Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

We have a visitor arriving and the kids are excited.  I, too, am excited because it’s my mother!  As I have mentioned before we do not live anywhere near family so when someone visits it’s a big deal around here.  Having another adult to converse with, a playmate for my kids, time well spent with my mother and a “babysitter” so I can enjoy some time out alone with my husband are a few of many reasons why I love having company.

My mom is a pro at doing grandmother things.  She has four other grandsons with ages ranging from almost twelve down to Tate who just turned fourteen months.  She has been through it all to say the least.  Also, she was an elementary school teacher for many, many years.  She loves kids especially her grand kids.

This weekend my husband and I are lucky to have the opportunity to escape on a weekend getaway.  I know the kids will be fine, but there is always that tug in my heart when I leave them.   I will be able to relax for a few days and be even more than ready to play when I return. I’m lucky we have the family support to take an occasional break but I would not trade this family for the world.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Happy Labor Day! Here we are at the unofficial end of summer. I can’t believe it! It seems like I was just writing my Memorial Day post, about how much I enjoy summer family get-togethers! And already, my baby’s first summer is coming to a close. (Tear!)

When Haley was born, a lot of people got her outfits that were summery one-pieces in Size 3 to 6 months. It has been really nice to get to put her in so many cute things. I much prefer seeing her in bold colors rather than the light pastels of the newborn stage. As she is growing and the weather is changing, I am starting to pack them away for “Little Sister” (who may or may not be a literal younger sister, or a cousin, or a friend of the family). Someone recently gave us a beachy outfit for Haley to wear next summer. The thing looks huge! Will she ever be that big? (That’s what I said about the 6-month clothes not too long ago!)

As fall fast approaches, stores are changing their displays—sweaters and tights are everywhere! I love those kinds of clothes and I’m excited to see what Haley will look like wearing more layers in the cooler weather. Baby clothes also take on a different look when the baby starts crawling, standing and walking. The seasons changing reveal my baby becoming an adorable little girl. I simultaneously can’t wait for the future and miss her infancy already.

Undeniably, the best part of dressing Haley for the fall will be HALLOWEEN! I just can’t decide what I should dress her up as, because I know she will look so cute no matter what. I’ve already made a deal with her: I promise to make sure she looks great— as long as I get all of the candy.

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
I’m NOT going to write about the hurricane. This is, in large part, because everyone is still talking about it. I will say that I made it back from Denver (eventually) and we are all fine. We were very lucky…

This week marked “back to school” for Andrew. He’s now in the Stingray room and is very quick to tell you that he’s still a little boy NOT a stingray… “I’m a little boy! SEE! I have no tail! I have no stinger!”

This room has different people come in each day and do something cool with the kids. Music, art, Spanish, yoga. Andrew heard about the last one and got very upset because he “don’t like no yogurt!” It was pretty hard not to laugh…a lot…while trying to explain that one.

But he’ll tolerate it. Because his favorite little girl came back to school yesterday after being away all summer. The things you guys put up with for the women you love… 😉

Andrew just woke up so I have to get him ready for the day. Have a great long weekend everyone.