Keeley's First Day of Kindergarten

As timeless as the first day of kindergarten is for all parents, it is hard to believe 5 years has gone by when it happens to you. Keeley has been ready and excited for kindergarten for so long, that I felt truly joyful just seeing her finally realize her dream of getting up on that bus and going off to school like one of the big kids. After picking out her blue dress, and putting on her new backpack, she was ready in plenty of time. Emmet went in late so that he could be there to send her off with me. I definitely felt teary eyed and amazed as I led her up the steps of bus #17 when it stopped in front of our home, thinking back on how far she's come since the day she was born in Miami, and the little girl she's become. I know Keels will thrive in whatever she does, and bring lots of smiles to everyone at Head O' Meadow Elementary. She has always loved people, and I know she will enjoy every teacher and friend she makes this year.

Maury and Reagan

On our way out of Boston, we were so happy to stop at my cousin Brendan's house to meet his daughter Reagan, who was born a month after Maury. Here we are- first cousins holding second cousins :)

Boston Trip 2016

 Our close friend Becca from Holy Cross was getting married in Boston, and so we planned on going even before Maury was born. But when it came down to it, we didn't want to ask anyone to have to watch all three of our kids while we went away, so we had my sister Bri stay with just the gals in Newtown while we took Maury on his first road trip adventure up to Beantown with Mom and Dad. A better traveling companion at 8 months old would be hard to find.

Always a huge joy walking around Boston, to the public garden, through the streets of Beacon Hill, and of course, along the River Charles. Had to stop for a quick pic on the famous ducklings from "Make Way for Ducklings." Maury loved all of it.

This Bjorn has gotten a lot of use these past 5 years. Still holds my favorite accessory.

Mary's new apartment is gorgeous!

Above, the roommates at the rehearsal dinner.

Who is better than Mae-Mae for putting us up?

Handsome, preppy Ferriter boys.

Dressed up for the big wedding.

Becca arriving in a carriage!

 Such a blast seeing my HC girls.

Mickey home from Poland!

Back at home, Bri survived the whole weekend- I received this pick Friday night from a trip to Ferris Acres is alway a treat :) We owe you one Brisy.

Boards are Done!

Emmet came home tonight and he is done with that bloody test!! We won't find out the results until the fall but we are so happy it's over, and i am confident he passed. The girls sensed our excitement as we cracked a celebratory beer and started dancing around the kitchen. What a long 6 months of studying Emmet put it at such a transitional and trying time as parents. I'm so proud of him.

Keeley's First Soccer Camp

One of the experiences highlights of the summer for me, as a Mom, was watching Keeley go to soccer camp for the first time. My friend, Jill ,told me about a soccer camp in Bethel run though the parks and rec, with coaches from England, and I knew Keeley would love it. Having played soccer throughout my life, and having loved camp myself, it was a really fun perspective seeing Keeley from the sidelines as a parent as she explored the skills of passing, shooting, but mostly, at 4,  just listening to a coach and following directions. She loved her coach ,who was from Costa Rica, and called Jose, and she loved her time with her close friends fro preschool, Maddie and Kayla. 

Completing a week of camp made Keeley feel very special. She loves any opportunity to feel like a "big kid" and do "drop off" activities that makes her seem older than Cora and Maury. I am very proud of her and the way she embraced the new teammates in her group and the new instructors that she met. Now that I know she loves the sport, I will be happy and excited to sign her up to play on the Newtown Club team this fall.

Long Island Summer Trips

Whenever I get to a phase where I feel like I'm prodding uphill as a stay at home Mom and I need a recharge, I always pack up the kids and head home to my parents'. Emmet needed to buckle down and study for his last week or two before the test, and I was tired of trying to keep the little ones occupied in Newtown. 

My Mom is one of 6 kids, and with my grandparents living next door, and lots of family living locally, you never know who will drop by and play with the kids for a bit. Uncle Rob was here today and spent all afternoon making Keeley and Cora laugh.

"Who is this guy?"

One of the things my kids love most about my parents house is the basement, which, like many basements has a lot of random and unusual toys to investigate. Cora melted my heart when she fell in love with the Matryoshka doll that i bought my Mom in Russia on one of my many trips. She loves "guys" (little dolls) of any sort, and these little nesting dolls were her friends for the entire morning.

 The other special thing about "Nanny's" is the beach. We went down to Venetian Shores, and after an entire summer of avoiding the water, Cora decided to run through the sprinkler park, and I was in shock watching her race through the fountains. I couldn't stop smiling.

NO one is happier than Grandma, who get her QT with her great grand babies whenever I come home.

And Getting to see my home girls and there kids is ALWAYS a bonus and hilarious.

Love you Grandma and Grandpa Fitz!

Last pic, of me and Gram, getting our nails done before I head back to CT.

A Long Summer

I will always look back on the summer of 2016 as being tough. It killed me to see the pressure Emmet was under, making the most of every minute to study for the Internal Medicine Boards which he took in mid August, and knowing he had to pass. 

I remember wanting to keep the kids on their best behavior so that he could study at night or just have some light hearted time with them on his very brief breaks. On top of studying, he was starting a new job, all of which created a lot of transition for the Ferriter 5. 

I remember the weekly trips to Scarsdale, NY to get Maury's DOC band adjusted and to try and alleviate the skin irritation that incurred from wearing a helmet though the warmest and most humid weather.

Lastly, I remember the joy, but more-so, the stress of owning a new home, a home that the kids were not familiar with yet, and one that did not have air conditioning. It took me a while to learn everything, from how to live with two floors, to which light switch connected to what, to how to turn on the hose, all the while trying to keep these 3 occupied through the summer heat. 

And my sweet Keeley Rose, everyday, through all this transition, was filled with a restlessness and an excitement that I could not contain about starting kindergarten in the end of summer. And I found it almost impossible to keep her occupied.

Some days, I thought I would lose my marbles, but it was in the little moments, out on a blanket under my favorite tree in our new yard with our three children, that I found peace, strength and comfort about being there for the kids and for Emmet during this time and finding the hope that fall would bring routine, good Boards results, and a rhythm to our new life in Newtown.

Maury looks like a chunky little guy in this picture. The girls love to try and pick him up.

On days when it was too hot midday to play outside, the playroom was my sanity. The girls always amaze me with their imagination and it warms my heart when I catch them in times playing nicely together.

I filled the pool everyday, and parked Maury in his stroller in the shade to watch his mermaid sisters.

On days when our yard just wouldn't do, Ali Ferrier, my dear friend, would rescue us with an invite to swim in her pool and play with her kids for a while.

And when the August sun got too hot to bear, and I felt cranky myself, even I ended up in the baby pool. The neighbors must think I'm one looney mama.

A happier son, I could not have asked for ;)