long weekends

You'd think I meant a 3 day or 4 day weekend or something, but it's more that EVERY weekend seems long these days. As I've mentioned previously, we're hoping Mallory really takes off with her language skills over the next few months. We're kind of taking a look at things that haven't helped her and one of those things is the tv. TV has been our savior with our kids in that both of them have always loved it and always kind of zoned out and been quiet when it's on. But zoned out isn't exactly the best way to learn and develop. So the last few days have been tv free and let me tell you it is a big difference. Not only are Mark and I exhausted from entertaining the kids all day but we actually ARE seeing a difference in Mallory. hmmm I guess there is a reason for the AAP recommending no TV for children under 2 years old. Lesson learned. We think what happened is that we were so happy once Max started talking and doing well in that way after he turned 2 that we just allowed the tv to be on whenever without even thinking about it. So Mallory was exposed to it and hooked at such an early age. It made our lives easier because they both liked the same shows and it was always just a sure thing that when I was cooking dinner or doing whatever else, one or both of them would be entertained for a while. But it just wasn't good. So for now...when we are home, it's outside play, coloring, or playing with real toys, not just staring at the screen.

Mark took Max to a minor league baseball game last night so I had some alone time with my girl. She had her first pedicure



I basically had to just paint her whole foot and then use nail polish removed to make it look semi-neat.



Today there are already a few toes that have no paint on them at all.

The weather was nice all weekend so we were outside alot






Obviously I LOVE my neighborhood and I wouldn't trade it for anything. We're so lucky that at any time of day, we have friends right outside to talk to, hang out with and play. But I have to say, sometimes I wish it wasn't such easy access to all the fun and games...yesterday both kids wore 4 or 5 different outfits, and ruined several pairs of shoes. Summer is fun and all but it is MESSY and makes for SO much laundry. Max had a drawer full of shorts just 2 days ago and now has none left. Between the water, mud, food, and whatever else, I can't keep up!! And let's not even talk about my carpet.

Max actually had a pretty good week (hmmm maybe no tv is good for everyone ;) )



I can't believe how old he is sometimes. Today he and Lily were pretending they were at the beach. They had towels and umbrellas set up and I loved hearing them doing REAL pretend like "ok, don't forget the suntan lotion, we don't want to get burnt!" so cute.

So is it weird that I am kind of not over the whole having a girl thing? I just feel like I need to get all this in now because my friends who have girls tell me that all of this is short lived before they start having an opinion about how they can dress/do their hair. I am trying to enjoy the fun before she tells me no pigtails or that she has to wear cool princess pjs.




(binky, pigtails, blankeys, bumpers...I guess at some point I should come to the realization that she is not an infant and get rid of some of these things?...not yet though)






She is fun.

Anyway, the days just seem to drag on the weekends no matter what we do. Yes its great to all be together and I love being with the kids (and Mark) but I admit that by 1:00 we're like do we really have 7 hours until bedtime!?? What are we doing wrong? Maybe we need to plan activities that will get us out of the house for longer periods of time? Maybe we have to just not plan things around nap time and let them fall asleep wherever we are and not care. It's not like they are infants who NEED a huge amount of sleep during the day. I'll take any suggestions. I think things will be better when the pool is open, which is next week!

Hope everyone else had a fun relaxing weekend!