A Trip to the Coast

This past weekend, we took a day off work and headed to the coast. It is a 3 hour drive to the ocean in NH, but we decided to get a hotel and spend the extra day at the zoo. 

Hampton Beach was a lot of fun. I have never been to a beach like that...a recreational beach, not a resort beach. 

We mostly played in the sand. Madeline and I went into the water a lot to jump in the waves. It was freezing, like ice cube freezing, but awesome. And so so much fun. I want to go back this weekend! 

And there were people everywhere! We made it work. We carried the kids, the gear, and the stroller down to the water...it was not getting through that sand. Down the sand bank, there was a cool breeze and ocean views. 

After lunch, a few hours of playing, and an ice cold water, we drove for an hour to a hotel. It was free (points from Andy's work travels) and close to the zoo. While we were at dinner, they made up Amelia's little pack and play bed. It was adorable even if we didn't use the pillow or blanket!

We were also in the "Quiet Zone," which was a poor decision on their part when Amelia woke up at 6am screaming. 

But if you read the fine print, you'll be happy to know that no circus animals were sleeping on our floor either. Whew! 

The next day was a visit to Franklin Zoo, one of three Boston zoos. We picked this one for the lions and larger size. Madeline HAD to see the lion. She has roared for the past few weeks! And lions are everywhere...the bathroom, outside, in the store...

The girls didn't even know the excitement that awaited them. 

And then we made it home in time to celebrate Andy's birthday the next day (a few days early, but it is easier that way). Happy birthday daddy!

It's not every day you turn 1!

In the world of social media and Pinterest, I almost feel obligated to throw the most amazing, picture perfect, themed birthday party for my children. We had a grand first party for Madeline.  It was beautiful and fun...and we loved seeing our friends....and I didn't take any pictures...and Madeline didn't nap...and I spent a week making cookies and cakes. But we just didn't find it necessary this time around.I don't  have time to clean every room in our house, make the perfect cake, and assemble the finger foods. And it's exhausting. Birthdays should be fun with a side of relaxing. 

For Amelia's first birthday, we didn't pull out all the stops. Instead, we opted for a small, quiet, and fun celebration. Amelia's favorite people are her family, and we are awfully fond of her. So carving out time to shower her with attention was a perfect way to celebrate her first year of life. 

We were going to set everything up while the girls napped, but Amelia decided that she only wanted a 30 minute nap instead of a 3 hour one. So we put her to work as our cheerleader. When we were setting up the ribbons on the ceiling, she gave us the biggest surprised grin I've ever seen her give. It was priceless. 

Andy set up a small ball pit we have and I wrapped all the presents she received from us, Madeline, and in the mail from family. 

Then we changed into our birthday best, slipped on the traditional birthday crown, and waited for Madeline to wake up. 

Madeline was ecstatic with the party atmosphere, but we started right away with the cake. We ate yummy strawberry muffins sans frosting, so it wasn't exactly cake. But we shoved them in our mouths without complaining. And then it was time to open the gifts!!

"Hello?"

Her face in print, entitled "Amelia Goes to Florida." It was made with Pint Size Productions. We love making and giving these books. 

Gifts from Madeline...love it! The ribbon and wooden beads are a necklace Madeline made. The stacking rings were something we already own, but Madeline picked them out weeks ago to give to Amelia for her birthday. The tape we found in our "stuff" basket when we were gift hunting. Madeline decided it would be a perfect Amelia present. 

When the birthday girl was so tired she couldn't sit up, we quickly wrapped things up for an afternoon nap. All in all, we had a lovely, low key time. That little girl was spoiled with time and attention...a gift I hope to give her every birthday. 

A morning

A typical morning for us during the weekday is hectic and highly choreographed. Andy wakes up at 5:50, finds Madeline awake in the living room, and throws her some cereal and milk. Amelia is more then likely awake too, so he takes her in the bathroom to play while he takes a shower. Then they come wake me up (lucky me gets to sleep in!). We all get dressed, do our hair, I might have time to brush my teeth, we pack our lunches, use the potty, and we are out the door by 7:30 at the latest. Whew, I'm exhausted already. 

I rarely get to eat breakfast, but I get to do Madeline's hair. Today she wanted a butterfly :)

And then we played with snowman...it can't be all work and no play.  

Amelia and I get some cuddles in. 

And in the rare morning, we might have time to do housework! Go Andy!

Around here, July 4th

For 4th of July, we went to a parade nearby. They throw ice cream, hotdogs, and k-cups along with the traditional dum dums and tootsie rolls...so you have to go...for the children. After the music, old, cars, fire trucks, and pushy parents trying to grab candy, we went to lunch and for a swing. 

It's a simple life with simple pleasures, especially with a pocket full of parade candy. 

We also spent some time at a near by watering hole, Lake Willoughby. It was absolutely georgous. We didn't know exactly where to go, but it is attached to a state forest. We stopped at a trailhead near the lake and walked up a bit to see if there was a beach we could swim at with kids. There was a beach! And a naked man! Coming into this, we knew there was a clothing optional section of the lake, and now I'm glad we know where it is. Just a quick hop over a few rocks and we arrived at the family beach, a much friendlier option for us right now...at least there would be fewer question from our curious Madeline. 

The clear, shallow water was surrounded by beautiful, rocky mountains.  We'd go again, but in August when the water is warmer. 

Madeline is 2

Dear Madeline,

This past year for year has been a big one! You learned to walk, say many words, and eat and cook lots of different foods. It's amazing how coordinated and well spoken you are in just a year. You are silly, helpful, and a little crazy sometimes. And your energy level is off the charts, as it should be. Sometimes you just run around the house in circles. What really amazes me is how much you love to take care of things. Whatever I do with you or Amelia, you do with your babies and stuffed animals. You took your monkey to the potty today, sat him on the toilet, flushed it, told him how proud you were of him, and gave him a sticker. And you are constantly turning the light off in the living room because your animals are sleeping. You like to take care of daddy to. You make sure he wears a hat outside and he's careful around the hot stove. Your personality is definitely shining through. You are tough, helpful, smart, curious, and playful. You are more than we could have imagined. We can't wait to see how much you grow in the up coming year.

All my love,
Mommy

Amelia's 3 Months!

Oh Amelia, you are such a joy to have in our household. Your first smile when you wake up in the morning is the most wonderful thing I will ever see. 

You are growing quickly, just like your sister. You still love your sister and want to watch whatever she is doing. Madeline likes you, but doesn't like it when you take her toys. 

You are so laid back and ready for anything. You are happy to watch the world around you but I can tell you want to be apart of it all. Keep growing little monkey!

A look back:

1 Month

2 Months

Amelia at 2 Months

You're 2 months old little drool monkey!

Length

  22 inches

Weight

12 pounds 11 ounces

Special talents

Sleeping, you are great at putting yourself to sleep and staying asleep! You have also started to pull yourself into a sitting position when we hold you. Sitting straight up is your preferred position.

Crying

You rarely cry, just when you are hungry or tired and don’t have your pacifier.

Sleep

You sleep great at night only waking up once or twice. You still sleep a lot but are starting to fall into a 3 hour rhythm during the day: eat, play, sleep.

Dislikes

You do not like being hungry! You also do not like to be held close. It makes your stomach upset and you tend to throw up.

Likes

The black and white pictures and whale mobiles make you very happy. Seeing Mama and Dada make you really happy to. We love to see your smile!

Firsts

You went to the baby sitter for this first time. You go for a few hours once a week and enjoy playing with the other baby there. Your laugh has really developed as well, which we all love.  

A look back:

1 Month