Easter...

Adventures in Potty Training

Many of you have gone down this road before. Like you, we hoped that the Owner's Manual would explain the maintenance and care steps for this new stage in B's development. Thankfully Sunni is a great, patient mom who comes armed with bribery and disinfecting wipes. (Necessary combination for success).
B has been relatively quick to pick all of this up. Whether it is his fascination with the characters on his undies or the inner nudist in him coming out he loves life sans diaper. After MUCH frustration and conversation the ultimate bribe was given: poop in the toilet and you get a new train. So much to our excitement (and more of his) he was successful. So a late night trip (PJs and all) Daddy and B made a meaningful quest to locate the 'perfect train'. If he keeps up the use of the 'potty chair' this will be the best $16 Daddy has ever spent!

E's room update

We have been talking about it since she was born - 9months ago. We have been talking about it since we moved - 5months ago. We finally got the letters up on the wall.
And with great joy and memories Gma Patty made Evie a quilt.
(We are so excited that like B, E will have the wonderful expression if Gma Patty's love.)

E and Daddy

E watching herself be photographed. So giggly.

Getting ready for church

One of us is animated...one is not.

She's...

Soo BIG!!!

A week in review...

Each picture has a story. A long story. You only need to know that our life was altered as we befriended Influenza A. What a week!

Before and after

Refinished cabinet, new hardware and painted walls make a big difference.

Sickly vain

Does she look like a girl with 102 fever?

Bad day

Had a bad day. Sunni was super sick, unable to care for herself or kids. I was supposed to be in Chicago for a board mtg and at church to lead Lenten service. There was a series of guests and rentals in oue building and a few meetings. rush rush rush...that defined the day...so in prep for what could have been a really cool Lenten experience this happened...
(Good thing this church is filled with loving gracious people. I have much to learn from them.)

Happy No Diaper Day to us all!

It was underwear day for B and R today! No diapers. No pants. Undies and a t shirt. (Let the potty training officially begin!) While we didn't film a remake of Tom Cruise's Risky Business scene we enjoyed a dance party...and a day of no pants and big boy potty chairs!

After a while B got bored and took his chair for a drive. :)

Evie vs. Hazel

E is a lover not a fighter.

Hide and seek

The game is a bit simplified with a three year old.

Playing before the snow comes...

Growing up...

Ready or not...

A new, highly awarded safety car seat is reason to celebrate, right? Yes and No.
Yes - She is safe. She is in one of the best (in our price range) car seats available. She can withstand side, front, rear impact...and just think of what it will do, once in the car!
No - This is not a welcomed 'new'. I am not ready for this new, BIGGER seat.  It means she is growing up. In fact, this seat is just steps away from handing her the keys to the car, packing her up for college, co-signing her first apartment lease, walking her down the aisle, and nervously pacing in the waiting room or airport as we welcome her children/our grandchildren.  And to think, it started with the excitement of safety...and now I question my sanity. 

[For those who, laugh, scoff, or think I have extrapolated TOO far, too quick...I once thought that too.]
:)

Since we are on the 'growing up' topic - and my heart rate is already elevated - here is our sweet, little, baby boy Benjamin. Sans diaper...sporting the latest in hybrid undies, the boxer brief. Let the potty training games - joys and perils - begin!