WOBC

Michael went to WOBC (Warrant Officer Basic Course) this summer.  It was an 18 week course, starting in the beginning of April and ending mid-August.  I didn't write a post on it all summer.  Maybe I didn't want to share that he was not at home on the Internet.  Paranoid? Maybe.  But being in charge of the security of the home while the man is away is stressful enough.  And maybe I didn't want to write about it because when you're in the thick of it, it's all very dreary (even if it really isn't, and it wasn't).  But now I don't want to leave that chapter in our lives undocumented.  It was a very big struggle for our family, but I also want to share that we got through it. 

I didn't think we would make it through it.  When he first left in April, August felt like forever away.  But somehow the summer passed.  At times it seemed to by going quickly, and others the hours felt like days...maybe even weeks.  But it passed and before we knew it, Daddy was home! 

Communication

Even though he was in the states, the communication still suffered.  The internet there was heavily loaded and so skyping rarely was an option.  When he could log on it would drop or not come in clearly.  A disappointment since we thought it would be much better than the when overseas.  Phone calls with the kids is never a great option.  The minute I would get on the phone they would know that my attention was not on them and it would either be screaming or getting into something they weren't supposed to.  So a lot was left to be said in emails.

The Kids

Whenever Michael leaves for a school/work/guard the kids have a few rough days.  For this reason we decided to not make any visits during this time.  I thought once we got over the hump (usually after a few days in and they realize it's not just a drill weekend) and things smoothed out that a visit would disrupt them.  Plus we made a countdown chain and once they understood that once it was gone, Daddy would be home, I didn't want to have to explain a visit in the middle of the chain and confuse them.  It started exactly as I thought it would.  First few days fine. Next few days terrible.  But after that I thought it would smooth out and it didn't.  Every few weeks they would act out, usually for a good week, before returning to their (almost) old self.  This cycle just continued until he came home. So it was rough.  I'm not gonna lie. But I can say it wasn't terrible every moment of every day. It was summer. We were able to get outside everyday, which was probably the saving grace. We had weekly play dates too.  So while it was tough, we managed, and even had some pretty good times in there too!

The Grown Ups

For Michael and I, our struggles were the opposite.  He missed home.  Hated missing out on things.  For me I wanted to get away. Needed the breaks.  But more than that it was just lonely.  On many days it was just the kids and me with no adult interaction at all.  We missed each other. Terribly. I thought I would have all this time to do all these projects around the house but by the time my chores and Michael's chores were done I didn't have energy to do anything more.  Michael tried to fill his weekends (which were the hardest) with activities but even though they were fun, it was the time he was most reminded he was away from family.

The Point

I have two reasons for this entry.  I don't like such a downer of a post, BUT this was part of our life.  A big part of this year and I feel like it needs to be documented. The other reason is this will be a nice reminder in the future.  This will not be his last school or the last time he is away.  We will have hard times again as long as he is in the military.  As hard as this past summer was for our family, there are a couple truths.  We survived.  We can get through it again.  And, I know it's cliché, but it really did make us a stronger family.  We appreciate each other more.  We are closer as a family and while we've always made our family a priority, we won't take the time we have for granted. And we grew stronger in our faith as we had to lean on God to get us through. 

Airport Fieldtrip

Last Friday our MOPS group had a  field trip to the airport. I would love to tell you all about how excited the kids were to see the airplanes up close but that never happened. 

On the way there, I realized I forgot Maddie's diaper backpack at home.  Thinking it'd only be about an hour or so it wouldn't be that big of a deal.  Just in case, I asked her if she pooped.  Sure enough that little stinker (pun intended) pooped on the way there.  Not wanting to completely disappoint Nate-he was REALLY looking forward to this trip, I took her in the bathroom when we got there and cleaned her up with wet toilet paper.  I didn't have another diaper to put her in, but she's been going a couple hours at home without one so I thought we could make it.

Well, I didn't know the field trip was starting at the airport fire station.  An hour later, and just as we were about to head over to the airplane hangar, she tells me she's wet.  Sure enough and so home we go. :(

I will say what I learned about this trip...

1. I need to keep extra clothes in the car AND a couple diapers in the glove box.
2. Nate is amazing. I was sure he was going to be upset about leaving.  He was, but not in the drop on the floor screaming kind of upset.  In the I'm upset and disappointed but I understand and will accept it kind of way. He just said okay mommy. Super impressed with my boy that day.
3. Our little airport has a little cafe with windows that have a view of the runway.  We may not have been able to go in the hangar but we will definitely be taking the kids to eat there for a lunch someday soon (and maybe even get to see a plane land or take off).

The Proposal

I think it was while watching Beauty and the Beast that Nate asked if they were getting married and why.  I told him that's what people do when they love each other, they get married.  He pondered this for a moment and then said, "I love Maddie. Me and Maddie are going to get married." 

That was a couple of weeks ago.  Then, this morning, it happened. The proposal.  They were sitting on my bed getting ready for our school time when Nate looked at Maddie, put his arm around her and this is how it went down:

Nate: Maddie, do you want to marry me?
Maddie: Yes.
Nate: Good job.
Maddie: Now we're married.

So there you have it. Keeping it in the family. ;)


On a side note, I don't want to forget this comment either:

Nate had an ear infection and as we were leaving the doctor's office he asked where we were going. I told him the pharmacy. He replied, "where the cows are?". I couldn't stop laughing. Not that kind of "farm-acy" buddy.

Field Trip to the Fire Station

Our MOPS group went to the fire station for a field trip today. It was really interesting to see the station and learn all about the firefighters work and routines.  The kids enjoying climbing all over the trucks and stomping in the puddles on the garage floor.  When one of the firefighters suited up a lot of the kids were afraid. I never really thought about how scary it could be for a kid, but I guess that's why the fire department likes to invite groups in to take tours-so that kids will feel more comfortable with them and not hide in a case of a fire.  Maddie never did go near the guy but Nate warmed up after a little bit.  They were very excited to tell Daddy all about the fire trucks and they each got their own (sticker) badge!

We're Going Sledding!

This has been the worst winter, seeing more coldness and snow, that I have seen since I have moved to Indiana.  Excited to finally get some snow with the cold, however we would get a bunch of snow but it would be way too cold to go out and play in it.  So while we had a few days of playing in the snow, most of this winter has been too cold.  We have been wanting to take the kids sledding and they have been asking to go the minute the snow started falling but because of the temps, schedules, or health, we just haven't made it out to a hill.  Until today.  We chose a hill behind Clifty Elementary (recommended by some friends) and it was perfect for us and the kids. They could get up the hill on their own and it wasn't too steep that it would be too scary.  This was, after all, their FIRST real sledding experience. 

We climbed up the hill and Nate looked down and then looked up at Michael saying, "Are you sure about this, Dad?".  But all it took was one ride down and he was hooked.  A few rides with Dad later he was ready to go alone.  Maddie did really well too.  She only wanted to ride with Mommy and the first few we had to go slower, but a few rides in and she was squealing all the way down.

I cannot express how good I felt when we left.  To me, this is the perfect Saturday morning, spending time with my family having such a good time.  I wish I could "freeze" this memory. :)

Our First Trip the Movies

We received another winter storm on Tuesday afternoon, dumping a lot of snow, mixed with ice, on us.  So the next morning MOPS was cancelled as well as Bible study that evening. I was feeling pretty bummed about it and tired of being cooped up in the house, when Michael called and asked if I thought Maddie would sit through a movie.  Possibly.  Maybe I was just very hopeful and slightly lying to myself because I saw this as a chance to GET OUT and DO SOMETHING FUN. Oh yes, of course, she'll do great in the theater! Ha! Michael found out that the YES! Cinema downtown was playing "Free Birds" for a $1/person. I didn't hesitate. Yes! Let's do it! Even if it's a disaster it's only a buck!

Well, it wasn't a disaster at all.  Our little Maddie actually did quite well.  It was good the theater wasn't full, because she wanted to walk around a little bit and stand up and watch the movie a lot. But she did great not running around or yelling.  Nate did awesome.  It was wonderful to watch him watch the movie and see his reactions.  The ate up all the popcorn (minus the bit that was spilled on the floor) and we all really enjoyed our night out.  So even though Bible study was cancelled it turned out to be a great night and mark another "first" off the kids' list.

January Activities (and lack thereof)

As the month of January comes to an end, one thing comes to mind, COLD. Wow, it has been the coldest winter that I can remember in a long time, and definitely the coldest winter since I've moved to Indiana.  Because of the cold and/or snow A LOT of our normal activities have been cancelled (MOPS, Bible Study) and so we have spent more days at home than normal.  But we have had some fun days in January as well!

Jaime and the boys came up and we went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch.  The kids had a blast playing the games and they even got to dance with Chuck E. the mouse (at the end he threw up a pile of tickets)! Afterwards we went to the Commons to play for a bit.  It was busier than normal due to the school break, so we didn't last super long there, but did come back to the house to play some more.  The kids were wiped out by the end of the day.  Now every time we pass Chuck E. Cheese the kids tell us all about going there with Lucas and Landon.  They loved it!

We also went up to Monkey Joe's (indoor bouncy house) with Helen and Mi Kayla.  The kids are really at a fun age to do this activity.  They can play on their own and Maddie isn't afraid of the big slides anymore and so she can "hang" with Nate the whole time.  Lots of fun and good to visit.

I  brought my camera to Monkey Joe's but didn't take one single picture (if you can imagine that!), but here is one from Chuck E Cheese's.

Bunk Beds

We bought bunk beds this summer, not really intending to use them until next summer.  Maddie just moved into a big girl bed not that long ago, and we didn't think she was ready to share a room yet.  So the bottom bunk stayed in her room and Nate got the loft bed in his.  However, we caved and gave in to the constant requests to share a room.  We didn't think she was ready and we were right, however the move was made and the bed wasn't going back.

While the transition has been less than smooth, with most nights moving Nate out of the room until they both fall asleep and then putting him back in bed, there's is something so sweet to checking on the kids and seeing them in the same room sleeping.  And last night was the first night that they both fell asleep in their beds.  Granted it took them awhile to settle down, but eventually they did, all on their own.  Victory! At least for one night.

Fire and Ice

With the weather so cold, school has either been delayed or cancelled, thus cancelling our activities. 
We woke up on Wednesday with no MOPS.  It was quite cold in the house, realizing that the power was out (again, happened for a few hours on Monday afternoon).  This is not a good thing when it is this cold out.  So I had the brilliant idea to get a fire going in the fireplace.  I have never performed this task and should have known it would not end well.  The chute didn't open all the way and so smoke started filling the house.  Luckily the log I had put on didn't catch so I just waited for the firestarter block to burn down.  We went upstairs to get out of the smoke and get warm in my bed.  We cuddled there for awhile but quickly realized the kids are too squirmy to do this all day so we left the house to go play at the Commons.  The power was back on by the time we got home in the afternoon.

That afternoon I decided I better get some laundry going (the mountain of clothes piling up is a good sign).  So I started the washer and then we went upstairs to play.  We came down a bit later to find the kitchen flooded. The washer has done this before when it's really cold, the water in the pipes freeze and the water comes back up the outlet tube...and onto the floor. 

Feeling really overwhelmed with all the events of the day, and on day 10 of Michael gone to a school in Iowa, I start to cry.  Then my sweet, sweet little man says to me, "Mommy, don't be upset.  It's okay, God loves you".  Yes He does.  That's all I needed to hear. So I can take the power outage, and the smoke filled house, and the washer dumping water all over the floor.  I am so grateful God has given me these beautiful children that help me keep things in perspective when it gets a little rough.

Our First Visit to the Love Chapel

We had our first volunteering experience and it was wonderful!

I meet with an amazing group of ladies each Thursday for a Bible study.  That in itself has been such a blessing.  Encouraged by the church and each other to take our studies one step further with service projects, we found our first opportunity at the Love Chapel.

After study and lunch on Thursday, we headed over to help them out.  The staff and volunteers at the Love Chapel were wonderful.  With all our little kids in tow, we don't know how much of a help we would be (or really were), but they were gracious.  While we desired to help, we also wanted our kids to learn about serving others.  They set up stations for the kids so that they could help.  They could roll up utensils in napkins, sort plastic bags, stacking bread, and help divide dog food into smaller portioned sacks.

Nate did a great job helping.  Maddie did well, for about 2 minutes at each station, but about as well as to be expected. So it was a lot of running around after her and we left with her screaming (granted it was naptime), but it was completely worth it. Being able to bring them there to help other people and talk with Nate afterwards about it will hopefully develop servant's hearts in our children.  I don't think he completely understands at this age why we were doing what we were doing, but my hope is that they will continue to help others and when they are older it will be a part of their life,

as if "they've been going to the Love Chapel as long as they can remember".

 

Homeschool?

We decided not to enroll Nate into 3 year old preschool this year and instead do it at home. I should be capable of doing this, right?  This summer I worked hard on creating a curriculum and lesson plans.  We started last week, and although there were a couple of bumps and issues, I can say that that the kids are learning and we're having fun so it must be working.  At least somewhat! Ha!

We do have to deal with interruptions that probably don't happen in a regular preschool setting.  Like people coming to the door, taking time out for time-outs (not surprising that school at home does NOT prevent tantrums and melt-downs), and Maddie needing to use the potty every 10 minutes.  And like their own mommy teaching them. I think kids are usually so much better behaved for other adults than their own parents. And also just getting used to the idea of it's "school" time not "do whatever you want to do" time. They seem to think they can just quit in the middle of an activity and go play with toys!

I am having to adjust and be flexible as I learn what works and what doesn't and how long certain activities take to do, but I am finding the kids like the structure and activities and even when we're not in school, they are asking to do some of the things we have done (usually the stuff on the computer, but hey, if they're learning while having fun, why not?).

End of Summer Blues

As the end of summer draws near, the kids (and I) are getting more restless with each day.  We have had plenty of fun-filled days this summer, enjoying outside, play dates, parks, the zoo, the pool, just to name a few.  When summer starts we are ready for lazy summer days with no schedules or set plans, but by the end of summer we are more than ready to get back into a routine. 

 

This restlessness has easily translated into naughtiness the last couple of weeks.  And I mean naughty.  Big meltdowns, lots of fighting, and lots of defiance. Which has left me worn out!  But, I will tell you how good God is. Because at that moment when you think you've had just as much as you can take for one day, He gives you a little glimmer of hope that says "hang in there, it's all going to be okay". 

 

For me, this time, the glimmer of hope happened while I was cooking dinner.  I sent the kids outside to get out of my hair, er, play.  I kept stealing glances of them out the window.  Expecting to see them fighting, instead I saw Nate pushing Maddie on the swing as she squealed with delight, shouting "higher".  I saw them running around the yard chasing each other.  I saw them playing together in the sandbox.  I saw them play house and Maddie pour Nate a glass of "lemonade".

 

Seeing those smiles was exactly what I needed at that moment.  Hearing that laughter makes it all better and all the fighting and screaming and tantrums worth it.  Watching them play together just melts my heart.  It's in those moments that I know all the hard work is worth and it WILL be okay.

 

 

County Fair 2013

We haven't been to a fair in a couple of years (I was preggo with Maddie the last time).  I don't know why, but we usually don't go.  It's usually super hot and up until this point we had babies that weren't at a fun age to take.  But we decided to go last night.  The weather was perfect and the kids were excited to see what it was all about. We have never been to the Bartholomew County Fair and I must say we had a really good time. 

We started with the animal exhibits.  Nate said the bunnies were his favorite but it was hard to tell.  He had to touch every single one he saw.  Surprisingly none of the animals bit either of them.  We saw a baby cow drinking from the mother.  The kids were in awe and thought it was so neat. 

We went on one ride--the carousel. Thought it'd be the best ride for both of them since we were only doing one ride.  Maddie didn't like it and as soon as it started wanted off the horse, so we sat on the bench.  Nate didn't even want us near him on the ride and told us to go away. So I'm pretty sure he would have done fine on a ride by himself. Oh well, next year I guess.

No games for us. We tried to find one that has a winner every time but the only one like that was throwing darts at a balloon, which I didn't think Nate could handle so we just skipped the games, enjoyed a funnel cake, and headed home.  It was so much fun we will definitely be going every year now.

Playing in the Pool

I can't believe we are into the second week of July and it was our first trip of the summer to the pool, especially after practically living there last summer.  But it has been a cooler summer, but even on those hotter days for some reason we just haven't gotten up there.  With the ominous clouds we probably could have skipped it, but we went and it was fun even if just for an hour or so.  We left before the storm rolled in, but the kids had so much fun-we will definitely be getting in more pool time before the summer ends!

We went with a couple of my friends and their kids so lots of fun and kids to play with (7 kids!).  Nate spent most of the time in the kiddie pool but a lot of the other kids were in the big pool and he wanted to give the slide a try.  My friend Kim had a life jacket for him but I still wasn't sure if he was actually going to do it.  He hesitated for a minute at the top of the slide and then went!  Kim was in the pool to catch him.  He stayed in the big pool for a little bit with her but soon wanted to go back to the kiddie pool. It was very exciting to see him in the big pool and hopefully we can spend some more time in there getting used to it. 

Maddie wanted nothing to do with either pool, which didn't surprise me.  She's never been big on the water, not even with our little tinypool at the house. 

 

I don't think she even put one foot in.  She kept to the perimeter, watching everyone else and eating a snack.  Maybe I can get her toes in the water next time...baby steps, haha!

 

Fireworks At Last

Our 4th of July festivities kicked off on the 3rd.  We had Alex and Mi Kayla over for a cookout and then we went to the fireworks show.  We haven't  been in years together and I haven't been since I was pregnant with Nate.  So I was pretty excited to get back to some traditional 4th of July activities!  I had the kids nap late so they would make it until then (the show didn't start until 10pm), which worked out nicely.  Our friend Wanda and her daughter Corry joined us there as well.  Columbus fireworks are always done on the 3rd, which I like because Michael always has off on the 4th but works the day after.  The local radio channel sets up the fireworks with music and it's an awesome show. Except this year. I hate to even complain because they were still beautiful, but just not quite what we remember. The music was off, the show was short and the finale was anticlimactic. BUT, it was fun, the kids loved it-no tears-and stayed awake the whole time, and it was awesome to have family and friends together and to restart this tradition that has been long overdue.



















On the 4th we had our friends, the Herters, over for a pitch-in dinner. We made pulled pork sandwiches, which I haven't done but maybe once a looong time ago. Dinner turned out great and the kids played outside afterwards so us adults could enjoy a visit.  The weather was perfect too-the rain held out and it wasn't super hot. We did this last year but it was so hot that we stayed inside the entire time. Overall, a pretty good 4th of July!

Blessed

Yesterday I updated my facebook status. I wrote "I am so blessed."  A couple of people thought something big had happened. Really, I just wrote it because the kids and I had a great morning playing out in the sunshine and I just thought, I am SO BLESSED.  I am so blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home while my kids are young. To get cuddles and kisses from them anytime.  To hear their laughter.  To watch them grow and play.  To teach them the things I want them to learn.  To read with them. To dance with them.  Sure I don't get a break from the screams and tantrums.  There's a fair share of messes to clean up and butts to wipe.  It's not always easy but it's always worth it. And yesterday I just stopped and soaked it all in. Blessed.

Starting Off the New Year

It wouldn't be us if we didn't start off the new year with a poop story.  Warning you up front, that's my disclaimer. I'll even start a new paragraph so you have a chance to stop reading now if you want.

Okay, here we go.  We grabbed some Arby's for dinner and then headed to Target to do a little shopping.  It was raining so we ran into the store.  I was setting Maddie in the cart when I notice this oh too familiar substance all over the sleeve of my jacket.  Crap, literally and figuratively.  Sure enough, Maddie dropped a bomb in her diaper that had spread all the way up her back (the running into the store probably did not help). After cleaning her up and putting only her socks and shoes back on (nothing else was wearable) we walked through the store white trash style to find Michael and Nate.  Needless to say, our shopping trip at Target was very short.  I can only imagine what everyone was thinking as Maddie walked through the aisles in a diaper, socks, and shoes.  Wish I had my camera!

And of course, Nate, not to be left out, has poop stories of his own too.  Luckily I will take his over the Target incident any day.  He has only been pooping at nap time when he has a diaper on.  So trying to stop this (for many reasons, but mostly because he will sit in it all through nap time and then his little butt will just be raw by the time we change his diaper) I put him on the toilet before his nap and told him he needs to poop.  I knew he needed to go but just did not want to.  He was telling me his belly hurt so I kneeled in front of him and wrapped my arms around him so he could push against me.  It worked!  And it worked so well that since then this is how he know wants to do his business! Oh joy! But I will take this joint effort if it keeps him from pooping in his diaper. 

And since we're potty talking, one more thing. :)  The last few times Nate has gone potty I've asked Maddie if she needs to as well.  She gets all excited and runs to the bathroom.  This is about the extent of it.  I put her on the potty and she just smiles back at me.  But with a smile like that, it's okay. Nate will come in with us and say "push hard" for encouragement.  And this morning I was going to the bathroom he came in (privacy? what's that?) and told me to "push hard" and added that I would get a "choo choo".  Yep, he is using my stuff on me! So funny!

Sickness Hits the House

Nate woke up from his nap on Monday afternoon very whiny and crying.  While he his moods have gotten a lot better after waking up, there are still some days that are not so great.  Monday was one of them.  So when he woke up in this state I didn't think much of it, in fact, tried to hush him so he wouldn't wake the baby.  However, within minutes he was throwing up all over the floor.  We made it to the bathroom but most of the damage was done.  He continued to throw up the rest of the evening and had become so weak that by bedtime I decided I was going to sleep with him, scared he'd choke on his own puke. 

{Nate has never gotten the flu or stomach bug before so this is my first time dealing with this.  I feel fortunate that he is 3 years old and just getting it for the first time, but man, did it break my heart to see him like this.  He just laid on the couch all afternoon and would cry everytime he'd get sick.  It was terrible.}

By 1am, Nate and I were sharing the bucket in his room.  Yep, the bug got me too.  Not long after that Maddie woke up crying.  Nooooo! I went to check on her and sure enough, she had gotten sick in her bed and it was all over her head.  So I had to strip down her sheet and wash her in the tub.  I was feeling miserable and praying that Michael would not get it so he could take care of us the next day.  But while I was getting Maddie into new clothes he woke up, sick too.  So he spent the rest of the night with Nate and I spent the rest of the night on the floor with Maddie, all of us completely miserable. 

By morning Mads was feeling better.  Nate was no longer throwing up but was still sickly and laid around all day.  Michael and I just tried to survive, lying on the couches, sharing the bucket, feeling like dying.  It. Was. Terrible.  The longest day ever.  I'm glad the kids were not puking all day too, but it took everything in us to take care of them while feeling that bad.  I never expected the bug to hit us all at the same time and I hope it never happens again. 

Attitude & Independence

Maddie is always the star of the show, cheesing it up with everyone she sees.  She has this toothy grin that is the cutest thing ever!  As cute as she is, she is also has just as much attitude.  Well, maybe not as much, but definitely more than she ever used to have!  She now gives us the shoulder when she doesn't like something and has begun hitting when she's upset.  Ah, the wonderful stages of toddlerhood!  She is also trying to talk a lot, making sounds for most things, but "baby" and "boot" come out pretty good (she has a favorite pair of boots she loves to wear).  She is also a little bit gangsta and if you're lying on the ground don't be surprised if she comes over and stomps your face.  Good thing there's no curbs in the living room. :)

Nate is my big boy.  He is doing so well with potty training.  He is going poop in the potty and a couple of days ago we started putting pants on with the underwear and he's been doing a good job with that.  He still has some accidents but is pretty good about telling me when he has to go.  He is becoming more independent and likes to put his underwear on himself (which sometimes results in him wearing them backwards) and now likes to be alone in the bathroom when he poops.  He will call for me when he is done so I can wipe. He has to have the door shut and everything.  Privacy demands at three. 

I am chopped liver when Dad is around, not good enough to help him eat, get dressed, read books at night, the list could go on and on.  Oh well. Yeah right, I'm crying inside! Haha!

It's exciting getting ready for the Christmas season.  We put up the tree on Friday.  Well, I put it up.  The kids were so excited when I got the tree box out and brought it downstairs and after branch #2 they were done...ditched me to go play with their toys.  So I finished the tree and then we decorated on Saturday morning.  We put the ornaments up high so the bottom of the tree is empty but so far they have done a good job leaving it alone. 

Daddy's Home!

Michael is home! Woot! Woot! He arrived home late Wednesday night.  He did drive through some of the storms but nothing too terrible.  The kids were already in bed when he got home so they didn't see him until after work the next day.  I had a doctor's appointment and so I wasn't home when they got up from their naps.  It took a little bit for Nate to warm up to him (probably didn't help to wake up and find me gone) but once he did he was glued to Daddy's side the whole night.  It is good to have him home. 

Potty training update: It's still a work in progress. I don't know exactly how long potty training takes, but am expecting it to be awhile, especially for the #2 business.  He is doing great as long as he has just his underwear on and no pants.  So we're still restricted to underwear just at home for now.  He did have an accident last night but caught it in the middle, I think he had to go really bad, but at least finished in the potty!  Still no pooping in the potty; he holds it for when the diaper goes back on, but definitely preferring that to in the underwear.  I'm proud of him and think he's doing great!

Maddie is babbling like crazy.  She wants to talk so badly.  She is trying too!  She has gotten into this wonderful habit of screaming to get more food.  I told her the other day to say please and out came the 'p' sound!  She does it pretty consistently now, whenever she wants something I tell her to say please and she says 'p'!