Toilet Training a Festival of POOP

I remember I friend of mine (after she became a mom) remarking that never before had poop been such a frequent topic of conversation.  Perhaps I should say number two as it isn't quite as offensive, or maybe BM.  There's a story I could tell you about my Mom and a different term, but perhaps that isn't mine to share... This last week has been great in the land of toilet training, well at least the first half.  You see it was a week ago today that Kate last pooped.  It was in the toilet and it was slightly traumatic for poor Miss Kate.

Two nights ago she had a bad bout of holding it in, she went to bed wiggling.  Last night we took her on a walk around the block.  As of today she wasn't going to have any more cheese or milk.  I was going to feed her popcorn, all in the name of helping her body do it's thing.  Every time we brought up going number two, she declared she was scared and would get upset. 

Now to switch to something more serious.  Recently someone said that Heavenly Father loves us so much he cares about what we care about.  Last night I began to petition earnestly that Kate would be able to go.  It seemed almost wrong to pray about poop, but I was getting worried.  Today we prayed in the bathroom, and sweet little Kate asked me to pray.  We prayed twice.  Both times I felt impressed to ask specifically that it wouldn't hurt and that Kate wouldn't be afraid.  Prayers don't always get answered so quickly but I know it was an answer to prayer this afternoon that although the experience was uncomfortable, Kate wasn't in pain, and it didn't hurt.  I was so happy I cried a little.  I hugged Kate over and over and told her that her Heavenly Father answered her prayers.  Am I crazy... probably?!

Sadly the story doesn't end there.  After our marathon session in the bathroom and fresh with success and an unspoiled pair of Dora underwear we set off for the park.  (This was our second trip to the park this week - the first trips to the park of the season.  It was so beautiful today!)  We met up with some friends and Kate played, and Alice played.  We were there for about five minutes when I saw the face.  A face I know all too well... the pooping face.  Dora was no longer unspoiled.  Thank goodness for a good friend that lives beside the park and provided us with a change of clothes and a place to change.  I'm still getting the hang of this toilet training business.

I think that it's good that this post doesn't have any pictures to accompany it.

Best Picture Ever!

They do these ridiculously cute things and it is so rare that you actually get to capture the moment.  I'm so excited that I caught the moment... even if there's flash on the plate.

Alice, you are the best!

Not a Sacrifice

Ken spoke in church today.  He spoke about sacrifice.  In his talk he said that he didn't consider having and raising children a sacrifice.

 

I am so thankful for a wonderful husband that loves me and loves his daughters.

Happy Birthday Daddy (as in my dad...)

Seventy-two. 

Tonight we went to Mom and Dad's to celebrate Dad.  My brother Andrew and my Dad's cousin Nancy were there also.  We had a lovely evening. 

I'm not sure what to say now.  Have I talked about the hospital stuff too much?  One year ago it seemed like Dad would never get out of the hospital.  The worst was mostly over but there was so far to go, it seemed so insurmountable so many times.  But I suppose someone forgot to tell Dad that it was too difficult.  No wait, that's wrong, he was told that he'd never walk again.  He was told that he'd have to be in a nursing home.  He was told that his life would never be the same; that is perhaps the only truth he was told.

We usually see my parents weekly and Dad is always eager to tell me of his new tricks.  This past week in his physical therapy he was working on getting out of deep chairs.  He also showed me that he could push his walker ahead and then take three steps to it.  You don't know what you are made of until you are pushed to your limits.  I always knew Dad was a fighter and fight he has.  And beside him through this whole impossible journey has been Mom telling him to fight, that he would come home, that he would walk. 

Kate asked her Grandpa if she could blow out the candles.  (We had told Kate that she could blow out Alice's candles at her birthday party... and then we forgot... and then there were tears.  AND she has talked about her disappointment MANY times.  I hope this cures her of it... we'll see!)

A few more fun pics from the evening.

I love my family.  I am so thankful for my family.  Happy Birthday Daddy!  I love you! 

A Perfect Monday

Today was just perfect because:
I loved being with my girls ALL day
We went to Bizzy Bees in Alliston
We had lunch with Ken (which I made)
Kate played so nicely with the two other little girls that were there
Alice fell asleep in the car on the way home and Kate did not
Alice transferred from her new big girl car seat to her bed
Kate watched Thomas the Train while I made dinner
We had Family Home Evening
Kate peed in the potty all day - she even peed once all by herself
Kate pooped in the potty (for the first time - not including a screaming bath poop a year ago)
We had a fun family trip to the grocery store
The girls are both asleep and Ken and I are going to watch Downton Abbey
The sun was shining brightly all day

I feel so blessed... life is good!

Toilet Time!

As of January the 13th I thought toilet training was a far away dream.  Today was an exciting day!  Kate wore a diaper the whole day, the same diaper I might add.  BUT, it was dry all day.  She peed on the toilet SIX times - asking to go each time (maybe prompted once).  I am so happy, Kate is so happy, and my pocket book is soon to be so happy!  YAY for Kate! (Ken is happy too.  I don't think Alice cares.)

Alice's First Birthday Party!

As much as is possible, I want to do for number two that which was done for number one.  I still take LOTS of pictures and because we don't have a whole lot of traditions, I figure I might be able to keep up with myself.  Since we had a first birthday party for Kate, we had to have one for Alice!  
 
Here's the birthday girl with her party hat and cute birthday girl shirt.

Alice and I posed with the balloon bouquet.  I just LOVE balloon bouquets!

Here are the 2011 babies, Lucienne, Alice and Lauren.  (Amélie was home sick - boo.)

Here are all the party friends, minus Marisol who didn't want to be in the picture. (I was a camera shy kid myself.)

The kids played, the adults chatted and everyone snacked.  Good times!  And of course, the party wouldn't be complete without Kate jumping on the bed with friends.

We had lunch, and with Alice rapidly deteriorating, we expedited the cupcake and the singing of Happy Birthday.

After she finished her cupcake (as in ate some of the icing and threw the cupcake on the floor) I took her upstairs, changed her and put her to bed.

After she woke up, she played with her presents.  She was very excited to play with her new ball.  It's so cute when she says ball ("bah").

 

One last picture of Kate with the birthday balloons!  We had a fun day.  (After Alice's nap, we went down to Thornhill and picked up a big girl car seat and visited with Grandpa.  What a fun day for Alice, and the rest of us too.)

Can you tell what we're doing?

Kate and I are playing Angry Birds.  Me on my phone and Kate on Ken's.  Sad or cute?  I'm not sure.