This is what Brad and I were doing:
OMG, can you believe how young we look?? Thanks to my Aunt Joyce (who I know reads from time to time), we have a fantastic wedding video to remember the day by...and this is the last couple of minutes of the video, that the videographer set to music and turned black & white. So much has changed in 8 years - the most obvious of which is the three amazing little girls we've added to our family. But one thing that hasn't changed is that I still think Brad's the greatest guy around, and I love him to pieces. I'm looking forward to many more years together.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Time Flies
Can it really be Sunday afternoon already? Where did my weekend go?!?
It's been hot and muggy this weekend, which has really been a welcome change from the odd cool weather we have been having. The kids got some fun time in their little pool and spent a lot of time playing outside with the neighbors. Today I took Maddie to College Pond for a swim while Sienna and Lyla were napping. (Slight vent here: this is seriously the only way I get out of the house these days, is by taking one or two of the kids and leaving Brad behind with whoever is sleeping. Otherwise, someone is ALWAYS napping in our house!) She had so much fun is definitely getting braver about going underwater and getting a little deeper. Swimming lessons start in a couple of weeks, and I think she'll probably make good progress this time around. She seems really open to the idea of learning how to swim right now.
Brad and I went out for dinner last night for our anniversary, which is coming up on the 29th. My mom offered to stay with the kids so we could go out (thanks, Mom!), and we ended up deciding to go with my brother and SIL. We don't see them all that often, but we have such a good time when we go out. We all agreed that we should try to make it a regular occurence. We had yummy Italian food at a place called Rustic Kitchen...mmmm.
It's been hot and muggy this weekend, which has really been a welcome change from the odd cool weather we have been having. The kids got some fun time in their little pool and spent a lot of time playing outside with the neighbors. Today I took Maddie to College Pond for a swim while Sienna and Lyla were napping. (Slight vent here: this is seriously the only way I get out of the house these days, is by taking one or two of the kids and leaving Brad behind with whoever is sleeping. Otherwise, someone is ALWAYS napping in our house!) She had so much fun is definitely getting braver about going underwater and getting a little deeper. Swimming lessons start in a couple of weeks, and I think she'll probably make good progress this time around. She seems really open to the idea of learning how to swim right now.
Brad and I went out for dinner last night for our anniversary, which is coming up on the 29th. My mom offered to stay with the kids so we could go out (thanks, Mom!), and we ended up deciding to go with my brother and SIL. We don't see them all that often, but we have such a good time when we go out. We all agreed that we should try to make it a regular occurence. We had yummy Italian food at a place called Rustic Kitchen...mmmm.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
I. Am. Tired.
Have I mentioned lately how tired parenting makes me? We just got home from taking the kids to the library, and stopping at McD's on the way home since it was getting late. I had somewhat of an ulterior motive though... I wanted to take out some parenting books to help give some guidance with Sienna. Man, does she wear us out.
Sienna is such a challenge -- she's so adorable and cuddly/lovable, but she's also such a handful and already a discipline challenge. She's very verbal and has been having tantrums since she was about 13 months old, but now she's becoming a force to be reckoned with. I always thought tantrums had to do with frustration over NOT being able to speak, but it seems like the more verbal Sienna becomes the more difficult her behavior is. Even the phrases she chooses to use can be fairly fresh...if that's possible at 20 months old?
Tonight, we were coming home from the library and I had to reach back to give Lyla her paci. I undid my seat belt and reached back, and Sienna looked at me and yelled "SIT DOWN! Sit down, Mommy!" I asked her the other day if she could help pick up toys, and she said, "Maybeeee...." as if to say, "maybe, maybe NOT!" Then, I had her sitting at the counter to eat lunch and she yelled "RIGHT NOW!" out of the blue. I asked her what she wanted right now, and she said "I want more grapes. RIGHT NOW!" I swear, I do not think she is getting this from us -- but it gives me such a guilt complex thinking that we're teaching her bad stuff already!
She's also very independent. You can hardly do anything for her; she'll say "I do it. Do it MYSELF." about pretty much everything, from feeding to reading a book. She's the one who will take off her own diaper and get into the poop if you don't get her a new diaper quick enough (eww, just had another smearing incident yesterday); she's the one who will look at you and giggle menacingly when you tell her to do something, then do exactly the opposite; but yet she is the one who will be the first to yell "TIME OUT!" when Madelyn does something wrong -- so she clearly gets the idea of discipline.
At the same time, she is so sweet. She always, always says "please" and "thank you" for everything, and she says "excuse me" and "bless you" after sneezes. She never goes to bed without asking for one more hug. She never lets anyone leave the house without asking them for a hug, either. She says "I wuv you" regularly and just makes your heart melt.
So I'm hoping these toddler discipline books will help shed some light. Maybe we're just approaching it all wrong. I know it's easy to have selective memory, but I can say with absolute certainty that by this age, Maddie was listening and following directions a lot more than Sienna is. I know Sienna gets it -- because she acknowledges you and does just the opposite -- but she just isn't interested in following directions when it's not something she wants to do. And I'm not even getting into the tantrums, which are just world class.
I better get reading so we can save a little bit of sanity for when Lyla hits the toddler years...
Sienna is such a challenge -- she's so adorable and cuddly/lovable, but she's also such a handful and already a discipline challenge. She's very verbal and has been having tantrums since she was about 13 months old, but now she's becoming a force to be reckoned with. I always thought tantrums had to do with frustration over NOT being able to speak, but it seems like the more verbal Sienna becomes the more difficult her behavior is. Even the phrases she chooses to use can be fairly fresh...if that's possible at 20 months old?
Tonight, we were coming home from the library and I had to reach back to give Lyla her paci. I undid my seat belt and reached back, and Sienna looked at me and yelled "SIT DOWN! Sit down, Mommy!" I asked her the other day if she could help pick up toys, and she said, "Maybeeee...." as if to say, "maybe, maybe NOT!" Then, I had her sitting at the counter to eat lunch and she yelled "RIGHT NOW!" out of the blue. I asked her what she wanted right now, and she said "I want more grapes. RIGHT NOW!" I swear, I do not think she is getting this from us -- but it gives me such a guilt complex thinking that we're teaching her bad stuff already!
She's also very independent. You can hardly do anything for her; she'll say "I do it. Do it MYSELF." about pretty much everything, from feeding to reading a book. She's the one who will take off her own diaper and get into the poop if you don't get her a new diaper quick enough (eww, just had another smearing incident yesterday); she's the one who will look at you and giggle menacingly when you tell her to do something, then do exactly the opposite; but yet she is the one who will be the first to yell "TIME OUT!" when Madelyn does something wrong -- so she clearly gets the idea of discipline.
At the same time, she is so sweet. She always, always says "please" and "thank you" for everything, and she says "excuse me" and "bless you" after sneezes. She never goes to bed without asking for one more hug. She never lets anyone leave the house without asking them for a hug, either. She says "I wuv you" regularly and just makes your heart melt.
So I'm hoping these toddler discipline books will help shed some light. Maybe we're just approaching it all wrong. I know it's easy to have selective memory, but I can say with absolute certainty that by this age, Maddie was listening and following directions a lot more than Sienna is. I know Sienna gets it -- because she acknowledges you and does just the opposite -- but she just isn't interested in following directions when it's not something she wants to do. And I'm not even getting into the tantrums, which are just world class.
I better get reading so we can save a little bit of sanity for when Lyla hits the toddler years...
Monday, August 20, 2007
My Story (A Survey)
Hi, my name is: Dawn
But you can call me: um...just Dawn, no need to add to it!
Never in my life have I: Seen the Star Wars movies - any of them - in full!
The one person in my life who can drive me nuts is: Madelyn...because she's just so much like me it's scary!
When I'm nervous: I talk. A LOT. Try to fill every empty space in the conversation.
The last song I listened to: "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie
If I were to get married right now, it would be to: Brad, all over again -- but in a different dress!
My hair is: Desperately in need of a cut and color, which I'm getting on Friday -- hooray!
When I was 4: I closed my brother's pinky finger in a heavy wood door at my baby sitter's house. He ended up having a big cast on his little finger and I remember climbing in to his crib each morning to give it a kiss! (I've just told this story to Maddie because she closed Sienna's finger in a door, gently, the other day and I've been trying to teach her to be careful of little fingers.)
Last Christmas: was the first time I realized exactly how much Sienna already knew at 1 year from having a big sister around, when she took one look at Maddie's new Dora doll and squealed, with perfect clarity, "DORA!" It was so much fun.
I should be: finishing off some emails and getting dinner ready.
When I look down I see: some leftover baby belly that I'm hopefully going to get rid of in the next 6 weeks of the Biggest Loser challenge.
The happiest recent event was: Lyla's natural birth -- what a wonderful, fantastic experience and an amazing baby girl.
If I were a character on 'Friends': I'd have to say Monica I guess...but I'm not sure I'm really any of them. I'm definitely not as anal or as organized as she is!
I know these girls: Who totally keep me going each day and aren't even living nearby! (Man do I wish they were closer!)
By this time next year: I hope we will have been back to Aruba, this time with two more girls!
My current gripe is: that all of the toddler/preschool activities around are scheduled during the week days, when I have to be working. And that working and breastfeeding are just so much work.
I have a hard time understanding: why I get sucked in to Noggin whenever it's on in our house... Handy Manny is for preschools and not moms, right?? What's the draw? LOL.
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Brad, followed closely by my Mom (because she's probably my biggest fan!)
I want to buy: a swingset for the kids
Where do you plan to visit: My inlaws in Virginia (hopefully soon), Aruba in March, Kristen in New Hampshire, my brother and sister in law in Boston every now and then!
If you spent the night at my house: you would be absolutely amazed at the chaos and noise that three little girls can create between the hours of 5 and 8.
The world could do without: mosquitos! SO annoying!
Most recent thing I've bought myself: A new lipliner. It's pretty much the only makeup I wear.
Most recent thing someone else bought me: a cute giraffe print signed by the artist to hang in the girls' jungle-themed bathroom. Thanks mom!
My middle name is: Well, I have two. Ellen is the middle name I was born with; Conner is my maiden name, which I retained as a middle name when I got married.
In the morning I: wake very easily and am anxious to get my day started.
Last night I was: cooking dinner for my parents...yummy ratatouille!
There's this guy I know who: is the best father a family could ask for -- I don't know how I'd do it without him.
If I was an animal I'd be an: absolute wreck -- I do not like animals!
A better name for me would be: Mommy
Tomorrow I am: working...what else is new?
Tonight I am: hoping to rally to do some scrapbooking. I'm getting behind!
My birthday is: December 17th
But you can call me: um...just Dawn, no need to add to it!
Never in my life have I: Seen the Star Wars movies - any of them - in full!
The one person in my life who can drive me nuts is: Madelyn...because she's just so much like me it's scary!
When I'm nervous: I talk. A LOT. Try to fill every empty space in the conversation.
The last song I listened to: "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie
If I were to get married right now, it would be to: Brad, all over again -- but in a different dress!
My hair is: Desperately in need of a cut and color, which I'm getting on Friday -- hooray!
When I was 4: I closed my brother's pinky finger in a heavy wood door at my baby sitter's house. He ended up having a big cast on his little finger and I remember climbing in to his crib each morning to give it a kiss! (I've just told this story to Maddie because she closed Sienna's finger in a door, gently, the other day and I've been trying to teach her to be careful of little fingers.)
Last Christmas: was the first time I realized exactly how much Sienna already knew at 1 year from having a big sister around, when she took one look at Maddie's new Dora doll and squealed, with perfect clarity, "DORA!" It was so much fun.
I should be: finishing off some emails and getting dinner ready.
When I look down I see: some leftover baby belly that I'm hopefully going to get rid of in the next 6 weeks of the Biggest Loser challenge.
The happiest recent event was: Lyla's natural birth -- what a wonderful, fantastic experience and an amazing baby girl.
If I were a character on 'Friends': I'd have to say Monica I guess...but I'm not sure I'm really any of them. I'm definitely not as anal or as organized as she is!
I know these girls: Who totally keep me going each day and aren't even living nearby! (Man do I wish they were closer!)
By this time next year: I hope we will have been back to Aruba, this time with two more girls!
My current gripe is: that all of the toddler/preschool activities around are scheduled during the week days, when I have to be working. And that working and breastfeeding are just so much work.
I have a hard time understanding: why I get sucked in to Noggin whenever it's on in our house... Handy Manny is for preschools and not moms, right?? What's the draw? LOL.
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Brad, followed closely by my Mom (because she's probably my biggest fan!)
I want to buy: a swingset for the kids
Where do you plan to visit: My inlaws in Virginia (hopefully soon), Aruba in March, Kristen in New Hampshire, my brother and sister in law in Boston every now and then!
If you spent the night at my house: you would be absolutely amazed at the chaos and noise that three little girls can create between the hours of 5 and 8.
The world could do without: mosquitos! SO annoying!
Most recent thing I've bought myself: A new lipliner. It's pretty much the only makeup I wear.
Most recent thing someone else bought me: a cute giraffe print signed by the artist to hang in the girls' jungle-themed bathroom. Thanks mom!
My middle name is: Well, I have two. Ellen is the middle name I was born with; Conner is my maiden name, which I retained as a middle name when I got married.
In the morning I: wake very easily and am anxious to get my day started.
Last night I was: cooking dinner for my parents...yummy ratatouille!
There's this guy I know who: is the best father a family could ask for -- I don't know how I'd do it without him.
If I was an animal I'd be an: absolute wreck -- I do not like animals!
A better name for me would be: Mommy
Tomorrow I am: working...what else is new?
Tonight I am: hoping to rally to do some scrapbooking. I'm getting behind!
My birthday is: December 17th
A little about me
Since Erika tagged me, I guess it's my turn to put up a little info. on myself! (Soon to be followed by the story/survey about me when I get a minute...)
Jobs I've had:
- babysitter
- camp counselor
- t-shirt imprinter (you know all those wacky decals and letters you could have put on a shirt?)
- salesperson at The Limited
- editor of technical manuals
- shipping room manager
- reporter/editor
- au pair
- class notes transcriber for deaf students
- financial services marketing intern
- web administrator
- legal assistant (criminal defense - now THAT was an interesting one!)
- senior brand manager (now we're getting to my career here, LOL)
Movies I never get sick of:
- Sense & Sensibility
- Armageddon
- Notting Hill
- Father of the Bride (1991)
- Legally Blonde
Places I've called home:
- Merrimac, MA
- Plymouth, MA
- Hanover, NH
- Chicago, IL
- Brookline/Boston, MA
- And for a short time... Baltimore, MD; Siena, Italy; Malpensa, Italy; and Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV shows:
- Grey's Anatomy
- Prison Break
- Lost
- Amazing Race
- Damages (new this summer with Glenn Cose -- SO GOOD!)
- Project Runway (it should be time for a new one soon!)
- Property Ladder
Favorite Vacation Spots:
- Aruba (Erika said it best: "oh.my.gawd - heaven"
- Anywhere on the coast of Mexico
- Lake Ossipee, NH
Websites:
http://www.connectedmoms.com/
http://www.people.com/
http://www.askdrsears.com/ (a lifesaver when you have a sick kid!)
http://www.kellymom.com/ (a lifesaver when you're nursing!)
http://www.celebritybabyblog.com/ (cheesy, I know, but I love all the gossip)
http://www.realtor.com/ (I'm a real estate junky and always a little antsy!)
Places I'd rather be:
- playing with my kids
- anyplace in the caribbean, sipping a nice frozen margarita or pina colada
- at a crop getting some scrapbooking done
- Chicago lakefront in the summertime
- riding a giant rollercoast...cuz you gotta love the thrill!
Jobs I've had:
- babysitter
- camp counselor
- t-shirt imprinter (you know all those wacky decals and letters you could have put on a shirt?)
- salesperson at The Limited
- editor of technical manuals
- shipping room manager
- reporter/editor
- au pair
- class notes transcriber for deaf students
- financial services marketing intern
- web administrator
- legal assistant (criminal defense - now THAT was an interesting one!)
- senior brand manager (now we're getting to my career here, LOL)
Movies I never get sick of:
- Sense & Sensibility
- Armageddon
- Notting Hill
- Father of the Bride (1991)
- Legally Blonde
Places I've called home:
- Merrimac, MA
- Plymouth, MA
- Hanover, NH
- Chicago, IL
- Brookline/Boston, MA
- And for a short time... Baltimore, MD; Siena, Italy; Malpensa, Italy; and Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV shows:
- Grey's Anatomy
- Prison Break
- Lost
- Amazing Race
- Damages (new this summer with Glenn Cose -- SO GOOD!)
- Project Runway (it should be time for a new one soon!)
- Property Ladder
Favorite Vacation Spots:
- Aruba (Erika said it best: "oh.my.gawd - heaven"
- Anywhere on the coast of Mexico
- Lake Ossipee, NH
Websites:
http://www.connectedmoms.com/
http://www.people.com/
http://www.askdrsears.com/ (a lifesaver when you have a sick kid!)
http://www.kellymom.com/ (a lifesaver when you're nursing!)
http://www.celebritybabyblog.com/ (cheesy, I know, but I love all the gossip)
http://www.realtor.com/ (I'm a real estate junky and always a little antsy!)
Places I'd rather be:
- playing with my kids
- anyplace in the caribbean, sipping a nice frozen margarita or pina colada
- at a crop getting some scrapbooking done
- Chicago lakefront in the summertime
- riding a giant rollercoast...cuz you gotta love the thrill!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Baby no more...
Sienna is officially turning into a little girl. She's losing some of her "baby" look, among other things. Just thought I'd post the latest pics of her, though I don't have much to say about them other than what I just posted below...man, do they grow up fast.
Houston, we have a problem!
My 3.5 year old is getting married. Yes, that's right. Married. At least that's what she has been insiting on lately. She and Jonathan, our neighbor, are getting married -- his idea. His aunt is going to make her a chocolate chip wedding cake, he says. He has told her this numerous times lately, and she has seemed pretty excited by the idea of scoring her own wedding cake. But then one night last week she told me, "Umm...I don't really like chocolate chip wedding cake, Mom." Hmmm...
This is the picture that is hanging in our kitchen right now:
It's a picture that Maddie drew of her and Jonathan. (She's the one with hair on the right, in case you couldn't tell.) I love how each of them have a million fingers. It's just too cute.
But after she hung that up on our sliding door, she told me that Jonathan says he'll come over for a sleepover one day. And I watched him plant a big kiss on her cheek a couple of times this week. (I'm starting to get nervous -- how are we gonna make it through the teenage years if we're starting at age 3, LOL??) Jonathan leaves her notes in our mailbox regularly, cute little drawings he has done with "messages" for her. She's also left a couple for him...who cares about violating postal laws when you've got a preschool romance to maintain? Guess I'll be looking for that wedding invitation to appear in the mailbox soon. Man do they grow up fast.
This is the picture that is hanging in our kitchen right now:
It's a picture that Maddie drew of her and Jonathan. (She's the one with hair on the right, in case you couldn't tell.) I love how each of them have a million fingers. It's just too cute.
But after she hung that up on our sliding door, she told me that Jonathan says he'll come over for a sleepover one day. And I watched him plant a big kiss on her cheek a couple of times this week. (I'm starting to get nervous -- how are we gonna make it through the teenage years if we're starting at age 3, LOL??) Jonathan leaves her notes in our mailbox regularly, cute little drawings he has done with "messages" for her. She's also left a couple for him...who cares about violating postal laws when you've got a preschool romance to maintain? Guess I'll be looking for that wedding invitation to appear in the mailbox soon. Man do they grow up fast.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
