~The Birthday Girl~

Last Thursday came and went and now, I'm another year older. And I must say that turning 27 was so much fun! Text messages galore. Cards. Flowers. A birthday wish from a dear friend reminding me of a joyful childhood memory (think pretend grocery store complete with hand-made food and cash registers). Hobby lobby gift card. Shopping money. Sweet tea. Fruit pizza.

But my husband was especially good to me this year. After a steak dinner at home, I was given a homemade card that included a personalized message and two tickets that completed what would later become our Saturday night date. We enjoyed a chocolate cake fresh from La Bagette. And then I was handed this...

...a Pandora charm bracelet. :) Love it. He started me off with a dog charm (representing Griff, of course), a baby booty, a heart charm, one that represents love, faith and peace, and a good friend bought me an angel charm. So...if you're ever trying to decide what you want to buy me...I still have a lot of bracelet to fill- he, he! :)

That following Saturday, Brian treated me to an adult-only dinner at Charleston's Steak House (we couldn't remember what that was like...but I must say that not having to worry about Rylie throwing food on the floor and trying to stand up in her high-chair was a nice treat). Then, he took me to the Warren where we watched the movie, Inception, from the balcony...my idea of the "perfect" date!

I don't know if Brian realizes this or not...but he set the bar pretty high for next year. :) Can't wait to see how he clears it.

Here's to another year...

Training: 101

Shopping List:

Poster Board
Sharpies
Stickers
M&M's
"Big girl" panties
Pull-ups

Can you guess what we are attempting this weekend?!


With help from Elmo, of course, we are...

POTTY TRAINING!!!


And already, on our first night, I'm discouraged. And a bit scared.

Rylie has been giving us all of the "right" signs that she is ready to be done with diapers and move on to "big girl" panties (or so we thought). She was talking about the potty and would often times run to the bathroom, frantically try to pull down her pants, and shout, "POTTY-POTTY!" Within the last few months, we have been casually taking her to the potty in the mornings...and she actually went, several times. She seemed proud, confident and brave. So to be honest, I thought this was going to be "easy".

Call me crazy. But I was ready to start. Prepared. And Eager.

I made a "potty chart". Bought a bag of M&M's to serve as her "reward" for going in the potty. Purchased "big girl" panties. Pull-ups for the night. And reserved a seat on our couch for the weekend. We weren't planning on leaving the house and even though I forgot to buy a timer...my plan was to take her to her potty every 30 minutes and help teach her that wearing a diaper is only temporary. :)

After showing her the potty chart and walking through the steps with Elmo, I was very excited and giggled a little when she walked away wearing only her panties. She had two accidents tonight. Expected? Yes. But the last accident left her terrifed! And I mean...terrified! And from that point on, tonight, she would not even let me put the panties back on her. She threw them. Screamed. And wanted nothing to do with the potty. And the last thing I want is to push her and scare her away even more.

So now...I'm left confused?! Do I wait until she is showing more signs and try again later? Or do I push through and attempt it again first thing tomorrow morning?!

I do understand that what works for some mommies might not work for others. And what works for some children might not work for others. And I do trust that, along with the obvious guidance from the parents, the child will eventually learn that diapers are much less appealing than they once thought.

But tonight. The diaper reigns.

And this discouraged mommy is tired. :(

Good night, friends.

Just Add Bodyguard to Her Resume.

Rylie is not quite two years old; yet, the way she understands her surroundings simply amazes me.

And amuses me...

A few days ago, she was in her room and Brian and I were cleaning up our dinner mess in the kitchen. Brian must have been in a playful mood because he proceeded to "snap" me with a towel. Shortly after I screamed, Rylie came charging around the corner. She walked right past me and headed straight for her daddy. And as she continued to scowl at him...she did it. She actually did this!! Rylie gave Brian's leg a few sudden "smacks" of her own. LOL! Apparently, she heard her mommy scream and came to my rescue.

How cute is that?! :)

Now, please know that under "normal circumstances", we would not allow her to hit others. However, we couldn't help but laugh at this one!

She truly is a little mommy's girl. And I'm loving it. :)

Watch out, people! I now have my very own bodyguard.

A True Blessing.

Cart Frenzy.

Why, on earth, do I get a crappy (for lack of a better, and more classy, word) cart every time I visit Wal-Mart?

Why must it be so?! It annoys me.

I Love You, Grandpa.

Summer Nights!