Pure Family. Pure Love. Pure Michigan.

My husband and I have decided that we are going to start taking FULL advantage of our family time together, with Teagan, before Juliana arrives.  Furthermore, once Juliana is born, we're going to start spending family time together visiting places and spaces right here in our home state, Michigan!  Because I am taking a very-much-needed ten weeks off of work for maternity leave, this summer is going to be an awesome time to embark in activities and visits, to places that are located in the Mitten State.

Last weekend we visited the Children's Museum--where Lance taught Teagan how to milk a dairy cow.  P.S. for growing up in a small town in Michigan, my husband is soooo not a country boy ;)

We played at the water table, which is the absolute messiest learning station they have at the museum--FYI  :)

We planted some 'Forget Me Nots' in honor of Earth Day!

We played in the maze--mama had a hard time fitting in the little spaces!

We made a stop at the 'Dentist' where we were intrigued with the mouth--and got to sit inside of it!

And finally, we weren't about to call our visit to the Museum complete without a beautiful cupcake face-painted on Teagie Tot's cheek!  By this point, she was SO tired and about to fall asleep.

Overall, we had such a great day!  It was so much fun to hang out together as a family:)  

Not sure who had more fun though, my two year old--or my HUSBAND.  Here he is hanging out at the 'Eye Doctor'!  LOL!

What type of things do you like to do with your kiddos that the entire family enjoys?  What are some cool MUST SEE/DO family attractions in your home state?

Earache or Separation Anxiety?

I have the absolute most laid back child I've ever seen.  Since the day she was born, she has been a very happy, healthy and calm child.  These past couple nights, I'm trying to find where that child has gone...

It all started Saturday night. The night my husband left the state for three weeks for work.  Teagan started throwing these random temper tantrums, wanting to be held constantly and didn't seem to have much of an appetite.  Today is the first day that I've questioned if my independent, outgoing, and charismatic child has an ear ache or if she is experiencing a mild case of separation anxiety from her father... 

Since day 1, T has been daddy's little princess.  Their bond is unbreakable and really very admirable.  There was never a question in my mind that my husband would be a great father, but his natural parenting skills have definitely outweighed my expectations.  He changes diapers, gives baths and sometimes is the only one who can put T to sleep.

My poor baby girl.  I know she's missing her daddy, but I'm thinking if T's behavior persists, I'll be taking her for a visit to the doc.  I'm up in arms right now.  I've asked day care if they've noticed anything out of the norm, and of course they gave me the usual report of how perfect my child is and how she's been good as gold.  If she had an ear ache, I think that someone else would notice symptoms---at least someone else who knows Teagan's normal behavior.

This morning, T ate half of a pb&j  and drank an entire sippy cup of milk before we went to daycare.  She had a yogurt, banana, sandwich, crackers and veggies for lunch and snack and for dinner, she devoured three ham roll ups.  I think it's safe to say that her appetite is back.  Tonight T and I cuddled extra long, read a lot of books. over.and.over, and goofed around while she roared with laughter and endless chatter.  At 9:00 when I put her to bed she barely made a peep, and was sleeping for the night.

Being a parent is seriously the most rewarding thing that I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of, but sometimes I worry myself sick wondering if I'm doing the right thing and making the right choices.  T is going to my mom's tomorrow, and I'm going to see if she notices anything different.  If so, you better believe we'll be seeing her doc ASAP.  Otherwise we'll chalk it up as a case of my precious babe who just needs her daddy's loving touch <3