I'm scared.

So these two clowns (the costumes are so appropriate) have been down each others throats lately. Like siblings, they fiercely love each other but also fight like cats and dogs. They are both sassy and strong-willed so neither of them ever actually dominates. They just fight until myself or Monique wants to muzzle them both in separate corners. All this acrimony has me a little nervous. I just want my children to love each other, get along...is this too much to ask? Being a working mom of an extremely active toddler, I am worried about the new challenges an addition to this scenario will make. There are a million advantages to being an older mom (for me) but one thing I think is a slight disadvantage is my, well, oldness. I'm tired and possibly less patient about some things. So far Maddie loves the idea of a sibling but let's hope she still feels that way when he's in her space, grabbing her toys, demanding some of her attention...yup, I'm in for it. I shall begin bracing myself now....

Tropical Storm Isaac

Last weekend this was heading in our general direction! Garret had planned a birthday getaway for us and since it didn't appear we were in an real danger, we went anyway! We Floridians don't panic over a little tropical Storm/potential hurricane until we need to...and then we batten down the hatches. This one, by all reliable accounts, would veer to the East and cause just some bad storms an windy conditions. Pfffth, typical summer afternoon 'round these parts! 

We stayed in Naples and although it was cloudy, headed to the beach (which was breezy and overcast which equaled serious relaxing conditions...).

 Later, we went out for dinner, walked on 5th Avenue and had ice cream. So needed (the relaxation, not the ice cream)....

While we had Mommy and Daddy time, Maddie went to an alligator farm with Yaya! She got to hold a baby alligator...she was super excited!

 This was about the worst of it...rain and wind. Thankfully we dodged yet another bullet! Phew!!

I'm so spoiled

 What a way to ring in, ahem, 38 (it's kinda painful to type even).  I had breakfast waiting (Bennett's donuts...YUM), lunch made, flowers delivered....all before noon! Garret had to work late so we ladies went to The Olive Garden and ate our heads off (my kinda birthday, especially these days).

Over the weekend, a gaggle of our friends met us at a local piano bar. It was fun...I have to admit, I missed the ability to have a cocktail or two but a sacrifice worth making (I just made them promise me a mojito post delivery :)

 And the loot!!! OY! I am one lucky girl...or I guess 38 makes me a woman now. Ugh.

YAY!! Finally....

It's official....with the exception of overnight, Maddie is TOTALLY POTTY-TRAINED! Number one and two!! She even goes by herself, wipes, and washes her hands (with Mommy's inspection, of course)! She has been doing it, very inconsistently for some time now. I hoped it would be sooner because, well, frankly, I was sick of buying diapers but my do-it-when-I'm-good-and-ready little girl fought me on it for some time. But then, it just happened. We started with a sticker chart, which was motivation, then it just became the norm. No blackmail, no asking every ten minutes....she just did it. She has always done everything in her own time and when it does happen, she excels and enjoys the positive feedback. Again, Mommy just needs to learn when to just....wait. Um, if you know Mommy, that's not an easy feat. God gave me this little girl for a million reasons and I believe one was to remind me to be patient and just enjoy the moment!! Must.Remember.This. :)

First Day of Pre-K3!!

 I finally did it. I had been really unhappy with Maddie's daycare for a while. They are all small reasons....but all those small reasons became one big annoyance. I also felt Maddie wasn't challenged much. There was a loose curriculum but she seemed, um, bored (probably a combination of her Mommy's self-diagnosed ADD and Daddy's intelligence ;). Monique had recommended Bella's school (Ft. Myers christian) but I thought it would be way out of budget. Turns out it was comparable! After a tour and meeting with the teacher, it was a no-brainer! It's much more structured with smaller classes (there are only 11 kids opposed to the 25 at daycare) and much more learning intensive with lots of fun thrown in. They even have electives...music class and library time! She, undoubtedly, was thrilled to be anywhere that Bella was! I'm so excited to see her blossom even more! She already loves to learn and I can't wait to continue to see her grow as a student and a little lady!

 Going in!

 It was Bella's first day of Kindergarten too!!

Have a good first day baby girl!!

Dollar section stickers=good behavior. Who knew?

I admit it. I was getting frustrated. My strong-willed yet sweet little lady was just...not doing it. But IT, I refer mostly to potty training but also in a general consistency about basic behaviors....manners, eating well, cleaning up after herself. I realized I have not been consistent either with reinforcing these things enough to make her understand they are expected behaviors not her choice at her convenience. I feel she CAN do these things she just chooses not to. She would often rather deal with repercussions than perform the requested act.

I have noticed with her personality, positive reinforcement is vastly more effective than punishment. Sooo....I thought, a chart...a sticker chart (she is obsessed with stickers!). I would put a sticker by the accomplishment, expecting a certain number each week and rewarding her with a trip to a favorite (free, if possible) place... week 1: Lakes Park! It worked like a charm! She is a pottying, manner-using, cleaning up after herself fool! She is so excited to earn a sticker and she loves the accumulation of sparklies! It has also been a great tool for us to figure out areas we need to work on. Let's hope it proves to be the trick for continued success!

The reward is so sweet :)