Walking on Sunshine

We have had lots of fun around here since my last post...piano recital, my brother's birthday, Mother's day, sunshine, a girl's tea, Beppe's birthday party and a farm field trip to name a few.

Kyleigh was amazing at her piano recital. She was the youngest one there and was scheduled to play first. I was worried she would freak out and decide not to play, but she just went right up there and did her thing. What a proud mommy moment! Kyleigh was so proud of herself as well and instead of doing the bow after playing, like we practiced, she did an adorable little skip/run towards us.
Here she is looking all tiny at the piano and then tiny with her group of Suzuki pianists:

(purposely blurred)

The more I think about it, the more I am so amazed at how much my little princess has changed over the last year or so. Last January she was struggling to cope in an unparented kindermusik class, begging us to stay for the first few classes. She didn't even leave the bench at the side of the room for the first class. Now she looks forward to preschool, runs into dance class and plays piano in front of a crowd. Boy does it feel great to see that all of the time spent being gentle, allowing her to warm up in her own time, is paying off. She is blossoming. I feel so blessed to be her mom, she is such a "smarty-pants" (our name for each other), she has a tender heart and is developing her own wonderful personality. Loving it!!

At her preschool farm field trip, Kyleigh totally did her thing with no hesitation. She isn't really an animal gal and seems to be the "city girl" type, but she didn't let the opportunity to experience the farm pass her by. Kyleigh rode in a tractor and on a pony without fear, walked right into the chicken coop, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy herself. I am so thrilled that she had so much fun. She said her favourite animals at the farm were the cows, which is hilarious since she stayed so far away from them and thought they were "really stinky".

Alyssa also had a pretty good time exploring. I forgot to bring the ring sling, so my arms sure got a workout carrying this 24 pound toddler most of the morning. Not that I'm complaining about snuggle time with my little one.

Beppe (my grandma) had a birthday and we had a little family get-together, which means Kyleigh and Alyssa got to play with their cousin and eat cake. Can life get any better?

We've had lots of fun lately, and now the May long weekend is here! I'm excited for what is to come this weekend, hopefully it includes a bike ride or two.

And I just have to add in a picture of our rain boots, aren't they fun?! We are all set for singing in the rain and puddle jumping.

Here you go, babe!

Well, my husband informed me last night that he had been checking this blog and hadn't seen a new post in 8 days. Knowing that someone is actually waiting for me to update it motivated me to get my butt back in gear (even if it is just my husband and he already knows what's been happening around here). So, here you go, babe! 

I seem to go through phases of feeling almost balanced between work and home life, and phases of feeling completely unbalanced. Right now I feel completely unbalanced, like the three days a week that I work is too much and I wish I could spend more time at home. Keeping up with the house and other demands seem overwhelming right now and my heart aches a bit when I think of missing time with my little girls. But, it's off to work tomorrow anyways. And we'll all survive.

Over the past couple of weeks the girls have learned a little lesson in sharing. Alyssa has a long way to go before understanding that concept. A very long way.

The lesson in sharing started out with this chair that daddy brought home from Ikea. It is super fun because it spins, but of course they both want to be in/on it ALL of the time. Not so fun. Alyssa cries and screams like it is the end of the world when Kyleigh takes her turn. Thankfully sometimes they share and spin on it at the same time, giggling away in their girly way. Awww. Peace for a moment.

Some moments of time with these two girls are like glimpses of heaven and they cause my heart to swell with love. I think in this situation, pictures say a thousand words (although the pics are blurry since I can't seem to convince them to stay still!).

Hmmm...what else has been happening around here? Oh, we've had some Spring weather! That's something to get excited about! That means time at the park and practicing with the stride bike.

Kyleigh went to a "fancy" birthday party last week and of course had to have fancy hair for the occasion! Grandma brought over her curlers, what fun! I can't believe my little girl is old enough to be dropped off at a birthday party. I'm so proud of her for being confident enough to do that, but sad at the same time that she is growing up so fast. I have a feeling I'm not the only mom who feels this way!

Note the little fairy dancing in the background :)

Over the past 4 months we have had some tough piano practice sessions with the big girl, which is of course expected when a 3/4 year old learns to play piano. But last night there was a little glimpse that our perseverance is paying off. Kyleigh had a great piano lesson. She came home and said "Daddy, I played all of Honey Bee, I got to start a new song and Miss Renee gave me a high five. I am SO proud of myself!" We are looking forward to Kyleigh's piano recital this Saturday and here is a little sneak peak of the song she will (hopefully) perform.

That's all for now! The littlest one has woken up from her nap and is laughing in her crib...I'm off to find out what's so funny and I have to admit I'm a little nervous to find out ;)