Last Minute Vacation

Clay and I planned a little last minute impromptu Memorial Weekend vacation with the kids. I'm talking so 'last minute' that we planned a Friday trip on Wednesday afternoon. I got a magazine in the mail from Lake Lanier {maybe you got it too} and while browsing through it couldn't believe all of the kid friendly activities. So we had to go check it out. It was perfect timing with the Memorial Day holiday coming up.

I'm going to be completely honest, the venue did not disappoint, but our kids did at times. Actually, I better clarify, big brother had some moments that were less than desirable and in turn, Mommy did too. Sometimes Jack and I have that effect of feeding off of one another. {note to self--he is 4 years old and I am an adult}. Maybe Maggie and Daddy should vacation without us next time. But, we pulled through and I definitely did some self reflecting when it was all over. I had to think...we really pushed them hard with action filled days, lots of sun, and little rest. My kids don't do well without lots of rest. So lesson learned or re-learned.

But, even with all that said, the majority of the trip was very enjoyable and we left with some pretty good memories. I definitely wouldn't mind going back and recommend it to my local friends. It was a quick easy trip and there was plenty to do.

And I know this won't surprise you, but we were only there for two days and I had over 100 pictures. When I got home and flipped through them {after my self reflection and perusing of some early childhood books} I realized we really did have some great moments with lots of smiles. A trip totally worth it, but I will plan accordingly next go round...allow for several hours of naps...

We spent most of our time at the beach entrance wave pool. Maggie did this...

...while Jack jumped waves...over and over again.

So easily entertained...that's my Magpie.

I was aiming for a picture of my two matching cuties to send to Kelly's Kids {just kidding} and even if I wasn't kidding this is about as good as it got.

"Why is Maggie so happy?", you may be wondering. No, it's not because I was taking, yet, another picture of her.

It was the hungry geese, who apparently love Goldfish. They were right outside our hotel room balcony and quite a pleasant surprise for our Maggie.

The grounds had an awesome Kid's Water Park. Perfect for Maggie's age and Jack's too {had he not seen the wave pool first}. The only problem was that the water was still a bit chilly. Too much so for Maggie's liking. I'll take it as just a good excuse to try again later this summer.

But she did love the water slide, as long as I caught her before she landed in the water. Up to her ankles is all she would stand for.

I wish I could say I was relaxing here, but we all know better. We were having fun though.

Every busy boy deserves a snow cone. It's a nice excuse to slow down and do a little refueling especially with those pool stained eyes.

This place was not lacking in the kids entertainment department...look at this shark slide. {and Jack's expression is that of a little boy inside a shark's jaws--pretty good impersonation, huh?}

We topped our visit off with a very tired pony ride {tired being Jack, not the pony}. Maggie lasted one trot around the circle before hanging up her cowgirl boots, but she LOVED petting her pony from Daddy's arms.

Hello Summer

Goodbye school days, hello summer! Jack celebrated his last day of school this Friday.

It was exciting, but wrenching for two reasons (1) we adore Ms. Debbie, a perfect match for Jack, and I am so sad to see him leave her guidance and (2) next year will be his last year of pre-school--I'll save the teary eyes for next year, or at least I'm trying too. Either way it's tough to think about.

So, a school year that basically started out a little bumpy {remember that whole thing about not being in the same class with his dearest friend Sophia} actually turned out amazing. God truly has a plan that is best for us. It was just hard to see that those first solemn weeks for Jack. But he is a kid and kid's are resilient, right? It seems to have proven so...Jack met lots of new friends that he adores, learned a ton, and enjoyed his school days to the fullest.

But, that doesn't mean he wasn't ready to celebrate the last day with a party and look forward to some summer time "stay home" days. This was a very well planned party, with lots of fun activities for the kids. And I am happy to say that I was only in attendance at this party, not a planner {although, they did con me into reading the "summer time" book to the kids}. Other than that I got to sit back and enjoy the happenings!

A yummy lunch catered by Chick-fil-a with some added goodies.

A "Summer Shaker" art activity which Jack would only use the blue dot paint with {that is a whole other issue in itself}.

A pull string Pinata--the kids could hardly stand their excitement.

Jack and his new "best friend", Garrett, showing off their Pinata loot.

A grand goodbye to our Pre-School 3's friends and an incredible teacher, Ms. Debbie.

Now time for some summer fun!

Still Here

Yes, we are still here. It's been a crazy month and just when I hoped things would slow down. Maggie had Strep, Jack got a Respiratory Infection, and we have been under some serious construction around here. Imagine that!

But, I am happy to say the kiddos are feeling better and our basement/patio project is coming to a close. So...hopefully I'll get caught up on some posts here sometime soon with a few pictures of the new and improved cottage {I'm still behind on those mudroom pics...ugh!}. And more importantly, be hosting a playdate in our new space! Bare with me....

Summer is coming!

My Maggie: 18 Months

My dear, sweet Maggie is 18 months old today. Can I say it?...Where has the time gone? This is a pivotal birthdate--officially a year and a half. A real toddler, not a baby. A budding little girl. A walking, talking, stealing my heart kind of tot.

I really have to remind myself that Maggie is on her second of everything. Her second Easter, her second Spring, her second attendance at Jack's birthday party. It is just so hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that this is going so fast. How could my baby already be a year and a half old? It really does go by faster the second time around. If only I could push the pause button. Because I can't do that, I have to write EVERYTHING down. I don't want to forget a thing--it is all too wondrous to let it slip away.

If I look back at Maggie as an infant, even a newborn, I can see her personality hasn't changed all that much. It's just grown with her. She is a little bit of everything. There is no way I could describe that child in one word. Maggie is gentle, loving, clingy, passive, happy, cautious, calm, stubborn, giving, girly, content, and just plain sweet. She has a smile that can melt your heart and a giddy giggle that can make you laugh right along with her.

She is slow to warm up to new situations and people, but once she does, she can be your best friend. She takes life in, soaks up every moment, and then goes from there. Her favorite place to take it all in is still from the safety of Momma's arms {and or lap}. Maggie is great at going with flow, but watch out, she isn't scared to let you know when the "flow" isn't working for her. It usually just takes a little loving from Mommy and everything in her world is okay. Feeling safe is of the utmost importance to my little Magpie. If that need is met, usually everything else falls into place. I believe this is the driving force behind why she just cannot seem to part from Pinky {which can be a blessing and a curse all at the same time}. {And for some fun, can you find Pinky somewhere in every picture on this post?--trust me she is there.}

Obviously Maggie is at the peak of her comfort level right here in her own home with her adoring family. Her love for Jack is unbelievable and he returns it, just as a great big brother would do. I am already amazed by the relationship these two have formed. Maggie heads straight to his room upon waking in the morning and the afternoon {that is after asking for a bow and shoes, but we will address that later}, chanting "dack, dack, dack" the whole way. Her face lights up as soon as she sees him and he always greets her with love.

They try to play together. Forget baby toys, Mags wants whatever Jack has. If it's too grown up for her, she will do all she can to steal his attention {positive or negative}...laying/rolling across his puzzles, bringing him his shoes from the mudroom {when there is no need for them}, delivering his Lovey's to his lap, pulling his hair, pouring water on his head in the tub, and just about anything else she can think of to get a reaction out of him, {again positive or negative}. And patient Jack generally lets it all roll off his back...I secretly think he likes it all.

But being a year and a half has brought out a new side to Maggie as well. Not exactly one I was planning for, I really thought she was just "too sweet" to go through anything "toddlerish". With this being my second time around I should have known. Maggie's challenging side is much different from Jack's at this age, however it is still a challenge. She has come to show a very dramatic 'my world is about to end' addition to her personality. And this equals some serious temper tantrums. The kind where she lays on the floor, gasps for breath, turns red in the face, and then realizes no one is paying attention, so turns it off instantly. Yes, we are there and yes, it can be exhausting. I just continue to remind myself, 'it's just a stage', one that cannot pass quickly enough.

On a brighter note, Mags continues to increase her vocabulary which I am hoping will cut down on some of those tantrums. Not to mention her soft little voice is music to my ears. So, so precious--can I bottle that up too? A few of her words are... shooz (shoes), bay (baby), bowh (bow), dack (Jack), da (daddy), ma (mommy), woof (doggy), treeshs (tree), cup, hatttt (hat), hot, la (Elmo), snack, moh (more), eet (eat), buhsh (toothbrush), boo (pinky), vroom (car), bawh (ball), mah (Ms. Abby), nuh nuh (Ms. Anna-her music teacher), book, baa (bath), pop (lollipop) knot-knot (knock knock for a door), nah (banana), fuh (flower), bun (bunny), buh (bubbles), peasz (please)...and I know I am forgetting some.

Maggie has also used the potty a couple times, which I am not counting as anywhere near potty training, but exciting none the less. And she recognized the letter "S" out and about this month. Maggie is also great at communicating with her sign language and lots of "no"head shakes {which is not always so 'great'}. Her receptive language is amazing--I have no doubt she is fully aware of everything going on and everything that is being requested of her. When we read books she is able to point to at least 90% of what I ask her to find. And although, her animal sounds are limited {solely due to a stubborn streak}, she is able to point out all kinds to me. With her favorite still being the elephant {with an extremely exaggerated sound effect}. Very exciting to watch my little one not only grow physically, but intellectually as well!

And speaking of growing, Maggie is doing just that, but at a very petite pace. The Pediatrician assured me that despite Maggie's stats, she was growing great, had plenty of baby fat, and will indeed be petite, but happily, taller than me {by about an inch or two}. I'll take whatever we can get.

Height 31" 40th percentile

Weight 23lbs 40th percentile

I think it's fair to attribute these stats to, not only Maggie's genetic make up {which her pediatrician consistently points out to me}, but also her very challenging eating habits. I am still trying to figure this one out. I feel her pickiness is part stubbornness and part preference. One day she will eat something and then the following day snub it. Other times she won't eat a bite in her high chair, but as soon as dinner is over, she will walk around the kitchen munching from her dinner plate. It wears me out. So when she does choose to eat, here are a few of her faves...peanut butter sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, applesauce, pretzels, all dried fruit--raisins, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, mango; yogurt, cheerios, waffles, muffins, chicken, tuna salad {crazy, huh?}, rice, corn on the cob, cottage cheese (another crazy}, whole apples, and milk. Note there are no vegetables in that list. And that is where I have to get really creative. I hide them everywhere {but, she usually finds them and picks them out} and I stock up on those Happy Tots Organic Vegetable squeeze pouches. Seriously, don't know what we would do without those.

For a tot who isn't a great eater, Maggie sure is a fabulous sleeper still. I really thought we were done with that morning nap or at least we would be by the end of April...wrong! I found her getting very tired mid-morning when I tried to skip it and in turn not sleeping well at her afternoon nap. So, I am back in nap jail. We have, however, shortened it to an hour max. It seems to be just what she needs to push through until her p.m. nap. Her afternoon nap begins around 1:30-2:00ish and usually goes until 4:30, give or take 15 minutes. I'm hoping when she drops that morning nap, she will extend the second one a bit. And night time sleep continues to be 12-13 hours a night. Wish I could get sleep like that.

But the greatest part of Maggie's sleep schedule is when she wakes up. Giant smile on her face and before I can even say "hello Sunshine!", she has interrupted me with a sweet demand for "shooz, bowh". I can usually fulfill her bow request, but occasionally I have to explain that we don't need "shooz" to stay at home. And that's when she makes a beeline to the mudroom, as soon as we get downstairs, to find her own pair. Love me a girly girl!

Maggie's girly girl obsessions go way beyond just shoes and bows though. She is fascinated by her clothes that I have laid out for her each morning. She runs straight to them, touches them, and grins a wide eyed smile. I have never seen a toddler so excited to get dressed and look "pretty". A few adoring compliments from me and she is ready to strut her stuff. And if I would let her, she just might live in my bathroom with my jewelry box. Bracelets and necklaces can keep her entertained for longer than anything else I have found. It's all about the bling with Magpie. Although I know this could equal trouble {the financial kind} in a few years, I am lovin' it right now. I prayed hard for a girly girl and it looks like I got it.

And that is my Maggie at 18 months. I'm sure I could add about 10 more paragraphs to this, she is that wonderful to think about, but I'm pretty confident I've hit the key points. The most important thing is that my Maggie reads this one day and never doubts my undying love for her, hopefully gets a few smiles out of it, and realizes even though she was occasional work, she was worth every minute of it. We love you sweet girl! Happy Year and a Half!

{It is almost impossible to believe that at my next Maggie update she will be a terrific 2 year old. Wow, I better go get me some 18 month old Magpie sweetness. This is going fast...}

I'm pretty sure there were no petals left on this lovely rose bush by the time Maggie was finished...she loves me, she loves me not, anyone?

Being Their Mother

I was looking back at my post from Mother's Day one year ago and I had said, "my kids were perfect today". Unfortunately, I can't say that this year. Well, Jack was nearly perfect, but Maggie was another story. As you can see...

She was hot and cold all day and I'm still blaming it on the teething thing. Being a toddler is tough stuff. And Jack's nearly perfect day ended with a crash. He ended up in the Emergency Room around 6:00 p.m. for a busted {and very bloody} mouth. Four hours later her returned home with three tough boy stitches. I'm saving the "I told you so" for when he is feeling a bit better.

But, being their mother certainly doesn't equal perfect days. However, it doesn't change what I cherish about being their mother. And for me, Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to remind myself of the little things that I love about being Jack and Maggie's mommy.

For Jack, it's...

*the way his little hand feels in mine as we walk across the parking lot and into school

*hearing his voice say, " Goodnight, I love you too {with 'too' being an octave higher} at bedtime

*the way he can finish the same puzzle 15 times in the same day and still exclaim, "I did it!" and then wait for me to share the same sentiment all 15 times

*when he gently reminds me, "I can do it, I am fouwr yeawrs old now", as he buckles himself into his carseat or gets stuck in his button pants while trying to undress

*his simple innocence--his toy pirates are "nice pirates' and when it comes to dinosaurs he prefers Pterodactyls because they aren't meat eaters (his version of nice)--Jack wants everyone to be the "good guy"

For Maggie, it's...

*the way her soft chubby cheeks feel against mine when I'm holding her in my arms

*when we say "nigh, nigh" to her books, her bunny, and her lamp, and she takes it all as a bedtime cue and gently rests her head on my chest before I place her in her crib

*how she thinks I hung the moon {and I will remind her of that in about 12 years}

*her soft wet lips as she leans into kiss me

*how she sweetly demands a bow and shoooz {shoes} upon waking up whether it be in the morning or after naps

Being a mother, being their mother, is all of the little moments in life that happen in between the good stuff. Like busted lips and teething toddlers. I wouldn't change it for the world and I can't imagine my world without it.

So to my sweet children, the loves of my life, thank you for being the precious souls that you are and thank you for letting me be your Mother. God has been good to us. On this Mother's Day I was reminded of all that I am and it's all because of you two. I love you Monkey and Magpie! I can't wait to see what you two have in store for me next year.

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there!

The Spring Party Finale

Yay for April babies! The last Spring baby just turned one this weekend. Happy Birthday to a beautiful baby on a beautiful day. Eliza Kate's sweet Garden Party was a great finale to a month of 6 birthday parties. Now, weekends just might return to a slower pace as we prepare for an action packed summer. And I finally feel caught up on my blog posts {except for some book reviews--I've actually been able to read a couple novels in this insanely busy month}.

Maggie and I attended the sweetest pink and green girly party you can imagine. Daddy missed this one again, but this time he was traveling for work, can't blame it on the tennis. And Jack, well, he found himself in a bit of a pickle. He was invited to a boy classmate's party at a jump house facility. When I offered him a choice with two invitations in hand, he looked very seriously at both and said, "this is a bery {very}hard becision {decision}." Yes Jack, the first of many in your life. After a good debate, he decided he liked Mickey Mouse {who graced the front of one invitation} better than flowers. And then he threw in, "even though Mickey is not my favorwite charwicter". Hmm...wonder if there would have been any debate had it been Buzz or Woody on that second invite.

So our dear Miss Abby took Jack to his party and the girls attended a gorgeous day in the "garden". Just when I think parties can't get any cuter--they do. Erica did a fabulous job. I wish I had taken more pictures of the sweet decor, but I had a very clingy 17 month attached to my hip for the majority of the party. {we are FINALLY getting those top 2 incisors in--bittersweet!} And that leads me to the lack of park play that Maggie actually participated in.

I arrived a little early to the park hoping to get some great pictures of my little Mags playing like a big girl. However, Maggie decided observing was better than playing. It actually all worked out {although my back is killing me, but isn't is always?}. I was able to catch up with friends {which is rare at a party these days}, enjoy the sunshine, and hold a little piece of heaven in my arms without chasing Jack around.

And the other great news...Jack had an excellent time at his party, wore himself out, and I didn't have to endure a very loud and busy bounce house venue on a Saturday afternoon. Win win for everyone.

So Happy Birthday to Eliza Kate! Thanks for having us girls. We look forward to many more celebrations of precious YOU!

I told you she is teething.

Maggie certainly enjoyed lunch for two reasons 1) Chick-fil-a chicken nuggets (her absolute favorite) and 2) the Micca girls. Maggie can't get enough of "SSSS" and "AAAA".

With a full belly, Maggie decided to give the slide a try. On this unpredictable day of teething {correction, week}, sitting at the top was just as enjoyable as sliding down. Believe it or not, up and down the slide is usually one of her favorite park activities.

That's two lollipops in less than a month! Mags has taken such a liking to them, she's even started calling them by name. Well, kind of...it's "popsss" to her. Not bad though.