Potty Talk

Julian has me impressed.  We started potty training 2 & 1/2 weeks ago and he is totally getting the hang of it!  It could be that I was putting him on the toilet every couple hours.  Maybe it helped that I let Noah teach him how to pee outside on the bushes.  Or possibly watching his big brother use the toilet has been the main factor in his success.  Which ever it is I am very proud of his strides to becoming a big boy.

In the past few days he has even started to tell me when he has to go #1.  He wakes me up in the morning to let me know he is dry and needs to potty.  And throughout the day he says "MOMMY!  I have to go pee-pee!" and he's running off to the toilet.  Just today he had the same exclamation, but for #2!  #2 PEOPLE!  That's a gigantic step!  Even more gigantic that he actually did it!

I am a very proud mommy tonight.  Let's hope I am not jinxing the progress of this endeavor and Julian continues on his path to freedom from diapers.  Next step...no diaper at night (he is already napping in his undies with no accidents - knock on wood).

Little Froggy Potty Chair only lasted a few says before Julian wanted to use the big-guy toilet.

DOH!

Caution, now entering Bart Simpson territory.  We took an impromptu trip to Vegas over the weekend.   11 out of 13 pictures of Noah - where he was actually looking at the camera, are chalk-full of goofy faces.  I guess when I say "say cheese" it's a sign to go cross-eyed.  Here are a few examples of his tomfoolery.  

Extreme Smile

Sad Face

Crazy Face

Crazy Face revised with Prom Hand

5 months

 

New Princess Coming To Town

Baby Girl sucking her thumb

Baby Girl looking cozy 

When Leo and I first heard the baby girl news at the ultrasound appointment we were more scared than excited.  Actually you could probably say we were both terrified.  There was complete silence in the room when the nurse announced we were looking at little lady bits.  There were fearful eyes and tense smiles.  Just prior to that Leo blurted out that he saw a penis...it was then I realized we were both on board for another boy.  Heck, we knew what to do with a boy.  We knew what to expect.  We are headed into uncharted territory here.

Jump to a couple days later.  The nervousness subsided and we started to get really excited about having a little girl.  Is she going to bring an air of calm to the house, or is she going to be rough-and-tumble to keep up with her brothers?  Am I going to be a "play dress up with my little doll" kind of mom, or raise a tom-boy?  Either way I know it will be fun to buy dresses, bloomers, ruffle butt pants, tu-tu's, mini pink Adidas gear, sparkly shoes, headbands and everything pink and purple in absolute and unnecessary excess (which I got to do for the first time this afternoon - thanks Mom!).  It has been quite nice to hear the boys talk about their sister, and Leo about his daughter.  


We've been scouring our brains, books and internet for the perfect name.  We are asking Noah and Julian for their input as well.  Since they both knew it was a girl maybe they have the inside track on a great name.  All we know for sure is she will carry on the middle name my mom and I share.  A nice and easy legacy to work with since it pretty much fits well with any first name.


Noah has a short list of names he's picked, which we pretty much vetoed right away - but they are amusing.  Every time I ask him it changes and I'm highly curious as to where some of these names came from.

• Jessica
• Sheila
• Calypso (Pirates of the Caribbean)
• Delilah (maybe from the song)
• Felicia (Shrek)

So, now there is an official heir to my throne...a new princess coming to town.  I guess that makes me the Queen.  I'm good with that.

Happy Birthday Leo

Today is Leo's birthday.  Every day since I met him 10 years ago I've been grateful that he is in my life.  He is my best friend and confidant.  He's been my partner in crime and knight in shining armor.  We've shared good times and survived a few that are debatable.  Had lots of laughs and a few tears (on my end).  Made new friends and visited lots of places.  Made absolutely adorable children that we both cherish to no end, and have grown a few grey hairs along the road.  But I've loved every minute of it all!


I look forward to continuing to grow our family, take on challenges, and enjoy what every day has to offer with him.  So here's to a loving husband and fantastic father... I couldn't have asked for a more perfect match!

Happy wishes Leo.  

Mood Swings

Oh hormones...you got the best of me last night.  If you could please give me a small break it would be greatly appreciated.  Leo took it like a champ.  He left me alone and didn't try to continue any arguments when I was feeling irritated.  He swiftly took charge and helped with the kids when he saw I was getting overwhelmed.  And when I had a melt-down from comparing myself now to pictures of myself from 10 years ago he reassured me that I was beautiful and gave me a place on his shoulder to cry.  I have to admit, even though it's like a parent telling their child they are cool (or whatever they are wanting to hear), it still felt good.

You're the best babe...love you.

2002

2010
 

Caterpillar Invasion