Sunday, April 12, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Fight For Your Right To P-O-T-T-Y!!!
That's right, kids. A miracle occurred at our house today. At a mere 15 months old, our little Sassafrass went peepee in the potty.
Nina bought her a potty a few weeks ago and we've been slowly introducing it. EK thinks it is a great place to read books, enjoys picking it up and taking it into other rooms - or throwing it in the bathtub. But today, she figured out what it's really meant for.
While Richard was getting ready for her bath, he told a naked little girl to sit on her potty. She did. He told her to "go peepee." SHE DID!
Sure, it could have been a fluke, but she was very proud of herself. But not as proud as we are!
So it appears that we are entering the potty training world. She's an extremely smart little girl, but even more stubborn. We might be getting an early start, but it'll be a long, long, long road. :)
Nina bought her a potty a few weeks ago and we've been slowly introducing it. EK thinks it is a great place to read books, enjoys picking it up and taking it into other rooms - or throwing it in the bathtub. But today, she figured out what it's really meant for.
While Richard was getting ready for her bath, he told a naked little girl to sit on her potty. She did. He told her to "go peepee." SHE DID!
Sure, it could have been a fluke, but she was very proud of herself. But not as proud as we are!
So it appears that we are entering the potty training world. She's an extremely smart little girl, but even more stubborn. We might be getting an early start, but it'll be a long, long, long road. :)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Early Easter Pics
We went totwo Easter Egg hunts yesterday, which made for a cranky little girl toward the end of hunt #2. These pictures are from our neighborhood hunt. Ella Kate picked up the find eggs/put eggs in the basket/open eggs concept quickly! She loved opening the eggs and finding the goodies, even though she didn't get to eat any.
We didn't have Richard at the second hunt, so I didn't get any pictures of her there. She was a blur during the entire time - running around like a crazy girl. We officially need to play a zone defense. Man to man coverage no longer works!
We didn't have Richard at the second hunt, so I didn't get any pictures of her there. She was a blur during the entire time - running around like a crazy girl. We officially need to play a zone defense. Man to man coverage no longer works!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Things I've learned in the last 15 months...
1. All moms get frustrated, irritated and feel isolated at times. It comes with the territory. And while it sucks at the time, you have to try to remember to enjoy the moments when they're small and dependent on you. Lately, when I'm at my wit's end, I take EK's shoes off and admire her chubby feet. I adore her feet and that puts things back into perspective. And Xanax helps, too.
2. Handmade, homemade gifts are extra, extra special. It's much easier to run to the store and pick up a toy than to create something yourself. (I'm speaking for people who have steady paychecks, which I currently do not.) I've learned that time is a much more precious commodity than money when you're a mommy. If a fellow mommy puts time and effort into making a gift, it's extraordinary in my eyes.
3. There will be times that you look back fondly on life before kids. Sleep, shopping, being able to leave the house without three extra bags. That's normal.
4. Even if you have a fantastic child, she can't be perfect all the time. That would go against nature. EK proved that for me at our second egg hunt of the day.
5. A zone defense is the best defense against a toddler. Unless you are an all-star, skip the man-to-man coverage until you can reason with your kids. Ella Kate is a smart offensive player and knows my weaknesses. She makes her moves when I'm distracted and am then two steps behind her while she's heading to the goal. I need Richard around to protect the basket and level the playing field.
6. A strong support system is critical. Parents without a 24-hour family hotline must feel lost. I don't know what we'd do without our family on stand by.
7. The requirements as to what qualifies a "clean" house change after your kids arrive. I was a neat freak before EK joined us. Now, by the time I get her in bed, I have time to do the dishes, smock a dress, pick up her whirlwind from the day and take a shower before I crash into bed. Anything other special cleaning requires planning and someone else to keep her entertained.
8. Good intentions don't equal what will actually happen. I said that EK wasn't going to watch TV, drink juice, or have a pacifier. 0 for 3.
9. Planning is the single most important part of leaving the house. I have an extra bag, always in the closet by the garage, that I can put extra diapers, bibs, spoons, shoes and clothes in. Decide not to take that bag, and we're almost guaranteed to have a catastrophe that will require finding the forgotten items or turning around and going home.
10. No matter how angry, down in the dumps, upset, lonely or aggitated I feel, one sweet smile and "Hey Mama" can melt my heart in an instant. EK knows exactly how to push my buttons, but she also knows how to make it all better. We are so much alike in so many ways and, truthfully, I'm secretly glad to have this time to spend with her.
2. Handmade, homemade gifts are extra, extra special. It's much easier to run to the store and pick up a toy than to create something yourself. (I'm speaking for people who have steady paychecks, which I currently do not.) I've learned that time is a much more precious commodity than money when you're a mommy. If a fellow mommy puts time and effort into making a gift, it's extraordinary in my eyes.
3. There will be times that you look back fondly on life before kids. Sleep, shopping, being able to leave the house without three extra bags. That's normal.
4. Even if you have a fantastic child, she can't be perfect all the time. That would go against nature. EK proved that for me at our second egg hunt of the day.
5. A zone defense is the best defense against a toddler. Unless you are an all-star, skip the man-to-man coverage until you can reason with your kids. Ella Kate is a smart offensive player and knows my weaknesses. She makes her moves when I'm distracted and am then two steps behind her while she's heading to the goal. I need Richard around to protect the basket and level the playing field.
6. A strong support system is critical. Parents without a 24-hour family hotline must feel lost. I don't know what we'd do without our family on stand by.
7. The requirements as to what qualifies a "clean" house change after your kids arrive. I was a neat freak before EK joined us. Now, by the time I get her in bed, I have time to do the dishes, smock a dress, pick up her whirlwind from the day and take a shower before I crash into bed. Anything other special cleaning requires planning and someone else to keep her entertained.
8. Good intentions don't equal what will actually happen. I said that EK wasn't going to watch TV, drink juice, or have a pacifier. 0 for 3.
9. Planning is the single most important part of leaving the house. I have an extra bag, always in the closet by the garage, that I can put extra diapers, bibs, spoons, shoes and clothes in. Decide not to take that bag, and we're almost guaranteed to have a catastrophe that will require finding the forgotten items or turning around and going home.
10. No matter how angry, down in the dumps, upset, lonely or aggitated I feel, one sweet smile and "Hey Mama" can melt my heart in an instant. EK knows exactly how to push my buttons, but she also knows how to make it all better. We are so much alike in so many ways and, truthfully, I'm secretly glad to have this time to spend with her.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Recent Pictures
Life around the Pullen household has been hectic and downright depressing these days. But, with Miss Sassafrass around, who can resist taking time out to play? If you notice the backgrounds in the photos, it appears we are always in a state of playing.
Snuggling with Daddy. You can't see it, but be sure that if she's still, there's a book in her hand.
One of the happiest days ever. She decided that hairbows are great. Probably due to the attention she received. She prissed around Caleb's birthday party pointing at her head saying, "in hair."
Later that night, she needed a hairbow with her pjs, of course! Titi Ica helped her.
Like a duck to water! We are just now learning about the potty, but she thinks it a great place to catch up on her reading.
There is no doubt: Ella Kate inherited curly hair!
And huge blue eyes! Obviously from her grandmothers.
Taking a break from Barney and Friends.
Our perPETual babysitter, Penelope, just hanging out in case EK needs her help. Sometimes it's difficult to tell if she's just another stuffed animal.
Snuggling with Daddy. You can't see it, but be sure that if she's still, there's a book in her hand.
One of the happiest days ever. She decided that hairbows are great. Probably due to the attention she received. She prissed around Caleb's birthday party pointing at her head saying, "in hair."
Later that night, she needed a hairbow with her pjs, of course! Titi Ica helped her.
Like a duck to water! We are just now learning about the potty, but she thinks it a great place to catch up on her reading.
There is no doubt: Ella Kate inherited curly hair!
And huge blue eyes! Obviously from her grandmothers.
Taking a break from Barney and Friends.
Our perPETual babysitter, Penelope, just hanging out in case EK needs her help. Sometimes it's difficult to tell if she's just another stuffed animal.
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