Mommy Fail

Go ahead and judge.... Annabelle is 2.5 years old and she still uses a pacifier at bedtime. I could give you a million reasons why up to now it just hasn't been the right time to break her of the beloved habit; potty training, news of baby brother, transition to big girl room. Blah blah, blah.

I know its bad.

There has been a lot of jumping from one big change to another lately but I think sentimental reasons and convenience are the culprits behind my lack of enthusiasm to break A's connection to her paci. Humor me because my little baby has all of a sudden transitioned into this adorable "big girl." In my head this is her last tangible baby thing that connects her to the sweet time in her life (and mine) when she was helpless and needed me all the time. Don't get me wrong, I love that she is becoming more and more independent as the time passes. She can do so many things on her own and carry on a conversation with you. It is wonderful! But those sweet baby days are gone and I can't get that time back.

So, that is the sentimental reason.

The second reason is convenience. It is difficult to get Annabelle to sleep without a paci especially in her new big girl bed. I think it serves as a mental trigger for her. If she doesn't have it, she talks to herself, wanders out of bed and is generally not interested in sleeping at all. I do find her talking, singing and "reading" very amusing while she winds down at night but when it goes on for hours......

This is where I went wrong last night.

If you can believe it, Annabelle voluntarily gave up her paci after Stephen sweetly convinced her that she didn't need it anymore. She even went and put her paci in baby Ethan's crib! SO SWEET! I was willing, too. Didn't object even though I was skeptical. We went about our nightly routine. Annabelle climbed in bed and we read books. After that I said goodnight and turned out the lights. I go down the hall to have dinner with Stephen.

About 5 minutes later, Annabelle is up "I have to go to the potty." We go to the potty then she gets back in bed.

10 minutes later, Annabelle is out of bed reading books. I tell her to get back in bed. She refuses. (AWESOME)

For the next 30 minutes I sit in the room with her hoping to calm her down. Doesn't work.

Tag team... Stephen comes in A's room. He is there sitting with her for another 30 minutes or so. He creeps out when he thinks she is asleep.... She is not asleep.

10 minutes later she is up playing blocks. I tell her to get back in bed. I sing a song or two to help calm her down. Doesn't work. I ask if she wants to come lay down in our bed. (This is a bad idea, and I know it but I will try anything at this point).

In our bed for about 30 minutes. She doesn't calm down. She sings and talks to her baby. I am laughing. Not helping.

She asks to go back into her room. I go with her.

Back into her bed for about 20 more minutes. Still talking and singing. Wants to play. I am exhausted. The floor is hard and I have heartburn.

INSERT MOMMY FAIL: I go get the paci from Ethan's crib and give it to her.

She is asleep in 5 minutes.

We will try again this weekend........

:-)

Park day with Dad

I just love these pics of Stephen and A at the park. They have so much fun together! 

Ice Cream!

... it's cute. Annabelle and Daddy with ice cream mustaches.

Happy Dad's Day!

It is too simple to say that Stephen is a great Dad. He is an all out fantastic, unselfish, generous, wonderful man. I am convinced that he was put on this Earth to be a Dad- it is so natural to him.

Happy Fathers Day! Your girls love you!

A and her Daddy

Just a few cute videos of A and Dad. I love watching these two together!

Mom and Dad QT

Love!

This Week

This week we were fortunate enough to have Dad home. We had so much fun playing around the neighborhood and out on field trips to Owens Farms and to Kyle Warren Park. Annabelle enjoyed having her Dad home to play. She is definitely going to miss him next week!

Here is the week in pics. Enjoy!

The ghost say BOOOO! Annabelle loves visiting the friendly ghost down the street.

Potato ghost prints for Halloween. 

Sick baby the day after Halloween. 

On the search for pine cones

Helping Dad make a table

Queen of the pillows!

Watering the plants

Silly Dad

Playing with our favorite car. Vroom!

All bundled up and ready for our walk!

Running Shoes and Cupcakes

It's the little things, the sweet things that make your marriage unique.

Stephen is a pro at being subtly sweet. For instance this evening he brought home a red velvet cupcake for me. First of all, that is my absolute favorite dessert and secondly WHAT? He said he thought of me when he was out for lunch today and stopped to get me a cupcake. LOVE! I ask no questions and just enjoy the thoughtfulness.

Another fabulous thing about Stephen... he watches Annabelle every morning so I can go for a jog. Seriously. It's such a little thing but it's absolutely wonderful and gives me a peace of mind before starting a crazy day.

Anyway, each of these tokens of kindness makes me smile. What an awesome man I have! Swoon!

Happy Anniversary

I love you Stephen! Happy Anniversary- I have loved every minute of our 4 years of marriage! You complete me! :-)

Wholy Moly! She looks just like Stephen!

My sweet friend Tessa took these pics a couple weeks ago at a play date. When she sent them to me I couldn't believe my eyes... It was like I was looking at a tiny girl version of Stephen! Annabelle looks so much like her Daddy.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Stephen turned 31 on Wed., March 7th but we had two celebrations for him. One, when my parents came into town last weekend and two, on his actual birthday date.

For the weekend celebration we all took part in our traditional Pappasito's experience-complete with margaritas, fajitas and mexican hats! I even saw Stephen do a little shake, shake dance while the wait staff sung happy birthday to him! It was fun times as always. AND Annabelle got to have some tortillas and wear a funny hat. Awesome!

On his actual birthday Stephen wanted to go get a Keurig coffee maker and have pizza at his favorite pizza spot, Grimaldi's. (He is such a high maintenance guy! HAHA!) So, that's what we did. Again, fun times!

Here are some pics of the two celebrations.