Potty Training 101

That was the title for this last week and Isabella passed with flying colors. We are now only using the diaper for sleeping at night and the rest of the day she is sporting a pair of Dora undies. Of course she's had a few accidents, but we took a chance and on day one ran a few errands without a diaper and to my surprise, I didn't have to do a full wardrobe change while at the grocery store. So far so good. She's now getting on the potty without needing a reminder and is excited by our reaction after each success. In fact, while watching the Phillies game the other night she went pee pee on the potty and we jumped up and cheered and she got so excited that she yelled out "Go Phillies!" thinking we were cheering on the Phillies. So cute. So far, potty training has not been as dreadful as I thought.

Is this normal?

I'm already planning on when we should have our third kid. Sick. I know. What's crazy is that when Isabella was 9 months old, I was pregnant with Olivia. So, that means that in a month I'll be prego again. (did i just use that word?) I actually cannot picture myself pregnant in a month, so Jason can breathe a sigh of relief. But, is this normal? Do people typically start thinking about the next kid before the youngest can even walk?

Splashin'

The girls have gone two nights in a row without a bath, which is something that never happens. Bath time is definitely a highlight of Olivia's day and it's fun to watch them both enjoying the water together.

High Maintenance

Those words sum up my little Olivia these days. Olivia's fussiness coupled with Isabella trying to outgrow her daily nap means that mom needs a well deserved break. (Hint, hint -- meant for anyone reading this, not just Jason)

I think I'm shallow..

because I love this show.

A mama's girl

Olivia can't get enough of me these days. I am definitely her favorite person. She's the happiest baby when I'm carrying her and playing with her, but when I leave her to her own devices to sit and play...the fun lasts about 5 minutes and then she's calling for me to come back. Part of me feels like she should just hang out without me for a while, but when she's a teenager I know that I'll be wishing that I was still her favorite.

Storybook Land

Jason is taking the next couple of days off work after a grueling week of finals. Today we decided to take the girls to Storybook Land because a few moms I know just love this place. We had the best time. It's a park that was built in the 50's in the middle of a forest with charming rides and attractions geared for kids ages 2 to about 8. Isabella rode her first roller coaster and decided that she'd put her hands in the air the second time it went around. So cute. Olivia and I even went on a couple of rides together and she was scared at first, but quickly caught on and enjoyed them.

Family pics

Because I'm usually taking pictures of the girls, we haven't taken any family pictures in a while. I couldn't resist these dresses I found and Lytle was kind enough to snap a few shots before we left for church this morning. It's so hard to create a picture where we're all looking at the camera and smiling. Well, next to impossible.

On the Farm

After visiting Paws Farm, Lytle and I decided that we're buying some farmland and recreating our childhood memories for our own children. We want them to grow up taking care of cows, chickens, pigs, swimming in the pond, driving a truck down the country roads at age 12 and participating in 4-H. I know it's a long shot, but hey, you never know. Most people here spend their summers at the Jersey Shore, Isabella and Olivia would just spend theirs running the family farm that mom created. How could they not love that?

A morning girl

I think Olivia is a morning person because she is just so incredibly happy when she wakes up. She is just all smiles at breakfast. So cute.

Don't hate me...

because I"m sitting on my couch and typing this post from my new computer. I'm so spoiled.

Playing together

I love it when the girls play together. We're working on teaching Olivia her ABC's oh wait....I mean, Isabella. Little did I know that A is basically the only letter in the alphabet, only 25 more to go.

A long day

After spending 2 hours at Gymboree Play and Music and then another hour spent running errands, Olivia just simply fell asleep in her high chair while I was feeding her. The ability to fall asleep anywhere is a gift I think all children should have.

Roller Babies

This video is what got Isabella out of her post nap funk this afternoon.

Where did my baby go?

I realized just the other day that Isabella is no longer my little cute chubby baby. All of her baby features are gone and she's turning into a little girl. I was a bit sad but also excited because she is such a doll and in a fun stage of life. She's learning new words each day and making connections about things in life that I wouldn't have even guessed she was paying attention to. Last year I wrote about her one year old personality and now that she's two I think this deserves another post.


Isabella at age 2:

She has the greatest sense of humor. She's always laughing and making jokes. When she falls she usually has good laugh instead of a cry.

She is such a sweetheart. She's very loving to her little friends and will often give them hugs and kisses when she feels the urge, even if they don't repay the love.

She adores Olivia. Granted, she's given Olivia a nice hit on the head quite a few times, but that's usually because she's frustrated because Olivia can't "play" with Isabella like she would hope for. Don't worry Isabella.....it will happen soon, I promise.

Isabella is extremely independent. She always has been and at 2, the independence has no bounds.

She is extremely social and makes friends wherever we go. She can walk into a strange house and feel right at home within minutes.

Isabella loves music. She has great rhythm and loves to sing and dance.

She loves wearing moms high heels around the house and jewelry.

Isabella loves being outside and exploring everything around her. She also loves running with me in the BOB stroller.

Isabella adores her papi and that is an understatement.

She is just really an awesome kid. I know I'm kind of biased, but I'm sure most would agree.