Sometimes she makes me nervous

Mommy! You don't eat poopy, riiiight?! Because it's yucky yucky!

Right, baby. You don't eat poopy.

And you DON'T put it on your face, mommy. Riiight, mommy?

Right, baby.

And the poopy goes bye bye down the toilet, but mommy and daddy and Cadi and Emma DON'T go bye bye down the toilet. Riiight, mommy?

Sigh. Right, baby.

It's pretty cute seeing her try to figure out the world around her...

Puffs

We introduced puffs this week! So cute to see her trying to pick them up and get them into her mouth. She's doing an awesome job at it, though. Her pincher grasp is so good and it keeps her entertained for a loooong time! (Which mommy and daddy love!)

New addition

Bloggers - I just added the map to the right of my blog and it's pretty cool. It shows where your readers live. It's free to download and I added it mostly out of curiosity as to where my readers are in relation to me. Feel free to add your own!

I miss you

You're sleeping at "Yellow Grandma's" tonight.

And I miss you.

You drive me crazy all day :)

I crave a break from you.
Then I get one.

And I look through hundreds of pictures of you.

Because my heart aches when you're not here.

And I want to kiss you.

I want to smell your toddler skin and kiss your toddler lips.

And I want to hear your toddler yells.

I love you...and I miss you, my little Acadia June...

Interview with Michelle

My very first interview is with my sister, Michelle. When we were kids we fought like crazy but as adults, we have turned into best friends. I honestly couldn't imagine my life without her. We e-mail each other all throughout the day and when we're not e-mailing each other, we're texting, calling or just hanging out with each other. I never get bored with her and I never run out of things to say to her, even though we talk as often as we do. She's one of the most amazing, selfless, hard working, inspiring women I have ever met. I am so lucky to have her as my sister!

1. Where do you work/what do you do there?
I work as a cost accountant at Burton Snowboards. I deal mostly with budgets and spending, but I also work with shipping, record keeping and reporting.

2. If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I always find this to be a really tough question. I think it would be an amazing experience to visit either Australia or Italy. I would hate to say that I have never been anywhere overseas…but, my dream vacation seems to consistently include just a beach with great weather, great company and yummy drinks.

3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I would love to live in our future house (hopefully near Jen and Matt), have two daughters, both in school and I would like to be working at a job that I love. It would be great to have a job that I enjoy going to in the morning and that I do not take home with me at night. I hope to be the type of mother and wife who keeps family and work separate. I want to enjoy Jimmy, our children, friends and family when we are together. I want to hear about their days and lives without thinking about various stresses in the back of my mind.

4. What is your favorite childhood memory?

I cannot select one in particular, but they all include my grandparent’s camp. Whether we were walking to the beach, going on boat rides, playing cards or having lunch overlooking the lake, it was always a good time. It seems the second we would arrive until we left there was constant fun and laughter. When I was younger the camp was always there, so I took it for granted in a way. I never pictured my life without it. It has made me realize how much I would love to have a summer camp in our family. I think it would be such a wonderful investment for so many reasons and it would be great to go in on one with Jen and Matt and it could potentially be in our family for generations.

5. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love just spending time with friends and family. It never has to be anything special or extravagant. Just hanging out, talking, eating, laughing, drinking, whatever. If no one is around, I love reading.

6. What is your dream job?

I was actually just discussing this the other day. I honestly do not know. I am almost 29 years old and I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up. I just want to love what I do. Getting paid well would be great also, but I would love to have a job where I am not wishing my life away, waiting for the weekends to come.

7. What made you fall in love with your husband?

So many things. We were very lucky to be friends before we began dating. We never really had that awkward phase in the relationship. I remember the first time we said that we loved each other. We had only been officially dating for two or three weeks. We had a party and Jimmy was upset about some holes in the wall from the party and I was trying to get him to relax about it and enjoy the night. I remember sitting there in the bedroom, while the party was still going on and I remember thinking, this is where I want to be for the rest of my life. It was really a silly realization because I had known him for so long and never pictured him as anything serious in my life, especially not my future husband. He had always been just this really fun friend of mine.

He has this way of making me feel better. If I’m upset about something, all I need is to talk to him and he has this way of calming me down. It’s as though I know in my heart and head, but also subconsciously that he will always take care of me. He also has one of the best senses of humors out of anyone I have ever met and we just have so much fun together. He is genuinely my best friend.

8. What is something you would like to learn to do?

Definitely speak a foreign language. I would love to be fluent in a language other than English. Cooking would be great as well. I’m definitely the type of person who needs to follow a recipe step by step. I would love to be creative about cooking and good at it!

9. What is your favorite thing about living in Vermont?

The fact that my entire family (well…besides Beth) lives here. I actually wouldn’t mind moving out of the state at some point, but I would require that the whole fam picks up and moves with us!

10. If someone gave you $10K tomorrow, what would you do with the money?

I would love to finish the hardwood floors throughout the rest of our house, and then invest the rest. I know, completely boring

Something new

I've decided to add a little something different to my blog. Every week, I'm going to have a new interview with someone - a family member or friend. (In no particular order!) Although, to be fair - I did decide to start with my sister, but this will be the last time I'll play favorites ;) I write about our girls, Matt and me all the time, so I thought I would start asking questions about you and am really looking forward to reading your answers!

Meal planning

It's been a while since I've shared my meal plans. I love reading other people's meal plans so I thought I'd start posting them again.

Sun - Turkey burgers, homemade french fries and baked beans
Mon - Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread and a salad
Tues - London broil with couscous and roasted parmesan asparagus
Wed - Roasted orange and thyme chicken with crispy parmesan potatoes and steamed broccoli
Thurs - Breakfast for dinner
Fri - Quinoa pie with butternut squash and a salad
Sat - Whole roasted chicken with potatoes, onions and carrots with a Caesar salad

Because you have to live a little

We were supposed to go to Cape Cod this summer for a week with our friends and on a cruise next winter with Miche and Jim, but as it turns out, our budget had other plans :(

We moped about for a bit - I was really looking forward to frozen drinks in the tropical sun. But then we came up with a plan. This March we are having a tropical vacation weekend with Jim and Miche. We're sending the kids away, turning up the heat, wearing skirts and tank tops (well...maybe not Matt and Jim), eating summer foods and drinking frozen drinks. If we can afford to go on a tropical vacation, we might as well bring the tropical vacation to us, right?

Dreams

I want to become a photographer.
I want to become a writer.


Your dreams become reality when you admit them to the world, right?

Some day I will make my dreams come true....

Because how can I ever tell my children to follow their dreams when I don't follow my own?

Hop scotch

A few weeks back we were watching Curious George and it was an episode where they play hop scotch. It was early in the morning and Emma was still sleeping so I got out some masking tape and made Acadia her very first hop scotch game. We went outside and collected a couple rocks to toss during the game and OMG - she loved it!! We ended up leaving the tape there for about a week and played daily. Can't wait for the summer time to play out in the driveway :)

Dress up

She declared she was a fire fighter ballerina the other day!

Gingerbread house

We made our first gingerbread house with Acadia last month. She has SO much fun putting the little candy pieces on the house. Little did we know you have to make the "paste" and then let it sit for a few hours after you put the actual house together. Then you can put the candy on. I'm not sure where the candy ended up more - on the house or in Cadi's tummy :)

Lots of catching up to do

I just downloaded 300 pictures from my camera from the month of December. Updates coming soon...

Grandpa

Because my goal is have my blog made into a book someday soon, I wanted to add the eulogy I gave at Grandpa's funeral so I will always have it. I was honored to give the eulogy, and as nervous as I was to give it (and I was VERY nervous!), it was part of the healing process for me, to write it and read it to my Grandma and the rest of my family and friends.


Grandma, Craig, Tim, Mom, friends and family, Father Bill –

Our family would first like to thank each and every one of you for being here with us today as we say good bye to my grandfather. Your thoughts and prayers have gotten us through this difficult time more than you’ll ever know. And for that, we will always be grateful.

The most joyous memories I have of my childhood are from my grandparent’s camp in Ticonderoga. We used to play cards on the deck together, the sound of the waves and Paul Simon’s records as our background music. The one thing that stuck me while playing with them is that even though they had been married for 50+ years and survived 3 years apart during World War II, Grandpa’s brain surgery and rooting for opposing baseball teams, they didn’t let the other get near their cool whip container of coins they saved for when they played Crazy 8, poker and Yahtzee.

We had a lot of laughs at camp – boat rides on Lake George, fishing, running down the dock and jumping into my grandpa’s open arms in the water, walks to the beaches, rides in the luggage carrier, grilling dinner together. My Grandpa had an amazing sense of humor. He used to tell me that the water didn’t go all the way down to the bottom of the lake, and I don’t know if it was that I didn’t pay attention in science class, or what, but for some reason I believed him. Some years he would take me down to the water and exclaim that this year, the water actually did go all the way down to the bottom! And I would be as excited as a 6 year old could be. Thrilled with the thought of the fish having that much more space to swim in. Little did I know – he was getting a chuckle from his little story the entire time.

We would go on boat rides together and he would wait until one of us would get close to falling asleep in the front of the boat, before blowing the horn. If you have never had the pleasure of riding on my grandparent’s boat, it was as loud as a blow horn. It never got old for him, either – at least a couple times on each boat ride, he’d blow the horn, scare the life out of us and laugh that infectious laugh of his. We’d pretend to be mad at him and he’d laugh even harder.

I think the first time I heard a swearword was when my grandpa would surprise people by refilling their drinks and taking a cup full of ice water and tossing it through the screen window at them. I remember sitting on the deck reading a book or talking with my relatives and would see a splash of water hit my uncles, mom, cousins or grandma. They would jump up, say a word or two that I probably shouldn’t have heard and the war was on. We could play that game all day. It seems that we would laugh from the minute we got to camp to the minute we left.

My uncles and mom had the greatest father in the world. His pride and joy were his two “pals” and his Leslie Girl. I loved seeing the way he spoke with his boys; he showed my Uncles how to become men. He taught them about integrity, pride, and most importantly that a man’s word was his bond. And I have two of the most amazing Uncles thanks to the way my grandparents raised them. And his Leslie Girl. Never have I seen a man his age look at his grown daughter and still see the blonde, curly haired little girl she was when she was two. She was his gal. If she needed anything – grandpa would take care of it, whether it was a question about finances, a broken window or a problem with her car. You always felt safe when grandpa was around, because you knew he would take care of you.

My grandpa and I were especially close. When Matt and I started getting serious, I told him that if we were to ever get married, it was important that he ask my grandfather for my hand in marriage. When the day came, Matt asked Grandpa and Grandpa gave him the strongest handshake Matt’s ever felt. My Grandpa loved Big Matt as much as I did.

I always knew I would want my grandpa to walk me down the aisle at my wedding and will never forget the look on his face when I asked him to do the honors. The morning of my wedding, Grandpa asked for a few moments alone with me. He knew I was nervous and gave me the pep talk I needed to hear. He told me to picture the wedding aisle as the dock at camp. To walk down that aisle and instead of jumping into my grandpa’s arms, I was jumping into Matt’s. That was exactly what I needed. My grandpa took my arm and together, we walked down the dock to my new husband.

Grandma and Grandpa’s love for each other was unlike anything I have ever seen. My grandpa literally lit up when my grandma came into the room. I loved seeing him watch her when she didn’t realize he was looking at her. His gaze was that of an 18 year old in love and I would wish to myself that someday I would find someone that loved me as much as he loved his Dee. Every year, on August 24th, we would celebrate that love. And every year I would marvel at how they still acted like newlyweds. Laughing together so hard they cried, arguing about the Red Sox and the Yankees, sitting outside during the summer reading the paper, singing and dancing at family gatherings. This is how I will always remember them together. We should all be so lucky to find someone in this world that makes us feel the way they did.

Grandpa – you will be missed more than you’ll know. Life will never been the same with out you – you were the kindest, smartest, bravest, strongest, most loyal man I’ve ever known and there will never be any one like you again. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift anyone can give – a family. Throughout these past weeks, we have only become closer, have laughed and cried harder than ever before and have relied on one another more than ever. And don’t worry about your Dee…we’ll take as good care of her as you did. I love you, Pepaw, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.

Jesus. Miracle Worker and Babysitter

My sister in law came over last week to babysit and whenever we have visitors, I ask Acadia if she knows who's coming over for a visit.

So in the morning I said, Guess what, Acadia? Guess who's coming over to babysit you tonight?!

Her response was, Baby Jesus!!!

Grandma B and Grandma P

Acadia was on her phone the other day and told us she was talking to Yellow Grandma and that she was about to call Brown Grandma.

Say what?

Yup. My mom has blonde hair and Matt's mom has brown hair. LMAO! Pretty funny...

I am me

I met a girlfriend at Great Harvest Bread this morning for some coffee and yummy cinnamon bread. It's so kid friendly there - the owners have a 2 year old that goes to work with them (how cool is that?!) and so we just let our kids run about playing with the toys while we talked. We ended up staying for breakfast and lunch because we were talking so much and the kids were playing so well.

While we were thinking about leaving, a girl from my high school came in with her two kids. She is the sweetest girl but she's that mom. You know the one - hair is always perfect, make-up done, kids well behaved, she's always dressed well and she just makes it look easy. I sat and chatted with her for a while as Acadia threw a tantrum and Emma crawled about on the floor. Her kids sat perfectly at the table nibbling on their snacks while my friend Jo told me that Emma was eating the crumbs we had left on the ground from our lunch. She said, I just didn't know if Emma was on solids now and if she should be eating them?? My reply from a not-so-together-mom was, Well...I guess she's on solids now!

I had my baseball hat on and hadn't had time to put make-up on. I accidentally put on two different socks that morning - socks that didn't even resemble each other a little bit. Apparently I hadn't fed Emma enough as she was eating our leftovers. Off the floor, no less. Acadia was using her man voice (I don't know where this voice comes from!) and telling me it was time to get home for a nap. For about a split second I felt completely inadequate.

But then I realized. I am me. I am not that mom that looks like she has it together at all times, because I don't have it together all the time. I am not that mom that dresses nicely and puts make-up on every day, because I don't have the time or money to buy expensive make-up or clothing. My kids may eat off the floor every once in a while and throw tantrums. I let Emma crawl around on a floor littered with crumbs and mud. But you wanna know what? We have fun. I don't have all the answers and I may not have it together, but I do have fun with my kids. I laugh. I live in the moment. I sing to them. I dance with them. I do anything to make them giggle. I fuck up. I yell at them. I lose my patience. I am me. I am learning. I am making mistakes. And that's ok. Because I am becoming a better person each and every day thanks to my two amazing girls...

Her swing

This Fisher Price swing was basically Acadia and Emma's first bed. They both spent a lot of time in it when they were infants. I think because they were used to moving around so much while I was pregnant with them that they fell asleep (and stayed asleep!) easily when being swung from side to side in this. Matt has been wanting to take it out of Emma's room for quite some time, because we haven't used it in ages. I've been delaying it as much as possible, because it really does feel like we're getting rid of Emma's bed in a way. It's one of those little milestones in her life that make me sad to see she's growing up. She'll be 8 months old in a couple days and I have no idea where the time went. I just had to snap a couple shots of Emma in her swing before Matt packed it away. So sad that we'll never use it again :(

Just like mommy

My mom got Acadia a high chair for Christmas and Acadia recently started feeding her baby in the mornings while I feed Emma :)

Let's go to the movies!

We decided to take Acadia to see the movie The Princess and the Frog this past weekend. She was SO excited and did great! It was really fun to spend a couple hours alone with her - it was the first time since Emma's birth that we've spent alone time with her and we need to do it more often.

Of course she had to wear her princess gear :)
Acadia in front of the movie theater


Picking out her candy - she was squealing and lifting her shoulders up in excitement :)



All her goodies - lemonade, popcorn and Sunkist fruit snacks

Happy new year!!

2009 Year in Review:

1. What did you do in 2009 that you've never done before? Had a second baby :)
2. What are your New Year's Resolutions? I have only one - to not feel guilty as much. I am going to fail at things...I am going to lose my patience at Matt or the girls...I am going to forget to call a friend I should have called a week ago...I am going to start exercising then stop after a couple months...and I'm not going to beat myself up about it. I'm going to stop feeling guilty so much about things. And I hope that this is the first resolution I actually stick with :)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes - quite a few people! And I'm so excited for everyone!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Grandpa - I miss him every single day
5. What states/countries did you visit? With the birth of Emma and my sister's wedding, we didn't travel this year. Matt and I did take a weekend away to Portland, Maine right before Emma was born, though, and had a blast!
6. What would you like in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? I would like to travel more. I don't see any major vacations this year but I'm hoping for a camping trip or two. I'm also looking forward to Pretend Island Vacation 2010 with Jimmy and Miche :)
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched in your memory? May 10th - the day Matt graduated, May 12th - the day we met Emma, December 7th - the day my grandpa passed away
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Becoming a mother to two beautiful and healthy girls
9. Did you suffer illness or injury? No, thank God
10. What was the best thing you bought? We didn't have any major purchases this year so I'm going to have to go with the dress I wore to my sister's wedding. Every time I wear it I think of that amazing day
11. Who's behavior merited celebration? Emma's!! OMG - that kid is a dream. I think to myself every single day how lucky I am - she is so easy going :)
12. What song will always remind you of 2009? Tiny Winey
13. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier!
b) richer or poorer? poorer
c) thinner or fatter? fatter
14. What do you wish you'd done more of? Traveling
15. What do you wish you'd done less of? Cleaning - it's for the birds
16. How did you spend Christmas? On Christmas Eve we went to my Aunt Brenda's house for dinner and drinks - so fun! We played an awesome game :) Christmas day we woke up and celebrated with the girls. In the afternoon we had my family over and hosted our very first Christmas! It was actually really fun! I didn't know how it would go, being the first Christmas without grandpa but it was awesome seeing everyone and we had a great time. The day after Christmas we celebrated with Matt's family at his parents house.
17. What was your favorite tv program? Lost, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters
18. What was the best book you read? The Twilight Series
19. What was your favorite movie? The Hangover - it was hilar!
20. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? Went out to dinner with Matt :) I turned 31
21. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Money. Plain and simple.
22. How would you describe your personal fashion concept for 2009? If it's comfortable, I'll wear it
23. What kept you sane? My husband, my girls, family and friends
24. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2009. I feel like I learned so much this year...
1 - Housework will get done when it gets done - I've had to lower my expectations since having 2 children on how my house looks
2 - Life is too short to be surrounded by people who are negative, judgmental or mean. Spend time with the people you love and who make you happy. Try to forget the rest.
3 - The 3 most important things in my life are my family, my friends and the health of the people I love
4 - The terrible twos have made me realize that I am less patient than I thought I was
5 - Holding a baby can solve any problem
25. Quote a song that sums up your year
Seems like everywhere I go
The more I see the less I know
But I know one thing:
That I love you
I love you
I love you
I love you...
"Hey" by Michael Franti & Spearhead
26. What will you miss the most from 2009? I'm going to miss spending time with my grandpa, the anticipation of giving birth and meeting my baby, feeling the movements of Emma in my belly, having a newborn
27. What will you miss the least from 2009? The pain of losing my grandpa
28. What do you look forward to the most about 2010? A fresh start, new beginnings for our family, seeing Emma's first, watching Acadia grow, spending time with my husband