After an incredible week at home – getting to spend some quality time with friends and family – we are back in Chicago. Ishu’s schedule is all wack-a-doodle. He was overtired last night so he didn’t want to eat dinner. And then he was a little restless all night. And then finally threw back the covers at 3:30am and said, “Mama, I’m hungry.”

So, we had a 4am breakfast. And I think we’re gonna take a day to reset before he heads back to school tomorrow.

It was worth it though.

All the time he got to spend with his four grandparents and Badi Nani.

We’re already counting down ’til our family trip to Sedona.

I didn’t get a chance to share all the fun happenings last week since we were living them, y’know? So, this is more of a “Scenes from Last Week” rather than “Scenes from the Weekend” post.

On Tuesday, Ishu and I got to meet up with Becky, Sheena, and baby Orion at Crystal Cove!

Thankfully, with Marco Polo, I’ve gotten to stay in touch – and up to date – with these wonderful ladies. But, it definitely hits different when you get to squeeze and touch and hug ’em in real life.

It was a short but sweet reunion and made my heart so happy.

On Wednesday, Ankur presented his poster at the conference. (The reason we were able to travel to California). I wasn’t there in person, but I’m sharing here because it’s a fun memory to keep.

On Thursday, Ankur spent most of the day at the conference. In the late afternoon, we took Ishu to the library. I haven’t been to this library since…high school, maybe?! The kids’ section has expanded significantly. They have a whole section in the back for kiddos to do puzzles and blocks and other activities.

In the evening, Ankur and I went to an alumni event for his program. We had four of the most experienced babysitters watching Ishu. 🙂

We went in thinking it was a dinner thing. But it was only an appetizers thing. And so, after we bid adieu to everyone, Ankur and I stopped to get pizza on the way home. Ha.

On Friday, I got to see AMY!!! PEACHY.

I can’t remember the last time I saw her. But, AGAIN, THANKS TO THE POWERS OF MARCO POLO, we’ve been able to stay in touch. And she popped by the house on her drive to San Diego.

It was another short but wonderful reunion.

In the evening, Ankur’s co-residents came over to the house for a Thai food dinner. There is one other couple with a 6-month old, but the rest of the residents in his class don’t have kiddos. So, there aren’t many opportunities to hang out with them. (Though, we have been known to bring Ishu out to dinner at the pizza bar, ha).

It was really nice to have them over and see Ankur in his element among his people. 🙂

And THEN, the biggest news of the week.

We cut Ishu’s hair.

Dad brought his haircutting kit from NorCal and – with the help of some gummy bears and Gigantosaurus, they managed to cut his hair.

I still can’t believe it. Looking at him, it feels like I’ve got another kid. A five-year old.

Yesterday, at the airport while going through security, someone referred to him as a “he” and that took some getting used to. Ha. 9 out of 10 times, most people thought he was a little girl because of his hair.

But the haircut is growing on me. And it’s nice to not have to constantly be putting it in a ponytail. And we’re both gonna be real happy at bath time.

It was an incredible week with so many special memories with everyone. Now it’s back to reality over here. It’s thunderstorming in Chicago this morning! (Also another reason I’m not in a rush to send this kid back to school today).

Hope you all had a great weekend and have a happy week ahead!