Sweet Madelyn is 4!

Miss Madelyn Jayne, is 4 years old! I look back on the photos and realize how much she's grown each year, but this first picture feels like yesterday. Our sweet little baby, became a happy, gentle toddler and big sister. Now at 4, Madelyn is a kid. She is a beautiful little girl with a kind soul, and huge heart. She cares so much about her family and her friends, and boy does she love her little sister. She loves to draw, loves to learn, loves dramatic play, and has a million and one questions a day :) I am so proud of her and feel incredibly blessed to be her mom. Cheers to you my sweet girl - I love you more!

Fall Fun with my faves

I've always loved the fall, and everything that the change in season brings. With the gradual change in weather comes the switch from flops to slippers, layers, fleece, blankets, hot coffee and then of course, who doesn't love all the beautiful foliage. Add to that, the season brings so many fun activities for the family. I so happy that we've had a full calendar, and we've squeezed in everything I'd hoped, thus far :) With a young family, and two working parents, it can be tough to juggle fun with chores on weekends. I feel like we're always trying to cram in all of our errands or housework, plus do fun stuff with the kids. Especially, now that they're at a good age for being active, and needing the stimulation. So, we've been keeping busy and having tons of fun with the kids.

Brian had Columbus Day off, and I had the chance to take the day off (which rarely happens with my limited vacation time). So in the mix of all the fun fall activities, we had a great long weekend and spent the day off together with a fun trip to the aquarium. I wanted to do something fun with the kids that we don't do often, and I was surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. I hadn't been in years, and it was a real treat. In the last few weekends, we went pumpkin picking, explored the Nature Center at their Fall Fair, and most recently took a trip to Sesame Place with friends.  

Next up is Halloween and Miss Madelyn's 4th Birthday! (Ahh.) The girls are totally into Halloween. It has always been my least favorite holiday but I'm happy their excitement has me looking forward to it too! Keeping with the fantasy/princess theme, Madelyn is Ariel, and Anna is very appropriately dressing as a monkey. We may even try to squeeze in some family photos this weekend, but I don't want to press my luck. Lots going on, lots to smile about. Hope you have a great weekend!!

XO

Fellow Mommas

I can't take credit for this because I found it online, but I loved it and feel it warrants being shared. This blog post is for all mommas, whether you are a working-mom, or a SAHM, you are feeling overwhelmed, or you are having a day where you feel like you have it all together (who needs advice?!) these are great tips for all of us!

 

Being a mom is the best thing in the world, but I certainly have my days where I need little reminders, and this is like a virtual hug! So say it with me.... "no more comparing"

 

 

K, thanks... bye!

XO

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!