To Potty Train or Not to Potty Train

OK

If you get grossed out easily (most likely if you don't have kids) then don't read this...

Sunday our daughter figured out how to get her pants off, then her diaper. Luckily she hasn't been interested in this too much more...I'm just waiting for the day when I'll be cleaning it up off the floor and bathing a poopy toddler.

She is developing a habit of saying "Mommy in the kitchen" when she is going #2 which means "mommy, leave me alone and go far away while I do my business"...which is fine with me. Then I usually hunt her down about 10 minutes later and change the soiled diaper.

Yesterday she pooped then when finished sat down on the floor and was playing when she made the statement..."Boo Boo (her name for herself) sitting on poopy." I just found that funny. Thought I'd share, but there is more.

Today I was upstairs doing my getting ready routine (with a watchful eye to downstairs where she was playing) when I thought after about 5 min I should go check on our little darling. Well, good thing I did. The pull-up had one side pulled apart (they do that at the sides) and she was holding that side looking at her freshly minted poopy. The great thing about it was that it was solid as a rock and that was a God thing because typically that is not her (normally we get a sloppy soupy mess)...I only had to laugh. It was a great opportunity to take her and her little poopy into the bathroom and show her where poopies belong - flushed down the potty!

So now I'm guessing we better get on potty training...mostly because I don't want poopy on the floor (wishful thinking, I'm sure I'm in for it, since kids are always so curious). :-)

No More Baby Girl

It's hard to believe how close Ann Elise is to turning two. I mean, it's still a few months away, but the changes are noticeable...words that she couldn't pronounce are now a piece of cake (like "cahkee" is now "coffee"). Crawling has totally been out of the picture for ages now, it's either walking but many times now it's running. Elmo is all the rage. But being outside at the park with Dada is 100 times better than watching a TV program. She has to swing "up high." I'm sure anyone with a toddler can relate.

This summer we took a break from music class but have done some traveling and had some visitors. We went to Houston in June to see Aunt Dakin and have also had visits with Mimi and Papaw and Cousin Annie from Iowa.

And now I have to go because naptime is over! It's getting shorter all the time....

Cathi

Lots of Activities

Seems like I've forgotten everything that went on this month. Our Bible study ended for the summer, Anastasia had three doctor appointments, then there was Mother's Day, a joint Birthday Party for several relatives, and Memorial Day weekend.

I've posted some photos from the day before Mother's day walk in the park we took with Nonnie and Gramp. Anastasia had just walked down a long, steep hill, and so she was getting a little crabby.

The LSU Tigers outfit got worn to church yesterday. And the sleep photos were from today - after we wore her out at the park yesterday plus a cold Anastasia just wanted to go to bed, about one hour early! Need I mention we didn't put her in the chair, nor did we give her her blanket. She did all that herself. To relax she had begun singing!

Time for an Update

Well, I don't really have any news...just thought it was time to post an update.

Anastasia went to the doctor last week to get a lead test (we live in a house where there is probably a lot of lead in the paint) and again to get a checkup. She got three shots and thankfully the lead test was low, although some lead was present in her system. Poor thing, and this week she went to see the ENT to get her ear tubes checked. He pulled wax out of her ear. I know now that she will not be liking any future doctor appointments EXCEPT for the fish tanks they have in their waiting rooms. Height wise Anastasia is tall for her age (95th %) and weight wise she's about average. Oh and no more night feedings as of Monday. Just water (YEAH!!!).

Cathi finally finished Anastasia's knitted baby blanket, after 20 months of work on it (Anastasia is now 18 months old). She is trying to figure out what to knit next. At this point it's time to finish projects that haven't been completed, such as an embroidered needle case (almost done), sewing the gingerbread men onto the stocking Nonnie made for Anastasia, and a sweater that was started for a friend. I'm a big believer in finishing what you start; however, the yarn I'm using for this sweater is not of a quality I'm satisfied with so I may end up scrapping the whole thing. Plus, after 20 months of working (mostly) on the same project I'm ready for instant gratification. You get the picture.

Bobby remains busy but still finds time to keep track of the Orioles. He should probably start golfing soon.

Trip to Mississippi and Maryland Bachelors

Well,

The Wixson ladies took their annual trip to see Grammy and Papaw this past week. We had a lovely trip down on Southwest Airlines, with an extra seat next to us. So wonderful! Anastasia was able to experience being belted into an air seat, which will be good practice for next year when she'll need to have a seat of her own. The trip back was overbooked but not too bad, either; let Anastasia run around in the airport for about an hour before the flight and she was thus rather subdued for most of the -+2 hour flight.

Anastasia loves dogs and she had the best time petting Papaw's two dogs, Sugar and Bob. Also the swing Papaw put up for Anastasia in the back yard was a welcome respite when she'd worn herself out. Anastasia picked several flowers and gave them to Grammy and Mama, to our delight (she has also perfected her flower spotting abilities as well as ability to say the word "flower" but don't ask me to explain how she says it, I just know).

Then there was the tractor at the farm. Yes, she has now had her first tractor ride ever and didn't cry a bit. Think she liked being up so high!

Mom loved seeing how Canton has changed over the years. She loves the new shops on the Canton Square, all kind of artsy-fartsy. She even can buy yarn in one shop. Anastasia didn't mind Mama's browsing there too much because of the big, huge, orange Maine coon kitty that she got to pet.

Cathi is still learning how to deal with traveling with a child. Each time it is different - this time the issue was sleeping in the crib. I'd say it took a good 5 days before we got Anastasia used to her new crib.

Oh and how could I forget - Anastasia has coined a new name for Grammy - now she is Me-Me (say mee mee). So cute! Me-me loves her new name.

Lastly Bobby held down the fort here in Maryland and honed his bachelor skills all over again. When Mama and Boo Boo got home there was a distinct smell of fried steak in the air. A glance in the fridge proved that Bobby had been eating the bachelor diet: leftover spaghetti and meat sauce, steak, and potato salad. Also orange juice, which he never drinks when I buy it for him for some reason. I think every husband needs a week of his own cooking, for the sheer pleasure of not having to eat anything they don't want to in order to please their wife.

Dada was super nice to us and took us out to eat when we got home; it was so great. Anastasia sat in a booster seat for the first time (hemmed in between Dada and a wall).

We are so happy for spring weather here now, too...today it was a little over 70 degrees and sunny. Loved it! A well-exercised child makes for a great sleeper.

Music Together

Today we went to a makeup session of our Music Together class. The whole family went. As a bonus feature to the class, we had a fire alarm go off and the fire truck came by for a visit. All a false alarm, of course.

Basically Music Together is a class for youngsters to discover and learn about music. The kids get a CD of kids' songs the first day of class (25 songs in all) and we spend the next 10 weeks learning the songs. The songs are mostly lively and fun, although there are some nice lullabyes on the CD as well as a few "copy me" songs where a person will sing or make a sound in rhythm and there is a successive pause where you can repeat what the person sang. The songs are specially designed with different rhythm patterns and intonations so that the kids are exposed to a variety of tunes.

Anastasia's favorite part of music together is when they use sticks and click them together. Also the box full of musical instruments is the best. But instead of sitting quietly and playing her instruments, she likes to visit everyone in the circle around the room and exchange her instruments for theirs!

Took pics today so you could see. Also please note the picture above is of my darling husband at a birthday party for our pastor's daughter, Savannah Grace, who just recently turned two. Thanks mom Kelly for sending us the pic!

Teeth and Tubes

How do I always end up with titles that have words that all begin with the same consonant in them? Can never figure that out, I certainly don't talk that way!

Congrats to our cousin Pat and his wife, Susan, on their recent pregnancy announcement. Susan is due in October and is about 6 weeks along. We will be praying that all goes well with the pregnancy.

On the home front I must admit I'm a little impatient about the teething thing. Anastasia is getting her one-year molars and they are just hurting too much. I've finally decided the best thing to do is get most of the teething done during the day, if that is possible, to aid the sleep troubles they give her at night. She is waking up 3 times lately per night, up from one time per night. I discovered stale biscotti are wonderful (no I'm not afraid about the nuts they contain) teething biscuits so we'll start with them.

Maybe this post should be labeled "Mommy needs sleep"! A family friend told me on the phone today that it ends at age 18. OK maybe by then I'll be used it it; because I would be age 54 by that time!

The tubes in her ears seemed to work wonders for speech and for balance. I was surprised to find that Anastasia really can run; this began to occur a day or so after the tubes were inserted. Again still waiting to reap the benefits of no ear infections so we can sleep through the night. Do you hear me, I need SLEEP! Well, I'm actually getting some, but the wake-ups are a little loathesome....

OK now for the things I'm thankful for....a beautiful daughter...a loving husband...good friends...family who loves me. A warm house. Beautiful spring weather (it's coming!)...Hair coloring (yes, you hear me right, I just got mine done and realized that the color of your hair can help brighten up your face)...Burritos at Chipoltle...what Jesus did for me on the cross. Knitting. Health. All these are things that keep me going in life. What's your list look like?

For Mary

My friend, Mary Fox, passed away from peritoneal cancer yesterday evening. I will miss her dearly. Mary left behind her husband, Jason, and two wonderful children, Molly (age 6) and Philip (age 3). Mary was 40 years old.

Mary had Jason send this poem she had written to all her friends via email this morning along with the announcement of her death. It is beautiful and I'd like to share it. In her poem she mentions 3 children - the third would be her stepson, Michael, Jason's son from a previous marriage.

Cry freely, but Do Not Cry for Me
By Mary Fox

Cry freely, but do not cry for me, for tonight, or in the mere blink of an eye,
I will be kneeling in the presence of my Lord and Savior....
Standing amongst all the many dear saintswho have gone before me....
And singing with the angels to my Abba Father, a biblical name for God which means "Daddy."

Cry freely, but do not cry for me,
I am free of pain and distressI am no longer feeling the effects of cancer.
I am anxiously awaiting the day whenI will be reunited with my husband, my three lovely children, and all the rest of you who proclaim Jesus as your Savior!
Of course, I hope you will live long, happy, and worthwhile lives, here on Earth until that day when we will meet again.

Cry freely for yourselves,
I know you will miss me and my love for you.
Cry for my children and those milestones I will miss, lost teeth, scary driving lessons, late night chats and celebrations.
Cry for my husband - for the years we have missed and this cruel separation of a deep love, uncommonly found.

Cry freely, but most of all examine your own lives.
Is your name written in the palm of God's hand? I so hope so.
Cry freely, but do not cry for me.

Ear Infections, Tubes, Antibiotics, and Nuthatches

Well, it's finally happened. The day the doctor told us to go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to get Anastasia's ears checked out. She has had 4 ear infections since August and discomfort on days when the weather changes (frequent waking up).

Went to Dr. Epstein on Tuesday and he recommended she get tubes put in her ears to remove the fluid buildup from all the infections. The fluid just stays there until the shape of the inner ear changes at about two years old and it is like an incubator for bacteria. Hence the constant ear infections. Some kids get it worse than others. Since it runs in our family, not surprised that she will have to have them. We are scheduled for surgery Feb 11, it's outpatient. Must admit I'm not looking forward to putting her under the anasthesia but what can you do? This is where trusting God becomes important. I know it's a small surgery but try telling that to my nerves! Don't think I'm a nervous wreck, though - I'm really looking forward to knowing that our daughter is hearing normally, not like she's underwater. I can't wait to see how her speech will be impacted! She already knows so many words, but still I just am looking forward to her not being uncomfortable from all the fluid buildup.

As I write there are titmice, nuthatches, and finches at the bird feeder. We've discovered the nuthatches are hiding food in the cracks of our brick (in between the brick and in chinks in the mortar). It's crazy, you can watch the little guys hiding the food in the brick from the window - they are about 6 inches away and don't care that you're staring straight at them. I've seen pics on the Web of people feeding nuthatches out of their hands, they are undaunted by human presence as long as there is food to be had! Unfortunately this means we're going to probably be hosting an insect population in our brick as well in the spring - pretty sure those cute little birdies aren't gonna remember where they stashed their seed, but the bugs will certainly find it!

Later!

Winter and Snow

We are supposed to get snow tonight for the second time this week. It's so pretty when it first snows but then it starts to melt. What can I say? And that means the playground is not an option unless I take plenty of gear to clean off the slide and make Anastasia wear mittens (not!).

All is well other than that. We are enjoying the new roof and siding and have uploaded photos of that in our slide show.

Also, Anastasia has added "peas" to her vocabulary. I can also tell she understands more words, such as upstairs/downstairs...and toy chest....we are working on putting things back into paper sacks once she's gotten them out (the sacks are her version of a purse!), working the light switch, and climbing up onto furniture and back down. I'm still afraid of her on the bed but it seems she's picking up the concept that she has to slide feet first down to the floor (with my help).

Bobby and I are delighted to be part of Anastasia's life and continue to find parenthood a wonderful blessing, albeit a lot of work!

I almost forgot...Anastasia is into mimicking Mommy right now. Sometimes I put her in a back carrier so I can do things like cook, etc., well, she decided that Teddy needed to be put in the carrier as well. She put teddy in there then started pushing the carrier around the house all the while adamantly saying "GO!" I had to get a picture of it so I got both teddies and put them in there, but it was her initial idea. As you can see she was enjoying every minute of this game.

Exhaustion

Oh the joy of family illnesses! The first stomach bug hit us this past week. I'll spare you the details.

We are feeling better but Anastasia got it on Friday night, Mom on Monday (Bobby took care of A the whole day, bless his heart), and Bobby on Tuesday. We are feeling a lot better now. This made a long week of making up for the two days we lost, kinda exhausting.

Anybody else have fun getting their toddler to drink enough liquid? Our trick was to dip a straw in Pedialyte then put our thumb on the end of the straw that was sticking up out of the cup. That retains the liquid and then you can release your thumb when you get the straw in the mouth of your toddler. Kinda crazy, but it worked.

The gutters and new siding went on the house this week. I'll post pics later when I feel like actually hooking up the camera to the computer and downloading everything...it looks pretty good. I don't feel like this looks like our house anymore, it is being transformed. :-)

Oh yeah and Anastasia started her Music Together playgroup this week; it was a lot of fun. She loves the songs they sing and the movement.