Good morning!

We are back in Chicago. And, though we came back on Saturday to give us some time to get settled before we hit the ground running, we are still over here with unpacked suitcases, very minimal toilet paper, and a pretty empty fridge.

Whaddya gonna do?

Ankur and I also wanted to do a “25 Days of Christmas” thing throughout the month of December since Ishu is all about the holidays this year. But, it’s December 6th and we have yet to create a calendar. So we’re just gonna start that a little later than expected.

I think this is why I always have a “Long Live Christmas” party in January. Because I just never have my shit together to get the MAXIMUM ENJOYMENT out of the holidays. So it feels like if we start late, we just gotta push the timeline back a bit, y’know?

Anyway, I think the reason I feel so pulled in all the directions right now is because work officially started! Last week on Monday was my first day back at work. And it was good timing because we had so much family around during the initial onboarding meetings. So lots of hands to hold the baby and entertain the 3-year old.

And NOW, I’ve been tasked with all these things to do. Which take priority over unpacking, blogging, cooking, cleaning.

So, there it is.

But, I have a few minutes while the baby is napping to upload some photos from this past week.

We TRIED to take advantage of the great weather and head to the park some days. But, in the off chance we couldn’t get out, it just felt real nice to have a backyard that Ishu could run around in.

We got to spend the day and night in Chino, which was just so dang nice. I love cousin time (for us and for the littles).

We got to see Sister and Drew’s place in Irvine and spend quality time with Maya and Kai. And, while we were in Irvine, we got to spend a whirlwind 2 hours of time with Zack and Molly and their kiddos. At one point, the kids were running around turning the lights on and off. It was complete and utter chaos. But I recorded it so, 30 years from now, we can watch the 20-second clip and remember the LOUD children they once were.

Most of our time was spent at home and with Nani. Which was nice. And exactly what my heart needed.

And now we’re back in Chicago.

Ishu had his second-ever dentist appointment yesterday and kicked butt.

He got to use some cotton candy flavored toothpaste. And walked away with a Buzz Lightyear toothbrush.

And then we picked out our 2023 Christmas tree.

On our walk back from Whole Foods (where we bought it), Ishu was stomping in the puddles as I pushed the stroller with our tree in it. He came back to my side and I said, “Maybe when you get it all decorated, you can look at it and decide on a name.”

He said, “I already have a name in my brain.”

Cutest.

So, we’d like to introduce you to our Christmas tree, SUMA.

I don’t know where he comes up with these names. For the trees, the sock puppets, all the inanimate objects in his life. But he loves naming things.

So I think I’m officially passing off my job as “Christmas Tree Namer” to Ishu. He’s clearly got a knack for it like his mama. HA.

Okay, it’s time to start working a bit! Hope you’re having a great week! 🙂