Collaboration Nation

Hang onto your wallets ladies because some of the better designer collaborations I've seen in awhile are all happening NOW.  Well, John Robshaw for Uniqlo is already live and Lilly for Target and Milly for Kohls debut April 19th and 23rd, respectively.

I guess it's not that surprising that some of JR's most distinctive signature textiles are being translated for his line at Uniqlo.  I just can't wait until we finally get our own store here this fall...

I'm forever a lover of Target (I grew up in Target land) and their collaborations, and Lilly (which I've loved for decades) is no different.  I have a feeling this line is going to disappear quickly.  I've stocked Mari's Lilly for this summer (they have awesome sales and then it is super easy to unload here), but I'll probably be squeaking in a few of these toddler girl pieces...

Milly (by Michelle Smith) for DesigNation at Kohls is a little bit edgier twist on Milly, though these two are decidedly not, though very cute.

Happy Year of the Horse

Well the lucky "Year of the Horse" is here and my kids are insane for horses, even more than the other animals they are crazy for (like rabbits, which the Chinese zodiac says they and DH all are), which is saying something.

Last July, we took the kids to Arlington Park for the first time (since I was pregnant, pre-bedrest) on the Fourth (w/my mom and sister), though we spent more time up close w/the horses pre-races then actually watching the races.

 

Waiting patiently, so that we can scream like banchees when we see them...

Later in July, we celebrated Family Day at Oakbrook Polo with my dad.  This was back when Alistair wasn't yet walking independently.  That was a long summer, but one I'd gladly consider taking back now.

 Checking out the Teslas on display (love), which have the fun rear facing third seat (apparently because the founder has twins AND triplets, all boys!)

 

Stomping divots

 With our hands and knees...

We don't live in horse country (or the country at all, for that matter), though we are somehow surrounded by it in close proximity.  Wayne and Barrington are known for their horse farms, though this isn't Kentucky or Wellington.

I rode a bit as a kid, my step-mom/sister had a horse and a pony and my sisters and I took lessons for awhile, but I never got back into it before the kids came like I meant to.  Now I'm looking forward to all of us getting into riding.  DH is also a bit ridiculously obsessed with horses.

Are you a horse person?  Or as they say "horsey"? ;)

Filling the horse quota this week

17 months old

Well, hello there almost 1 1/2 year old babies toddlers...

I caught them in her wardrobe, which was plenty cute, though it now has a latch (sorry kiddos) 

Enjoying the spring weather, finally... 

Everyone is doing well. Alistair is finally pulling up a lot more and really cruising, though he will likely set some sort of new record for late walking, whenever that ends up happening. We'll obviously be discussing it more next month at the pedi. He struggled with getting straight upright for awhile, which made me wonder if he did have something wrong with his hips from being breech that they didn't catch, but thankfully he's made a lot of progress lately.

So proud of himself (and we are too buddy)

I was reading that walking actually has a lot to do with temperament, which makes me wonder why she wasn't walking earlier than 15 months and if he ever will, since she's unbelievable curious and bossy, like her mom, and he is crazy chill, like his dad. He is 25 lbs. of huge (while she's actually down from all her running around) and my arms are barely functional at this point, so here's hoping he gets to walking from cruising faster than his sister did.

She is all over the place and into everything, as is to be expected.  She's also fiercely independent, which is also normal for little girls.  I've really noticed lately that they both really know exactly what is going on around them. They usually listen to me, though they get a kick out of laughing at me when I need to discipline them, which is kind of funny and cute and obviously not so great at the same time. They will bring me things when I mention them, or even when I don't if they know that is what we need. They still only have a handful of real words each, though they are both very verbal, and when we say things they point to them.

She's in love with dandelions (thank goodness we don't treat our backyard), though their season is waning so we'll have to find some substitute to pick and carry around when they are gone. He loves to swing at the park, while she is not a fan.

We've wrapped up our swimming session, which went really well. They loved it and are much more comfortable in the water now. The library toddler time also finished up, though there will be new activities for summer. It is crazy to think it is almost Memorial Day, we'll be heading up north to see the fam as most have May birthdays and we're celebrating my mom (and dad's) 65th and my g-ma's 91st.  The weather has just really gotten nice the last few weeks. I think it rained every day in April, but now we are getting out mostly every day to the park, running errands, and really putting our new patio to good use.

We got a new pool, which was rated for 2+, but it already seems a bit small.

We also got a new playgym (with a sandbox) for 1.5+, which is also a little crowded for two.

So I'm wondering what the equation for determining what age toy will be best accommodating for two toddlers...  They don't seem to mind too much, they are always on top of each other anyway.

The big pools around us are opening soon.  Yay! We went into the city on Saturday to go to the Green City Market and the LP zoo, which was really fun. Mari got to get really close to this monkey, she was so excited.

I also only just now somehow discovered that the MCA (where DH and I had our first date nearly nine years ago) has stroller days one Wednesday every month, so we'll likely be heading in for that and lunch at Puck's.

Unfortunately, we had to make our first trip to the ER several weeks ago, when Mari, who was struggling with what seemed like allergies (but ended up being a cold) for ten days, out of nowhere got hivey on her face and seemed to be having trouble breathing. They gave her benadryl and the splotches subsided (which made me feel kind of stupid) though I wasn't taking any chances on her breathing. Though there is a hospital very close, it was not a fun drive. This was after her medicine kicked in, poor thing...  Rough Sunday morning for all of us.

But our Mother's Day was fun and low key. We got spiffed up and had brunch/lunch at the club.

She loves to wave, even when she is coming with us.

I told DH not to get me anything, since I still haven't even gotten around to using my Christmas gift (a day at the Pen spa) and last year he got me a lovely diamond infinity necklace, but obviously I don't really wear it seeing as I'm home with two grabby kids all day (the chain nearly broke once when I wore it out with them). I'm even harder to shop for now, if that is possible, plus I've gotten to a point where the last thing I want is more stuff, I'm enjoying saving more than ever now.

Things are still in a holding pattern with work, which is fine.  I alternate between wanting to go back, just wanting a little break, and swimming in the kids' deliciousness unabashedly disregarding any need for a life of my own at this point.  It has now been 25 months since I've "worked" at all, besides my life as a domestic, which is wild.  I've found an amazing place, The Goddard School, which will likely be where they will go, when I do go back.  They love each other, but I think they will really benefit from spending more time with other kids and caregivers.

Lots going on, I may someday even get it together enough to do a post on our gardening.  Stay tuned...

Planner seeking planner

I'm a planner AND a planner person. And if you are too, you likely already have a planner (or two) for this year. It is already/only late February, so they are clearing them out. If you need a change, I can attest to two that are great.

Last year, I had one from Erin Condren, which of course I couldn't resist because it had my signature HDT quote on the cover... (now 40% off, when purchased with gift labels, using code "COMBO2013")

This year, I opted for a Lilly (Pulitzer)... In "Skip on it" and "You gotta regatta". They are now only $8-$12 (in three sizes), no code needed, and ship free through Th 2/26.   Enjoy!