Charlie's 3rd Birthday Party

 

The only time that I attempt to be crafty and creative is at birthday time. Every year the girls get to pick their cake theme. Charlie started out wanting a Peppa the Pig theme, then she talked about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and then Frozen. Finally she settled on My Little Pony and I told her she couldn't change her mind again because I needed at least a week's notice! Evy informed me that Apple Jack is not a "sky pony"...silly mom, but luckily Charlie didn't seem to mind that I didn't get it exactly right. We celebrated at home with family and shared the celebration with Scott's birthday. Charlie got great clothes, books, a snuggly blanket, Twinkle Toes shoes and a ticket to an upcoming Disney Live celebration. What a great way to celebrate turning 3!

Will's First Day at Daycare

I started back to work today, which means Will was off to daycare. It's easier to drop your baby off when you know it's for less than 30 hours per week. When I dropped Evy off it was for 50 hours per week and that was devastating. The nursery at our daycare is operated much better than when Evy started and the entire thing just felt better. Last night I used our label maker to label his pacifiers and bottles. His pacifiers have tiny little labels that read "Will" and I hope this helps reduce the number of times the staff sticks the wrong pacifier in his mouth! The girls were excited that it was Will's first day of school! I dropped him off around 8 a.m. and picked him up at about 3:30. He was being held when I picked him up and that's always reassuring. They said he had a great day (what else are they going to say???). He ate on his normal schedule but only napped in 20 minute increments. That's exactly what the girls did.  

And now he is exhausted. He has been sleeping most of the evening.

Three Years Old!

 

 

Charlotte Marie is 3 years old! At three years old Charlie loves her big sister and she dislikes her big sister. They are the best of friends and fight like cats and dogs. She loves to talk sweet to her little brother. Charlie likes to test her boundaries and is known to throw toys or punches if she doesn't like what is happening. Charlie is funny beyond her years and often has the entire family doubled over in laughter. Happy Birthday Charlie, we love you!

 

Evy was so excited for Charlie's birthday. She helped me wrap all of the presents and meticulously chose the ribbons for each package. When Charlie was in bed Evy set up this surprise for Charlie with balloons, gifts and some of her favorite toys.

Elsa dress and Elsa and Anna dolls!

Traditional birthday pancakes.

 

Here is Charlie's Three Year Old Birthday Interview. I'm afraid many of her answers were influenced by the events that happened just prior to the interview. She had pancakes for breakfast and got some new Frozen dolls as presents. 

 

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Blue

 

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Pancakes

 

Q: Who is your best friend?

A: Evy

 

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Play with Elsa dolls

 

Q: What is your favorite song?

A: Elsa Song

 

Q: What is your favorite treat?

A: Starbursts

 

Q: What is your favorite drink?

A: Orange Juice

 

Q: What is your favorite show or movie?

A: Chipmunks

 

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: Elsa and Anna dolls

 

Q: What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

A: Go downstairs and play

 

Q: Where is your favorite place to go?

A: Park

 

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Peppa Pig

 

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: Elsa

 

Kindergarten

New dress and new shoes for her special day. She ate a bagel with peach fruit spread. She told me this is what she eats at preschool and really likes it. Breakfast has been an ongoing struggle for us so I consider this a success!

Turns out the emotional part for all of us was saying goodbye to Evy's preschool. Last week Evy got pretty upset at the thought of saying goodbye to her friends. She has attended the same daycare/preschool for 5.5 years and was more upset about leaving them than the thought of starting a new school. Today was a piece of cake! The whole family went to drop Evy off. Parents are not allowed in the school on the first day so instead we waited outside as the kids lined up. There are three Kindergarten classes this year. Evy was first in her line and was near her friends Kathryn and Cade so I think that helped ease her nerves.  

Charlie said she wanted to go with Evy and kept giving her hugs.

And with Evy at school that means we can start taking walks again with the double stroller. I think I burned an extra 100 calories pushing the double stroller, the single is a much easier push! Whew!

First Trip to the Dentist

 

Charlie had her first dentist appointment this week. She was a little apprehensive, but ended up letting them clean her teeth and apply fluoride. It helped that big sister was a great role model and even exclaimed "I love the dentist!" As usual they both raided the treasure chest of prizes and had a great time visiting our awesome friend Tammy who also happens to be the dentist.

Two Months

 

 

At two months old Will loves to look at us and talk and smile. He dishes out a lot of adorable smiles! He is still experiencing discomfort and for sure meets the definition of colic. We are now on Similac Alimentum (expensive as all get out) formula as the pediatrician is thinking he may have a milk sensitivity...not allergy, which we are thankful for. In addition to the milk sensitivity we believe he has acid reflux so we are 3 days into medication to address that issue. He spits up so much I'm not sure he is keeping much of the medicine down. Ugh. I hope we get this figured out soon. Will tricked us into thinking he was sleeping through the night as he slept from 10:30 to 7 three nights in a row. But now we're back to one middle of the night feeding. He's cute as can be and growing like crazy!

Adventureland

We have no plans for a family vacation this summer so we decided to take a day trip to Adventureland. Scott and I hadn't been there in 15 years!

 

We started the day off with a ride on the Ferris wheel.

The girls rode the lady bugs twice.

And rode the balloon race twice.

Scott and I are getting old (sigh) even the balloon race messed with our equilibrium.

Evy wanted to do all of the rides by herself. It's already not cool to have Mom along. Luckily, Charlie still likes me and wanted me to sit with her. Admittedly the chuck wagon was a little too tight for my comfort.

Of course, the pink boat...

...and the blue boat.

The only non-kiddie ride we did was the log ride. Neither of the girls were to keen about the idea. Evy did NOT want to get wet. This was the before shot...

...and this is the after shot. Evy and I got drenched on the very first hill. Evy was not happy and said she never wanted to do that ride again.

We spent 5.5 hours at the park and at the end were rushing to fit in more rides. We could have easily spent another 2 hours at the park. A reminder for next time is to take the wagon so both kids can sit down. We only had the umbrella stroller and both kids were fading. I also need to remember to pack a small cooler with sippie cups/cups with lids. The park doesn't give out lids with their drinks and two huge cups of lemonade splashing around was not fun!!!

 

While we were at the park Will went grocery shopping with Aunt Julie. 

And made a new friend. Thanks for watching Will, Aunt Julie!!!