A much needed getaway

In mid February, Mike and I got away for a much need R&R vacation, just the two of us. We haven't been away together in almost 2 years and having two kids and a very busy schedule, we needed a little getaway. Luckily, DeeDee and Papa came up to watch our little rascals while we were away. 

After doing a lot of research on places to go, we decided to head to the Mayan Rivera and it was perfect. We had great weather and just sitting by the pool was perfection! Not to mention, the pool was pretty amazing!

 The grounds of the entire resort were perfection! So lush and green and filled with flowers everywhere. 

 This was my view everyday! Soaking in the sun with a cold beverage in hand.

 The resort had fun activities every night including a fire show on the beach and casino night (where I won a free massage in the spa!)

 One day, we took an excursion to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. It was very interesting and beautiful.

 The ruins sit right above one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The water has three different shades of blue.

 Back at the resort, the path leading to the beach. In just looking at these pictures, I want to go back right away! We honestly had such an amazing time and it was such a relief knowing the girls were in such great hands being taken care of. 

Plus as a little added bonus, while we sitting in 80 degree temps, Charlotte was having this weather...

 I think I will take my iceberg by the pool please!!

We had a great time, ate too much, drank too much and slept in (if you call 7:30 sleeping in which we do!) but of course missed the girls like crazy and couldn't wait to come home and see them after 4 days away. 

Now, warm weather please come and stay here in Charlotte, I am ready for spring!

Our littlest peanut

We had Maddie's 12 month appointment right after her birthday and I want to make sure I record it all before I forget. Our little one continues to be a small, petite little thing as Dr Ankrah said. 

Her stats:

17lbs, 14 oz, (5% percentile for weight)

28.5 inches (25-30% percentile for height)

To compare, Ella was a little over 20lbs and 31 inches tall at 12 months ago so little sister continues to be little sister. In fact, Dr Ankrah said she would not be surprised if she actually dropped below the charts at her 18 month appt since she will be active in the next 6 months and is also off formula but she said that is completely fine and not to worry, she will start making it up for it soon.

You would never know she was small on the charts during a meal though because our little one LOVES food! She is so happy to be eating everything we eat. She got the clear to eat peanut butter, honey, eggs, strawberries, etc and she has loved almost every food she has had. So far, the only foods we have discovered she doesn't like are peas and watermelon. She loves carbs, pizza, meat, pasta, cereal, all fruits, getting better about veggies and is loving broccoli more and corn. I would say her most favorites foods right now are bread, avocados and grapes. 

We went cold turkey and stopped all bottles right after her birthday. She does great with the sippy cup with water but so far, she hates milk in her cup. She takes a sip hoping it is water and then makes this face like she choking and tries to spit it out. So, I sneak milk in her oatmeal in the morning and she eats a lot of cheese and yogurt to make up for the dairy but I am hoping she will start to like it more soon. I already have one who refuses to drink milk so I was hoping MG would be better.

She is all over the place but not quite walking yet. She is a really fast crawler and is pulling up and cruising on everything. She will walk a little bit with her push toy and walk holding onto to us but hasn't taken that first step yet. I used to think I didn't want her walking and have two to chase after yet but with the weather warmer and us going outside and to the park more, I am ready for her to be walking and not crawling around in the mud.

She is still a great sleeper and we are working on moving her from 2 to 1 naps a day. I would say 75% of the time, she is only napping once a day but that other 25% she wants/needs two naps. At night, she sleeps 12-13 hours from 7:30-8/8:30. (I know, I am lucky!) She doesn't sleep with a lovie but sucks her thumb whenever she is sleepy or to soothe.

She is the sweetest little thing ever! I know I say it a lot but she has a really laid back personality and like most second children goes with the flow so much easier than the first. She lights up when you come pick her up after a nap and especially when her Daddy comes home after work. She is getting some stranger anxiety but mostly just with men. She adores her sister and will always give Ella the biggest smiles or laughs, even when Ella is tackling hugging her. She does "more" and "all done" sign language and says Mama, Dada, dah dah (Dakota/doggie), and Ella but sounds more like "elwa"

Now onto pictures!

Her first princess ball

There are so many reasons why I love our preschool so much. The teachers are phenomenal, she has met so many wonderful friends and we have met so many wonderful friends. They have so many programs for the kids and a special one is the Prince and Princess Ball they had in February. It is a father/daughter and mother/son dance held at the school and Ella couldn't wait. The fact that it was a princess ball, she HAD to wear her Cindrella dress.

 Even though technically, it wasn't for Mommies, I had to tag along for a little bit with the camera to capture the moment. Daddy met us after work and even joked that he dressed up more for the preschool ball than work! This little girl loves her Daddy so much and this picture truly captures it, she couldn't wait to spend the night with her Daddy and her friends.

 Our little dancing queen and one of her best buddies Caroline couldn't wait to hit the dance floor.

 She couldn't stop dancing, even to stop and eat a cookie!

 Dancing with Daddy

 And the highlight of the evening for our little girl was a special appearance by three of her most beloved characters. Here she is anxiously awaiting the big surprise!

 Snow White, Belle and Cindrella came to the ball! You would have thought it was truly rock stars showing up because all the little girls screamed and ran up to them.

 Mommy and Maddie had to leave right after the princesses came out but Ella and Daddy stayed and danced some more. From the pictures, you can tell Ella was having the time of her life.

 She was truly mesmerized by them and they were so sweet to all the little girls!

It was a night that was very memorable for Daddy and Ella. I look forward to many more father/daughter events in the future but will always remember their first "dance" together. Mike might not have father/son football games but he is absolutely adored by his little girls and has many other special events to look forward to with these girls.