ISR Graduate

Among the many graduations we've had around here this month, Lulu has been working on one of her very own.

After six weeks of diligent hard work I can proudly announce Lucy is an Infant Swim Rescue graduate.  ISR is this little jewel of a swimming program that I discovered back when Jack was a wee toddler.  Since then all three of my kids have gone through the program and I can honestly say, it was the best money we've ever spent.

The program teaches babies and toddlers self survival skills in the water.  Lucy can now swim and float to safety, God-forbid anything ever happen.

The best part of it all, for me anyway, is that Lucy finally has respect for the water.  My little go-getter was fearless around any body of water until now.  Ironically, she is much more cautious after completing the program. And with three kiddos at the pool this summer I certainly need that.

So without further ado, look at my Lulu swim and float...

 I could not be a prouder Mommy.  This was the result of many days of hard work and commitment.

We recently put both girls in the pool as trial run to see how they would do in an undesirable situation.  They were flawless.

Maggie is following up with a two week refresher now that school is out.  It has been amazing to see her swimming progress year to year.

However Lucy is "all done" {as he would like to say} and even has a trophy to boot.  Now that she was super proud of.  Just like "Jah" and "Mah".  It made it all worth it.

Congratulations my little mermaid!

I Love Lucy: 21 Months

{It seems Lucy's monthly birthdays always fall in the midst of some great event around here. This 21st month was no different.  Pardon my tardiness on this sweet thing's over due post.  She is actually a whopping 21 months and 4 days old.}

So here I go...

I can hardly believe it, my little Lucy is just a few months shy of two years old.  And somewhere between my last I Love Lucy post and this one, she turned into a true toddler.  I mean she is really looking like a little girl.  She doesn't even resemble a baby anymore.

I've perused pictures and events trying to figure out when this transformation actually took place.  All I know is I took a look at our Mother's Day picture and there I was sitting with three kids.  No baby.  I've always had a baby or at least one on the way.  What will I do?

And to make matters even harder to handle, this is my last monthly Lucy post.  Actually my last monthly any baby/toddler post.  I'm swimming in a sea of nostalgia here and I just might drown.

The only hope I have in this bittersweet moment is the "sweet" part.  And oh, do I have some sweet to share with you.

Although, the majority of Lucy's transformation over the past three months has been physical, I am adoring all of the other good stuff that has come along with it.

Lucy is perfect.  {I can say that because she is mine}  I'm telling you three is the charm.  Lucy is fun-loving, happy, smart, energetic, snuggly, funny and an all around fabulous toddler.  As I've said a bazillion times...a perfect blend of her bigs.

I have been blessed beyond measure with the likes of this one.  So here we go, my last monthly post on one of my babies.  Next time around it will be her 2nd birthday party.  {sigh}

Eat

Okay, so perfection can only go so far.  I must admit Lucy is not the best eater in the world.  Nor is she the worst.  She falls somewhere right in the middle, as she does with so many other things.

I will give her credit in that she is willing to try new things and on occasion will amaze me with what she likes.  But, most often it's the staples.  She likes watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, bananas, grapes, apples, and blackberries.  However she doesn't care for peaches or pears.

She's not a big meat eater either.  She will eat a chicken nugget and a hot dog on occasion, but snubs any meat I home cook.  She does love cheese which she can eat her weight in.  And of course will devour just about any carb I put in front of her.  Her faves are spaghetti, rice, and mac n cheese.

As for veggies, we struggle with this one.  Lucy will eat a carrot as long as she can dip it.  This little one is a serious dipper.  My first!  I'm trying to get a hold of this concept.  But give her some ranch dressing or anything else of that nature and she will go to town.  To avoid  pulling out all of the condiments, I'm resorting to a lot of squeezie pouches {just like her sister at this age} to get the veggies in.

Lu is amazing with her utensils.  Anything that involves a spoon, she is all over...yogurt, applesauce, soup, etc.

I have to say meal time is not always the most pleasant.  But what kid this age is pleasant to dine with?  She's actually pretty good considering, the biggest problem is she's "done" before anyone else.  And then she wants down, and then she wants to sit in everyone's lap, and then she wants to run around, etc. etc.  I'm lucky if I get a bite in these days.  Lord knows I need it to keep up with her.

And that brings me to...

Activity

Lucy is a busy body, no denying that.  But, she is a happy busy body.  And she listens {most of the time anyway}.  I can handle that.

If I had to pick Lucy's favorite activity that would be easy...whatever Jack and Maggie are doing.  I've found that I could probably purge three quarters of our baby toys with this one.  Lucy wants the Leap Pads, the Legos, the tutus, and the tricycle.  If her bigs are doing it, then it must be worth doing.

Lulu loves to be outside.  Add our new neighbor girls and she is a happy toddler.  Her favorites are the sand box, the water table, bubbles and the trampoline.  But mostly you can find her waddling behind the crew of kids that hit our driveway every afternoon.

During the early part of the day we are usually on the go.  Lucy adores her activities {gym class and music class} and any playdates I can conjure up.  Post breakfast and getting dressed you can always find Lucy at the garage door, shoes in hand, chanting "go, go, go".   It generally works out well because we do have somewhere to "go".  On the days we don't..well, she just doesn't get it.

When we are home indoors, Lucy loves her books.  For a baby who is so on the move, this little one can sit with a basket of books forever.  I absolutely adore that about her.  Her favorites are Goodnight Moon, Sniff, and Peek a Boo Jungle.  She is also very adamant about which ones she doesn't like which I find  equally  humorous.

Lu is also very into Elmo right now.  She doesn't watch a lot of TV, but I do let her watch Sesame Street.  However, she wants me to fast forward right to Elmo, or as she calls him "La".  Throughout the rest of the program, she's saying, "no, no, no" until something intriguing catches her eye for a whole 30 seconds. Then she's back to her "no" chant.

My favorite part about Lucy and her awake time is her chatting.  I'm blown away with her comprehension of nearly anything and everything we tell her.  And I'm equally blown away with her ability to communicate back to us.  Her list of words is beyond what I could list in one single post.  But, there is no reason I can't share a few of my favorites {just insert the sweetest little southern accent that you can}...cah {car}, shooz {shoes}, bow, yea, okay, cahbee {cosby}, bobee {baby}, mermay {mermaid}, la {elmo}, boohs {books}, go, wawer {water}, am-ma {grandma}, moh {more}, hiney, belwe {belly}, girwl {girl}, woo woo {Lucy}.  And I'm sure I could go on and on.

Needless to say there is very little down time with this one.  Except for glorious nap time...

Sleep

So this is the easy one.  Sleep is generally the same as it was three months ago.  I've got a 7:30 pm-7:30/8:00 am night time sleeper and a one nap a day toddler.

Lucy's afternoon nap isn't quite as long as I'd like it to be.  Either that or Jack and Mags spoiled me.  But she goes down around 1:30 and generally wakes nowhere before 3:30, sometimes 4:00.

Lucy has a precious night time ritual.  We read three books {although she always pushes for more}.  Then we sing three lullabies and say our prayers, all while she snuggles up in my arms.  I am so loving this part of the day.  My other two were clambering for the crib after books.

My Lu is quite a precious little being.  I've come to adore this quiet time with her.  It seems each month she is a little heavier and a little harder to hold on to, but I do my best because I don't want it to ever end.  And I mean EVER.

I lay her down in her crib, filled with books, per her request, and remind her that her Grampa and Uncle Jim will watch over her tonight.  And she always answers with the most endearing, "kay mommy".

Mmmmm...love that baby girl.

What Makes My Lucy A Charm

Since this is Lucy's last monthly post I find it fitting to end on what makes lovely Lu so absolutely charming and irresistible...

• Lucy is most definitely the family clown.  She always finds a way to put a smile on our face, wether it be saying something funny, dressing silly, or giggling for no reason.  We love her {and need her} for that.
• Lucy gives the best leg hugs.  My favorite are the ones that come from no where.
• Lucy has never met a stranger.
• Lucy has a signature strut that I have only seen on her.  It cracks me up every time.
• Lucy loves her "Jah" and "Mah" and is always doing something to get their attention.
• Lucy can hear the snack cabinet open from a mile away.
• Lucy loves a bow and  a pair of shoes just like her big sister.
• Lucy adores babies and will bring them anything she can find and pile it on high.
• Lucy is a trooper.  Very little rattles her.  She's my go with the flow gal.
• Lucy is dying to be potty trained and I am dragging on it.  Soon baby girl.  Soon.
• Lucy likes to sit on my lap and do make up {and that's why I look the way I do these days}.
• Lucy has the most delicious wet kisses.
• Lucy has the yummiest dimply hiney and chubby legs.
• Lucy is my only brunette baby.
• Lucy is my # three, my last....and my forever baby.

We love you Lucy!  We feel beyond blessed that you are a part of our family.  The cherry on top!  Happy 21 months baby girl {because you know you will always be the baby}.

xoxo Mommy

Now on to some 2nd birthday party planning.

Summer Lists

We got busy on our summer lists today.  I was mighty pleased that there wasn't anything too extravagant or undoable on either kid's list.  Unlike last year, when I had a few Grand Canyons and waterfalls on there that I had to edit.

This year, it's looking like the basics.  So here I am, pencil in hand, marking out vacation and camp weeks and filling in the rest.

It's looking to be a fun filled next couple of months!

Happy Summer friends!

Officially The End

Today was officially the last day of school and the last day of celebrations. {exhale}  Shew...that was a busy two weeks.

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for a schedule free summer with all three of my kiddos home.  Okay, I have to be honest though, in between that excitement is a wee bit of anxiety.  I have great plans for us for the next few moths.  But, geez, if my kids keep arguing the way they have been recently this could make for a long summer.

I don't know when or why it happened, but it has.  Sibling rivalry at it's finest here lately.  Oh, how I miss the days of them adoring each other.  I didn't know how good I had it for so long.  I imagine someone out there can relate.

Just keeping it real friends.

But, enough of the bickering, let's get to today...Jack's LAST day of Kindergarten.  He is officially a Fantastic1st grader!

I find that to be something worth celebrating.  So in the deepest part of my Mommy heart I set out to do just that-celebrate Jack, the end of school, the beginning of summer, and becoming a first grader.

Well, the best laid plans....and you know how the rest of that goes.  However, let me tell how we ended that little prophecy.

Honestly, I knew Jack was super bummed about school letting out.  I mean the kid absolutely ADORES school.  If he could find a year round school he would be at the gates clambering to get in.

And I've also picked up, with my motherly instincts, that he has been a bit "off" here the past two weeks. I solely attribute that to the ending of a fabulous school year.

So I knew I had to make the onset of summer vacation extra special.  I mean, I even let Maggie skip her nap to help make it a big deal.  Now you know that's serious.

Mags and I posted signs up and down the driveway with all kinds of Jack praises and fun sayings welcoming summer.  And we wrote a giant Happy Last Day of School Jack!! with sidewalk chalk in the driveway.  {which I'm fully aware needs to be replaced-trust me it's on my summer list}

Armed with cans of silly string, Maggie and I trotted up to the bus stop in the sweltering heat {because you know it's only freezing or scorching this lovely month of May}.  And just before she was about to belt into a full blown whine {I blame the heat again topped with the lack of a nap}, we were saved by the bus.  And I must note, she was beside herself.  It was super cute.  This was her first bus stop visit.

We got our cans ready, cheered, hooted and hollered with glee, and this is what we were greeted by.  A teary eyed Jack.  Yes, he loves school that much.

The tears escalated to sobbing.  Then to a "I love school, I don't want to be home for the summer, This is the worst day" and on and on.  I would be lying if I say my heart wasn't broken.  Yes, yes, I know, I can't take it personally, but seriously, I was crushed.

Here I am looking forward to summer, doing my best to make this an exciting deal, and this is what I get.  Jack took a look at the driveway and then somberly headed inside, went straight upstairs and continued to cry in his bed.

Truthfully, I had to let him be for a while.  I was hurt and I knew the right words were not on the tip of my tongue.  I gave each of us some breathing time before heading upstairs.

And when I did, he smothered me in a ginormous hug and apologized.  Oh, how I love that kid.  Happily, we worked through it all and are planning to make this summer GREAT!

It certainly didn't hurt that that brilliant teacher of his planned a Last Day Pool Party for the class. Excellent timing.  Once Jack was reunited with his school buddies and Ms. S, that joyous smile of his was plastered on his face for the remainder of the afternoon and straight into the evening.

Upon leaving, Jack made me vow that we would see his friends this summer.  Ms. S said we could call anytime.  And I promised I would do my part to make his summer fabulous as long as he did his part to have a fabulous attitude.

I think we officially made it to the end.  And although it was a little bumpy today I'm pretty hopeful that we worked through it and have a happy beginning ahead of us.

Helllooo Summer!

More Of The End

It's a race to the end of the school year and extra curricular activities around here.  And this week did not slow down in the celebrating department.  We aren't even officially to summer vacation yet, but I feel the end coming on.

I'm still trying to figure this one out, but we had Jack's end of school year party on Monday.  Yet, school isn't out until Friday.  The kids certainly didn't notice and I'm assuming the teachers liked the break up of the week.  Somehow it worked.

So picture this, five Kindergarten classes headed outdoors to celebrate as a grade level.  It was crazy...but, a lot of fun.  It took three party moms from each class to get this extravaganza underway.  Of course, I loved being one of those.

However, I must note, for the very first time, Jack said, {as kindly as he could}, "mommy quit following me".  I must also note I didn't take it personally seeing as how just a few weeks ago he told me how much he loved that I was "the mommy that was always in his classroom and helped with things".

Instead I trotted back to man my dance party station.  Ironically, I got stuck with the only station my child would have absolutely no interest in.

I was still able to grab a couple glimpses of him has he buzzed by on occasion.  I assume this is proof enough he was having a grand ol' time.

Mid-week we found ourselves graduating from a year of gymnastics.  I say 'graduating' lightly, we still have intentions of attending over the summer.

My girls each got their moment in the spotlight at the close of their respective classes.

Little Lu's class went first.  She got a ribbon and sunglasses with the gym logo printed on them.  I found it extra special cute that she chose pink.

And if you are wondering how Lucy tumbles in that dress-we just do a little tuck into her bloomers and she is good to go.

Lucy's coaches were awesome, as always.  Coach Todd has coached all three of my kiddos at some point or another.  He adores toddlers and they adore him.

Then it was the big kid's turn.  Maggie got a shiny star medal.  And it goes without mentioning, pink sunglasses for her too.

Maggie has some seriously funtastic coaches.  Not to mention patience.  If you've ever seen Maggie's stubborn side, you know what I mean.  She doesn't get away with it in there and I love that!

And before closing out the week, I hit up Jack's school one last time for his class play.  It was a little rendition of The Hungry Caterpillar.  And let me tell you, it was precious. I was doing double duty on the video and camera, so I'm lacking a bit in the picture department.

The real show stealer was the ahhhmazing slideshow put together by Jack's teacher.  Talk about a tear jerker.  Between those chubby baby faces at the beginning of the year and the song lyrics she chose, I was practically sobbing.

Oh my, we are going to miss Kindergarten and Ms.S and Ms. H.

And that leaves us with tomorrow....the real end...last day of school here we come!

The Beginning Of The End

I can hardly believe it is May already.  For one, it has been way too chilly for my taste the last few days.  The temps are not proving to be a good indication that summer is sneaking up on us.

But, the end of school days and extracurricular activities are here to remind me that, yes, it is indeed May.  And this is the beginning of the end.

We participated in a few "End" celebrations this past week and have many more ahead of us over the next week.

I swear I was just walking a little chubby cheeked blondie into her 3 year old classroom for the first time yesterday.  And now, here I am helping her say goodbye to the end of a wonderful school year, great friends, and amazing teachers.  I am a firm believer that it really does go by way too fast, take the time to enjoy these precious little ones.

Even with the cooler temps, Maggie's class enjoyed an outdoor party.  She chose not to wear her sweater for fear it would cover up her favorite dress.  I couldn't find a way to argue with that, nor did I have the energy to do so.

In true Maggie fashion, she watched from the sidelines as her friends enjoyed a sack race and a ball game.  But, when it was bubble time she was all about it.

And, by the way, that is the wind giving her that way too cute hair do.

Maggie managed to make a new best friend this year in this little one.  I heard more "S" stories than anything else all year long.  I knew what she wore everyday, what she ate, her cat's name, her favorite color, and on and on.  I managed to organize a playdate for these girls next week.  I imagine Maggie will be having withdrawals by then.

We said our goodbyes to two incredibly intuitive and loving women.  I really walked away with new knowledge about Maggie in a classroom setting because of these amazing teachers.  I gained a lot and Maggie felt loved, and even became a year smarter.  It was the perfect recipe.

We ended our school days with goodie bags and bubbles.  Maggie was beside her self that it all matched her dress so perfectly.  I guess it was a good thing she didn't wear that sweater after all.

We followed a busy morning with a busy evening.  

Jack celebrated his end of year baseball season at a local clubhouse.  Some of those kids were crazy enough to get in the frigid pool.  I mean it was chilly.  Because I did not bring suits {on purpose}, my kids had a grand time on the playsets and running on the fields playing who knows what.  All I know is I saw Jack involved in some serious tumbling matches and rough housing.  He was loving it.  And why wouldn't he...poor guy is surrounded by girls at home.

However, the best part was the trophy ceremony.  We truly could not have had a more giving, positive, and all around good guy coach.  He was fabulous with the kids.  

I was sincerely touched when he spoke about Jack before giving him his trophy.  So much so, I had Clay on camera duty with his phone.  {remind me not to do that again}

Okay...so that's the beginning of our end.  We have lots more of "ends" to come.  And then it's time to start the summer fun!

Mother's Day

I spent another glorious Mother's Day being the mommy of this stunning trio.

Daddy let me snooze in for a bit while he had breakfast duties, one of my favorite gifts.  But, seeing how it was Mother's Day and the whole point is to celebrate being a mother, I couldn't stay away too long.

How could I?  Look what I had waiting for me...

I was generously greeted with shouts of "Happy Mother's Day", loving hugs and kisses, all followed by my motherly duties.  Hair to fix, bows to tie, snacks to make, shoes to put on, and a car to be loaded up.

I couldn't let my sweet things escape an annual Mother's Day photo op though.  In truth, they are the real reason I get to celebrate today.

To my lovely Lucy,  you are the sunshine in my every day.  You are funny, happy, and always on the go.  You bring so much laughter and smiles to our family.  There is no doubt in my mind, that three is truly the charm.

To my Maggie, my Maggie, you made me a girl mommy for the first time and I have loved every diva-ish minute of it.  You are full of love, snuggles, and pure sweetness.  I know just where to go when I need some lovin'. 

And to my Monkey Jack,  you have lived up to your name in every way.  You are smart, kind, and my right hand man.  Everyday you do something to make me proud that you are my son.  Thank you for making me a Mommy for the first time. 

After I finished doting all over my sweet kids, we met Grandma at Mass and followed it with an absolutely delish brunch.  I had to smile when Maggie told us all, "I don't want to go to brunch, I don't like my breakfast and lunch mixed together".  Oh, my sweet Maggie.

As you can imagine, Maggie recovered just fine when she saw the food wasn't actually mixed together".  But, even more so when she saw the delectable dessert bar.

Nothing was more rewarding than sitting across from this cute thing.  Watching her in pure bliss with her ice cream was a gift in itself.

We showered grandma with her Mother's Day gifts, because she is an amazing Grandma after all.  She happily, had three little helpers by her side.

Then it was my turn.  I too was doused with help...

...and the sweetest homemade gifts.  This one has already made the playroom wall.

These are the things that take my breath away and melt my heart.  I love being your Mommy, Jack, Maggie, and Lucy.  xoxo

And I would be remiss if I didn't share a few of Jack's outtakes.  He loves to get his hands on my camera.  And when he does, somehow he always captures something that I can't resist {in between my pleading with him to not drop the camera}.  So here are a few of Jack's outtakes, from the eyes of my favorite 7 year old...

Happy Mother's Day to all you marvelous Momma's out there!  The hardest and most rewarding job in the world.  There is nothing else I'd rather call myself.