This week has been a stellar one for Natalie and her potty training. She's been wearing a pull-up for quite some time now, and would sometimes use the toilet, but not always. Just if she felt like it, really, and you never really knew what she was thinking.
Last week, her teacher asked me if I was ready to try her in underwear. I laughed, since Natalie's interest in the bathroom at home was totally sporadic. But Miss Tiffany was convinced that Natalie could do it, knowing that she actually does go potty all day at school when she's around all her friends.
So last Friday, we put her in underwear when we got home that afternoon/evening. And Natalie did well, taking it very seriously and running to the bathroom about every 30 minutes, just in case. So we decided to keep it up, and put her in underwear all day Saturday and Sunday both. We've been changing back to a pull-up for naptime and bedtime for now. She did great over the weekend, with 1 or 2 accidents each day, so we were encouraged to keep it up and send her to school wearing underwear. And Natalie has done extremely well! She had 1-2 accidents a day on both Monday and Tuesday, but on both Wednesday and Thursday, she was dry all day! Hooray!!! She is also anxious to get out of the wet pull-up as soon as she wakes up, which is nice to see.
I know we just started, and it might be a while before I'm completely convinced that Natalie is a potty expert, but so far, so good. I think a lot of it has to do with mimicking Katie and trying to do everything her big sister does. But if that's her motivator, it works for me! We're really proud of Natalie, who is surprisingly nonchalant about this new development. :)
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Permanent Teeth
Katie had her regular dental check-up this week. She did well enough, but I noticed she played up the drama a little bit when I was in the room. There was a lot more whining and clinging, which stopped immediately when the dentist pulled me out in the hall to talk about something. Therefore, he and I think it would be best if Katie tries the appointment by herself next time. She can do it just fine, but tends to put on a show when I'm there. I haven't told her that yet, though. We have 6 months to work up to it!
So she got cleaned and everything went well. No cavities -- woohoo! But Dr. Sanjuan did point out something interesting -- Katie has 2 permanent molars appearing on top! The one on the right side has already broken the skin, and the one on the left is nearly there. I was amazed. I didn't think they'd be here already! Or I thought she had to lose some teeth first. At any rate, it was a surprise to me.
Too bad they don't have a spot for First Permanent Tooth in the baby book... but I guess that means she's really not a baby anymore.
So she got cleaned and everything went well. No cavities -- woohoo! But Dr. Sanjuan did point out something interesting -- Katie has 2 permanent molars appearing on top! The one on the right side has already broken the skin, and the one on the left is nearly there. I was amazed. I didn't think they'd be here already! Or I thought she had to lose some teeth first. At any rate, it was a surprise to me.
Too bad they don't have a spot for First Permanent Tooth in the baby book... but I guess that means she's really not a baby anymore.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tax Refund Furniture Shopping Spree
We have been on a furniture shopping spree lately! Here are some photos of our new items.
First, from the Bare Wood Outlet, we got the girls a table and chairs for the dining room. They can sit here to color (freeing up the coffee table), and also prefer to sit here and eat. If it's quiet, it's almost like Colin and I are having a dinner for 2 at the big table!
Due to some technical difficulties Katie was having with her old dresser, we also got her a new one from Bare Wood. It's the exact same model as Natalie's, but painted pink and purple per Katie's specifications.
And then, a weekend trip to IKEA brought us the following items...
A new office chair! Our old one had been in "permanently-reclined" mode for a while, meaning I needed a pillow behind my back to sit anywhere close to upright. Here's the new one.
The next is my favorite: 2 cabinets for storage in the dining room! I hope to have craft supplies and miscellaneous items stored in one, and all my tablecloths, napkins, dishtowels, etc, and cookbooks in the other. I looked high and low for these, and finally found them in the Office Storage section of IKEA. We dressed them up by using glass doors for the top. Here is a picture with one of them assembled. The other is still in progress and will go on the other side of the door to the kitchen. You can also see we moved the girls' table closer to ours.
We also got new storage for the girls' items in the dining room. With their new table, they have gotten away from using the easel, so in its place we are putting the storage units with pull-out bins. These are anchored to the wall -- we need to find somewhere to put the other stuff now so it's not piled up in front!
So there you have it! We've been in the house almost 6 years, and it is continually a work in progress. New items, new organization, new improvements all the time. A lot to do, but it's always fun!!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Kindergarten Roundup
Yesterday morning, Colin and I accompanied Katie to kindergarten roundup at our local elementary school! Can you believe she is old enough already!?!?
I have to say the whole morning went well. They were extremely organized at school (I loved that!), and trying to make sure everyone had the maximum amount of information about starting kindergarten. We arrived in the cafeteria, sat with our friend Haley and her family, and started filling out the stack of paperwork. They had welcomes by the principal and assistant principal, a powerpoint presentation on what you'll learn in kindergarten by 2 of the teachers, a pep talk from the PTA president, a discussion on health topics from the school nurse, and then a video introducing us to the school (the video should've been first, but they held it until last due to technical difficulties).
After that, we were divided into groups to tour the school! That was what I'd been looking forward to, having never been inside the building. We got to see the drop off/pick up area outside, the library/media center, the computer lab, an actual working kindergarten classroom, the playground, the gym, and the office. They were finalizing paperwork and registration in the gym, so I dropped out of the tour there to turn everything in, then caught up with Colin and Katie by the office.
Now that all our paperwork is in, we basically wait for our packet of information, including teacher assignment, that will arrive later in the summer. Before the first day of school, they have a special kindergarten orientation day, where we can go with Katie, help her get all her supplies to school, and go to her classroom with her to meet her teacher. They have 7 sections of kindergarten over there, and since I don't know any of the teachers, I'll just keep praying that we get one that is a good fit for Katie.
It was an exciting morning! Colin and I thought the library and media center were impressive. Katie liked the computer lab. Only a few more months and she'll be there for real. Our baby will be starting school!!!
I have to say the whole morning went well. They were extremely organized at school (I loved that!), and trying to make sure everyone had the maximum amount of information about starting kindergarten. We arrived in the cafeteria, sat with our friend Haley and her family, and started filling out the stack of paperwork. They had welcomes by the principal and assistant principal, a powerpoint presentation on what you'll learn in kindergarten by 2 of the teachers, a pep talk from the PTA president, a discussion on health topics from the school nurse, and then a video introducing us to the school (the video should've been first, but they held it until last due to technical difficulties).
After that, we were divided into groups to tour the school! That was what I'd been looking forward to, having never been inside the building. We got to see the drop off/pick up area outside, the library/media center, the computer lab, an actual working kindergarten classroom, the playground, the gym, and the office. They were finalizing paperwork and registration in the gym, so I dropped out of the tour there to turn everything in, then caught up with Colin and Katie by the office.
Now that all our paperwork is in, we basically wait for our packet of information, including teacher assignment, that will arrive later in the summer. Before the first day of school, they have a special kindergarten orientation day, where we can go with Katie, help her get all her supplies to school, and go to her classroom with her to meet her teacher. They have 7 sections of kindergarten over there, and since I don't know any of the teachers, I'll just keep praying that we get one that is a good fit for Katie.
It was an exciting morning! Colin and I thought the library and media center were impressive. Katie liked the computer lab. Only a few more months and she'll be there for real. Our baby will be starting school!!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Ortho ^2
Today I took off from work to handle my 2 appointments, orthodontist and orthopedist. Here's the low down:
Orthodontist
My teeth are doing well with the retainers. I am to continue nighttime-only wear with the bottom retainer, but still have to wear the top one full-time. Boo. I was hoping to go nighttime-only with that one as well! My next appointment is in July, and I hope to be off of full-time wear then.
Orthopedist
I finally caved and made an appointment for my left leg, which has been bothering me since the half marathon. After a lengthy discussion on history and symptoms; analysis of my running shoes; manipulating my leg while standing, sitting, and lying down; testing the kinds of sitting/squatting/hopping activities I can do and rating the pain for each; and finally x-rays; the doctor determined that I have a stress injury to the top of my left tibia, right below the kneecap. To what extent (fracture? how big?) we couldn't tell, but would be able to with additional imaging. I declined the additional tests, though, once he said his treatment is the same either way.
Unfortunately, the treatment (as I'm sure you've guessed) is REST. Boo again. Not complete rest, he clarified. I can do the bike or swimming or walking, but NO RUNNING for 6-8 weeks. I can also continue lifting weights, but I have to skip squats, lunges, and leg press for the time being. In 6-8 weeks I need to schedule a follow-up appointment, but he said the real test will be if I can hop up and down on my left leg 10 times without pain. If I can do that, I am probably fine to go back to running... slowly!
He also recommended that when I'm cleared to run, to go for an analysis at Fit2Run. They will analyze my shoes and my motion and be able to recommend shoes that are the best for me and how my body works. Surprisingly, I've never had this done before, but I think it sounds interesting. I've only been to Fit2Run once, trying to find awesome shirts to wear for the half marathon training. I'm excited to go back! AND if I bring the written recommendation from my doctor, it's worth a discount on shoes if I do end up buying new ones there. How cool is that?
So, for 6-8 weeks, I will continue rockin' that stationary bike and lifting weights. I'm sure I'll be ready to run as soon as I can!!!
Orthodontist
My teeth are doing well with the retainers. I am to continue nighttime-only wear with the bottom retainer, but still have to wear the top one full-time. Boo. I was hoping to go nighttime-only with that one as well! My next appointment is in July, and I hope to be off of full-time wear then.
Orthopedist
I finally caved and made an appointment for my left leg, which has been bothering me since the half marathon. After a lengthy discussion on history and symptoms; analysis of my running shoes; manipulating my leg while standing, sitting, and lying down; testing the kinds of sitting/squatting/hopping activities I can do and rating the pain for each; and finally x-rays; the doctor determined that I have a stress injury to the top of my left tibia, right below the kneecap. To what extent (fracture? how big?) we couldn't tell, but would be able to with additional imaging. I declined the additional tests, though, once he said his treatment is the same either way.
Unfortunately, the treatment (as I'm sure you've guessed) is REST. Boo again. Not complete rest, he clarified. I can do the bike or swimming or walking, but NO RUNNING for 6-8 weeks. I can also continue lifting weights, but I have to skip squats, lunges, and leg press for the time being. In 6-8 weeks I need to schedule a follow-up appointment, but he said the real test will be if I can hop up and down on my left leg 10 times without pain. If I can do that, I am probably fine to go back to running... slowly!
He also recommended that when I'm cleared to run, to go for an analysis at Fit2Run. They will analyze my shoes and my motion and be able to recommend shoes that are the best for me and how my body works. Surprisingly, I've never had this done before, but I think it sounds interesting. I've only been to Fit2Run once, trying to find awesome shirts to wear for the half marathon training. I'm excited to go back! AND if I bring the written recommendation from my doctor, it's worth a discount on shoes if I do end up buying new ones there. How cool is that?
So, for 6-8 weeks, I will continue rockin' that stationary bike and lifting weights. I'm sure I'll be ready to run as soon as I can!!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
One of Those Days
Did you ever have one of those days, one where...
...Kids can't seem to follow the usual simple directions, freezing up and not doing anything
...Kids then go on and do the exact opposite of what they're supposed to, on purpose
...Kids seem to act as forces of destruction at Grandma and Poppop's house, even when you're only there for a few minutes
...Husband is beyond frustrated with the kids, leaving you frustrated with all of them!
...To top it all off, it is pouring rain all day, so you can't go outside and run everyone around to burn off energy.
That was our Sunday. And we had a lot of rough moments, but we made it through. And are here to face another day, Praise God!!!
...Kids can't seem to follow the usual simple directions, freezing up and not doing anything
...Kids then go on and do the exact opposite of what they're supposed to, on purpose
...Kids seem to act as forces of destruction at Grandma and Poppop's house, even when you're only there for a few minutes
...Husband is beyond frustrated with the kids, leaving you frustrated with all of them!
...To top it all off, it is pouring rain all day, so you can't go outside and run everyone around to burn off energy.
That was our Sunday. And we had a lot of rough moments, but we made it through. And are here to face another day, Praise God!!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bondi Bands!
Every once in a while, like now, I cut my hair a little too short to keep it in a ponytail. And when I do, I swear that I won't let this bother me when I work out, that I have enough clips and headbands and whatnot to keep it all under control. Every time, I am wrong, and my hair starts making me crazy, and it can't grow fast enough for my liking to get back to ponytail length. I had to find a better solution.
I have seen them at several fitness expos and races, and Jamie at Running Diva Mom is a HUGE fan of Bondi Bands. So I decided to give them a try. Here are some lovely photos I took of myself on the way to the Y yesterday, butterfly-pattern Bondi Band in place:
After my first workout, I have to say Mama Like!!! It is lightweight, and it stays in place well without squeezing my brains. I did have minimal slippage when I was doing some ab work, but that was OK as my hands were behind my head and pushing it around a little bit. Otherwise, I think it did a fabulous job of keeping my hair under control. I was able to pull up a tiny ponytail at the back of my head, and the Bondi Band contained the rest. Hooray!!!
I ordered 4 of them to start, and after this, I just may order more. I'm on the Bondi Bandwagon now, friends!
Monday, April 12, 2010
My Running - Not So Much
So, I mentioned that Crystal is taking up running. And you may have noticed that I haven't talked much about running since my big half marathon weekend. The answer:
PAIN.
During the end of the race, my left shin and right achilles bothered me. My achilles calmed fairly quickly. Due to my shin pain, though, I couldn't walk normally for 2 weeks. The first week post-race, all I did was rest. No exercise. Just rest. The second week, I went to the Y and rode on the stationary bike and lifted weights. The third week, with the shin pain gone while walking, I decided to try running. MISTAKE. I made it about 5 steps on the treadmill, seriously, before going back to walking. I decided to stay on the bike a while longer, giving myself another week or so to rest. The fourth week, I was able to run about 0.25 miles before the pain came. Trying to be sensible (a stretch for me sometimes), I backed off and went to walking.
Finally, week 5 post-race (which was last week), I was able to run about 2 miles before my shin started to hurt. Hooray! It has been sort of a shock to my system to go from high mileage to no mileage. I'm glad I've been able to keep up the cardio on the bike, but I love to run, and I miss it. Now I am kind of hovering in that 2 or 2.5 mile range, taking it easy, trying to ease back into it. Ice and Advil are my friends, and I know if I don't overdo it, I should be OK. I'm going to do Gasparilla with Crystal next year for sure! Any other races are still up in the air.
PAIN.
During the end of the race, my left shin and right achilles bothered me. My achilles calmed fairly quickly. Due to my shin pain, though, I couldn't walk normally for 2 weeks. The first week post-race, all I did was rest. No exercise. Just rest. The second week, I went to the Y and rode on the stationary bike and lifted weights. The third week, with the shin pain gone while walking, I decided to try running. MISTAKE. I made it about 5 steps on the treadmill, seriously, before going back to walking. I decided to stay on the bike a while longer, giving myself another week or so to rest. The fourth week, I was able to run about 0.25 miles before the pain came. Trying to be sensible (a stretch for me sometimes), I backed off and went to walking.
Finally, week 5 post-race (which was last week), I was able to run about 2 miles before my shin started to hurt. Hooray! It has been sort of a shock to my system to go from high mileage to no mileage. I'm glad I've been able to keep up the cardio on the bike, but I love to run, and I miss it. Now I am kind of hovering in that 2 or 2.5 mile range, taking it easy, trying to ease back into it. Ice and Advil are my friends, and I know if I don't overdo it, I should be OK. I'm going to do Gasparilla with Crystal next year for sure! Any other races are still up in the air.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Ready to Run
My friend and co-worker Crystal has decided she wants to get in better shape. Struggling with her weight her entire life, running has always been hard for her. Now that she has lost many, many pounds after the lap-band surgery, she wants to take up running to get those last few pounds off. Her goal? The 2011 Gasparilla 5K! And she wants to start now, even though we figured that would be about a 46-week training program.
I am so proud of her, and honored that she has asked me to review her training program and offer any suggestions. She also asked for my opinion on shoes, which I was glad to give. Crystal plans on starting this weekend by running a half-mile route around her neighborhood. Her original goal was to be able to run 1 mile without stopping. I challenged her that if she could do 1, she should try 3, and we will run Gasparilla together next year. I know that she has a lot of time to build up to it, and to build her confidence as well. I think that once she gets into a routine, confidence will be no problem, and she will be good to go on her first 5K.
Way to go, Crystal! I look forward to supporting you on your journey!
I am so proud of her, and honored that she has asked me to review her training program and offer any suggestions. She also asked for my opinion on shoes, which I was glad to give. Crystal plans on starting this weekend by running a half-mile route around her neighborhood. Her original goal was to be able to run 1 mile without stopping. I challenged her that if she could do 1, she should try 3, and we will run Gasparilla together next year. I know that she has a lot of time to build up to it, and to build her confidence as well. I think that once she gets into a routine, confidence will be no problem, and she will be good to go on her first 5K.
Way to go, Crystal! I look forward to supporting you on your journey!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Swimming Lessons
After a couple of sessions of swimming lessons at the Y where Katie did not get a thing out of it, we decided to go a different route this year. Colin and I looked around and enrolled the girls at a private swim school. Here they are on Saturday before their lessons, watching the action on the pool deck:
Parents are not allowed on the pool deck, so we tried taking a few pictures through the big glass windows. Katie is on the far left in the middle lane, and Natalie is on the far left in the right-hand lane. Sometimes Natalie had a hard time paying attention as she was having too much fun waving and hollering to her big sister!
Overall, I think their lessons went well. The class sizes are small, so they get a lot of individual attention. Also, the instructors are very patient, very positive, and teach skills with a lot of fun and games. The girls loved it! Natalie has never had lessons before, and Katie's previous ones ended poorly with a mean teacher, so I was thrilled that they had so much fun. We are definitely ready for our next lesson next Saturday!
Parents are not allowed on the pool deck, so we tried taking a few pictures through the big glass windows. Katie is on the far left in the middle lane, and Natalie is on the far left in the right-hand lane. Sometimes Natalie had a hard time paying attention as she was having too much fun waving and hollering to her big sister!
Overall, I think their lessons went well. The class sizes are small, so they get a lot of individual attention. Also, the instructors are very patient, very positive, and teach skills with a lot of fun and games. The girls loved it! Natalie has never had lessons before, and Katie's previous ones ended poorly with a mean teacher, so I was thrilled that they had so much fun. We are definitely ready for our next lesson next Saturday!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Celebrations
As the girls woke up, I asked them, "What day is today?"
"Sunday!!!"
"And what special Sunday is it?", I asked.
"Easter!!!"
"And what happens on Easter?", I asked.
I received 2 answers simultaneously:
"Jesus is alive!" "Eat candy!"
Thankfully Katie is paying attention in Sunday school! :)
We searched for eggs and their baskets in the living room. The girls each received some clothing, a video, and some candy. Fun, fun!
After the egg hunt and breakfast, the girls put on their new Easter dresses, which Colin's mom made for them again this year. So cute! They do have matching jackets, but with it being so nice out this weekend, the girls weren't terribly interested in wearing them.
His mom had also found the cutest egg-shaped baskets that she filled this year. The girls were so excited to bring them home after our dinner and dessert!
"Sunday!!!"
"And what special Sunday is it?", I asked.
"Easter!!!"
"And what happens on Easter?", I asked.
I received 2 answers simultaneously:
"Jesus is alive!" "Eat candy!"
Thankfully Katie is paying attention in Sunday school! :)
We searched for eggs and their baskets in the living room. The girls each received some clothing, a video, and some candy. Fun, fun!
After the egg hunt and breakfast, the girls put on their new Easter dresses, which Colin's mom made for them again this year. So cute! They do have matching jackets, but with it being so nice out this weekend, the girls weren't terribly interested in wearing them.
We attended church (Sunday school for the girls), and I had to stay and play in the 2nd service as well. Everything was wonderful! No surprise that it was a packed house to listen to all the glorious music. Easter is truly my favorite music season in the church calendar.
After lunch and naps, we headed to Colin's parents' for dinner. They also had some eggs hidden in their back yard. Katie found many of them and was wise to let us assist her in carrying them. Natalie did not want to let go of her eggs AT ALL!
His mom had also found the cutest egg-shaped baskets that she filled this year. The girls were so excited to bring them home after our dinner and dessert!
We had a nice day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. We hope you did, too!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Furlough Day #3
Another furlough day, and lucky for us, it coincided with Good Friday. It was nice to have the day off! As usual, I had a full slate of activities. I:
- Took the girls to school;
- Worked out at the Y;
- Cleaned and sorted many items for donation;
- Got myself cleaned up;
- Drove my car full of stuff to a local domestic violence shelter, where our donations will be used to help supply women moving out of the shelter into their own home (or sold at their thrift store if there is not an immediate need for a client);
- Got my eyebrows waxed;
- Had lunch with Colin and his dad;
- Went bra shopping;
- Went make-up shopping (Don't gasp too loudly! I've decided I'm finally old enough to wear it.);
- Came home to do some laundry and watch The Young and the Restless;
- Prepared the girls' Easter baskets and hid them in my closet;
- Went to the mall to visit Bath & Body Works;
- Picked the girls up;
- Took the girls to get Katie's hair cut;
- Had Katie and Natalie assist me on our weekly Target trip; and
- Finally came home to relax and have supper!
It has been a full day, but I am happy to have accomplished so much. The girls didn't mind being at school today. They both had Easter egg hunts and pizza parties, so those were can't-miss activities for them. It was fun to pick them up early, though, and do some of those errands so we don't have to worry about them the rest of the weekend.
And it will be a busy weekend! Besides all our Easter activities at church, the girls also start swimming lessons tomorrow. I'll keep you posted!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Maundy Thursday: Tenebrae
All our hard work in choir and orchestra paid off with an excellent Maundy Thursday service. The music was Hal Hopson's Tenebrae, and it was extremely moving. The solo at the end, in complete darkness, by our lovely alto Alanna nearly brought me to tears!
Also, in a departure from how we normally run our services, we decided to put all the musicians in the balcony so that we were unseen by the congregation. This allowed everyone else to focus on the elements of the service instead of paying attention to us and what we were doing. It was different to get used to playing up there! Thankfully we were able to work out some bugs in rehearsal, because I think everything sounded great. I can't wait to talk to some people who attended the service and get some feedback.
It is such a blessing to me to be able to participate in our music ministry and contribute to the worship experience. I always hope that others feel blessed by our music, especially during this time of year as we move through the death and toward the resurrection.
Also, in a departure from how we normally run our services, we decided to put all the musicians in the balcony so that we were unseen by the congregation. This allowed everyone else to focus on the elements of the service instead of paying attention to us and what we were doing. It was different to get used to playing up there! Thankfully we were able to work out some bugs in rehearsal, because I think everything sounded great. I can't wait to talk to some people who attended the service and get some feedback.
It is such a blessing to me to be able to participate in our music ministry and contribute to the worship experience. I always hope that others feel blessed by our music, especially during this time of year as we move through the death and toward the resurrection.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)