Paci-free and potty

Over the last two weeks, Anna has gone paci-free and gone to the bathroom on the potty a few times. I barely know what to do with myself. What happened to my baby?! Coincidentally, Madelyn seems to have matured significantly in the last few months. She's (almost 4) going on 7 and real kid. So, she opened the toddler door for her little sis. I think of them as my babies, and refer to them as my little ones, but it's apparent those terms are a stretch. As overwhelming as it is that they grow so fast, all the little changes still amaze me.

Thankfully, going paci-free was an absolute breeze. We didn't have any issues, and Anna barely flinched. At her 18 mo appointment, our doctor suggested stopping the use of the paci asap. The longer she has it, the harder it'll be to detach from. He suggested cutting them, hiding them, etc. I was a little worried, because you hear all sorts of stories of the scheming and drama surrounding separating from pacifiers and loveys. However, when we got home and it was time for her to nap, I just didn't give it to her.... and she fell asleep. Same thing at night... so that was that. She never even asked for it, even in the days or nights to follow. I was shocked to be honest, and obviously thankful that it was so easy. I waited a week or so, and just yesterday I threw out all of the ones we had in the house!

The first time Anna used the potty successfully was with my mom. She's been grabbing at her diaper and saying "pee-pee" for a month or two. I sort of dismissed the fact that she could possibly be ready to start the process so early. My mom is wonderful about being aware of all milestones, and assisting as she can. So, sure enough, she's been helping Anna recognize before she actually has to go, and they've been able to makes it in time. Then, one night when Brian had just walked in the door from work, she said "poopy" and he promptly picked her up and brought her in the bathroom... sure enough - success there too. Not surprising that A has not gone with me yet. I am not so quick to act when she verbalizes it, probably because I'm just not ready yet. Is that bad? My baby can't be done with diapers soon too! Ahhhh!

Say it Ain't So - 18mo

Just like that, our baby is 18 mo! I truly can't believe that we're at this milestone. The start to the summer sort of seemed to go at a normal pace, but the last 2 months have flown by at record speed. So, 18 months just sort of hit me upside the head.

There is so much about this age to love. The talking, the learning, the giggles, the play, the affection - it's all so innocent and pure. Add to that, Anna's larger-than-life personality and everything is magnified. We are having a blast with Anna, watching her grown and watching the world through her eyes. She is a little peanut, at 20lbs 12 oz and she has this personality with so much zest, sometimes I think "where did you come from?!" She is dramatic, she is feisty, she is independent, fearless, and so animated. She loves to get a reaction out of you, and she has a mind of her own.

Though in the 90th percentile at birth, Anna slowed down around 9mo and has been steadily in the 10th percentile since. So although she's developing at leaps and bounds, her physical growth has been a little slower. In a way, since she's not off the growth charts, it's helped me feel like she's not growing too fast.  Sometimes all she wants is to be held, and I've mastered doing so many things all while holding her :)

I can't remember when it was exactly but I want to say it was around month 14, that I realized Anna didn't really have any words. Madelyn started talking fairly early on and it really helped us understand her.  It hit me one day that I was enabling Anna by doing everything for her and not encouraging her to be verbal. So, I made a point to say "Anna say ----" and I swear within a week there was a significant difference. Now, a few months later and she has a lot of words. In the last week, she's started to go from 2 words, to putting 3 words together. It's so neat to see that jump in development.  In addition to Mommy and Daddy, these are some of her words:

 

no-no, yes, please, thank you, sissy, buddy (Q), home, up, nigh - nigh, bless you, pee-pee, help, ba-ba, nana (banana), yo-yo (yogurt), play, I do, all done, outside

These are a few of her favorite things:
songs: twinkle, wheels on the bus, row your boat, happy and you know it
foods: hot dogs, sausage, cheese, yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, mac n cheese, hummus, pasta
toys: lovey, musical car, kitchen, Frozen boombox,

From a very young age, Anna was a mover. Although she didn't really start walking early, she rolled over early, got up on all four's early, and started crawling early. While in a swing or rocker, her legs would be kicking non-stop. Granted she has a busy older sister around, she's not so interested in keeping up with her. She's just active, and curious... constant motion. I have so few photos of A from recently because there is no chance I'll be quick enough to photograph her. Sadly, I end up having to delete photos I do snap because they are too blurry to view.

Here are some pictures of our amazing little girl, who really is our sunshine - we love you so much Anna girl!!

 

A's 1st haircut!

Constantly climbing

loving playing in the ocean

kisses for Elmo

 

Decorating pumpkins with sissy

 

 

on the run!

In a quandary

Quandary is not a word that I use very much... I suppose I'm lucky that I don't feel this way often. However, for our current situation, this is absolutely the appropriate word to describe how I'm feeling. So many thoughts in my head and I don't know how to make sense of them.

Earlier this summer we made the very difficult decision to move the girls to schools closer to home. We loved the school, but after I started my new job, I was having a hard time getting to the school before it closed. Back here I shared our upcoming transition for the girls to new schools and as it approached I was excited and nervous, about the change. Now, we're about 1.5 weeks into our new routine. It's got me questioning my mom instincts and second guessing the importance of convenience. 

You know that saying - if it's not broke, don't fix it? Plain and simple, that is what happened here. I fixed something that wasn't actually broken.  The mom guilt I'm feeling is beyond words, because convenience (mostly for me) was the catalyst for the change. I like being a working mom, but without a good balance, I find it to be less fulfilling and a stressful challenge. So, I took it upon myself to research new schools, do all the paperwork and get the girls set up in new schools for this year. All to save us some time commuting and get us home around 5:15pm, instead of 6:15pm. Need I state how crazy our evenings are when we try to squeeze dinner, play and baths before we wind down for bed at 7pm? Sometimes, Daddy is even home yet to help/play/visit/eat with the girls before its time for bed.

For one of the girls, the transition has been so smooth and easy, and for the other its been heart wrenching. I think both schools are wonderful and I don't have anything bad to say about either, but it's becoming clear that this change might not have been the right decision. Granted, it hasn't been long, but there are some significant differences in curriculum and structure, that I'm concerned could really make a lasting impact on our little one. Granted our girls are young, but I don't doubt that they are young enough to develop behaviors and/or be impacted by life situations now. Just the other day, my brother was sharing a story of how he found out our first cat died, what he did afterwards and how sad he was. He was not even 3 years old.
 
There is a possibility we could switch back, and I would have to figure out how to deal. Obviously, it's not me I'm worried about. However, if we could back into our old school - am I coddling a little and just appeasing? If we stay where we are, is it too early to try and teach our kids resiliency and encourage independence? For a child that is very smart, perceptive, sweet and shy, is it OK to shelter them and protect them while we can? Or, are there benefits to pushing them towards new things, new environments and different experiences. I mean, it's just a year... It's now or never though, so I'm trying not to dwell on it but its consuming my every thought. A worrier by nature, this is only the beginning! God help me as the girls get older, and actually God help them too because I'm guaranteed to drive them crazy ;)

Happy Hump Day!

XO

Off the grid

The Gergi have just returned from 6 days in Martha's Vineyard. While you always wish for a longer vacation, I'm happy to say the Vineyard worked it's magic and rejuvenated us in that time. Since the girls had this week off from school, it seemed like the perfect time to go. However, it was hard (for me) not to have had a day off since April! In the years past, we typically would make it up to MV at least 4 times between Memorial Day and Labor Day for long weekends. As the kids are getting older, we're realizing that may transition to one or two longer visits. 

The Vineyard is a special place. It's an island, and it can be a challenge to get there but once there, you truly feel like you are off the grid. Add to that, our family house is on Chappaquiddick, the small island off the main island. There is lots of privacy - it's quiet, serene and just beautiful. In addition, we do not get great phone service, so we are forced to disconnect a bit. I honestly didn't know anything about MV before working at Vineyard Vines, and then dating Brian. All these small little towns, that are unique and charming in their own way, make up this very beautiful little island. 

If you've never been, I've pulled some photos for you to see what it's like. Here is a map of the island:

This is the "ferry" that we have to take from the main island, over to Chappaquiddick. There aren't any restaurants, stores, etc. on Chappy. So, for coffee, restaurants, shopping and the grocery, you have to take this ferry to and from!

                   This is a picture I took of the Edgartown Harbor while I was waiting for the ferry. 

Our private beach, just a short walk from the house on Chappy:

The view from the docks in town

Some beautiful pictures of Edgartown:

After two crazy flights with the little ones earlier this year, and then an interesting experience with Brian and I traveling separately with one child over the 4th, I'm happy to say this was a big improvement :) We had a fairly easy drive up on Tuesday, and our ferry ride was a breeze. Today, was a bit busier and more frazzled, but still the girls did great - phew. I'm hoping we might be over that hump. In between those two outings, was so much fun. We crammed a lot into every day, but still managed to squeeze in naps and decent bedtimes. The first day we went to the beach, the second day we spent at the fair, then Brian had a golf outing, and I had some mommy time, we had a great date night, a birthday celebration and one night we went out with friends. It was a blast!! Oh, and I should mention that Madelyn came down with Strep the day  before we left, and Anna developed it while we're gone - never a dull moment, right? ;) Oh well, some medicine and a little rest and we still made the best of it. 

Here is a picture of the girls from last year and Anna's first visit to the beach:

This year, they had SO much fun entertaining each other and playing non-stop

Pics from the fair: (M wasn't into any of the rides, but she was obsessed with the slide!)

Breakfast on the pier watching the boats and people fishing:

A (little blurry) night out with friends :)

Perfect beach day! (and "day" = the 2.5 hours we lasted)

Birthday celebrations for Mommy

Cloudy afternoon fishing adventure:

 Her first time fishing, and she caught one!

I am so thankful for this time together as a family. Our little unit is my world, and getting to just be with them, is so special. I cherish that time, and I'm already looking forward to the next trip! Hope you had a great weekend, soaking up the last bit of summer!

turn, turn, turn

Although there are still plenty of weeks left to the summer, with the girls last day of school tomorrow, it definitely feels like the end of the season. I've had this Byrds song in my head all day

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven...

 

We found our school 3 years ago on fairly short notice. We didn't have the opportunity to look at 4+ schools before comparing everything and making a decision. However, it was the first big decision in parenthood that we came to very quickly, by following our instincts. From our first visit to the school, we felt comfortable. Then, from Madelyn's first few months there, we patted ourselves on the back, because we were very confident and pleased with our decision. Tomorrow, we'll pick the girls up from their school for the last time, and I'm an emotional wreck.

 

Since, I started my new job in April, we've had a difficult time making it to school by their closing time for pick ups. We are very lucky that my mom and sister, help out a ton. But 2 years after moving south from Fairfield, to avoid spending hours in commuter traffic, we were faced with it again. My old job was very close to the school, so even though we'd moved and I'd changed jobs once, the school was conveniently located. Now, I was back to driving at least 45 mins to 1 hour at the end of the day just to pick up her, before getting Anna. I leave work at 4:30pm, and we typically get home around 6pm.

 

I think I was the first to bring up moving the girls to schools in town... but we quickly got overwhelmed at the idea of researching new schools, and ultimately making that big change, so we didn't discuss it further. Then after a few tough weeks of commuting and being late for pick ups, we talked about it again. I agreed to take on all the research and the tours and see what was out there. In our area, there are not very many options of full day programs. To us, and for our family, a full day program is the best. I did my homework, we found 2 new schools... and then we just waited because we couldn't bite the bullet.

 

Then, I sat at work and (literally) bawled my eyes out, as I wrote to the school and said that the girls wouldn't be returning in the fall. They were great, and I'm sure it happens all the time... but it was certainly a big deal to us. Madelyn has spent 45 hours a week, for the last 3 years with her friends and all of her teachers at her beloved school. At such a young, vulnerable age, that's significant. Also, for our little sweetheart who is emotional, sensitive, caring and shy, it's a big deal. She's raved about school and is happy and giggly, every single day. The amount of gratitude I have for the school, the teachers, and her friends for taking care of my baby while I work full time, is immeasurable.

 

We've tried very hard to speak positively about the school change, and create excitement about the move. We've visited the new schools and made a few new friends, but I'm still terrified. Just yesterday, Madelyn collapsed in my arms, crying because she didn't want to leave her school and go to a new school. I could feel her sadness, and I immediately teared up. I pray that we've made the right decision, and that this change will be a good one for us. My hope is that it'll allow for more time together in the mornings and evenings, and a little less stress for Mom and Dad. Most importantly, I hope my sweet girl makes new friends, has fun while learning and continues to be happy and giggly, each night when we get home. Truthfully, if I can't spend my days with my kiddos, then the next best thing, has to be really great :)

In between tomorrow's last day, and the first day at their new schools, is our V A C A T I O N! I cannot wait and it feels like perfect timing! The coming weeks might be a bit of a challenge as we transition, but I think I'll just keep singing this song, and reminding myself - "And a time to every purpose, under heaven..."

 

This old house - new and improved!

As discussed here - we jumped right from our bathroom renovations, into phase 2 of our reno plans in early June. The need to do it promptly took a little of the excitement out of it all, especially since the plan was for the kitchen renovation to happen next (which I was so excited about). Instead, the entire outside of our house got a makeover. The trees, the siding, the deck, the gutters, the windows and the doors. The only thing that we didn't touch was the roof, and hopefully we can get away with not having to for a while :) We want to take out a little more landscaping, and add some new in spots, but for the the most part we are done-zo. I was a little disappointed that the kitchen plan was on hold, and we these updates took precedence. However, now that it's done, I have to say it was all very well worth it. The updates brought our house up to date and more modern looking - and now, it's very us. It goes without saying, that we are looking forward to a quiet house! To us, the change is huge and it's a relief to know that the walls of the home not only look good now but they'll hold up for a very long time! Everyone loves a good before and after, especially me, so I'm surprised that I didn't take better before pictures, but you get the gist.
Here is the new and improved...

 The front BEFORE

View from the street BEFORE

View from the street AFTER

Jungle front yard BEFORE

Front yard AFTER

 The backyard BEFORE: 

AFTER:

The back of the house and deck as it looked when we came to see the house for the first time: BEFORE

Back of house/deck AFTER

Lastly, one of my favorite improvements. In the final stages of the renovation, I told Brian I thought we needed a new front door. He probably rolled his eyes and dismissed it immediately, but to be honest, it wasn't a discussion in my book. We had to. We couldn't do everything and then leave our old door. So, I found a reasonably priced door, and great paint that we both love, and voila! 

It's literally the icing on the cake, and it's perfect! 

Front Door BEFORE:

 Front Door AFTER