Shhh...

We all do it.  Get a baby in your arms and you begin rocking, bouncing and shhhing.  Now, the only problem is when you continue these behaviors when there is no baby in your arms.  Rocking back in forth while in line at the store, bouncing to the beat of the music at the dentist office and yes, I did automatically say shhh to a child that was crying {well, more like having a temper tantrum}.  Opps!  I think I offended the mother but certainly didn't mean to, it just happened.  In the future I will try to be more aware of my baby soothing tendencies while out in public without my baby!

almost

Only a few weeks more until it is officially apple season--Fall, that is.  The weather this past weekend made me feel like digging out the jeans, hot tea and filling the kitchen with the smells of wonderful baked goodies.  The cooler weather invigorates my tired mind and has me looking forward to the wonderful season ahead.  It's almost here! {and hopefully the weather will continue to cool too!}

www.cannellevanille.com

changes

via

Change has swirled through the air at our house the past month. {The birth of a baby has had a lot to do with it.}  Change has crept into every little corner of my organized and normally calm self and shuffled everything into a tangled mess.  New schedules, unexpected behavior issues, new sleep routine, new schools, new expectations and a new balance of 3 has me feeling all goofed up.

I keep telling myself that the best thing about change is, once you are used to it, everything goes back to calm and organized.  It is just those few weeks or months of chaos that I dread with any sort of change.

I was the kid that cried on every first day of school (even as a teacher) because I disliked not knowing what to expect.  Change gets me nervous and anxious in every kind of way.  My brain feels foggy and unable to think clear.  Settle, settle, settle...I keep waiting for the dust to settle so I can get back into a "normal" and organized routine once again.  I guess it is the feeling of not being in control that I dislike most.

So, for those of you that dread change as much as I do, my thoughts are with you as we embark upon a new school year filled with lots of changes for not only us but for our children too!  Life does change, it is inevitable...or at least that's what I keep telling myself!

play, sweet girl, play

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." Fred Rogers

As you head off to school for the first time, my wish is that you develop a passion for learning through guided play this year.  Play, sweet girl, play!

 

When we drove up to preschool today you said,"I don't want to go back home...I want to stay here and play!"  My heart beat fast and with relief when you confirmed that you were excited to be going to school today.  

As we walked in the door I stopped and ask you if I could take your photo and you looked up at me so seriously and said, "I don't want to be late!"  Stunned by your thoughtful answer, I gulped and said, "Yes, we don't want to be late for your first day."  At that very minute I choked back tears as my little one confidently walked in the door and found her teachers.  Never once did you look back.  I gulped again and quickly said, "goodbye," before the tears began to run down my cheeks.  I left you playing with new blocks and play-doh. You are in your element and I couldn't be happier but my sentimental heart can't help but lament the fact that you are growing up.

This year,

I hope you play and discover new things.

I hope you play nicely with friends and learn to share.

I hope you talk about what you play.

I hope you play and make new friendships.

I hope you play when it is time to play and listen when you should.

I just know these lovely ladies will ensure that you grow and learn in a positive way this year!

Happy first day of preschool!

who knew

Who knew all the toys we put away years ago would provide an infant and a 3-year-old hours of entertainment together!

one

I am amazed to think it has already been a month.  Time is a funny thing with a newborn--sometimes it drags on and a day can feel like a week, and other times a day is gone in a flash.

Your wild hair is the topic of conversation most days.  It seems to define your little personality--calm and laid back with a little spunk here and there.  Little smiles at bath-time have begun to appear when your little body hits the warm water.  Sometimes, you sit and smile while examining the faucet and other times you just sleep during your nightly bath.  It is our favorite time of day...time with just you.

We are delighted to have you here with us no matter how busy it may be.

These things have been life-savers this month and I attribute them to a few good nights of sleep (knock on wood...I know it could change in a minute).

Fisher Price

This newborn cradle/rocker was loaned to us by a friend and it is amazing!  It allows the baby to sleep propped up, it rocks and it is super cozy feeling for the baby.  It works wonders for babies with a cold  and congestion.

Vicks Filter Free Humidifier

I love not having to worry about a filter on a humidifier.  This humidifier has helped a congested baby sleep and also makes wonderful white-noise.

Aden and Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets

These swaddle blankets stretch and breathe which makes swaddling a bigger baby so much easier than using the flannel blankets.  They keep her swaddled tight all night!

Baby Bjorn

This lovely contraption helps at dinnertime when you want to be held but I need hands free to prepare our meal.  It holds you close and secure so that I can use both hands.

Overall the transition from 2 to 3 hasn't been bad.  I just feel like someone threw a third ball into my juggling act.  I am busier than I have ever been but it is a wonderfully good busy taking care of little souls.

My heart hasn't been happier!

first days

Well, we've made it halfway through the first week of school.  I think the rest of the house is more tired and worn out than the little student attending school.  Getting up before the sun to get everyone ready, lunch packed and breakfast made has us worn out {as soon as the bebe sleeps through the night, I am sure this will get easier}.

Our little student has had a super positive start to her year!  I am incredibly thankful for that.  I think that is most important for any school year--a good start makes for a great year.

On the second day, she was dropped off in the car line and bravely made her way into school.  This was big.  We had no idea what her reaction might be when she had to go alone.  Thankfully, many other children were doing the same thing so she didn't feel quite so alone.  I am grateful for her Daddy who has been dropping her off.  If I had to do it, I am sure I would sit there in tears as my little 5-year-old walked away.  His calmness and reassurance has been just what her sensitive little soul needs.

Each night, after everyone is tucked in and sound asleep, I take a deep breath and think, "whew, we made it through another day."