Sweet Summertime

Both girls are napping... At the same time. One went down without a fight and one told me it was an awful day (between sobs) because she had to take a nap. A very overdue nap might I add. I haven't been pushing naps with her this summer because we've been pretty busy and she doesn't give in easy (reread "nap time shenanigans")... 

So we have already completed two weeks of summer break and I'm already dreading going back to work in August.

Reason #1: Both girls have been sleeping in until almost 8:00 everyday! Yes, that is sleeping in. Madelyn still wakes up around 6:00 but I just plop her in the bed and nurse and she's out again. It has been glorious. So much better than 5:30.

 

Reason #2: Madelyn is the cutest one year old in the world and I get to have her all to myself all summer. This is seriously my favorite age (minus going out to eat.. That's usually a disaster). She is walking all over the place, climbing on stuff, and laughing at the word "no". She is such an explorer. She loves books and being outside. She loves taking anything away that her sister is playing with. She loves pointing at things. She loves music. She loves animals. She loves food (although her growth chart says otherwise...) She has an exceptional vocabulary 🤓 that consist of "mama", "dada", "wow", and my absolute favorite "UH OH". She's still a little shrimp weighing in at 16 lbs and still only has two bottom teeth, although a top tooth is popping through! She's still nursing and I'm not sure when that will end. I don't have a plan set in place, pretty much the story of my life! I wish I could point the remote at her and press the pause button. I'm sad to see her grow so fast but I'm excited about what's to come. 

Reason #3: Lilly is the cutest 4 year old in the world and I get to have her all to myself all summer. It's been nice not having to wake her up early... She is NOT a morning person. We have been hanging out with her cousins and she's pretty much obsessed with them so that's been great. We have spent our days going to the pool, doing makeovers, riding the golf cart, playing barbies, and watching movies. She's also taking gymnastics again which she loves.

I love that I have a job that allows me to spend this time with my children. Even when they are driving me crazy. You stay away August, you hear me!? I don't want this to end. 

One

Lord have mercy, this has been the fastest year of my life. I feel like you were just born. My tiny little 6lb baby that came into this world so fast. You were on a mission to meet me, your daddy, and the best big sister in the world. The first thing I said to you after the sobbing was over was a comment about your beautiful hair. I held you for what felt like a lifetime, right there on my chest. The most favorite moments of my life.

Your sister was so proud. You looked nothing like her, which surprised me. You had your own little personality. She loved you from the minute you were born. I think she's just as sad to see our little baby grow as I am. She has helped give you baths, changed your diapers, fed you, and played with you this whole year. She's teaching you words and animal sounds. She reads to you. She also does a great job of making sure you don't put your fingers in light sockets or eat dog food. She will always be your protector, I can tell. 

And your daddy. Boy oh boy is he wrapped around your finger. You are the sunshine of his day. There was a time when we were a little nervous about loving somebody as much as we love your sister. Our hearts only grew bigger the day you were born. A million times bigger. 

You have grown and changed so much this year. I couldn't imagine living life without you. My sweet sweet Maddie Lou. Happy Birthday.