Big Girl Bed

January 7, I close the door when Keeley was protesting her nap and hear a thud 10 minutes later. Needless to say, she had outgrown her crib. Emmet came home and took off the front immediately, and just like that, our baby was in a toddler bed. This worked well for about a month or so.

Mid March, over Emmet's vacation, Keeley decided she was "Scared of the dark" and "didn't want to be alone." This led to lots of sleepless night for Emmet and me, laying with her, rubbing her back, trying to be stern and loving all at the same time. Finally, after moving her crib mattress to her doorway so that she could see us sleeping in order to ease her mind, we decided it was time to make the big change to a real bed. We cried it out one night and she's been cozy and sleeping well in there ever since. Keels and I both love her bedding; I saw it at HomeGoods and knew it was perfect for my girl.

St. Patrick's Day in Holyoke

An annual tradition, St. Patrick's Day Homecoming in Holyoke, MA at Emmet's grandparents house. This year was Cora's first. 

 I love this picture of Emmet's grandma, "Ama," helping me with Cora while the whole crew was at the Road Race in town. Cora gave her a hard time, but I came down the stairs after putting Keeley down for her nap to this beautiful image. Looks like Ama won.

 There's nothing more beautiful than an Irish baby in green.

 Three cheers for the runners! Beers in front of Mengel Auto Body

 The matching dresses from Mae-Mae

We love Auntie K!

 Best feeling ever- room full of familiy

Keeley crashed on the way home- partied out!

Sisters - gotta love 'em

Daddy's winter girl

One of the best things about Emmet is he loves every season, and never misses a chance to get outside and enjoy what there is to do. Through Daddy, Keeley has a love of snow, skiing and ice skating after this winter that I know she'll keep forever. 

 Best snowman on Greenwood Avenue ( courtesy of Peg Ferriter and her set from LL Bean)

 Snow angel

 Daddy's girls

Hibernating in WB

Whenever the winter doldrums got me down and the runny noses and coughs had me going bananas this season, I headed down to my parents', who are always there for a warm hug and lots of energy to give to the girls. I don't know what I would do without my little haven in West Babylon, and my Mom and Dad, who always welcome us with open arms (despite the lack of sleep they are guaranteed when my kids sleep over).

As a bonus, I also get to see my grandparents, who still have that magic with children that they've always had.

The best Long Island memory for Keeley this winter was her trip with Aunt Bri to the Long ISland CHildren's Museum. She liked the "sandy beach" and "big kid caferia" the best.

Some Valentine's Day FUn

Indoor activities

My best offense for avoiding tough tantrums and chaos on those long days is keeping the girls occupied. I keep Keeley busy with building, painting, baking, etc. She loves to help out and as long as she's occupied, she's good as gold. As each month passes, she's better and better at playing alone and pretending. Cora has the patience of a saint, playing in the exersaucer on on the floor while Keeley does big kid stuff.