The LaGreca Family

That’s right – as of right now, we are in FIRST place for the Playspace contest. It’s a $25,000 grant for a NEW playground!

The first round of the contest ends on Tuesday, Aug 31st — which leaves a lot of time for the 2nd and 3rd place teams to rally their troops.  Little do they know that Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool has a pretty good rally leader on their team.

We still need lots of help!

Fletcher Hills Pres Playspace Page

Click the link above and add to our score.

(1) Register with Kaboom (you need an email address — and an email confirmation will be sent to your address before you are registered)

(2) You have to BECOME a FAN of our page (there is blue button on the right/middle side of our page — click there)

(3) Add points to our score!  There are 3 ways to help.

*Rate our playground (10 pts)

*Leave comments (5 pts each, with a max of 5 comments)

*Post pictures (10 pts for EACH picture). I have a TON of pictures that need to be posted, so if you would like to really help out – send me an email and I will send you 5 pictures to post

Thanks to everyone for all the help. I really think we have a chance to win this thing — but, we have to make it to the next round where the judges will select only 10 playgrounds to advance. If we are NUMBER ONE, I would think our chances are GREAT at making it to the next level.

Do you ever think to yourself — “Why can’t I just be content?” It’s a simple question…but I bet your answer is probably complicated, just like mine.

There is always SOMETHING, right? If it’s not this, it’s that. We fix one thing and something else breaks. We clean up a room only to find it dirty/messy 5 minutes later. One good night’s sleep followed by 5-6 awakenings the next night. It’s always something.

Do I sound like the Mother of two young children — just trying to make it through another day? Yup.

You know, it’s not bad…it’s just hard. And it’s really no surprise, after all — who ever said that raising kids was easy?

Tonight, both boys were in bed, asleep by 8:02pm. That is miracle. I was happy. It’s 8:45pm, and I have already taken my shower. Another miracle. Now, if I can convince myself to turn the light out by 9:30pm…that would surely be the third miracle of the night!

So I guess I should feel content right about now, right? It sure sounds like it…but, it was a tough day. A very long day. It didn’t end up quite like I would have liked it — but as they say, “there is always tomorrow.”

Maybe tomorrow I will feel more content…after all, that is the way Anthony lives his life. How hard can it be?

Day 1 – Back to work. I survived

It was a million times easier than my Day 1 with Nicholas. I was a complete disaster back then….and I was leaving him with Daddy!

This time I was fully confident that Anthony would be in the best hands possible. And I also kept in mind that I only had to work 2 straight days and then I would get to work from home for a day.

Everyone at the office seemed happy to have me back. I missed quite a bit (some of which I am thankful for) but, I think I will be able to jump back in without a problem. Well…I take that back…I am going go be incredibly tired by Friday. That 5:15am alarm is EARLY!

I meant to snap a picture of my baby tonight so I would have something to post..but I was too busy cuddling and staring at him

**It was a big day for NCL, too. Not only did he move up to the 3 year preschool class (today was the first day of the Fall Session at school) but he did his VERY first #2 in a “public” toilet (public meaning: outside of our house!). Sorry if that is gross to anyone, but it’s our current life and we couldn’t be more proud of him. Have to celebrate all the good with Nicholas..seems like things are getting a big better with him. We are seeing some good days…and its nice.

Survival…it’s another name for parenthood.

I honestly feel like the last 6-12 months have been all about survival (maybe even the last 2 1/2 years). Which is why I think it’s a good acronym for parenthood.

Random thoughts as my birthday comes to a close:

I most definitely feel another year older. With every argument I have with NCL and every night of lost sleep..I feel like my aging is moving at a very rapid pace (I know I am not alone in this).

I totally get it. I understand why couples stop at 2 kids. It is very clear to me—wanting a “big family” has quickly been replaced with wanting a “good day” with NCL. I honestly can’t even imagine adding another human being to this rollercoaster.

I am told often “it gets easier” and “he won’t be like this forever”. At this point I believe people — but man, it’s hard to hold onto a future when you are living (and drowning) in the present struggles.

I have always told Joe that NCL was a good kid and he wasn’t as difficult as Joe said he was. Joe always says “we got the advanced model” — meaning the extra energetic, hard to deal with kid. I am finally going to have to agree with Joe. I have been around quite a few 2-3 year old kids lately and NCL stands out in the crowd….for many reasons. I am just thankful that I have a strong partner in this life because I am pretty sure I couldn’t deal with this on my own. I am cracking under pressure….I feel it every single day.

I go back to work in 1 1/2 weeks…I am terrified.

I have NO idea how I manage to get the laundry done. Or how I find time to load the dishwasher…how in the WORLD will I get these things done when I go back to work?

Today didn’t feel like my birthday. But I think that’s normal. It really IS just like any other day. Today was actually harder than most days…which is why NCL was in bed by 6:15pm. Too bad little Anthony is STILL awake and it’s 10:20pm. And if tonight is anything like the last 3+ weeks – NCL will be awake (crying) in about 45 minutes…and that will be the first awakening in the night. If we are lucky, it will only happen twice.

I got 2 gift certificates for the movies, for my birthday. I have to laugh because I have NO idea how we will ever use them. That would mean we would need to find a sitter for both kids…and it can’t be a late show because there is mo way we could stay awake. I guess we can wait a few years to cash in on the movie gift cards…as long as we don’t forget about them.

I am glad I have other Mom-friends that are experiencing similar trials — trying to survive with 2 kids. Just hearing them say “I totally know how you feel!” is comforting (somehow).

Potty training is a big commitment. I knew it would be. Maybe that is why we waited so long. I wonder how long it will take? We have yet to have a successful “public” potty. But he doing really well at home.

I usually LOVE shower time at night…the last few nights, I haven’t even wanted to take a shower. Bed sounds a whole lot better.

I wasn’t meant to be a preschool teacher (not that I ever wanted to be one), but after volunteering in the 2yr old VBS class at church this week (my sons class of 14 kids)…I have a new appreciation for ALL preschool teachers. They are angels. They are heroes. They are simply amazing.

Enough of my random thoughts. I could probably go on forever.

Time to shut the light out on 31 and begin the journey of 32. Good-night.

This was the ONE thing that I missed the most while we were on our 7 week adventure….

I know, it doesn’t look like it’s anything special..but believe me. I have enjoyed sitting in it since the MINUTE we arrived home.

(I have also enjoyed the dishwasher….and having my own washer/dryer…..nothing like 7 weeks away to make you REALLY appreciate what you have at home, right?)