Here’s the month-late recap of our visit with our friends John & Sherry & Clara Petersik. As most of you know, they had this little publication come out and it was kinda sorta successful. As in, it was a New York Times Best Seller.
If you don’t already own this book…sucks for you. Seriously. I am totally unbiased (ahemfalse) but you need this book.
Anyhoo…so when we found out that Atlanta would be included as a stop for the YHL book tour, first Sher and I screamed together on the phone and we planned the dates that they would stay with us. Most of their stops, they didn’t bring Clara with them so this would be one of the special ones that she would tag along (much to her toddler fiancee’s excitement). Oh right…Clara is betrothed to Will. It’s a done deal. Even if I never have a baby girl, I will have the most stunning daughter-in-law 🙂 And I will spoil her with loads of cute accessories that only gals could appreciate. Like pearls and flower headbands and glitter and polkadot anything.
Man…I’m distractable today. Back to the point. They came down to sign books for the hundreds of people that waited in the dark. in the cold. in the rain. And I wanted to be first in line to get my own copy with their John Hancock. I also wanted this photo:
So stinking proud of them.
Now here’s what happened after the craziness of the book signing. Jer, Weston and I headed home in our car, John & Sher in theirs to meet a sleeping Will and Clara and my mom & dad who were babysitting. Apparently both kids had a great time running and jumping onto my dad’s bald head…and doing a Valentines craft with my mom…and were totally conked out. When we got home, we all shared the amazing gifts everyone brought us. I was seriously so surprised that so many folks thought of us…especially since it wasn’t our book signing! There was a solid thirty minutes of ooing and awwing. It sounded like The Price Is Right in there.
John & Sherry also had brought us gifts – some toys for the boys and a sweet hostess gift. Sher pulled the infamous mustache pacifier out of her purse…telling us that a reader had brought it to a past signing. We all laughed about it for a while. The funny part is that we had tried A MILLION pacis with Weston to no avail. Will was a paci kid (he kept the same one from the hospital for two years and wouldn’t take others) so we are experienced with keeping up with a single paci and how to transition a kid off one. Weston has always been keen on sucking his fingers and hand, so we figured that he is more likely to be a thumb sucker (enter frowny face) and I hoped to get him attached to a paci. So far no dice. Then enter the mustache. He loves that sucker. It’s ridiculous. And equal parts awesome. Apparently the kid just really likes facial hair.
Much of the weekend we did a lot of low-key stuff. The kids are at an age where it could be a complete melt-down in a restuarant or perfect little angels…so we did a lot of meals at home and kept our dining experiences to low-key places.
The backpacks were awesome at keeping them occupied during the waits. And yes, the entire time I was taking these pics I was envisioning The Notebook : Toddler years 🙂
Sherry and I snuck away to get our toenails done and grab some starbucks. She got Chai skinny something with healthy on the side and I got a mocha mocha mocha something with extra mocha. and whipped topping. Yes. I have zero self control.
I love that we can all be low key together. That’s a true friendship in my book. When you don’t depend on activities but just ‘being’. That is the sweetest to me.
And I love that she loves my boys as much as I love her Clara.
Toddler finger painting art. I named this one “butterflies dismembered”.
Some cute decoupaged and painted pots. Sherry and I were hyper and decided to put that energy into a craft. Now they live with crayons and markers in them.
John getting baby duty. I love John. In a totally not-creepy-he-would-make-an-awesome-brother-kinda way. Also in a he-balances-out-my-best-friend kinda way and is such a freaking hilarious and kind and a true giving and gentle spirit. Sherry already knows what a rare find he is…and I love seeing them in love. I know this all sounds weirdo but in a world that is filled with heartbreak and resentment, I like seeing two people together that are truly happy. It’s like watching a favorite rom-com in real life and with no commercial breaks. I feel like Jer and I learn so much about balance in relationships every time we hang with them.
Speaking of my darling friend…I snapped some pics of her with her little girl…
They are beautiful, no?!
I love that Clara’s hair isn’t fully grown out yet. It’s hanging on by a thread to that ‘still-a-baby’ phase. I know that once it does grow out that she will be a big girl through and through and it’s like the last bit of baby-ness left in her.
A little ring around the dead grass…
Oh yes…this kills me. I might be framing this bad boy…
I will definitely be framing this one….(and hoisting it above my head while Clara walks down the aisle one day!)
Sher, Weston and I also hit up a few antique malls. It’s so different to antique than to thrift. I sometimes can’t get over the prices. I walk in and expect to buy something for a dollar. Not. gonna. happen.
I was tempted.
The last full day we had was our “Atlanta Day”. We hit up The Flying Biscuit for brunch. Since the wait was so long, we were thankful that the kids had live entertainment outside on the sidewalk. They danced and jumped and laughed. Note the tongue. It comes out when he’s focused. Apparently his Gangnum Style required concentration.
Then it was time to head to The Childrens Museum.
The kids literally ran for it once we got in the door. You could hear the roar from the other room. Slightly scary.
Again with the tongue.
And again…
I have no idea what they were doing…but obviously it didn’t require as much concentration.
Will is right at home on a John Deere. I should rename him Will Deere 🙂
Right before they had a complete tiredness meltdown, they played with the giant train table. I was obsessed with the cute trees…they look like sculptural pieces.
Will and Clara wrestling in his bedroom. Probably the last time I will ever say that statement. hopefully.
And no this was not staged.
Neither was this. There was also a version of this where tongues were out…and it wasn’t for focus or concentration. It was hilarious. They totally did it on purpose because of the STOPNOSTOP screaming. I’m sure that in 15 years, they will do alot more crazy stuff to make us scream.
Overall, a really really fun time. I’m sure Jer’s folks will love seeing their grandbabies…even if it is a month late. Now who votes I go back and buy that black naked manikin? Jeremy put your hand down 🙂
Thank you for sharing and allowing us into your amazing friendship. The kids are toooooo much! Love them. A very nice story to end my long day. Thank you for the smile.
I love that you attest to the fact that the Petersiks are just as sweet as they come across on their blog and in the 1.2 minutes I had with them at the book signing. Always a YHL fan but truly, Bower Power has become my daily must read. Seriously Katie, you are so talented! Please become a full time blogger! #ineedamarshmallow
So many precious, perfectly-timed shots! Beautiful.
You girls, kids, hubs and family, are just lovely lovely lovely!!! =]
2 yrs or more I read both blogs, its always very sweet!
xoxo, Mandy (Brazil)
Nothing beats a true friendship! You are sodeserve to have each other in your lives. Look after one another and you can help push each other around the old age home…
Just curious to know why you wanted Weston to use a pacifier when he didn’t show an initial interest? I’ve just heard a lot of negative things about them like ruining how the teeth grow in and how obsessed little ones get with them.
So adorable! Reminds me of me and my bestie (Except for the kiddie part, she’s half way cooking one and im trying to get one in the cooker hehe). Family and friends are such a blessing! Love your blog! X
Love this! Looks like y’all had a fabulous visit!
Ah… I love how much you love Sherry…. true friendship. It makes me miss my best friend – who lives halfway across the country. I wish that you and Sherry lived next door to each other… you would provide some great entertainment, I mean DIY ideas 🙂
And yes, my hand is raised, the manikin is a must…. but maybe painted hot pink?
I wanted him to use a paci because his hand was already getting raw from sucking on it. And at two years old (when their need for sucking for comfort diminishes) you can take away a paci but it’s harder to take away their hand. Will’s teeth were different when he had his paci and I was slightly worried about it but when we transitioned him off it, they shifted into their regular position.
xo – kb
Katie!
You take amazing photographs. I absolutely love checking them out. As a photographer, what is your favorite website to print your professional photos from? I have been trying to get into photography and I find that the sites that inundate my inbox don’t necessarily have the best quality. Especially for larger photos.
Any suggestions?!?!
Adorable. i so love ya’lls wonderful friendship. So special to find a lady {and her fam} that fit so well with you and yours.
LOVE it
~ J
Possibly the 3 cutest kids on the internet. (We don’t post about our daughter, but she would be the 4th.) 🙂
We are the two best friends that anyone could have!
Could those kids be any cuter….the answer, my friend, is NO.
Great photos, great post, thanks for sharing boo!
Oh… these pictures are adorable. It is so wonderful to see what a great friend God has blessed you with through blogging. I would be tempted to frame everyone of those pics!
Both families are too cute for words, and congratulations to you all on such great success!!!
Love these Bower Power/YHL posts! Especially with adorable pictures of Will and Clara. As I’ve shared on YHL’s Facebook before, I’m actually marrying my toddler “Will” in June 2014. We didn’t see each other for about 23 years before I found him on Facebook, but I have pictures of us from around this age. And yes, they will be displayed at our wedding!!
I love love love this! It is so fun to find true friends. We moved and our friends live states away from us now. This is a good reminder to enjoy the times you have and look forward to the future memories.
Also, I would have been with you on the no control. More mocha the better!
It’s really fun to see pics of the Petersiks. Sherry doesn’t seem to post a ton of herself on YHL. Also, I think it’s so sweet how your families are friends. 🙂
Oh my gosh, the one where the kids are holding hands sitting on his bed………… the look on Wills face is just adorable! And the photo of Will with his daddy………… priceless! Will not only looks like Jer, he stands like him too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Such adorable pictures! I’m so glad you guys all found each other…what a great friendship! 🙂
love this!!!! y’all are so cute and those kids are freaking adorable 🙂 oh and flying biscuit?! that’s my jam. literally.
I love this post! 🙂 Love seeing the way God brought together two strangers and an awesome friendship was born!
When did Will transition to a toddler bed??? Did he start climbing out of the crib or was it just time?
That made me teary for some reason! The authentic way you and Sherry love each other and each other’s families, how you support each other in everything you do, even though you may choose do things differently, and your appreciation for each other is so sweet. My two faves!
For the last few years on and off I have these moments when I want kids, but they were rare. Then last year I drove by a little league game of 5 year olds and came home in tears. I didn’t even know why I was crying but tears were just going down my face. Then I realized I really wanted a kid. Then it passed and I was all “whew!”. Now I’m at a stage when I see kids like this I sort of get this weird feeling of wanting my uterus to be occupied. It’s very awkward to feel this way, and even more so that the feeling of wanting a kid used to feel more biological and it would pass with time. Now it’s feeling less biological and more like “I want a family that includes kids” and the feeling doesn’t go away for months on end like it used to.
The oversharing point is that these three make my brain go a little haywire and give me that “want baby in the uterus” feeling. Ahg.
The tongue! He will never outgrow that. My husband does it all the time when he is concentrating. Lips together, tongue in and out like a snake. So funny to watch when he doesn’t know I’m watching. Wonder if our future children will inherit that trait.
Great friends are the best!! Katie, Your eye for photography is amazing!! Such great pics of everyone!!
I love seeing/hearing about the shenanigans you guys get in to when together. What a sweet friendship. It makes me think of my bestie and how I can’t wait to have kids so they can be BFFs with her daughter. And the blossoming puppy love between the kiddos is too cute!
Katie dear, you are hilarious, and this is too freaking adorable to handle. Thank you for the smiles this morning.
Okay seriously, I love your friendship. I feel like friendships are even MORE special when they become couple and then family friendships!
Ummm…TOTALLY smiled seeing Clara and Will with their back packs. What is it with toddlers and backpacks. I just took a bunch of photos of my son playing at the kitchen sink…yeah, wearing a backpack. His request of course. 🙂
I think you’ll crack up seeing them (well, definitely smile) 🙂
http://hennablossom.com/?p=1082
I have the book! That mustache pacifier is the best. Glad you had such a fun weekend!
In the ring around the dead grass pic I would SWEAR Will was at least 4 if I didn’t know any better lol. They are the cutest. I love you guys together. And on a really random note, I love your hair wavy 🙂
I die. These are precious to the extreme! Such sweet memories 🙂
I am sad that I missed y’all in Atlanta at the book signing! My brother is an Imaginator (actor) at the Children’s Museum… it is fun to see his place of work from a mom’s perspective. Looks like you guys had fun!
Now I can’t picture anything but Clara and Will dancing in the street a la The Notebook.
the kids are so adorable. it would be so cool if they end up married. so sweet. i hope you will still have your blog and write about their wedding.
Love you all together! Such a cute post.
Oh, I love these pictures! So darn cute!
That is too cute!
xo kb
First of all, you’ve become one of my daily reads. You’re doing a great job with your blog. Second, advise please–please, my son also is using the soothe paci that the hospital gave out. He won’t take anything else. We only use it for sleep and car seat. But his teeth are really worrying me. I’m glad to hear that Will’s teeth shifted back once you’d transitioned. HOW did you DO it? My son will be 2 next month and I’d like to start the transition but I’m scared.
Thanks!
We just spent the past weekend at a rented mountain cabin in Jasper, GA with our best friends, and it reminds me a lot of this time you guys spent with the Petersiks (minus the kiddos…we’re not quite there yet but I really hope that we’ll continue our vacations together when we are!). I like what you said about not having to have activities planned, just being able to hang out together and have fun. That was exactly what we did for most of our weekend (although we too had an “Atlanta day”…ours was The Vortex for lunch and then World of Coke!).
I love it! The kids are so cute together!
Also, later when they start crawling and touching everything on the playground, you can’t always keep the thumb clean for sucking. One can have much more control over keeping a paci clean. We used to have it attached to a string that was clipped to my daughter’s clothes – that way it wasn’t dropping down on the floor. And if the paci somehow got dirty, we had a clean spare one. My son though is a thumb sucker. Luckily, he only sucks his thumb before he’s falling to sleep. But I am yet to think of a successful way how to wean him of that habit.
Oh my goodness, how lovely! Those are just the sweetest pictures ever. 🙂
I am touched to learn from skimming your blog that you teach your little one some Croatian. (I am Croatian living in Croatia.) Some families only teach their kids the language of the country they live in, and I think it’s a shame to omit the opportunity to learn another language for free, in such a young age practically through osmosis, from mom and dad. Knowledge of an extra language (or two or more) is always a bonus treasure, and it’s gonna be great joy for everybody in your family when your little boy speaks with his grandparents in their native tongue 🙂
Cute post! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Weston’s pacifier story is similar to my nephews. He wouldn’t take a single pacifier untill I gave him a vampire teeth one. It was hillarious to see this little baby with giant vampire teeth. Scared a few little old ladies too! I think the size of the pacifier surrounding may be more comforting to them?
Looks like you guys all had a great time! Its always fun with great friends!
I chew my tongue when I concentrate. It’s a subconscious thing. My mom does it too. Don’t judge.
Katie, I just have to say I love reading your blog. You have such a wonderful, witty sense of humor and a great outlook on life. And you bet I will still be reading in 20 years to see if Will and Clara are getting married. Absolutely love it! God bless!
The pictures of the kiddos are TOO cute!! They are such sweetie pies!
HELP! I am about to die here! This is totally unrelated to this current post, but I wasnt sure of a way to contact you otherwise. I have been searching previous posts like crazy and I am not finding it. You had done a tutorial on making a ‘star’ out of plastic straws? You displayed it in your nook. Where did that go? I was planning to make one for a decoration for my sisters bridal shower and I can’t seem to find the tutorial anywhere. PLEASE let me know where I might find it.
THANKS!!!
What a great photo album there! Looks like y’all had a great visit! 🙂
I have laughed through this entire post. These are some of the most precious pictures I have seen. The Notebook: Toddler picture needs a frame, PRONTO! Thank you for adding some laughter to the end of a long day! 🙂
Oh. my. goodness. Will and Clara are the cutest together. I can’t even take it! So glad you guys had such a good time! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
The 4 wheeler picture is BEYOND cute!!!
http://happinessiscreating.com/
I love these Bower-Petersik love fest posts! They make me really smile! 🙂
Here you go! So sorry!
https://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2013/02/object-of-affection-geometri-ball/
xo – kb
We actually talked about it a lot before hand. We thought that there was gonna be a huge battle because we had lost it before (turns out it was in the couch, in the car, etc.) but he always freaked out. So when time came, we told him that he was gonna be a big boy and that he could have a special treat when his paci was gone. Then right after his second birthday he got a stuffed animal (named Zehbah) and we just took the paci away. If he asked, we said “It’s gone baby, remember? Here, hold Zehbah”. We never said the word or initiated it and even when he cried, we did all sorts of different methods of comfort (back scratches, holding his lovie, head rubs, stuffed animals, little videos on our phone of fire engines)…he asked for it maybe for three to four days tops. It honestly wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I tend to underestimate our little guy 🙂
xo – kb
It was a while ago. He kept climbing out and we decided to transition him as soon as he could get out faster than I could get out of the room 🙂 Thankfully, the crib converts into a toddler bed. Soon, we will have to switch him to a twin bed though. That should be fun 🙂
xo – kb
I use MyPublisher and MPix. Sometimes if I just need some small prints, I also use Snapfish (their prices are hard to beat when it comes to 4×6’s!).
xo – kb
So touching. You seven are so lucky to have each other. We used to have a couple like that, we took turns at least once a week making dinner at each other’s houses . Loving each other’s children, vacations, painting walls….Then they divorced. I miss it all.
The picture of Sherry and Clara looking at each other made me tear up. Sweetest picture ever. I need to remember that for a photo session for me and my daughter.
Thanks Katie!
Aww, thanks! Yes, we definitely want Mateo to speak Croatian! It takes a lot more conscious effort than when we are in Croatia but it’s so important to us as well. Language opens up so many worlds (and people). And YEP, we want him to be able to speak to his paternal grandparents and Croatian cousins in their native language! Now MY Croatian on the other hand…pitiful…although haha, since Mateo I can say lots of random things like, “Hey legend” and “close the door” and “don’t move,” “look who’s awake” and “little sausage,” haha. 😉 At least I can understand a lot! I speak Spanish though and we have lots of books in Spanish. I think we’re really lucky living in Chicago because it’s very diverse. Mateo’s closest two little friends have mothers who speak a different language to them. (Swiss German and another Mandarin) so he’s used to being around lots of language switches. 🙂 Glad you stopped by the blog! Hope to see you again!
This is so true. I can attest that with my kids (now adults). My mum stuck a paci in my older daughter’s mouth and we could wean her out of it very easily when she was a year and a half. And then 2 years later when my son came, I thought I could do without a paci. His fingers crept in and then it was trouble all the way.. we couldnt do a thing about it. the thumb went it all the way until his high school years.. specially when he went to bed. Dentists, mouth guards, . nothing worked. I know, it was truly traumatic.. glad he is 19 now and its over (i hope) 🙂
Love it! It’s so great to see young moms be friends. So many of us lose touch with good friends during these busy years of raisin’ up youngins! Or we get crazy and be competitive with other moms. You two are such a good example of moms just having fun together. (And setting up arranged marriages!)
Loved reading this!!! So sweet and funny! Great memories!
Great friends. Great photos. Great times. Great Life. You guys are blessed to be friends that enrich each others lives. Makes me feel gratitude for my besties. xo
C
“She got Chai skinny something with healthy on the side and I got a mocha mocha mocha something with extra mocha.”
— this made me laugh out loud. You are so funny, Katie.
Thanks Katie!
Is it creepy that I hope they really do get married?? Adorable
Hi Katie!
Will and Clara are adorable together and there’s totally a chance they’ll get married someday. It does happen. It happened with me and my husband who have known each other since we were tiny little things. There are a couple of pictures of us in preschool together at the top of this post: http://www.filing-jointly.com/2011/11/how-ryan-met-lauren-part-i-part-in.html
Also, I rarely comment (I think I did once before about night terrors) but I love your blog. Your sincerity and warmth and love for your family shines through in such a good way.
haha…no! well maybe! I know that they probably won’t but we can all dream, right?!
xo – kb
That is so freaking cute. I know it’s super slim chance but a mama has dreams 😉
xo – kb
Hi Katie! Sorry to ask a “where did you get it” question but I have been trying to find some brown leather chairs like the one John is sitting in holding Weston (men holding babies = so adorable!)
Oh wow. That shot of Clara’s hand on Sherry’s face as they look at each other completely unglued me. *dabs at tears* What a fantastic picture! 😀
Ikea! They are really affordable.
xo – kb
having a true mommy friend is the best! y’all are so lucky!
LOVE IT!
I’m pretty sure the picture of your boys with their quads made my ovaries burst! It’s so special you can share so much with your best friends, no matter how far away 🙂
oh, man, i feel like a creeper – i just thought “that picture of will and clara would be so cute on my wall”
WHAT?! I don’t even have pictures of my own family up…………..
Been there on the Slighty Scary = best description ever!
haha…that’s hilarious 🙂
xo – kb
OMG I love this post. 🙂 I’m such a fan of John & Sherry, and love that you guys are BFFs fo life. And that picture of the boys with their 4-wheelers is just too perfect for words. You have to frame that bad boy.
I’m totally with you Will! I do a mouth open/ tongue out thing all the time. I wear a mask at work (thank goodness) since I work in the OR. I’ve literally drooled in my mask because it was open for so long. So lame!! It’s then followed by a few looks to see if anyone saw somehow. Hope he wears a mask at his future construction job 😉
Glad you guys found such wonderful friends! I think everyone should have another couple like that in their lives!
You are such fun families! Will is really growing up!
Can I ask where you got that cute spring coat you are wearing at the antique mall? I love it!
It’s from Gap. It’s a couple years old but every once in a while, they come out with a new version in a different color 🙂
xo – kb
“A little ring around the dead grass” literally made me laugh out loud for a full minute. Haha! It’s the little things I guess. 🙂
First – I NEED the YHL book. I missed them when they were in Toronto. *sigh*
Second – your kids are adorable together… love the balloon/kiss pic so much!
Third – the 4 wheeler/ATV pic with your hubby and little guy is so adorable.
I love following Bower Power and YHL and doubly love the posts you do together or about your time together. So fun!
Makes my heart go flippity – flop to see that Will still has his blue blankie ! We are getting another grandchild in July! A BOY this time !!!!
He LOVES it. I still need to finish Weston’s blanket…it’s not as nice as Will’s but hey..I tried 🙂
xo – kb
Absolutely love all the Will and Clara pics!! They are beyond cute by themselves…but together, I just die. SO sweet!
Love love love the photos of Clara and Will together! This was a great post! I love both of your blogs so it is fun when you post about your families hanging out!
Oh those kiddos are cute! My best friend and I have totally adorable photos of her son and my daughter hugging in bed when they were 3. So cute now! But maybe not so cute in about 10 years. Eek!