Two is twice the fun

Evie's epic sick day, where she slept on
me or Will for over 9 hrs!

I finally feel like I can catch up a bit on my blog.  I've been absolutely exhausted the past two months because, (I'm excited to finally be able to say), we're expecting number two!  Baby Daly the second is due October 7th, 2014.  It's crazy to think about having two children: the added responsibility, expense, sleep deprivation, etc.  And of course the added excitement.  I feel like we're only just getting the hang of being parents to Evie!  And she still keeps us on our toes every day...

Another present

One of Evie's bday presents

Speaking of two, Evie is proud to tell you that is how old she is.  She's been saying she was two since about a month before it actually happened.  And today she told me she was three.  Ha!  Her birthday came and went without a party this year.  Like I said, I was tired.  And I figured this would be the last year I could get away with not throwing one before she was the wiser.  That's not to say we didn't do anything for her.  Evie was lucky and got quite a few birthday presents.  In fact, every time we see anything wrapped now, she points to it and says "my birthday. my present!".  Um, not so fast, kiddo. 

Walking to school

I really can't begin to write all that's happened since my last post.  We suffered through Chicago's coldest winter in history.  Literally.  Still suffering through it in fact, despite the fact that it's April.  Some people would call 35 and rainy spring.  I do not agree.  Spring was a gorgeous season in Louisville.  Of course there was rain, but there were so many flowers in full bloom from March through May you didn't seem to mind as much.  People were able to be outside enjoying the 50, 60 and often 70 degree weather,  rather than continuing to hibernate as seems to be the norm here.  That is one thing I just haven't gotten used to.  Every spring I seem to get a bit depressed (for lack of a better word).  I get an itch to leave Chicago and move to a much warmer climate.  I love it here and love our new house and neighborhood and all the city has to offer, but the winter just takes it out of you.  And then the spring is like the TKO punch.  When you're down, struggling to regain your sanity, starting to see a glimmer of hope, bam, it punches you in the face and knocks you back inside for TWO MORE MONTHS.  Sometimes three.  I'm sure our new neighbors think I've lost my mind when I decide Evie and I will be going to the playground despite the freezing rain and lack of sunshine.  I. just. need. to. get. outside!

Dancing on one of our walks

Thankfully my sister convinced me after the nine hundredth million snow flake fell this March to take Evie to visit her in sunny Florida.  I wished I'd had the chance to go down in January/February when Nana and Grandpa were there as well, but my job made it too tough (as a side note, I can't wait for that to be over this June...).  When Becca heard it was my spring break she informed me I had no more excuses and to get my tush on a plane.  So, Evie and I left Will for about 5 days to escape.  It was so fun to watch Evie and her cousin Ryan together.  They had total opposite nap schedules, so really only interacted for two hours a day, but during those hours it was adorable.  Sure, they had their moments of discontent, but for the most part they played together well.  Since we've been home, Evie has asked to call Ryan every day.  If I tell her he's sleeping, she'll say "call Becca.  call Unku Mark". Aside from loving being with them, Evie loved being outside as much as I did.  We went on daily walks around the neighborhood and made a trip to the beach almost every day.  She has absolutely no fear at the beach, by the way.  Runs straight ahead into the water with me sprinting behind her.  Sometimes gets knocked in the face by a rogue wave, comes up coughing and then gets a huge smile and wants to go further in.  The waves are so big there (and the water was still a bit cold from winter) that I didn't take her fully in.  I'm certain she thought I was the lamest mom ever as she watched older kids use boogie boards and body surf despite the chill.  Fortunately, chasing seagulls proved a worthwhile second option.  And destroying sand castles was a distant third.

Attempting to peddle.
Sadly her feet don't reach

Since we've been home we've been biding our time until the weather gets warmer.  Next week the neighborhood is hosting a small Easter Egg hunt.  I'm very much looking forward to that, despite the projected overcast skies and low 40s temperatures.  At least The Daly's wont be the only crazy ones outside on that particular day!