Happy spring, friends!  I know I’m late with this post, but I still wanted to share my recap of some of my favorite moments from March with you, including lots of family time.  I posted my first Favorite Moments last month and you guys seemed to really enjoy it, so I’ll try to keep up with them as a regular monthly fixture here.

March is my least favorite month weather-wise in the Chicago area.  It’s typically cold, damp, grey, and overall just dreary.  As much as I love winter, come March I’m definitely ready for spring.  There’s nothing like a happy little one to brighten up even the dreariest of days!  Since we had no travel plans during March we spent most of our time at home in our regular routine, which right now consists of lots of playing and reading with our daughter, CC.  That girl loves her books!  She equally loves being read to and just flipping through her favorites on her own.  We also make sure to get out every day so long as it isn’t raining with our dog, Winnie, for some fresh air.  Check out those rosy cheeks on that sweet little bear!

Speaking of Winnie, it is so sweet to see the bond between her and CC growing stronger every day.  CC loves Winnie and is fascinated by all of her things.  She’ll happily spend time exploring her toys, bed, and water stand.  She’s recently taken to picking up Winnie’s leash whenever I’m suiting us all up for a walk.  I don’t think it will be long after CC starts walking herself that she’ll want to be the one holding the leash on our daily constitutionals.

If you’ve been following along with my recent videos, you’ve already heard me talk about CC’s work in physical therapy on weight bearing.  She’s made huge progress in the past couple of months!  She went from assisted standing for the first time ever to happily playing while standing at the coffee table on her own at home within a couple of weeks.  She even managed to pull up for the first time recently.  We’re thrilled with her progress and so, so proud of her.

Just as an aside, I thought I’d share something I’ve learned as a mama.  If you’re in a situation where your child is meeting certain milestones a bit slower than other children, don’t let the judgements and opinions of others get you down.  Children grow and learn at different rates and in different ways.  So long as you are ensuring your child is healthy and you’re taking the necessary steps to provide them with the opportunities and experiences they need to flourish, you are doing the best you can do and providing your child with everything they need.

I believe that unconditional love and support are the greatest gifts we can give our children.  Having patience and showing compassion with how our children learn and grow plays a key role in that, as well.  These are invaluable tools to have as adults and I firmly believe you learn them as children from your family experience.  Having faith in this helps me see beyond the judgements of others whose opinions should not and do not matter in the grand scheme of things.

Ok, I’ll step off my soapbox now… 😉

We’re blessed to live so close to our immediate family and for the opportunity for CC to grow up with her cousins as a constant fixture in her childhood.  A great example of that is how easy it is to just pop over to one another’s houses.  We went to my in-law’s one Saturday morning for pancakes with Don’s sister’s kids, Grace and Theo, who had spent the night there.  Don’s Dad (known as Papa these days) made Mickey shaped pancakes and a good time was had by all.  We are so blessed by this family bond!

That’s actually a nice segue into my favorite collection of moments from the month which all centered around a visit from my brother’s family and a few other cousins we don’t get to see nearly as often as we’d like.  We were able to get both sides of the family together while they were in town.  It warms my heart to see our families come together as one.  My nieces (who are my brother’s kids) absolutely love Grace, Theo, and are so sweet with little CC, too.

Many sweet moments during this visit were captured by my brother who is quite handy with a camera.  Just look at that joy!  I remember having so much fun as a kid when I was able to play with my cousins especially since we didn’t live close to family growing up.  I am so happy CC has such an amazing family both near and far to grow up surrounded by so much love.

I’m popping in a few candid shots my brother took of me and Don with CC that I love. ❤️

We had our token March snow day, which I always appreciate as a winter weather fan.  I know I mentioned I was ready for spring, but I always appreciate snow.  It’s just that grey, dreary blah weather I’m ready to see go.  We didn’t get much after a few December snowfalls this winter so it was especially nice for one final hurrah before spring officially made its entrance.  I just love how peaceful and beautiful it is.  Something about a quiet morning walk through a fresh blanket of heart soothes my soul.

The last memory from March I’d like to share here was a special surprise outing Don and I planned for my parents.  I bought tickets as soon as I saw that Bernadette Peters and the Boston Pops were going to perform in downtown Chicago at the end of the month.  We had an amazing dinner at a great tapas place, Mercat a la Planxa, just a few blocks from the theater before the show.  Their sangria is amazing and the bacon-wrapped dates are not to be missed!  The show was incredible and one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences I will never forget.  It was such a special night and a memory I will always cherish.

I hope you’re enjoying the spring season and that it is filled with lots of good times shared with loved ones.  Thanks for stopping by! 🌷