I don't think I've ever felt like this! I am always SO READY to get back to school. But there has never been a summer so fun and so special...a lot of great changes and tons of fantastic memories. The fact that today is the last day of summer break is a bit difficult to accept. BUT I HAVE WONDERFUL NEWS!! I'm looping up with my kids to 3rd grade...yes, those wonderful, awesome 7 and 8 year olds are mine for another year :) That means a whole new curriculum and the first year of SOL tests (eek!) but I get to spend 5 days a week with the coolest kids I know. All of those tears at the end of last year for no reason, lol.
As much as I will miss Audrey, I am so happy she'll get to be with Grandma and Grandpa everyday. She loves them so much and it is truly her second home. And even better? My sister in law is moving here with my sweet niece in October! The girls are going to have so much time together and become the bestest of friends.
Yes, lots of good things coming up this year...Ryan and Mimi's wedding in November, a new niece or nephew in the spring just to name a few. I have a feeling it's going to be another incredible year!
Sometimes I look around and can't believe what I see...an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, and a warm home. I feel very blessed and don't ever want to take it for granted!
I was at school yesterday looking through my mail. Someone left a beautiful card in my box and I wanted to share it:
She Who Is My Little Girl
I loved you from the moment I saw you. I adored every little thing about you. In you I see all my hopes and dreams For the future begin to blossom
I'll teach you to believe in yourself, To trust your inner voice, And to believe in true love. Then I'll give you wings and teach you how to fly.
Then with part of me holding on and part of me letting go, I'll watch you spread your magnificent wings and soar.
With our shared dreams, as well as separate aspirations, You'll become everything you were ever meant to be... Smart, strong, and independent With a kind, tender, and passionate heart.
But no matter how high you soar Or how far you go, You will always be my little girl
-Suzy Toronto
Big thanks to whoever left this...I'll be saving this card to give to my sweet girl at the perfect time.
Check out this video...the first part is Audrey exactly one year ago. She was just starting to crawl. The second part was taken this week as she danced around the living room (something we like to do every day!)
I can't believe it's been a whole year since she started to crawl...and look how much her hair has grown! Audrey is so much fun to be around. She's loud and crazy one minute, quiet and focused the next. I am amazed at how she can sit and play with a toy or read a book for long periods of time. But I especially love how chatty she can be and how she gets up and dances around while singing, even when there's no music.
She's currently cutting her canines. Her diapers have been pretty runny and she wouldn't eat any solid foods for a few days. She's been very clingy as well. Luckily her sleep hasn't been interrupted (except last night, she was crying on and off between 10:30-11:00.) Hopefully they come thru soon...I know in just a few short months the 2 year molars will be here. She started saying "stuck" this week. As in her Mickey and Minnie were stuck in the shopping cart, or when she's belted in and wants to get out she says, "I stuck!" We have a new game where I'll sit in front of her crib and kiss her through one of the slats. Then I'll move to another slat and she'll meet me for another kiss...I do this over and over until she gets tired of it (because I could do that all night!) Random- I've noticed that when she wants something, she'll point to it and say, "Doe doe?" I have NO IDEA WHAT SHE'S SAYING. All I know is that she wants it (this ranges from my drink, to her paci, to a toy that fell on the floor.)
Since Audrey's b-day is right before Christmas, I put most of her presents away and bring them out periodically throughout the year. Yesterday I put together her baby stroller and I also opened a baby doll. I was not surprised to see that she was more interested in the stroller than the baby.
Yeah, she took the baby out of the stroller (by the head, mind you) and actually maneuvered herself into it (which was NOT easy!) Does this look like a child who needs another sibling anytime soon? Methinks no.
She did show concern when the baby cried...
...aw, that's much better!
Some other pictures of our week:
A beautiful rainbow, right in our front yard!
SQUEAL!! Cutest pigtails ever, unfortunately her hair is so thin they slide right out...
Teething like a mofo
I've been trying to relax and enjoy the last few weeks of summer, which means staying home as much as possible! During the school year we are gone all the time! I just want to hang out at home with my sweet girl. Starting next week I have a gazillion things to do for school. Teacher workweek isn't until the 30th, but I have a few classes I need to take each week before then. Here's to 3 more weeks of sweet summer!
We spent the rest of our trip visiting old, favorite sites...
LL Bean and the outlets
Rick's Cafe in Naples (right on Long Lake & Sebago Lake) Scott and I took out the Craigcat a couple of times. Scott also went with dad, then they took a jet ski...which tipped over and they had to be rescued!
Me and Scott :)
At DiMillos (a restaurant aboard a docked ship in downtown Portland)
Last night in Maine, stopping at our favorite ice cream place in Norway
We couldn't wait to go to the lake! It brings back years of wonderful memories and at the same time it's kind of sad how much has changed. My grandfather's camp is gone...there's a long tarp blocking his old view of the lake (construction requirement), and his beach is overgrown. But by this time next year a beautiful log cabin will be in it's place and it will undoubtedly be the most beautiful spot on the lake once again. We spent time next door with long-time friends Bob and Ann. I was so excited to bring Audrey to the lake and I got so many beautiful pictures...
Grandpa's old dock
Just being at camp with my daughter made the whole trip worth it. As much as it has changed, I can still see it the way it was when I was her age.
Our bags were packed and my dad quickly found out that there's no such thing as packing lightly when you're traveling with a toddler! I had my suitcase (with mine and Audrey's clothes), the stroller, the pack and play, Audrey's large tote, a small diaper bag (toiletries), and a small tote bag. Chris came along to see us off and help load up the car.
Good-bye hug!
Audrey was so good in the car. She read books, listened to music, napped, watched MMCH, and played with toys. We stopped in NY and stayed the night. We left early the next morning for Brunswick and the car ride, although longer, was very easy. As soon as we were unpacked we headed for Cook's, which is a popular restaurant right on the ocean. It was gorgeous so we snapped some pictures before dinner.
Rock climbing
First time seeing the ocean
Since it was so nice, we decided to eat on the deck
The lobster bib lasted a bout 2 seconds.
We were sitting right by the stairs. She greeted each and every person as they walked up. Everyone just loved her..,
...and she apparently loves herself! She kept turning around to see her reflection.
Pop and uncle Scott thought it was a wonderful idea to give her ice cream...
...which she loved...
...a little too much!
It was still light out when we left, so we headed for Bailey's Island. We go every year and love checking out the gift shop. But I spent more time taking pictures of Audrey than shopping (crazy, right?!)
Famous fisherman statue
This bird tried to take our stuff! The seagulls are not shy :)
Audrey had a hard time getting to sleep that night. It was probably because she's not used to sleeping right next to me in her PNP. But of course I told my dad it was because of all the sugar she'd had at dinner :)
