Return to Chi-Town

Chris has returned to Chi-Town for the next 5 days... that leaves lots of quality time with Elliott here in Dallas.  I haven't checked the weather for Chicago, but I'm guessing it's cold!  We got in our pool today and I think it hit at least 90.  While I love the warm weather, it does seem odd not to at least even need a jacket in October.    We had a fun day, visiting Stride Rite to get Elliott some shoes that will help him walk better.  I stopped by daycare last week during lunch and noticed he was struggling to walk in the grass- looked like his shoes were getting in the way.   I found out that Elliott has a very wide foot and also that shoes for babies need to be flexible- note, do not cheap out on the Target shoes if you are thinking- bad idea!    We stopped for some yogurt on the way home.... what a great idea, they have every kind of soft serve frozen yogurt imaginable .... hello, birthday cake and red velvet cake.... with loads of toppings, fresh fruit, chocolate covered pretzels and reese cups- YUM!  Elliott didn't really like it, I think it was too cold, maybe next time.   Here are some videos of Elliott with his pop-ball toy.

Round table??!

While we did move across the country and had a temporary stop in between, this move was a lot simpler than our last move.  Mostly because we did not need to buy extra furniture to fill our house, or do any major painting or renovation projects.  The one thing we have never had to buy is a kitchen table.  I selected the perfect kitchen table (only in my mind!).  It is round, with a butterfly leaf that extends to an oval shape.  It has espresso color and some kind of white accents on it.  It is priced reasonably!  I actually found many tables that meet this description, but they are all sold out!  We have been to all the furniture stores and one lady told me that everyone is looking for round tables now, but they just are not making them.   I will continue my search for something I like.  In the meantime, furniture manufacturers, if you are reading this, please understand that there is great demand for round kitchen tables- please produce more styles!!

Something similar to this....

10 month old

This weekend was a lot of fun!  It is nice to actually do fun things and not just unpack boxes or have conference calls!  We checked out the Plano Balloon Festival, had brunch with our friends, and Chris played poker with the neighbors.    Chris and I love festivals, mostly because they have great food -although not great for you-, music, and great people watching!  You would think you would find balloons at the Balloon festival, but not so much.  The balloons take off and land at sunrise and sunset so they can fly correctly.  We chose to go during the heat of the day- note, this is not really a good idea given it is still about 95 degrees.  Chris got a lemonade and there has a tenacious bee that kept bothering him.  Heat and bees aside, we did have a good time! 

10 Months Old

Elliott's crew at daycare

All moved in

Wow... it has been over a month since I last blogged.  I'm not quitting the blog, it has just been very hectic and I haven't dedicated time to post anything.  I will be continuing updates, so check back!   We are all doing well and all the boxes are finally unpacked.  We had a great visit from all the family and can't wait for them to come back- thank you so much to our family who helped us with all kinds of things! 

Elliott is getting to be such a big boy.  He is pulling himself up and holding on with only one hand.  I am sure he will attempt walking any day now.  Here are some other fun milestones:

• Is getting more teeth and grinding his teeth together
• Loves smiling at himself in the mirror
• Loves pulling mommy's hair and putting it in his mouth
• Giving daddy high five
• Playing in the pool
• Picking up random papers on the floor, ripping magazines and paper towels
• Playing with flip flops
• Eating... everything, anything

Here are a few video clips of recent activity!

Elliott dances

Fun with walker toys

My Turn

Lauren was kind enough to point out I have yet to write a blog entry.   After all it is the Piekos blog not the Lauren blog.   Anyway…this is your disclaimer. If you are not interested in reading a blog from me then exit and check again next week when Lauren resumes blog duty.

First I wanted to mention my Dad had open heart surgery.  He was feeling ‘old’ so he went in for a series of test.  They found blockage and scheduled him for quintuple bypass surgery.    The procedure went well and thankfully he only needed triple bypass.  Of course I teased him that quintuple bypass was more impressive than triple bypass but it would have to suffice.   He is now back home and on the mend.   We all agree this preventive surgery is much better than having the procedure after a massive heart attack.  The big question is if he will update his diet.  He showed some great restraint when he opted out of having pizza and replaced it with a beef sandwich claiming he was protein deficient.  Love you Dad!

Last week I took my fourth trip to China.  I routed my trip through Chicago so I could visit my family then flew to Shanghai and finally took a car ride to Hangzhou.  Every time I go to China I notice something different.   On this trip one of my American colleagues pointed out the work vending machine sells packaged chicken feet.  I brought some back so Lauren could show her work to see if they were interested in carrying a new product.  I also spent some time at the “Night Market” which is basically Hangzhou’s black market.  The Night Market specializes in fake designer merchandise.  You can buy fake watches, purses, clothes…you name it.   I bought a couple of Louis Vuitton wallets for Lauren and Lisa.  The best part is haggling with the street vendors.   I would give them lowball offers and they would claim my price is “Impossible!”.  Of course they would agree to the price as I walked away.

Lauren will return with your regularly scheduled blog entry next week to talk about our new Dallas home.  Peace!

-Chris

Shoe Repair

It has been a great day so far.  I picked up a pair of shoes from Bill's Shoe Repair and they looked amazing.  Buying an extremely high quality pair of shoes and getting them repaired every now and then just makes a lot of sense.  For just $8 I have an almost brand new pair of shoes.  Considering all the places I have lived, I am constantly seeking a good place to get shoes repaired.  Why is it that no matter what city or neighborhood you live in, all the shoe repair shops look the same and the person who repairs the shoes is usually a 60 year old master craftsman?  Who will repair shoes when they retire?  Will the art of repairing shoes disappear in the next 10 years?   Anyway, I finished off the day with lunch and shopping with a friend.  I would highly reccomend Lou Lou's for cute clothes and shoes.    Chris is returning today and Elliott and I can't wait to see him!

Don't most shoe repair experts look like this?

"Cars" and "Backpacks"

Well, I think it is official... I have a Chicago accent.  It only took me this long to realize that I have picked up an accent.   I will be attempting to get rid of the accent starting today.  The only problem is, how do I begin?!  I can't practice with Chris- he has one too, how will we know when we are saying the accent?   A few word differences, I have noticed... in Dallas it is "soda," not "pop"!   Also, we get a "taxi" here, not a "cab".  "Y'all" not "you guys".   Please help me if you hear my Chicago accent coming through.  I would like for Elliott to grow up with a mommy without any accent!