January 3, 2012
Happy New Year, peanut! We had an absolutely wonderful vacation this past week and a half, and you especially had so much fun playing with everyone each day. You loved splashing and swimming around with us in the pool, and we were hard-pressed to find you not attached to Grandma almost every second. You turned out to be an excellent little traveler, even taking an hour and a half nap in the airport in Denver yesterday when we were delayed over 5 hours coming home. Thank you!! You made our Hawaiian vacation even more special than it would have been, and I loved watching you exploring and remembering your new environment every day. I will admit that airplanes are a little cramped with a toddler on your lap, but there is no other toddler I’d rather have on my lap than you! I think 2012 is going to be a great year for us, Squeaker.
***
January 4, 2012
Well, we’re all back at work/school today, and I can’t say that I’m happy about it. I was pretty worried how this morning would go dropping you off at daycare since you’ve had almost 2 weeks without it, but fortunately it went ok. You did turn to come running to me with a squeaky little face on when we went into your morning room, but I was able to distract you by taking you over to the bookshelf to pick out a book with puppies on the front to take over to your teacher. I then slipped out quietly while you were taking your seat in your favorite little chairs. I hope the rest of the day goes smoothly for you.
***
January 5, 2012
All right, child. I see getting back on our regular schedule after Hawaii will be a little tougher than I thought. The first 2 nights back on the mainland you were up until 11pm, the 3rd night was more reasonable with a bedtime shortly before 9, then last night you went to bed just after 7. However, you were up from about 3-5am this morning for some unknown reason. That was not nice. We’re trying to give up your bottle right now, too, after spoiling you with it whenever you wanted it on vacation. This should be interesting.
***
January 6, 2012
You slept through the night again last night, hooray!! Hopefully you’re finally getting back on our regular schedule instead of Hawaii time.
***
January 7, 2012
I’m not usually on here on weekends, squirt, but I had to write this down. Tonight was your first bedtime with no bottle. Yippee! We’re trying to phase out your bottles all together, and after giving them to you whenever you wanted them at any time of the day while in Hawaii, we made that task a million times harder on ourselves. Today I was able to get you down for your nap with no bottle, just reading you a story off my phone, so I hoped I could do the same tonight. I had conceded that you could still have 1 bottle only at bedtime, so around 7 tonight you started acting sleepy and doing your usual bedtime routine – putting your head down on your shoulder, getting your rag off your crib rail, and going to the fridge to get your bottle of milk. So I took you into your bedroom to rock with the bottle, assuming you’d be asleep by the end of it, but when it was empty you hopped off my lap and stayed up for another 2 hours. By 8:30 you were a little walking zombie, so I took you in your room with a book to try to get you to sleep with reading again. You fought it for awhile and we went through a couple books multiple times, but finally just after 9 your little eyes closed for good. And hopefully you sleep well and through the night completely.
***
January 9, 2012
All right, fingers crossed, Squeaker, but last night made 2 bedtimes in a row with no bottle of milk for you. In fact, you had zero bottles yesterday all together, and only that 1 on Saturday night all weekend. I really hope this continues for good and means the end of the bottle era for you. I would be very happy if I washed your last bottle last night. Last night’s bedtime went much more quickly than Saturday night’s, but you also had only a short morning nap yesterday, too. Let’s hope tonight makes 3 in a row!
Unfortunately, you were crying when we left daycare this morning after dropping you off. You had kind of a rough week last week too, for the 3 days you were back at school. Hopefully this morning isn’t a sign for the week ahead. I hate hearing you cry as we walk out.
***
January 10, 2012
Well 3 bedtimes in a row now with no bottle, squirt. Thank you. However, you were up again last night for the better part of the 2-3am hour, for who knows why. It took 2 turns from both me and Daddy to finally rock you back to sleep. You need to figure this out again – you usually sleep so well. I heard you crying as we left daycare today too, which I always hate. You had taken your cup of apple juice in the car to school and wanted to take it in, so I asked your teacher if you could have some juice in your room. She gave you a nice little cup of apple juice and you pulled out your tiny chair at the table to drink it, so I thought all was a-ok as we walked out. But as soon as we were partway down the hall you must have noticed we were gone and the cries began. I’m sorry, little one.
***
January 11, 2012
Another bottle-less bedtime last night and sleeping through the night again. Whew. You also now love to run out to the living room to see Daddy after your bath while you’re still naked and do somersaults (with Mommy’s help) on your puppy rug. There’s just something about an ecstatic naked baby that makes me laugh. Unfortunately, you had another crying meltdown when I left you at daycare today. You had gotten a book again and were sitting at your little table, but as soon as I stood up to leave the cries began and I saw you trying to squirm away from the teacher while wailing on my way out. 🙁
***
January 12, 2012
Well, the cries at daycare continued again today. I really don’t know what’s changed this week to make you hate the morning dropoffs, but I hope it goes back to normal soon. I can’t stand leaving you there so upset. I forgot to mention this yesterday, but the day before when I picked you up from daycare your teachers had some bad news to report. Apparently you had just been separated from one of the little boys in your class for an altercation – they said you pulled him down by the hair! All right, D, I know it’s normal for babies your age to act like that, but you need to learn that will not be tolerated. No way are we going to raise the class bully. Gheesh.
***
January 13, 2012
It’s Friday the 13th today, Squeaker. Watch out for black cats at daycare. 😉 Fortunately your crying this morning sounded pretty short-lived. You were on the teacher’s lap and looking at a pop-up keyboard toy as I walked out, so hopefully you didn’t start back up after that. So I guess that’s progress, eh? I’m definitely looking forward to this 3-day weekend at home with you.
***
January 16, 2012
It’s official – no more bottles! Hooray! Yesterday marked 1 full week of no bottles for you, at bedtime or any time, and I’m so happy about that. You now go to sleep either just on your own (you do like to crawl up on our laps to snuggle and snooze) or while we’re reading you a book and/or rocking in the chair in your room. Thank you!
***
January 17, 2012
We had a wonderful long weekend together, Squeaker. Saturday we went up to Sheboygan to spend the afternoon/evening with Daddy’s family at the annual holiday party, and you had so much fun running around the place and watching all the big kids play. Then Sunday Daddy went up to Lambeau for the Packers game, so you and I had the entire day at home to ourselves. It was heavenly. Yesterday was another day at home, just the 3 of us. I went to meet your newest little friend who was born Saturday night, Jack, and he is absolutely adorable! I’m so happy you will have such a great group of kids to grow up and play with, since our friends are so close.
You woke up screaming last night, though, around 2am, and were seriously frightened. I had to turn on the light in your bedroom for you to be able to see me and calm down. Fortunately today’s daycare dropoff was tear-free. You were still a little hesitant watching us leave, but we got waves good-bye instead of cries.
***
January 18, 2012
You have become very fond of the Peekaboo Barn app on my phone, little one. You’ll walk over to me, pick up my phone, wiggle like you do when you want to read a book, and happily play with that thing as long as I’ll let you. It’s amazing to see how your little fingers know to swipe across the screen, just like Mommy and Daddy’s. You slept through the night again, but then you cried this morning at daycare when I dropped you off. I was hoping the sad dropoffs weren’t going to continue.
***
January 19, 2012
You were so funny when I was rocking you before bed last night. You were a little whiny and squirmy, not wanting to go to sleep as we were reading, so I put the book away and just cradled you in my arms and bounced you for a little while. After a few seconds you started doing what you used to always do to signal you were sleepy – just let sound fall out of your mouth so you could hear your voice vibrating with the bounces. It was so cute, since I haven’t heard that for a long time now. It worked, too. It probably took only a minute or two of hearing your own voice before your eyelids were too heavy to keep open any longer. I held you for a few minutes more, just rocking as you settled further into your slumber before putting you in your crib for the night. I love those moments.
***
January 20, 2012
No tears at daycare this morning! Almost, but not quite. That’s improvement.
***
January 23, 2012
We drove back from Grandma and Grandpa’s house really early this morning, so we knew daycare dropoff was going to be sad again today. I think hand, foot, and mouth is coming back a little bit too, so hopefully it doesn’t become a full-fledged case again. Daddy’s working from home today, though, so he’ll be able to pick you up earlier than normal today. I can’t wait for the day we no longer have to take you to daycare period.
***
January 24, 2012
You didn’t have a very good day at daycare yesterday, peanut, so fortunately Daddy was home and could go over to get you in the early afternoon. You were the only one not napping on your little cot when he got there. He stayed home with you again today – you have a low-grade fever, some bad coughing, and just generally aren’t feeling well, as evidenced by your little cries all night and morning. I was up with you for about half an hour around 2 again this morning, so I had a feeling one of us would be staying home with you. As much as I hate seeing you feeling sad and sick, I must admit I felt much better coming to work today knowing you were home in Daddy’s care instead of lonely at daycare.
***
January 25, 2012
Well now it’s my turn to be home with you today, Squeaker. Can’t say I’m too sad about that, honestly, since I’d rather be spending every day home with you, but I hope you feel better soon. I hate seeing your sad little sick eyes since you’re not sleeping well. Your fever is still low – 99.5 – even though you felt like you were burning up when I got you out of your crib this morning. Your appetite is still around too, so that’s a good sign. I hope you get some good naps in today so you can heal. Right now you’re in your play corner reading books, which is absolutely adorable.
***
January 26, 2012
You’re back at school today, so hopefully your day goes ok. You did take a 2 hour nap yesterday afternoon and slept mostly through the night last night (1 wake-up around 3), so I hope those are signs you’re on the road to recovery. Still a good amount of coughing and runny nose, but no fever this morning. Feel better, Squeaker!
***
January 27, 2012
You slept 12 hours last night, and I could still barely wake you up at 6:30 this morning. I’d say the healing process is happening. It’s so funny, because even when sick your first words when you wake up are still usually “woof woof”. Puppies must be constantly on your mind. You were coughing a pretty good amount still this morning once you were up and cried a little before daycare, but we took your shapes book to school today since it’s shapes week this week. That helped comfort you a little, because you were able to go right onto the teacher’s lap to start reading, your favorite activity. Today is star day, so you wore your little outfit with a star on the pants and shirt. I really hope this cold leaves you soon, little one. I hate seeing you uncomfortable and in pain. But we’ll be home together again all this weekend!
***
January 30, 2012
We had a wonderful weekend at home, Squeaker. We didn’t have to go anywhere, and you got to stay in your jammies all day yesterday. You love putting things on your head. Yesterday you were putting your rag on your head by yourself to play peekaboo, and you also put a little toy fishing net that Auntie M got you in Hawaii on your head too. You’re such a fun, silly little girl. You also have a great memory. Saturday I was playing on the kitchen floor with you, then scooted into your bedroom with you on my lap, and you imitated that scooting the rest of the weekend.
***
January 31, 2012
I guess we might have to start giving you a bedtime snack, because both days so far this week you’ve awoken and signed that you want to eat right away. Today we let you take your little cup of Cheerios in the car, but of course you started crying when we made you leave them in there when we got to daycare. Your teacher gave you a snack again as soon as you got in the room, though, so that made you happy. And you’re moving up to the next room already next week! Fortunately it’s the room into which you go each morning anyway, so you know it and you’re ready.
***
February 1, 2012
You’re 18 months old today, Squeaker! A whole year and a half – I can hardly believe it. And each day just keeps getting better. Last night you were in such a good mood. You kept making yourself laugh and just being overall silly. At one point you built a tower out of your duplo blocks and carried it proudly into the dining room to show me. So cute! And I gave you a little piece of cardboard to clip on your easel so you could color on it with your crayons and you started tracing your hand like you guys do at school. I was so impressed! Daddy and I are so proud of you, and we love you so much.
***
February 2, 2012
You had the longest “conversation” I’ve heard yet last night, and it just made me laugh. You were sitting at the dining room table with your 2 bedtime books as I was cleaning up the kitchen, and this long string of babble just kept coming out of your mouth. You were obviously telling me something because you were looking at me and pointing at various intervals the entire time, but for the life of me I couldn’t figure out what in the world you were “saying”. It was so cute, and I can’t wait until that babble is replaced with actual words so I can know better what to say in reply instead of just “Yes” and “Mm-hm”.
***
February 3, 2012
Today’s your last day in the Busy Bee room at daycare, Squeaker. As of Monday you will be a Shining Star. Your teachers said you’ll probably only be in that room for 6 months too, because at age 2 you’ll move up to the next room where they begin potty training. Yikes! Now time seems to be speeding up after all – you’re growing up so fast.
***
February 6, 2012
We had so much fun this weekend, little Miss Squeaky Pants. Grandma was here overnight on Friday until you went down for your nap on Saturday, which of course you loved. Then Saturday evening you and I went to see some of our friends and you got to meet 2 little babies. Seeing all 3 of you little ones together was so cute! Yesterday you, Daddy, and I spent all day at home, and you were in a great mood. You played and laughed all day long. This morning you were cracking yourself up in the backseat on the way to daycare too. You’re such a fun little girl.
***
February 7, 2012
I love watching you fall asleep. Your little mouth makes a million different expressions, your eyes wander around for a bit, then those last heavy blinks finally come. I can always tell when you’re completely asleep because your breathing gets heavier and I can feel your little body’s sleep twitches.
Unfortunately you cried at daycare again this morning. Hopefully it didn’t last too long. And you walked right under my coffee cup as I was pouring it in this morning so you got some drips on your back. Nothing like sending you to school already dirty – sorry about that, peanut.
***
February 8, 2012
You woke up 3 times this morning between 3:30 and 5:30. Hmm. Nightmares? Cough? I got up and rocked you back to sleep the first 2 times, then Daddy finally brought you into our bed the 3rd time because it was 10 minutes before my alarm and I wasn’t getting up again. Needless to say, you were pretty crabby going into daycare again. We have your 18 month doctor’s appointment tonight, at which I think you get more shots, so hopefully you do ok tonight.
I must say, though, that while I was rocking you those 2 times your little hand would fall to rest on me – on my leg, on my chest, on my face – and those little touches of warmth made the pre-dawn episodes a little less painful.
***
February 9, 2012
So. You have another ear infection. Boo. At your doctor’s appointment yesterday your temperature was 100.1, so they wouldn’t give you your shots (we have to go back for them when you’re better), and then the doctor discovered an infection in your right ear. We got you started on amoxicillin last night, and fortunately you slept much better. You’re 34.25″ tall and weighed 23.7 pounds, which put you in the 100+% and ~50%, respectively. You’re our little string bean!
***
February 10, 2012
You are one little snot ball right now, peanut. And I don’t mean that like your attitude is bad, but quite literally, you are full of snot. Very congested and coughing a lot still from your ear infection. I really hope your medicine does the trick soon and clears everything up in your poor little head. Today you guys get a visit from a dentist and a parent at daycare – you’ve been learning about teeth this week. It’s been a good start in the Shining Stars room!
***
February 13, 2012
Yesterday we went up to your cousin’s 6th birthday party, and you were in heaven watching all the big kids running around and playing with your cousins’ toys. They live about an hour away and the party started at noon, so unfortunately you only got about a 45 minute nap in the car on the way there. You got very tired and cranky by the time we were leaving around 4, but then your aunt and uncle set up the bouncy house your cousins got for Christmas in the living room and you instantly perked up. You had a BLAST jumping around in that thing, right in there with all the big kids. Daddy even got in with you at one point and you couldn’t have been happier. That really wore you out, though, because you fell asleep in the car on the way home around 5, fell right back asleep on the couch once we got inside, then went to bed for the night just before 7. I had to wake you up to give you your medicine and put your nighttime diaper and jammies on you, then you were out. You were very unhappy that I had awoken you, but I was able to quiet your screams after a few minutes and get you in bed. You woke up at 1:30 this morning crying, but again I was able to rock you and put you back to sleep within 15 minutes. Then you didn’t get back up until your usual 6:30 this morning. Now that’s some sleep!
***
February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine’s Day, Squeaker! Unfortunately your daycare morning separation anxiety continues. You didn’t even want to carry your bag of puppy and kitten valentines in by the time we got to your classroom door today. I know it only lasts a few seconds after I leave, but that still doesn’t make it feel any better.
***
February 15, 2012
You were in the silliest/happiest mood last night, and it was so fun to watch. Maybe it was from all the snacks at your Valentine’s Day party yesterday afternoon. (i was happy to see that everyone in the class this year brought just the little store-bought single card valentines, nothing fancy) Then around 8:00 you grabbed Violet, your musical dog, and your half Bears/half Packers blanket and laid down on your big Mr. Puppy rug like you were going to go to sleep. I gave you your rag and you were down there for quite awhile, just resting and snuggling in. I thought you were going to fall asleep for the night there, but then you popped your little head up and started smiling. You eventually fell asleep a few minutes later in your blankets in Daddy’s lap. But as soon as he put you to bed I realized I hadn’t put your nighttime diaper on you, so had to stealthily change it without waking you too much. Sneaky Mommy skills right there.
***
February 16, 2012
You did your lying on Mr. Puppy with your blanket routine last night as you were getting sleepy before bedtime. It’s so cute. I’m just waiting for the night you actually fall all the way asleep down there.
***
February 17, 2012
You and I are going on an adventure tonight, Squeaker! We’re flying out to Tucson, AZ, just the 2 of us. We have 1 stop each way in Denver, but fortunately they’re short layovers – under an hour both times. We’re heading out to see Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa, plus Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie M, and Unkie C will be out there, too. Daddy’s not making the trip, and we will miss him!
***
February 22, 2012
Peanut, you were a great little sidekick on our travels this weekend. Thank you! We ended up having an unexpected 2 hour delay during our layover on the way out Friday night, but fortunately you handled it like a champ and fell instantly asleep on the next flight into Tucson. You loved every minute we spent with everyone out there, especially Bella, Auntie M and Unkie C’s dog. Then yesterday on our flights home you did well again. You were overtired and hungry on our second one last night so were a little antsy and cranky, but you fell asleep right at the end and then were out like a light when we met Daddy in the terminal. You were happy as a clam, though, then when you ate almost 9 chicken nuggets once we got home. Hopefully your day at daycare goes ok today without Grandma and everyone around you.
***
February 23, 2012
Getting back in the swing of things after vacation is never fun, but it sounded like you had a really good day at daycare yesterday. You cried again this morning when we left, but fortunately the teachers say that never lasts more than a few seconds. Grandma said she saw a top left molar about ready to come in on Tuesday as we were on the way to the airport (must be the 2 year molars starting), so I was trying to look for it this morning. Of course you wouldn’t let me see in your mouth without sticking your tongue out though, silly girl.
***
February 24, 2012
I actually got a mini-smile when I left daycare today! Your teacher was holding you and you guys were going to go do something. That’s improvement. Today we’re in a winter wonderland with a lot of snow, so we might play in your tube when we get home this afternoon. And yesterday we applied for your passport. Daddy used the little picture of you from this winter in your Packers dress, but he couldn’t get all of you hair in it when he cropped out the background. So you kind of look like a little baldy, but they took it.
***
February 27, 2012
Another great weekend is in the books, peanut. Grandma came up early Saturday morning to spend the day with you and spend the night, which you enjoyed, as always. Then yesterday afternoon you, Daddy, and I just relaxed and played around the house. You were in a great mood, silly as usual. Your new thing is to point up at the ceiling and wave your little hand around, meaning you want to turn your turtle on that projects stars and moons at night. Too cute.
***
February 28, 2012
You were being so funny last night. It was around 8:00, when you should have been winding down to go to bed, but instead you were crawling around the living room. First you army crawled from near the windows over to your play mat, dragging yourself flat on the floor by your arms. Then you started going around and around the coffee table on your knees. You were just sliding around on the floor on the knees of your jammies. You little goofball. Then you woke up about 40 minutes early today, so hopefully your morning goes well. We’re off to get your 18 month shots tonight, too – yuck. Hopefully your ears have cleared up all the way so you can get the vaccinations this time.
***
February 29, 2012
We get an extra day this year, peanut! I hope you have a great one. You were magnificent at your shots last night – you cried for about 5 seconds, then Daddy picked you up, I held you too, and you stopped and started smiling. We went down the elevator to Whole Foods after your appointment and you had a blast riding around the store in the shopping cart. Then last night before bed you walked around the coffee table on your tiptoes, like you had scooted around it on your knees the night before. You are so silly and funny.
***
March 1, 2012
Happy March, Squeaker! And happy 19 month birthday! You were having so much fun in your “boat” last night – you were “row, row, rowing” all over the living room floor in it by yourself. You also walked around the house in Daddy’s new running shoes last night and this morning, which was hysterical. You wanted to bring your chair out into the room to sit on and watch tv last night as well, so I put it at the end of the couch near Daddy’s feet and wrapped you up in your Bears/Packers blanket. You loved it. You sat there for probably a good half hour, happy as a clam. You’re such a funny little bird, I love it.
***
March 2, 2012
Man, did you have a bedtime meltdown last night. It was 8:30, when you should have been in bed, and we took your chair away in the living room because you wouldn’t stop climbing on it. This of course made you start crying, so we tried to get you to climb up and lie with Daddy on the couch to go night-night with your cup of milk and rag. No go. You wanted to get back down and try to get your chair again. So I took you into your bedroom to rock with the stars on your ceiling. You would calm down for a minute, then start screaming again. And it was screaming like you were scared, not just mad. No fun. So finally you went in and lied with Daddy when he went into our bed and fell asleep within minutes. Fortunately you were in a better mood this morning, even with a few little cries at school. As soon as your teacher took you over to play with the books, though, you were fine.
***
March 5, 2012
You played in your snow tube for the first time this winter over the weekend, and you loved it! Daddy pulled you around our yards on Saturday, then yesterday we all went to a park near the high school in our neighborhood so you could go down some hills. I think it’s your new favorite thing; you started crying when we had to go home. And fortunately you slept great last night – Saturday night you woke up around 11, wouldn’t go back to sleep for more than 10 minutes at a time, and ended up sleeping in our bed from 12:30-6:30 when you woke up. Needless to say we were all very tired yesterday, and you took a morning and afternoon nap again for the first time in months.
***
March 6, 2012
This morning we were reading “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” and you made the little fishy face when we got to the goldfish page. I’d never seen you do that before! I know you guys read that book at school all the time, so that must be where you learned it. So cute. We still haven’t taken your 19 month picture yet either. Oops.
***
March 7, 2012
You didn’t want to go to bed again last night, peanut, but I knew how sleepy you were. So I rocked you with your stars on and actually hummed you to sleep. I don’t think that’s ever happened before.
***
March 8, 2012
The past 2 days now you have reached for your little plush family photo album over on the bookshelf near your crib as soon as you wake up in the morning. You carry it all around the house before we go to daycare looking at and pointing to all the pictures of your family, and today you even had to take it in the car with you. I love showing you all your family members as you point to everyone.
***
March 9, 2012
Well we learned our lesson about how much you can and cannot eat last night. Daddy gave you a plateful of minestrone and you ate the entire thing. You then proceeded to throw up most of the night. Ugh.
***
March 12, 2012
You learned a new word on Saturday – apple. We heard “apple” a lot this weekend!
***
March 13, 2012
Fortunately the switch to Daylight Saving Time doesn’t seem to have affected your sleep. You went to bed right on time last night. Thank you!
***
March 14, 2012
Not sure what the problem was, but you woke up just before 4am today, it took me almost an hour to get you back to sleep and in your crib, then you woke up again shortly thereafter. Daddy brought you into our bed that time and you proceeded to slap me in the back for the next hour before I had to get up. And you growl and bark in your sleep. Not tonight, please.
***
March 15, 2012
We got another new word last night – bubble. It was while I was giving you your bath, and the soap I washed out of your hair made lots of bubbles in the water. So then you started imitating me as I said it. It does sound very similar to your “apple”, but it definitely started with a “B” sound. Maybe Grandma was right and you’re moving down the alphabetical line. Should we work on cat tonight?
***
March 16, 2012
Well we couldn’t get “cat” last night. When I asked you to say cat, you just blinked, which is your sign for what a kitty-cat says.
***
March 19, 2012
You had so much fun playing outside this weekend, since our weather was so nice. You went out while Daddy worked in the garage yesterday morning, and at one point I saw you sitting on the back steps, sunglasses on, a pinwheel in each hand, reaching them up to the sky to see them spin and gleam in the sun. Then you got to play in your cousins’ bounce house again yesterday afternoon, which you loved. You took a turn down their slide too, but it was a little faster then we expected and you flew pretty far off the bottom. We didn’t try that one again.
***
March 20, 2012
Happy Spring, Squeaker! You and I walked over to the park yesterday after we got home, and of course you didn’t want the fun to end. Fortunately we saw a lot of airplanes on the walk home, though, which distracted you from the fact that we had to leave the park. You wore a cute little dress and leggings to school today too – the first of the season.
***
March 21, 2012
It was another gorgeous day yesterday, so all 3 of us went to the park when we got home. You loved it, as always, and didn’t want to come home again. I know, life is so rough at 19 months old. You also have a new favorite spot in the house – perched on the ottoman bench in front of the living room window. We’ve had it open all week, so you sit up there on puppy lookout constantly, with the warm breeze blowing your little locks.
***
March 22, 2012
Well, it finally happened last night. You fell off the changing table/dresser. Fortunately you didn’t hurt yourself, just rattled a little, and I kind of knew it was coming. You’ve been trying to turn around to get off the dresser backwards after diaper changes, like you do to go down stairs or slide off our bed, and I’ve caught you every other time so far. But last night I changed your diaper and took off your pants before your bath, went into the bathroom to get your tub ready, and heard a huge crash. I ran back to your room, knowing exactly what I was going to find, and there you were, standing on the floor next to the dresser, kind of hunched over with the changing pad in front of you. You didn’t start crying until I asked if you were ok and picked you up to survey the damage, so I knew you were fine. That’s a big tumble though, little one. I’ll make sure not to leave you unattended up there anymore. I think making it almost 20 months before a fall is pretty good though, eh?
***
March 23, 2012
No falls last night, whew. We did, however, notice that there were a bunch of tiny ants in the living room. Great. It was funny though – each time you saw one you’d say “zzz” and point to them, because you know that’s what bees says from your books. So apparently all bugs say “zzz”. Which is pretty accurate, according to Mommy, since I hate them all and they may as well all go “zzz”.
***
March 26, 2012
You were being so silly last night. You kept crawling around the house on your knees, then you’d do some regular crawling, and I think you said “bye-bye” about 14 million times. I hope you keep this happy little temperament your whole life.
***
March 27, 2012
When we got to daycare today you literally ran into your classroom, something which has never happened before. As we were taking your jacket off, Nathyn, one of the little boys in your class arrived with his mom, and he took off down the hall toward your guys’ room. As soon as you saw that you instantly wanted down out of my arms to sprint along behind him, little feet flying out to the sides as fast as you could go. It was probably the cutest dropoff we’ve ever had. Then you were more than excited to wash your hands and go investigate what Miss Amal was doing to get ready for the day. You climbed up on her lap and pointed to a picture of one of the other kids in your class, saying his/her name (I didn’t see who it was or hear what you said). She immediately said how good it was that you recognized your classmate and said the name, and that you are so smart. That’s my girl! Pretty much makes up for you waking up 40 million times last night.
***
March 28, 2012
We kept you home from daycare today, because yesterday you came home with pink, oozy eyes and a low-grade fever of 99.5. So I suspected pink eye and wanted to get you into the doctor. Plus your snot rivers became thick and green, and your sleep coughing continued. Diagnosis – double ear infection again and a little pink eye. Plus the antibiotics they put you on (something a little stronger than amoxicillin this time) required you stay out of daycare another 24 hours, so we’re home again tomorrow.
***
March 29, 2012
Day 2 of your sick leave, and I hope the medicine kicks in soon. You could barely open your eyes when you finally wanted out of your crib this morning after sleeping about 12 hours, and you were pale as a ghost. Fortunately you ate breakfast and had a bath, so at least you smell fresh.
***
March 30, 2012
Well, we are eagerly awaiting the return of your full night’s sleep around here. Daddy was up for about an hour with you last night, and I’m fully convinced that the lack of sleep in our house is the root cause of everyone’s sickness. He’s been sick for almost a week now and even feels worse today, and now I’m starting to feel the onset of yet another cold. I hope your medicine at least is kicking in to help you out. On a high note, you were extremely excited to show off your new Elmo shoes at school today, saying, “Elmo, Elmo” as soon as we saw your teacher inside your classroom door.
***
April 2, 2012
You’re 20 months old! And we’re just now trying to get you to go to bed on your own, without rocking or falling asleep in Daddy’s lap in front of the tv (which i don’t like anyway). Is it too late to try this? Who knows. But I know you need to learn to do this, and you can. Hopefully by the end of the week. We started with 15 minutes of you crying before I went in to rock you on Saturday night, and went up to about 17 last night. Tonight we’ll try 20. It breaks my heart hearing you in there, but I know you can do it.
***
April 3, 2012
20 minutes of crying last night, then I went in to rock you to sleep. We’ll try 25 tonight. I know you can do this.
***
April 4, 2012
Ok, so this bedtime thing is not working. You cried for 10 minutes last night, then Daddy went in and alternated patting your back, sitting on your floor, and holding you for about half an hour before you fell asleep. Tonight we have a new plan – 7:15 snack and brush teeth, 7:30 story time, 7:45-8:00 bedtime. I have total faith that you will figure out this falling asleep in your bed on your own soon.
***
April 5, 2012
2 nights in a row! I’m so proud of you! I knew you could do this, Squeaker. Daddy started the bedtime routine last night, and it took you maybe 5ish minutes to quiet after he left your room. I was on night-night story duty tonight, so at 7:30 we brushed your teeth and went in your room to read books. We read 5 stories, and on #4 I told you we had one more then it’s time for night-night. You whined a little when I stood to put you in your crib, but I got you to give me a good-night hug and kiss. Then you cried when I put you down but curled into your favorite position – face down, knees pulled in under you, bottom in the air, so I put your blanket over you, said good-night one more time, then turned off the light and left the room. You cried for less than a minute after I left and that was it. I sure hope we’ve established a great new bedtime routine here!
***
April 9, 2012
It’s official – you love Easter! I thought you were going to combust from happiness when you saw the Elmo dishes and silverware the Easter Bunny left in your basket when you woke up yesterday morning. Your first bite of candy from your stash was a pink Peep, but you didn’t like those as well as your beloved chocolate. You also had a blast finding all the eggs the Easter Bunny left in the backyard for you and Daddy. Only 364 more days until next Easter!
***
April 10, 2012
Back to our bedtime routine last night, and it worked. Easter night you weren’t quite ready for bed at 8 after sleeping in that morning and taking a later nap, so you were seriously unhappy to be in your crib. Daddy brought you back out to the couch that night, which I strongly urged against, but fortunately you slept fine once you went to bed. So last night it was back to the usual – jammies, brush teeth, story time, night-night. You cried for a few minutes, but then were out and slept through fine. Hopefully this will be old hat to you by the time we go on vacation this weekend, so you go to sleep well then too.
***
April 11, 2012
Your love of all things Elmo and Cookie Monster is so cute, and I think it grows stronger every day. You’re very good at saying Elmo, but for Cookie Monster you imitate how he gobbles up his cookies. It’s hysterical. You just started doing it about 2 weeks ago, and now it’s a daily occurrence when you want to watch some Cookie Monster shows. You know that Daddy has a bunch of Elmo and Cookie Monster videos on the TV in our bedroom, so you climb up to the bed, start saying Elmo and doing the Cookie Monster mouth, point to the TV, and shout “Dada!” to get him to come in and turn it on for you.
***
April 12, 2012
Well, you’re back on medicine, little peanut. We went to the doctor for an ear recheck yesterday to make sure they were all cleared up before our trip next week, and they weren’t. He said your left ear was about 95% better with just a little tent of fluid left behind the eardrum, but your right one didn’t look too good – a lot of fluid left in there plus some pus. So we started you on a little stronger antibiotic that you were on last fall in the hopes of clearing this up for good before next week. It’s only a 5 day dose, so we’ll take your last one Sunday morning before we fly. You woke up a lot last night again too – every 2 hours exactly, oddly enough. Daddy calmed you at the 9:30 and 11 wake ups, then I just left you alone when you cried out around 1 and you went back to sleep, then I went in to put you back to sleep at 3. Fortunately since we’re not rocking you to sleep anymore at bedtime I was able to just pick you up, ask for a hug and kiss, then lay you back in your crib with a little back rubbing to calm you down. Not sure what was going on, but hopefully it’s over and you sleep well from now on.
***
April 13, 2012
Friday the 13th! You were obviously exhausted from Wednesday night’s poor sleeping, because you went to bed around 7:20 last night and didn’t make a peep all night. I even had to wake you up this morning at 6:35 for school. Little sleepy head.
And we go on vacation this weekend! It’s the whole family again down to St. Thomas, and I can’t WAIT! We’re meeting Auntie Mer and Unkie Chad on the second leg of our flights down Sunday morning, so that will be fun. I just want a nice week+ of sun to burn all the germs out of us so we can come back healthy and enjoy the spring time air!
***
April 24, 2012
Well, we’re back from St. Thomas. Boo. We’re all more than a little tired today since we got home late last night, and for some reason you wouldn’t sleep well in your crib and ended up in bed with us again. So there were 6 hours of sleep we didn’t get. But you were a magnificent traveler yet again, going with the flow of everything we did – airplanes, boats, cars, a couple different beds, pools, and the ocean. You loved it, as did we. We’re sad to say good-bye to that place for awhile, but hopefully the next time we make it back you’ll remember it and love it even more.
***
April 25, 2012
You slept for 11 solid hours last night. Thank you!
***
April 26, 2012
Another night of long, uninterrupted sleep. Thank you, peanut. I think we’re all finally catching up.
***
April 27, 2012
1 brief wake-up shortly after 1am last night. Not bad. You did go to bed early though, because you were a little extra cranky and we could tell you were just still tired.
***
April 30, 2012
You were a great little trooper on Saturday. We went over to Madison for Crazylegs, and it was about 40 degrees and raining almost the entire time. We walked with some of my friends while Daddy did the run, and I put my rain jacket over your blankets in the stroller to try to keep you dry. It worked, but it was still very chilly. You did have fun seeing the huge inflatable Bucky in front of Union South and playing on the indoor football field at McClain and on the high jump mat in the Shell, though.
***
May 1, 2012
Happy 21 month birthday, Squeaker! Unfortunately you woke up in a wet bed for the first time in forever. I think I just didn’t close your diaper tight enough when I put it on with your jammies last night. And this morning your teacher said you’ve been really emotional the past 2 days at daycare – you’ll just start crying all by yourself for no apparent reason. She said it may be you’re still getting used to being back on your normal schedule after vacation, so hopefully that’s it.
***
May 2, 2012
Your teachers at daycare said you’ve been really emotional lately – you’ll just go off by yourself and start crying for no apparent reason. You’re not sick, you’re not hurt, just sad. One teacher said you’d even do it out on the playground – you’d play for awhile, then just stop and start crying. However, once they all learned that we spent all vacation the other week with Grandma showering you with love and attention, they said that’s the culprit. Thanks, Grandma. 😉
***
May 3, 2012
It’s finally warm! You guys were all outside playing when we picked you up from daycare yesterday, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen your cheeks so red and rosy. You were having a blast playing on the edge of the sandbox and immediately went running over to Daddy when you saw him standing against the fence watching you play as I went inside to sign you out. That’s my favorite part – spying on you a little when we pick you up to see what you’re up to. I put shorts on you when we got home, and watching your skinny little legs fly down the driveway as you ran to Daddy when he finished mowing the lawn was just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Good thing you didn’t trip and skin those knees.
***
May 4, 2012
Your current favorite word is “purple”. When asked what color anything is, your reply will be, “purple”, even if it’s totally orange.
***
May 7, 2012
I love the weekends so we can see you play and just be all day long. Daddy got you 2 packs of little jelly bracelets on Saturday – 1 is animal shapes and 1 is Dora shapes, and they’re your new favorite obsession. You love putting them all on 1 by1 as I tell you what color each one is, then after a little while we put them all back in their containers. You even had to put all the Dora ones on this morning before school because you saw them lying on the ottoman in your room when you woke up. You’re such a fun, silly little girl.
***
May 8, 2012
You love guacamole. And chips. But mainly just licking the guacamole off the chips.
***
May 9, 2012
The past 2 nights now you haven’t been going to bed well. Lots of crying, extra story time, and back pats necessary, and last night Daddy actually brought you back out to snooze with him on the couch a bit. Wonder what’s going on. Fortunately after that you have been sleeping through the night ok, so at least that’s still good. You did give me the best birthday present yesterday, though – lots of hugs and kisses.
***
May 10, 2012
We let you stay up about an hour later last night, since I thought maybe you not being tired at our usual 7:30 bedtime routine was what was causing the problems earlier this week. It seemed to work well. I read you a couple books, and you were actually smiling when I put you in your crib afterwards. With a book, of course, your new sleeping companion. You woke up a couple times in the night, though. Daddy went in to you once, I let you cry out a little the next time because I could tell you weren’t awake (and i was right, you just kept sleeping), and then toward wake-up time this morning you were whining/moaning again. Bad dreams?
***
May 11, 2012
We had a nice little breakfast together today at daycare for Mother’s Day. There were muffins, breakfast breads, fruit, and juice. You particularly loved the little oranges, and got a lot all over your outfit. Gotta start the day off right.
Last night your little shoes were sitting in the kitchen, right in the fading light that was coming in through the back door. Seeing their tiny silhouette like that was a moment that made me stop and just look. Hearing those little shoes running through the house is the best sound in the world.
***
May 12, 2012
Oh, peanut, here we go again. You screamed (SCREAMED!) for hours last night, not wanting to sleep. It became obvious that your feet were itching you like crazy, and we discovered the start of what I can only assume is a nasty rash on your feet. We saw some appearing on your hands too, so I’m afraid it will end up being another case of hand, foot, and mouth. Ugh. I knew those bumps that appeared on your arms, legs, and cheek this weekend weren’t mosquito bites. Daddy is home with you today, so hopefully you can get to the doctor and find out for sure what this latest round of sickness is.
But I had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday – thank you! You got me a beautiful necklace and earrings set, told Daddy to pick up some flowers for me at the store on Saturday, and helped him cook me a delicious breakfast in bed yesterday morning (which ended up being breakfast on the futon since that’s where I slept with you Saturday night – you didn’t sleep well then either). The weather was gorgeous, so we played outside and I hung the sheets and towels on the line too. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for making me a Mother, sweetheart. I love you.
***
May 13, 2012
Yep, it’s HFM again. Ugh. And it’s nasty this time – you have sores not only on your hands and feet, but all over your legs and cheeks, and your butt is so raw. The doctor had us get Triple Paste for your bottom, a super thick, extra-strength diaper cream. You cried all night again last night off and on, but fortunately you didn’t wake up every time and it wasn’t the screaming of the previous night. I went in to check on you when the cries got louder, but only twice were you actually awake. I could tell your feet were still really bothering/itching you though, because you were constantly rubbing them against the bars of your crib and you were flopping around like crazy. Fortunately when you’re awake, though, you’re your normal happy little self. I really hope this goes away soon and you (and the rest of us) can get some good nights’ sleep again.
***
May 14, 2012
You slept all night last night!! I hope this means your sores will be going away soon as well. They are so terrible-looking – big, red, scabby, some look like blisters, and your poor feet. No wonder they’ve been bothering you so much. I’ve been putting a Neosporin-type ointment on them in the hopes they won’t scar.
***
May 15, 2012
Your sores are definitely on the mend. Whew! Another full night of sleep last night I’m sure helped too. They’re all still red and scabbed over now, but the ones on your cheeks are much, much less red than they were earlier in the week. This gives me hope that you won’t have any little pockmarks from them after all.
***
May 16, 2012
Yesterday when I picked you up from daycare you did NOT want to leave. You guys were just heading out to the playground when I arrived, so I let you go outside with your class while I signed you out. And of course as soon as I got out there to get you, you started to throw a fit when I said it was time to go home. So I stayed and hung out on the playground with you guys for about half an hour while you got your fill. You still threw a fit when we did finally leave, but then you played outside in the backyard for awhile as Daddy worked on rebuilding the back garden. See, win-win.
***
May 21, 2012
You did not want to be dropped off at daycare today, but I wasn’t too surprised. We had a fun day out at our friends’ house all day yesterday and didn’t get home until about 9:30, so you didn’t fall asleep until 10:30. I knew you’d probably be cranky today. But we did have a great weekend – you helped me work in the yards while playing in your water table most of the day on Saturday, then all day with friends yesterday. I want to take full advantage of our nice days outside this summer.
***
May 22, 2012
Day 2 of crying at daycare drop-off and night 2 of crying at bedtime last night. Are these related events?
***
May 23, 2012
Minimal crying last night at bedtime. Granted you fell asleep in my lap instead of being put to bed still awake after story time, but whatever. You started crying a little after I put you in your crib, but it stopped after a few minutes and you slept through the night just fine. And no crying at all today at daycare. Hopefully that means bedtime will be back to tear-free as well.
***
May 24, 2012
Nope, more crying at bedtime last night. And you’ve been going to bed later – 8:30-9 instead of 7:30-8. I think that’s because it’s nice outside later now, so we don’t settle down for the evening quite as early. So that part doesn’t really bother me, but the tears can stop again any day now. You have a new word, too. It sounds like “ah-mee”, but I have no idea what it means. I first heard it on our walk yesterday afternoon, then you were saying it a lot in your room this morning when we were getting ready for school, then you said it again when we got to school. But you don’t point to anything when you say it, so I’m baffled. I asked your teacher to see if she hears it today and try to help me figure out what it means.
***
May 25, 2012
Again with the crying at bedtime. You really need to knock it off. But earlier in the evening you loved playing in the dirt in our back gardens as I transplanted some flowers into the new garden Daddy’s building. Our little helper. I still haven’t figured out what “ah-mee” means, though. You had another new one on our walk yesterday too – “ah-doo”. Are you speaking French – ami and adieu? We’re very much looking forward to our 3 day Memorial Day weekend though! I foresee lots of playing outside in the nice weather.
***
May 29, 2012
We had a great long weekend at home, Squeaker. Lots of playing, walks, and being outside. I filled up your water table on Sunday and left it out for yesterday too, and you loved messing around in there. You finally had a tear-free bedtime last night, too. I sure hope it sticks. And now every time I see a bus, I shout “Bus!” in my head, just like you say it.
***
May 30, 2012
Man, were you in a mood last night, little one. You were totally fine after school, we had a nice walk up to the grocery store again, you ate a great supper, then we went outside to play when the roof guy came. We saw our neighbors across the street and their dog, so went over to give him a pet and get some puppy kisses on your hand, which you love. Then the other neighbors with a brand new baby came over too, and you started playing on an Elmo ride-on plane with the little boys in their driveway. All was fine and dandy, until I made you go home, at which point you threw a fit. Which continued long after we had walked back into our house too. You were totally and ridiculously inconsolable. Then for the rest of the evening you were just pouty, whiny, and all around crabby until Daddy turned on Sesame Street. He even had a talk with you about no whining and crying. I’m sure you didn’t understand since you’re only 1, but I also told you that you need to stop telling Mommy and Daddy “No”. You can say that to your friends and strangers, but not us. Do I think you understood that either? Of course not. So there were some tears at bedtime again, but fortunately they didn’t last too long.
***
May 31, 2012
A few little whimpers last night after I put you to bed, but fortunately they subsided after a few minutes. I have no idea why you’ve been crying when you go to bed lately. And it’s always a delayed reaction. We’ll read your stories, you’ll go in your crib with your books, put your blanket on as you like, turn your little musical jungle thing on (which you actually hadn’t used for a very long time before the past week or so), and you’ll seem fine. Then shortly after we leave the room the cries begin. But then you sleep fine through the night, fortunately. I have no idea.
***
June 1, 2012
Happy 22 month birthday, D! I can’t believe you’ll be 2 years old in just 2 months. Crazy. You had another long, tearful bedtime last night, though. That you may stop any day now. Or are you just practicing for the terrible 2s?
***
June 4, 2012
So the bedtime cries continue. What are we on, like a month now? It was obvious how tired you were last night though, so we let you just whimper yourself to sleep after a few minutes. Saturday we had a great day up at Road America for the motorcycle races. You had so much fun seeing the bikes zoom by, and surprisingly, the noise didn’t seem to bother you at all except for a couple times when we were closer to the track. You were so worn out from it yesterday, though. You fell asleep eating lunch in your high chair as I was vacuuming right next to you. Silly peanut.
***
June 5, 2012
We voted first thing this morning before daycare, and you loved seeing everyone in line. You carried in your new Elmo ABC book and excitedly pointed out another baby waiting with his mama. Then I gave you my “I Voted” sticker, which you wore into school on the back of your hand. And good news – no tears last night at bedtime! I waited in your doorway to make sure you settled, and fortunately you were out after a few flips around and taking your blanket off. Let’s hope it continues.
***
June 6, 2012
2 nights in a row of tear-free bedtimes, so that’s improvement. I waited outside your door again last night to watch as you settled in, and you were actually pretty funny. You turned your little musical crib guys off and back on twice, then finally snuggled in up in the corner of your crib, as you usually do. Why you like jamming your head into the corner of the bars, I have no idea. But I was just so happy you didn’t cry, and I really hope you’re getting back to your good bedtimes. Tonight we’re going to a baseball game, so hopefully it won’t throw you off too much.
***
June 7, 2012
You loved the baseball game last night! It was at a small, brand new ballpark a little north of our house up the highway, and you had a ball running up and down the hill past the outfield. It’s a college summer league who plays there, which means really cheap tickets too. I foresee a number of summer nights spent there this year. And I was so happy – the 3rd night in a row of no crying last night! Please keep it up.
***
June 8, 2012
Another good bedtime last night. Thank you! Granted, Daddy did have you up almost an hour past your bedtime so you probably fell asleep within 5 seconds, but still. I like the no tears. We were practicing words in the bathtub last night too, and you impressed me with how much you can actually say. You almost perfectly mimicked “you’re welcome”, “arm”, “toes”, “dog”, “cat”, and a couple others that I can’t remember off the top of my head. Good work!
***
June 11, 2012
We had a very fun weekend playing at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. You got a whole new round of Elmo swag, which you of course loved. And much to my surprise, there were no tears at bedtime last night and daycare drop off today went without a hitch. Usually when we come back from Grandma’s you don’t want to be let out of our sight. 😉 We set up your little whale pool when we got home yesterday because it was so hot outside, but you more enjoyed throwing your ball and toys in it and watching them float around than actually getting in yourself. You are a silly one. And learning more and more words each day. You wanted to read “Goodnight Moon” last night at bedtime and said so by grabbing it off your bookshelf and saying “moon”. So smart.
***
June 12, 2012
I forgot to mention yesterday that you had your first hair cut this weekend! Well, it was just a trim of the bangs, but I still saved the little clippings in a baggie and dated it. Grandma was your stylist. And today you wore your first pigtail to school. I’ve put one in your hair before, but this is the first time you’ve actually worn it out of the house. We’ll see how long it stays put. I’m quite doubtful that it will be there when I pick you up this afternoon.
***
June 13, 2012
Amazingly enough, your little ponytail was in your hair when I picked you up from daycare yesterday. Your teacher said you’d handed her the ponytail holder at one point that morning and she wasn’t sure if it was yours since you’ve never worn one before, but then she saw the indentation in your hair and realized it was. She put it back and and then you left it alone all day long. I was shocked, but happy, because you look so cute with it! So you wore another one today. 🙂
***
June 14, 2012
The bedtime crying has gotten much better, and is pretty much gone. I love having your good bedtimes back. However, I am not a fan of your new almost-daily evening meltdown. For some reason, you have decided to become inconsolable around dinner time the past couple days. Last night you did get in trouble for throwing Daddy’s computer parts on the floor, so that one was a reaction to being scolded. Other nights, though, I don’t know what causes it – asking if you’re hungry, making you come inside for supper, not giving you the right color spoon? Who knows. I guess you’re gearing up for the terrible 2s. Great.
***
June 15, 2012
Unfortunately your meltdown came when we were at the college league baseball game again last night, so we just left. Ah well. However, I am completely in love with the way you say yellow – “deddow”. You had Donuts with Dad at daycare this morning, and Daddy said you were a donut hole monster. I knew you’d love those.
***
June 18, 2012
We had such a good weekend at home this week, peanut. Saturday we walked up to a beer festival at the outdoor mall near our house where Daddy volunteered for a few hours, then yesterday we spent all day at home playing and relaxing. You signed Daddy’s Father’s Day card by having me trace your hand, which was adorable. We served him breakfast, then let him lounge around all day. Our new game is to go out and play with Daddy after your bath before you put your pjs on. You love running around the house naked, and especially love crawling all over the couch where Daddy’s usually sitting. He “squishes” you by leaning back every time you climb behind him. You had a little crying spell last night around 10 though – one of those where you cry in your sleep until we have to comfort you, then don’t want to go back down. Daddy finally got you to bed after a couple tries. Maybe it was a bad dream.
***
June 19, 2012
1 down, 4 to go. Your right index fingernail came off yesterday. Grody.
***
June 20, 2012
Happy Summer, Squeaker. It certainly feels like it right now too – 90s today and for the past 2. It’s hot, but I won’t complain, because all those weeks of zero temperatures I long for days like these. And you can’t beat the light at night. I love summer. We went on a walk up to the grocery store last night and you were in a great mood, just having a blast in your stroller. I was trying not to pass out from heat exhaustion on the way home. 😉
***
June 21, 2012
You were my best little pal last night, peanut. The 3 of us walked over to a park near our house to a Bavarian-style biergarten for an inaugural tapping, and you had a ball eating your apples and hot dog in your stroller, watching all the people and puppies, and running around in the grass. Until you climbed on a little bench-type thing and it fell over on top of you, but fortunately those tears dried quickly with a kiss to the “ouch” on your head. You and I walked home before Daddy did, so you helped me replant some flowers, lay mulch, and then water everything. Playing in the dirt in the gardens with your own little trowel is one of your favorite activities, and it is so cute to watch you following me around with your frequent inquiries of “Mama?”. You did get another ouch when you dropped my water bottle and it landed square on your big toe, which resulted in quite the cries. But again, a few kisses later and you were a-ok. Unfortunately the long light of early summer kept us outside past your bedtime so you didn’t go down until 9, but you weren’t complaining one bit. I think you fell asleep almost instantly too once your head did hit your crib.
***
June 22, 2012
It was an early bedtime for you last night, little one, since you were up until 9 the previous night. But you had no complaints. You now say “nigh-nigh” when I tell you it’s time to read our stories and go night-night, then you go in your room, shut the door, and climb up in your rocking chair. It’s really cute. So last night after teeth brushing we read 3 books, put them all in your crib, turned on your musical guys, and you were out. I knew you needed that. Oh, and your 2nd fingernail is about to fall off – the middle fingernail on your right hand is pretty loose, but still attached enough where it would probably really hurt if we tried to pull it off. This weekend sometime I’m sure it will let go. Ick.
***
June 25, 2012
We had a great weekend, peanut. Saturday Grandpa Frank came up for a visit and to spend the night, and you absolutely loved playing with him – you guys blew bubbles for a good part of the afternoon, you showed him how you do your alphabet puzzle, and he even read you your night-night stories and put you to bed. Then yesterday we went to Grandma Jenni & Grandpa Craig’s because Daddy and I had to go to a funeral, so you got to spend the afternoon and evening with them. We didn’t get home until late last night, but it was well worth it for all the grandparents time you got. And your left big toenail fell off Saturday too. Gross.
***
June 26, 2012
You’re wearing pigtails for the first time today, and they’re beyond cute. You also said 3 words perfectly last night – “bath”, “mice”, and “nose”. Your words just get better and better every day.
***
June 27, 2012
I have a dress on today that you’ve never seen before, and as I was getting you dressed you wanted me to open my cardigan and turn around so you could see the whole thing. You rubbed the fabric with your little hand, and I swear you said “nice”. You crack me up constantly.
***
June 28, 2012
You had me in hysterics again last night, you little goofball. I was reclining on our bed watching the swimming Olympic Trials, and you were flopping around on there next to me in your diaper after your bath. You’d set up one of Daddy’s pillows at the head of the bed next to the wall, say “doo, doo, eee,” and then take a huge flying jump-sit onto the bed. You did this a couple times before I realized you were counting prior to your take off. Your “doo, doo, eee” was your version of “1, 2, 3”. It was so cute and funny. I had to call Daddy in after awhile to show him that you know how to count to 3!
Earlier in the evening your left index fingernail came off, which I didn’t even know was affected, and when Daddy pulled on it part was still pretty well attached and gave you an “ouch” when it came off. So now you stick that finger to our mouths for a kiss to make the ouch better.
***
June 29, 2012
We’re off to Grandma & Grandpa’s again today, Squeaker! I can’t wait for you to see and play with everyone. I’m very much looking forward to this weekend. Daddy and I were looking through the pictures from your birthday last year yesterday, and we commented on how much more of a baby you were then. You looked so long and lean in your crib yesterday morning all stretched out, we said there’s definitely no baby left there. You’re all big girl now. Except when you stand next to us and only come up past our knees, that is.
***
July 2, 2012
Yesterday was your 23 month birthday, and I can’t believe you will now be 2 in less than 1 month. We had a wonderful weekend with family down at Grandma & Grandpa’s house, and the first thing you said this morning was “Baby?” That’s what you called your cousin Evan with whom you played for most of the afternoon yesterday. You 2 were the 4th generation of the family gathering, and it was so much fun having everyone together for a couple days again.
***
July 3, 2012
I think I may have finally solved the mystery of what your word that sounds like “emmy” means. Yesterday when I picked you up from daycare we were getting your hat and papers out of your cubby, and you said “emmy hat”. I realized that Hemingway’s cubby is right next to yours, and he had a hat in there also. I said “oh, are you saying Hemmy?”, and you nodded yes, so I think you’re referring to your friend Hemingway (a.k.a Hemmy) when you say “emmy”. Why you say it all over the house, I have no idea. Maybe you want him to come play. Or, as Daddy said, maybe you have your first crush. Great, it begins already. I can’t wait to see you in your adorable 4th of July outfit tomorrow!
***
July 5, 2012
You had fun on your first “real” 4th of July yesterday. I say real, because last summer you weren’t able to run around and play like you do now. We went over to our neighbors’ yard for some breakfast treats yesterday morning, and you loved playing with the bubbles, chalk, pushing the little toy lawnmower, and digging in the rocks and dirt with the other kids. Then we walked up to the parade, which was incredibly hot, but you thoroughly enjoyed seeing the firetrucks, Bucky, horses, and the festivities in general. You did get a little scared when the Badger band started playing right in front of us, but you switched to Daddy’s lap, started catching and eating candy, and then were happy as a little firecracker. Unfortunately it was 100+ degrees yesterday afternoon so we couldn’t play outside anymore after that, but we had fun being home all together anyway.
***
July 6, 2012
You got a special mid-week surprise yesterday, peanut. Grandma came to play with you at daycare! Daddy and I went to a concert last night so she came up to babysit, and she stopped by your daycare room when she arrived yesterday afternoon. Then you guys got to play all night together and she even got you up this morning. Fortunately there were no tears when she left this morning when we went to school, of which I was afraid. You sure do love your grandparents, which I love.
***
July 9, 2012
Another fun weekend together, squirt. It finally cooled off to bearable temperatures around here, so I filled up your water table to play in in the backyard again. Saturday we were home all day, then yesterday you were my little sidekick at a baby shower for one of our friends. You were beautiful in your little sun dress and pony tail, and everyone commented on how well-behaved you were. You never fail to make us proud, little one.
***
July 10, 2012
Poor little Hemmy got a bloody lip when I picked you up from school yesterday. You were pushing a little squeaky cart around the room and Hemmy kept saying “fast, fast” as in you were pushing it fast. Then he took off to run after you, tripped, and bonked his bottom lip on the floor. I picked him up to give him to your teachers, and they brought out a freezer pop for him to help ice his mouth. So the rest of the night we heard, “Hemmy ouch.” Yep, Hemmy did have an ouch, and you asked again this morning on the way to school. I love seeing what your little mind remembers.
***
July 11, 2012
I hope your little skirt/short combo stays up today. It’s a 2T but is a little too big still, so it sags down on your diaper. It’s covered in fish, though, so, paired with your mermaid shirt, it’s too cute not to wear. You did take off running around the room when we dropped you off at school today and it seemed to stay up fairly well, so hopefully it makes it the rest of the day. I need to get some of those little stretchy band clip things to cinch the waistband.
***
July 12, 2012
So guess who you asked about first thing this morning as you were getting dressed? Hemmy. 🙂 Followed shortly by Nay-nay, aka Nathan, another boy from school who’s been in your classes but is currently in the next room up with the 2 year olds. I’m going to miss when you don’t get to see your friends every day anymore.
***
July 13, 2012
Friday the 13th, eeks. We went to a park about 20 minutes from our house last night to hear a band play, and you had so much fun. It started at 6:30, so that was perfect timing – after you had eaten dinner, gotten a bath, and were ready to play. You loved dancing around and watching all the people there, and it was right on a river so we spent a lot of time walking the shoreline making all the frogs jump into the water. Of course you loved the playground area too, but there were just way too many kids there to play on it for long, much to your chagrin. Summer nights are the best.
***
July 16, 2012
It has begun. You’ve started sitting on the toilet! You’ve done it a couple times at home now and once even at school one day when you woke up dry from your nap, but nothing has happened yet. You’ll grab at your diaper and say “poo” (your version of poop), so we’ll ask if you want to go poop on the potty. You always say yes, but you haven’t gone. Maybe you just like hanging out with your tiny butt dangling over the water.
***
July 17, 2012
I’ve started teaching you that there’s a baby in my belly, and you’re so funny – you always want to look at my stomach and say “hi baby”.
***
July 18, 2012
2 weeks from today you’ll be 2 years old! Wow. That will also conclude my year-long daily journal for you. Maybe I’ll keep it up indefinitely, though, we’ll see. We’ve had lasagna the past couple nights for dinner, and it’s so cute to hear your attempt at pronouncing it. Kind of sounds like “ya-ya-ya”. We were actually impressed, though, that you can get that “ya” sound from the end of the word down pretty well.
***
July 19, 2012
You’re finally starting to string words together. Last night you said “more milk” (we’re still working on getting the “please” on the end there; you say it, just disconnected from the rest of the phrase) and this morning on the way to school you said “bye bye truck”. I want to get a set of word/picture flashcards for when we’re home too – yesterday when I picked you up one of your teachers was going over flashcards with your class and you had me sit on the floor next to you so you could do them too before we left. Everyone else was shouting out the words, but you were just rubbing your head on my lap. 🙂 We’re going on a little family vaca this weekend and into next week, so I’m looking forward to that.
***
July 25, 2012
We’re back from our mini-vacation, and it was wonderful! We had so much fun seeing new places, and you especially loved the big lake, big boats, and jumping on all the hotel beds. You also had a big day on Saturday – you pooped on the toilet! Totally unprompted, you all of a sudden said poop, I asked if you wanted to go on the potty, you said yes, and there you went. We’ve tried again since, but so far that was the only success. We’re getting there, though. You also had a lot more talking this weekend than we’ve heard so far. More new words come out every day, and you’re starting to string words together very well now too.
***
July 26, 2012
Closer to 2 every day now… And the words just keep coming. One of the best of your new favorite phrases is “big ouch”. When we tell you to be careful or not to do something, you now reply with “big ouch”. It’s your way of saying something will hurt.
***
July 27, 2012
Another one of your new words from this past weekend’s trip is “lake”. Except you pronounce it more as “yake” – the L sound kind of gets lost in the back of your throat, but it is so stinkin’ cute to hear you trying all these new words nonetheless.
***
July 30, 2012
You had a pretty eventful weekend, squirt, and unfortunately 2 of those “events” were painful for you. Saturday I was changing the sheets on our bed and needed to get you off since you decided that was the best time to test out your jumping and somersault skills, but when I went to pick you up the prongs on my bracelet caught your back and left a nasty double line gash. Fortunately it didn’t break the skin, but the resulting raised red lines I know had to be really painful. You instantly flipped away from me, put your face in the mattress, and started screaming, and my heart just broke. You wouldn’t even let me come near you to give you a hug or kiss the ouch, and I felt so terrible watching you in such pain with tears streaming down your face. Finally I was able to wrap you in a hug and rub your little back to try to make it feel better. Then later in the night, shortly before you went to bed, you totally fell off our bed as you were playing in there while Daddy was watching tv. I heard a loud crunching/smacking noise from the living room and knew it wasn’t going to be a good scene. I was right. More screaming and tears, but at least this time you wanted to come right to me and dive into my shoulder. We finally got you calmed down and checked out from that one to make sure there were no broken bones or anything, but I was kind of afraid of a concussion since we couldn’t see exactly how you landed. We got you to bed after a couple tear-filled tries though, and you slept fine through the night.
Then yesterday we went to the Brewers game with some friends, and you didn’t take one second of a nap. It started at 1:10, which is your prime nap time, but you were awake and having fun the entire time. We stayed until the 9th inning and you soaked in every second without a cranky peep whatsoever. About 2 minutes after we got in the car to head home though, I looked back and you were out cold. So you got a short nap around 5:00, then wanted to play all night at bedtime. Ah well, at least you still got almost 10 hours of sleep last night.
***
July 31, 2012
Well, peanut, it’s our last day – mine at work, yours at daycare. As sad as I am to see both places go, I’m very excited to get to spend a couple months at home with just you before your little brother/sister arrives. I think we’re going to have fun. You wore your new Elmo t-shirt we got on our little vacation in Bayfield today to celebrate. And speaking of celebrating, you turn 2 tomorrow!!!
***
August 1, 2012
Happy 2nd birthday, Squeaker!! We had so much fun this morning at the zoo – you loved seeing all the animals and being outside so much. I foresee many more trips in our future. You also had a blast opening your presents when Daddy got home from work – a new wooden toy barn with animals and an American Girl baby doll. I can’t believe you are 2 years old already. You are such a wonderful little person, and you make us laugh daily. Thank you for being ours, and here’s to many, many more amazing years for you!
Love, Mommy
***
August 6, 2012
Even though my 1 year written calendar to you officially ended on your birthday, I’ll still try to write in here as often as I can to keep a little record. Our first week at home together is going very well. You’re a great little buddy, and so far I’m having a lot of fun with you. This past weekend was very busy with our party, so I think this week we’ll get a chance to finally settle into our new routine. You had so much fun, though, seeing and playing with everyone at the party. You took zero minutes of nap on Saturday for the first time ever, and haven’t wanted to go to bed these past 2 nights, so hopefully that evens out soon back to your regular schedule.
***
August 7, 2012
I saw 3 of your 2 year molars last night and was amazed. I have no idea when they came in, but I know the last time I checked for them not one was even close to poking through. That had to have been at least a month ago, but I was still so surprised to see so many of them in there. The only one I didn’t see poking up yet is your top right one.
***
August 9, 2012
Happy birthday to Daddy!! I went into your room this morning while he was showering and handed you your Happy Birthday hat, which you handed right to Daddy when he walked in. We’re all going to the WI State Fair tomorrow to celebrate, which will be a lot of fun. What isn’t a lot of fun is your issues going to sleep this week. You cry when I put you down for both your naps and bedtime, even though you’re so obviously tired. What gives? Is it your teeth bothering you? I find that hard to believe since they’ve probably been in there for a while and they don’t seem to bother you any other time. Are you missing your daycare routine? You always say “rock” now, which means you want us to rock you to go to sleep, but we haven’t had to do that for most of this year. I did give in last night though and rocked you at bedtime for about half an hour until you were totally out. As much as I know a 2 year old doesn’t need to be rocked to sleep, it was kind of nice seeing your sweet sleeping face in my lap again.
***
August 12, 2012
Knock on wood, but it seems your bedtime crying issues have subsided. And hopefully that lasts. Thursday afternoon you cried again when I put you down for your nap, so I just let you cry a few minutes because I knew how tired you were. Sure enough, within 5 minutes you were asleep. Then that night you didn’t make a peep – said night-night to all your toys and characters on your wall as usual, laid down, I put your blanket on you, and that was that. And since then naps and bedtimes have been fine again. So I’m not sure what those couple days were all about, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they’re gone. We had a blast at the State Fair on Friday, and you didn’t even take a nap until 4:30 because you were too busy watching everything and playing. And your newest thing I love watching is when you dance and sing to your own little made-up songs. It’s so cute!
***
August 16, 2012
You have become such a little chatterbox lately, it’s great. You talk all day long, and some of the stuff you say leaves me in stitches. Last week I taught you the saying “stepped on a duck”. Daddy farted, after which you always laugh, so I said “Daddy stepped on a duck!” So now after every time you hear one you say “me duck”. I’ve been trying to correct you to say “Daddy duck” instead, but you usually stick with saying you stepped on a duck. And it’s often “me big duck”, or sometimes it’s “me bubbles duck”, because I first taught you to say your bottom made bubbles when you farted. Never too young for potty humor, eh? Last night your head teacher from daycare stopped by to drop off the rest of your artwork and pictures from school, and even she commented on how much you’re talking. She said you never talk that much at daycare. Fortunately you didn’t tell her you stepped on a duck, ha!
***
August 17, 2012
I told Daddy last night that being home with you now is definitely different than maternity leave was – this is all-day entertainment. Yesterday morning I heard you saying something over and over in the living room. When I went out to see what you were doing you had Daddy’s camera tripod set up, and you were saying “cheese”. You were pretending to take pictures of everyone, using the little button on top of the tripod as your camera. Hilarious. I had no idea you even knew what the tripod was. We’re off to the zoo again this morning – yippee! And I just saw your 4th 2 year molar in there this morning. The top right one wasn’t there when I saw the other 3 last week, but this morning I looked again while brushing your teeth and there it was, just poking through.
***
August 20, 2012
We had such a great weekend, peanut. Saturday Daddy took some pictures of you and me down by the lake near our house, then we went and played with friends that night for dinner. You had a blast going down the slide, jumping on the little trampoline, and running down the hill with the other kids. Yesterday we went up to Sheboygan and you got to see the big lake again. Mommy got her toenails done, we had lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Rau, and then we went for a nice long walk out on the pier to see the big lake again. I just love the way you say lake – kind of like “yake”.
***
August 26, 2012
You just peed on your little potty stool on the toilet! Great job, peanut!!
***
August 27, 2012
I thought we had escaped this fate, but we had your first ever poop in the bathtub this weekend, on Saturday morning. It was a big one, too. Gross!
***
August 29, 2012
You’re getting very good at stringing words together to make phrases, little one. You’ve said this one before, but this morning it was “big blue truck” when we saw the garbage truck out the window. And then you really surprised me when we were talking about how Daddy went to work on the motorcycle, and you absolutely perfectly said “helmet” and pointed to your head to signal that he wore his helmet. You amaze me every day the way you’re becoming such a little person.
***
August 31, 2012
Well we’re trying something new for bed/nap times. I took the musical mobile thing off the side of your crib (mainly because the sounds of it have become like nails on a chalkboard to me!) and gave you a mini-Violet for sleep time instead. She’s a little puppy all curled up sleeping, and you can push the buttons on her side to play music, nighttime noises, and sleepy sounds. She also is holding a little moon that lights up when the sounds come on to give you a little light. So far you love her, but you still had some cries at bedtime last night. Hopefully you’ll do ok in Canada this coming week though, because we leave this afternoon. YAY!!!! You also turn 25 months old tomorrow. That is crazy.
***
September 12, 2012
We got back from vacation last weekend, and you had an absolute blast. You LOVED running around the island, playing with your aunt and uncle, grandparents, and the dog. You also peed on the toilet once! Great job, peanut. I can’t wait to go back next year to see how much more you’ve learned since this, your second visit.
***
September 14, 2012
You are a great little mimic. You now imitate me saying “hmm”, and this morning you perfectly copied me when I said “all right”. It’s so fun watching and listening to you grow. You’re now telling the baby rings you’re playing with on the floor to move, saying “move, guys.” I forgot to mention too, you peed on the toilet again in Canada. Good job!
***
September 19, 2012
I’m beginning to realize that our time together before your little brother/sister arrives is quickly coming to an end. I just hope I can cherish every minute we have left together, just the two of us, making sure you know how much you are and always will be loved.
***
September 20, 2012
Well that didn’t take long. You had your first fall out of your new bed last night. Around 3:30 this morning I heard you start crying, after what I thought was a crashing sound. I must admit, I wasn’t fully awakened by the noise, though, so I wasn’t entirely sure I’d heard it. But I definitely heard you crying. Daddy had fallen asleep in the living room so went in to settle you down, and when he came to bed he said you’d fallen out. Today he told me he has no idea how you landed, because you ended up behind the chair and lamp that are next to your bed, but you can’t really fall to that spot from the side of your bed. So who knows what you did, but it took him a minute to even find you in there. Poor little peanut. I did build up the barrier on the outer side of your bed to be much higher today, though, so hopefully you won’t have any more bumps in the night.
***
September 21, 2012
Today’s the last day of summer, boo. We’ve had a great one this year, peanut, and I have definitely enjoyed all of our days playing together. I know they’re not over yet, but the changing seasons is just one more sign that we’re getting even closer to being more than just D and Mommy. I really hope this new baby doesn’t phase you too much, because you certainly won’t be loved or treasured any less. I actually can’t wait to see you as a big sister.
***
September 24, 2012
Yesterday was a pretty big day – we turned your car seat around to face forward, and you peed on the toilet again before bed! I think you were kind of confused by the car seat at first, because you were a little unsure getting in that way to put your buckles on. But hopefully it’ll be better for you on longer trips. Plus your legs are getting so long you were pretty cramped back there.
***
September 25, 2012
You pooped on the toilet again last night after your bath! Nice job!! I was just thankful you didn’t go in the tub again, ha!
***
September 28, 2012
It seems like all my updates on you revolve around the toilet lately, but such is life. You peed on the toilet twice yesterday! And this morning we’re off to Grandma’s house since Daddy’s going to be up in Green Bay for the weekend. You can’t wait!
***
October 3, 2012
October already, wow. That means that in a few short weeks you’re going to be a big sister! You are so funny, and these days I’ve been able to spend at home with you have just been fantastic. You’re getting more and more words every day, and right now you’re in your bedroom “reading” one of your Sesame Street books out loud. It’s so cute! However, you have started creeping out of your bedroom when you wake up without calling for anyone, so all of a sudden we’ll hear a squeaking door and then you magically appear. After your nap is one thing, but at 6am this morning was a whole other story. We’ll be working on that.
***
October 4, 2012
Poor little peanut. You’re so sick today. Last night after your bath you kept saying how cold you were, and things just went downhill from there. 101+ fever by the time you went to bed, woke up a couple times in the 2 hours after bedtime until you finally threw up, but then fortunately slept from 12:30 until just before 8am. You still had a 102+ fever this morning, but I found some Pedialyte for you to drink as you’ve been lying on the couch watching your PBS shows all morning. I feel so bad that I can’t really do anything to help except wait for that fever to break. I hope you get better soon!
***
October 5, 2012
Fortunately you are all back to normal. I went to the hospital last night at 6 to take a tour of the labor & delivery area and got home around 7:30, and you were totally better. I got you some french fries and a little vanilla milkshake on my way home, which you were more than happy to eat. Daddy said while I was gone you had a gigantic poop, which may have been contributing to your ailment, but apparently once that was out you were cured. Yay!
***
October 8, 2012
We’re off to the zoo again this morning for the first time in a few weeks. Fun!
***
October 12, 2012
Well, the baby isn’t here yet, thank heavens, so we’re going down to Peoria this afternoon when Daddy gets home. We’re going to see a lot of family, which I know you’ll love. Let’s just hope your little brother/sister doesn’t decide to join us along the way!
***
October 15, 2012
We made it through the whole weekend in Peoria without your little brother/sister making an appearance, so that’s great news. You had so much fun playing with everyone – all your aunts and uncles in Peoria, cousins, grandparents, great-grandma. It was a wonderful time. Mama had a nice ceremony at my high school, and you loved running around the foyer and eating your lunch at the table with us like such a big girl. I’m so glad we were able to make the trip and spend time with all of our family.
***
October 19, 2012
Not much new to report, peanut. I’ve just been trying to enjoy these last days together with just you to the fullest, because you are my little best friend. I hope I’ve prepared you well to be a big sister – you do know that when the baby starts crying you can say, “Don’t cry baby, it’s ok. I’m Della, I’m your big sister, and I’m right here.” It’s adorable. This morning we were lying in bed together as you were watching Sesame Street, and you let me hold your little hand for much of the time. Also adorable, and made my heart swell. I love you so much.
***
October 29, 2012
You’re a big sister to a little sister, Lana Marie! You are absolutely the best big sister I’ve ever seen, too. You love to give Lana pats to help when I burp her, watch me feed her, stroke all her dark hair, give her kisses, and point out all her tiny little parts. Our first night home from the hospital was a little rough for you with the baby crying and being up a lot, but since then you’ve done outstanding. I really hope it keeps up and I can do as good a job for you as I have been when it’s just you, me, and Lana home by ourselves during the days. We’ve had a lot of help so far with Daddy being home last week and Grandma up for this week, then next week it’s show time. I didn’t think it was possible, but I think I love you now even more than ever, peanut!!
***
November 4, 2012
You are seriously the best kid ever, peanut. You have been incredible as a big sister already, and I can tell how much you love Lana. You haven’t lost any of your wonderful sparkle, either. I hope I don’t let you down at all and am strong enough to keep giving you all the attention you need to keep growing and learning without neglecting anything your little sister needs either. I love you so much.
***
November 11, 2012
You are such a great kid, but holy crap do we need to wok on your “No!”s and listening to what we ask you to do the first time. Ugh.
***
November 13, 2012
I’m not sure if my words finally sunk in, or if I just caught you on a good day, but so far this week you’ve been doing a great job listening and keeping the “No!”s to a minimum. Thank you! You also pooped and peed on the toilet yesterday and peed on it today. Great job!! I still don’t know when we’ll try potty training in earnest, though. I’m not sure either of us is quite ready…
***
November 14, 2012
You pooped on the toilet again this morning – excellent! Sorry your updates are mainly about peeing and pooping these days, but I’m trying to nudge us into potty training right now I think. I would love to only have 1 kid in diapers. We’ll see how brave I get though.
***
November 15, 2012
It actually happened. You pretended to breastfeed your bear Violet yesterday. I was feeding Lana in the rocker in your room, and you said Violet needed some milk, then lifted up your shirt. Then you burped her. I about died laughing. At least you got the steps down right.
***
November 20, 2012
Day 2 of potty training attempt #1, and so far so pretty good. You’ve been in underwear all day today and yesterday (except for naps and nights), and you only had 2 little pee accidents today. I was amazed that we made it through day 1 with no accidents. I hope this keeps up and you’ll really be potty trained for good soon!
***
November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Della Jolee!! I love you more than words, and you become a cuter, funnier little person every day. You are doing so well with potty training so far. I hope we get it to work permanently!
***
November 24, 2012
You’ve been doing a great job of keeping your nap diapers dry then going in the toilet as soon as you wake up, but last night you actually kept your nighttime diaper dry too. Dare I hope that we’re getting close here?
***
November 27, 2012
Yesterday was officially 1 week of potty training down, and you are doing so great! You haven’t had an accident since day 3, and I’m amazed. You’ve even started telling us when you have to go instead of being asked constantly, which is fantastic. I’m going to give it a little while longer, though, before we try to go naps without a diaper, but those have been dry for days now too.
***
November 30, 2012
Big milestones here, peanut. Yesterday we went on our first walking errand in the stroller with underwear on, to CVS. Then today we walked over to the park and played for about 35-40 minutes, and no accidents on either trip! You are seriously doing an amazing job with this potty training bit. I’m contemplating taking you on a multi-store car errand trip tomorrow, but we’ll see. We do have 2 play dates next week, though, so hopefully it goes smoothly having to use other people’s toilets too.
***
December 1, 2012
Happy 28 month birthday, Squeaker! 2 1/3 years old. Wow! I forgot to mention, but you started taking gummy vitamins a few weeks ago, and you love them!
***
December 2, 2012
Well, it happened. Your first poop accident today. You had gone for a walk to the store with Daddy and were playing in the backyard afterwards. I went to roll your pants up so you didn’t get mud on the bottoms, and I felt wet pant legs. We let you play a little more since you were already wet and would be getting a bath anyway, but when you came over to me a few minutes later you said there was poop too. I didn’t know if you actually did have poop in there or not, but we went inside. Yep, you were right. And a lot of poop too! So that pair of Dora undies went in the trash and you got a nice soapy bath. Hopefully there aren’t many more of those in store!
***
December 4, 2012
We went to see Santa today, and you did great! You and Lana sat on his lap, and you were so excited to see him. I think you got a little nervous the longer you sat on his lap for the pictures, so I went over and helped you talk to him to calm your nerves. We asked him for your paints and little chairs for your playhouse, we asked him for milk and diapers for Baby Lana, and we even said that he says “Ho, ho, ho.” After our little chat the girl snapped the best picture of the bunch. Then we thanked him and said bye-bye twice. You got a sucker, which of course made you very happy. It’s so fun watching you be enthused about Christmas this year.
***
December 10, 2012
Well it was quite a weekend, squirt. Friday was a day from hell, with you completely disobeying me and shouting no in my face repeatedly. It was the maddest I’ve ever been at you, and it was definitely not fun. But Saturday was great – we had a play date/brunch with all of Mommy’s girlfriends who have babies, and you were the big girl of the bunch. Lana was the pipsqueak. You had a lot of fun playing with all the kids and toys, we had a little book exchange so you got 2 new Sesame Street books, and you went pee on the toilet 3 times while we were there. No accidents in the 40 minute car rides either! Yesterday Mommy and Daddy went to see A Christmas Carol and have dinner, so you got to play with Grandma Rau all day, which you always love. Today marks 3 full weeks of potty training, and you’ve had no more accidents since your poop pants last weekend. Great job! Unfortunately you are sick with some stomach bug today, so you’ve been barfing all morning. I foresee a lot of Pooh and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer watching in our future today while you rest on the couch.
***
December 13, 2012
Unfortunately another round of puking hit you yesterday, and you barfed for a good 5 minutes straight after lunch. Daddy was in the bathroom with you while I tended to Lana, and he said you were just heaving, holding onto the sides of the toilet with your little hands. Ugh, I’m so sorry, peanut. I hate seeing you sick. You came out to the living room when you were all finished and your poor little eyes were all puffy and red, and your face was all blotchy from the effort. I wanted to just scoop you up and comfort you forever. But fortunately you seemed fine after that, so we thought maybe it was something you ate. Today there was no puking (“milk out” as you call it, since on monday the first time you barfed it was all milk), but you had a runny nose and lots of sneezing. I hope we all feel better soon!
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December 15, 2012
I don’t know if it’s the little stuffy/runny nose you have from your cold, but the way you say “Mama” right now is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. It simply warms my heart. Especially since almost every sentence starts with some variation of “Hey, Mama!”
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December 22, 2012
We are down at Grandma & Grandpa’s house for a nice 5 day Christmas stay, and you could not be more excited! You also love talking about Santa this year, which is so much fun. You’ve been doing a great job of keeping your sleep time diapers dry, too, so I think we’ve finally done away with diapers for naps. You’ve also woken up in the night sometimes to come get me to go to the bathroom, which is a great step. And everyone here has commented on how your vocabulary and talking has exploded recently. You’re getting so big, my little sweet pea!
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December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas Eve, peanut! I can’t wait to watch you look for Santa and his sleigh tonight then see your eyes widen with wonder when you discover what he brought tomorrow morning. I love you to the moon and back, little one!
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December 28, 2012
You got an absolute haul for Christmas, and you’ve loved playing with everything since then. Watching you listen to your ear phones with the keyboard/music station Santa left for you at our house is hilarious. You know we can’t listen to it too loudly with the music right in your ears, and you remember that we had to put red ear covers on when we watched the loud airplanes this summer. You are simply amazing.
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December 31, 2012
Happy New Year, sweet Della! You are becoming such an amazing little person, and I can’t help but smile watching you run around the house. Just today I noticed that you are a full head, shoulders, and then some taller than the dining room table. Wow. You have the cutest dress on for New Year’s and are now drinking your “bubble juice”, aka sparkling grape juice. I love you so much.