Water, water, everywhere...

Today it was overcast and damp. And when I say, "damp," I mean, the humidity was a monster.  The one consolation is that we had a small respite from the heat.

Saturdays mean swimming.  Bode is good in the pool. He has come a long way. Gianna is absolutely fearless.

In the afternoon, we played with the water table.  In addition to thinking it is a self-serve water dispenser, Gianna thinks it should be a pool, too.  They both love playing with this table.

I hope that your Saturday has been relaxing and fun!
xo

A year later...

Here are some photos taken after Gianna's 1st birthday. The green chair was a birthday gift from her Nana, and it is one of Gianna's favorite things.

And here she is a year later, in the same chair:

Looking at these photos, it just doesn't seem possible to me that it has only been 1 year.  She has grown so much!

xo

Happy Fourth of July!

We went to our little town's Fourth of July parade this morning.  Saratoga Springs has an all-day celebration, and apparently, it is billed as "one of the  ten best small town July 4th celebrations in America" (by ABC News).   

Now that I've got that plug out of the way (come visit us!), here are some pics of the babies enjoying the parade:

RWF takes a moment for a history lesson.

I guess Crocs are good for something. ???

Race horse

Polo horse

Pet parade

Starbucks Pet parade

Cheeksy

The man clearly loves watching his children more than a parade.
(thank goodness)

Happy Birthday, America!

xo

Mia Gianna: 2 years old

Dear Gianna,

You are now a big 2 year old.  This means that we finally (!!!) flipped your car seat around so that you are forward-facing.  Daddy laughed at me when I announced, "Well, we can move her seat around this weekend, after she is 2."  He thinks I am so by-the-book.    You are so happy and proud (!) to be facing-forward, alongside Bode.  It is quite a milestone, and I am happy for you, too.

You are in that "I do it myself" stage.  Along with climbing stairs, you now must:

1. Get into the car by yourself,

2. Get into your (forward-facing) car seat by yourself,

3. Put your shoes on by yourself, and

4. do just about anything - or at least try to - by yourself.

This means that things take longer, and I need to start building in an extra 10 minutes into any scheduled event we might be attending. That's okay. I love your independence and determination to do it yourself.

You are still a huge meat eater.  For your birthday, I made a beef brisket. You loved it. You grabbed chunks of (uncut) meat from a nearby plate and stuffed them into your face.  We need to work on eating more delicately, Gianna. And you need to eat a variety of foods. You don't really care for any vegetable, except for broccoli and corn.  You like eating watermelon, but are not willing to eat any other fruit.  You do love popsicles and ice cream (good girl).

I was so relieved, at your 2 year well check, when you did not lose it when we went to the pediatrician's office. The past few visits have not been good ones, and you're naturally distrustful of any medical establishment (not that I blame you). I am so proud of you for being so calm and good natured during your exam.  They stabbed you in the foot for blood, and you only looked on with mild curiosity. Who knew! Hopefully we can expect more good visits like this one in the future.

I laugh at the pediatrician! I defy your, and the AAP, "rules" and guidelines.

And now, for the ba-ba.  At your 2 year well-check, I lied (!!!) to the pediatrician and told her that you weren't drinking from a bottle that much.  Here's the bad news:  your ped said to switch you to skim milk.  And now for the really bad news: we need to ditch the ba-ba completely.  I'm hoping the hot summer months will make the transition to cups and water/juice more easy.  

Since I am lazy and a not very good mother, I do not have a baby book for you. So here are your stats from yesterday:

Weight: 30 lbs (87%)

Height: 34 inches (55%)

Head circumference: 18 1/2 inches (36%) 

You are still a little thing, but maybe that is just in my mind. I think you will always seem "little" to me, because you are my baby girl. On the charts, you're doing just fine. And, no matter what the stats say  because you are strong! I think putting up with your rambunctious brother has a little something to do with your strength.  Daddy is anxious to get you into gymnastics.  He thinks that with my height, and weight-to-strength ratio, I could have been a gymnast  when I was younger (to which I laugh, heartily). So now, he thinks that we need to see if you have any interest. You're still too young for many activities/classes, but we are always looking for you.  You do love swimming, and Daddy loves your "natural form" (his words) in the water.  I have to remind him that you  have just the right amount of baby fat to keep you buoyant in the water.  It is true: you are a little cork!  You are so proud to walk around in your swimsuit. I love how naturally confident in your body you are, and I hope that this never ends.

Shoes on the wrong feet because "I do myself"

See ya.

I think you love your life. You're happy with our little routine, and you love spending your days with your big brother Bode, whom you absolutely adore.  Bode can be a little difficult, because he loves playing chase with you.  When you tire from being chased, you like to hide behind me, while I ask Bode to please leave you alone for a few minutes. I love that you still come running to me for shelter or love.

Happy 2nd birthday, my lovely G.  You are truly a sweet little gift to our family.

love,

Mommy

xo

Bode Wm: 45 months

Dear Bode,

This month was your sister's 2nd birthday.  You were so great about this event. There was no jealousy, and no "what-about-me" symptoms were displayed. In fact, you were the opposite. You were excited for Gianna to turn 2, and to celebrate her birthday with her. You had fun making plans, and decorating the house for her birthday.  When I asked you if we should have rolls or  soft tacos for the birthday dinner brisket, you replied, "Let's have tacos, because it will be more fun for Gianna's birthday." You had so much fun picking out cupcakes, insisting that Gianna would like pink frosting. And all day, you were wishing her "Happy Birthday" with a big smile.  I loved your enthusiasm and happiness for your baby sister (and she adores you, too!).

You love dressing up right now.  You'll wear Gianna's tutu skirts and dance around the house.  Gianna received some jewelry for her birthday and you love wearing the necklaces and bracelet.  If I put  Gianna's hair up, you ask that I do the same for you. Unfortunately for you, your hair is now in a super-short boy cut, so no hair accoutrements.  Today at the park, a little boy gave you a hard time about the bracelet you were wearing.  "Why are you wearing a bracelet? " he sneered, "You're not a girl, are you?"  You had no reply, and just looked at him for a few minutes.  Well. I probably should have just left the conversation alone. But I had to say something.  My first response would not have been appropriate, and if I am honest, the language was really not appropriate, for a child.  Instead, I told that boy that you could wear whatever you want to, and that you were infinitely more creative in dress in your multi-colored beaded bracelet and straw fedora than he was in his stupid Spiderman swim trunks.    Okay, I didn't really say that. But I did try to impart a small lesson about "to each his own."  Bode, please keep your creativity and individuality.  It is what makes you "Bode," and why everyone loves you so much.

You are in a picky eating stage. You still refuse most red foods (tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, etc.) and anything with a sauce.  Often you will sit down and not eat anything,  wait a few minutes and then announce, "I'm done!"  Daddy is good at cajoling you into eating a few bites of food.  Your negotiation skillz need a bit of work.  Daddy or I will state, "Eat 3 bites of [x]" and you'll counter, "No, 4 bites!"  to which we readily agree.  Sometimes when we agree quickly, you think you're being hoodwinked, and will counter again, "No, 5 bites!"  We'll enjoy this strategy for as long as we can.

You are a high energy little boy, and you are starting to say, "no" when I tell you things that you need to do, or you sometimes just ignore my request completely. This is a struggle for me.  My default reaction is to think, "How dare you defy me!"  and I realize that is not appropriate for the situation, or you, because you are never actually defying me (at least, not at this time).  I am working on distraction measures, and other parenting tricks skills, that sadly, I find I am deficient in so far into my career as a mother.  You are forgiving, and seem to put up with my trials with good spirit.  

This past month, we told you that you'll have a new little brother soon. You've already named him "Nichoras" (Nicholas) and refuse to consider any other name.  You often ask if "Nichoras" is happy.  I have to tell you, that with you around, "Nichoras" will always be happy.  

I love that you and Gianna are so close. I love that you're happy to have a new little brother on the way.  I love that you are happy to be home with us all the time.  But I also know that you need more.  Next week, you start camp. I hope that you enjoy it. I am anxious for you to be around other children your age again. I know that other kids will benefit from your happiness and fun spirit, too.

Happy 45 months to my happy little guy.  I love you so much!

Mommy

xo

Happy 2nd Birthday, Mia Gianna (photos)

Here are some photos of the birthday girl. I don't have allll the shots uploaded, but I'm sure this will do (for now...heh).

The big swimmer

A surprise birthday balloon delivery

A birthday cupcake

A helmet...could her next present be a....?

A bike!

A "neckrass" - jewelry for the little fashionista

A big 2 yo on her new bike

Gianna's birthday was a busy day, but somehow, it was just the right mix of celebration and relaxation.  I think Miss Mia had a lovely birthday.  Every time she walked into the kitchen and saw the decorations and balloons, she'd exclaim, "Oh!!! Hap-birfday!" like she was continually surprised by it being her birthday.

Today we walked early in the morning to avoid the heat.  (oh gawd, the heat! the heat is killing this pregnant mama!)

Why yes, that is one of Gianna's neckrasses, thank you very much.

Happy 2nd Birthday to our lovely G! We love you so much, little Miss Mia!
xo