'Recovering' From Grandma

Erik and I recently took a trip to Hawaii. It was great! We did NOT take the kids, grandma did. The kids are really used to spending a lot of time with my mom so we knew they'd do great while we were gone. As we've constantly heard, it can take a while to get back on schedule after the kids have been 'spoiled' by grandparents for a week. Well, I was pretty surprised when I noticed today (day 3 being back home) that we were back to our normal schedule. If anything, the kids were improved!

They were both still using pacifiers at 3.5 and 1.5. We knew it was time for them to go but were having trouble pulling the trigger. Grandma to the rescue! I still don't know how she did it (she says it wasn't so bad) but she did it!

They were TIRED! Too much partying, I guess! :) They are going down for naps so easily, same with bedtime. Now THAT is awesome. Even now, they are both napping, and well!

The rumors are, in part, true. Grandma 'spoils' them. Got home and there were extra toys and I doubt there were any time-outs while I was gone. What people don't tell you, though, is that a dose of grandma spoiling is exactly what they need when they've been separated from their parents! Now we're rested and relaxed from vacation and our kids are GREAT! Who could ask for a better arrangement?!

Good Morning!

I got up with Ben this morning at just after 5 o'clock this morning. He slept while I looked at Hawaii websites for inspiration for our upcoming trip. (I'm so excited!) At minutes before 7 Kate woke up and we went up to get her (she stays in her bed until we go in). We all went into my bedroom to "Wake daddy!"

It was so pleasant! We all crawled into bed, still sleepy, and just relaxed together for a few minutes. The kids got down from the bed and were playing with my curtains, laughing and playing together. It just started the day off on the right foot. It was one of those times you work to memorize. One of life's gifts to treasure. :)

Potty Training

Kate was probably ready to potty train when she was younger. However, I was not ready because I had a baby to take care of. To be honest, I never really minded changing two diapers. With pre-school looming in the not so distant future I thought it was time. Plus, with Erik home for the week before Christmas it seemed like as good a time as ever. Another set of hands to clean up the pee, as needed.

I don't know what was different about this time, but Kate finally 'got' it this time. The system isn't perfect but at home we are accident free. Nighttimes are about 50-50. Outings are not so easy. The 'big' potty scares her and though she will sit on it, she doesn't ever go potty.

I'm happy for us. It's not exactly easier than changing diapers, but it is best for her in the long run. To be honest, it makes me think about starting Ben. :)