DOVE FAMILY

YES! Julia has finally stopped using her ninny/binky - cold turkey! Julia can not fall asleep at night without her ninny. After a long night of waking up three times in the wee hours of the morning searching for her ninn, I finally had enough. That morning during a big helping of pancakes, I told Julia that she is now a big girl and we have to give all of her ninnys to other babies. She nodded her head while scooping up a forkful of pancakes and said ok. I told her that since she was a big girl we could go to the store and pick out a lamb, bear or stuffed animal that she can sleep with (to replace her ninny) Easy enough!

Now, let's tackle that other little problem...potty training!

Oh yes- our Spring soccer season will be very busy this year. We joined Julia on the Mini's soccer team this spring and Matthew is now in the 5-6 clinics! Although Julia is a bit young to start soccer, we wanted her to be able to go out and play with friends, have fun on the soccer field and just enjoy it. Julia is very timid when meeting new people so we knew that she would have a hard time on her first season. We also thought this may help her shyness around new kids and new people. Many mommys & daddys are on the field with the little soccer players their first season, sometimes even into their second season. Matthew was also very timid in the beginning but now he is out there on his own, playing soccer, having fun, playing games and enjoying the sport. The coaches at Julia's age are all about fun, the object at this age is for the kids to have fun with the soccer ball. All we do at practice is play red light, green light, race, kick the ball in the goal and so many other games.

Matthew's team is very focused- although the kids still like to pick flowers, chase eachother and lose focus when a dog comes running onto the field. They are still having fun, playing different games and learning to have fun with the sport.

Yes! She kicked a goal all by herself!

Julia with her jersey for Saturday's game!

Matthew & his soccer friends!

Julia & mommy trying to get to the other side of the field! A little encouragement from mommy helps. Trust that you will see lots of pictures of me with Julia on the soccer field this season!

March 12th David turned the good ol age of 39! We had a little lunch at his mom's house and the weather was so perfect that we spent most of the afternoon playing football, baseball, riding bikes and running after the kids! We had such a yummy meal of turkey, potatoes, shrimp and of course excellent cake! Happy Birthday Baby- we love you!










Friendly football game-- Eric, Nicholas, Jim & David!

Yes-- March is another month where we have 3 birthday celebrations! This past weekend, we had a fun celebration at Port Discovery for Alex- my 3 year old nephew. He & his mom (my sister in law) Ashley actually share the same birthday March 5th! This was our first time at Port Discovery in Baltimore, MD and every one had so much fun. This place is a children's museum that allows kdis to explore, play, climb and use all of their senses in many different ways.
We are definately coming back becuase we did't get a chance to explore all of the fun rooms! Alex had a super fun part filled with family, friends, pizza, cake and presents of course!

Lola & Julia painting a portrait

Julia, Natalia & Lola chillin on a bean bag!

Julia & Lola...again :)

Dylan climbing & exploring! I saw lots of moms & dads trying to

get through this little tunnel!

Dylan & daniel made it to the TOP of the indoor tree house!

Who's that in the drain? Dylan!

Party room- we were making pirate treasures!

Me & Julia at Wonders of Water! Yes- she got wet and YES she loved it!

Matthew & David drawing a beautiful picture

Another one that we found in the drain! Daniel!