The Fair

Ironically, I didn't get any pictures of Abby with any animals even though it was the most exciting part of the day.  She a little shy around the huge cows and got a bit closer to the mini horses and sheep.  She loved the goats and by the time we hit the petting barn and the bunnies, she was in seventh heaven.  She was even one of the lucky Cumberland Fair attendees who got to pet the bunnies.  Heaven, I tell you.... 

We had an enjoyable family day on Friday and spent the morning at the fair.  Abby had a minor meltdown around 10:30 when we realized it was snack time.  What better time to get french fries with 'chup! 

 She won her first fair toy by tossing the basketball in a hoop at one of the fair games.  Oh boy did we see the best of Maine at the fair.  Always a great time! 

The final stop on our agenda was the horse pulls which captivated this little girl.  The second pull got a rousing applause and as she share with Uncle Chris the happenings of the day, she would say "horsey" and then start clapping...because he can speak Abby oh so well.

While spending just a couple of hours out an about, we had a wonderful time being together as a family and enjoying the fresh smell of cows, I mean fall. 

In 25 years this will be just a memory....

I'm sure Abby won't remember this, but Daddy always will...

 

 I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, the dancing Diva or the dancing Daddy :-)

Rhode Island Wedding Festivities!!

This past weekend we headed down to Rhode Island for Tim's sister's wedding. We had most of the day on Saturday to lazy on down the road - stopping in Kittery to check out Carters and Ann Taylor Loft - before we needed to be at the family dinner hosted by Dad P and Gwen.  The evening was a blend of gorgeous views with spectacular sunsets, tasty food, and wonderful music.  It was nice to spend time with family and meet some of Chris' family.

On Sunday, the weather was a bit warm and sunny while we waited for the 3:00 ceremony which was located at an adorable museum in Bristol, RI.   The bride radiated as she walked down the aisle and the groom grinned as he took her arm.  A small gathering of about 40 watched as they took their vows and celebrated with them at a quaint restaurant just around the corner.  Dinner was fantastic and we ended with a nice yummy slice of chocolate cake.

I wish I had more pictures to share...my camera was broken (remember Abby threw it down the stairs??) and I had a hard time getting used to my Mom's camera on the fly.  Here are a couple of snapshots until I collect more from other attendees.  :-) Oh, and I left it at Gwen's during the ceremony and didn't take many pictures of the flowers!  Which I always try to do, especially when I'm the florist :-)

Sisters!

Gwen and Papa with Abby and Tim

The couple are celebrating their nuptials in Colorado.  I hope to see pictures soon of their honeymoon!  A perfect trip to end a perfect day!!!

Potty Patience

Abby has been interested in the bathroom, and everything in it, for months.  You may recall this post from almost a year ago.

We've started introducing Abby more to the potty and asking consistently morning and night if she needs to go pee on the potty.  Reading books about it at night and generally talking about the potty more.  She has even earned three stickers in the past two days!  She's a big fan of "stickas" and will hopefully work as we bribe the  reward her with elmos, cows, stars, or whatever else we have on hand. 

Let's face it as much as we want to get rid of diapers and get them on the potty, they just aren't cognitively ready for it  until 21-24 months of age.  Now, I know there are exceptions.  In fact I know someone who communicates and reads her one year old so well, they're on their way to a diaper free world. 

We on the other hand have to start with Teddy.

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Just after these pictures were taken, my lovely daughter grabbed my camera and threw it down the stairs. I'm fairly certain the "Lens error. Restart camera" is not a good thing and hope to have it fixed or buy a new one soon!  For now, I leave you with Abby basking in all the glory of her favorite room - the bathroom.

First Hair Cut

Even at 21 months old, we seem to be having lots of firsts. First dentist appointment, first haircut, first sleep boycott, it's always something new and fun!

We decided at the last minute to have Abby's hair cut.  I like it long as it is easy to put up and her bangs are still growing out.  She's not a big fan of barrettes and usually pulls them out.  Snip Its, a local very kid-friendly "salon", opens early and was our first choice of places.  Actually, we really didn't care but at $20 (tip included) for the cut and the experience it was a pretty good visit.  She sat really well in her chair and let Michelle neaten up her ends.  Although it's exactly what I asked for, she doesn't look, like she got a cut!  :-)

Before -sitting still like she was bribed - I mean asked. 

After - you can see the bow in her hair :-) Thrilled, I know.

That's our girl!  Complete with a $.25 sticker from yard sale-ing

Miss Abigail was super awesome during the cut, got a prize ( a rubber duck!) at the end, and wanted to stay and hang out while we were leaving.  Next time we'll get a little daring a cut off more than this!

Just a picture....

Life is busy.  The camera should come out more often than it does.  Here's a snap shot form a couple weeks ago. It reminds me how summer is coming to a close.  The dresses and pinks will turn to pants and sweaters and colors of Fall.  I'm not quite ready and will hold our for an Indian Summer. 

My two faves :-)

Time for the Dentist

Today was huge.  So big, it involved ice cream for dinner as a reward.  Yes, that big!  

Some are not a big fan of the men or women in white coats and face masks,  but you couldn't help but love the people in the Southern Maine Pediatric Dental office.  Abby's hygienist was really sweet, patient, and kind.  I guess you have to be if you work with kids all day.  It was clear from the moment you walked in everything was kid friendly.

Here's what welcomed us!

Inside was a gorgeous blend of blues, greens, and lots of fish, puzzles, and super fun stuff for kids.  My favorite was the TV on the ceiling with earphones for distractions.  Today's showing was of course Curious George.  Who wouldn't want to work there??

Abby did just fine.  A bit antsy at times and very squirmy at others.  Especially when it was time to count the teeth and atempt to floss.  Tim and I got an A-.  Her teeth look great, enamel healthy and gums stellar.  They are a little crowded, thanks to my small mouth, and were told to start saving for braces.  Greeeat.  Keelan recommended a toothpaste without flouride and with and to use a tiny dot, the size of pin head.  Tiny.  So, where did the (-) come from in the A-?  Well, apparently gummy vitamins are a big no-no.  Anything gummy - fruit strips, fruit snacks, etc really do a number on teeth.  Tim and I use Little Critters vitamins since they are easy on the tummy and don't contain the fake sweeteners like some chewables have.  We have a recommendation which would mean a trip to Trader Joe's.  Sure, no problem! 

We asked at what ages should kids start going to the dentist because of conflicting information out there. Some say one, some say three.  She suggested 6 months after the first tooth comes up and usually by 1 year of age.

Not only did Abby get to visit a cool place and meet super friendly ladies, she left with loot!  A new toothbrush, a sticker, a magic wand, and THIS!  Absolutely fantastic!  I showed her off to all my coworkers today. 

LOVE!  I hope Abby likes going to the dentist as much as I do.  There's nothing like a mouth full of pearly whites!  Even after the rounds of braces, spacers, and extractions she might have.  Looks like we might have more nights of ice cream for dinner.  Just don't tell Dr. Whitney.