Potty Training

**Censored: Non-parents of an 18 month old may find this blog inappropriate or crude as small amounts of toilet "humor" have been noted**

I've never been one to think that there was a right age for anything, especially when they are younger and learning the world around them. So, when our 17 month old starts talking about going "poop" we jumped on the opportunity of making a big deal of using the potty. Sitting on the potty immediately became the thing to do. When mommy had to go potty, it seemed to be the main attraction, thus encouraging Mia to start thinking and understanding when she would need to go potty.

My now 18 month old just went poop in the toilette for the first time this weekend! We were so proud of her, and by our reaction to this momentous occasion, one would have thought she had just won a million dollars. But our reaction only spurred on many more "potty" breaks that never really left any surprise floating below, but rather encouraged the whole routine:

• Sit her precious bottom on her "cushy tushy" potty seat
• wipe with big girl toilette paper
• flush the potty with mommy
• wave good bye to the water
• close the toilette seat
• wash hands in the big girl sink
• get showered with kisses and hugs for a job well done

What a fun stage to be going through! And so much fun to not have to clean up a bottom from that nasty mess!

Today's mood: pregnant

Sometimes, I just don't know how to explain "how I'm feeling" except "PREGNANT." Anyone who has been in this state understands exactly how I feel and how difficult it can be to answer that question. Though "good" and "blah" can escape the lips quite frequently, more often than not I prefer just stating the obvious.

At 22 weeks pregnant, with and 18 month (wow! is she that old already), vibrant and energetic daughter, and a full time - outside the home - job, my life is anything but dull at this moment. Mia is the highlight of so many smiles and much laughter in our home as we help her explore her world and all that interests her. Books, balls and teddy bears are among the top interests as well as mommy and daddy's shoes and pretending she is going "bu-bye." A frequent giver of hugs and the overuse of "momma? dadda?" make our hearts melt at every turn, as we try to soak up each and every moment.

Lilia is doing well...as far as I can tell. Pushing out my belly has become an act of Houdini as I wake up different than the night before. But the joy of "watching" her grow makes the butterflies increase as I anticipate her due date. She has become more and more active, yet considerably more subtle than what I remember of Mia, almost as if just to remind me that she is here and then she continues on is sweet slumber. We are excited to see her sweet face and kiss her little cheeks, including Mia, who is eager to hug and kiss "her baby" any chance she gets.

Please continue to pray for us as the Lord guides us through life and the doors He has for us. Though nothing drastic, we understand that He always has a plan and stagnant isn't one of them. We pray for wisdom and guidance as we continue through life, raising our beautiful girls and enjoying every aspect of our family.

Old Pictures yet Fun Memories

Earlier this summer we were blessed to take Mia to the zoo...again. This time, however, she was older, wiser, and ready to explore all the fun offered by Colorado Springs' famous zoo. We went with my family at a special rate thanks to Emily's business function happening there that evening.

Mia has totally been enthralled with animals thanks to Baby Einsteins Old McDonald movie and the various books that point out all sorts of God's amazing creatures. So, needless to say, the adventure to the zoo was both breathtaking and beautiful as we watched her take it all in with amazement.

The first place we visited was the bird house where you get to stand amidst all the birds buzzing around with excitement. With eyes wide as saucers, Mia's mouth was held in a constant "o" formation as the words "oh wow" eagerly escaped her lips with but a whisper. She was totally enthralled with all the buzzing and hype, and I'm sure a little frustrated that daddy was only going to hold her during this time.

As always, you get to see the peacocks walking around and as they flaunted their beautiful feathers and eagerly called in their native language, Mia mimicked with an elegant "SKWACK...SKWACK!!!"

We saw lions and tigers and bears...OH MY! Mia's favorite, by far though, was the petting zoo for little ones. She was up close and personal with the goats, and as she giggled and reached out to touch them, they would run away, keeping the moment oh so exciting. Located right next door was a pot-belly pig who snorted with enthusiasm at Mia's pointed finger in its direction.

Following the petting zoo, we headed toward the giraffes. We found their special food and as we kept close watch on Mia, making sure she didn't think it was her snack, we allowed her to feed the funny looking creatures. As their long, sloppy tongues swooped over the gate, Mia got distracted between actually feeding them or trying to grab them. It was so entertaining and we had to practically give her a bath in the hand sink after we were finished.

At the end of the evening, Casey took Mia on the merry-go-round, a first time adventure for our blooming toddler. At first, her precious little face had a grin stretched wide as she sat high atop her pretty horse. But as the ride started to go around...and around...her expression turned very serious as if this was a job needing full concentration. I thought for sure that she would be done with Merry-Go-Rounds as I watched this serious look creep across her face, but as Casey forced her little legs to loosen their grip on the horses back, Mia eagerly pointed at the ride shouting "More! More!"

The zoo was so much fun with our little girl, mostly because of her expressions and remarks that made the magic of the place come alive.

It's a girl :)

With much anticipation, we headed toward the doctor's office to see our little baby yesterday. At 20 weeks and one day, I am over joyed that I am "half way there." Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being pregnant for the beautiful outcome, but I have realized that I just do not do pregnancy well. I know and accept that some women naturally enjoy, thrive and even crave the whole experience of pregnancy, but my body will not allow that; it is merely a means to a beautiful end, which I feel fine with. :)

With that said, my pregnancy with this baby has been, overall, a much smoother experience than with Mia. Not quite as sick, but I am still having "morning" sickness with a cloud of nausea that follows me around. But, I don't mind it that much as long as I keep things down. My secret weapon as of late...Orange Tea. YUM!

So, back to the exciting news. We did get to see our precious little girl, Lilia Amy, yesterday, and she is beautiful! I already see a difference between her and Mia, which is such a joy. We could not be more thrilled, and Daddy, especially, is way excited for a new little princess.

Enjoy her pictures :

Like this, mommy?

Using a fork is kind of tricky, mom, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Don't you, mom? Look at me go!

Are you still taking pictures, mom? seriously...

Pool Time

Mia L-O-V-E-S the water.

Sprinklers...

Bath tub...

Pouring out her sippy cup...

and the pool!

Recently Grandma bought a little pool for Mia that she can enjoy all through the days when she is at her house. Mia just loves it! I even use it as a bribe sometimes when she is having a tough time getting out of the house...

"Mia. Do you want to swim in your pool?" Mia eagerly runs to the back sliding door. "No honey. It's at Grandma's house. We have to go out the front door to the car." Mia quickly pivots on her sweet little toes and runs to the front door.

Yup, I'm a bribing momma. But only when it is truly beneficial for my daughter, and something I already know she is going to do/get. So, really, I'm just using the future as motivation.

Oh, the sweet moments

Each day is a breath of fresh air as we experience the little life of Mia. She has a personality that will knock your socks off as she grows and learns so many new things every day. In trying to capture all the moments I have but a few pictures to go a long with the many stories.

Mia loves all the different animals that vibrate. Grandmama has a "Elmo" that dances and vibrates which Mia loves to hold as it does the little dance. We own a tickle doll of sorts that vibrates like crazy along with some other toys that do the same thing. She just thinks they are the greatest thing. The other day, Aunt Emily found a vibrating animal in Target (Mia's favorite store according to Aunt Emily) and Mia had a great time with it! She loved it so much I can only imagine the fight put up when Aunt Emily put it away. :)

Mia is such a well behaved little girl. Casey and I feel truly blessed to have a child that loves to obey (unless she is obviously tired) and prides herself in "helping out." She is diligent at picking up her toys when she is told, loves to run little "errands" for mommy and daddy, and even mimics our cleaning habits and helps alongside. She is a good little helper and we love that. Mia's latest things when picking up her toys, is actually sitting in her toy basket and putting the toys in around her. She thinks this is SO funny!

Though Mia doesn't use her paci very much anymore (only when she is in her bed) I found this picture and thought it was hilarious. Whenever Mia finds more than one paci, she must switch between all of them. I'm pretty sure she has it timed just right so that each paci has equal time in the mouth, careful to not show favoritism. OR she just sucks on them both at one time!

We went shopping with Uncle Eric and Aunt Emily and found this fun little stroller to ride in. Mia was so excited about it and, like a big girl, had her hand on the steering wheel "driving" the whole time. I'm pretty sure she thought "I'm pretty hot stuff!"

I now I've written about this before, but Casey is the ONLY parent who can rock Mia to sleep at night. The other night, Casey had an evening out with some of his buddies, so I was left to tackle the bedtime routine. A normal, uneventful routine suddenly turned into a nightmare as Mia was very adamant that daddy be here and not mommy. From 6:30 to 9:00 PM we battled as Mia dramatically called to daddy through her face soaking sobs. When she finally tired herself out, she fell into a restless sleep. Needless to say, Daddy was charged to say hi to her and kiss her when he got home. What a dramatic adventure that was.

Last, but not least, this is an all to familiar picture of Mia in our car rides. She is so sweet when she sleeps in her car seat.