Curious Georgia Paige MacDougall

Today was a beautiful fall day. The air was crisp and cool with a slight brisk wind. The trees are starting to change all different colors. I love the transition seasons (spring and fall) and only wished they lasted longer anymore. Soon winter will be making her way into Chicago so we figured we better get out and enjoy this nice weather. Your dad and I have always wanted to go to The Morton Aboretum in Wheaton and we talk about it every year but never go. Today we are going and you are coming with us!

We arrived at the aboretum (which is 1,700 acres of land and nature) and deceided to go to the Children’s Garden first thing. They have lots of fun things for kids to see and learn about nature, plants, water, etc. There was a lot of tents outside of the garden where you could buy fall themed items or food and there were a lot of children dressed up in their halloween costumes.

You’ve been walking now for about a month and are getting around quite well. Of all of the fun things to do and people to see at the Children’s Garden, all you wanted to do was walk. You loved to walk on all of the different types of surfaces they had there: paved, gravel, soft, stone walkway, mud, and wood. You loved the inclines and at times just wanted to keep going up and down the same walkway. First you wanted to hold my hand but then you were off on your own not even looking back for mom and dad. You didn’t want to stay still to play with any toys or exhibits they had, to get your picture taken, have a drink or to even just rest. Whenever we picked you up to go to another area, you cried. When it was time to leave, you cried. (Is this the same baby who was having separation anxiety this whole week?) You just wanted to keep exploring and walking. We didn’t see much (well really nothing) at the arboretum but we let you lead us and show us what you wanted to see.

In the end, we all had a great day. Nothing would have ended the day better than a cup of hot coco or hot apple cider. You’re still a bit young for that. Maybe next year.

Well today is Father’s Day and all dad really wanted to do today is go out to eat and then relax at home. You presented yourself to dad this morning in your beautiful green dress (that you later pooed on and then had to wear your jean dress instead). You always get so excited to see dad and often can’t keep your eyes off of what he is doing. He really liked the card, magnet and peanut butter chocolate covered malt balls you picked out for him.

Papi and Grandpa joined us at Braxton Seafood Grill in Oak Brook for Father’s Day buffet brunch. You had a lot of fun seeing all the people and eating off of dad’s plate. You had some noodles, ham, eggs, watermelon and about 6 bites of key lime pie (dad said it was his day, so he could do what he wants!). You were in a great mood and as always everyone thought you were so adorable. We then took a stroll to pick out your drapery rod for your room. You were having so much fun in the stroller without being strapped in (again dad said it was his day and he would keep an eye on you). Well, you eventually fell out of the stroller but didn’t cry much and didn’t have any injuries!

We spent the rest of the afternoon at home because it was 97 degrees outside today. You are crawling more now than scooting and you have started to get up on your knees. Pretty soon you will be standing. You had fun playing with your toys, chasing Tigger and saying “da da”. Dad watched a T.V. show on building a tree house. He can’t wait until we have our own house and can build you a tree house. He is hoping you will want to help him build it!

When asked about his first Father’s Day, dad had to say “So far it is great! Georgia has been very nice to me.”