Braves, Baseball, and My Boys

Jack attended his first Braves baseball game with Daddy this week. I wanted to go so bad, oh, did I want to go. But, I just knew it was too much for Maggie (there is that guilt thing again).

I really wanted to see the look on Jack's face, experience the wonder of one of my favorite past times with him, and take lots of pictures of that excited boy. But, instead I stayed home with the other love of my life. And we actually had a glorious afternoon and evening--just the girls.

Daddy and Jack made the trek down to the stadium for the 4:30 game and met the Heilman family (another reason I wanted to go). They had been waiting for just the right weather and game time, they finally got both. Daddy promised me lots of pictures and details. I got the details...for sure. The pictures?, well, I wasn't expecting much anyway. Especially when Clay asked if he could just take the "little camera". Oh well, I've managed to make the pictures in my mind.

Needless to say, the Braves won!, Jack had a blast, and was totally exhausted when he got home. He actually made it all 9 innings with a fill of Dippin' Dots, a hot dog, and peanuts. He came back with his first Braves hat, a tomahawk and wanted to save his "special" ticket and 1st Braves Game Pin "forever".

A few action shots, courtesy of Daddy, the biggest Braves fan in the house...

Looks like they had fun...even if I wasn't there:) There is always next season.

Guilty

Guilt...someone once told me, "it's the Cancer of motherhood", and I believe it. Lately, I just can't shake this intense guilt brewing inside of me. And most of it revolves around Maggie. My dear, sweet, precious, little Maggie. Oh, trust me, I have plenty for Jack, but lately it's been about Maggie.

I promised myself before she was born that I would do everything in my power to make sure she never felt like #2. And honestly, I have. We have help for the sole purpose of making sure my kids have alone time with me at least once a week. I've taken just as many pictures of her as I did of Jack, because everyone said I wouldn't. I've made sure to write a post on the blog once a month dedicated to just Maggie and her progress. I never make her nap in the car (like people say #2 "just has to do"). I still cook all her fresh veggies and meats for the week (no short cuts). And I've even made sure Maggie started music and gym classes at the same age Jack did. But I still feel so guilty.

I blame her still not crawling on me. I know it sounds ridiculous and I realize it even more so as I type it, but I really think my guilt has some merit. Take Monday for example, my poor Maggie wasn't on the ground until 4:00, after her afternoon nap. She woke up, went straight to her highchair for breakfast, from the highchair to the car to take Jack to school, out of the car to her crib for her a.m. nap, once up from nap, back to the car to pick Jack up from school, then to the highchair again for lunch, then back to her crib for her afternoon nap. It wasn't until after her afternoon nap that she actually made it to the floor. No wonder the baby isn't crawling--she never has a chance to! I hate this for her.

Oh and then there is the never ending guilt about her severe separation anxiety. People say it's the babies with the stay at home Moms. Hmmm...I don't know about that. I was with Jack 24 hours a day and he never displayed separation anxiety. Now Maggie on the other hand is constantly being passed off from me to her Daddy, from me to the stroller, from me to the nanny, from me to a family member, geez, from me to the nearest person I can find. It always seems that Jack needs something or I just need my hands and guess what? There goes Maggie again...always on the back burner. So unfair! I feel like she doesn't know which end is up and no wonder she cries--who knows if I'm coming back--half the time I don't.

As silly as it sounds, I fear she won't be as smart as Jack. That brilliant boy knew all his letters by 1 1/2 years old and all of his sounds and colors before he was 2. Was it because I had the time to sit with him, practice, and read to him nonstop, or is it because he was just that smart? If it's the latter, I can handle it. If it's because of my lack of time, I will never forgive myself. She deserves me and my time.

And this is why I think I'm done (as of today, that is). I have two kids who I adore beyond words, who I love to the ends of the Earth, and yet, I still don't feel like that is enough sometimes. How could I possibly spread myself among 3? I can only hope the two I do have always know how much they mean to me and how hard I pray for them every day. Boy, do I pray. Ironically, even with all the guilt that comes with motherhood, I feel so blessed--I can only wish that Jack and Maggie do to.

I hope one day I will read this post and laugh, because sweet Maggie turned out well adjusted and as perfect as she has the potential to be. And if she doesn't , well, I guess she can just blame me. What's a lifetime of guilt anyway?

Fall Break = Playdate

I feel like we just went back to school and here we are celebrating a Fall Break. The teacher in me loves it, the parent in me is saying, 'really?'.

To fill our empty days (if there is such thing), we attended a playdate at toddler Ansley's house, (this being Jack's name for her). It's his filing system of sorts to keep his friends straight. Whatever works.

I had to document this playdate because as we were packing up for the day, and yes, attending a playdate requires a lot of packing these days, I realized this is Maggie's first official playdate! My sweet Mags, for the first time, will be attending a playdate outside of her home and she won't be out numbered by the big kids. Yay for you Maggie!

Of course, she loved it. But, really she loves just about anything, except for people or kids in her personal space. My immobile, plump, bundle of joy sat in the midst of the kids and played her little heart out. New toys, a few new faces (non of which were in her space), and a giant doggie. Who could ask for more?

Now, added to my to do list...plan a playdate solely for Maggie with "little" friends. I've got you covered my little lovebug!

Hmm...what to play with? So many choices.

Maggie and Alexandra. Look at that smile on Mag's face--she loves her "little" friends.

Toddler Ansley, Maggie, Alexandra, and Jake. It's so fun to be little!

Forgive me...I could not leave the big kids out, though they pretty much kept to themselves. Sophia and Jack were busy with band practice.

Little Kicker

Jack's first "game" of the Fall soccer season was on Sunday. He is a Little Kicker...how great is that title?

The count down has been on around here. Between searching and buying gear to the full out "show the whole neighborhood" your new cleats episode...we were ready. Game time is 3:30 on Sundays. It does not fair well with either of my kids naps, so needless to say, I was concerned. I am happy to report-- it went off without a hitch.

Maggie went down a little early and unfortunately was awaken early too. But, our little trooper baby was just that...a trooper. And with the anticipation of the game, Jack spent his nap time wiggling in his bed. Should I have expected any differently?

We arrived at the field right on time, Jack's cleats click clacking the whole way down the sidewalk to field #6. He was very enthralled with that. We were all happy to see familiar faces for teammates...Carson, Reeves from school, and Sophia, of course. The coach passed out individual soccer balls for all of the players (brilliant!) and told them to name their new "best friends". Jack chose to name his Cosby (very original) and Sophia, taking the best friend thing literally, named hers Jack. That shouldn't be too confusing, huh? Very sweet though.

And then the game began. I would be lying if I said it was a real game. More like a bazillion 3 year olds running around kicking their named balls, shooting goals, following through the drills, and having a blast. It was the best version of organized chaos I have ever seen.

Both Clay and I were very pleasantly surprised at Jack's enthusiasm. He actually loved it! Which, of course, I was hoping for, but you never know with a 3 year old. On the way home, he chanted "I won!", and declared "I want to play ALLLLL the sports". This followed with, "then I will have a trophy collection". He has already inquired about his next soccer "game". Looks like we found Jack's first niche.

Let the games begin! Can you tell how excited Jack was?

Jack and "Cosby"--the soccer ball version.

Go Little Kicker! (I love what hair that wasn't glued to his head with sweat is bouncing in the air)

Even the Daddies got to join in on the drills.

Look at that face of determination...poor "Cosby".

A little dribbling--using no hands is a work in progress.

Jack, Cosby, Sophia, and the other Jack were worn out after the game. Then it was time for Popsicles!

Jack let sweet Mags hold his soccer ball after the game. What an awesome Big Bro! This girl was in heaven. She is a ball freak.

Maggie was Jack's biggest fan. And besides being a loyal fan, she was an angel. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, can a baby really be this sweet? And if so, what did we do to deserve her?

My Maggie: 10 Months

Maggie Grace is 10 months old today! Yes, I said 10. Amazing, isn't it?

In honor of the double digits, I thought we would try something new to celebrate. Not to mention, very little has changed in the way of her Eat, Play, Sleep schedule-- tidbits here and there, but that should easily be covered below.

Mama's hip is where she is happiest--Mama's back is not so happy

An angel is disguise

Girly to the core, drama and all

Gets up from night time sleep and naps with a smile on her face and a giggle in her belly

Incredibly squishy in all the right places

Eats just about anything I put in front of her, but especially loves chicken and grapes

Gives me way too many dirty diapers a day--you know, the really bad kind

Rolls around her crib and often wakes on her belly

Afraid of strangers or possibly looking for an excuse for Mommy to hold her

Can find the beat to any music she hears and bops away

Expecting 3 more top teeth any day now--they are working their way through

Can't wait until bath time

Is quickly perfecting her sippy cup skills

Blue eyes that could melt your heart

Unusually content with being immobile

Likes to play Peek -A-Boo with her books over reading them

An amazing sleeper--thank you God and Babywise

I don't think we could possibly love her anymore, but then again, I thought the same thing last month. I don't know what this baby is doing to me but, she has a tight hold of my heart.

Happy 10 Months Magpie--you are our little piece of heaven!

A Wagon Built For Two

It is almost impossible to get Jack to take a walk with us these days. It use to be his favorite after nap activity. It has been sorely replaced with "Curious George". I know, definitely not the same affect.

However, I was able to talk him into it with a wagon ride. The novelty of it struck just the right cord with him. Maggie was thrilled with the idea--she loves being outdoors. So off we went down the street to the apple tree and back. With this being Maggie's first wagon ride, we took it slow. Until....big brother decided he wanted to pull the wagon. The pro here is that he wore himself out. The con, well, let's just say I was a nervous wreck.

Jack was flying down the road, with my sweet Magpie in tow. Oh, if you could have only seen her face. A grin from ear to ear, belly laughs galore, and her hair blowing in the wind. Apparently she wasn't aware of the danger she was in.

We all made it home safely, with only one minor knee scratch. Looks like we need to dust that wagon off more often!

Babies And BBQ

I guess I can't really call it that anymore, considering the "babies" are growing up and the new ones have arrived. Maybe...Cook Out and Kiddos....or...Babies, Toddlers, and Burgers, Oh My. Hmm...any thoughts?

Regardless of what it is called these days, we did it again. Our annual backyard summer's end party. Unfortunately, we had to schedule it on Labor Day weekend this year. If you can believe it, every other weekend in September was taken on the Cibula calendar. So, lots of families were out of town, which we expected. But, we still had a great crew with 13 kiddos and lots of Mommies and Daddies.

We ate burgers and hot dogs, the Daddies played a little Boccie Ball, the Mommies caught up, and the little ones ran wild. It was perfect! I am proud to announce that the running wild didn't lead to one argument that needed adult intervention. Huh, maybe those babies really are growing up.

So without further ado, I present you with the pictures of our last bit of summer fun...

Maggie and Little Miss Eliza Kate enjoyed some bonding time on the deck. Maggie was enthralled by EK--she loves babies. So much so, that she even let me walk out of her sight for a bit. Now, it takes someone really special for Mags to allow that to happen.

Too cool or too busy to pose for a picture together, so I had to catch an action/candid shot of Miller and Jack.

The playset was very well used this year. Between the swings, the rock wall, and rolling balls up and down the slides there was not a dull moment at that end of the yard.

Wee ones and their Mommies..aren't they sweet? Cristina and Lucas, Karen and Bradley, & Allison and Conrad. Next year these little bundles will be trying to keep up with the big kids...hard to believe.

Group photo time! How do we always pull this off? A bribe, of course. This year--popsicles! I will admit we were missing one toddler--the popsicle wasn't tempting enough for sweet Sydney. (back row L-R Miller, Alexandra, middle row L-R,Wesley Kate, Jack, Sophia, front row L-R Ansley, Caroline)

And we can't forget the babies! Maggie fell somewhere in the middle of the two groups, but made it very clear that she felt the most comfortable with her pint size friends. (L-R Lucas, Conrad, Maggie, Eliza Kate, and Bradley)

To the point that she could not take her hands off them. Did I mention, Maggie loves babies?

And my favorite photo...my two love bugs. What a happy pair! And yes, Jack's shirt is still soaking in Oxi Clean as we speak.

Still Friends

Cristina and I have been doing everything in our power to make sure Jack and Sophia get plenty of quality time together. With them not being in the same classroom this year, we feel it is our duty. We've planned numerous playdates, picnics after school, a Mighty Mites class in the Fall, and Lunch Bunch after school on Fridays. The latest endeavour...a naked playdate.

It wasn't really planned that way. But after a drop off playdate, and Jack's impromptu, "let's go to the pool", Sophia's reply, "I didn't bring my bathing suit", and a "let's play in the sprinklers" conversation, before Abby and I knew it, they were both stripping down on the front porch...literally. And I promise, not one bit of that is an exaggeration...and who were we to stop them?

I wish I could share all the pictures I took or at least the full shot (they are pretty hilarious), but Clay would kill me. Right fully so. So I'll let you use your imagination--and here's a hint--the sprinkler was hardly involved. Mainly just a water hose and some outdoor toys...gotta love the liberation of being 3!

I find this picture hilarious (even after I cropped half of it off). Please check out Sophia on the tree swing (naked mind you) while Jack fills the water table with the garden hose. What a gentleman and such a patient lady in waiting.

And if you could only see the entirety of this photo. Both Jack and Sophia were hard at work "washing" toys. You should have seen how many toys were at their feet.