Spring is drawing near (I think...)

So next week is technically the first week of spring according to the calendar hanging on the side of my refrigerator.  The threat of a big snowfall last week scared us just enough to doubt spring's arrival.  Luckily, it missed us and left it's mark on our dear family in New England!  But here, South of the Mason-Dixon Line, this weekend saw sunshine and 60 degrees, so again I am hopeful.

Kate and Josh went out on a walk Saturday and breathed in the sweet fresh air.   I love that they have these little treasures of adventure together.  I hope when Kate looks back on her childhood she will remember days like this with her Daddy!

Bye-Bye Diaper Party

I just love this picture! The cute chubby legs - the trains by his knee, the firetruck shirt he is wearing (that is unfortunately not seen in this shot).  But most importantly, I love what it is really saying:  NO MORE DIAPERS for Nathan!!!

We've been taking a slow approach with Nathan and potty training - letting him go when he wanted to, but not putting pressure on him.  I was planning on waiting until spring when he turns three to really go full force on potty training, but he announced last week that he "was ready for his diaper party!"  No more diapers and only underwear.  So who am I to argue with a boy who knows what he wants?

So this weekend we hunkered down and stayed home for three days straight. As I did with Kate,  I geared up for the constant  potty reminders, the activities to keep him entertained, and the accidents.  But by Friday afternoon, he had it down pat.  I guess he really was ready.  It was so easy with him!!

As is the Gallagher Potty Training Tradition: the family came over Sunday night to celebrate with him.  We had pizza and chocolate chip cookies per Nathan's request.  There was a lot of praise and encouragement from cousins, aunts and uncles.  Gigi and Papa brought him a new police car.  And he earned a big firetruck at the end of the weekend.

The best part of the weekend was not packing up the diapers.  It was seeing how proud Nathan was of himself. How excited he was to tell the family of his accomplishments.  How genuinely happy he was each time he got to put on his underwear!  

Yes, I too am a very proud mama!  My baby is not so little anymore.  I think I am okay with that-- just don't grow up too fast little buddy!