WANTED: PATIENCE

It's been one of those days...when I could cry, but I try to laugh instead. It's raining. Maddox has been whining since he woke up. I need lots of this (LOVE) and lots and lots of patience for today.

I spent what seemed like all morning making potato salad. Because, well, I was craving it.

Maddox loved it as much as I did, along with carrots dipped in Ranch and pickles out of the jar.

Oh look! It's a smile. Maybe Mr. Grump (and the rain) will be gone when Maddox wakes up from his nap.

SPILLED MILK

Big boy bowl. Big boy spoon.

And spilled milk with Cheerios everywhere. But look how cute.

HAPPY EASTER

We got to church at 9:03 am...only 3 minutes late!

Unfortunately Easter pictures didn't go so well, but take 2 in the nursery for Maddox DID - and his number never popped up! One of the nursery caretakers had to walk him up and down the hallway and let him hear the music, BUT the point is he stayed with her and didn't cry. We are making progress!!

After a lovely long nap (that we all three enjoyed), we headed to a friend's house for Easter dinner. Ham, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, and cherry cheesecake. Oh yes, DELISH. Good food, family, and friends - a very good Easter.

EASTER EXPLOSION

After yoga lastnight, I counteracted an amazing workout with some Chick-Fil-A. Maddox knew it, too. Can he really smell waffle fries? Maybe. The night ended with him in our bed. I woke up (not sore this time - yay!), still in my yoga clothes, and it was a beautiful day. Time for the Easter Explosion at the Village of Baytowne Wharf!!

We ate lunch at a 50's-style diner. They had cute kid cups. And even cuter homemade malts and shakes, but I passed (ahhh...self-control, so hard sometimes).

Maddox and Andrew colored a 50's-style diner hat.

Looks good! Now where is my cheeseburger?

Ohhh, there it is. Let me tell you - I ate the WHOLE thing. Usually the kids size is plenty for me, but not this time. Best. burgers. ever.

Then came the Easter Bunny. Maddox didn't cry!!! That is a breakthrough.

The lines for the other Easter stuff were too long.  And Maddox is too young anyway to really care about balloon animals, sparkly hats or face paint.

So we just walked around. And Maddox managed to eat an entire Tootsie pop (hey, it kept him quiet in the stroller). That boy has some teeth!

My little indulgence came from this wonderful store. I got a bag of homemade saltwater taffy that is yum, yum, yum. I could kick myself, though, for passing up the chocolate pretzels and giant peanut butter cups!

When the Tootsie pop was gone, Maddox was ready to go, too.

So away we went,  back to Ft. Walton Beach. I really, really love where we live.

HERE AND THERE

This is why Publix is the best place to grocery shop (or do an evening preggo craving run for sour gummies, pickle chips and snickers) with your toddler. It's brilliant and works every time!

Today I knew that I was staying home from the moment I woke up and felt blahhh. No makeup, no real clothes...just stretch pants, lots of tv, dusting one million blinds (the people that lived here before seriously NEVER dusted a single thing), and being silly with  a 19-month-old. Luckily Maddox was in a wonderful, rare mood, where he was happy and entertained himself ALL DAY.

We got a great surprise when the mailman knocked at our door. It was an Easter package from Mimi and Grandpa for Mr. Maddox and he loved it. I'm not going to lie - I had some of those M&Ms too.

We were excited to see Daddy tonight. Maddox even did  a little dance. Then he showed him his surprise package and yep, Andrew had some of those M&Ms as well.

Here are the men of the family on our deck (hoping to see some ducks) after a yummy dinner of copycat Olive Garden soup and homemade breadsticks that kinda turned our wrong (they weighed like 10 lbs) but still tasted DELISH.

I love these two a lot. That's why I can't stop taking pictures of them. :)

EASTER FUN

Maddox is the newest member of Shoreline's playgroup. Today he experienced what every kid loves: an Easter egg hunt.

We had perfect weather.

And tons of kids/moms. The rules were laid out and then...the hunt began!

At first, Maddox thought he was supposed to put his eggs in this girl's basket. She was pretty happy with that and didn't protest.

Then, he realized that the eggs had CANDY inside. So, his strategy changed. He stopped giving away his eggs.

He was completely content with his five eggs in the end. His main focus: eating all the candy as fast as possible.... And stealing other kids' candy when they weren't looking.

But it's ok. I think all the toddlers did a bit of stealing, like his partner in crime here, Lillian.

There was plenty of sugar to go around. See? Rainbow cupcakes and homemade banana ice cream. This was a pregnant woman's dream.

Maddox's favorite thing, though, even above candy and blue Koolaid and girls with long ponytails was: the pink Dora the Explorer Big Wheel. Once he found it he didn't leave it's side. I am tempted to buy one for him. Very tempted.

All in all, the egg hunt was a success. I met some awesome women, enjoyed the beautiful weather and watched Maddox run and play with kids instead of being a clinging vine. Grandmas, watch out, your little baby is growing up!

THE GOOD LIFE

These are some of the things that make my days happier. The perfect coffee, sunshine, a beautiful view, and chubby baby feet.

Maddox's day got happier when he got a new toy - an early present from the Easter Bunny.

Plus his daddy surprised him for lunch so that put a big smile on his face.

Life here in Florida has been rather sweet lately. And that's how we like it.