The Dupuy's

Winter snow and new friends

2010-01-08T16:18:00.002-06:00

We have been hit with a lot of snow the past few weeks here in Chicago. Luke has been enjoying it more this year than last. He particularly likes to build snowmen. Today he went sledding with his friend Chase. It was freezing cold!

After Elliot and Cooper got out of their normal car seat positions and had their first official playtime together. Elliot seemed thrilled to see someone just like him!

5 Months old and playing with big brother...

2009-11-23T15:36:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures of Luke and Elliot. They have started to play together a little and definately enjoy each others company. I think this is a nice stage before Elliot can actually take Luke's toys and then it all starts!!...

Annual Pumpkin Patch outing to Goebberts

2009-10-20T16:20:00.002-05:00

Today, we headed up to a huge pumpkin patch themed area called Goebberts. We have gone there every year and it has been fun to notice the developmental differences in Luke each year. For example, the first year, when he was just 6 months old, the day consisted up propping him up against pumpkins and trying to get him to smile. Last year and this year were very different with Luke running full steam from thing to thing and 100 photos of his back as he sprints off again!

He always has fun though. He enjoyed the wooden tractor and trucks, picked out 2 little pumpkins and ate cider donuts with his friend Chase. Elliot rode along in the stroller and although the same age as Luke was on his first visit, he wasn't propped even once against a pumpkin for a photo. Funny how we leave number 2 baby alone to do his own thing.

Busy days...

2009-10-13T17:26:00.004-05:00

Its been a long time since I posted on my blog. Sorry. Elliot is now 4 months old and turning into the sweetest smiliest baby. He continues to be a great sleeper and a quiet observer during the day...perfect! I enjoy him so much and love getting to see him develop his personality.

Luke has been keeping us busy with toddler conversations (Luke: "COOKIE!" Us: "No Cookie" then repeat many times) and lots of playtime. He recently discovered the movie "Cars" and is loving it. Unbelieveably, we have started the search for a preschool here in Chicago. It's not as straight forward in the city as one might think! We aren't being pushy, its just quite competitive to get in and so you have to be on top of it.

Recently we took an end of summer trip to Florida. We rented a little house with a pool near Disney world. It was a fantastic week. Seeing Luke enjoy Disney World was great. He went on lots of rides and met his hero Buzz Lightyear. We had so much fun going out all day and then swimming in the pool to cool off before dinner. The sweetest part was that we had told Luke for weeks that we were going to Florida to see Mickey and so when we pulled up to the house we were staying at he declared it was "Mickeys House!" He stills says he stayed at Mickeys house. Ha ha...who would have thought Mickey lived in a small suburban house near Orlando! All in all, it was great to get out of Chicago and end the summer in swim suits and shorts!

Now, autumn/fall is here we are getting into Chicago park District classes and other things. Luke has decided he wants to be Mickey Mouse for Halloween (since going to Disney Worls of course!) Another fun stage is watching Luke start to entertain Elliot. Elliot is in awe of his big brother and seems to feel privileged when he gets a truck thrown at him or a loud roar in his face (see video)

8 weeks and smiles!!

2009-08-08T08:47:00.002-05:00

Its been a busy crazy 8 weeks! Elliot has started to reward us with smiles which makes it all worthwhile. He is a great little boy...sleeping 6 to 8 hours stretches at night, eating well and smiling tons. We are so blessed.

Luke has continued to be a gentle big brother. He calls him "E I" (his way of saying Eli) and wants to be with him all the time. There have been jealousy moments...like when Luke poured baby powder in Elliot's face after their bath or when he tried to pull him out of his swing...by his ears!

Overall, its been easier than I thought and definately more fun than I ever imagined. Be encouraged moms-of-two-to-be!

3 weeks and my first Cubs game

2009-07-03T06:57:00.003-05:00

We have survived to week 3 as a family of four! It feels like months... My parents just left yesterday. They were such a great help and Luke is still asking for his Nana and Papa.

On a fun note, Barry and I took Elliot to his first Cubs game last night. Elliot is what I call a "portababy". He is easily taken anywhere as he is laid back and sleeps a lot. Luke was not a portababy (or else we were too nervous to take him out). So we are enjoying being able to take Elliot to events like the Cubs. He slept the whole game unless there was a home run....then he would startle and flap his arms...very cute!

One week down....

2009-06-19T08:46:00.002-05:00

Elliot is one week old today. Photographer Jessica Fanning came and took pictures of him when he was just 5 days old. She got some amazing shots! Check out her website at www.jessicafanning.com...

Elliot is 2 days old!

2009-06-14T19:48:00.002-05:00

I finally have a minute to post some photos. Elliot keeps me busy with feeding every 2 hours and taking an hour each time. Doesn't leave a lot of free time! He had a feeding frenzy last night and fed continuously from 9:00 to 2:30 a.m. Wow! Apparently, this can happen at first. He is really healthy though and the feeding is not hurting, which I think means it is going well. .

Barry and Luke continue to have lots of daddy/son time together. They have been going to the Park and the stores together...a lot. Today we all went to the park together for a while...our first outing as a family. It went well, Elliot slept in a sling and Luke ate dirt and put leaves down drains. Typical boy!

Tomorrow is Elliot's first check-up with the doctor. He is fairly yellow so we shall be tested for jaundice I'm sure. I'll update tomorrow...the adventures of being a family of four!

Elliot James Dupuy

2009-06-12T12:02:00.002-05:00

Our tiny boy, Elliot arrived this morning at 7:07 a.m. He is 6 pounds and 1 ounce and just the sweetest thing ever. As we were hoping, I did not need a c-section. I started having contractions about 6:00 p.m. last night and finally went to the hospital about 11:00 p.m. Everything went great and Elliot and I are in a room with a view of Lake Michigan...lovely. He is not the quiet soul that Luke was and lets me know what he wants already. We love him immensely!

Photos to come...

Luke's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-05-09T13:07:00.002-05:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Luke! Despite overcast, cold weather Luke had a great party today! We had his friends over for cupcakes and then headed down to the park to run off the sugar highs. Thanks to everyone for coming and helping us celebrate.

Happy Birthday Luke!!!!

2009-05-03T11:44:00.003-05:00

Luke turned 2 today!! The official party is next Saturday in the park. Today though, his friend Addison came over to help him eat some cupcakes to celebrate. Luke is enjoying getting presents already. He got a huge fire engine from Addie and an "Emergency Rescue Center" from mum and dad. Wow! So exciting for a 2 year old! I'll post photos from the party next week.

Skyping at 22 months!

2009-03-17T06:53:00.002-05:00

Luke really enjoys using Skype to stay in touch with his family and friends. I am always behind in the latest technology but I have recently discovered Skype and LOVE it! Luke talks live through a video feed to his Nanna and Papa in N. Ireland every couple of days. The cool thing is they can see him and he shows off in front of the camera, singing songs, dancing and bringing over his favorite toys to show them. Now he is always checking the computer to see if anyone is there!

Last night he Skyped his buddy Chase to say Goodnight. Both in their pajamas, they waved and said Night Night to each other. Really cute. Skyping at 22 months!

Luke joins a soccer team

2009-03-11T16:32:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since I updated this blog! I am 28 weeks pregnant now. Almost in my last trimester. Baby is doing well and I'll post an updated bump photo in a day or so. The baby is measuring at the 37th percentile which is big compared to Luke at this stage. Luke was around the 10th percentile through most of my pregnancy and concerned the doctors to no end. So, we are looking at a big healthy baby at the moment. Thanks to God! No name chosen yet. Barry is still holding out for "Knight Dupuy" but we shall see!

Luke has been growing up really fast. He is really starting to follow directions and is becoming quite a little helper to mummy. He is great at putting things in the bin (not always when asked to though!) and tidying up his toys. He loves helicopters, popsicles and singing songs. He does not like diaper changes or sitting down to eat. Typical toddler!

Today he joined his first soccer team! Its a little soccer class ran by Chicago's Little Kickers. Luke loved it. They learned how to kick a ball, hold the ball under your foot and build towers with plastic cones. It was good fun!

Luke gets a brother!

2009-01-27T11:07:00.004-06:00

The good news is we have a small, but healthy baby boy on his way. We are so happy for Luke to have a brother just 2 years younger. Hopefully, buddys for life! Now we need to pick out a name (submissions welcome!) and get ready to have "all boy" household....

Tomorrow...we find out! Boy or Girl?

2009-01-25T15:38:00.004-06:00

Finally, our 20 week scan is tomorrow. Who can believe how fast this is going! We are planning to find out if its a girl or boy tomorrow during the scan. A girl would be nice but a boy would be great for Luke. Either way we will be excited! We just really hope the scan shows a healthy growing baby...whatever the sex! Stay posted...

Luke and Emilyn's Big Date

2009-01-22T17:05:00.006-06:00

Luke and Em went on big date last week. Luke picked her up and they took the bus to the Children's museum. "Em looks very pretty" said Luke. "Luke has cleaned off his nose bouggers" said Em.

There was a lot of splashing and fun at the water room. Em followed Daddy's instruction of maintaining modesty and kept a large pink raincoat on at all times.

Later, while they watched Toy Story, Luke realized all parents had left the room to get drinks and decided to make his move...................

SUCCESS!!!!!! What a great date!!! "I'll call you Em!"

Welcome....Patrick McCarey

2009-01-18T13:47:00.002-06:00

My sister just had her second son, Patrick McCarey. He was born last night, within 2 hours of labor starting! No time for any pain relief! My mum had the same experience with her second delivery so I hope it doesn't run in the family.

Christmas In N. Ireland

2009-01-05T14:14:00.002-06:00

We just spent Christmas with my family in N. Ireland. It was a wonderful time. Luke enjoyed the attention of his grand parents and playing with his cousin Alex. He spent time with his great grand parents and ran around outside a lot. Barry and I got to go to Geneva, Switzerland for 5 days (Thanks to my parents for minding Luke!). There are no photos of Switzerland in this posting but I will post more later.

Overnight appearance of Baby Number 2!

2008-12-16T03:16:00.003-06:00

Finally, at 15 weeks, I have had my first overnight "pop"! As if by magic, I woke up yesterday with a fully fledged bump! Yeah! For anyone who has been pregnant, you will appreciate the joy in starting to look pregnant and not just "bloated after a large lunch". Time to dig out the maternity clothes!

Good Irish country air!

2008-12-14T01:09:00.003-06:00

Luke and I have been in N.Ireland for over a week now. Luke is enjoying being outside a lot and loves to walk down the lane behind my parents house to feed apples to the local horses. We have also been to Belfast Castle, where a group of Chinese male tourists followed him around taking pictures! They have never seen a toddler run "soooo fast"!! We are having a great time and looking forward to seeing Barry next week.

Haircuts and Holidays!

2008-11-17T07:25:00.003-06:00

This week, Holly got her Bi-annual haircut. Now she has an enormous head, huge paws and a little "puff" on the end of her tail. So ridiculous looking...but shhhh....she's very self conscious about her new look.

Luke and I are getting ready to leave for the Holiday season soon. We will be going to Houston for Thanksgiving and then almost directly to Ireland for Christmas. I am trying to seize the last of the outdoor weather before we go. When we get back, winter will have taken over and it will be a few months before we can be at the park again. So, Luke (and Barry and I) have been enjoying the Park near our house. Luke loves to run around with the biggest leaves he can find. There must be one in each hand at all times!

Don't cry buddy!

2008-11-02T12:52:00.003-06:00

This weekend we attempted to take some family photos at a nearby park. Luke has been REALLY difficult to photograph recently. He just hates to stand still or be restrained in any form. After some time of subjecting him to sitting still for the camera, he had had enough and had a melt down. Seeing his buddy in distress, Chase came over and gave Luke a big hug...awww! Thats what friends are for!

Fall in Lake Geneva

2008-10-29T08:37:00.003-05:00

During my mum's visit, we took a trip up to Lake Geneva. It was really beautiful with the changing leaves. The last picture shows the hotel we stayed in, right on the Lake. Here's a lesson...don't take a toddler on an hour long boat tour! It was tough work keeping Luke entertained but worth it to see the beautiful estates around the Lake.

Julie's 30th Birthday!

2008-10-20T18:57:00.002-05:00

I turned 30 this week....wow! My mum came to visit for the week (see future blog post) and we had a great time, including a trip to beautiful Lake Geneva. On my birthday I had dinner with the Girls at P.F. Changs. It was a lot of fun and filled with "girls only" conversation! Thanks to Kim for throwing the party!

First Pumpkin Patch Outing

2008-10-07T14:24:00.003-05:00

Luke took a trip to a Pumpkin Patch with his chum Chase. Last year at the Pumpkin Patch, Luke was only 6 months old and sat really still for the photos. This year Luke ran through the pumpkins (tried to rearrange them several times), ran through the petting zoo, corn maze, hay bails and scarecrows. Lots of fun! What a difference a year makes.

Catch me if you can....!

2008-10-07T14:16:00.003-05:00

This is my favorite time of year...Fall or "Autumn" as I know it. It's no longer hot but still warm enough to run around in the park without a jacket. Luke is full of so much energy these days and a trip to the park is essential to our day.

Luke's favorite activity is running. Running to things, away from things...everywhere! Here are some photos of him at the Park recently. It's hard to catch even one photo of him because he is soooo fast.

Boys, Boys, Boys......

2008-09-22T12:52:00.003-05:00

South Lakeview Park has great climbing equipment, slides, see-saws and swings. Yet, Chase and Luke prefer to find the one patch of dirt in the corner. They danced, rolled and stumped in it until they were covered in dirt. What fun!! Boys will be boys!

What do you do with the last cupcake?

2008-09-17T15:53:00.002-05:00

Feed it to the little Monkeys!!!!

Luke and Addison enjoyed a chocolate cupcake after Elynor Westrom's birthday party. Such a mess! Happy 1st Birthday Elynor!

Zebra Rides, Tigers and Tears!

2008-09-11T15:07:00.006-05:00

With the schools back, now is the perfect time to head to the zoo. No crowds and the weather is just perfect. Luke, Addie and Chase went to the zoo today. After seeing Monkeys, giraffes, tigers and all those good things we went on a ride on the carousel. Fun was had by all until poor Addie was shoved inbetween two boys for a photo. Poor Addie!

Luke's New Chair

2008-09-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

Luke got a new chair this week. He loves it! He sits in it to read, play and watch DVDs. He is such a big boy now!

Short back and sides please!

2008-09-05T06:32:00.000-05:00

Luke had his first haircut last weekend. At Kidsnips he sat in a big racing car and watched Thomas the Train DVDs. He was great the whole time (mainly because of the Thomas DVDs) and left with a balloon and a new toy. You can't see from the picture but he does look like a big boy now! Not sure what to do with the hair clippings they gave me........

Welcome to our First Blog

2008-09-04T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to our new blog. After many requests for photos and updates from relatives and friends I have decided to join the blogging world. I promise not to blog a story everytime Luke sneezes or we go to the grocery store! However, I will keep you updated with all the latest news in our little family.

Currently Luke is 16 months old and FULL of energy. He likes playing with toy cars, singing "twinkle twinkle" and chasing our cat, Holly! He especially loves Fire Engines!

Happy Birthday Barry!!

2008-09-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

Barry turned 30 this year!! To celebrate our entrance into our 30s we took a trip to Jamaica with our best friends Ben and Kim (no babies allowed!). We had a great trip! Lots of sun, sea and higher levels (a local drink..yum!) On the day of his birthday, he celebrated with a guys night out and then a long round of golf the next day. Happy Birthday Barry!

Fire Hazard!! The cake had 30 burning candles!