Love Having A Girl

While Jack and Clay ventured off with friends for a boy's night out at the baseball game, Maggie and I had our very own girl's night.  And it was just divine.

I took Maggie to get her first manicure and pedicure.  Yes, she is merely two and a half years old {or "two half" as she likes to say}, but it was time.  Maggie has been enamored with my toe nails since, well, she could say, "shooooz, bow".  And I promise she came this way {I can't deny, I love it}.

My only concern was how she would do waiting for me to get my pedicure done as well.  A waste of concerning energy on my part...she was an angel....a perfect princess...a patient pleasure...an absolute joy...and....and I could go on and on.

Moments like these are when I realize just how much I love having a girl.  Pinch me.  Seriously, I get two of these?

So we entered the salon right at appointment time.  I could tell Maggie wasn't so sure what she was in for, but when she saw the 263 bottles of fingernail polish to choose from, she lit right up.  And the first words off of her sweet lips?..."me want peeeenk and purrrrhple!".  From there Maggie picked one of each and we were off to the chairs.

Maggie grasped a purple bottle in her left hand and a pink bottle in her right hand and waddled right off.  All was well, until she became the source of a plethora of "ooohs" and "ahhh, how sweet", and "look at her"s that came from the other patrons.  Maggie got slightly overwhelmed {it's tough being so cute} and her little eyes welled right up.  After a little love from Mommy and getting settled into her chair with her pink and purple bottles, she was happy again.

From there it was a moment I will never forget.  She sat perfectly still, blew her nails dry when told to, answered every question from the technician with an animated, "yesh", and admired her beautiful new fingernails and toenails every chance she got.

That was so fun, I'm already ready for a polish change.

It didn't take baby girl long to settle in from being the star of the salon.  I was totally expecting her to want to sit on my lap, but she was perfectly content in her own chair right next to me.

Her manicure started with a little fingernail trim and filing.

After painting, Maggie had the choice to add silver glitter.  Of course she said, "yesh".  And then she told me they looked like "staws" {stars}.

Maggie blew her pink nails dry just as she was instructed to do.  {this precious move had everyone in the place pulling out their phones to take a picture of her}

Next it was time for the toes.  Maggie picked purple for her toes. She made the decision with great clarity that the pink was for her fingernails and the purple was for her toes.

And of course, she said, "yesh" to the the glitter on her toes as well.

Then it was my turn.  And again, with great clarity, Maggie decided Mommy needed pink toes and no glitter.  Shew...good choice.  For my pedicure {and yes, I am talking a full pedicure}, Maggie sat patiently in her chair and watched me as her pink fingernails and purple toenails dried.  

After our paint date, Maggie chose Chick-fil-a for dinner {imagine that}.  I can't remember a better girls night out...love you and every girly part of you Magpie.  Looking forward to many more girly dates with you {and your baby sister}.

The Mini Farm

Summer is upon us.  The kids are out of school. And before we get too bogged down with summer camps, I gave the kids the privilege of picking one activity each last week.  Jack immediately picked the dinosaur museum.  Which we did first.  We enjoyed thoroughly. And even Daddy joined us--on a work day.  What a treat!


Maggie picked a farm.  She wasn't specific about which one.  Just a farm with "goats, sheeps, chickuns, horsies, kitty cats, and cows".  And every time I asked her about her choice, she stayed consistent with the  "fahm" choice and the list of animals that followed it.

After a little research, I decided to take both kids up north {because that where farms are} to a mini farm.  And by mini I mean one complete with all miniature animals.  How perfect is that?

Most of the ride up there, Jack whined complained expressed that this was going to be "so boring", "this is so far" and "I am already so bored".  How bad did I want to tell him that I thought dinosaurs were boring?  But, I reminded myself that I was the adult, I withheld, and Maggie and I  played a little 'look for horses out the window' game.

We arrived after 42 minutes in the car and lo' and behold, five minutes into our mini farm trip, everyone was having fun...even Mr. Boring.

This place was perfectly stinky {just as a farm should be}, it was sweltering hot {just as summer should be}, and the animals were marvelously mini.

And if you can believe this, when I gave each kid a choice again for next week, Jack said, and I quote, "I want my day to be at the farm.  The SAME EXACT farm Maggie picked".  Wonderfully ironic, isn't it?

The mini goats were by far the kid's favorite.  It took Jack a few feedings to realize that the higher he held the bread the higher those goats would jump for it {and all of them at the same time}.  I loved his 'get away from the goats' jig.

As soon as Maggie realized that food=jumping, she forgo the bucket of bread and decided to tell the little goats a story instead.

Jack and this goat were best buddies up until the end {or at least until Jack finally let it go}.  

Nothing was funnier though, then hearing the sheep bleat.  Maggie couldn't contain her giggles.  Absolutely precious that little Magpie is.

While the kids picked the goats as their favorite, I picked this pony as mine.  He literally only came up to right above my knee.  So sweet...and stinky.  Jack took this picture of me and my pony.  Not bad, huh?

Jack got to pan for gold too.  The rocks he uncovered are now his sacred treasure.  Beware! anyone who touches them.

And Maggie had to give one last goodbye to the goats before we headed off on our 42 minute trek.  Bye bye goats, bye bye farm!  {who knows, we may see you again next week...}

She Has a Name, and a Room, and Almost a Birthddate

Yes, new baby girl has a name.  After much debate and going back and forth and all around, we have finalized our decision.  I hope you love it as much as we do.  And if not, just pretend.

Lucille Elizabeth Cibula

"Lucy"

And yes, she also has a room.  I say that with an enormous exhale.  All kids are settled.  {insert another enormous exhale}. Jack {and all of his loot} are settled in his new room.  Maggie's room is complete {as you saw a few posts back} and new baby girl has all of her furniture assembled and in place in her new room.

In an effort to give Lucy her own nursery while still using our previous girl bedding, we changed the wall color and she has bead board.  It is absolutely divine.  Now we wait on letters for her wall, her window treatments from the seamstress, and pictures to be hung.  It's coming together.

This is only a small sneak a peek.  Clearly there is still work to be done.

And finally, she almost has a birthdate.  The plan was to schedule it at my last doctor's appointment.  And while my Dr was ready, I wasn't.  Or actually I was with my own date in mind, but Dr Carroll had a conflict {a vacation}.  She offered me the day before and if I tell you why I didn't accept, you might laugh.  Since I can't readily defend myself on this blog, we will leave it at that.  So the current status is Dr Carroll is going to try to adjust her travel plans, possibly deliver Lucy the morning of her departure and all will be well.  We will revisit this issue at my next appointment.  So that's why she only almost has a birthdate.

And in other news, I am almost 6 months pregnant.  And the house is soooo close.  We keep on truckin'...

The Graduate

Where did the past four years go?   I feel like it was just a short while ago that I was wrestling with the decision of where I would send my first born to pre-school.  Four years  and so many amazing memories later, Jack is saying  goodbye to the "yellow school".  

I am definitely a bit heart sick. It is so incredible to watch your little ones grow, but it is also so hard  to send them off to a new chapter of life.  Geez, what will I do when he graduates from high school one day?  Why does this letting go thing have to be so hard?

Jack has grown so much this year, academically and socially.  Sometimes I actually think more in this 4 year old year than any combination of the others.  We started the school year with a typical boy, one who had little to no interest in a writing utensil to a kid who finds any and everything he can to write words on.  

Jack has managed to make the construction around here his best friend in more ways than one.  Any cardboard box or  plastic sealed off door is labeled with Jack's list of words {most of which are superheroes}.  He's recognizing words everywhere we go and is reading simple text.  This kiddo has taken off.  

And when he brought home his school journals, I reveled in the progress he had made from September to May.  It was amazing!  So much so, he took one look at his September journal entry and in a disgusted voice declared, "I didn't do that".  So as much as I wish I could confine him to the safety and love at a tiny pre-school, it's time for him to take off to the "big kid school".  Jack says he is ready with a giant grin.  {Mommy is still working on that one.}

On Thursday evening we had the pleasure of celebrating his 4 years of accomplishments at his Pre-school Graduation.  And as much as I thought I would cry through the entire program, I actually spent many, many moments smiling.  I definitely fought back some serious tears, but Jack's infinite glow helped to keep my emotions in check.  

Jack's grin was a mile wide on that stage, and rightfully so.  See what I mean about that glow?

Very proud parents!  {and though I know this is not about me, I must confess, I realized a few pictures ago that I was sporting a Crystal Gayle hair do, Yikes!  really need a haircut...so I pulled it back for graduation thinking it might help, clearly not, then I scheduled a babysitter and a hair appointment}

We enjoyed a juice and cookie reception that followed the program {post bedtime}.  I think both kids were wired by this point.  So much to be happy about!

We are so lucky that Grandma is close enough to celebrate all of these wonderful moments with us now!  I know Jack loves it!

Best buddies from 4 months old to a 4 year old graduation.  That is pretty amazing.  Congratulations little grads!  

Jack, we are so very proud of you and can't wait to celebrate many more graduations with you!

Just Buggy

We celebrated Jack's last day of school today.  His last day of pre-school.  That's a tough one to swallow {especially when your hormones are already raging}.  Graduation tonight is going to do me in.

Clearly, I never anticipated all that would be going on in my life when I volunteered Cristina and I as party Moms for this end of year celebration.  And it's a good thing I didn't because I might have missed out on co-planning the best {and most important} bug party ever.

We decided to forgo the anticipated and expected end of the year "beach" theme and add a little twist...BUGS.  However, we didn't want to forgo the water that the beach theme generally entails, so we had to get a little creative.

I am happy to say that I think the mission was accomplished.  The kids went buggy {and that's my pun for...had a great time} and all of the details were way cute.

At least I think they were, check it out...

The first activity was a bug hunt.  We had this great idea, but expected to go on a wild goose chase looking for inexpensive bug catchers.  Nope, as luck would have it, my local Dollar Store had a shelf full {until I got there and cleared it out}.  Score!

I got some buggy foam stickers and foam ABC's {in the white baskets} for the kids to decorate their catchers with.  Then on a second trip to the Dollar Store, I found these large magnifying glasses.  

And this is what it looked like as the graduates hunted for bugs {plastic ones, from the Dollar Store, as well}.  Way cute and they had so much fun!

The second activity was "Bug Spray!".  Cristina made antennas for the kids {they chose the colors and assembled them} and decorated water bottles.  The kids chased one another around while spraying their bug selves.

Jack was on a mission to catch his buggy friends {but he refused to wear his antennas, something about them being girly?!?!}  This by far was the biggest hit with the kids.  They were pretty soaked by the end of their turns.

The third activity was a Bumble Bee Toss {in a swimming pool}.  The kids loved throwing the squishy, stretchy, plastic bumble bees on the floating frisbees.  But, if they missed they got a giant splash {which, of course was their favorite part}.

So clearly the Dollar Store was our best party planning friend.  Found these there too...bug bubbles! {along with those squishy bumble bees above}

And I couldn't resist these bug chalk holders I spotted at Michaels.  There was a bumble bee, a ladybug, and a grasshopper...perfect!

And the menu was just buggy too!  I found lots of ideas on Pinterest and Parker's mommy took the reins on putting it all together.

But, wouldn't you guess the party hit was the Dirt and Worms Dessert.  

And I could never forget about my Maggie.  Today was her party day as well.  I hated that I couldn't be there with her for the entirety of her party.  But, as Jack's Party Mom, I had to fulfill my duties.  I don't think Mags was one bit disappointed though.  She painted her cookie with a giant smile on her face {yes, that is colored pudding...totally edible}...

...and got to snuggle in close to her Daddy at her End of the Year celebration.  Next year it's my turn Magpie, I promise.

Maggie's Big Girl Room

I am happy to announce that one room in our house is finally complete.  And that is Maggie's big girl room.  Her very pinkilicious big girl room that is.

Mags has been such a trooper in this process.  The process has been a good 6 week one too.  It started with the arrival of her bedding, then most of her furniture was delivered {but sat in holding until her bed from another vendor was delivered and set up}, we waited patiently on her back ordered rug, her room finally got painted {again more waiting--we wanted the rest of the house to be paint ready first}, and finally her curtains were picked up from the seamstress and hung {along with her table skirt and bed skirt}.  Whew..that was a process.

But, absolutely worth every minute of waiting and wishing.  Maggie's room is heavenly {just like her}.  I joke that it is the one room in the house that I don't want to leave.   That's either due to the construction everywhere else in my house or the fact that it is just so lovely and...well, pink.  And my, how I love pink.

However, I must admit that I did try to convince Maggie that we should go with green paint on her walls, but she insisted on pink.  I couldn't argue with that sweet face.  So pink it was and I crossed my fingers tight.  And yes, it is very pink, but Maggie was right...us pink lovers, think it is absolutely divine.

There was no grace period with Maggie's big girl bed.  Nope, she came home from school one Tuesday afternoon and there it was.  Bye, bye baby bed.  We did forewarn her, but not sure how much she was getting.  Either way, she was ecstatic.  She was giggling and bouncing from one end to the other.  And believe it or not, she napped super that first day.

So here is proof of that nearly two month process...she's got her new bed and bedding.  But...poor girl was still sporting her nursery yellow walls {not to mention her nursery curtains...that was an interesting look for a few weeks--it was starting to scare me how used to it I was getting}

But finally, it all came together.  I ordered her duvet from Serena and Lily, but had her table skirt and curtains custom made.  Her bed skirt was also custom made and is a precious pink and green polka dot. Wish you could see it.  Her big "M" pillow is from Pottery Barn Kids.  And underneath that damask duvet are soft pink sheets.

We took the white glider out and put it in the new nursery, it was just too big {not to mention I need a rocker for those late night feedings...ugh}.  But I found another downsized white chair.  The pillow was made by the same seamstress who did the other work in her room {if you need a seamstress, let me know, she is fabulous, I've used her a lot}.  That pink/green polka dot fabric on the pillow is also the bedskirt fabric.  The little pictures on the wall are frames from Michaels and a few fabric swatches I collected on the way as I tried to design Maggie's room.  I love the shabby chic feel they give the room.  The white iron curtain rod is from Restoration Hardware Baby and Child.  

Excuse the awful color on this picture.  But, if you can't tell, her book shelf is a distressed antique white {from the same local store as her dresser below}, and her little basket covers are green with white polka dots.  Those are from Pottery Barn Kids as well.  The pictures above and the mirror below are from one of my favorite local home boutiques.  {and I adore how my Maggie had to hang up her plastic jewelry on the bird jewelry tree above...such a girly girl}

And here is the lovely pink dresser that I fell in love with the moment I laid eyes on it.  I wrestled if whether I could get away with it while all of the other pinks in the room were so light.  But, I took the plunge and am so happy I did.  It is such a charming piece and looks great in Maggie's room. 

If you can't tell in the pictures, you will just have to trust me on the above.  And here is that rug we waited 6 weeks on.  Finally, my baby girl has a soft place to play.

And the final detail I will share with you.  I'm always trying to jazz up those awful bi-fold doors.  This did the trick, don't you think?

Next on the agenda...get Jack moved into his new giant room, move Mommy and Daddy downstairs to our half complete room, and get the nursery set up in baby's room.  And all of this is scheduled for Friday of this week!

So ready to be settled again one day.

Rain, Rain Go Away, It's Mother's Day

We celebrated a very rainy Mother's Day today.  Every day can't be perfect....and apparently neither can my kids.  

But...the weekend was certainly worth noting and had many finer points.  

For one, my Mom, Grandma to the kids, moved to town.  Yes, you just read right.  After discussing this for say, 4 years, she finally did it.  Jack is in heaven and Maggie is getting use to the idea.  {and only because she is a Momma's girl to the core}.

With Grandma in town, Clay planned a nice little get away for just the two of us.  We headed downtown Saturday night and had a heavenly dinner.  {sans kids and after the early bird special}  We stayed at the Intercontinental, which was perfectly plush, and I enjoyed a much needed facial at the spa.  Saturday was pretty much perfect.  

The kids had a little vacation of their own.  Only theirs was at home with Grandma.  They conned her into an after bedtime movie and ice cream.  All of this would be perfectly fine, if not for the fact that Jack was on night two of missing his bedtime.  You see, Grandma invited him over for a sleepover on Friday night also.  Those two can't get enough of one another.  So sweet!

However, a bit bittersweet.  My little kiddos were what I like to consider a "lack of proper sleep" mess by Sunday morning when Clay and I returned.  Although, I can't solely blame their little funk on the sleep thing, part was due to being away from Mommy and trying to get all those emotions back in check upon my return {this mainly applies to my darling Magpie}.  All that fun from one weekend finally caught up with us on Sunday aka Mother's Day.  Wouldn't you know?

But, we survived.  We made it through a delicious brunch, melt my heart presents, and a try at some Mother's Day pictures  {by the way, "try" does not do the moment justice}.  And then I put those kids straight to bed for a looooong nap.

Maggie and I took the first picture while Jack sat on an opposite bench trying to "collect" himself.  Maggie was plenty happy.

Grandma joined us.  Maggie continued to be happy and Jack continued to try to collect himself.

Then Jack decided he was ready.  Clearly he wasn't.  {but he loves me and I know this because of the way he tried so hard to nuzzle up to me in that picture}  Sometimes my big boy just needs a little love.

We tried for just ONE Mother's Day picture with the loves of my life.  We soon gave up and headed inside for our brunch reservations.

After brunch, we tried again.  Jack was collected and happy!  Yay!

But...now Maggie was not.  And this my friends, is what being a Mother is all about.  How could I ever ask for more?  I adore these kiddos....happy, sad, rainy, or sunny.  What a beautiful gift.

We nixed the group photo idea.  Maggie got Daddy's iphone and all was well with her.

Jack requested to do a few "superhero" poses for the camera and all was well with him.

Well, until he looked at the camera screen and realized he was smiling in the first shot.  He wanted a "do over", because Superheroes don't smile when they pose...duh?

Like I said before, how could I ever ask for more?  I love you Jack and Maggie {and new baby}.  I adore being your Mommy!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you ahhhhhmazing Mothers out there.  Hope your day was full of sunshine!