Winding Down

I know that I am going to regret writing this. I know I am. Come the middle of January when I am pining for the nice summer weather, I am going to curse myself for saying this. Yet, truth be told, I am anxious for the Fall to arrive. Not even so much for some cooler weather, but for all the fun activities that the Fall brings along with it. I think the root of the matter is that we have been so very busy this summer with work, commitments and illnesses that I have found it truly difficult to enjoy the summer with the girls. Yes, there were some really great weekends and a few days mixed in there that we just adored, but this summer as a whole, has been a tough one. The horrible weather started it off in the wrong direction. With only a little over a week left in August, I know "it's over" and another summer has gone down in the memory books. It's depressing to me as I had wished I had more time to enjoy it and more time to make some great memories, so instead of being depressed, I have decided to look forward to the next season. This one, I am going to take by the reigns and soak up every last second of.

What's not to love about Autumn? I love the months of September and October because the weather is just splendidly gorgeous. Not too hot and not too cold. Just comfortable! There's football.. and lord knows I love to entertain and watch the Patriots play on Sundays! There are all the wonderful activities to do with the kids from apple picking to pumpkin picking, festivals and fairs and all the inbetweens. The cooking and baking and the Fall scented candles. I love every inch of the Fall. I truly do. The only dreadful thought I have about September coming is Hannah entering Kindergarten. To be honest, I dont dread it as much as I thought I was going to. I know when the day arrives I am going to be a wretched sobbing mess. Yet at the same time, I am proud that Hannah is as smart as she is. I am blessed that she is well and I do love that she is old enough to really communicate and have fun with. Recently we have been playing Monopoly (Bonopoly per Hannah). It's a Disney version and I really really enjoy playing with her. She does so well with the dice and counting the money. She is learning math and quite honestly has beat me many times more in the game than I have her. It's fun and the interaction is really quite refreshing. I love being able to have this relationship with her. So even though I do pine after her infancy and babyhood (is that a word?) I do love the way things are now. Truly, I do.

I am also excited to watch Layla react to our fun Fall adventures. A year older now, she is soaking everything up like a sponge. She is talking so much more and her facial expressions are a hoot. She has become quite good at reprimanding everyone as well with her first finger shaking at you and her "Stop it!" She loves to dance and still loves to be a cuddle bug. THANK GOODNESS! She adores Hannah and has a tough time when Hannah is not around to keep her entertained. The two of them together can be quite comical. Moreover, Layla is OBSESSED with SHOES! I dont even think writing this can get across how obsessed she really is with them. The second she walks into a room she is scouting out the shoe situation. Especially if you have flip flops or high heels. She prefers high heels, but flip flops will do. If you have them slipped off under your desk.. they are hers. If you take them off at the beach, she's running over and putting them on. Every morning when I open my closet door, she'll hear the noise and come running right over to my heels. She actually prefers if they dont match and she steps right in and clunks away. It is so very funny to watch! This morning while I was making breakfast, she went over to Billy's work boots. Grabbed his tube socks, but them both on and then proceeded to put on his boots. (I really should have taken a picture.. darn!) Her tiny legs in these huge socks and shoes.. I am still chuckling at the image in my head. She has the dearest of manners too! Everything is, PEASE and TANK YOU. If she accidentally bumps into me, SARRY MOMMY. Heck, there are times when I accidentally bump into her and she still says, SARRY MOMMY! LOL! If she hears someone cough or say owe, it's "K?" for are you okay. Our big Layla moment is that she has decided to just potty train herself. Not fully of course, but she is showing much interest in it. I am totally amazed at this as Hannah fought it tooth and nail at age 3. Layla actually started being interested in it at 18 months as she would follow me into the bathroom and take off her diaper and say "Pee". So we would every now and then put her on the big toilet where she would sit for a few and then say, "done!" She never actually went though. So last Friday I picked up a potty for her. She woke up from her nap and really didnt want much to do with it. An hour later I saw her rip off her diaper, sit on it and GO! Seriously!!!!???? She went a dozen more times on it that evening and throughout the weekend as well. I have decided when we are home we'll continue with it and if I can remember to bring the potty to work, we'll continue with it there as well. I am not going to force it as the kid is only 22 months but I dont want to stop her from doing it either. I am just in awe that she is even doing it at such a young age. Sigh... I guess another milestone and another sign that my youngest baby is a growing up. Sniff sniff...

This weekend the grown ups are catching a Sox/Yankees game with the Murphy side. It should prove to be a fun Saturday as most of us are Sox fans but there are a few Yankee fans mixed in there. I am excited to have some quality time with everyone as well. Sunday we are hoping to catch Aimee and the twins for a quick visit and then off to my niece, Addison's first birthday party. The girls are sure to have a blast and I promise to fire up the camera and picture taking as well!

Wishing everyone a great weekend!