july 4th minus fireworks

This fourth of July we decided to stay flexible with our schedule instead of Kara getting her heart set on seeing the fireworks inside the Oak Park football stadium in our annual tradition.
Having a two year old, especially one prone to tantrums when tired, made the naps and bedtime important.

When Jude woke from his nap we were packed and ready to toss him in the car and head for the village parade.

parade ready

We even took the rare, if never before seen, step in the Miller house of sporting matching t-shirts for the holiday. (thanks old navy!) Jude got very excited to wake from his nap and put on a shirt that both momma and dada already had on.

the matching millers

Despite our patriotic apparel and enthusiasm, the actual holiday was more a dud than a dazzler. We arrived at the parade, gave Jude his miniature flag, only to see a little league team on a truck, a firetruck, and the street sweeper cleaning up at the end.

We put Jude back in the car and headed to our church potluck and party. But the scorching heat had them packing away the food and festivities a few hours ahead of schedule. So we arrived to watch them clean up. At least Jude got to splash in the kiddie pools for a bit.

Next up was fireworks. We put Jude to bed at his normal 7pm and planned to wake him in time to drive to fireworks. But by 8:15 it was raining, hard. We decided not to risk an awake kid and no show. But the skies cleared at 9 and we were at home, only hearing the booms and seeing the faintest flickers above the treeline.
Guess this year was our family fourth. Next year we vote for fireworks

red frosting and news

Kara did not expect red frosting to create the memorable photos from Jude's birthday parties.
You may recall, we celebrated with a family backyard gathering and a round red tomato cake.

finger lickin good

On Thursday, May 27th, Jude's actual birthday, Kara invited moms and kids that Jude knows from music class and church groups. This time she served veggies, fruit, and cupcakes with red frosting. Kara had a great time chatting with mom friends while the kids enjoyed the sand table and a kiddie pool.

my lips match Elmo!

Parents got creative with attire to let their kids splash in the pool. In the aftermath, Ellie enjoyed her red frosting too!



Now to some news from the Millers. While Kara was busy preparing for Jude's party, Greg launched his own acoustics firm with a business partner. He and Evelyn can now be found at Pin Drop Acoustics, www.pindropacoustics.com.

celebrating a birthday and a business

We are excited to see what God has planned for us the rest of this year with Greg's work and Jude's development.

take a breath

One of my new favorite phrases I tell Jude is "take a breath." Which is my answer when he starts to get fussy, runs around crazy, or gets frustrated.
I can't say it helps mister jude much, unless mommy makes funny loud breath in and out sounds. But it helps mommy handle the situation better.
I wish I had time to write about how busy, challenging, and joyous the past six months have been. Mister Jude continues to be an amazing happy friendly guy. But raising him has challenged Kara more than expected. We are all happy to enjoy this cute age of TWO where Jude can run around with fewer falls, practice his first words and try many new summer activities.
Here is a look back at Jude's birth-day milestone photos.

Birth May 27, 2008

Let me tell you about our first Miller family tradition. We plan to take a photo at the time Jude was born, every year on his birthday.

First Birthday May 27, 2009

We have already decided just two years in, that it is acceptable to adjust the time on the clock a bit as long as its within an hour of the birth time. :-) That way we still capture the photo.

Second Birthday, May 27, 2010

Wow Jude has grown and Kara has new hair. This may be a fun memory for more than just Jude's changes :-)

Thanks for sticking with us, despite the draught of posts.

made it to two, whew

We are very happy to wish Mister Jude a Happy 2nd Birthday today, May 24th. The last few months have been a whirlwind in parenting, personal issues, and professional changes.
But the birthday came, nonetheless, and so did the parties.

birthday boy

We had a lovely time with Kara's relatives at a VeggieTales party in the backyard. See the previous post for more on the theme.

the Bob cake

We are glad the birthday shirt Kara made is red, as Jude ended up wearing about as much frosting as he ate.

jude's frosting face

Thanks for your support in the last two years!