jonah's world

just like those darn bradys

2011-03-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, when Jonah was a tiny, darling thing, we took him to the lowe's to help us pick out a lamp. Check it out.
Three years later, while playing ball in the house, Jonah broke that dear lamp. The poor monkey lost his paw. My sweet son told me, "sorry, mom. You think Daddy will be mad?" Nothing a little glue can't fix.

six degrees of lee dewyze

2010-05-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

You'd a thought everyone in town won the lottery. Better yet, you'd a thought it was 2003 and the Cubs were in the playoffs again. Or even better, we all got into our hot tub time machines to 1985 to watch the greatest team of all time make it to Super Bowl xx. The town of Mt. Prospect's gone mad--the culprit--our very own Idol. People are smiling and so giddy you'd think they were all drinking the Kool Aid or something. And it's all because of Lee. The Lee DeWyze bug has bit the northwest suburbs and we can't get enough.

About a month ago, Jonah, Kev and I went on a walk in downtown Mt. Prospect and ended up taking some great shots of Leesigns. I've turned this into one of my first real photo essay in years.

We've never watched American Idol in the Schmaranzer-O'Neill house. Okay, we did, but only the first episode when the contestants embarrass themselves. Our only connection to past seasons was when a patron of Grammy at the AH memorial library was featured in a segment as one of the worst singers of all time. But this Lee kid's changed the Schmaranzer-O'Neill tv habits. We've been watching faithfully every week and Jonah goes to bed after Lee's performance.

Jonah's been dancing watching the show and even said "Lee" the other day and said E-E when he saw the Lee shirt I designed. a proud moment. Just yesterday, we saw a sign VOTE 4 Lee outside Bogies and Jonah said "four". Another proud moment.

Well, with Lee being in the final three now, it's LeeMania in these parts. It's all everyone's talking about and, for those of you who live far away, I thought we could play a little six degrees of Lee DeWyze because Jonah's got some mad connections to the young man who's put our nice li'l town on the map! And, well, I prefer to make lists anyhow.

Jonah was born at Northwest Community Hospital; Lee's mom works at Northwest Community Hospital.

Jonah's grammy's friend Roseanne's son grew up with Lee from kindergarten thru 8th grade.

Lee sold Jonah's grandpa's next door neighbor Lenny paint at the Mt. Prospect Paint Store. According to Lenny, "He's a real nice f#$*ing kid. I would only buy paint from him. He's a good kid."

Jonah's mommy's former student Amy Cull dated Lee for years.

Jonah's Auntie Kim's friend Michelle met Lee at the Mt. Prospect Paint Store.

Jonah's gone with his mommy to Steve's Automotive. Lee's significant friend's dad is a mechanic at Steve's automotive.

Jonah's mom swears she's seen Lee's dad at the Home Depot.

Jonah's mommy even works in the building where Lee went to school in like '03/'04--back in the day. It's safe to say she's been in the field house or caf at the same time as him.

But don't expect Jonah's super grandma to leave bingo early tonight to watch the show. That's not happening.

Vote for Lee.

oh, and let's go hawks.

what happened to mommy's mall?

2010-05-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Daddy showing Jonah his latest project...the renovation of Randhurst Mall, soon to be Randhurst Living Center or something like that. I still miss frosted brownies with Pammy at the coffee shop next to 9 West. It's cool, we prefer Golf Mill anyhow.

car parties

2010-05-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

This kid sure has his own sound opinions. To sound as polite as possible, his tastes are developing and he's becoming quite particular. I guess every child rebels against his parents' music. Jonah's daddy claims his own music tastes peaked in '92 and his mommy's music helps her pretend she was a teenager in the 60s. But Jonah, pop music from the Mix 101.9? Really. Really?

Pandora a la iphone's really helped him branch out a bit. I have to say we are impressed at times, like when he rocks out to the Ramones but when he bebops to Ciara, Pitbull and Rihanna, it's downright frightening. The boy is into pop and if we don't do something about it now, it may be too late.

Breakfast with the Beatles used to be a staple every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10 on XRT. These day, instead, he brings me his Chipmunks cd or wants to listen to Lady Gaga or the Black Eyed Peas. Where did this come from? Whatever shall we do?

Lately, instead of a bath during level 4 tantrums, we've turned to car parties. It's like a playpen for toddlers. We'll deal with the pop music for now.

sundays with super g-ma

2010-04-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Super G-ma is turning 87 soon! We get to spend every Sunday with her and, sometimes, when jonah's being a good boy, she lets him do some scratchoff tix. Please don't tell him these are loser tickets. shhhh. We tricked him!

eastertime

2010-04-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

hunting for eggs. i like eggs.
new buddies.
pimp shirt.
The bear trying out his new trains.

bigfoot

2010-03-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Another trip to Jonah's favorite mall Golf Mill. Jonah need a new pair of shoes for his monster 9 double wide feet. Bad news--- Jonah's favorite shoe store Stride Rite is closing.

U-S-A U-S-A!!!

2010-02-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

Jonah went to bed dreaming of the possibility of U.S.A. gold after a nail-biting victory over Team Canada!

birthday traditions!

2010-01-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

birthday #1

birthday #2
A wise person once convinced me of how fun and important it is to stick to fun traditions--not only the old ones but starting new ones. Jonah's gone to the Field museeem with Mommy and Daddy for birthday #1 and now birthday #2. We love it. Perhaps it's more for us than it is for him, but nonetheless he seemed to have a great time! So much, in fact, that after three days of Christmas and his birthday extravaganza, Jonah was down for the count for the rest of the week. Poor guy got pretty sick, but he's all good now.
Jonah's dinosaur train birthday cake...made by pammy and auntie carol.

BOB!

2010-01-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Jonah's still not saying many words these days, but we do see some "explosions" here and there. His favorite word right now is BOB! He loves Bob.

somebody got a haircut

2010-01-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

Jonah sportin' his new 'do.
After succumbing to the pressure and to the relief of many relatives, Jonah got a haircut on Sunday.The keys to a pleasant, successful haircut:
1. let jonah drink from the squirt water bottle
2. don't make him sit
2. follow him around with clippers.
Not a single tear!

Go Ducks.

2010-01-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

Since mommy's super bowl loss, jonah gets in the spirit of college football! Not a Tebow fan.

happy holidays from the harrisons

2009-12-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hoping this one becomes an O'Neill family classic photo!
goofin' around with Mia Rita.
Singing happy b-day to uncle brian!
Getting ready to steal super grandma's cane.

New hat from Super Grandma!

two year old photo shoot

2009-12-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Jonah and his daddy played out in the snow for his two-year-old photo shoot. Jonah better get used to this snow quick. He's feet didn't budge the entire time they were out there. It's like he's afraid to walk in the snow. It's adorable.

photos by Kevin

holiday shenanigans and tomfoolery

2009-12-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

Auntie Autumn, Lila and Jonah have a sit-down meeting over lollipops before they sign the papers for their arranged marriage.
Auntie Autumn's getting some photo pointers from Jonah while Lila and her daddy watch some Monday Night football. (Lila's dad and I are facing off in the fantasy super bowl Sunday. I am the defending champ. You could call my team the Patriots. I'm awesome and I didn't even use auto draft.)
Uncle Tuny busted out the old school train set. Jonah's real good at conducting (and derailing)!

playing puppies with lila.
begging for a new balloon. Jonah's real good at popping them!
roxy loves dressing up like santa's little helper.

Jonah playing baby Jesus in manger.

Happy Birthday Uncle Brian

2009-12-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

and happy day before perfect 7 and a half pound baby jesus' bday!

wherever he may roam

2009-12-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

My son wandering the streets of Christmas. Like I said before, it was a magical night.

'tis the season

2009-12-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Jonah kicked off the holiday season with a trip to see Santa in Glen Ellyn and Auntie Nat. Jonah met Auntie Nat's niece Olivia for the first time. They chilled and watched Buddy the Elf and played with a kick ass monster truck.
Daddy and Jonah take a break to enjoy a hot dog with mustard...mommy hates mustard. i sat off in the sidelines checking out the latest winter fashions.
Jonah rocked out in Glen Ellyn for the Xmas tree lighting.
and picked a fire truck over Santa Claus...
and loved checking out all the windows; he got to run around in the streets since all the roads were blocked off. Freedom!!! We had a magical evening...I felt like we were in some norman rockwell painting...'tis the season.

just like his mommy

2009-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

It typically takes me about at hour to leave any sort of party or event. On Thanksgiving night, Jonah started to follow his mom's tradition. (I think it's a Bjorklund trait too!) He was just having too much fun to consider leaving. He didn't get to bed until after 10:30...that had nothing to do with the fact that mommy got lost on the way home. twice. Like I said, too much fun!

Thankful!

2009-11-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

for the best babysitter in all the land!
for the best cousins ever...
and dinosaurs too.
for family dinners and hangin out with emmi and super g-ma
and BFF Anthony who just celebrated his third birthday.
more family dinners..please note the orange pop...mmmmm
that Uncle Brian could come to town this turkey day.
for cookies people manage to sneak to him...(Mia and Jonah enjoyed the most delicious almond cookies at Chin's a couple weeks ago. Jonah also adores cookies from the Jewels, Central Continental Bakery and homemade too!)
and for field trips with mom and dad. here's the children's reading area at Owl Lumber Yard.

one more thing...we're very thankful Jonah's girlfriend Lila and his Uncle Erich and Auntie Jess are coming to Chicago for the holidays!

This kid must be Italian!

2009-11-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

Mostaccioli monster.
@ John's Pizzeria on Bleeker in NYC...quite arguably, the greatest pizza we ever had. It was so good Jonah passed out at the table when he was all done.

Happy Birthday Mia Rita!

2009-11-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

Mia's second bday Halloween party. Some featured guests included Mia Rita the witch, Allyson the Cat, Justin as Buzz Lightyear, Sienna the Pirate Princess and Dominic as Michael Jackson.
Jonah and Cousin Allyson Lu hang out at Mia Rita's crib.

Grammy's latest creation--a Spongebob cake..delicious. jonah was scraping and licking the plate when he was all done!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

We got quite a loot! Jonah was a real trooper and even walked up to a couple houses. He tried to sneak into the houses too so that didn't work out too well.

Rock stars Emmi and Kieran play with Bamm-Bamm Jonah before trick or treating begins.

After over an hour of Trick or Treating in Emmi's 'hood we enjoyed some Marie's pizza...a new Halloween tradition!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-11-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

Jonah helped me make this peach cobbler thingy for kev's bday. It got decent reviews.
then we went to chinn's to celebrate Uncle Adam, DesNeige and Kev's birthday. Jonah couldn't get enough of the almond cookies, rice and broccoli.
Jonah played racecars with Mia and Sienna while DesNeige drew them cool anime pictures all over the tablecloth.

look out Pebbles

2009-11-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Over the summer, Amy Polenzani suggested that Jonah would make a perfect Bamm Bamm for Halloween, and he really did. And what a great reason to keep his hair long! Grandma Pam worked hard on his costume and was inspired by a caveman costume Erich wore back in the day...maybe 1979...not sure. Jonah's obsession with dinosaurs these days was a perfect fit too!

Got any reasons to continue to keep his hair long? trick or treat pix coming soon.

Jonah's trip to Tarry Town

2009-11-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Jonah ran around the cemetery with his daddy while Mommy enjoyed her coffee.
Jonah and Sienna Lou exploring.
Here's a replica of the actual Headless Horseman bridge. They had to move it back in the day to make room for a road. (lame). Jonah and his daddy and his cousins crossed the bridge. I was a little freaked about Jonah crossing a bridge for the first time so sorry folks, no quality pix of Jonahbear on the bridge. It keeps it a little mysterious.
Here's a rock Uncle Adam named the pumpkin rock.

Jonah's cousin D came up with the idea to go to Tarry town while we were in NY and NJ for Cousin Eric's weddin'. It was on my list of cool places I've always wanted to go. Jonah sneaked past the gate around Washington Irving's grave...what a rebel. He ran all over the place. I couldn't keep up.
D gave me some special Tarry town acorns so we could plant a Tarry town tree. Not sure where we're gonna plant them yet. No Headless Horseman spotting. We'll have to go back.

RUMPUS!!!

2009-10-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

if you can't tell, we're pretending we're dinosaurs.
more rumpus
more rumpus
and more rumpus
and more rumpus
and even more in music class.

Cousin Erik and Devon's weddin'

2009-10-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Jonah hanging out with the men--Daddy, Papa, and Uncle Lowell.
rock throwing contest with Mia. i think they got about 20 rocks in the can and all full of mud at the same time!

Jonah played dinosaurs with Mia and Dominic.
This past weekend we went to Jersey to see Cousin Erik and Devon get hitched. It was Jonah's first wedding and he partied so hard he was asleep at 8:30...we had to cut out a bit early. I think Jonah's eating in every picture we took. The best food we ever had at a wedding! We watched the ceremony from the golf course while chasing Jonah around. He fell and ate some mud but Daddy cleaned him up real good before the reception. Jonah spent most of the reception playing dinosaurs, eating rolls and pushing Mia around in the stroller. He explored the country club and met a real nice lady named Gracie who worked there. She hooked Jonah up with some milk, rolls and a high chair.

Light the Night Walk

2009-09-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

We kept Jonah out real late for a good cause. Vanguard staff and students, old and new, gathered at Grant Park to raise money and awareness for Leukemia and other cancers. Our team reached our goal. I think Jonah's goal was to gather balloons. He loved them all---everyone kept giving theirs to him. By the end of the night, he had like 20 balloons. He was in heaven. It was a gorgeous night and we were honored to be a part of it.

mommy's favorite pizza

2009-09-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

Out for pizza with the O'Neills and Della-Perutas for my bday!
We got the Lou!

li'l helper

2009-09-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

Jonah helped Grandfather look through samples to pick out a new roof.

new wheels

2009-09-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

mommy's new cabinets

2009-09-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

"Daddy's gonna kill Ralphie."

18 month photo shoot

2009-07-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

All summer I've been bugging Uncle Brian to go with us to the River Trails Nature Center in Northbrook. Jonah went once before with Grammy, Papa and Daddy and ever since I've been dying to go. Finally not only did Brian come with but he took his camera along and caught some amazing shots.
Most of the time we were there Jonah just took off running on the trails and spent time talking with the Hawk too. It's too bad the nature center was closed but I did get a chance to grab some brochures for work. The one that caught my eye was the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. Gives us lots to think about. It's a bill that passed this year.
All Children should have the opportunity to:
1. Discover wilderness-- prairies, dunes, forests, savannas, and wetlands
2. Camp under the stars
3. Follow a trail
4. Catch and release fish, frogs, and insects
5. Climb a tree (not sure I like that one--sounds dangerous)
6. Explore nature in neighborhoods and cities
7. Celebrate heritage
8. Plant a flower
9. Play in the mud or a stream
10. Learn to swim
Not bad Illinois. Think about that next time someone says all we are is a bunch of crooked thieves.

Jonah Carroll goes back to Washington

2009-07-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Jonah's a regular now. so much that he's mastered their public transportation and eaten at Ben's Chili Bowl. Can't wait 'til we can go back!

jonah's favorite

2009-05-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

sharing cereal with Daddy.

The Green Generation

2009-04-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Dylan McKay shot.
Brandon Walsh shot.
Both equally serious about Earth Day.

Easter fun!

2009-04-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Goofin' around with Uncle Adam.

Hunting for eggs

2009-04-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Egg Hunt:
Emily dominates over Jonah 18-4. Maybe next year.

Garfield Park Conservatory

2009-04-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

One of chicago's best kept secrets. Jonah's buddy Brian Gallagher suggested we pay a visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory. Jonah loved running around and tried to jump in the water about a dozen times. Imagine it-- this kid endured the torture of his first haircut just hours before.

First Haircut: before and after

2009-04-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

First REAL Haircut

2009-04-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

I hope Jonah doesn't need a haircut for a long time. Jackie's a pro; we don't know how she did it and it was all over in less than five minutes! We promised Jonah a trip to the nature center for being such a trooper. Poor little guy.

Patron of the Arts

2009-03-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

Jonah and family explore the thrilling and psychotic paintings of Norweigian treasure Edvard Munch at the Art Institute.

Trip to Bass Pro

2009-03-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

We kick off mommy's spring break with a trip to bass pro. He and Uncle Rudy plan out some future fishin' trips.ccc

Mizzou vs. Marquette

2009-03-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

Jonah was off to Gatsby's today to watch his very first basketball game. Jonah caught up with his Uncle Chuck over some delicious fries. He also met mommy's friend Megan who's a whiz at the brackets. How are you brackets, buddy?
Mizzou 83
Marquette 79
Wonder who Jonah's gonna root for next year?

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

2009-03-15T23:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Jonah got a sunburn, played with his cousins and got on tv with daddy(Channel 7 coverage of the southside parade.) Click the link to see Jonah on television at 1:20!
We're gonna make the northwest side parade of southside legendary status next year!

intro to crayons

2009-03-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

think we got a lefty.

vanguard sculpts obamanable snowman

2009-02-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

Vanguard sculptors, coached by Auntie Natalie, make local news with their award-winning sculpture. They were featured on Channel 7! Respect the fist bump.

Rawr--dinosaurs

2009-01-31T08:47:00.000-08:00

Family trip to the Field Museum in January!
admission--free! (one of the perks to being teacher)
watching jonah crawl all over the museum foyer-- priceless!

Jonah's trip to DC

2009-01-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

Jonah's a champ. What a beautiful day. Jonah enjoyed time with mommy and daddy and ate a cheese sandwich while President Obama was sworn in. I can't think of anything more American than that.

a very elmo b-day

2009-01-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

Jonah followed in his cousin Sienna's footsteps and had a very Elmo birthday! Jonah played with an Elmo cake that his mommy made. He got three elmo cards, an Elmo storybook, an Elmo and Abby set (his daddy throws abby across the room and hides her because she is pink and purple which I think is wrong!), Elmo Live, a fuzzy, giggly elmo, some Elmo dvds and Elmo sweatsuit. Whoa. too much Elmo. I am tired. I now dream up future Elmo's world episodes like cars, hockey, the stock market, chocolate, tacos, pizza and Chicago.

We had all sorts of fun on Jonah's birthday Saturday. His special day was shared with the annual Newcomb family Christmas that falls on the Saturday after Christmas every year. Jonah spent most of the day laughing at his cousin Gavin hysterically (available on the facebook). We couldn't get him to stop. We thought he'd get a tummy ache but he just kept on laughing.

Jonah shares his birthday with all sorts of scientists, artists and journalists including:
Jean Bernouilli-Swiss Mathematician
Mick Jones-mediocre rocker from Foreigner
Cokie Roberts-badass political reporter
Gerard Depardieu-lame French actor
John Amos-kickass American actor
Marlene Dietrich-German actor from back in the day
Arch Ward-Sportswriter and editor for the Chicago Trib. Creator of the Golden Gloves and the all-star game.
Johann Kepler-physicist and astronomer
Louis Pasteur-nerdy scientist
Patrick Sharp-chicago blackhawk
Tim "Clammer" Sullivan-our best, good friend

I share my bday with former teen heartthrob Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Kev shares his with Pepa from Salt n Pepa. Pretty lame.

Christmas Morning

2008-12-29T14:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day

2008-12-29T08:57:00.001-08:00

Mia and Jonah anticipate Grammy's awesome Swedish Meatballs.

Sienna helped us open our gifts.
and Jonah and Mia really love to play together.

Christmas Eve and Uncle Brian's B-day

2008-12-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

Brian's gotta share his Christmastime bday with you know who.
Engineers stick together.
Jonah loves his cousin Emily...
and he loves little people too.
and coffee nilla wafer trifles....check out the featured recipe on the jello website! It's so good.

jonah's first sled

2008-12-27T05:42:00.000-08:00

meeting Santa Claus

2008-12-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

Jonah met his buddy Santa Claus today at the Golf Mill Mall. He had a great adventure and saw a bunch of goofballs while shopping with mommy, daddy and uncle brian.

happy snow day

2008-12-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

Jonah and I played over by the yard in the sled since school was canceled today!

We also had MANY holiday card photo shoots this past week. I think my pipe dreams of being a kid photographer who makes house calls is down the drain. We couldn't get Jonah to sit still for one sec. the only thing that calmed him down was his power ranger hair brush. Here's a cute photograph that didn't make the final cut for our cards.

Confession

2008-11-29T09:11:00.001-08:00

Not only did I take Jonah shopping on the "busiest" day of the year but:

1) He lost his shoe. Much like his cousin Emily before him, he is determined to NEVER wear shoes and socks. Luckily, we found his shoe sad and alone in JC Penney.

B) of all the malls I took him to Golf Mill.

D) Jonah feasted on McDonald's for the first time. We shared some chicken nuggets, fries and a water. Daddy was not happy but I recently heard that since the documentary Supersize Me and the book Fast Food Nation, the fast food giant has changed their ways. C'mon, you can't deny they have the best fries in all the land.

Story Lady

2008-11-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

Jonah loves reading with Grandma. When we ask him to get his books, he now grabs 'em off the shelf for us. It's pretty cool.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

Jonah's thankful for all sorts of cool stuff: time to play with Emily, Mia and Sienna, Elmo's world, sweet potatoes, vanilla yogurt, the ball machine, brown bear brown bear, his kitty cat, nunus at sleepy time, recent election results, trucks, mickey mouse, bath time, his girlfriend Lila, the best babysitter in all the land, and all his family who love him so much.

Shoulders!

2008-11-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

When my bros and I were kids, before we went to bed, my dad would put us on his shoulders and he'd walk around the tables in our house. We called it shoulders around the table. It's a nice tradition we've now passed down to Jonah.

Cane wars with Super Grandma

2008-11-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Jonah Carroll goes to Washington

2008-11-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

It's official. Jonah will be taking his first airplane ride in January for our first family vacation. We will be going to see President-Elect Barack Obama sworn in as 44. We are thrilled to be going away together and couldn't think of a better time or place to visit.

some proud moments

2008-11-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

Jonah's favorite toy right now has to be the pantry. He pulled out the Cheerios box and managed to dump his favorite cereal all over the kitchen floor the other day. I was so proud of his quick problem solving skills. Grandma did not share my sentiment.

Jonah waved bubye to the checkers at the Green Grocer yesterday and he does 'so big' when he feels like it, too. Great Grandma taught him that. Jonah's also getting real good at tug o' war. He beat great grandma a whole bunch of times today. This happens every time Jonah tries to steal her cane. Okay, you had to be there.

A couple weeks ago Jonah started clapping. I am having some difficulty catching it on film. I swear he's been doing it though. He claps when we say good, so big, gimme five, and hi jonah. He even does it when people on TV are laughing. It's so cute. Okay, I'll be quiet now.

Jonah's buddy Aiden

2008-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

Jonah's buddy Aiden, Auntie Kathy and Uncle Vince are doing just great. I've gotten to visit Aiden twice now and we had a real nice time. He's real snuggly and cute and it's fun just watching him breathe. I can't wait for Jonah to meet him!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2008-11-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Kevin's birthday today and got some dueling high chairs goin' on. We had a wonderful dinner at Grammy's house and Jonah's really starting to keep up with his cousins. Mia and Jonah even raced on the stairs. Jonah came in second. According to Kevin, Mia had a head start. Jonah came in second so we think he did pretty well.

Jonah misses Daddy

2008-11-06T18:54:00.001-08:00

When Kev goes out of town for work, Jonah tries to sneak into his briefcase. Kevin left for DC this morning for work. We think he's at a fancy Washington Elite Georgetown cocktail party tonight. Last time Kevin went to DC he brought me home a Sarah Palin mug and Jonah got a Barack Obama doll (I mean action figure.) This time we're hoping for a John McCain bobble head. We're guessing they're on sale.

Jonah's got a new buddy

2008-11-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

Aidan Michael Scardina is here!
Stats: 6 lbs. 12 oz. 19.5 in. born today at 1:30 in the a.m.

Pictures are coming soon.

My apologies to Jonah's auntie Kathy. I am unsure how to spell Aiden....

Congrats Scardina family---Kathy, Vince, Baby and Baby Aiden

Coming soon on a blog near you...

2008-11-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Coming soon on Jonah's Blog:

The Pumpkin Patch

Clapping

Reading

Halloween

Trick or Treating with Emily

Mia's Birthday Bash

and, Jonah's new buddy courtesy of Aunt Kathy (date of birth tbd)

Also, if you stay tuned, Jonah has a new blogging buddy...Bella the Dog. Link will be posted soon.

Pumpkin Patch: Chicago-style

2008-10-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today, we went trick or treating with Emmi and Kieran and we really lucked out. It was such a gorgeous night. There were so many kiddies on the streets that it looked like a scene out of E.T. or Mr. Mom.
Emmi, Steve and Kieran picked up like 35 pumpkins from Dominick's and, since it was Halloween, they got them for free. Steve took the opportunity to teach the kids an economics lesson about supply and demand. Then, Jonah flipped the pumpkins for a profit.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Kev carved this pumpkin and Brian took some great pix of Jonah in the yard for Halloween.

Happy Birthday, Mia

2008-10-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yay...Mia turns one. Grammy made an excellent pumpkin cake and Uncle Adam cooked up all sorts of Italian fare. Delicious. We all celebrated in costume. Well, the kids did. It was so hilarious and something new for Kevin and me as first year parents. I tried so hard to get pix of all the kids together in their costumes but I guess it doesn't work that way. Sienna and Mia managed to stay in costume all day but Jonah lasted about a half hour. Grammy made Sienna and Mia's costumes and they looked so cute. Grandma converted a monkey costume into a bear for Jonah--he just had to show his Chicago sports spirit. Dominic starred as Darth Vader and Allyson was a beautiful fairy. We just couldn't catch it on film though.

is it fall?

2008-10-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Jonah is contemplating whether or not to eat more leaves.

We see the beginning of a mullet. We're so proud!

Today was a good, good day--a beautiful fall day! Today, we celebrated Uncle Rudy's birthday, played at Anthony's house and enjoyed a photo shoot in Grandma's yard with Uncle Brian. There were so many good shots, it was real tough choosing which ones to post!

One more thing

2008-09-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Jonah loves his Uncle Brian so much that, despite some family members' disapproval, Jonah is hoping for a red line series.

Cubs Clinch

2008-09-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Jonah is sporting his new Cubs hat--a new edition flat billed cap inspired by KC Iatropoulos. Kevin still doesn't understand that the bill should be flat.

Jonah had so many admirers today at the track. He picked out some great horsies and mommy and daddy both won! Daddy won a bit more than mommy though.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

2008-09-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

Jonah learned some very important words today---ahoy, arrgh, aye, aye aye, and avast.

He's doing a great job copying the letter 'a' sound. By next pirate day, I bet we'll be singing the pirate song together. Jonah even leant me his parrot for the day. He's such a good boy.

more yummy foods

2008-09-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Jonah's digging all sorts of finger foods these days. He now eats toast, crackers, cheese, chicken. He's going through bibs quick.

yummy

2008-09-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

always on the go

2008-09-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Jonah not only stands in the pack-n-play but he climbs up the side of it, too. He's making me a nervous wreck but I think that is his job. He cruises around all over the place now. He tries to climb out of all shopping carts and it's now a struggle to get him in the high chair too. He wants to be on the go all the time.

Jonah was a very good boy for my birthday---he slept in. I even had to wake him up which never happens. It was very sweet; Jonah got me a hot diggity dog mickey mouse club dvd so we could watch it together now that i am back at work. He also helped inspire the hot dog lessons we're doing at Vanguard this week!

some more culture

2008-08-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

Jonah left the state for the first time today. In honor of the 105th anniversary of Harley Davidson, we drove up to Wisconsin for a party at Uke's in Kenosha. Actually, we went so we could play with Aunt Kim, Uncle Adam and Papa. Jonah got to see Papa's road king and he even saw a bike made entirely out of chocolate. I think Jonah loved seeing all the bikes but he knows his mommy will never let him to go on one that's moving.

Emily comes over to play

2008-08-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jonah just worships his cousin Emily. He loves when she comes to visit.

another photog in the fam

2008-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Sienna's really got an eye for taking pix, and did i mention she' three now?

evil tooth number 6 update

2008-08-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here by popular demand is an evil tooth update. It's still not here and it's, unfortunately, caused some nasty bruising on Jonah's gums. The bruising is slowly getting better but poor jonah's been getting up quite a bit at night. One method we've tried that has calmed Jonah down are some nice walks around the yard in the dark late at night. During one of these walks, Jonah encountered his first skunk--tail up at all.

Now some pretty important stuff happens at night and luckily, Jonah's been gearing up to take those important 3 am calls. Jonah got the text for Joe Biden, and now, while he wishes it were his buddy Hillary, Jonah likes Joe.

Roxy ignores her little bro

2008-08-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Shade is no fun

2008-08-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Family Portrait

2008-08-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Mia Rita's Baptism

2008-08-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here's our beautiful Goddaugher--- Mia Rita was baptized yesterday and she was such a champ.
Uncle Brian is also Godfather. It was pretty funny; Kevin and Brian were doing lots of Godfather impersonations after the ceremony. They seem partial to the renouncing satan line. See, the Schmaranzers aren't the only ones who do movie lines as a part of family dialogue.
Jonahbear wore a blue plaid button down collared shirt for the occasion. He dressed up for church. He even wore sandals like Jesus.

Isn't she the cutest! What a doll!

Happy Birthday Sienna

2008-08-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

We also celebrated Sienna's birthday yesterday! Sienna had so much fun even though she refuses to smile for the camera. We had a great time. Aren't the girls' matching dresses adorable?

Jonah played with his cousins and had big fun even though he said, "Hey, Mia stole my hat!"

Grammy made a Thomas the Tank Engine Cake. She even used marshmallows for the smoke.

Sienna and her buddy Josie danced around the new favorite toy--the Little Mermaid Bubble Machine.

evil tooth number 6

2008-08-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

jonah was getting ready for the Olympics last week. Here he is with his Olympic rings. We're not sure what his favorite event is yet but we're pretty sure he loves sports. I think he gets the gold for army crawling. He's got the form and the speed. One thing is for sure--he liked to get up in the middle of the night and ended up watching those Olympics with his Grandma this past week.

The culprit of Jonah waking up in the middle of the night--evil tooth number 6. If Jonah's in a metal band when he's older that is what I would like the band to be called. The presidential candidates were asked last week if there was evil in the world. Well, I never really thought there was until this evil tooth number six started taunting poor Jonah. It's really been keeping our little guy up at night. You'd never know during the day though. He just loves to play and play.

Hot Diggity Dog

2008-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

One thing I am going to miss for sure when I go back to work is Mickey's Hot Dog song that's on every morning at 7:53. Jonah loves Mickey Mouse.--almost as much as he loves making this adorable face to show off his dimples.

Jonah's got a new buddy LT

2008-08-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Jonah's got a new buddy by name of Liam Thomas Dodge. (8-16, 7 lbs. 14 oz. 21 in.) We just can't wait to meet him and I just know the boys are going to have great times ahead of them together. Congrats auntie rach and uncle ben! We love you.

Daddy's clone

2008-08-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Jonah never sits still like this for me but he does for his best good buddy Auntie Carol. Doesn't he look like his Daddy? I can't get over it.

Our little climber

2008-08-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Jonah loves his new bench. His buddies Jan and Nancy had it made special just for him! He loves climbing on it and eating the blocks.

I am going to dig up some old pix because I had one just like it when I was a little girl.

our little boy

2008-08-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

He's more like a little boy than a baby. He's even got four teeth!

jonah loves his friends

2008-08-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

Jonah got together with his buddies Mason, Anthony and Mia today.

more water

2008-08-04T14:26:00.001-07:00

Jonah loves water

2008-08-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

a little more culture

2008-07-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

Please don't touch the exhibit. I guess this one time it's okay.

Aunt Brandi taught Jonah all about Egypt while at the museum. He was real into the mummies.

We went to the Field Museum last week to check out the natural disasters exhibit. Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes and tornadoes, oh my! Jonah created a cinder cone volcano on the computer with Aunt Brandi and he also got to stand inside a tornado. Speaking of natural disasters, we sure hope Uncle Erich and Aunt Jessica are okay after that earthquake...we couldn't get a hold of them yesterday. It's always good to have a relevant example after learning about something, but this example is a little too close to home. Please call or post.

Jonah's turtles

2008-07-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

brings 'em in the pool.

brings 'em in the yard.

brings 'em to the doctor's office. (7 mos visit- 20 lbs, 28.75 in)

brings 'em in the tub.

Turtles are regulars at Jonah's party scene.

Happy Birthday Grammy

2008-07-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some signature moves-Mia dancing, Jonah trying to put something in his mouth and Grammy looking on proudly.

Here's Jonah's new face since he discovered his teeth.

Today, we celebrated Grammy's birthday at Aunt Kim and Uncle Adam's house. We ate some delicious homemade bruschetta, Lou Malnati's pizza and ice cream. We had a great time and Jonah loves seeing his cousins.