Time Flies

Time, is not on our side. It is spiraling out of control and seems to be speeding up! This week Maeve became a kid. She has learned to use the potty and has been going every day over the past two days. Crazy! She is the proudest little pooper we have ever seen. Then again, any kid would be proud if you give them a healthy dose of chocolate after a bowel movement. We are proud of her and we are so looking forward to being done with diapers. Diapers and summer do not go well together. Diapers in water BAD. Diapers in sand BAD. Diapers in heat BAD. The light is at the end of the tunnel and we are getting closer to that land of diaper free kids!



Sorry we have to post these. We know one day they will resurface. Hopefully around the time she starts dating. Dad will pull these out and do his best to scare off any potential dates!


And to not leave our crazy little one Charlotte out we have included some of the latest pics of her. Yes, riding her bike around the street with a tutu and her rubber rainboots. Crazy kid. We love you!

Happy Birthday Maeve!

Yes you are now officially two years old! I say "officially" since you have acted like a two year old for months now. You love to talk. You love to sing. You love to tell us "I can't want..." to do things. You drive us crazy with your terrible temper and horrible stubborness. But your cuteness wins out in the end, no matter how mad you make us. You are so damn cute we just can not stay mad at you. You don't love to share. If Charlotte has something you want it. If we have something you want it. If we try to take that same thing back from you...watch out. Meltdown coming. However you are so sweet and caring that it is infectious. You love your big sister and do everything you can to be around her. You ask for her first thing in the morning and miss her so much when she is at school. You want her to play with you all the time and love to get her attention.

You love your babies and love to play with them. You love putting them to bed, holding them, feeding them, and squeezing them. You love hugs. Big giant super squeeze hugs. It is the best part of getting you out of your crib in the morning, your little arms wrapped around our necks, squeezing us with joy. We will never get tired of those hugs and only hope you offer them to us the rest of our lives.

You say "bless you" when we sneeze and you hate boogies. You are the only kid we know that could be 100% happy eating nothing but potatos. Baked potatos, french fries, mashed potatos....it doesn't matter. They are your favorite and you love them all equally. You ask every night for them if we dont feed them to you, which we are rarely doing since you will not eat anything else on your plate. You love chocolate and candy and your dad's smoothies. You love ice and make us break it up into little pieces for you to chomp on. And popsicles. Another Maeve favorite.

You hate having your hair brushed by mom, but love when dad does it. Dad doesn't do a very good job getting the knots out of your hair, which is why you probably enjoy his brushing more. Those knots are crazy and we are always trying to prevent them from turning in a giant dreadlock.

You dear Maeve, refer to yourself as Maevey Gravy which makes us laugh. That is what you think your name is, and we never correct you. We hope it sticks forever. You Maevey Gravy complete our family and we appreciate every second of every day we have with you. You have shown us how lucky we are and we love you so much. Thank you for an amazing 2 years of loving, laughing, crying, and most importantly smiling.

Love Mom and Dad (and Charlotte)

One week left

"I can't want to go to bed!" yells Maeve vertually every night. She is not shy in telling us what she does and doesn't want, even if she doesn't use proper grammar. In just over a week she will be 2 years old. Which makes us laugh when saying it, because in our minds, she is way older than two. She communicates more like a 3 or 4 year old and seems to have the old sole of an elderly woman. Intelligent yet caring and compassionate, she seems to blow us away ever week with something.

Her temper is ferocious. Luckily she is so cute we just cant stay made at her. It must be inherent that way as mad as you get, you just can't help but loving this little creature sreaming, crying, and spitting.

Today dad was able to enjoy the girls at Charmingfare Farm while mom was working. The weather called for rain, but the sun stayed out and the weather was warm. The Robinsons joined us (minus Rachael who was also working). First stop, a bag of feed for the animals and a stop at the llama pen. Charlotte wouldn't even THINK about feeding "shiny" (she named the llama shiny). Maeve on the other hand, no fear. Loved having the crazy lipped animal suck the pellets out of her hands. She laughed and only wanted to feed them more and more. This was the same for virtually every animal we ran across (with the exception of the giant turkey whose GOBBLE GOBBLE scared the kids). Hysterical to watch. Maeve who just wants to get dirty, and charlotte who likes to enjoy animals from a far.

We had a great day although mom was missed. Its exhausting with these two girls. Dad certiainly understands that the "stay at home" gig is a full time job, a full time thankless job (with dad being the one who doesnt say thank you enough).

We are somehow hoping that when Maeve turns two she will magically start sleeping through the night. Yes we are still dealing with one wake up per night. Dad begrudingly crawls out of bed, rubs her back and she goes back to sleep. Some nights by the time he makes it back into bed and starts to doze off, she wakes again. Luckily those are few and far between. However he is looking forward to a full 8 hours of sleep one of these days.

And then there will be bunk beds. Princess bunkbeds, with Charlotte on the top bunk because she is a princess. No not a princess. She doesnt want to be a princess. She now wants to be a fairy. Typical girls.

Winners again!

Saturday was the annual Easter Bonnet Contest in town. Over the past 4 years the competition has really stepped up. What started out as an innocuous little contest has turned into a full fledged competition. There were funny bonnets, big bonnets, creative bonnets, and of course our bonnets, which this year donned fresh flowers. Charlotte's bonnet included a hand made paper mache watering can sprinkling water on fresh gerber daisy's.



Maeve's had intertwined pussy willow complete with pink carnations and birds (and a fuzzy bunny on top).

Unfortunately Maeve did not win, however Charlotte did pull off a win for the 4th year. This despite breaking down in tears in front of the judges. Ahhh the trials and tribulations of being a returning champ. Yes Charlotte there is a lot of pressure to win. However, its what we do. We push through it and win some more (I really dont tell her that although I want to).

Maeve SHOULD have won. We think the judges picked the girl next to her by mistake when they meant to pick Maeve. Its ok. Next year dear.



Singing seems to be the new past time in the Ronan household. Maeve loves to sing Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and of course the ABC's. She is a singing fool and her and Charlotte love to belt out the tunes especially while riding in the car.

These girls are amazing. They really do love each other. Maeve of course wants anything Charlotte has. Anything Charlotte eats. Anything she plays with.

well Shiver My Hips!

It is safe to say Charlotte and Maeve are crazy. Insane. Just plain nuts. As they get older, they seem to get crazier. At this pace mom and dad will have them committed by the time they turn 9. They play together. They fight. And to make matters worse, they just seem to play off each other. Charlotte makes a crazy face. Maeve makes a crazier one. Maeve starts screaming, Charlotte screams too. Together they are non-stop. It very cute seeing them grow into their sister roles, but at the same time exhausting!

Spring is coming. It has warmed up enough to begin to play outside. The snow is melting (although not all of it yet). The other day, while the girls went for a walk around the block, dad pulled out of the shed Maeves tricycle. Just a day earlier mom and Charlotte tried to get it out but it was wedged behind a big heavy table. So while the girls were not around, dad managed to get it out and had it ready for Maeve when she came home. Charlotte spotted it first. Her reaction? "Well...SHIVER MY HIPS!!" We could not help but to just start laughing!


Maeve as crazy as she is, continues to survive by being cute. As we have discussed before, her temper is red hot. Then 5 minutes later can become the sweetest girl right before your eyes. She plays mom and dad like a fiddle. And to some extent we let her. She sings. She talks. She even had a knock down drag out fight with Charlotte over an orange slice. Yes, you heard it right. The funny thing is I think Maeve could kick all of our asses if she got mad enough.





A little more excitement in the Ronan household this month. Dad turned 20. He was lucky enough to celebrate his birthday on one of the most beautiful days so far and to top it off spent it skiing at Pats Peak with friends and family. It was the perfect spring skiing day and dad is so thankful for his beautiful, loving family that spent the day with him.



And not to be upstaged, but Mom and Dad became an Aunt and Uncle again. The Ritcey clan welcomed Weston into their family. Yes, here comes those Ritcey boys! We can't wait to meet him and Charlotte and Maeve are so excited to play with the newest little one!

Happy Valentines Day

Or as our kids say, Happy Valem Times Day. Dad got fancy this year and had some fresh flowers delivered to mom. Mom got fancy this year and picked up a platter of goodies. Together they just made pure happiness, especially the red velvet cupcakes.




The girls continue to amaze us with how fast they are growing up. Its like someone flipped a time warp switch. Maeve is talking in full sentences. She loves to sing. She loves to do whatever her bigger sister Charlotte is doing. They are sisters. It is evident. Each wants what the other has. When it doesnt go their way the fight ensues. Usually with Maeve winning by pulling her sisters hair. Or pinching her. Or smacking her in the head. Ohhh the terrible two's are coming.

Charlotte for the most part takes it in stride. Her maturity in dealing with her pesty little sister is couragous. She has given up her night time water bottle to the bottle fairy, and is no longer a toddler. She is a girl.

Mom's Matilda Jane business is now open for sales. Of course nothing sells funky fashion forward clothes better than dressing your kids in it. It is crazy, even taking Maeve to Target brings in potential customers who stop and ask, "Where did you get that outfit!". The outfits are just too cute and well worth it.



Here is Charlotte sporting her new fancy outfit. The clothes certianly fit the personality of the girls.



The girls enjoying some sun at Nanny and Grampys house.



Sisters. They fight like sisters and love like sisters. It has only just begun!


Maeve doing her best impression of the crazy shopping cart lady.


Good thing that Crocodile is stuffed.

This outfit is very suiting for soon to be 2 year old. Crabby. Very crabby.

The frong princess.

Ribbit.

Mom, Dad, & the Girls at the aquarium.

The loved the fish tank. The GIANT fish tank. Bathtime fun!
Bubble gnome

Reach for the sky!

Enjoying some quality time on the boat with gramps.

Cheese! This picture will so come in handy when you come home with boys you want to date. Dad will keep this in his wallet just for those occcasions.

Skiing

January in New England can be miserable. Cold. Dark. Windy. Dreary. Just plain dreadful. However, there are little glimpses of hope. Little windows of opportunity where the sun shines brightly, where the winds calm, and where the air warms enough to make everyone smile. Saturday January 16th was one of those days.

Dad and Charlotte had already planned on skiing that day. As the weekend neared the weather forecast got better we all became excited with anticipation for a great day. We hit the slopes at Pats Peak, only 20 minutes door to door. Since Charlotte has her own skis, we simply grab a free leaners pass and hit the magic carpets. Simple as that.

The sun was out and the temperature seemed to soar to a balmy 40. Charlotte had a blast practicing on the hills and kept asking to go on the chair lift. Unfortunately as good as she is dad was not willing to risk it on a packed Saturday. The Reeves were also on the mountain with the kids and Charlotte was so excited to see them. We skied and Charlotte seemed to get better with every run. As we were skiing the Reeves grabbed a table upstairs on the deck, a perfect place to relax and watch the skiing while enjoying a beer and a burger. Mom and Maeve joined us for lunch and we all had a wonderful time outside soaking up the sun.

We hit the slopes for a few more runs, Charlotte wanting to show off for Maeve and for mom. Maeve laying in the snow and eating it like all kids do, waiting impatiently for her big sister to make it down. She wants to ski too. Hopefully next year she will also learn.

Charlotte flying down the mountain as fast as she could. No fear at all (even though she has fallen many times). She loved it and kept asking for that ride on the chairlift. Next time Charlotte. I promise.

Someone loves skiing!

In line with Kelly and Brodie .
Heading up the magic carpet.
Loving the sun on the deck.
Maeve enjoying a little snack of fresh snow.

Its a New Year

The kids are growing so fast it's nearly impossible to keep up with what is going on. Its been three weeks since the last post. Since then, just few minor things have happened...like CHRISTMAS and NEW YEARS.
So let's take a step back and update you on some of the Christmas 2009 highlights:
*No sick children this year.
*Very little infighting between cousins (boys vs. girls).
*Charlotte & Liam sleeping in the same "bunk room".
*Oodles of toys.
*Snowman making with all the kids.

In all in was a very successfuly Christmas. The kids had a blast and unlike last year we had no trips to the Emergency Room for a kid battling 104 fevers for days due to pneumonia.

What follows Christmas? Well New Years of course.
Highlights of New Years Eve 2009:
*Charlotte and Maeve spent time with their family friends (Mason, Brodie, Adrie, Colin & Brendan.
*Lots of great food and lots of great cocktails.
*Wii bowling. 'nuff said
And unfortunately 1 lowlight:
*Having to leave at 10:30 because Charlotte wouldn't sleep.

Ok, so that covers the last three weeks. Now on to the real reason why you read this blog, the girls:
Maeve (aka Maevey Gravy).
Maeve is just hysterical. She is funny but at the same time extremely sweet, and well...at times very needy. "Hold me!" is her favorite phrase. When she says it she means it. Pick her up or she will cry, there is no getting around it.She usually says it at the most inopportune times, like when you are trying to cook dinner and have something dangerously hot on the stove. "Hold me Daddy!" as I am frying chicken and have spattering hot grease inches from your little body. We have said it before but Maeve also loves to dance and sing. Right now her favorite sing along songs are "Wheels On the Bus" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb." She also like the "ABC's". As for dance music, well, she is a Miley Cyrus fan and loves "Party in the USA". She started dance class as the YMCA and loves it. Maeve is smart. She completely understand everything we say. To me, she is a little old lady in a little girls body. Sounds strange, but thats how I feel about her. She is a tiny adult.





Then there is wacky Charlotte. Aka "Flappy Flapperson".
She is really hard to pick out of a crowd. Maybe you can find her in this picture?
Still cant figure it out? How about you try to find her in this picture?

Like a fish swimming upstream this kid stands out. Life of the party, the kid who wants to play play play, unabounded energy and witty and goofy. You can't help but love her. She is always on the go. Swimming lessons, school, ballet, gymnastics, and now with the cold weather, skiing. Even with all the activities she still has energy. She loves princesses and cars. Dinosaurs and kittens. Jack of all trades Charlotte is a chameleon and seems to adapt to any setting we throw her in. Lately she has been making deals with us. When it's time for bed and I am about to leave her room,
"Goodnight Charlotte" I say, heading for the door.
"Wait wait wait Dad!" Charlote responds. "I have an idea...."
Dad looking at her sternly, "What now Charlotte?"
Charlotte answers in one breath "I have an idea. Dad you go downstairs, and I will go with you, we can let the dogs out and then I will whistle for them to come in and we can ALL go upstairs and YOU can lay right with me and sleep in my bed and then I will sleep in your room until you wake up and then we can go downstairs again. Ok?" Yes, Charlotte the deal maker.

the Hugger

4 more days 'till Frisbee the Elf on the Shelf goes back home (at least for a while).
4 more days 'till the threats of "behaving or Santa will not come" just don't hold as much weight.
4 more days until we realize the space we have in the mini-van is still not enough when you have to pack clothes and presents.
4 more days until our girls are beaming from ear to ear with the excitement of Christmas.

It's hard to tell who is more excited for Christmas. Mom & Dad or Charlotte & Maeve. There is just something wondrous about leaving cookies and carrots out for Santa and his reindeer the night before. Something magical about watching your kids rip through presents buried under the tree on Christmas morning. We are thankful for what we have and if you took all the gifts and boxes away, we would still be blessed with the best gift ever, our family.

Maeve has been practicing her I Love You's lately and it melts our hearts. Today while sitting on the couch next to Charlotte, out of the blue, she looked at her big sister, and said, "I love you Charlotte" and proceeded to give her a giant hug. Charlotte in the meantime kept watching television, like nothing happened. I on the other hand was ready to break down at the love this kid has for her big sister.

Maeve is a love bug. A lot of people say that about their kids, but for Maeve it is true. She loves giving hugs. Loves being held. Loves being carried around the house. She doesn't get glued to a television. She gets glued to your chest, resting her head on your shoulder, squeezing you as tight as her little body can. She is, for lack of a better word, a hugger. My hope for Maeve is that she always stays a hugger. That she will always prefer the warmth of a hug over the bright lights of an exciting television show. So we take the hugs she gives us. We cherish them. Never knowing if she is going to grow out of being a hugger.