The Year of 2020

2020 started off great.  Then it all got weird.  I packed up my office at work on March 20th thinking I'd be home for a few weeks.  Then a week later my daughter was home as well.  Work became a blur, while I worked from the kitchen table and tried to manage my 3 year old that didn't understand why she was not going back to school to see her beloved teacher and friends.  My potty trained little girl suddenly started having accidents.  Stopped taking naps, took walks with me only for her to say, "Mommy, I just want to go home"  She only had us and no one to play with.  I was working all day as best I could while trying to watch her and keep her entertained.  She got a climber with a slide, a new playhouse, bike, skates.  Anything we could do to keep her busy since the parks were closed and no kids were around to play with.  When daycare started up again, Giuli was excited to go back.  Although it wasn't allowed the kids hugged in delight.  Seems crazy to tell kids one minute to be affectionate and the next, not to go near each other.  Finally the parks re-opened and Giuli was back at playing with kids she'd meet in the park.  One man brought his daughter to the park and then tells me "Social distance please"  since my 3 year old wanted to play with his daughter.  My feeling is that if you are that worried, don't go to the park where there are little children. I'm not going to restrain my daughter and keep her away from other kids.  Restrain yourself and stay home.    Now we are coming to the end of the year, and I'm still WFH.  Giuli is still in daycare, and J is still home driving me nuts.  I think he'll be home till the end of the year.  

Some pics of my grown up little one.

Ready for school

Matching nightie's

Waiting for the Dr.

Chillin till we leave for school!

I'm just soooo cool!

I just love summer!

2020....

Happy New Year!  I'm starting the year off with a threenager.  I didn't know what that was till now.  Someone is mostly potty trained now.  Will poop in the potty at daycare but not at home.  At home she begs for her diaper to poop into.  She's starting to sleep in her underwear with no accident as of yet, but still won't poop in the potty.  Anyway, tantrums are worse than ever but attempting to just ignore her and let her scream.  But boy can she carry on forever.  She is so STRONG WILLED.  Just want to get back to our normal routine.  Back with the people she loves and misses.  I'll even be glad to go back to work.

Christmas, Hanukkah and the Birthday Girl...

Hard to believe she's three years old now.  I remember thinking I'd never be a mom.  Those days are over but I still remember them.  It's made me appreciate being G's mom more than ever.  God blessed me to have her.  Made my pregnancy go by healthy and uneventful for the most part.  Grateful she was born perfect.  She's difficult.  Strong willed.  Rambunctious. High energy that we need to channel.  I may be an old mom but I'm still a new mom trying to figure it all out.  I have some facebook groups I belong to and it helps to hear I'm not alone.  Everyone always eludes that their children are perfect.  My child's crazy behavior isn't an anomaly that no one else has experienced.  I will say that having a child like G is a reason many don't have another.  Of course, that's a joke.  But hopefully as she grows and matures she'll get better at listening and understanding.  That putting on her coat when it's 5 degrees is important.  Not kicking off her sneakers in the car when she doesn't get her way.  No matter what though, I'll love her to the moon and back.  She has made our life is complete.

Surprises...

I am so amazed at how much my little one knows.  Today is my birthday and J handed G a card.  She took off with it and J ran after her.  She came into my room and said, "Happy Birthday Mommy!"  and handed me the card.  She such a joy in my life.  I love this little girl to the moon and back.

Willfull little girls...

Well, that's what I got.  The most strong willed little girl ever.  Small but mighty.  Going through the terrible two's and trying not be spoil her.  She stomps her little foot when she doesn't get her way.  Two timeouts just today.  Throwing food, feet on the table, I want this I want that.  For the most part she's my little angel but today, it was NO, NO, NO coming out of her mouth.  Let's change your diaper....NO.  Take that hairclip out of your mouth....NO.  Pick up your toys....NO (but what kid wants to clean up anyway).   Dry hair, pajamas, brush teeth...NO, NO, NO....  The funny part is that she was in back up care a few days ago, she was on her best behavior.  Sat with all the other kids and ate her snack and drank her water out of her cup.  She spilled some water and got up, grabbed a paper towel, wiped up the spill and threw it away in the garbage can.  I was so proud of her and sad too.  So grown up.  Here's a pic of my little grown up girl.  Love her so much!

Two years ago on Mother's day...

My life changed.  J's life changed.  That's the day I had a positive pregnancy test.  Just that previous Sunday we went to South Carolina for our transfer.  The next day our miracle was brought to us.  Our lives have never been the same since.  At the time we did the transfer, I could never imagine how it would feel to be pregnant let alone a Mom.  I remember how much I tried to be hopeful and prayed.  At the time, I wasn't sure how I would make the transition to trying to have a baby to actually being pregnant and then having her.  She truly is a miracle that saved me and J.  He's different.  I'm different, And we have this awesome little person growing up by leaps and bounds.  She is smart and funny and the happiest little girl ever. 

Mothers day was always so hard and got harder every year.  I think about that time and know that there are women who are forever sad on that day too.  I hated going out that day.  Everyone wants to say Happy Mother's Day.  But all I wanted to do was hide at home.  It's changed for me but I know that pain.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's and the ones still fighting to become one.