Greta's tumbling class

Greta has loved the gymnastics at the farmers market that I thought a tumbling class would be fun while I'm off.

We had our first one this week and much more of kid exercise than tumbling but regardless Greta had fun.

I again realized that I'm much more strict than other moms. Two kids (a brother and sister) spent the entire 45 minute class just running around and doing nothing with the class but distracting them. I'm sorry but if that was my kid and they decided to not participate they would be sitting by me, not being disruptive. 

One of these kids also at the end of class was being a brat to Greta when she wants trying to help the teacher. I didn't say or do anything because I wanted to see how she'd handle it (fully expecting her to push the kid down). Proud mommy moment when she didn't and finally he did something (Greta said bumped her in the cheek) and started crying sad and hurt tears, did the othe mom notice. I played it off and says she's fine, don't worry about it. But you better believe next week I'll have my eye on him.

6 week check up

Hard to believe it's been 6 weeks but off to the doctor I went for my check up. Good news I'm all good and cleared for all those things you get cleared for :-) 

Still had one stitch left in me which I was already pretty sure of. She very easily pulled it out. Also learned more details about the c-section. Kind of glad they didn't tell me durning or right after. I'll not go into all the details but when they cut in my insicion torn. Not a good thing. But the good dr fixed me all up and now I'm all good. 

I also told Dr Goedtel that if we decide to have #3 im scheduling the c-section the day we find out - lol. She thought that was a good idea. 

Now to start working out and enjoy my next 5 weeks. 

My rant for the day

As a mom with a newborn and toddler, here is my wish list at public places. 

1. A place to nurse with 2 chairs. Always! I don't actually care where it is but this should be mandatory. People always try to help but wish places were more accommodating (like Carters - come on you're a baby store)

2. Bathrooms at kids places should have a kid potty (a smaller sized one) - way to go Toledo zoo! Greta felt so special you had one just her size. 

4. The handicap button that automatically opens the door should open both side. Not all that helpful when it's only one side and your stroller is way bigger than that. And when you see someone struggling to get through a day, help them, don't just go to the other door. 

5. When at work at a place where children come, act happy even if you hate it. They pick up on those things. 

Okay, I might add more but this is all I've got for now.

Lions, tigers and bears oh my

A beautiful day for a trip to the zoo. As one lady told me I was brave taking a newborn and toddler out, but I like to think of it as planned craziness.

Either was I did it and off to the Toledo zoo we went. I had never been there and left a little disappointed. Several exhibits were closed or under construction, like the train, the seals, and the entire African Safari area (which was a bummer because before we left I asked Greta what animals she wanted to see and she said the giraffes.)

A ride on the carousel - Greta on the zebra and Lola and I holding on to her. (Really no seat belts - yikes)

One happy girl!

Also there were lots of interesting people there. Would have made a great day for sitting and people watching. Definitely in Ohio - haha! 

A few observations

1. People on cell phones think they have the right away because they aren't paying attention. Excuse me - I am pushing a huge stroller and can't get out of the way that easily. So pay attention!

2. Kids should never be put on a leash. There I said it. 

3. Parent should have to take a test before they are allowed to leave the hospital with a newborn. I saw a baby in a stroller with a burb cloth literally on his or her face covering the sun. How the heck could they breath? Not all that well. 

4. Swearing at a 1 year old isn't called for. 

5. Kids with good manners is the cutest thing to me and makes me hopeful for our society. Like saying excuse me when they'd like to see the animals.

6. Tube tops and tight pants should not be worn in public. Ever!

7. Dress your kids appropriately for the zoo - you know there will be walking so put them in walking shoes. Saw one poor girl complaining of blisters before the first animals.

So there you have it, my day at the zoo (the real one not just my everyday like -lol).

2 am

Yes it's 2 am, but when this smiling face looks up at me, everything else fades away. 

I forget how tired I am. 

I forget that that I haven't a full nights rest in months.

I forget worrying about all the cleaning and laundry I should do tomorrow. 

I forget that I only have 6 more weeks at home. 

I forget all the challenges of having a toddler and newborn.

I just forget and focus and what really matters... Loving this sweet baby girl and making sure she knows how important she is.

Sisterly love

Lola will never know the feeling of not being loved. Greta just loves her to pieces and is always saying o love my little sister. Sweetest words ever! And Lola just lights up when Greta is near (but not so near or all up in her space - haha)

Bread machine

Pretty sure I'm losing it but bought a bread machine off my mom to mom sight for $2. I remember dad making bread for breakfast like it and it was warm when we got up. Good memory!

After a failed first attempt because I didn't have a bread kneader attachment in (oops)... My 2nd attempt was a success.. A little darker than I wanted but tasted great. 

Amish bread going now... Look out now! 

Farmers market and park

Thursday's have become our trip to the farmers market and park after nap. Great exercise for Greta and forces us to get out of the house for a bit and get done great fruits and veggies (that I don't have in the garden). And usually works perfect that Lola naps.

This week the gymnastics was back - which Greta loves!  We start tumbling this next week while I'm off on Wednesday mornings - can't wait.

And a surprise visit from her best friend Westley that I pulled off at the last minute. They are so cute together! Played like this for quite a while. 

Highlights from the week

1. Lola rolled over - twice. Pretty sure it was random both times but just goes to show me how fast time is going. 

2. Dance party on the kitchen - so wish I had video of Greta - hilarious! 

3. Talking to Lola and her smiling back

4. Listening to Greta play - she has a great imagination and I'm amazed at her vocabulary 

5. Getting Greta back on a routine or close to one (even though she's sleeping in my bed right now)

More to come as the week isn't over... 

Pool update

Finally we have a real fence and gates and all. Feel so much better now! and it looks great. 

Lunch with Ryan

The girls and got all dressed up (which means actual real clothes - no comfy shorts and no milk stains on my shirt) and went to Ford to have lunch with Ryan and so he could show his coworkers his girls. 

I was really worried as we pulled in and Greta finally fell asleep but she did great. Was hamming it up and running around, giggling and talking. It got even better when they gave her a little mustang car and truck to play with. 

Then off to lunch. And again- success. So I was feeling good and decided to push the limits and do some shopping. Well once in Carters, Lola needed to nurse, and luckily the nice lady let me go in back and do it. But really Carters, you are a baby store and I had to nurse fm sitting in a crate. Think I will write something to them. After I finished back out to shop and then Greta has to go potty. Of course no bathrooms either  so back to the back we went. This time in a bathroom that said no service but worked evidently. Finally finished and I was feeling less like shopping so a quick stop to get soap from Bath and BodyWorks  and we headed home. 

But on the way I got brace again and decided to go to Maurice's so I could get some jeans that fit. Get in the store and doing great. Greta is dancing. Gives me advice on my clothes. Great time. Get ready to check out and she has to go potty and of course no bathrooms. Luckily again they let me go in back. Successful trip. 

Pushing my luck sone more we go next door to Old Navy. Find nothing. 

Last stop that $5 And under store because I promised Greta something if she was good. So we got a soccer ball and a new book. She was happy and home we went. 

Almost a total success but Lola started screaming bloody murder about 2 miles from home-starving. 

Either way very proud we (or rather just me) survived. 

My favorite thing about 2 girls

I have to say that having two is way more work that having one.  But this picture captures my most favorite thing about having two. I love the way Greta looks at her little sister and even more i love the way Lola looks at Greta.  Lola eyes just follow her voice when she's near and and her face lights up when Greta talks to her.  Having 2 sisters was awesome for me and I can't wait to watch these 2 grow up together and the love and adventures they will have together.

Labor Day Weekend Fun

What a great Labor Day weekend we had with neighbors and family. With this super hot, humid weather so glad that we have the pool.

Friday, Mary and Karle came over after Karle's dr appointment. Greta just loves Karle and follows her all over. And Karle loves being the big cousin. They swam, played... She was even successful in getting Greta down for a nap. 

 We then headed to the saline community fair that night to ride some rides and see the livestock. Lots of fun - despite her expression.

Saturday brought Aunt Julie - which Greta had been talking about all week. Julie come tomorrow? And I would say no, Saturday. And when Saturday finally came she was pretty excited!

Lots of playing and swimming for Greta. Then we had a pizza party that night by the pool with the neighbors. 

Sunday brought more guests... Dad, Aunt Gail, and eventually the Weldens. It was the perfect day to be in the pool (which was super warm)! I even got in the pool for a bit even though I wasn't supposed to. 

Greta also discovered that she can swim all by herself with her life jacket. She more runs in the water but either way does a great job and burns lots of energy doing it. 

We also had our first fall in. Scared the day lights out of me how fast it all happened. But she slipped on the steps and went face first in with no life jacket and bumped her head too. Luckily I was right there and grabbed the back of her shirt and pulled her out. Yikes! I did get her to go back in shortly after so I was happy it didn't scare her too bad.

So much swimming she crashed on the couch around 5:00 watching Frozen - something she's never done.

That night Bob and Rebecca arrived for the final wave of guests. And more fun was had including swimming with grandmother. 

Tuesday was back to reality. But lots of great memories made! Not sure we'll get many more nice warm weekends like that so really glad we made awesome use of the pool.

Pool cement

The pool is coming along. Only thing missing now is the fence and then later is landscaping. Love how the cement turned out. We ended up adding more after they framed it in wrong but so glad we did!

One month old

Wow that seemed like the fastest month ever! I can't believe Lola is already a month! Love watching her grow and change and get more personality.

Top 10 for the month 

1. Smiles a lot

2. Definitely has food that I eat that she doesn't like

3. Is a very laid back baby (I think she has to be with me having to chase after and take care of Greta too). Only time she really fusses or gets mad is when she's hungry or has bad gas. 

4. Is over 9 pounds

5. Is very long and quickly true out of the newborn pants and pjs. I'm stretching the onsies a little longer

6. Went to church for the first time and many other outings with mommy and Greta. 

7. Sleeps usually about 6 hours at a time at night 

8. Loves the little cat naps during the day 

9. Can sleep through just about anything 

10. Loves her big sister and tries to follow her voice wherever she is. 

Can't wait to watch as she grows and her personality develops even more.