Warning: Potty Talk

Well, the sharing the room thing didn't happen so well the second night, so Aaron was back in the pack n play again last night. We'll try again tonight!

On the plus side, Timmy decided to be interested in the potty again yesterday. He says "Pot?" and signs potty when he has to go (poop), and he's been good at this for a couple of months. Yesterday he did it when he just had to pee! Yay! And this morning when I asked if he had to go, instead of whining and trying to run from the bathroom, he went right over to his potty, sat down and put his bear on the little potty and said "Psssssss." Oh boy oh boy! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I kind of am taking that as a sign that he's "ready!" Or interested at least, which hopefully means...ready!

Sleeping Babies

Tonight is the second attempt at having the boys sleep in the same room. Last night went well, so I'm hopeful. Timmy was so patient tonight when Aaron had to cry for about 15 minutes to fall asleep. I just explained to him beforehand that baby was going to sleep in his room and told him "he's going to cry for a little while before he goes to sleep, but it's OK. Thank you for being patient with him."

I am so proud of him. He just stayed in his bed and tried to sleep, even though I'm sure he was just laying there listening to the baby cry the whole time....enough for many adults to want to leave the room.

Timmy is such a sweet kid. He just has such a gentle disposition and is so patient most of the time. BUT....He's definitely getting into the age group where he realizes that other kids have toys he wants and take toys he's playing with, and it bothers him. Anyone have any great tips for toddlers learning to share? What to you do when your kid pushes another kid out of his way when he wants a toy?

Papa and Mama's Visit

I am really tardy in posting pictures the last month. So, here's a whole slew of them to catch you up. Here's Timmy out yesterday in the courtyard. We're having beautiful Fall weather right now. The leaves are changing and it's nice a cool, but still warm enough for sandals. Perfect.

You can see our lovely neighborhood, complete with abandoned shopping carts and all. :) People walk 3/4 of a mile home from the grocery store here with their carts, and the grocery stores come pick them up. We also have what we fondly call "community toys" which are all sorts of abandoned plastic lovelies enjoyed year after year in the playareas by the kiddies.

Saturday at the park with Daddy

The fish swing! Someone tied this rocker to a tree and it's a favorite swing now in the neighborhood.

My parents came to town earlier this month. It was super-fun! We all enjoyed the visit so much! Here are the highlights:

GRANDPA got to meet AARON! Don't they look alike?

We had a wonderful blessing for Aaron on Sunday September 6th and a little luncheon at the apartment after. We were so grateful to have Mom & Dad and our friends Emre & Meltem, T., Nate & Andreea, Travis & Jamie, Tony and Michael join us for the blessing. We were also so happy Anna could visit and that Nate and Missy were in town and we could visit with them as well! Mom was INVALUABLE in helping me put out the spread. We had just the right amount of food for everyone, and her help made the whole day run smooth and manageable. THANKS

MOM & DAD!! What a great blessing day! (I took a little video at the open house, but I didn't take any photos, unfortunately.)

We had lots of fun with "Papa" and "Mama" while they were in town. We had the true Michigan experience going raspberry picking at Makielski Berry Farm. Timmy didn't want to eat any, but he enjoyed picking the berries and putting them in the jug.

I have been wanting to kayak in the Huron ever since we moved here two years ago, and we finally did it! It was a beautiful day on the river. Timmy even enjoyed a ride in the kayak. We were lucky to catch one of the last days that boat rentals were open for the season!

Playing at the park - the "wagon" slide.

Ooooh! Light sabers are cool!

Mom even took Timmy and I swimming at Fuller Pool right before a huge lightening storm hit the city! Mom and Dad were training for a triathalon, and mom got in her laps! She even went running while she was on vacation! Good job mom! What dedication!

Happy Cake

I gave Timmy a bite of cake today and he said excitedly, "HAPPY CAKE!"

That's right Timmy. That's right.

Sleep makes the World go 'Round

It is true for me anyway that if my kids are well rested, and I'm well rested, we're a happy family.

The toddler bed is a hit. Timmy now has no problem sleeping through the night. I finally put up a little black cloth to darken the room, and he has started sleeping later again and his naps are back to 2 1/2 to 3 hours again too. He's gone a couple days without begging for TV non-stop (because I was ready to entertain him first thing in the morning) and that has made me much happier.

I think we're finally getting settled again. Aaron is close to sleeping through the night. I think he'll be there in just another couple of weeks. That will be a happy, happy day!

We'll get him out of our room, and into Timmy's, and we can enjoy an uninterrupted block on sleep every day.