Potty-trained? (Knock on wood this time!)

I posted a couple months back about the success we were having with Megan's potty-training and two days later we were back in diapers. Totally jinxed myself.

So, posting this is probably tempting fate, but I think we're on a good run here, so I'll chance it!

Since our first tentative success, Megan and I have made various attempts at potty-training, which usually last for a day or two before we both give up and go back to diapers. But, a week and a half ago, Megan took off her diaper. Just as before, I gave her the chance. It was one of the few Fridays we didn't go anywhere, so she went all day without incident. This wasn't new, so I put her back in a diaper when I left her alone with James (who was not keen on the idea of cleaning up any mess she might make in my absence), and again when we went to church the next day.

Still, when we were home, she was diaper-free and didn't have a single accident. By the end of Saturday, I was cautiously optimistic. She'd even "done a stinky" in her little pink potty by then, which I counted as a huge success.

Held my breath and continued to give her free reign and a candy with every success (at least until she'd pee a little, get her candy, run back, pee some more, get more candy, run back, pee out the rest... you get the idea). Now she gets a treat sporadically based on her success.

We're still having issues when we put proper underwear on. In fact, the only accidents over the past 10 days have been when we attempt to put them on her. We're working on that one as we speak, and I'm remaining optimistic. Right now she wears skirts so she's used to wearing something and still going potty. Once we add underwear to the mix, candy with every success might become regular for awhile longer.

I am also optimistic about night-time training. Most mornings she's dry when she wakes up and asks to go potty, so we might get a single plastic sheet (just in case) and let her go for it! I bought a "trial pack" of diapers just a few days ago and I'd love to have those size 3s collecting dust soon.

Cadence's first Primary Program

Well, as I more or less expected, Cadence did not cooperate during the primary program. She knew all the songs by heart, knew her part, and would happily agree to doing her part during the program in exchange for a My Little Pony doll, but when it came time... no luck.

The first practice was definitely a good warning. As soon as she realized I was going to be in the same room, she clung to my side, which more or less required shuffling on the primary presidency's part in their seating arrangement. She refused to sing, let alone stand for the songs, and getting her to the microphone to do her part was a bust.

The second practice, I had James drop her off and snuck around. She did beautifully. Even went up and did her part without a fuss.

Unfortunately, I was 100% sure she would NOT go to the stand on the actual day without me. She would be sitting next to me for the 20 minutes before it started and getting her to leave my side for such an unusual even would have been next to impossible. So I attended the third and final practice and had about as much luck as in the first one.

In the end, the actual performance went about the same. Even offering to go up to the microphone with her ended with a tantrum.

Next year, James and I are prepared. He'll take the girls to church separately and I'll follow so they never even know I'm in the building until it's too late. The girls aren't half as clingy around James. I just hope Cadence will willingly go in front of the crowd. She'll also be a year older, so until the time comes, I'll remain optimistic. :-)

In the meantime, there's a Princess Cadence "My Little Pony" doll sitting in my closet. She would be in Cadence's toy box, but... Oh well.

Happy Birthday to ME!

I post for everyone else's birthday in this blog, I just went through the past few years and realized I don't really post about my birthday.

I'm 27, as of yesterday. I'm writing that down, because lately I've had to stop and think about it to answer the question. I usually figured it out by process of elimination. "Hmm, no, 28 doesn't sound right and 26... pretty sure I already celebrated that one. Therefore, I must be 27."

Nothing fancy for yesterday. James went to work and, though I was up at the crack of dawn with James, I wasn't keen on waking the girls up that early to take the car so we could get out of the house. The original plan was to drop them off at daycare and get myself a mani-pedi, but my nails tore recently enough that I want them to grow out a bit more first. So, maybe next week.

My other present was a new mixer. A fancy, schmancy Kitchenaid mixer. Even better, I got it for a steal using online coupons, online deals and credit card points. Already used it three times in the past five days and loving how easy it makes my baking!

Today was more or less my "celebration". James tricked me into thinking work had gone crazy and he'd be pulling an extra long shift today (as in might be working until midnight). Then surprised me with the news he was only going paintballing for a few hours in the morning and he'd be home for the rest of the day. Stinker. I was grinning as I punched him a few times (and a few more times since). It was a nice surprise.

We went to Sweet Tomato (Soup Plantation) for a tasty meal. Light enough my poor sensitive tummy could handle it and always a welcome treat (salad, soup and breadsticks. What better meal?!) The girls LOVED it, as usual. I overate, as I usually do, and the girls gorged themselves on ice cream once they'd finished their plates of salad. We did have to drag Cadence out of the restaurant since she wanted more ice cream. We were surrounded by parents with sympathetic smiles as James carried her, screaming, outside. I love that bond between strangers with kids when one kid begins causing a scene.

Dinner was supposed to be French Dip (yummy!), but the roast wasn't thawed in time, so instead we had Navajo Tacos and French Dip will be dinner tomorrow night. Two nights of tasty food? Don't mind if we do! Also enjoyed my regular cheesecake, though I'll complain briefly about how it didn't turn out (again). My usual curse of making a new recipe perfectly the first time and never able to do so again. *sigh* Maybe I should stick with the no-bake stuff.

All in all, an enjoyable day and a promising start to the weekend. Church tomorrow, including practice for the primary program next week (here's hoping Cadence decides to participate this time!).

Coloring

As the girls slowly outgrow their desire to color on every available surface, I find myself more willing to give out a few crayons from time to time. Cadence loves coloring, especially on the oversized coloring pages that are a little more forgiving toward her 4-year-old coloring skills. In the end, she did an amazing job coloring in the fairy below:

Then, once the fairy was colored, she flipped it over and began drawing. She drew a cat, several spiders, a sun, and the circle on the right? That purple thing is another sun and below it are flowers. Hmm... She's pretty talented at this stuff.

Megan's still learning, of course, But she is coloring on purpose, so I guess it's a start. She colored the face and hands, then got bored and flipped her own page.

No idea what she was attempting to draw, she refused to tell me and just had fun with colors. So thumbs up to her. :-)

Bunk Beds!!!

Cadence is nearly 4, which means it's been some time since she could be considered a "toddler" and has been too big for her toddler bed for quite awhile now. Of course, purchasing a new bed can be pricey and with the recent accidents and vacations, well... priorities and all that. However, we finally made the purchase and here they are! Once the boxes were delivered I could hardly wait. I suppose I could have waited for James to come home and help me put them together, but... nope! I got the girls situated for quiet time, turned on "Oklahoma" in the girls' room and got to work.

The girls were curious about what I was doing, wondering what all those boxes could hold. I don't think they quite believed me when I said it was new beds, since the picture on the box didn't look like any bed they would recognize. Once it was all assembled, though, it started to make sense to them and Cadence couldn't wait to play (Megan had fallen asleep, she still hasn't seen the finished product!)

 We actually picked out the sheets and blankets before we even bought the bed. They'd been sitting in mine and James's closet ever since, waiting to be pulled back out when the bed arrived.

So, there they are. Cadence loves them. We're going to make it a rule, from the beginning, that the top bunk is only for bedtime. Something tells me that won't stop Cadence from trying once she gets more confident with the ladder, but I'm hoping having the rule from the get go helps keep it enforced. Now to get the toddler beds pulled apart and out of the room. No idea what to do with those, yet.

Cutip Painting (and other pictures)

In an attempt to avoid too much routine, I pulled out some paint, cutips and craft paper and let the girls have fun. I really do wish I did stuff like this more often, because they enjoy it so much, but I'm afraid to give them too much access to mess-making items. They actually did really well with this, other than Megan's tendency to put the cutip on the table instead of the plate.

  

They also had some super-cute conversations while they painted together. They interact so well together most days. Sure, they argue, but that's what siblings are supposed to do, right? Anyway, video of them chatting while they painted:

 

And finally, a few random pictures of the past week. The oversized bucket is supposed to be for toys, but it rarely holds toys. In fact, most days, the girls will find an empty one, put a pillow in it, and turn it into a chair/bed/whatever. Right before I got this picture, they were both in the bucket with the blanket pulled over them, giggling.

 Then today, I noticed Cadence walking around in my shoes holding a towel up to her like it was a dress. I couldn't resist a few pictures. Once the camera was out, Megan wanted her turn and they both started acting up. Super cute!

(Ps, for some reason, I just adore this shot:)

  

At this exact moment, I'm listening to Cadence sing and try not to giggle at her made-up song: "I want to be a princess, it's my favorite dream come true, la la laaaaaaa". <3

Potty-Training Postponement & Other Ramblings

Megan and I engaged in a battle of will for the past two weeks. She did so well the first week of potty-training, but just as we hit progress, it all fell apart and for a week she had two accidents for every one success, and that was being generous.

So, we're back in diapers and the new princess panties are put away for now.

Unfortunately, Megan now has a habit of stripping off her diaper at her own whim. She's so determined to do things HER way. Unfortunately, HER way doesn't involve peeing in the potty except on rare occasions.

I feel like there should be more to say after a few weeks of being home, but it's been pretty tame. It's summer, so work is slower for James and, due to recent change in management, a lot calmer. He's had a fair bit of extra time off, which we're enjoying in general.

(On a very important side note: The "extended cut" for Mass Effect 3's ending was released and I finally got around to replaying it. I was bitterly disappointed in the original ending and the general lack of closure, so while I still dislike parts of the ending, I am pleased with the changes they did make. Now, to await Dragon Age 3 and hope they don't screw that one up as well.)

Well, there is a minor announcement. Cadence earned the "way to go" title in junior primary last week. It's not a huge deal. It's given to the "best behaved (that hasn't been named recently)" in each primary. Naturally, they're a little more lenient in judging the Sunbeams, but what matters is she participated well enough to earn the little award (a ticket that got her a candy from the bishop). I was pleased. I always worry that she's just too enthusiastic to ever be "behaved", and I wish I could ditch teaching my class just to stand at the primary door and peek through the window to see how she really behaves. But, getting the "way to go" means she's doing something right in primary, at least. Though, our first week back from vacation she had a meltdown in sharing time, but they were able to get it under control (only warned me because if it happened again they would be bringing her to me).

I've already begun researching preschools for her. Can you believe she's that old already? Granted, it'll be at least a year before she starts, but registration can start as early as January, and a year can fly by if you let it. Lots of variables to take in, most importantly cost and location. I think I've found one that meets all my requirements, I just need to see if I can opt out of the "weekly chapel", since it is a church-run program, or at least sit through a session or two to hear exactly what they teach. Still looking for more options, of course. Unfortunately, the area between where we live now and where we may live isn't really the type of place a preschool will pop up.

California, part 3 (Bowling and Goodbyes)

(Two videos below if you wish to skip the rambling. Enjoy!)

We got back into Bakersfield Thursday, early afternoon, after dealing with unexpectedly heavy traffic (we expected traffic, but the amount of it at 10am was unexpected). Including, a moment just outside of Valencia when the cops put a halt to all traffic going one way on I-5. We assume this was to let construction equipment be safely moved, but it was frustrating nonetheless as we were too far to see the cop cars, but close enough to see the large stretch of unused highway. It was even more frustrating, because this was the moment Cadence decided she really needed to pee and that helpless feeling sucks when it comes to my children, but we made it to a bathroom accident free. Phew!

Since we had a few hours until check-in time at our next hotel, James and I took the girls bowling. It was a blast! The girls thought it was the funnest thing ever and couldn't wait for their next turn, though once we broke out the thing of fries they lost a little interest. James and I continued doing our traditional golf bowling (aim for the lowest score, gutter balls are an automatic 10pts). This was a little more complicated with the rails up, but in the end, it was so close I can't remember who "lost". Anyway, better than pictures, we have video:

By the end of the game, Cadence was quite capable of doing it all on her own, as you can see.

Megan gave up trying to push it and insisted on kicking the ball at every turn, which usually mean James and I tried to time rolling it with the same time her foot collided. She never noticed our extra help and still enjoyed herself.

That night, James and I left the girls with Nana and Poppa and ran off to a king-size bed jacuzzi suite all to ourselves. We also went out to dinner at our traditional Bakersfield date spot, La Mina Cantina. Sadly, I found myself a little disappointed in the changes to my favorite dish there. However, I enjoyed the sides, the chips, and the mason jar soda. And lounging in a jacuzzi tub, then climbing into a king-size bed (necessary for happy sleeping between myself and my bed-hog husband) was wonderful. Though, I did call Nana 8am in the morning and headed over, despite her insisting all was well. I missed my kids, what can I say?

We spent Friday in Taft. James's brother was in town with his girlfriend, who showed us the ring he'd given her only days before! We're expecting a trip to South Carolina sometime next year. It was an enjoyable visit, despite the girls taking awhile to get over the grumps from their nap in the car. We also got to visit with James's grandparents, though we ended up keeping that visit short. Sadly, James's grandmother had just started chemotherapy that day. She didn't mind seeing the girls, of course. And, James's aunt was in town, so she got to see the girls. The last time we saw her, Megan was still a mid-sized bump that most people hadn't noticed yet (not saying much, since I showed up to church with a newborn and still surprised some people...).

Friday night was spent back in Bakersfield for a BBQ dinner and the last chance for everyone to get together. We stayed later than we should have, but it was worth it. One more night in a hotel, then a Saturday morning visit with Grandpa to see his house and hang out, one last jaunt over to Nana's to retrieve a missing blanket and give one last round of hugs and "I love yous", then a half an hour spent at the park to meet up with our nephew Talon.

The trip home was smooth and uneventful, other than a mad dash to pull about 6lbs worth of stuff out of our largest suitcase to shove it into the new one we'd just purchased (thank goodness) at check-in. Okay, so things weren't completely smooth. Our second carseat got jammed in the x-ray machine and we shut down one of the two security lines for about five minutes. Just as one of the security people began to make sad eyes and explain to us that the carseat was really jammed in their and about to send us away (I assume) down a carseat, the carseat slipped loose and we were able to go on our way again. The girls were restless in the airport and on the airplane and more prone to fussing. I ignored the seatbelt light for a good 20 minutes as I let Cadence play on the floor and Megan sit in my lap to keep the content. We had one moment of crying during the descent, but we were off the plane soon and, other than a mad dash to cram into the parking lot shuttle along with 30 other people (I used my 2 year old as an excuse to body-block people trying to squeeze in front of us), we got to our car without incident.

We had a late night dinner, since we flew right through dinner, stopped at the grocery store to get stuff for dinner Sunday (so we wouldn't have to go to the store), and finally got into bed. We all slept in. The girls slept in for two mornings in a row. Poor James... at least he got to sleep in on the 4th of July when he had the day off!

Potty Training

Guess who's not wearing diapers (except at night) anymore?

That's right, my baby. :-(

Went shopping on Monday after we got home and bought her some new princess panties. I learned from the Cadence experience that the Faded Glory/knock-off brands are just too big and I have to pay the extra $$$ for the character ones. Megan initially protested the purchase, but once we took them out of the bag and let her see them up close, she warmed up to the idea by Tuesday morning.

And . . . we went through the entire bag (minus 1) in one day. However, for every accident, we had a success.

Wednesday morning . . . not so hot. Megan lost interest in the whole thing and didn't have any success all morning, though by the afternoon we were 50/50 again.

Thursday morning, she decided accidents weren't that cool after all and began willingly holding and peeing as necessary. We did have two minor accidents, but for day 3, I'll take it!

That brings us to day 4. Knocking on wood, but other than a minor accident (that she caught, held in the rest, and went to the bathroom for) after an unexpected nap, we're doing well. We even went grocery shopping without incident. I've got a couple more tricks up my sleeve to nip another problem in the bud, hopefully today.

Unfortunately, without the diapers, finding pants that won't fall down is going to be an even bigger challenge for us now. Hmm . . .

California, part 2 (Disneyland)

Disneyland was the part of the trip I was looking forward to the most, and the part that was making me the most nervous. However, the entire day went so well I was amazed. We didn't wait more than 20 minutes for a single ride (not that we went on many) and they got to meet Tinkerbell, 6 of the Disney princesses AND see 2 parades so they could see all the other characters they know and love. (Feel free to skip the monologue and browse the pictures below).

We started off the day with Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters, then a quick visit with Tinkerbell, where there was virtually no wait. We almost went on Matterhorn, but left when we saw the new bobsled design (lucky for us, poor Lynne got all the way to the front and learned they'd changed the height requirements). We, instead, went to the Finding Nemo submarine ride, then headed on over to meet the Disney princesses. Also lucky for us, Belle and Ariel (Cadence and Megan's favorites, respectively) were the first ones we met. One of the Disneyland workers suggested we view a princess show and the girls got to see three more princesses. We even got to dance around the Maypole with Princess Aurora, then meet Cinderella and Snow White afterward.

We went on Pirates after that, but a royal meltdown by Ms. Megan warned us the girls were reaching their limit, so we trekked back to the hotel for lunch and a break. Then, it was right back to the park to get on Ariel's Undersea Adventure and a few trips around King Triton's Carousel. On our way back across the park, we stumbled upon the beginning of a parade and decided to stay and watch when we saw Monsters Inc. characters at the front. Following behind them were characters from many Pixar films, including Toy Story and Cars, two more of the girls' all-time favorites.

After a few more rides at California Adventure, we headed back to Disneyland, where we ran into yet another parade. This was just as enjoyable as the first. Peter Pan came up close to high-five and wave at us before Captain Hook pulled him away. We saw the princesses again, and Aladdin and Simba, and lots of other familiar characters.

We didn't stay much longer. We visited Toon Town (our reason for returning to Disneyland) for a few more minutes of running around, wandered through Sleeping Beauty's castle, and then headed back to the hotel for a very late dinner and bed. The girls put themselves to sleep, they were so worn out! Unfortunately, the next morning we had to say good-bye to Aunt Erin, Uncle Jeff and cousins. Then, we piled into our own rental car and returned to Bakersfield for the last few days of our trip.