Simple Afternoons

Throughout the  last year Matt and I had many discussions about what it may look like in our home with two kids under three.  We knew that it would be slightly challenging at times, and chaotic at others. Both of us were running full force. The balance between work and home was managable, and Brynn was flourishing. The reality was we were exhausted, and had little time for the simple joys of life.  Brynn continued to need us more and more, and we knew the needs an infant would bring.  So early last Spring we made a conscious decision to make some cut backs, and look at our options. I approached my employeer about the possibility of part-time. (I want to work at least part time. I LOVE what I do, and was not ready to give it up.)  They heard me, and a few months later they came back with a part time proposal. They are incredible, and have blessed us. The proposal was far better than I could of imagined.  It allowed me a new position, and an opportunity to grow. Thus I am at work in the morning, and home around 12:35ish each day.  I have the afternoons with my kids. Most days are simple afternoons filled with the simple pleasures of life. I get to lay my kids down for nap, and arise with them. I can feed Madelyn and cuddle with her.  We eat snacks together, play outside, and cook together. I get to experience those bad moments, and work through disciplining my kids.   It has been one of the greatest decisions we have made as a family.  This was a decision we made a commitment for a year, and review it as next school year approaches.   Below are a few pictures of our afternoons.

Merrick and Brynn going for a drive

 

 

MADLEYN GRACE

 

Madelyn at 15 Weeks:

BRYNN MOMENTS

Brynn has always been a "quick" learner.  As an educator, I hesitate to say that she is quick for her age or ahead of the game. Nor will I be "that parent", I know my kiddo is WONDERFUL, but not perfect. :) I think it is to early to judge, but I believe she is a well rounded child. She is now at the point she  will try to think of a way to get her way. Thus she has begun to think, that she can out think us to get her way. So each week Matt and I often discuss "Brynn  Moments" and how we can parent her to use that quick mind to discover and develop her talents.   As a parent I am humbled daily, and often wonder if we are heading in the right direction or . . .:)  On these days we pray harder, and harder for our girls and that we would be a family full of grace, yet raise god fearing women. This week the "Brynn Moments" were many, but a few were classic that I want to remember.

NOT MY MOMMY
On Wednesday's Brynn stays at Preschool for Lunch and Fun. This is a program that the preschool offers that allows kids to stay an extra hour, and eat lunch with their buddies.  Since I work in the AM this year this is the only day I can pick up.  However, it gives me the chance to see her interact, and support the preschool from a far. So. . I went to pick up, and this is how it played out:
 Me; (Driving through Pick Up Lane)  Hi! I am here to pick up Brynn (not many B's)
 Teacher: Brynn, is this your mommy?
 Brynn:  NO!!
Teacher: Is that your Mom's Van?
Brynn: NO!! That is not my mommy, and she does not have a Van!
Teacher: Brynn, are you sure?
Brynn: YES!! That is not my mommy.
Teacher: Mama (Southern) Can you show me your ID?
Me; Sure. .
Teacher; Brynn this is your Mom (places her in)
Me; Brynn. . What was that all about?
Brynn; I just wanted to stay and play or go back to Ms. Beth (babysitter)
Me; SILENT. .No WORDS

With that said, she LOVES school and is learning new things. Her favorite is painting. She here is our artist!

EASTER DRESS BATTLE
My mom sent an Easter Dress to Brynn in March.  The dress was worn for at Easter and then she wore it sparatically. However, the last month she has been in LOVE with the dress again!! She wants to wear it EVERYWHERE!! I let her wear it many places, and then wash it.  Some days I hope and pray it gets lost. However, most days she finds it in the dryer before I can get it out. I truly believe it is the ONLY stain proof dress she has.  After the daily battle I have surrendered to the fact she is going to wear it again and again.  Then I become thankful we live in the South, and she is not going to FREEZE when she wears it. :)

Me; Brynn lets get dressed for church.
B; Can I wear my Easter Dress
Me; NO! It is fall, and I have a new dress that MaMa sent you.
B; I can not wear that! If I do they will send me home. No Animal print dresses at Church
Me ; What?!?!?
B; I just want to wear the Easter Dress!!
THE DRESS:

 

One last pic of a great Big Sister entertaining Madelyn

 

Madelyn @ 3 Months

Madelyn Grace is a little over three months.  She continues to bless us each day with her sweet laid back personality.  Many would say she is as laid back as her daddy.  :)  I believe this may be true as she is content in every situation as long as she is fed.   Brynn continues to love to be the big sister. She loves Madelyn, and at times can be overly helpful.  Other times she has shown to be a three year old, and has been jealous.  We are working with her daily to continue to strive for a healthy transition with Madelyn.   At this time are some facts about Madelyn

Weight:  13. 2 lbs  85%
Height: (Have to recheck doctor notes)  Off the Charts (We have tall girls)
Eyes: Blue
Hair:  Dark and begining to turn lighter.
Loves:  Activity Mat, Watching B and her friends, and Being Carried Forward Facing
Nicknames:  Peanut or Madelyn 
Milestones:  Started Cereal (Very Runny), Strong Head control

Brynn and Madelyn

Brynn, Madelyn, and Jenni

Brynn entertaining Madelyn with her party favor!!"TKS. . Mason!

Madelyn trying Cereal

 

 

Brynn feeding Madelyn!

 

Mommy showing Brynn how to feed!

 

 

Preschool

We are finally getting into a weekly routine as the year has begun.  I have gone back to work part-time, and have the priviledge of working in a variety of classrooms working with Reading, and Higher Order Thinking Skills.  (It is FUN!! It fits my personality!!) The girls have adjusted to their new schedule.  However, one of the highlights is that Brynn is now going to Preschool!! She is enrolled at Sedge Garden United Methodist in a Three Year Old class.  She and twelve other kids are in Ms. Allison's class.   This week we had an Open House and then the 1st Day of Preschool. Since Matt and I both work and could not both attend Open House or the 1st Day we split the duties.  I went to Open House and got all the "important info.", and did the intro. with Brynn. Matt went and dropped off on the first day.  We both loved spending some time with her, and watching her interact with kids.  
Brynn's personality is definetly distinct and comig through in a variety of ways. During Open House she ONLY wanted to wear her Easter Dress.  Her comment was"Mommy, I have to look beautiful for school." So, I let her wear her Easter Dress, and Light-Up Princess Shoes.   She looked AWESOME.  I am learning the small things do not matter.  However, on her 1st Day we picked out a more suitable outfit.:)

Ready for Open House!!  Giving me the MONSTER face!! Hahah

 

Ready to go to Open House in her Easter Dress!!

 

Look Real Close and Daddy and B wrote on the side walk.

 

Ready to GO!!