Hugs and....well Hugs

One of the absolute best things Sawyer has demonstrated she knows how to do is give hugs. While we haven't yet mastered kisses, I am really not sure they can be better. Right now Sawyer gives hugs when she gets up in the morning, when she wakes up from naps, and sometimes in the middle of playing just because she feels like it. Mark often gets Sawyer out of bed first thing in the morning, and when he brings her into our room she always gives me some nice long hugs...and it's safe to say - I love it.We started the weekend off not so great. From Wednesday night through most of Friday Sawyer had a temperature of 100 - 102. She wasn't acting sick aside from the occasional runny nose, and when she decided to puke on me in the midst of patty cake (whoops)...so we're pretty sure she had a virus that has now run its course. But she's been temperature free all weekend and having fun. On Saturday, after I went for a run with a friend, and most of Chicago, out on the lakefront trail we decided we too needed to take advantage of the beautiful weather we had going. Off to the pool we go! Sawyer, Mark and I hopped on the bus and made our way up to our friend Lauren's place where she graciously let us use her condo pool. We got their midday and the pool was crowded, but despite all the skinny minnies in their bikinis, Sawyer got most of the attention from the guys and girls surrounding the pool. Sawyer was the only baby there, and we had the pool itself pretty much to ourselves. She LOVED the pool - she was smiling and talking and kept putting herself on her stomach - even putting much of her face in (to be followed by coughing when she tried to drink). We didn't stay long, and ended up in the air conditioning at Rock Bottom across the street for some food before heading back home on the bus. The bus itself was a bit of an adventure for our girl - she loves people watching, and was enjoying herself with all the waves she got. That was all we had in us for Saturday, but Sunday was another great day. As you can see, we went to the zoo! We were much smarter this time, and got there right at 10am when it opened. It turns out the zoo is crowded then too, but it worked out fine for us - we saw most of the animals - the lions, giraffes, and apes were probably my faves. Unfortunately the polar bears (my usual fave) were all inside - I think avoiding the sun/heat. We were a bit skeptical as to how Sawyer would do, but she seemed to like the animals - she would point at them so we atleast knew she saw them. She preferred to be walking or carried rather than in the stroller but overall i thought she was good. On the way home we stopped for some ice cream - her third time trying it. It is safe to say Sawyer is a huge fan of ice cream. I got her and I one scoop to share - it was clear she would prefer to have the whole thing herself, and would make noises, open her mouth, or grab my hand when she was ready for more...which was often. All in all, we had a pretty great weekend. The countdown has officially started for Sawyer's and my departure to Buffalo on Friday night - we want to be on vacation!