I cannot believe its been a month since our adventures in the sunshine state!! I feel like time is eluding me.

My younger brother was graduating from The University of South Florida 😮 How and when did that happen? I must be getting old. No, I’m getting grown. That’s it. Hehe

I am so proud of the man he’s become!!! He had big shoes to fill and he’s doing great, but the journey isn’t over. This is just one chapter. The quest for knowledge should be never-ending.

It was only a four-day trip, so we didn’t get to drive up and down the coast like I normally do and it didn’t help that everyone in my party except me was sick at one point or another; but, you know I made time to take my kids to the beach. The girls had a great time; Batman did too when I could actually pry him from my hips. Yes, he still suffers from separation anxiety.

The greatest moment was when a little girl asked my almost three year old could she talk and she responded in typical Jayla fashion with her witty self, “OF COURSE I KNOW HOW TO TALK” 😂😂 They had no idea that she’s the kid who NEVER stops talking unless she’s sleeping. Seriously! She’s the energizer bunny when it comes to talking!

I wished we had another week or two but we must go home after all I had the twins first birthday party in a few days!

This was my shortest flying trip and I don’t plan to repeat it. EVER. Looking forward to a longer stay in Florida.

Until next time…
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Your kids will LOVE the Children’s Garden!

If they don’t, there’s something wrong, like seriously.

There’s something for everyone. Your inner-child might even resurface and you probably should oblige. You can pick a book from the storybook tree and enjoy the activities. They even provide a ground cover so you can get comfortable (unless you’re like me and travel with your own blanket). There’s a theatre area with costumes if your kids have a flare for the dramatics. There’s a splash pad and even a tree house, the perfect spot for a picnic. Who doesn’t love a tree house?

My baby had so much fun creating this masterpiece for me ☺ I often say she’s the sweetest thing, but she truly is.

They really left no stones unturned. There’s plenty to keep your kids busy and worn out just in time for a nap. Shhhh Don’t forget their bathing suits and some snacks! You can thank me later. He-he

If you visit the garden, please share your experience.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

I really was looking forward to my baby girl starting her educational journey, but these prices are an atrocity! I know she needs the social development aspect, but honestly, she won’t be learning anything I couldn’t teach her at home. Why is the cost of early education so expensive?

My daughter will be three next month! 😥 She has not spent a day in daycare which means her educational foundation rests with us.

She’ll be off to school before I know it. Actually, if it was up to her she would be getting her backpack and getting on a school bus EVERY day. She has an infatuation with school buses; whenever she sees one she asks can she go to school. I dismiss this yearning by telling her all the things (ABCs, numbers, counting, shapes, etc) she must learn before she can actually go to school. This explanation seems to be working, at least for now.

I am a firm believer that EVERYTHING begins at home. Schools are merely there to aid our children’s development, not create it. Their first teacher should be home…whether that be mom or dad the role will vary in your household. With hubby working, I’ve been her main teacher. I have and will continue to work profusely with my daughter to ensure she’s ready for school when that time comes.

This post by no means is meant to brag nor am I eluding that I have all the answers, because I DON’T. We all have different teaching styles and our kids also learn differently. This post is meant to document this time in my daughter’s life. To share this wonderful moment with you. I am very proud of her accomplishments.

It has NOT been easy. At times I’ve yelled more than I should have, but which mama hasn’t? Today I’m proud to say my daughter has mastered the alphabet; not just by memory, but also by recognition.

She’s taught me so much during this process. I’ve learned what various animal babies are called. For instance, a kangaroo baby is called a joey. I learned about newts , umbrellabirds and wapiti . Do you even know what they are? Wapiti has been a big infatuation for the past few weeks. She constantly asks for us to show her pictures on our phones.

I haven’t used any formal books or curriculum. A lot of what she knows is from educational shows. I know they say too much screen time is bad for kid, but my daughter has been an avid television watcher from birth. Now I focus on educational shows such as Super Why, Wallykazam , Team Uomizoomi, Sesame Place, and Mickey Mouse and I interact with her while she’s watching television. Also, we identify shapes and letters every where we go and everywhere around the house.

My next focus is teaching her the difference between capital letters and lower case letters, number recognition and how to write. If you have any tips that worked for your toddler, please share.

The other night we picked up this workbook from BJs. I can’t wait for her to try it out!

WE’RE SO PROUD OF YOU JAYLA!!
~TOODLES~
Stacey

I’ve been contemplating a family photo shoot for weeks now. With just about all the leaves fallen from the trees, rain projections, followed by the coldest fall days this season…a family photo shoot anyone?

The kids were not a fan! Honestly, I don’t think any of us felt like being photo subjects but I know I would regret not taking these photos. After all, last year we did our first family photoshoot on this bridge and as long as we are living in Maryland this will be our yearly photoshoot location.

It was a fairly decent afternoon, partly cloudy skies but temperatures in the sixties until we stepped foot onto the bridge and the wind kicked up a few notches. Being over the lake did not help either but we managed to capture a few moments.

I’m not thrilled with the quality but I know ten years from now I will be glad I did this.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

It was one of the most beautiful fall days.

Temperatures in the low seventies. The sky radiated a perfect shade of blue. The sun kissed your face showcasing your inner glow. You know that pregnancy glow. It almost felt surreal as each step revealed an even more perfect afternoon if that was even possible as the sun glistened on the water as darkness covered the sky.

This definitely is not what one expects on the East Coast a week away from Thanksgiving. For an island girl like me, this was DIVINE. If only there were more fall days like today. I wouldn’t have to dream of warmer places with sand between my toes and waves crashing a shore.

The National Harbor features many fine restaurants and boutique shops along waterfront street. We’ve dined at Grace Mandarin and Bond 47. Both restaurant offers great views of the Potomac River. The macaroni and cheese from Bond is a taste we still savor over a year ago.

The harbor is a nice family gathering place. There’s the Children’s Museum, a playground with a carousel for a nominal fee of course, a green space for the kids to burn some energy and there’s even a sand pit. The kids and I always have a good visit.

Perhaps this will be our last trip before the even gets much cooler and if it is, I think it’s a perfect memory until Spring.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

I’ve explored the Nation’s Capital, Washington DC, quite a bit this past year. It seems only fair that I spread some love this holiday season to the surrounding areas…Virginia are you ready for the Johnson’s? After all, Virginia is for Lovers or so they say, plus it’s my adoptive state since my hubby grew up here.

I’ve been to Richmond many times but it never occurred to me to enjoy its rich history. It’s funny when you have kids how your perspective changes. Rather than seeking the hottest night scenes I’m now drawn to the coolest places to watch tree lighting and holiday lights on display. Who am I?

My MIL have been mentioning a visit to the Jefferson for years but I had no interest until now.

The historic Jefferson Hotel sits a few blocks from Richmond’s city center and VCU. Opened its doors in 1895. It is no longer the place where full size alligators swim in a marble pool inside the Upper lobby, Palm Court, but a tribute to those giant creatures lies just ouside the hotel’s doors.

A lifesize statue of Thomas Jefferson made of Carrera marble greets you in the expansive lobby.

The grandeur of the 36-step carpeted staircase, ornate fixtures and celing in the two story lobby gives you a glimpse of life a few centuries ago. Can you imagine the parties they had here?

The hotel was recently listed in the January’s edition of Southern Living magazine as one of the places to stay if visiting Richmond.

We were running late as usual and as luck would have it, valet parking was full. After looping the block a few times I feared I would miss the tree lighting ceremony but we made it.

Writing this article was such a learning experience for me. I truly enjoyed reading of the history of my adopted city. Richmonders be proud.

After exploring The Jefferson website you will be longing for a visit, I know I was. Many dignitaries and distinguished guests from the Clinton’s to the Obama’s have stayed here. If it’s good for them then it must be for you and me.

I will share my experience when I visit this spring. Until then….
~TOODLES~
Stacey

One of the best places to view lights in the city is the National Zoo. I recommend arriving about an hour before the zoo is transformed into the zoo of lights.

These pictures are not an accurate representation of the beauty you’ll see. It is definitely a family event. Your kids will enjoy being able to identify the many animal-shaped light displays.

The walk isn’t as daunting as a usual day trip to the zoo because only the main walkway is decorated and you won’t have access to the animals after dark.

Best of all its free, so grab the kids and go for a drive.

~TOODLES~
Stacey

I told you that I would be back for a visit when the twinsies can run around with big sister. Well, they weren’t exactly running, but Nelle was walking and Batman was trying. He could walk by holding my hand and that was good enough for me.

My younger sister spent a portion of summer break with us and she wanted to go into the city. You know how much I love the city!
~TOODLES~
Stacey

I know we can’t be pleased. When it’s spring, we dream of summer and now that it’s sweltering hot, we dream of spring. Dreaming won’t change a thing; it is what it is.

I missed the peach blossoms along the tidal basin earlier this year, but I think I still was able to capture a few great shots.

With each petal falling along the way, I knew it was the end of this magical time.

And again, while I didn’t get to see DC in all its glory this year, I know just how glorious it was. Until next year…
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Last weekend the rave was all about the Pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo. People came out by the thousands. The line was long, everyone waiting anxiously in the cold to get a view of the newest member of the panda family, Bei Bei, making his grand entrance to the public at four months old.

Bei Bei, whose name means precious treasure, was born August 22, 2016.

Naming ceremony September 25th

We finally made it to the front of the line

Inside, the kids tried to get a better view of Bao Bao (Big sister)

During my research, I was surprised to learn that Bei Bei had a sister, Mei Xiang (May-SHONG)…YES! making them fraternal twins.

According to the National Zoo’s website, giant pandas give birth to twins approximately 50 percent of the time. Mei’s birth was only the third time a giant panda living in the United States has given birth to twins and only two other successful twins around the world.

Human intervention was crucial during the first week; they nursed (bottle and tube) and cared for the cubs when they weren’t with mom, Mei. Panda moms typically do better with single pregnancies. Unfortunately, the smaller cub passed away at just 4 days old.

The story of these Panda cubs will forever hold dear to my heart as I reflect on the first few weeks after giving birth to my fraternal twins. I wouldn’t have survived without the support of the nursing staff and my family.

Tian Tian (Dad)

Mei Xiang (Mom)

Bao Bao (Big sister)

So where are the pics of Bei Bei. Unfortunately the adorable little panda decided he’d rather have a nap. We didn’t even get a glimpse.

I guess this only means one thing – we’ll have to visit again soon. ☺

Stay warm my friends! Winter has awakened.
~TOODLES~
Stacey