Happy Birthday to Us!

The girls turned two officially on Saturday at 12:05am and 12:06am. I can vaguely remember waking up at the hospital after having slept for three hours in a total fog. I was a mess. The anesthesia didn't agree with me and I was sick for the next several days (and all through my csection). But let me tell you, it was worth it. Look at those beauties. Love you girls! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I am thankful everyday for you two. Love you, Mu-mah xoxo

Terrific and Terrible Twos ... Ready or Not, Here We Come!

The girls turn two on Saturday. Where does the time go? I can't believe it.

Just in time for their birthday, I purchased a "time out" chair. It's a small, pink, hand-painted chair I picked up at Home Goods that says, "Even princesses sometimes need a time out."

When I came home with the chair I explained that it was a naughty chair (trying to channel Nanny Jo here) and that they would have to sit in it when they didn't listen to mommy. Well, I think it all went in one ear and out the other.

They love that chair. They stand on it. They fight each other to sit in it. They push it around. They put their dollies in it.

Just yesterday, Izzy was standing on the dining room table and I told her to get off and sit down. She laughed in my face so I picked her up and sat her down in the chair. She had a grin from ear to ear. With that, Zoe climbs up onto the table and stands up and starts to laugh. I pick her up and stand her over by Izzy. They start to push each other for a piece of the chair to sit on. I am thinking we need another chair. They are going to be warming that corner for a while.

I wouldn't say the girls are terrible, but they definitely are defiant. I guess that is the age though. They are really smart so I know they understand they aren't supposed to do certain things, but then when I tell them no, they think it's a game. Or rather they turn it into a fun game to seek attention -- all the while negative attention -- from mommy.

We have a small back yard that runs into woods. Most of our street is on a hill so the houses have more front yard then back yard, but we recently moved in and haven't decided whether we will clear out more woods for lawn area. Right now we're fine with our patch of grass. It's perfect toddler size. However, the problem is that when the grass ends, there is quite a steep slope into the woods. There is mulch, which is slippery, and then rocks and such. Let's just say you wouldn't want to slip and slide down the hill, let alone a toddler.

Every day they look at me, laugh and then run for the edge. They wait for me to come and grab them and I put them in time out (put them inside for two minutes). The problem is that while I am bringing one to time out inside, the other is copying her sister and running for the woods. They cry and complain and when they come out I try and explain what happened and why. Usually I get a reprieve but shortly after they are back at the game. Then I usually give up.

We HEART Daddy

Lincoln Park - Jackman Ave Playground

This playground is in the Stratfield area of Fairfield, CT. You can search for it on Google Maps. Just search for Lincoln Park, in FFLD, CT.

PROS: It is a wonderful playground for toddlers in that it has shade, is fenced in and has a variety of climbing opportunities, slides and swings. There is also a sandbox and picnic tables. The playground is in a quiet, residential area and there is a Fire Station across the street, which is nice in case of emergency. The area is always clean and it's easy to watch multiple children.

CONS: Sometimes there are older grade school children that swing very high on the older kids' swings. However, when asked to watch out for the younger children, they have complied. It's somewhat off the beaten path, but is worth the drive!

So cute

Loving this t-shirt and this one too.

Playgrounds

There are so many wonderful playgrounds in Fairfield County, but you have to know where to look. I never thought to look on the town Web site, but it lists all the playgrounds in the area. It's still hard to tell the pros/cons from the links, but it's a start for one to investigate.

With two toddlers under toe, the criteria that matter most include:

* Safety & Location: Playgrounds with gates are few and far between, but they exist. It doesn't have to be within walking distance but it needs to be off a main road. You never know when someone is going to decide not to listen.

* Age-Appropriate: Toddler-friendly playscapes with stairs that aren't steep and slides made for their size. It's also nice when the company is similar in age. This way the kids can make friends and you don't have older kids playing too aggressively.

* Perks: Sandboxes, toys and picnic benches can help make a playground more than a pit stop!

So I thought I would try and blog about the different playgrounds and post photos so local moms can decide for themselves and discover a new place to bring their tots!

First up, Lincoln Park on Jackman Avenue in the Stratfield section of Fairfield. See my next post.