Our Suburban Immersion

We've arrived.



We've moved all our worldly possessions into a storage locker off 290 and brought our clothes, dog and a whole lot of books to Downers Grove for what we are referring to as our "suburban interlude."

While we wait to close on a house (as always, fingers crossed), we are staying with Susan's parents, Phyllis and Andy, at their big, beautiful home. John, Susan and Lina are here as well, meaning we get to experience at least a taste of community prior to actually having a building.

A big thanks goes out to all our rock star friends who helped us move on Saturday and then the DeCostanzas on Sunday.

Cubs vs. Phillies

[alternate post title: Lina's 1st baseball game]

Earlier this year Heath waited in several virtual lines to try and get Cubs tickets for this season. We used the first set for Aunt Renee and Adrian's visit in the spring. This time around, we knew John and Susan would be the perfect people to take along since John is a HUGE Phillies fan.

No surprise, the Cubs lost, but only after one "brave" Cubs fan decided to throw his beer at a Phillies outfielder in hopes of making him miss a key catch. Not only did the (very angry) player catch the ball, the fan was escorted out and arrested. Things are never boring at Wrigley Field!

Lina was a baby rock star the whole game...very chill and totally amazed by all the bright lights.

Baby Shower for Lina

Sunday we helped throw a baby shower for John, Susan and Lina. Our house is in full-on packing mode (which means chaos) so our friends Dena and Lisa graciously agreed to host the party at their apartment.

It was a very hot day, but the set-up in their backyard was lovely and it seemed as though the guests all had a good time. We kept things very low-key, which was nice, and focused on "keepsake" activities. For example, there were birthday cards for Lina's next 18 years and each guest filled one out. In a very cute move, Lenore filled out Lina's 16th birthday card as though it was coming from Elijah — love it!

We also had each guest decorate one or two fabric squares (pictures, words, etc.) that later we'll be able to assemble into a quilt for her.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera near by the whole afternoon, so our pics are limited, but you get a small flavor.

[lina & dena]


[baby shower goodies]


Also, this was the unveiling of Lina's shower gifts that I've been working on. I posted the first, an empire waist top, a while ago. Here is the little dress. The picture isn't great, but I think it will look cute on her once she grows into it.

Over before it started...

Hi all,

An update on our housing search and yes, it remains a search. Things fell apart with 2120 S. Drake during attorney review — and here, we thought things would be gravy once the house passed inspection.

There are numerous issues regarding permits the developer did not pull which would leave us in a very risky situation in which we'd have to be tens of thousands of dollars if the city ever found out, not to mention the fact that it would make the property almost impossible to sell in the long run.

Needless to say, we're feeling a little worse for the wear at this point in our process. We're meeting tonight to discuss next steps, so just keep us in your prayers.

Oh, and for those concerned...we won't be homeless when we move out of our place on 8/23. We do options, just not a house. :-)