2nd Anniversary

While Lauren's friends were in town, they volunteered to babysit Tirzah so we could go out for our 2nd anniversary/Lauren's birthday. After getting home from downtown Chicago, Lauren got a text from Micah to feed the cat. In the cat's food bin was a clue that began a fun scavenger hunt throughout the apartment. Attached to each clue was a puzzle piece and something to bring along for the date (movie candy, gift certificates, clothes to wear, etc.) The puzzle pieces came together to form a romantic letter. After getting dressed up, Micah took Lauren to Quince Restaurant. He had booked a table in the kitchen for a 5 course meal - but because of a pipe leak from the complex above the restaurant, we had to eat in the main dining area. As a consolation, we got a table right next to a great big fireplace, special flowers on our table, and our meal was bumped up to 8 courses (1. carrot ravioli topped with a beet reduction, parsnip cream sauce, and lambic foam and carrot cake over roasted hazelnuts on the side. (it was 1 ravioli with a piece of carrot cake that was half an inch cubed in size) 2. Oyster Au Gratin (with a bunch of sauces on top that I can't remember) 3. Lobster over a yukon gold potato blini, topped with salmon and sturgeon caviar, herb cake, crab, and Kaffir lime. 4. Seabass topped with caesar salad with sides of garlic gnocchi, mushroom topped with quail egg, and anchovy wrapped lemon wedge. 5. Pouissin topped with fennnel, meyer lemon, sides of squash, mushroom and artichoke. 6. Short rib over orzo, topped with sunchoke, salsify, beet, spinach, pine nuts, shallot, and garlic. 7. Peppercorn ice cream cone plated with grahams over vanilla custard and lemon curd. 8. Chocolate Crêpes filled with dark chocolate, plated with white chocolate, toffee, and raspberry preserve.) Everything was in tiny portions but was delicious! It's a good thing we didn't have to pay the normal price for this meal ($110 per person!!!)
After our lovely dinner, we went to the movies and saw "Unknown." It was a decent flick with lots of action and mystery. We mostly just enjoyed the time together. It was a lovely evening to celebrate our 2nd year of marriage.


Lauren doing the scavenger hunt


All dressed up! We're a family :)


Quince Restaurant

Small Group Service & Girls Weekend

On Friday, Micah helped with our small group to serve dinner to the church youth group. They made sloppy joes and had fun hanging out with the kids.





Lauren stayed home with the baby and waited for Danielle and her friends, Alisha, Emma and Lorna to arrive. Her girlfriends all came for the weekend to see the baby. That evening they walked around the neighborhood and had some good Italian food.

On Saturday, Micah had to drill so the girls all went downtown. They took the "el" train (Tirzah's first train ride!) downtown to Millenium park and then walked up the Magnificent Mile. They stopped at Portillo's for a traditional Chicago hot dog before heading home.

Jonelle and Rick Visit

Jonelle and Rick came to visit! Lauren's cousin Pete graduated from Navy boot camp less than an hour from where we live. So his parents were in the area for his graduation. We had lunch together (Ann Sathers - yum!) and enjoyed catching up. Thanks for stopping by guys!

Dr. Appointment

Today was Tirzah's two week doctor appointment. Little miss piggy has gained another pound and got a clean bill of health!

McLellans Visit

While the Johnson folks were still visiting, our guests multiplied and Micah's parents, friend Anya, and sister Ariel came from MN to visit. We did more hanging out, eating, and adoring the baby. Micah's dad did a great job fixing our bedroom door as well - thanks!!! On Saturday night, we got a cake and celebrated Lauren's birthday early. They had to leave early Sunday morning, but it was a short, sweet visit.

Johnson (Grand)parents Visit

Lauren's parents flew in to Chicago to visit us (mostly Tirzah :). We all spent most of our time relaxing, enjoying each others' company, and admiring the little one. The parents cooked some great meals for us too!

Lauren's Aunt Tammy and Uncle Mark came down from Wisconsin for dinner one night too. They brought dinner and cute clothes/gifts for Tirzah. It was great to see them!

Superbowl!

This Sunday we enjoyed hanging out with our small group to watch the Superbowl. There was lots of great food and conversation. Everyone enjoyed meeting Tirzah and she got passed around and cuddled by almost everyone. Most of the crew was rooting for the Steelers though Lauren and one other gal hoped for a Packer win. Most everyone was more interested in the commercials however :)

If my car could talk...

It would say this!

Superbowl Sunday

what do you think?!

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Chicago Blizzard, Penny meets Tirzah, and Friends Visit!

Here is a video of Tirzah meeting Penny (our cat), a trip to Target, and a look at the Chicago blizzard!


Tirzah's umbilical cord came off tonight after putting some rubbing alcohol on it (that was quick)!


Our friends Nic and Lindsey came over to visit and to meet Tirzah! They also brought us dinner! It was amazing! Quiche, some French apple, carrot dish (very tasty), and fruit!


We played Mad Gab (Bible edition) and Farkle - both very fun! Lauren and Lindsey won the Mad Gab (by one point)!


Love,
M&L

NEW videos and slideshow of Tirzah Eve!

Greetings!
I created two more videos: the "final" versions of our hospital visit and delivery of Tirzah. The first video is a very quick summary/highlight of this wonderful experience.
The second video is the "full-length" video, with all kosher clips compiled into about 25 minutes.
Also included on this post is a slideshow, beginning at our arrival to Evanston Hospital, to a few days after being home. Enjoy!!
- M&L

1. Highlight video:


2. Full-length video:


3. Slideshow: