The Sunshine State

There is no where I would rather spend Winter Break than in the beautiful sunshine state. However, stop me if I EVER say I am going to drive down there with two kids and a dog by myself again. Boy, did that drive make me appreciate Clay.

What should have been about a 5 1/2 hour drive was a whopping 7 1/2...both ways. I knew it would take longer than what my nav system said, but 2 hours longer, seriously? Each stop averaged 45 minutes and trust me, there were plenty of them. Either somebody needed a potty break (which was sadly enough me most of the time), a diaper change, a new DVD put in, food, drinks, something (correction Maggie's Pinky) picked up off the floor board of the car, or just a much needed break (which, again, sadly enough was me). To put it lightly is was an adventure.

All was worth it when we arrived safely (although I was cooked at that point). The weather was perfect...70's and sunny. And we had a plethora of family to visit with. We spent our days playing hard on the beach and/or at Grandparent's houses. Jack and Maggie slept like champs--thank the Lord. Which, with Jack on this trip, was a blessing. He was full throttle our entire stay and then some. I wouldn't have survived without my best friend--good ol' nap time.

But in all honesty, not a visit down there doesn't make me wish we had family closer. I would love for Jack and Maggie to experience that love and doting on on a more frequent basis. It just makes us appreciate our time with family all that much more and gives us a beautiful place to visit.

I told you we went to the beach for Winter Break. Crazy, huh? It was perfect in the company of dear GG behind her quiet condo. Have I ever mentioned how much we love her?

Maggie played in the sand and it didn't even take her long to get over the texture. I was surprisingly shocked.

Jack played on the shoreline and again, I was surprisingly shocked. Even though it was in the 70's outside, the water hadn't forgotten it was still February. Brrr...

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this picture. Seeing my little Cosby settle in next to Maggie caused me to grab my camera....and then...I saw Jack in the background. Ha! I couldn't help but smile. So there it is, my three babies in all their beach bathing glory.

GG and Uncle Jim taught Jack about the game of Scrabble (toddler style). That was until Jack announced, "I want to play it the wrong way" which translates into 'let me make my own rules so I can win'.

We ate at my favorite seafood restaurant on the beach which Jack has cleverly named--"the pirate place". I can still taste that Grouper sandwich. Yum!

Jack got into full character as he waited for the "pirate chef" to bring his meal. (and that he conjured up in his own little 3 year old imagination)

We played on the playground which both kids loved being shoeless at. A sandy turf was way too much fun for them to handle. Oh, the simple pleasures of Florida!

Maggie scooted all around that play set like it was no body's business. I was her giant shadow following her everywhere...not use to such an adventurous Mags, she is usually much more cautious. I think she had beach fever.

Even after a morning at the Zoo with Grampa, lunch at the "Pirate Place" and a little playground visit, my sweet kids let me get a picture of the two of them together. Shortly after, one was crying of exhaustion and the other was bouncing off the walls, ironically of the same thing.

But not before Maggie took a giggly grin picture with her Mama. Mmmm...love that girl!

I think it would be safe to say that one of Jack's favorite parts of Grammy and Grampa's house is the hot tub. Add cousin Whit and it is definitely #1 on his list.

Grammy and Grampa refereed from the sidelines. It wasn't an easy job, but somebody had to do it. I'm sure they have been exhaling since we left.

Party Hoppin'

This February has been the month of Birthday celebrations. It's kind of funny, because before this year we only had one kiddie friend with a February birthday. With Jack's new group of friends in his 3's class, he is the youngest and all of his classmates have been turning 4 all winter long.

I've loved it, not to mention Jack and Maggie have too. February has always been one of my least favorite months. It seems that by February I am so over the winter thing, ready for Spring, and nothing is ever going on. It's my antsy, got the winter blahs month. That was until this year (well, I'm still over winter). Our calendar has been slammed packed all month. I like being busy and if I can keep my kids busy too, it's a win-win for all of us.

So on to the party hoppin'...

We celebrated one of Jack's classmates 4th at some Jumpy place in town (completely forgot the name of it). The lighting was awful, not to mention I was chasing Jack around like an over protective Mother (that place was packed), so this is the extent of the pictures. You will have to trust me on this one...Jack had a great time.

Next up was another classmates 4th at the local Fire Station. Can I just say here, that was a super cute party. We got a fabulous tour from the firemen and Jack even did a fire relay. Hat--check, coat--check, hose--check, and fire dog--check. Precious!

After a nice lecture (correction educating) on fire safety, I went home and called a window company. All of the Cibula's cottage's windows are painted shut...can anyone say fire hazard? So we are having new windows installed next month. Thanks Station #4.

Climbing on the fire truck was just a touch of what these firemen had planned for the kids. It was truly an action packed party.

And then something a little more girly to balance out all of that rambunctious boy celebrating. Our dear little friend Jessie turned two with a "Baby Doll" party. It was BYOD...bring your own doll. How cute is that?

Maggie had her first "playing with baby dolls" date with her sweet friend, Bradley. Don't those sweet girls look like baby dolls themselves? Yum!

The Birthday girl! Okay, I had a darling picture of Jessie eating her Birthday cupcake, but decided this might be cuter--a tutu, monogrammed bloomers, and sparkly slippers...enough said.

No Baby Doll party is complete without Stroller Races--I told you this was a precious party. Jessie's big bro was there to celebrate so I decided to tote our big brother along. I don't know who had more fun Jack or Mags!

Little spectating Mags cheered on from the sidelines with her baby doll in hand. Jack couldn't have a bigger fan in the world!

And on top of all of those parties, we also celebrated with Carson and Emma too. Sadly, the lighting was really awful at the gym, so I didn't even get one picture. But, on a brighter note, both Jack and Maggie had a grand time climbing, sliding, and bouncing the afternoon away. We will have to keep that one in our memory back since we don't have any tangible memories.

So Happy Birthday to all of our February friends. Thanks for thinking of us on your special days! We love a good party!

My Maggie: 15 Months

Has it really been 3 whole months since I did a "Maggie" post? (and just so you know, I move to an every 3 month update after the 1st b'day--so, I promise, she hasn't been shafted) But, wow, so much has happened and Maggie has changed in so many ways...where do I even begin?

My Maggie is truly my love...snugly, sweet, and kissable down to the core. She loves to be loved. There is no where she would rather be than with her family. When she takes off to play at home, she always comes back for a little touch, just to confirm I am still there and to remind me that she is still mine. If we are away from the comfort of our own home, she lingers a little longer. Sometimes, she practically lays across me while checking out the scenery. Other times, it's a simple hand on my leg.

She takes in a new environment from the safety of Mommy's side. I call her "my soaker". And when she finally gets the courage (and she almost always does) she explores, but only to come back for a kiss or a touch, before she is off again. I've come to appreciate Maggie's way of experiencing life and embrace it with her. I've decided to work with it instead of against it, and it has made all difference in her little world. Everything with Maggie is in baby steps. And since she is still my baby, that is fine by me.

I could never choose one word to describe my Mags. She is happy, content, cautious, and a little diva-like all at the same time. She usually knows exactly what she wants and she isn't scared to tell you. But, at the same time, she can be calmed in an instance. She definitely does the dramatic overreacting if she tumbles, a toy is taken away, or wants something (usually a Mum Mum from the pantry), but normally she only puts on a show if she has an audience. Generally she's a pretty content gal...just soaking it all in and learning from big brother. Like I said, my little "soaker".

With Maggie's budding personality, I am figuring out her "likes and loves" on a daily basis. She loves shoes, yogurt, silverware, big brother (but, who wouldn't?), the bath tub, Baby Mum Mums, Jack's sippy cups, Pinky, kisses, hats, Mommy's jewelry, tickle time, instruments, combs, naps, the wind in her face, and mirrors. She likes books, balls, Cosby, other children, and new faces over time.

But, of course, with "likes and loves", there comes dislikes. For Maggie, those include...diaper changes, veggies (a daily battle), dinner at 6:01 or anything later (dinner time at the Cibula household is 6 on the dot and I better not be running behind), being alone, teething, mittens, and the word "no". Luckily, her likes and loves out weigh her dislikes.

Maggie is still my super sleeper. At least 12 hours at night--7:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Still a morning napper. Although, she has been cutting this one down. What use to be a full 2 hour nap has turned into an hour and a half, and on a rare occasion an hour. Fine by me. She is getting close to the dropping age and honestly, it's been nice to get going a little earlier. I expect this one to be a goner come the close of April. The great news is she has extended her afternoon nap to a good 3 hours on those days. Regardless, she gets what she needs and I can tell by what a happy baby she is. (and yes, I will continue to call her a baby as opposed to a toddler until she actually starts toddling).

On that note, Maggie is a mover. Just not a conventional one. She has her own way of crawling--left knee down, right foot up. It's definitely different, but it gets her where she wants to go. She is also a full fledged cruiser and will use any person or piece of furniture to get her to her destination. Mags has even begun taking independent steps. The most we've gotten from her to date is 7. I'll admit right here, I cried. This is all new to me. Jack LITERALLY went from crawling to running, there was no build up. So watching Maggie progress has been an absolute amazing joy. The best part is she loves it too. That is, the game of taking steps back and forth between two people she loves--a giant smile covers her face the entire time. We are getting there, but like I said my Maggie likes to take things in baby steps (no pun intended).

As for eating, Maggie can be a challenge. She likes to eat, don't get me wrong. The hard part is what she devours one day, she won't even touch the next. I've made some really BIG mistakes stocking up at the grocery store thinking I've finally found something she likes. Basically, if it were up to her, her diet would consist of chicken, bread, and yogurt--these are the staples that she never sways from, even on a bad day. Obviously, she doesn't get to make the menu, so I've found other things that suit her palate and that are considerably healthy.

She will eat cheese, but only if its in a sandwich (go figure). I hide veggies...a lot. Like in cheese quesadillas, applesauce, and those squeeze Happy Tots things (LOVE THEM!!). Seriously the best invention and they are packed with veggies. She will generally eat most fruits. But again, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. She doesn't like bananas (odd, I know). So I buy the freeze dried ones at Trader Joes and she gobbles them down. She'll eat strawberries, blueberries (her fave), and purple grapes (no green ones though), cantaloupe (only with a fork), and watermelon. I actually went ahead and introduced her to peanut butter. I was running out of protein options (a girl can only eat so much chicken) and she really liked it and thankfully no allergic reaction. I didn't figure, but you never know.

I find Magpie's eating habits unusual too (for our family at least). She eats one really big meal a day and at the other two she kind of just nibbles. It did alarm me at first, Jack NEVER turned down a meal. But, she is not Jack and she is not a boy (note to self). The other habit I have found odd is that 5 out of 10 times, she turns down milk at bed time. It never affects her nighttime sleep, so I've learned to just go with it. I have no doubt she is getting what she needs based on her big ol' belly and her big ol' dirty diapers, so it is what it is.

As for size, my Mags is going to be petite, no doubt about it (according to the Pediatrician anyway). I pray every night that she will be taller than me, even if it's just a tiny bit. I sure hope God is listening. Petite is fine, but short is no fun. I find that she is very true to size when it comes to clothing. When she was a year old she wore 12 month clothing, now at 15 months, she wears 18 month with a little room to grow. It makes clothes shopping easy (which is the absolute last thing I need with her endless wardrobe). I've recently moved her up to a size 4 diaper. We were in the 3's for a loooong time. Again, this is all new to me after having a super sized son who continues to grow at an outstanding rate. However, we did have her 15 month well visit this week and she is definitely a growing girl. Even with her small size, the pediatrician says she has baby fat rolls in all the right places and growing just perfectly. Here are her most recent stats:

Height 31" 50th percentile

Weight 22.10 oz 40th percentile

Maggie is a babbler and has a growing vocabulary. Most of her "talking" comes when it's just the two of us, so most people wouldn't even know she talks. Again, she is usually soaking it all in during group situations. However, her words include...shz (shoes), bye bye, mama, da (daddy), Jck (Jack), duhh (dog and duck), bu (bow), hattt (hat), booh (book), vrooom (car or anything that goes), bebe (baby), moh (more), ssss (socks), papple (apple), and ite (for right back while bobbing her index finger in the air). There might be more, but that's what I can remember off the top of my head. She has a few animal noises too--baa, woof, quack, boing (for the bunny and kangaroo), waddle (for the penguin), moo, and the elephant (however you would spell that).

Her favorite toy is whatever Jack is playing with. I kid you not. However, it seems to be working for us. Thankfully she never puts anything in her mouth except for food, so my fear of choking on small pieces is pretty much null (knock on wood). And thankfully, Jack is amazing at sharing with her and she with him as well.

But, if Jack is not around, she will generally go for anything she can stack or take in and out. Her fine motor skills blow my mind. Maggie can tackle some shape sorters that are clearly above her age level. Stacking cups are definitely a fave, blocks, and Little People are up there too. She also adores her green reading chair and can sit for lengthy periods of time reading books. 50% of the time they are upside down, but still reading, none the less. For the most part Maggie likes to do it on her own and isn't crazy about me taking over. That is pretty hard for me because, 1) I love to read, even kids books and 2) I feel like she could get so much more out of them if she would let me narrate. Regardless, I am truly happy to see she is acquiring a love for books--it took us a while to get there.

So there you have it....Maggie at 15 months. If you are still reading this, you definitely get 2 gold stars in my book. And if you skimmed your way down, you sure did miss out on a lot of precious tidbits on my baby girl. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, this little Magpie of mine has stolen my heart. She is such a beautiful and amazing part of our family. I think we have all found ourselves helplessly in love with her. She is a Daddy's, Mommy's, and Brother's little girl all rolled into one. We love you Mags! Happy 15 months sweet baby girl.

*note this post was written and pictures taken on Maggie's actual 15 month birthday (February 9th), but I waited to publish it until we got her stats at her DRs appt.--I promise I didn't forget about you Mags:)*

Happy V' Day!

Happy Valentine's Day from our Love Bugs to Yours!

A kiss just because he loves her that much--I didn't even have to suggest it.

My Valentine Boy!

Love this picture...

My Valentine Girl!

My Forever Valentine

XOXOXO

Yo' Baby

When all else fails my picky eater...will ALWAYS eat yogurt...with a spoon...and all by herself. I can already hear her now, when she becomes more of a talker that is, chanting "self, self". I just know that's what my Mags would be saying if she actually knew what it meant. God forbid I take the spoon to help her out a little bit...

And don't forget the napkin. This girl must have a napkin after each meal to tidy up her face...of course, by herself!

Garage Makeover

If you know me, you know I can't resist a project...especially one that involves organizing. So when I headed out to my garage last Tuesday to grab an outdoor toy for Jack to play indoors, I took a good look around. This room could use a makeover--the organizing kind.

So from there, I called up my most fabulous cousin (so like a little brother to me) and offered him the job. Being the poor, hard working college engineer student (always a plus for this kind of gig) he is, he accepted it in his first breath. Gotta love my Jon! I know making some extra bucks was appealing, but I like to believe he really loves me that much.

We set the date, discussed the plans, and Jon was here and ready to work this weekend. I ended up getting two for the price of one because my Aunt (my other fabulous cousin's Mom) happened to be passing through town around the same time and decided to stay an extra day to help us out with the garage makeover. Talk about family bonding!

I'm sure you are wondering where Clay was in all of this. And yes, of course, Clay could have done the job. However, he works all week, helps with the kids non-stop, and to be honest we don't work super well together on projects like that anyway. So I gave him a hall pass for this one and he took it and ran....all the way to the Clemson Florida State basketball game. And he happily returned home to a beautifully organized garage.

This project wasn't quite as straight forward as it may seem. Many steps were involved--1)demoing the existing work bench circa 1960, 2) demoing all of the existing wooden shelving circa 1960 also, 3) cleaning everything out--toys, trash cans, tools, sports gear, paint cans (kindly left by the previous owners--not), and large lawn care equipment. My driveway seriously looked like Samford and Son for the entire weekend. 4) disposing of the rubble, 5) a long trip to Home Depot, 6) hanging new shelving and peg board, 7) organizing the remaining items (which I loved) and 8) painting the garage floor.

Since my lovely Aunt Scrub, (who is brilliant with numbers and a pretty good handy woman herself), was there I had lots of free time to take pictures of the work at hand. My 'workers' were not overly amused, so they (correction Jon) made it as hard as possible by not smiling. He had a never ending supply of goofy faces. I told him he would regret it when it all went online and keeping true to my promise here it is. I don't who's harder to get a decent picture of my 22 year old cuz or my 3 year old son...hmmm??

Gotta love some good ol' fashioned team work. Better them measuring than me--I didn't get that "brilliant with numbers/engineering" gene...not even a little bit.

And Ta Da!...a newly organized, freshly painted beautiful garage. Well, as beautiful as a garage can be anyway. And this is only one side--more organized shelving around the corner. The unfortunate part is we can't park in it for 7 whole days--so worth it though. Jack even agreed. He came out and said, "I love the garage!" and then followed it with "Do you know why?", "why Jack?", "because it is soooo clean". That's my boy!--we were cut from the same mold and I adore it.

Maggie Has New Shoes

I took my little cruiser shoe shopping on Monday. The crib shoes just weren't cutting it anymore. Although, she isn't walking yet, Maggie has torn through her little slippers...literally. Mags is always on the move and with her inventive way of crawling, she can do some serious damage to a pair of shoes.

I knew this would be a fun event for both of us. Shoe shopping with my little girl, what else do I have to say? But, what I knew would make it even more eventful is Maggie's LOVE of shoes. She is a girl down to the core. She adores shoes, especially shiny ones. Put her on a floor with a variety of shoes (i.e. the closest, the mud room) and she can keep herself happily busy. So I knew a store with shelves of shoes everywhere would be right up her alley. And did I mention, "shz" is her new favorite word? The girl will point to her closet repeatedly requesting a pair of "shz" whether we are going anywhere or not. Yes, she really likes shoes.

When we arrived at the shoe store, Maggie pointed at every shelf that lined the walls. "Yes, Maggie, those are shoes". And when she finally got out of my arms, Maggie made an immediate bee line to the nearest and lowest shelf she could find. She put her hands on the shiniest pair of red shoes within reach and started tapping them on her feet. As if desperately pleading, "put these on, please". Unfortunately, we weren't in the market for red shoes.

We did run into a little snag on our shoe adventure, Maggie bumped her head on the "shoe trying on" bench, not once but three times. It made for a very dramatic cry...not once, but all three times. Poor Magpie had some very red eyes for her first shoe shopping trip and pictures.

It was all forgotten though, when we finally found a pair of "cruising" shoes that fit her mobility level and were available in her teeny tiny foot size in a sparkling silver. I was trying my hardest to go neutral--silver for a girl is neutral, huh? Oh, but don't be too impressed by my frugality. Trust me, when this girl of mine gets walking, we will own ever color of shoe possible. The girl choices are just too endless and precious to resist!

The prize pair! After trying on about 5 other pair (which Maggie did not mind at all) we found a winner!

Please excuse the blur, I could not resist sharing this picture of my sweet Maggie after a long afternoon of shoe shopping. What a little trooper and my forever shoe diva (here's hoping anyway;).