We had Mamo and Teetee visit us this last weekend of October here in DC, and although the weather quickly turned sour shortly after their arrival,  we ventured out in the rain, did a little sight seeing and eventually did get a few good moments in the fall sunshine! Some highlights were an impromptu visit to the Portrait Gallery (Jack's first Smithsonian visit!) that had a Dia de los Muertos event, walked through City Center's umbrella installation, and saw some Halloween decorations around town.

Also thanks to Mama Ilse (Mamo) and my sister, Ilse (Teetee), Pete and I got to go out on a date Friday night.  Dinner at Fig & Olive and we saw First Man.  Apparently, while we were out enjoying ourselves, they had their own adventures in babysitting that included getting peed and pooped on.  Unexpected visitors came a knocking which riled up Jolene right at bedtime.  Meanwhile, we were sipping on cocktails, eating some risotto and lounging in some fancy new movie theater recliners! 

Peanut. Not just a nickname we call Jack. It's an app I've told several people about and I can't stop raving about it.  It's like Bumble but for new moms to meet other new moms in their vicinity.  (For my parents who don't know what Bumble is, that's a dating app).  Peanut came in really handy for me in the most critical time - when Jack was just about 2-3 months old and I was tired, anxious, losing my mind, feeling alone...ya see, most of my close friends that have had kiddos live far, far away.  No one in my work environment is in the same stage of life as me and neither are any of my DC gal pals.  This app helps you connect with other local moms that have similar interests! Even if you don't actually get to the point where you meet in person, it's so nice and relieving to be able to chat with someone that's in the exact same stage of life - and may have some tips that she's recently discovered for whatever concern you may have. 

I've met a couple moms and their babies now - in a way it was great that it also forced me to get out there and meet up at a park when at the time I was struggling to get anything together.  Now I'm a basically a pro when it comes to heading out with stroller, pooch and baby, plus everything else you need in tow.  Also, new mom's just get it when you don't answer a text back right away or even a few hours later.  They get it when you have to cancel last minute because baby hasn't gone down for a nap or because you are just so worn out.  Everyone gets it on this app - the frustrations, the worries, the mini victories, the milestones (like baby's first solid poop!! hooorayy!!!).  And once you've made the connection, exchanged phone numbers, you can continue to chat via the app or whichever way you prefer.

You can upload photos of you and your new little family if you'd like. You can pick three interests from baking to working out to city living to couch potato-ing. You can pick a radius so if you have a car or can only walk you are able to meet mom's in the area you can get easily get to.  It's for expecting moms, it's for new moms, it's for 2nd, 3rd time around moms. Honestly, it's a really great app even if you do have your gal pals around.  It helps you and your community so I highly recommend this app.  If you or you know of someone that is expecting/has had a baby, please let them know about Peanut because I think it would help out anyone greatly. I often found myself on it during the late night feedings with Jack and now I've got a good group of local new mom's I can reach out too.  Bonus, the husband gets to meet new dads too via the connections you make!

*Not sponsored, just a really great way to make connections in this modern world.

A long standing tradition we have, that started way back before we got engaged, is sending out holiday cards. And by holiday, I mean THE holiday. Halloween.  That's right.

Yes, it's my favorite holiday for various reasons including that there is no pressure to get the perfect gift for anybody, pumpkin and apple flavored treats are delicious, and the creepy spooky aspect is something I enjoy (maybe its because I like to believe in magic, like that of witches and wizards)! It's no coincidence we chose October to be the month we got married people.  The fall foliage and chill in the air is a welcomed change after the hot summer days and drying effects of the air conditioning. Finally, it's time to stay in and get crafty!

Our family and some of our close friends will start getting a treat in their mailboxes soon. We're pretty psyched about the postage stamps too see HERE for the special edition from USPS.

As of this past Sunday, October 14th, half a year has gone by already since Jack was born.  That's right, he's half way through his first trip around the sun and here are some of the latest deets about what he's been up to/new to him:

1. A tooth has sprouted in the lower front of his mouth! 
2. He babbles things like mamamamama and bababababab a lot. We like to think he's saying Mama
3. Can't get enough of the Jolly Jumper! Starts kicking his legs around to indicate he wants to jump.
4. Although he's 6 months old, he currently fits into 9 month old clothing.
5. Gets the biggest kick out of Jolene and lets out a big belly laugh whenever she looks his way.
6. Loves sweet potatoes, peas, prunes, mango, apple sauce, oatmeal cereal but dislikes rice cereal. That stuff is for peasants.

Hopefully you're enjoying your trip around the sun too.  Keep a good eye out for Jack Jams II coming out on Spotify soon! We'll share it here with you when it drops. Peace!

That's right folks! Two years have already flown by. When we started this website, it's purpose was to help our wedding guests learn more about our big day, getting around Metro Detroit, and to share our story.  And now, here we are, still sharing with you guys our story...as it's continued.  Two years, two babes in tow and we took them with us to explore the National Arboretum this past weekend - on what was the hottest, most humid day of October and apparently the summer...even though its technically autumn. But I digress...if you haven't been to this lovely place, we highly recommend visiting it when you are in DC.  We only got to see a small bit of it, since, again it was hotter than a witches cauldron, and so we'll definitely be back to enjoy this place later this year.  In the meantime, here some of our "Anniversary Celebratory Outing at the National Arboretum" photos. That was a mouthful, eh? Enjoy!