Bye Bye Diaper Party

Yesterday, we started the morning off with a bouquet of balloons, a special pancake breakfast complete with a bye-bye-diaper song (and there would have been candles if Mommy had remembered to buy them at the store). Kate has been waiting for Friday all week long. On Wednesday she and I went to the grocery store and bought all her favorite drinks: lemonade, chocolate milk, grape juice and hot chocolate. Mommy had already stocked up on lots of juice boxes, fun straws, exciting new toys and crafts, baking supplies, and some special treats for just the right celebratory moment!

Why all this fuss for potty training? Well we tried potty training back in November. After 4 hours and 7 accidents - one success - I gave up. Kate wasn't ready. She didn't even notice when the pee gushed down her leg onto my carpet. So I put it on hold until after the holidays and until she had a little more time to mature. What a difference 8 weeks made!

I must admit I was a bit discouraged back in November. My sister-in-law had been facing the battle at home with Brenden. So the two us signed up for a potty-training seminar: Potty Training Made Easy in One Weekend! I liked the sound of that! The theory at the seminar was once a child is physically ready it will be easy. And boy was she right!

This weekend has been fantastic. Kate only had one accident yesterday - and she stopped herself mid-way and finished it up in the bathroom. We've had two successful poops yesterday and one today. And the best part, is that Kate is initiating all her trips to the bathroom now. She doesn't even need a timer! Tomorrow we bring out the big-girl underwear. I am so grateful that the second time around has been this easy.

I do think that we all should take a moment and genuinely thank our moms for the potty training they imparted to us. It's no easy task. Thank you, Mom! And for those of you considering having kids in the near future...just remember that potty training is eventually a part of the deal. :) Okay...I've heard it described in pretty explicit terms...but I'm grateful Kate made it pretty easy on me!

Random Pictures of Kate

Well, it's been a little while since we've posted some pictures of Kate. I've been slacking off in the camera department lately. She is changing so much these days. She's definitely not a baby anymore, but such a little girl. (Just look at that curly hair!) She'll always be my baby girl though. :)

Kate's been taking gym class once a week at Little Gym. It's been a great energy outlet for her and has really helped her develop upper body strength. Sadly this was our last class for awhile. We are taking a break until the baby arrives and I get back on my feet. :) Here are some photos of Kate showing off her skills!

Kate had a great teacher this semester! Mrs. Tarika made such a difference for Kate. We will miss her enthusiasm!

A Night in the ER

Boy, this baby is giving me a run for the money! When I was pregnant with Kate, I felt better than ever! It hasn't really been the same with baby number 2.

Last night around 9 p.m. I went to the ER on the recommendation of my OB. For most the afternoon and evening, I had been experiencing a lot of abdominal and lower back pain and pretty consistent strong contractions. At only 27 weeks it was too early for Nathan to make his appearance, so the on call doctor wanted to see me in Labor and Delivery "without wasting any time" in getting there.

My dear friend, Peggy, drove me to the hospital as Josh who was not feeling too well himself stayed home with sleeping Kate. They monitored me for hours; the baby’s heart rate was fine, but contractions were still coming. After a few tests they concluded it was not pre-term labor and it was not a UTI. Not really knowing what was causing the pain and contractions, they treated me for dehydration by giving me IV fluids. I didn’t feel dehydrated, and I am pretty good about my water intake, but maybe it was a factor.

Josh arrived around midnight to relieve Peggy who has her own 9 month old to tend to in the early morning. Kate was very excited to be awakened and transported to Papa and Gigi's in the middle of the night for a sleep over. (Thanks Mom and Dad for jumping in to help!!) Ironically, within minutes of getting to the hospital, Josh got ill and started vomiting. He got sick three times while we were there (way to steal the attention). The OB nurses wanted to send him down to the ER, but of course Josh refused.

My contractions eventually stopped but the back pain and stomach pain did not. Still I opted to be released, and we got home around 3 a.m. last night. I still don’t feel well. Josh is still in rough shape too. Kate is with my mom and dad right now, but should be home shortly. Not sure who is taking care of who at this point. Maybe Kate can make us lunch when she gets home. Oh, lunch...that would mean we would have to eat food...nevermind...don't think either of us can stomach much. We would covet prayers though.

Peggy, thanks for the Gatorade this morning!! You're the best!!

Merry Christmas

Panda Love

Meet Kate's new friend, Panda Bear. My mom and dad surprised her with this panda and a correlating story book a few weeks ago, and since his arrival Panda has not left Kate's side. She sleeps with him, she feeds him at meals times, she takes him on car rides, etc. I think my parents hit the nail on the head with this gift! Thanks!

Blizzard of 2009

Well the snow started to fall about 9:30 on Friday night. And as we went to bed last night around 11:00 p.m. the snow was finally abating. The grand total at our house was 22 inches! It's been more than 10 years since I can remember having a snowfall of this magnitude! It is so beautiful to watch falling, and today's bright blue sky makes the snowy wonderland look magical!



We had such a wonderful day as a family! Josh did not work. And at about 10 a.m. Saturday morning (with only 4 or 5 inches on the ground) dear friends Paul, Peggy, and Zachary came over so we all could hunker down for the day and enjoy the storm together! Kate wanted to go out in the snow all day long. When we finally went out she wouldn't really cooperate for pictures. Zachary was more photogenic.




Zachary waiting for his ride in the "sled". Kate wasn't too keen on climbing in. She just wanted to pull Zachary through the snow!

Peggy playing with Zachary - while Zachary contemplates why we are outside in this very cold weather.

Shayla loved running around in the snow too. However, it was a little deep for her. She had a hard time finding her way in the backyard to go to the bathroom.

We spent a good part of the day indoors as can be expected. Paul and Peggy (fellow foodies) came over and started cooking within the hour! We had Peggy's chili for lunch with homemade corn bread from Paul. Paul made fresh bread that we later enjoyed at dinner on panini sandwiches with butternut squash soup that I made (care of Peggy's recipe). Our neighbor Jonathan tromped over for dinner and a movie too. We pretty much ate our way through the blizzard. Oh, and I should mention the Bavarian Hot Chocolate we had while playing a game of Apples to Apples while the kiddos napped (at the same time even!). and yes, Josh willingly played a game - and I think he kind of enjoyed it too!

Paul making his yummy honey oat bread!

Peggy prepping her delicious chili!

Baby Zachary - always happy and content!

Josh pulled out his violin and mandolin for some music. Kate and Zachary enjoyed listening to him play. Kate tried to join in too! Paul pulled out his guitar and they jammed for a little while. It was really nice to hear Josh playing again. It's been awhile.

Both the kids slept through the night, and we all awoke and had a yummy breakfast together before Paul and Peggy ventured home. Wish they could have stayed longer! It was such a fun day. Thanks, Lord for sending so much snow and making so many people happy!

Just Chilling in the Backseat

I love this photo! I just had to share it with you. Kate and I were driving around today, and she wanted her sunglasses. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find her sunglasses since our trip to the Outer Banks in October. So I let her use mine for the duration of the ride. I had to snap a picture. It's moments like these that turn a rough morning around.