Our sweetie dude was baptized this past Sunday at St. Mary Church in Des Plaines. We were joined by many friends and family to celebrate the event. Chris and I chose our brothers, David and David, to be the godparents. We were assured that "No, it is not weird" to have two males, and that the church was changing. The important thing was to have godparents that would support and accept Nat through his life's journey. Of course, the deacon that officiated was probably 105 years old, and didn't get this memo. The ceremony was nuts; there were five babies baptized, and it was very chaotic. When it came time for the godparents to come up, he said "Godmother". Eek! Luckily, the importance of the ceremony is not really in the details. To me, it was the opportunity to surround Nathaniel with those that love him, and to declare that he is ours as he is his. Just like he and God belong to one another. It was a chance to show Nat that we are the group of people that will love and encourage him for all time. Nat wore the christening gown that my grandmother made for me 34 years ago. This same gown was worn by my brothers and by Stella.
After the ceremony, we headed to Jack and Colleen's, who graciously offered up their place to our guests. We ate some Pita Inn, which is always delish, and hung out for a bit. It is really nice to get together with everyone, especially on such short notice. 
Stella started soccer this summer, and it has been a hoot! She is in the 18 to 24 month division, and it is a bit like watching someone herd cats. The coaching style is similar to that of Mr. Miyagi. I have to really stretch my imagination to see how kicking bubbles and "red light/ green light" relates to soccer. David referred to it as Quantum Learning- where you learn aand practice a skill before you apply it in context. At one point last week during soccer, we all looked over to find Stella kissing Jake. OMG. She is the only girl in her group, and she likes to kick goals (she gets a sticker when she does this). Fun times!
Speaking of fun times, we have been very busy this summer! Stella, Nat and I have been attending Wild Times at the library with Stella's bud Aileen. Stella gets to dance around and sing, followed by a lunch date with Grandma Louise at the pizza buffet! We also went to see fractured fairytales, where Stella's audience behavior was less than stellar. She yelled out, "I have to sit down and be quiet!" She did neither. Additionally, we have been playing at Lake Opeka too! We went to see a circus performer, the Hawaiian dancers, and have watched Willie Wonka and Madagascar outside at the lake! Stella's favorite part is probably the popcorn, but Mommy and Daddy like to cuddle with her on a blanket.
Nathaniel is getting so big. He is really tall and we are having trouble snapping his 3 and 6 month onesies. He is a super smily dude, and really enjoys listening to Stella or Mommy be silly. He has the cutest little man face; Grandpa Gary said that he looks like Benjamin Button. His hair is getting long too, and looks a wee bit like a flattop. He is wickedly cute.
Nat is also a great sleeper, and sleeps 8-9 hours a night. He is a bottle guzzler as well. The dude can eat! He is not really as roly poly as Stella was at this age, but he is packing on the pounds nonetheless. He is simply huge. We go back to the doc in a month, and I am excited to see how he measures up!
Sugar girl Stella has been demonstrating her smarts. Her language is fantastic! Full sentences, pronouns, abstract concepts... The kid is a genius (I am her mom and am allowed to say such things). She is really developing her sense of humor as well, and loves to be silly and crack jokes. She came running out of the bedroom the other day and was wearing one of my bras. She yelled out, "I wear Mommy's boobies!" She later asked me, "Do you want to play a game?" When I asked what game, she replied, "Rub my back." Such a goofy girl.
Overall, we are all doing well and enjoying the routine of (or lack thereof) summer. This fall, I am returning to teaching part-time. Hopefully, we won't feel too busy to find the enjoyment of hanging around as a family. We're not too sure about the childcare situation, or our housing situation for that matter, but it seems that life has good things in store for us. Well, that about sums it up. Thanks for reading if you made it all the way to the end! Love and happy summer from our little quartet!
