Sprinkler Playdate

It has been so hot here, as I'm sure it has been everywhere. We've made several pool visits already this summer to beat the heat. This week I decided to change things up a bit and host a sprinkler play date in the front yard. Key word..."try".

Before everyone's arrival, I set up the water table, some outdoor toys, and the beach ball sprinkler. I made a trial run and everything was working just fine. Not even an hour later when all of the kiddos got here in great anticipation, I turned on the giant beach ball sprinkler and bad news--it wouldn't work! I have no idea what happened in that hour. We were all so bummed! I tried everything and no luck.

The good news is Jack and I did have a back up Caterpillar water sprinkler--not as exciting, but it served the purpose. Surprisingly, the little ones spent most of the time at the water table and chasing one another around the front yard instead. Regardless, I think everyone had fun. It was nice playing a little catch up with the adult guests. Ugh...nothing like inviting everyone over for a sprinkler play date and the sprinkler, of all things, not working!

Jack had the, all important, task of passing out the Dora Popsicles after lunch.

Jack was very adamant about getting a green one.

We all enjoyed a picnic lunch...if you call 90 degree weather enjoyable.

Maggie had it made in the shade and was perfectly content watching the "big kids" play.

One of the few pictures I have of my kids together! And you better believe Mags was eyeing that green popsicle the whole time.

Because I spent 90% of my time working on that ***** beach ball sprinkler, I didn't get any pictures of the kids actually playing! I promise they did. By lunch, I had given up and decided it was time to pull out the camera. So this is what you get!

Maggie's Sitting Session

Now that Maggie is an official sitter, we had her sitting photo session with Lisa Russo. This is such a great age for pictures that I was really hoping for some good images. However, in the past month or so Mag's has been exhibiting serious separation anxiety. So to be honest, going into the session I was nervous.

In the first moments of sitting her down...Maggie cried...and hard. We gave her a minute or two to warm up to the camera and Lisa, dried her red teary face, and before we knew it she was all smiles--just like the Maggie I know.

So hoping for good images is nothing in comparison to what we got...they are beyond that...in my opinion they are fabulous! I don't know how I will ever choose!

Click on the link below to see for yourself and PLEASE give me your thoughts. I'll need all of the input I can get.

Maggie & Jack.

Dear Daddy

Dear Daddy,

Happy Father's Day! I wanted to take this day to tell you why I think you are the best Daddy in the world! Although I don't know any different, Mommy says I'm right on.

I know Daddy's are suppose to love unconditionally and from what I can see you do just that. You love me grumpy, mad, happy, sleepy, wild, and even when I'm sad. Mommy says you have the patience of a saint. I know that it is hard work. And I want you know that it means so much to me.

I really enjoy the quality time we spend together. I can always count on you to play in the playroom or outside with me while Mommy cooks dinner. Our recent pool visits together have been a lot of fun. Saturday mornings are my favorite when just you and I take a special trip to the donut shop in your "race car". And I love playing computer games on your work computer with you. But, my most favorite time of the day is our bed time routine. You give the best baths with lots of bubbles and laughs. Your storybook voices are so funny. I like to practice them when no one is looking. And our secret game of "Hop on Pop" in my big boy bed is just what I need to wear off that last bit of energy I have. Our special time together will be a memory I'll never forget.

Thank you for teaching how to fix things too. I know you aren't the best handyman, but in my eyes "Daddy can fix anything"! You always fix my marble game when a piece comes loose, you've replaced many a wheels on my toys that go, and you are the best battery replacer ever! I really enjoy watching you use your tools and I hope one day I have a set of my own..then we can "work" together.

Most importantly, you teach me everyday how to be a good person. I am a work in progress and watching you is the best example I could ask for. You are good at sharing, you work hard, you tell the truth, and you are always nice to people. I hope that I grow up to be just like you one day...and Mommy prays for the same. I love you!

You Best Buddy,

Jack

P.S. I'll be sure to pass this all on to Maggie when she is old enough to understand.

Practice

I decided to practice putting video footage on the blog via my MAC. I certainly haven't perfected it. And as you will see from the video clip Jack is practicing playing gentle with Maggie, which...he certainly hasn't perfected either.

Jack and Maggie June 10 from Paula Cibula on Vimeo.

June Birthdays

Wow! We just spent an entire weekend celebrating June Birthdays. It started with a quick visit from GG. She was on her way to Florida for the weekend and made a stop at the Cibula cottage. That is always a pleasant surprise. We celebrated her birthday with a little gift giving and a nice lunch out before she headed down the road.

Our weekend was then packed with birthday parties galore. Saturday was an exciting party at "Play" for Nate's 3rd! Between trampolines, parachutes, balls, and a foam pit, Jack did just that "play" and hard. He was exhausted by the time we got home and crashed for a three hour nap. A boy can only take so much! Even with all that fun, his favorite part was, as always, the cupcakes!

Sunday was a pool party for one of our newest friends, Jack Janci. Another 3 year old to join the thrilling three gang! Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures from that bash. And even more unfortunate, my Jack was escorted out by his parents before the cupcakes were served. An unanimous decision was made between Mommy and Daddy that Jack's behavior did not warrant anymore birthday fun. We needed a consequence that he would remember and here's hoping it worked. I suppose we will have to wait until the next Birthday party to find out.

After another much needed nap by Jack, we topped the evening off with a Birthday celebration right here at home for me. Yes, I am well into my 30's now! Sunday was the day. And although, the first half of the day was rough, my boys made it up to me with a delicious chocolate cake and a round of Happy Birthday. Oh, and did I mention, I got a new MAC too?

It's my new toy and I am having so much fun with it. Now if I can just figure it out...ha! So forgive me if I'm a little slow on the blogging for the next couple weeks. I've got a lot to learn.

So Happy Birthday to all of our June friends...isn't if fun to be a June baby?

Ready, Sit, Listen...it's time to "PLAY"!

Did I mention Jack's favorite part of a Birthday party are the cupcakes?

Jack was very proud of his mess. I think he was hoping to impress Wesley Kate.

And the clean Birthday Boy! Happy 3rd Nate!

The end to a very busy Birthday weekend. Happy Birthday Mommy!

Welcoming Conrad

I had the pleasure of meeting sweet Conrad on his first day into this world. The newest Ballenger is absolutely precious...with lips to die for! The big boy was 8lbs 3oz and is perfect! Congratulations Allison, Benton, and Big Sister Ansley! We can't wait to see your newest little angel again soon!

My Maggie: 7 Months

Maggie is 7 months old today. This "birthday" month has been the hardest for me to swallow to date. We are over the hump--the halfway hump--on our journey to a year old. Maggie's babyhood has been such a joy, and even though I still have several months of it to enjoy, I can't help but think that it will be gone in a blink of an eye. She almost makes me think I want another...key word "think".

So here is a look at our magnificent Maggie at the 7 month mark.

Eating

Maggie is officially a real solids eater. We start the morning with a 6 oz bottle and then head to the kitchen for the good stuff. She eats rice cereal mixed with an ounce of milk and fruit. If I had to guess this is her favorite meal of the day. She loves sitting at the table with big brother, whom often distracts her. There are mornings where breakfast takes a good 45 minutes. Listening to my kids giggle is well worth it though.

At lunch she takes a full 8oz bottle with no solids.

And then her dinner, which really isn't exactly dinner time, more like 4:00ish, she takes a 4 oz bottle and eats her veggies. So far, she is huge fan of orange and yellow veggies. When it comes to green ones, Maggie is a little more hesitant. I have to trick her by mixing the green ones with something brighter. Not always, but often. After her "dinner" we head up to wake Jack from his nap (one of M's favorite activities). This meal goes much faster without the distractions.

She tops of her day with a 8oz bottle after bath and before bedtime.

Last month I made a incorrect assumption that she was possibly becoming a ravenous eater like brother was at this age. Seems I was wrong, probably just a growth spurt or getting use to formula as opposed to nursing. She actually is a pretty slow eater, she dawdles a lot, takes breaks between bites, and takes her bottle in a fair amount of time. Not a big gulper.

Activity

Now that Maggie is an official sitter her list of activities has doubled. A few of her favorites are...

*stroller rides

*blocks on her nursery floor

*watching Cosby

*bath time

*gym class

*playing with big brother

*gnawing on every toy we own

*music class

*bed time books--her favorites are Goodnight Moon and The Big Red Barn

*sitting by/on the fountains at the baby pool

*watching other kids play

*her play mat

*waking big brother from his afternoon nap

*listening and dancing to music

*swinging on the playset

Sleep

Thankfully not much has changed in this arena. Maggie wakes between 7:45-8:00 am in the morning with a giant smile. She takes her morning nap around 9:30 am for about 2 hours. She then takes her afternoon nap at 1:30 pm for another 2-21/2 hours. And she is still holding on to that evening catnap at 5:30. This one only lasts about 45 minutes. Then she is off to bed at 7:30 pm after bath, bottle, and books.

In Other News

Well, it looks like the beach fever was a false alarm...still no teeth. I keep waiting and looking and so far nothing. She sure is showing all the signs--lots of drooling and chewing. Who knows?

Although, Jack is notorious for making Maggie belly laugh, she still prefers Mommy over anyone. I'm sensing a little separation anxiety--it seems a little early for that. We've been playing a lot of peek-a-boo and Mommy will be right back games.

Maggie is a giant roly poly. She has chubby rolls in places that I didn't even know were possible. It is so delicious! Depending on the brand, she is mainly wearing size 9 months. Although, she can still fit in a few of her 6-9 month clothes. She is wearing a size 2-3 diaper and I'm thinking we will be heading to the 3's sooner than later.

She might have the biggest smile I have ever seen on a baby. I love it when she gives me one of those wide open grins. Usually Jack is the only one who can solicit those. Maybe it's her lack of teeth that makes it look so big, I don't know, but it sure melts my heart.

About halfway through this month, I plan on introducing solids at lunch, some finger foods (puffs, Cheerios, etc.), and adding meat to her dinner. Wow! We've got a full plate ahead of us...literally.

And that is our Magpie at the 7 month mark. We are over the hump and have enjoyed almost (I won't lie) every minute to date. We adore you Mags! Happy 7 month birthday sweet one!

One Of The Perks To Being A Sitter....

...is you get to sit up in the bath tub. And actually play with toys! We can hardly get Mag's out of the tub these days. She has always been a bath lover, but this sitting thing has taken it to a whole new level.

Yum! I love this girl!

Ships Ahoy! It's A Boy!

For Cristina, that is. With two precious girls, (and I mean precious), Cristina is finally adding a baby boy to her brood. Lucas, his middle name is still up for discussion, is due to arrive August 3rd. I can't wait to meet that sweet baby boy.

While we were waiting, we sprinkled the Mommy to be with a nautical themed shower this weekend. Talk about fun decorations, not to mention the food and friends were top notch. And thanks to Kristen for hosting at her beautiful home--it was the perfect venue on a perfectly sunny day.

The fun goodies were located at the entry table in sand pails--yummy and adorable crab and sailboat shaped cookies. I'm so mad that you can't see the sailboat cookies in the red pail. Trust me, they were darling.

Instead of the traditional baby clothesline, we did a fishing net complete with nautical wear for Lucas. How fun it must be to be a summer baby!

Look at these divine desserts...compliments of Kristen. Yum! They tasted as good as they looked.

This boy won't be short of precious clothes after this shower. And doesn't Cristina just look beautiful pregnant?

The hostesses and Mommy to be...Kristen, Isabelle, Cristina (and Lucas), Adriana (Cristina's lil' sis), and me.

Beach Week

We just returned from a sunny and sandy week at the beach. It was our second annual trip with the Heilmans and the Miccas. This year it was 6 adults and 6 kiddos. Next year, with Cristina's upcoming addition, the adults will be out numbered. Yikes!

I have to admit, the week was busy, and at times, overwhelming. It was my and Clay's first attempt at life outside the comfort of our house with two little ones. Regardless of the challenges, Jack had a fabulous trip. He bunked with the big kids and even slept on the top bed per his request (I was shocked). He spent every single day at the beach and/or the pool. And he consumed enough sweet treats to last him the rest of the summer.

Maggie had fun, not quite as much as big brother though (that will come in time). Unfortunately, she fought a low grade fever for the first four days, teeth anyone? And with the fever came an extremely tired baby. She basically slept the first half of the vacation away. There wasn't much I could do to keep her awake, day or night, so we went with it. By the end of the vacation, she was feeling better and even made one trip to the beach and two trips to the pool. I'm sure all of that will change next year.

If you're curious, we were on the Gulf and it was beautiful! No oil or signs of it for that matter. We were extremely grateful for that. Our beach house was gorgeous (thanks Cristina) with plenty of room for all, our own pool, and a view.

Of course, I took way too many pictures. After we got home and I had a chance to regroup, Jack and I looked through all 165 of them. It was a nice reminder of how fun our family beach trip really was. What better way to organize all those memories than with a slide show? Enjoy the show and imagine the sun shining on your face and the waves crashing around you.

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