Dog Train

We got this for Christmas from Ian's grandparents and it is a winner. Unlike certain other CDs Matt and I can actually listen to this one repeatedly without feeling like we're losing our sanity. I highly recommend it!

The question

To spike or not to spike?

View other new family photos via the gallery link to the right. :-)

VICTORY!!!

We have achieved a milestone - poo poo in the potty!! If you're wondering why I am THRILLED enough to blog about this, you obviously haven't changed enough toddler diapers. :-) So please feel free to break out the champagne, get up and do a little jig, or shout "hallelujah" at the top of your lungs in our honor. Rest assured we will be doing all three as soon as Matt gets home. Go Ian, go Ian, go Ian...

Mama? Momma? either way, it's me

Ian was sitting in bed with me this morning. I guess he was thinking about some recent conversation we'd had about acceptable vs. unacceptable behavior because he said, "that's a big big 'ceptable mama".

We made some progress last night with Caleb's sleep I think... but just by writing about it I'll probably jinx myself... anyhow let's hope that tonight he accepts his pacifier rather than mommy again! He's so good to me during the daytime I feel like I shouldn't ask any more of him at night, but I know that he is capable of sleeping much longer stretches than he typically does! I also know that this time between 3 and 4 months is crucial if you don't want to establish bad sleeping habits. I am hoping that his ability the last couple of days to get his first two fingers in his mouth (yes mom, just like I used to) will help him to comfort himself in the night too.

We really enjoyed seeing some old friends recently at a wedding - we were surprised to see one of our fellow Miami alums turn sideways as the bride came down the aisle with a big pregnant tummy! It was so fun to see friends we hadn't seen since before kids. Ian REALLY loved the disco lights at the reception and ran right out into the center of the dance floor to do his version of the Electric Slide. Caleb slept through the pounding bass, no problem. We were most thrilled that both boys made it through the ceremony with a minimum of noise - Ian was really fascinated with the stained glass window of Christ behind our pew - "look Dada, it's Jesus" and Caleb just grinned and cooed at me the whole time. Only once did we have a loud gastrointestinal event (thank you Caleb) and Ian added onto the toasting when the MC asked if anyone had anything else to say, "HI DADA" at the top of his lungs. Of course my little I-man would have something else to say!!

Can we say TIME TO POTTY TRAIN?

For the past several days, every time Ian makes #2, he immediately removes his diaper. No matter if he is near me so I can clean him up or on his own (we have yet to cross this bridge in public), I guess he's decided he isn't going to wear that stuff anymore. Can't say that I blame him, but he's just raised the stakes for us quite a bit... if you're going to get it all over the house... you're going to have to learn to go in the pot!

The best was at naptime today when he not only removed a wet diaper, but got in his closet and found a clean one and put it on himself, then got back in bed. If you can change yourself it is TIME to potty train!!!

Terrible Twos

I've never understood that phrase really... how can a cute little toddler be accused of being terrible?? Surely it's just people who don't like kids who use it, right? Except that in the past couple of days I have been smacked in the face several times. We've even had attempted kicking. Sometimes this is the result of being told no to something he (Ian) wants to do, other times it is just in moments of frustration with a toy and I get too close in an effort to help. This from my sweet little boy. It's like a roller coaster - one minute he is gently brushing my hair with his little hands saying, "your hair is nice mama" or giving me a big hug and saying, "I love you" and the next I'm getting smacked. Ugh. It must be hard for him at age 2 to figure out all these intense emotions and how to handle them. I am 26 and still trying to figure out how to control my own emotions - especially in these situations!! He so desperately wants to be able to do everything by himself, but ultimately still needs help with so many things. How frustrating.

On especially rough days I feel guilty for enjoying little Caleb so much. He has such a wonderfully easygoing nature - barely cries except to let me know his needs, and is happy again as soon as they're met. He is so very content and smiley. He's even blessed grandma first, then daddy, then me with a little chortle - like he's trying to giggle but hasn't quite figured it out yet. :-)