Routines

Life continues to move forward at a fast and furious pace for us. I can't believe this little one will already be 11 weeks tomorrow. I could just eat her up with all of her smiling and cooing. With each new day and week, we are slowly starting to get into new routines.

Any parent can tell you how important it is to establish routines and we are definitely no different. We had routines set into place in the beginning with Ella and she certainly thrived being on a schedule. That being said, having some flexibility and being able to go with flow in certain circumstances is also important. So, we are working on putting Maddie on a schedule but also understanding that we have an almost 3 year old that can't be confined at home all day while Maddie naps and some days Maddie can't be fed at the exact time she wants because I am taking Ella to preschool, etc. On days when the stars align and we can do both, it is a great day!

This weekend, we did a little of both and weekends are definitely easier to coordinate with 2 people at home. We watched Mike play soccer, he is number 5 on the red team fyi. Ella and I used to go and watch all the time but this season has obviously been more challenging but we made it to a couple of games.

Little miss Madeline Grace enjoyed watching her Daddy play soccer and was actually awake for the entire time we were there. I think she is going to be a soccer star one day!

She is trying so hard to find her thumb to suck. Her hands are always by her mouth.

And while Maddie and I enjoyed watching the game, this is how big sis spent the time, sleeping. As Maddie starts getting into routines, our big girl is fighting routines and trying to break them. We are going through what I would like to call Nap War 2012. At the ripe old age of 2 years and 9 months, she has decided that she doesn't want to nap or stay in her room for nap time. We have the same routine, read books, sing songs, etc and most days she will stay in her bed and sing and play for a little bit before coming out with the million requests. She has to go potty or get a sip of water or who knows what. We play this game on and off for awhile until it's finally too late and I sadly realize there will be no nap that day. No nap would be one thing if she didn't need the sleep anymore but she does. Case in point, the day we went to watch Mike play soccer, she wouldn't nap but the minute we were in the car on the way, she fell asleep in 2 minutes and slept for 45 minutes proving she is exhausted.

So, she naps in carseats or on late afternoon stroller walks but in the comfort of her own bed, no way! It's not everyday but it's about 50/50 these days and the only person that needs Ella to nap more than her is me. I need some time to recharge when I don't hear "Mommy" every minute. So, I am going to continue to battle this one and hope that she realizes that naps are a good thing I mean come on, I wish someone would put me down for a nap everyday, I know I wouldn't fight it.

Even though she is driving me crazy with no napping, is there really anything sweeter than a sleeping baby/toddler?

This weekend, we also had a big Cinco de Mayo meets Kentucky Derby party with a lot of the neighbors. They pulled out tents and tvs to watch the derby while munching on delicious Mexican food.

The weather has turned H-O-T so it is time to pull out the inflatable pools and bathing suits. The kids could obviously care less what holiday or sporting event it is as long as there is a pool and water to cool you down.

And in between the soccer games and parties, there was time to just hang out at home. I can't get over how big and grown up Ella looks next to her baby sister.

And this little one is growing like a weed also and is so alert these days. I think she is going to be nosy rosy just like her big sister.

Double sister smiles!

I can't wait to dress them in coordinating and matching outfits. Yes, I will be one of those moms, at least for as long as they will let me. This week to school, Ella wore her new whale shorts that Uncle Court gave her and so I dressed Maddie up in her whale outfit as well.

Ella was not happy about posing for a picture, can you tell?

Just relaxing and hanging out before heading out for the day.

I hope more good routines continue and the bad ones change quickly. If anyone has any tips on getting Ella to stay in her room and take a nap, please please let me know, I am desperate! Otherwise, hope you all are having a great May and enjoying this beautiful weather and sunshine!