9.28.10

Lilly has been very interested in using the potty for the last few months. It all started with pooping in the bathtub and me needing to whip her out of the tub at the first sign of bubbles in order to avoid the toy-bleaching-and-tub-scrubbing routine. Before long she was wanting to sit on the potty to listen to stories and to hear herself toot with an echo. It is good entertainment.

Everyone tells me "She's ready, get that girl potty trained" but I've been hesitant and mostly for selfish reasons. I'm nervous to give up the freedom of sticking her in a diaper and flying out the door, without having to give a thought about potty breaks in the middle of the grocery store. And then there's the ick factor. It's one thing to put my own rear on a public toilet seat, but my little angel's hiney? And while I balance precariously in a squat in front of her? Blech. Diapers suddenly seem so... sanitary.

But Sunday evening at our small group study, among 10 wild children running throughout the house, she stood at the top of the steps and yelled "aaa poo!" Believing she was saying "apple" I ignored it and tried to focus on the adult conversation. Until Jen, the hostess, looked at me and snickered "She's taking her diaper off-- it's almost all the way off." Sure enough, "aaa poo" meant "I poop" not "apple." I took her into the bathroom, stripped off her pants and diaper and there she sat... and pooped.

And then she did it again Monday night.

And then she did it again at school today.

And then she did it again tonight.

I called my mom with the exciting news, knowing she would crack up, and she ordered me to get to the store for some M&Ms immediately. "Trust me, one M&M will go a long way."

So tonight when I had no M&M's to reward this awesomely consistent pottying, I turned to the gold-foil-wrapped Godiva chocolate bar I've been nibbling on. I sat her on my bed, held it in front of her and told her "This is a very special treat, Lilly!" Peeling back the foil, she could barely sit still! She nibbled off a corner and proclaimed "MMMMmmmmmMMMM!"

And then, "mo?"

I love this girl.

9.24.10

I was doing dinner dishes and had the dishwasher door open. Lilly would not leave the silverware alone, especially the knives. I asked her repeatedly to please not touch, moved her into the living room to play with Daddy, flat out told her no (repeat, repeat).

I finally squatted down, looked her in the eye and asked her, "Lilly, does Mommy need to spank you?"

"Thank you."

She thought I was telling her to say thank you! Good grief! How can I ever discipline this child when she makes me laugh so hard I pee my pants????

Another spanking attempt foiled. I'm 0 for 3.

9.22.10

Life

Is

GRAND!

9.21.10

How can ya not love this kid?

9.20.10

This is such a great age. The funniest things come out of Lilly's mouth... and with such seriousness. I've entered the "Lilly, say ____." phase myself because I just can't resist hearing her interpretation of certain words. And the faces that accompany them... ohhh goodness.

Tonight at dinner we tried out several different names for the new baby. Our boy name is solid, but I'm getting wishy washy on our girl name. I thought whatever name she can say the best (and cutest) would just have to be it for a sister!

Except every name she said came out clear as day and was matched with a smile that screamed, "You guys are so silly! Keep going."

At this point, we're going to have to have at 7 more sisters for Lilly.

9.18.10

Today was extra special, one of a kind, and for girls (and doggies) only! While Daddy went to the Buckeyes game, Mommy and Lilly pulled out all the stops and had themselves a GIRLY day!

We rolled out the air mattress in the living room...


Sipped on... water...


Kicked up our feet...


Turned on a chick flick...


And dug into the snacks!




We picked out all the good pieces...


And dipped our toes into uncharted territory...


Every once in a while stumbling upon a mysteriously soggy piece. Hmmm...


Know anything about that, Lilly?


Even Midas got in on the fun!


It's important to let it all hang out every now and then...


A perfect afternoon...


Just what Mommy needed.

9.17.10

Meet Little Poppy! I had a special ultrasound yesterday to check on the cervical length as my doctor was a little concerned when I first met with her, but all looks great! It's measuring 4.1 cm, which is perfectly normal. The ultrasound technician offered to let us see the baby since he wasn't in a rush for his next patient, and this is the the little miracle who greeted us! Any guesses??!?!

We are not planning on finding out the gender, although Matt really wants to. It seems to drive other people bonkers too! But I'm standing firm-- don't want to know until the birthday! How exciting to hear, "It's a ____!"

We have the big ultrasound on November 1st, where we'll get a really good look at everything. Praying that Little Poppy continues growing strong and healthy:)

9.9.10 part 2

15weeks. Oh dear.

9.9.10

Tonight after putting on Lil's jammies and getting her all set for a night night story with Matt, I curled up on the floor and said "night night." Matt was sitting in the rocking chair waiting for her to come over to him, but instead she pulled out both of her blankies ("bink"), handed me the small one (just like we do for her) and covered me up with the big one (just like we do for her)! She was taking care of her mommy, just like she has learned to do from us!! She flopped over me and laid there for a minute, and then it must have occurred there was one more thing she could do-- she stood up, walked over to her nightstand and grabbed her nighttime sippy of water. Handed it right to me.

She is going to make the greatest big sister. But for now, I'll enjoy being taken care of by my mini mommy!