the girls aren't getting as sick as often. Knock on wood!

Summer - Things at work are slowing down a bit for me, but Jami's work seems to be picking up. We are anxiously waiting for the weather to turn nicer and take the girls out to do more activities. We renewed our Shedd Aquarium membership and we hope to take the girls out on more bike rides. We bought these front mount bike seats that work awesome. We've only gone out once due to the weather, but we hope to take them out once a week on the bikes. See below for the new seat. It is Addy with her sweet helmet. We have lots going on this summer, including friends visiting this week and next. We also have the girls' birthday coming up soon, more friends visiting, trips to Michigan and Iowa (hopefully), and then a little vacation for Jami and me. We were hoping to go to Montreal for a few days, but it seems like it will have to be Toronto. Why Canada? Because Jami got her passport and we want to "leave the U.S. of A". Baby steps people.


Growth - The girls are getting bigger and bigger each day. Almost two years ago they were just little 3 pound wrinkled rats. Now they are monsters. They seem to outgrow shows, clothes, PJs and everything else. I even got each of the girls to pee in the potty. They are still far from being potty trained. Here's a fun pic...and yes those are Ed Hardy PJs from Aunt Tina.


Goodbye Chicago? - Jami and I have really been thinking that our place is getting too small. We already have an offsite storage that we pay for, and a small storage onsite. I'm not sure we can afford to buy a three or four bedroom place in the city, and why would we move to the suburbs here when we can move to Iowa or Michigan suburbs? So, who knows what the future holds...but houses in Michigan are pretty dang cheap!

The One Month Update

So - the Chungs have been hit. Hit hard - very, very hard indeed. Day care has bestowed a many many blessings upon us - including fevers, runny noses, coughing, vomiting, poop stains and crankiness. John and I knew that colds and illnesses of all variations were going to be the biggest down fall of the girls' transition into day care - we just didn't think it would be a constant never ending illness for the past 4.5 weeks and counting. We're working thru it - we're exhausted - but we're working thru it.

Not to say that it has been nothing but miserable (we all actually got to sleep thru the night last night - for the first time in probably 3 weeks!) - the girls have adjusted amazingly well to their new environment. Here's the breakdown:

• Weight Gain - For most of us, including myself, this is seriously a bad thing. But for our two little monkeys this has been something that hasn't happened since they turned 1! They have grown - grown at least a good 3 if not 4 inches - but they only managed to gain 1 pound from July to December. If you look at John and I you know we are not destined to have skinny children - it's just not in the gene cards! Some how thru all the colds and illness the girls have finally started putting on some weight. Sidney alone managed to put on 2 pounds during the month of February - the results are still pending for Addison. Might it have something to do with the fact that they are now eating 4 meals a day (they get a breakfast at home and then another one at day care a couple of hours later) or that we regularly feed them Ichiban Noodles? I'm not sure but I'm not complaining.


• Expansions of Vocabulary - Addy can repeat ANYTHING you say. Trust me on this one - John has learned it the hard way. Though I should blame myself for allowing my children to be anywhere close to their father when Michigan sports are on TV!


• Dancing Queens - The evidence, though slightly blurry can be found by clicking on the link provided below. Not much more needs to be said except that they get the love of the dance from my mother. It must be something that is passed down thru the DNA code - cause this for sure isn't something that can be taught! http://picasaweb.google.com/jchungum/AddySid02_15_2009#5306561265315871474
  
• Hugs & Kisses - Not only do the girls love giving John and me hugs and kisses when we drop them off and pick them up from day care - but they now also hug and kiss their teachers as well. It is rather endearing to witness this display of love for people I hardly know - but at least it's a way for them to let me know that they love the people they spend 9.5 hours a day with.

So - all in all - things are going good. Despite the never ending illnesses that have plagued our home we are all still very blessed with many things in our lives. The proof is in the photos.....

Sid in the toy box:

The Girls playing peek-a-boo at dinner:

Addy getting cozy in our bed:

Piggie tails!

Always Trust Your Instincts!

Day Care – Day 1

No issues! Seriously. I’m still not sure how it happened – except to say that I have to start trusting my instincts because apparently I’m onto something over here…..

John and I dropped the girls off in the morning together. We had them go find a few toys that they seemed to enjoy playing with when we took them in for 2 short visits the week before – than had them sit down at the table where the rest of the children were playing. I gave them both a quick kiss good-bye and we left. That was it. No tears, no whining, no running to the door like we just abandoned our off spring. Totally amazing!

The thing that I had not anticipated was all of this being harder on John and me than it was on them. Honestly a shocking revelation for the both of us – being the stoic individuals that we are. You want someone with cold blood? Marry a German or a Korean (Yes – we are so lucky that we found each other!).

But yes, I had spent the day wondering and worrying if my little half-breeds were doing OK. I got my answer when I went to pick them up at 5PM. I had prepared myself for tears of overwhelming joy – of which I got none. When I walked into the room they both looked over at me with these looks that basically said: “Oh, hey! I’m glad to see you but I hope you’re not seriously trying to take me home right now. I’m sort of busy over here, Mom.” Nice my little offspring, very nice….

I spent the next 20 minutes bundling up my kids. It was a scene straight out of 'A Christmas Story' expect you have to add in another kid, a stroller, and a giant plastic stroller cover (which I do believe will end up being a pain in my existence), a baby bag and now one sweaty mother who was exhausted from having an emotion for the past 9 hours that wasn’t ‘calm’ or ‘anger so uncontrollable there is steam visibly shooting out of my ears’. I started to head for the door only to look up and find my husband standing there – and again I’m hit with a couple of different emotions we won't mention in my PG-13 blog – but ended back at being ‘calm’ yet still sweaty. I mean – who really wants to head out on a 21 degree day for a 10-block walk if they really don’t have to? Right?

The day being over – the night was just beginning! Our little Einstein’s, full of exhaustion and a newly found independence, proceeded to give me a run for my money. I sent John out to search for food (I mean who wants too cook after the day I just had – not me for sure!), while I started feeding the girls some staples of their diet. That being YoBaby yogurt and peas.

I’ve always encouraged the girls to self feed and lately to try and use utensils. John always wants to do what it easiest for us - and avoiding the huge mess that follows when the girls attempt to feed themselves falls right into that category. Last night both of the girls REFUSSED to let me feed them. Even though I was completely amused at this little defiance the logical side of me knows the mess I make when I try and feed them yogurt – I cannot fathom the aftermath of this one. So I opted to let them feed themselves their own peas - and then shoved spoonfuls of yogurt down their throats where they weren't looking.

Tantrums squashed, but the war wasn’t over. Sidney quickly got sick of using her spoon and starting just picking up her bowl and dumping the peas right into her mouth - and down her bib, into her chair, onto the floor, bouncing every where and leaving a little 'butter' trail every where the eye could see. Upon John’s return from foraging for food (OK – it was Yang’s Chinese food to the rescue again) an epic battle ensued. It was the right to be fed vs the right to feed themselves. John soon raised a white flag and let them just have at it. Parents 1 – Children 1.

So after baths, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, hair combing, lotion-ing, pajama-ing, de-toy-ing and story time - we put the girls down for a long winters nap – glad that the day was over with little tears, much joy and a night of Tivo to look forward to.

*Sigh*

We’ll see how Day Care - Day 2 goes……

We Might Be Crazy!

So last Friday John and I officially decided that we were going to "let our nanny go" - which is basically the p.c. way of saying we fired her *ss. Not that it was an easy decision as Elvie has become like a part of our family - I'd even venture to say she is like a third Grandmother to Addy and Sid. They love her so much that at times John and I have to wonder if the girls would rather go live with Elvie than stay with us! Seriously you should see them run to the door every morning when they hear her coming in - I never knew two half-breeds could move so fast! Could they be a couple of future track stars? Perhaps - but only if they don't end up with those short little Chung legs.....

Anyways - Elvie's last day with us will be on Friday, January 30 - and we will miss her - a lot. Not so much all the long, black hair she leaves around the house, on the floors, on the couch, in the girls clothing, on the carpet, etc etc - but I have a feeling the stuff she does for us on a daily basis will continue to go unnoticed by myself and John until she has left and is gone from our lives completely.

So yes - we might be crazy - but we have spent many weeks - not to mention countless bottles of beer (aids in deep thinking) - in coming to this choice. The girls will officially start their new day care on Monday, February 2. We're trying to prepare ourselves for what can only be a difficult transition - as they still get kicked out of Promise Land at church from time to time - but with any luck they will eventually be happy in their new environment.

Will the socialization and learning opportunities outweigh the runny noses, colds, and naughty little habits they will pick up from all the other crumbsnatchers in their class? Only time will tell - but we hope we have made the right decision!

Who ever knew being an adult and making choices that will influence our children for the rest of their lives would be so difficult! I'm sort of missing the time when the biggest decision of my day was if I should wear the Stuart Weitzman boots and my Kate Spade bag - or the Cole Haan peep-toe pumps and my Dooney purse. Though I'm more than certain that John is very happy those days for me are gone!

A Crappy Sunday

This past Sunday (12/28/08) was a day to remember and forget. Unfortunately, I have no pictures or proof to indict the two little scoundrels, so you'll have to take my word for it. It was a typical Sunday morning, and Jami and I tried to get that extra 30 minutes of sleep. Yeah, we try but typically fail. Sunday mornings are a challenge, since church begins at 10:00 AM (really 9:46 AM but we skip the morning songs). The girls need to eat, take a nap, and it takes us 15 to 20 minutes to walk to church. So that means we need to be out the door around quarter to 10.

We decided to give the monkeys some french toast sticks and sausage. Jami loves to encourage the girls to eat, even if it is super messy. So the first incident was that syrup was EVERYWHERE! Then the "genius twins" decide that syrup in the hair would be totally awesome. So now we have dirty little girls that need a bath before church. The time line is now officially running off course. Please note Squid's "up do" below.



We are both thinking, throw them in the tub, get them dressed, Jami will get ready while I watch the girls and take a quick shower...maybe we can get back on schedule. So we throw them in the tub, and when we are done we notice a King Size Snickers bar floating in the tub. At first I thought...YUM a little post Christmas gift until I realized what it really was. You see the "peanuts" were really corn kernels. Now the girls have only pooped in the tub a few times, but Sunday really didn't need to be one of those days.

Okay, let's get them out of the tub, clean the tub, get diapers on them and then get going! Nope.

Jami went to diaper the girls while I got the privilege of scooping the chocolate bar and floaters out of the tub. As I'm having fun doing that, I hear..."JOHN!!!". I run to the girls' room and see Jami holding Addy...another monster turd is on the floor and Addy's feet are full of poop. When Jami was putting a diaper on Sid, she heard, "UUNNNNGGGG!!!". She turned, saw a man-size turd flying out of Addy's ass and now we are screwed. So now I'm running to find something to wipe Addy's feet off, but the wet cloth I'm using is useless. Too much poop on her feet. Why did she decide to stomp on the log she just laid? I don't know...must be a Wendling thing?

As I'm wiping her feet, poop is now dripping onto the hallway rug. So there is poop every-friggin'-where. Jami then throws Addy in the tub again, I'm swearing and yelling, Sid is running around crying because I'm yelling. All FUN at the Chung house this past Sunday.

At least I made it to church. The Chung ladies stayed home.