Our Little Family

Sunday, August 19, 2012

First Week Back to Work & Daycare

As I thought about going back to work, I couldn't help but think about how I was going to miss my kids, how I was going to stay more organized, how I could ever get two kids and myself out the door by 7:00 am and how I could possibly get more hours into the day!

Those of you that know me well, know I am overly organized in all aspects of my life. The Sunday before we started, Scott and I cleaned the whole house. It made going back easier (I'm weird, I know) knowing I would come home to a clean house. I got all my outfits for the week laid out and ironed, made our meal plan and went grocery shopping, packed my lunch, laid out the kids' outfits and planned ahead for school.

This made Monday morning so much easier. Both my kids were happy and ready to go! Cohan refused to eat breakfast because he wanted to go to Ms. Allie's house the second he woke up!

Here are a few "First Day of School" pictures...

It also makes life at work a little easier when you get picture texts like this...

Ireland and her BFF Sofia are a month apart. They get to spend every day together.

Big girl likes to sit up!

On Saturday morning, I got this picture text. Alison went and bought a double stroller so she can take the three kids out of the house more. Cohan and Alison love going to the parks, running errands, having picnics and getting out. Now they will be able to since the babies will go into the stroller!

Saturday morning, we did a whole lot of NOTHING. It felt like summer again. We stayed in our pajamas and played together.

Ireland watches everything that Cohan does and smiles at him. She loves her big brother.

Now we are off to a Cat in the Hat birthday for Avery and Mack. Pictures to come soon!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Turtles and Hippos and Penguins, Oh My!

My mom and I had talked all summer about taking the kids to St. Louis. We knew that Cohan would LOVE the zoo and there are so many fun things to do there. BONUS: Some of my cousins live there. I realized last week that we only had one week left to do this. My mom's sister, Carol Ann, has been watching my cousin, Colleen's, three kids this summer. Colleen, and her husband, Chris, just bought a BEAUTIFUL new home, so we planned on staying with them!!

So Monday morning, I packed the car, kids and snacks up and headed to St. Louis. My mom met us at my cousin's house and we headed for our first adventure with five kids: Grant's Farm. Unfortunately, as we pulled up to the gates, we were welcomed by a sign that said they were closed on Mondays. We were disappointed, but headed the "Turtle Park" to let the kids play instead. I don't think they minded. All the kids (with exception of Ireland, of course) climbed all over the concrete turtles and snakes and enjoyed the swings.

GramMo and Mammy watching their grandbabies.

Ireland enjoyed the view from her car seat.

After Turtle Park, we headed to McDonald's for lunch. There was a play place, so the kids were able to burn even more energy. As soon as we got back, Cohan headed for a nap and GramMo and Aunt Carol Ann got lots of one on one snuggle time with Ireland.

After naps, it was time to head to the water park. My aunts and cousins, Colleen and Kathleen, were able take us to the YMCA water park where they belong. Cohan LOVED the lazy river and jumping in the pool. I even tried the big slide with Colleen's oldest daughter. So much fun!

We headed home, changed clothes and went right back out to a local Irish Pub for dinner. It was so fun to sit and catch up with everyone. After dinner, we all enjoyed Ted Drew's ice cream.

The next morning, we got up and ready and headed to the St. Louis Zoo. Cohan had been talking about the animals ever since we decided to go to St. Louis, so he was more than excited! It was a hot day, but that didn't seem to bother the kids!

Ready to see some animals!

The new Sea Lion exhibit had just opened and was AMAZING! Cohan loved watching the Sea Lions swim over and next to him. He and Ryan stood on the wall watching them.

Mammy and her grandbabies

The next stop was to see the penguins and puffins. Cohan was a little nervous at first, but then couldn't stop laughing and clapping for them.

The "big kids" wanted to ride the carousel. Ireland and I watched. This is pretty much what she did for her entire zoo experience: sleep.

Cohan liked knocking on the window to the orangutans.

Everyone went on a train ride around the zoo while Ireland and I found a cool place for her to eat. My mom said he loved the train and waved to everyone. He was perfect except for when it was time to get off. I guess he didn't think he should be done! =)

We also saw elephants (including a baby), hippos (which Cohan tells everyone about because they pooped and fish were eating it), and more. It was such an awesome trip. I loved watching Cohan get to play with his cousins. It was also so fun to watch my mom and her sister be amazing grandmas. These kids are all so lucky. Can't wait to go back and do it all again soon!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

First Attempt FAILED!!!

We know you are supposed to start potty training around the age of two. However, our pediatrician told us to wait until about August since we would have a new baby at home. So we did. We tried Friday and Saturday... he is NOT interested... He loved the big boy undies, but would NOT go on the potty.

We even had big boy undies on one of Ireland's babies. She "went" in the potty. Cohan was so happy for her! He got to pick out the candy he wanted at Target (he chose Mike & Ike's and Skittles) that he would get for going on the potty. Nothing worked...

So, for now, Ireland's baby is laying around the house with big boy pants on just waiting...

Homemade Pizzas

In our house, where I plan out our weekly meals, homemade pizza night is always a request. Usually by Scott or Cohan. Scott and I each make our own pizza (mine is always better, in my opinion) and share with Cohan. This week, we let him create his own...