Madeline's Followup

We all remember when Madeline was really sick.  Both her pediatrician here in Newport at the naval base and the cardiologist in Providence have agreed it looks like a case of Kawasaki's Disease. The cardiologist said she was one of lucky ones and the illness had no long lasting effects on her heart or arteries. Thank you, GOD. At the cardiologist's office Madeline was an amazing little trooper. The staff all ooohhhed and awwwwwed over how cute she was and what a perfect patient she was. She sat still for everything. Through the echocardiogram and the EKG she hardly batted an eye. I was impressed! The nurse told me they have to sedate three year olds who can't sit still for it. Yikes! While we waited in the cardiologist's exam room to hear the results, I read to her from her new Brave book (courtesy of the nurse!) and couldn't help but think about what a crazy ordeal the past almost three months have been. This wild sickness roller coaster that we all had to ride was hopefully coming to an end. From the hospital stay, to the side effects of the illness (skin peeling, losing a fingernail), her hair falling out, multiple dr. appointments...and finally to hear the cardiologist say "her heart is perfect"; The relief I felt was immeasurable. When we were walking to our car in the parking garage, I picked her up and gave her a huge hug and got all teary-eyed. She said "mommmmm (annoyed) why are you cryyyying?" I responded "because you are such a good, well-behaved girl, and you're healthy...and mommy is so very happy right now."

I feel relieved. I feel grateful. I feel blessed.

It's been one hell of an adventure and I prefer to never experience such a thing again. ;)

Thank you to everyone for thinking of us and caring so much for our Madeline!!

Soccer Season!

I'm a soccer mom again! Woohoo! I never thought I would say that again. We tried soccer one year with Ella and while she has some skill at the sport, she didn't like playing in the games. We took a year off and when she said she wanted to try again, I didn't even hesitate. The girl knows what she wants and as a mom, I want her to figure out her likes/dislikes at an early age. And who wouldn't want their child getting some extra exercise in?! Her soccer team is the Red Dragons and she loves it. Her buddy Ryan is on the team and honestly, the games are so hilarious that I am very happy she wanted to try the sport out once again. Seeing these kids 98% clueless of what is going on cracks me up. However, I am still cheering (loudly) for Ella 100% of the game. Poor Sam in the Moby Wrap has to listen to it at a very close range. Madeline makes an awesome cheerleader on the sideline as well. Her sweet voice is always saying "Go Ella, Go!"

 That's Ella's boy bff, Ryan. A-dorable sweet boy!

 She was the best cheerleader. (and yes, she dressed herself.)

Go Ella go!

Five Months!

Sam you are five months old! Time flies by so quickly that it's almost painful to me. I want so badly to enjoy each and every second of your sweet life, but I find that the days go by faster than I ever want them to and the next thing I know, I am sticking a tie sticker to your white onesie that marks off another month that has gone by. I am always the mom telling other first moms "oh enjoy every bit..it goes by so fast"....well dang it. I need to take my own advice!

Month five: I'm expecting a tooth any day now, buddy. You soak clothes, chew on hands, fingers, blankets, Sophie the giraffe, teething toys galore...I have seen you try to eat your own hand off! I am not rushing a tooth by any means. I know all too well the pain involved with a teething baby and breastfeeding. Just wishing your pain away.

You are sitting up on your own. Completely taking after both of your sisters who were early sitters. We had to go in the attic and retrieve all of the "sitting up" toys. However, after searching the enormous bin, I have realized I bought entirely too many pink toys. I know to some people "it doesn't matter". But you know what? When you are a senior in high school searching for a great baby photo of yourself to put in your yearbook, I refuse to have you posing with a Disney princess anything, or a bright pink ball/legos, dolls, blocks, anything. So for now, you have about a handful of toys that you can play with;) I'm on the hunt for BLUE.

As your mom, I have mastered everything one-handed. I can make a mean PB&J one handed, grilled cheese, or turkey anything. I can brush hair, teeth, nails one handed. I somehow take Holy Communion one handed...there are times when you refuse to be put down and it's ok. I know one day you won't even let me give you a kiss on the cheek so I try not to be annoyed with your neediness. Instead, I embrace it. Nothing lasts forever baby related so I should enjoy the human cling-on while I can, right?

PS. Your big sister Ella has figured the Kuerig out and can now make me a cup of coffee. One less thing I have to do one handed. :)

Dancing Queens!

Ella started her third year of dance this month. She is doing a ballet, tap, jazz combo class and a hip hop class. Madeline started her first year of dance and is starting with ballet. They both love it. The dance school here is great. The owners/teachers are very sweet and all of the dance moms I have met are as well. Madeline has surprised me with her listening skills. She pays attention to everything Miss Jenny (who by the way is the cutest ballet teacher EVER!) tells her and does the moves to her best ability. It's awesome to watch her. I can't say she's the most graceful ballerina out there (stomp stomp stomp), BUT she's certainly adorable! Ella is new to the hip hop scene and she likes it so far. She really does amazing with ballet, but her favorite is tap (as of last week). I am just happy both girls are really happy. Happy kids = Happy mom. (minus the drive to class 3x a week!) One day, I am sure they will be repaying all of my chauffeuring by being my designated drivers...right? Inappropriate? ;)

Big sister wishing little one a great first day of ballet!

My little ballerina...to me, she's simply beautiful. 

 She was so excited to start dancing like her big sister!! 

 She's in class with her bff Claire!

 Dolls!

Madeline stretching high to the sky!

 Point your toes!

 Love her little grin

Hip! Hip! Ballet!

Ella in her first combo class (she's to the right of her teacher)

2nd to the left from her teacher high on her tippy toes!

 Point!! Or is it Pointe?! 

Please ignore all phones as they are taken with my iPhone. :( Clarity and ballet and iPhones do not mix!

Lonely no more!

It is so nice to see my girls making friends. They have plenty of kids in the neighborhood to keep them busy for days. We are not used to it though! I am definitely not used to having so many mom friends! It's awesome. I am loving every bit of it. We have BBQ's with other families every weekend, kids have play tea parties/picnics, go to the parks together, coffee mornings after long walks at friends houses, lunch/shopping outings, bunco...for the first time in a long, long time, I am not a lonely army wife! :) This close-knit community allows for plenty of time together, and even when all of our husbands are studying (hours upon hours a week!) we know we have lots of military wives to count on. We needed this year as a family, and especially me as a military wife. It's the most beautiful place to be stationed (coming from an Army world and Oklahoma and a FL resident who missed the water SO much!) I'm happy. The kids are so happy here. Tom is settling in nicely at the war college. Life is good!

This girl...she's so fun. 

 I really haven't a clue of what she was doing here, but who am I to stop her sassiness?

Picnic for 3

You have heard me say it a few (hundred) times. This place is beautiful. We know the weather will not be so beautiful in a few months so any chance we get to be outside, we take it. I took the kids last week for a picnic by our house. This view is right up the street from where we live. I can pack up the double stroller with lunch and the kids and we walk to it. It was my first picnic in almost 6 years without my Ella. I have to say...I missed her so. She's my little bestie and having her away all day isn't easy for me!

 Relaxing:) Sam blowing bubbles...

His BFF Sophie

 Boat gazing.

 My new favorite of Madeline

 "Come back pirates!!"

 Lunch with "friends"

And headed home...we saw a bee and fughetaboutit. My kids freak with bees!

Four Months!

Aug 23 (I'm a little tardy...sue me!) 

Oh sweet Sam! You are a joy at four months old. Your smile is contagious and I really believe you flirt with the ladies. Whenever the pretty ones talk to you, the grin goes from ear to ear. When you belly laugh, I laugh. I love how much your sisters adore you, too. If you're crying, they jump at the chance to soothe you with little toys or now...Ella picking you up. Makes me a little nervous, but she is the mother hen and for some crazy reason I trust her. Maybe because I was five when my younger brother was born and well, I never dropped him on his head;)

Your favorites right now: Sophie the giraffe (she's your teething bff), your playmat (you just started rolling over!) and your Einstein jumperoo. Oh and tags. You will play with tags and keep yourself busy for quite awhile. I am thinking Gma Don Don might need to create a taggies blanket in your near future. ;) (because she's not busy with anything else in her life, right?) One thing you aren't a huge fan of is your swing. So that big, bulky monstrosity of a baby station will be departing our living room very soon! You also love to "chat" with your sisters. They do this high pitch voice at you and you talk right back in a high pitched dinosaur scream. It goes on for a few minutes of cute albeit loud banter. But it makes us all laugh hysterically.

I, of course, bring you everywhere Sam. Hours of dance classes for your sisters, grocery shopping, trips  to nearby cities because they have a Target, coffee outings to Dunkin Donuts because without it, mommy isn't going to make it through the day. Endless walks, playtime at the parks...and you are a total trooper. You are the baby who makes moms want more babies. You are content and happy as long as you are around us. 

We won't mention your sleeping habits though. Those, my boy, are non-existent. But I know this too shall pass. For now I am enjoying the constant snuggles, kisses, and an occasional dance or two with my little man.