Dear Grace,

After almost a month has gone by and a very nasty virus hit our family (extended included), the Nierengartens are finally feeling settled. We have had lots of lazy winter days, with a couple visits to the park when the sun decides to make an appearance. Daddy has been busy studying for his next round of shipping tests for work. You have been able to spend some quality time with your Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, especially while I went on a girls' weekend to Dallas. The highlights of our girls' weekend were the Lady Antebellum concert and an adorably themed bridal shower. We all brought something old, new, borrowed and blue for the blushing bride-to-be. I'm looking forward to spending more time with those ladies next month for the wedding in New York. 

Great news! We ordered our new camera this past weekend. It should arrive TODAY. Just in time to take way too many many pictures of Baby Girl Wilson this weekend. Prior to heading out of town, the rest of our things arrive tomorrow. Oh how I can't wait to be completely settled and have all of our things back in place. 

There are some fun Grace updates since my last blog posts. You love scrambled eggs as well as shrimp. You keep getting better at feeding yourself. You can point to your head, nose and tongue. You try your best to imitate the sound of a lion and duck. You've put your elephant noise to rest for now. You've gained the confidence to stand up in the middle of the room, instead of using some adamant object. You're favorite play time activity is opening up my makeup drawer and specifically taking out my blush. You sit down and open and close that compact for a good solid minute. You have just reached my personal favorite milestone: YOU GIVE ME KISSES! They still are on your terms, but your just make me melt. You add the kissy noise and everything. 

Hugs & KISSES, Mommy

Happy Valentine's Day

Dear Grace,

We enjoyed a relaxing night in after a long restless weekend. A virus has definitely hit our family and we're keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn't get you. Thank you Maggiano's for a delicious Vday dinner that I didn't have to cook. 

I love my Valentine's so very much and look forward to many more holidays spent together. 

Love, Mommy

My 2 Valentines! 

I remember a year ago being SO excited to see your first smiles. This year we can't get enough of your laugh. You continue to laugh once you realize it rubs off on us. 

PP #4: Skinny Taco Dip

Pinterest Party # 4: 
Skinny Taco Dip

My goal is to post my Pinterest Party on Thursdays. Oops! A lot has happened this week with last Thursday being our moving day from London back to Chicago. I'm not surprised, not even a little bit, that this post hasn't happened until now. Yep, it's 5 AM and I've been up since 4. Oh, how fun it is adjusting to the time change. 

Pinspiration original source: Skinny Taco Dip via Gina's Skinny Recipe  

My thoughts: Since Superbowl Sunday was THIS PAST weekend, I thought this would be the perfect pin of the week. It tasted delicious but was too soupy for a taco dip. I am definitely going to give this exact recipe one more try since it tasted so yummy. Ingredients, especially anything Mexican, and measurements are different in London so I'm going to try again now that I'm back home. Their taco seasoning tastes a bit BBQy. Gross, right? Or, maybe it was just the chef's mistake the first time around. 

If you haven't read the explanation of my weekly Pinterest Party, click here. 

Happy Pinning!

Sweet Home Chicago

Dear Grace,

We have safely arrived back home in Chicago. Even though we were anxious to get home, the flight was surprisingly smooth and fast. It started with you being randomly selected by the US government to be searched just before boarding the plane. 13- month olds do look suspicious. You slept a grand total of 1 hour on the 7 hr and 45 min flight. Now that you are completely walking, we took turns taking hot laps around the bathroom area. We only saw real tears of yours after you smashed your finger in the window between your seat and Daddy's. We still don't know how you put up the window, since you weren't able to reach the button. Thank you BP for requiring all employees (and families when moving) to fly business class only. It was amazing having the space, but don't get used to this taste of the good life. I don't think I will ever be able to justify the ridiculous price difference. Personally, I'd rather take 4-5 more international trips than one trip with better food, free alcohol, twice the amount of space, and an exclusive lounge at the airport. It was a cool experience and I did feel special. 

Unfortunately, in the moving process over the weekend in London we have lost our camera. I'll stick with lost because we have no proof of it being stolen (and I feel like being optimistic at this moment.) 

After taking another 25 or so min cat nap in the back of Grammie Mo's car (thank you for picking us up), you stayed awake until 6:30 PM Chicago time (12:30 AM London time). Your energy level was impressively high. You explored this place with Daddy and L Gumball, while I slowly passed out on our bed. I already feel like a spoiled American with my good mattress, ice machine, comfy couch and excellent TV. Superbowl weekend- what good timing to move back. BTW, moving day was also Groundhogs Day. Random. I know. Thanks to my family, we moved into an immaculate place, completed with fresh flowers on the mantel place, and dinner (including dessert and whole milk for Grace) ready for us in the fridge! What a great feeling! Thanks family!

In about 14 hours time, we went from feeling at home at our friend's place in London to our place in Chicago. Blossom family- thank you for opening up your home to us this week. It was the perfect way to end our London experience. Thank God Amber's parents live in the Chicago-land area. Blossoms and Harts, you're already missed. I can't believe how quickly our friendships developed. What a neat chapter in our lives we were able to experience together. 

I've been wide awake since 4 AM Chicago time, trying my best to ignore you talking in the room next door. Time to start our day and get ready for the movers who come at 9 AM! 

Love, Mommy and Daddy

PS Your next adventures: sleepovers at the Grandparent's while we spend some overnight trips with friends and each other. :)