No More Pacifiers!!!

We had a very successful night last night.  Lydia made the decision herself to give all her "wacis" to the Paci Fairy a day earlier than planned.  I have been talking up the Paci Fairy since Sunday.

When the Paci Fairy is planned to come, you need to put all your pacis into a bag and leave them out for her.  She will then take the pacis and give them all to the new babies.  Since Lydia isn't a baby anymore and is a big girl, she doesn't need the pacis anymore.  In return, the Paci Fairy will leave Lydia lollipops, candy and a special present.

I just kept repeating this story to her for days and even had "letters" in the mail from the Paci Fairy to Lydia.  The last letter had the bag to put her pacis in and leave out.

She decided last night that she wanted to put them all in the bag.  She did take one out and asked to keep one, but I said that the Paci Fairy wouldn't come unless they are ALL in the bag.  She put it back in the bag and that was it.

She actually fell asleep quicker than usual, slept the whole night and woke up in a good mood.  She did ask where her "waci" was when I was getting her up and I reminded her that the Paci Fairy came and took them all away, but there were presents and candy for her in the den.  She was so excited to see what the Paci Fairy got her (Snow White Princess dress).  She didn't want the chocolate candy, and only wanted the lollipops...which meant more chocolate for me!

Now if we get through this weekend with no screaming about the "waci", then I'll be so happy!

Picture from last Friday trying to take a nap with her "waci" which was unsuccessful.  She wouldn't give it up without a screaming fight.  That's when we decided it was time to introduce the Paci Fairy.

Here are her special presents (dress and new shoes)  from the Paci Fairy which she wanted to put on right away.  The Paci Fairy also got her many different kinds of lollipops.  She got a ring pop, which probably wasn't a good idea since it is basically a paci with candy on the end, but she didn't want to finish it and threw it away after 5 minutes.  Whew, that was a close one!

I'm just so proud of her in making a good decision all by herself (and a whole day earlier then I had planned on)!  She's really growing up and understanding so much more.  I'd say this is a great ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Next couple of challenges to accomplish:
> Moving to a big bed:  Since Lydia is so tall for her age (99%ile) she is maxing out in the crib.  She just figured out how to get out by herself this past weekend, but luckily hasn't abused this knowledge.  She's been flipping herself in the crib since November, so it was only a matter of time - frankly I'm shocked it took her this long to figure it out.  At the beginning of the Summer, I hope to move her to a big bed.
> Potty Training:  This challenge is the one I'm most nervous about.  I've been reading a couple of books on it and plan on starting the process after she moves into a big bed.  Plus she is showing many signs that she's not ready for potty-training quite yet.  We'll get there as we have to before school starts again in late August.

Galveston Trip again

We went back to Galveston for the night this past weekend.  I'm very determined to help get the beach house decorated and the beds put together so we can spend more time this Summer there.

This time we visited The Strand and ate an early dinner at this great restaurant (Olympia Grille) on Pier 21.  We watched a cruise ship set sail and were very glad we weren't on board.  We also went to the old ice cream parlor after dinner and Lydia ventured out of her "vanilla stage" and got mint chocolate chip...she's crazy!

More Rodeo Pics

Nana took Lydia to the Rodeo during her Spring Break.  I was sad to miss it since I had to work, but Nana got some great pictures of Lydia with all the animals.  Lydia still talks about the animals and feeding them.

Last night we got to go to the George Strait concert at the Rodeo.  It was by far the best and loudest concert I've ever been to (or at least remember going to).  We had floor seats and George was great! He came back for an encore.  My parents really liked it as well...this was a belated birthday present for my Mom and she was ecstatic!!!  There were about 80,000 people there and it was so great to experience it.

What We've Been Up To Lately...

Well, this "first quarter" of 2013 has been super busy as you can tell by my lack of blogging.

Lydia has really taken a liking to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  It's the only show she'll watch for more than 10 minutes.  She'll sit with her Mickey and Minnie dolls and eat a cereal bar.  I was able to take this picture before Harley grabbed Mickey and ran away, but she brought him back...later.

It's RODEO time, that's right, I finally found my forever rodeo jacket.  Pretty neat huh?  I got many comments on it at the cook-off and it even helped me become friends with some of the rowdy crowd.  Thanks to my Dad's cousin, Ronnie, for letting me wear it!!

 We went to a dear friend's wedding in San Antonio and they had a photo booth...after a couple (or more than a couple drinks), Blair and I took these pictures.  He will probably make me take this off as soon as he sees I posted it...ha!

 Who's the stickiest of them all???  -   This girl is!  She found my secret stash of Valentine's lollipops and so I had to give it to her.  It was the stickiest lollipop ever.  Needless to say, it wound up in her hair, clothes and some even in her mouth.  And she now LOVES lollipops!

Crazy Girl!!  I asked her to help me pack her for a night in Galveston and while I was in her closet picking out clothes, I heard giggling.  I turned around and she had her head down in her bag and her legs up the wall.  Yes, she's a little crazy and makes us laugh all the time!

January Events

Here are some January Events that I've been meaning to post on:

Nana's birthday was last week and we went to brunch - outside was a man who never moved, no matter how much Lydia tickled him - so she started mocking him...

Lydia is getting to be so good at riding her tricycle that she took over Sam's "Texas" bike at Nana and Grandpa's house.  Hopefully she will share Sam's bikes in PA when we visit in April.

Besties!!!!  Charlotte and Lydia have been playing so well together - they both took turns switching back and forth so each could have a chance in the front (the shocking thing is that Kacey and I weren't even telling them to do that - they did it on their own, so sweet).

Sleepy Baby - Lydia has been taking good naps at school.  They have to put her in the corner reading nook since it's by itself and more comfortable than the floor.  Lately she's been sleeping up until I pick her up.

Two of our cousins are getting married and we've been spending a lot of time at showers and parties (they are unfortunately not pictured here).  Lindsey and Le'Ann are though!  And Mary (who is pregers and due at the beginning of August!!!  YEAH!)



New Year's poem for Lydia

I heard this poem and it really brought some light into my new year resolutions.  I'd like to share this poem with Lydia each year to remind her of things that should be desirable in life.

Desiderata – Words for Life by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Christmas Time Is Here...

We had a fabulous Christmas 2012!  We did the "Elf on the Shelf" and Lydia named him "Elf" - ha!  During bath time, Elf would magically disappear to the North Pole and give his report on Lydia.  By the time he was back, Lydia was done with her bath.  She loved finding him every evening and it worked out really well this year.  We are hoping the "nice list and naughty list" will really take effect next year.  Also she got kinda tired of opening up presents on Christmas and didn't get the full idea, however, I do believe by the time she is 3 next year, she'll know exactly what a present is and means.

We got to go in a big pink limo with our cousins to see all the Christmas lights the week before Christmas.  All the kids had their hot cocoa in their special mugs.  Lydia and Charlotte had a blast in the back of the limo with their empty fake wine glasses.  Lydia just loved jumping up in down and dancing with Charlotte.  We even saw Santa outside and got to get out and sit on his lap (for the 5th time this year).  It was so much fun!!

We baked Christmas cookies and while they were in the oven, we watched The Polar Express (and danced to the Hot Chocolate song).

Christmas Eve after Mass, we came back and took lots of pictures - Brendan loves flipping Lydia around.

 Daddy and Lydia on Christmas Eve - her mouth is full of chocolates.

 All the ladies...

 We got a great family photo and really missed Paul, Renee, Sam and Kate.

 Lydia loves on Huckleberry.

Christmas morning, we ran downstairs in our penguin pjs to see what Santa brought us.  Lydia got a tutu, bubble machine and a microphone - and in her stocking she got the one thing she kept asking for from Santa...a candy cane.

 She loved singing for us and Blair got some classic pictures...

Then we went over to Blair's family's house where we got to see Charlotte and Caroline open up presents with us.

 Lydia got an abacus and who knew this would be the one toy that the girls would fight over.

Merry Christmas!

We've had a whirlwind November and December already and I'm ready for a break from work and a great excuse to relax and unwind over the Christmas holidays.  Of course I have a lot of wrapping to do but at least all my errands are run and my presents are bought.

We've seen Santa about 4 times.  However, I was determined to get a Bering's picture this year.  They have the best Santa and pictures and it's free and is sent straight to your email.  I have to say that this picture was well worth the wait in the long line and I give kudos to Lydia's cousins that showed up and helped her with the beautiful smile she produced.  They stood behind the camera and danced and screamed "Nah Nah Nah Nah Boo Boo" and she broke out in the smile of the year.

We count our blessings everyday with this gorgeous girl.  Have wonderful Christmas!

More Birthday Pics!

Here are some more pictures from Lydia's birthday "weeks" of celebration...

Honey and Da came by the house on Lydia's birthday and decorated the front special for her big day!

 I took the day off of work and we went to lunch with Daddy and then to the park to play.

 The next day at school, they gave her a birthday hat and celebrated her birthday...she loved the hat.

 Lisa, Mary and Paul 

 Polichino Family train ride at Herman Park...it was so nice to have everyone in town.

Lydia is officially 2 years old!!!

Lydia turned 2 in early November and we celebrated her birthday for about 2 weeks.  Starting with the weekend before her birthday with her Mom and Dad, then on her actual birthday with Grandpa and Nana and then the next weekend with the rest of the family.  Even Paul, Renee, Sam and Baby Kate came in town!

Lydia's Honey and Da gave her the Plasma car and she loves it - Harley has to stand clear of Lydia when she's on it chasing around.

 Opening up her present from Nana and Grandpa on her birthday after dinner at Chick-fil-a

 The week before her birthday she got sick and to get her to take her medicine we would sing Happy Birthday and let her blow out the candle...so she became a pro quickly.

 She also got a Dr.'s kit and was checking Grandpa's ears

 Sam and Lydia loved playing with each other (while Uncle Brendan and Huck watched on)

 At Nana's house, the cousins teased each other a lot on their bikes.

 At Lydia's birthday dinner later that night, Charlotte and Lydia had a stare down...a loving stare down

 What's a 2 year old's birthday dinner without a football game that takes over (A&M and Alabama)

 After the game ended, we were able to sing Happy Birthday and we had to do it twice

 This was so special to have all Lydia's cousins there for her birthday

 Nana's Elmo cake was a huge hit!!!

 Sam was very patient while Lydia took her time to open presents

 Shades at night - Check out Lydia's new tricycle from Nana and Grandpa with her name on it

 At the end of the night, it kinda looked like this...