Big Changes

Big changes are on the way around here. Well, about 5 months away...but getting closer every day. Presley is super excited about becoming a BIG SISTER in April of next year.

We are so excited about this new adventure and I am excited and feel very blessed to be pregnant again. It's different the second time around, in a good way! My worries & anxiety are not completely gone, but I think I have been slightly calmer during these first 14 weeks than I was last time.....just knowing that my body can do this. This time I know from experience that, yes, it is all worth it. This time I am going to savor these moments and not rush it because now I know how quickly life passes by.

Lots going on this week with Fall Festival and Halloween on Thursday. Crossing my fingers that little lady wants to wear her costume. Checking back in later this week with pics of my cute little owl!!

3 Days of Potty Training Thoughts

Honestly, when I heard you could potty train a toddler in 3 days, I didn't really believe it, but I was willing to give it a go. We have been so impressed with how quickly and easily Miss P caught on.  A little potty training journal........

Day 1 Thoughts

• Started at 6:00 am. As the book instructed, we went straight to big girl panties. We went to the mall the day before and stocked up, I let her pick them out so she was very excited about it!
• I encouraged her to drink fluids all day----she even got juice, which is not a daily thing with us. 
• Had a total of 5 accidents in day one. Not too bad. 
• I decided to continue to use pull ups at nap and night time. I think when she starts waking up dry repeatedly, we will completely retire that. She did have a 2 hour dry nap, so I think that's a good sign.
• Instead of asking "Do you have to teetee?" you should say, "Don't for get to tell us if you have to go teetee and we will run to the potty."
• I like how the book made a point of discouraging going to the potty to 'try,' they need to learn to go to the potty when they have to go. This method definitely teaches that
• We used lots of positive reinforcement! She gets 2 mini M&M's after each successful potty trip and lots of hugs, "I'm proud of yous," and high fives!

Day 2 Thoughts

• I am too exhausted to even think. No, seriously, my child was so eager to continue training that she woke up at 5:20. The sun wasn't even up!
• I am thinking that this was WAY too easy. We have had zero accidents today. I am so surprised, and I don't want to speak too soon, but I think she is catching on.

Day 3 Thoughts

• I am so glad that we decided to go this route for potty training.
• Another day with ZERO accidents. Amazing!
• We even left the house today. I ran a quick errand and went for an hour walk---all with big girl panties on.

I hope that this sticks because there is no way I am going back! We get a little diaper break, what a treat! I would recommend following the steps in Lora Jensen's book 3 Day Potty Training to anyone who has a toddler who is ready to train.

This was such a fun weekend, but I have to say I am glad it is coming to an end. Potty Training is exhausting!

Potty Boot Camp

What are you doing this weekend? I bet it is not as exciting as Potty Boot Camp! We are jumping in with two feet, committing to being 'homebound' for 3 days straight and we are going to get this girl out of diapers forever.

It all began about 3 weeks ago when we noticed that P was showing an increasing interest in the potty and her teachers suggested that we get started and they would help along while she is at school. My thought was, well these ladies have potty trained far more children than I have, so why not?! Week one was great---she was so successful at school, but at home not so much. I contribute it to inconsistency on our part (oops). Week two and three were not so good. Famous words became, "no peepee potty, I play." However, at home she has been doing okay.

We all know that I am impatient and I am thinking, how long can this game go on? Months before she is actually trained? Thanks, but no thanks.

So here I sit, reading this book, and plotting our plan of attack. The first thing I leaned from 3 Day Potty Training is that you should never begin without a definite plan. Well that was mistake number one!

Starting fresh bright and early Saturday morning! It will be a weekend of football, potty, lots of liquids, and probably several loads of laundry. Are you jealous?

And this is how she feels about it. Not really, she's super excited to be a 'big girl!'

Reporting back Monday night!

Miss P turns Two

I think I've avoided this post because I still can not believe I have a two year old. An official toddler-in her 'terrible twos.' Oh, wait, she just told me "no, mama" followed by "hush, mommy" a record 15 times this afternoon. I take that back, I do believe I have a two year old.

Her party turned out perfect in every way and she was just the center of attention all day---all week long for that matter. We do birthday weeks around here! She soaked it up and completely understood that it was her "happy day." (as she called it)

I guess our theme this year was 'fish/pool' (I am not really a theme girl---I prefer color pallets) All the snacks were in fish bowls, I had blue jello in individual cups, and a cute little hand print activity for the little ones.

Details:

Food table. We had grilled hot dogs and some east snacks. Glad to say I did not spend hours in the kitchen preparing food this year! Oh, and that banner is reused from last year.

 Fruit kabobs are such a hit with kids---and adults really. The marshmallows are a nice surprise!

 Cake Balls by Eggleston's Edibles

 Homemade cake by myself. I wanted it simple, and fluffy.

 Monogrammed romper from Smocked Auctions. It just so happened to go with the colors perfectly.

 Presley's BFF, Lola.

 Make a wish!

 Handprint fishies. Her swimsuit was too cute, it had an embroidered pink fish on it.

She applauded every gift. I'd say she was impressed!!

I can hardly wait to celebrate this girl for many years to come. She is our most precious blessing & I am lucky to be her mama. Next year though, I think we are doing an easy birthday. But----I said that last year too.