Didier Farms Does It Again!

The first time we headed out to Didier Farms, I was a little overwhelmed--I thought we were just going to a pumpkin farm, not a mini carnival. I wanted something simpler and all the rides kind of turned me off, but each year I love it a little more...and so do the kids. Of course, more things for them to do means more cash to shell out. Thank goodness Grandpa was along for the ride!

Sunday was perfect weather--warm and sunny. We got there on the early side, just before 10am, but it really never got busy, so there were no waits and plenty of room to move around. I'm happy to report that Lainey was all over the rides! After her fear of the carousel at the zoo and the dinky little rides at Chuck E. Cheese, I was worried Disney in March would be a bust. But, she tackled everything with gusto and even went down the giant slide by herself! She was a little out of control and freaked out the first time down, but she still ended with a smile. I wish I had taken a video, but this slide show captures it pretty well...

The second time, Mark asked if she wanted him to walk her up. She said, "no, I can do it myself," tucked the blanket under her arm and climbed the stairs like a woman on a mission. I got a little misty in the eyes over that--she looked so big and in charge of herself.

While I got a little choked up over my baby growing up, I damn near bawled over Nick's ride on the mini roller coaster. I was pretty clear in voicing my doubts that he was ready for this ride, but was told to "stop acting like that crazy woman," who was demanding her husband get their daughter, who looked a little OLDER than Nick, off the ride immediately. So, I caved to the peer (ahem, Mark)  pressure and let Nick ride with Lainey. Here's how that worked out...

Let's just say, sometimes a mom knows what's best. It was an excruciating minute watching him scream and cry as he went round and round again. It took everything in my power, not to charge the operator and demand he stop the ride. After what felt like an hour, the ride finally stopped and I rushed to scoop Nick up. He was sobbing and saying, "No dragon, no dragon! Don't like the dragon!"

Not shocker that Nick was done with the rides after that, so Dad and Sharon took the kids to the petting zoo, before it was time for lunch and donuts. We offered pony rides, but no takers, so Lainey hit the roller coaster one more time. She enjoyed it much more than her brother...

After that it was pumpkin picking time and then off to home! Another year, another success!!!

Happier times on the AGE APPROPRIATE dragon

Donuts are always a hit!

STRONG!!

Don't Forget the "I Love You"

Three generations of love

If there is only one life lesson I keep from my mom, it will be to never say goodbye without saying "I love you." Of course this only applies to people you actually love...it could be awkward to part ways with the 7/11 clerk this way. But, joking aside, be it your parent, child, partner, or good friend, if you love them, tell them and make it the last thing you say when you part. Sometimes it will be hard...you may be angry or tired or annoyed or just in a rush, but say it anyway. Because the thing is, you never know when it's going to be the last thing you say forever. 

Four years ago, "I love you," were the last three words I said to my mom. She and Dad were on their way to Chicago to visit, and she'd called to check-in. To be honest, I wasn't overly excited about the visit. I was newly back at work from maternity leave in a new position with a raging head cold and a three-month-old who was NOT sleeping through the night. All I wanted to do was curl up in bed for the weekend and sleep.  So, I was a little testy and a little curt in my exchange with her, but the conversation still ended with "I love you."  It wasn't the warmest delivery, but I said it. And knowing that those were the last words she heard me say has been immeasurably comforting to me.

So, say it, show it, make sure they know! None of us is promised a tomorrow or even a next five minutes, so don't assume you'll get another chance.

New Hair, New Skill, Old Love

Nick had quite the weekend. He got a new haircut and—drumroll please—he started using the potty! That’s right folks, our diaper days are numbered. Nick is off to a great start! I wasn’t sure how it was going to go at daycare yesterday, because he needed to wear pull-ups, and we had been let him run around bottoms-free or in his big boy undies all weekend. He didn’t have a perfect day, but he did pretty well. Lainey is keeping a close tally on his successes, so I can confidently update you that as of last night, he has peed in the potty 11 times. He’s been dry through the night for weeks now, so fingers crossed this whole thing is going to go fairly smoothly.

So, yay for Nick and his new achievement, but the biggest news of all is that Mommy is back in his good graces!!! He’s been all kisses, hugs, and snuggles and has even asked for me over Mark a few times. My heart is melting and my face hurts from smiling. Whatever I did to grievance Nick three months ago has finally been forgiven. Right now, this kid could get absolutely anything he wants from me—and I think he knows it. So glad to have my Little Buddy back!

Looking handsome with his new 'do

Taking his big boy undies for a sping and getting some support from big sis

Little Buddy is Getting Bigger!

Little Buddy -  2 1/2

Nick had his 2-1/2-year check-up last Thursday. All is well with our growing boy--and boy is he growing! He's at 38.5 inches and almost 34 pounds, putting him in the 90-95% of height and 75-90% of weight. I was particularly excited about the heightt, because several rides at Disney World require you to be 38 inches, and my sloppy measurement had him closer to 37 inches. Now, I think we have a shot at the 40-inch rides!

What can I say about the Buddy? He's definitely living up to the Terrible Twos moniker, and I do believe he may throw worse tantrums than Lainey did at this age. His are less frequent than hers were, but once he digs in, he doesn't let go. We're talking over an hour of screaming and about 50% of the time we have no idea why he's upset. So, that's fun. But, when he's in a good mood, he's the funniest, sweetest kid and full of personality. And he's a great eater!!! He'll try anything and so far, ends up liking most of what we put in front of him. We're going through some sleep difficulties right now where he wakes up and wants to go sleep on the couch. But, at least when he's down there he usually just wants to be left alone to sleep--"Go away. I don't want you!"--not the nicest words, but it does allow me to go back to bed without any guilt.

Speaking of not nice words...one thing that I am anxiously waiting for him to outgrow is his attachment to Mark during the first and last hour of the day. It's not that he just pefers Mark during these two time periods, it's that he HATES me! I'm not exaggerating. If I try to put him to bed, he'll scream, cry, hit, throw things at me, and yell "No! Not you! I don't like you!" I try to be tough about it, but it's definitely broken my heart a few times. I'd probably be more distraught if he weren't so cuddly with me outside these hours. He'll give me hug upon hug and kiss upon kiss and tell me he loves me all day long (something he doesn't do with Mark). But, once 7:30pm hits, something flips his switch and I become the enemy. Same deal when he wakes up the next morning. But, this past week we've seen  some improvment. He was fine with me getting him up in the morning, and I even got to put him to bed twice! Fingers crossed that we continue to progress.

Even with his toddler antics, I still loves this age! It's just so full of discovery, humor, and fun. I need to soak up all the sweetness before he picks up too much of his sister's attitude and sass. Hopefully, that is one area where he is NOT a fast learner...