~ Finding Happy ~

So, we're back from our mini vacation. It was a nice trip, but I'd be lying if I said it was all the relaxation and rest we were hoping for. Anna came down with strep on Thurs/Fri and didn't really respond to the meds. So, after 4 full days of a fever over 103, and her demeanor at an all time low, we took her to the ER on Sunday night to be checked. Our first hospital visit, in the books. Thankfully, she is totally fine but the poor kid didn't really feel better and wake up happy, until yesterday when it was time to come home. We got little sleep, and only 2 hours at the beach the whole trip. We did go out to a movie (Lion - SO good!) lunch and dinner and even dragged the unhappy camper on a dolphin cruise - which was so fun :) So, we made the best of it.

One afternoon, I popped on Facebook and was immediately immersed in this post - finding happy. It literally had me at the first paragraph... she was describing ME, and instantly I felt a little more human for the inner struggle I'd been having over the last few months. I realized it recently one of our snow days, where, without intention, I put my phone aside and I just played with the girls all day. I laughed more than I had recently, they had a blast and it was a stress free day for all of us. Since that day, I've tried to be more present and hide my stress from them a bit and I honestly feel like their behavior has been better because of it. Even with the stress of Anna being so under the weather on vacation, we had a lot of laughs and fun with Madelyn. I joked we even had a 5 hour "date" with Anna at the hospital, where she fully enjoyed the full Mommy and Daddy attention.

We have a very, very busy month coming up, and I'm sure we'll be feeling the stress of it. I will definitely be keeping all this in mind and trying to find things daily to make me happy, and in turn a happy mom. And, when I can't keep it together, I'll know I'm not alone :)

Happy Thursday! XO

Happy Love Day!

My day was made, bright and early when I realized that we weren't sharing our bed with the girls this morning - they both slept through the night, soundly in their beds! And in turn, Madelyn came bounding down the stairs with the biggest grin, and threw herself on me in the BIGGEST hug ever, saying - Happy Valentine's Day Mommy. The girl literally has a heart of gold, as sweet as anything, but I can't tell you the last time I got such a sweet hug from her. Day, made. She seems to have decided this is her new favorite holiday, and she was ecstatic to get to school and celebrate with her friends. We don't go out to eat that often, and randomly Madelyn requested we do that tonight and get ice cream after... Brian didn't argue - so I'm thrilled about that too :)

Wishing you an extra special day of all good things and happy heart!

Bonita Springs, Florida

On Saturday, we're headed to Florida and I am beyond excited. The last vacation that I had was in August, a week after I had dislocated my shoulder, and the trip was shortened because of it. So, I'm feeling extra ready for this mini break! We'll get there Saturday night and come home Wednesday. Now that we're in the school system, our schedule revolves around their schedule :) We try to get down to visit my in laws once a winter.  We've gone over NYE and once over Thanksgiving but traditionally we go in early January after the holiday craziness. This year, we planned it during Madelyn's first winter break. Thankfully it still came up quickly, even though its much later than normal. I'm hoping that it'll be a little warmer than our normal visits, as we've been known to wear sweatshirts and slippers on our trips!

We fly in and out of Fort Myers, which is such a nice airport and only 15 minutes from their house. Two years ago, the girls were so bad on the flight I swore we would never.fly.again. This time they are good ages for sitting and movie watching (at least I'm praying that's the case!) Their development is close to everything - the mall for shopping, restaurants, movies and last but not least - coffee :) The beach is a short drive away, as is Brian's favorite - the beautiful golf course that they belong to - Calusa Pines. Naples is beautiful and also only a short drive from their house, so for a date day or day trip adventure, we like to go there too! It's just such a pretty area, and with an amazing Zoo and Children's Museum, it's so fun for the kiddos too! 

We have a very busy Spring, so this falls at a great time and I'm anxiously counting down the days. I haven't packed, tried on summer stuff or any of that. I don't even care if I put my bathing suit on while we're there. A few days catching up with family and having no schedule, will do this Mama good!!

Calusa Pines - One of the Top 100 courses in the US

Coconut Point Mall 

Bonita Beach

M + A on our 2016 trip... little babes!

Happy Monday and sunny, warm vibes to you! 

XO

Last weekend <<< sigh >>>

Last weekend was just one of those weekends that was so nice, and sort of unexpectedly relaxing and enjoyable. It was so nice, that it gave me a serious case of the Sunday blues because I didn't want it to end. We didn't have a lot going on and it was perfect that way. We did some stuff around the house, the girls played nicely all.weekend.long and we just sort of hung out. We went out on Saturday to this adorable little event in Stamford - where we took a horse drawn carriage ride around the park. There were fire pits, smores, music and the cutest little jaunt around the park. It was FREEZING but such a fun outing. Dinner out followed of course, and that's always a win in my book! I don't even think I left the house on Sunday - score! Top that all off, with an EPIC Super Bowl win by the Patriots, and the Gergi were a happy bunch!

We're expecting a decent snow storm tomorrow and I'm totally hoping for another day at home with my little crew! Jammies, hot cocoa, movies and snow angels - prettttty please!?

Happy Hump Day!