Category: life

It is true that we were on vacation last week to Disneyland. Pre-parenthood, if you would have asked me if I’d ever take my children to Disneyland, I’d have laughed and swore up and down that I’d never, ever go with my kids. Well, we know how that goes…I also said I’d never have my kids in my bed or let them have screen time. Disneyland was really, really great and I’ve got a big, fat post about it coming up. But today I wanted to try and put down a few thoughts about sisters that I’ve been thinking about lately. 

I’ve written before about how Barry and I always thought we’d have rough and tumble boys – you know, boys all covered in dirt that have a raspy voices? And here we are with two of the most amazing girls that the world has ever seen. I couldn’t have imagined a better fit for us. Maggie and Audrey are so different from each other and they perfectly make up the younger half of our family. 

Often times, people will ask us under their breath (assuming Maggie isn’t listening, but she’s ALWAYS listening) if Maggie is a ‘good’ big sister. And we always answer truthfully: she is the best big sister, without a single doubt. 

I think people want to hear that Maggie has had a hard time adjusting to having a little sister or that she’s naughty towards Audrey, poking and prodding. But that hasn’t happened, if anything Maggie hugs her sister too tight and proudly introduces her to people over and over again. Audrey, being the younger one, tries hard to keep up with Maggie, delighting in every knock of the head or bounce on the bed. 

Just the other night after dinner, Barry and I were still sitting at the table talking, and Maggie asked to be excused. Audrey was already ‘playing’ under the table and after Maggie carried her plate to the kitchen, she went and slithered under the table to be next to her sister. A few minutes later, they were playing chase around the table. Granted, Audrey was hobbling along and Maggie was crawliing, but they were trying to get one another and both were laughing. It was awesome to see as a parent – this bond that they have, it’s already so deep. 

There are going to be so many days ahead where they are fighting and arguing, that’s just what being a sibling is about sometimes. Right now these two really like each other, even if the pictures don’t prove it… 

The light has been taunting me and I finally pulled the trigger and got the girls outside for a few pictures. Audrey ate leaves as if they were delicious crackers and Maggie played in them for about ten minutes before she decided to take her boots off. Maggie is my child that never gets cold, loves direction and order….Audrey, on the other hand, requires socks and right now, in her current state of exploring the world as a crawler, leaves a trail of destruction behind her….or a trail of crumbs. Watching Audrey outside touching and tasting everything that she could get her hands on was fascinating, her world is literally expanding right before our very eyes. 

This month on Instagram I’m participating in the 30 Days of Thanks challenge, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far. I know that being grateful comes easy most days – for the simple things – but doing the 30 day challenge is forcing me to put words (and a picture!) to the things beyond my typical scope. I tend to be very sentimental and thrive on things like this, and what a perfect way to enjoy this season by looking for the small things that make me feel happy/lucky/thankful. 

Maggie’s still in her undies, Audrey is taking a big morning nap, Barry is getting ready to go rake up the leaves, and I’m finally posting some pictures & words on the blog….Happy Saturday to you and yours!!