We're still plugging along with good old potty training. Man, it's hard work! I wish there was a switch you could flip and they would just have it magically down.
Here are some updates from the past two days.
The good news:
-Fewer false alarms and less time in the bathroom
-More times where she initiates independently instead of being "reminded"
-Only 2 pee accidents over the past two days, including venturing out to run a few errands, music class, and the gym. (One was with a babysitter and one was while she was hyper and chasing Matt all over the house).
-She's been waking up dry from almost every nap/night time and saying she needs to potty and making it in time.
The bad news:
- We have yet to successfully go #2 in the potty. Five of these accidents in the past four days (since we started). I think today she was closer - at least she said "I need to go potty" while in the act, even though we didn't make it in time. I hear from other moms that this takes longer...but my question is HOW MUCH longer?
Overall, I think she's doing great, but we definitely have a ways to go. I am nervous about how school will go tomorrow - since it will be such a long period of time and the first time she's with another adult besides me and Matt. Not sure if she'll really speak up and might be distracted by all the activity and other kids. We'll see how it goes!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Potty Training - Days 1 and 2
We've decided to give potty training one good fair shot before baby brother arrives in May. Saylor is still pretty young and I know it would be more ideal to do it during summer time, but she's been fairly interested and I sure as heck won't be up for much potty training this summer with a newborn around. So, we picked a method (the 3 day cold turkey approach) and set the date for this weekend.
This method is pretty intense - you basically pump liquids into your kid all day, get rid of the diapers and don't leave the house. I had heard good things about it from several moms, and a few messy days seemed better to me than months of trial and error, right?
I actually have felt less worried about this transition than I did the big girl bed, mainly because I knew if it didn't work we'd just put the diapers back on and try again later. (But we needed that crib)! So it was nice to approach it with no to little pressure!
On Friday after work, I took Saylor shopping to buy some "big girl panties." She was definitely excited and even opened the package and wanted to try them on right in the shopping cart at Target.
Then, first thing Saturday morning we got to work! Here are all the "supplies" we needed:
Here she is checking out her new panties
Putting on a pair of Dora's
And throwing away the diapers (which I promptly retrieved from the trash when she wasn't looking, just in case).
We did LOTS of this all day - let her drink tons of stuff she normally doesn't
The idea of this method is that you don't ask the kid if they have to pee and then take them to sit on the toilet forever. Instead, you remind them to keep their panties dry and tell mommy/daddy when they need to go. You have to literally follow your kid around all day and CATCH them in the act, then whisk them to the potty to finish. If they get anything at all in the potty, they get a reward.
I'm not going to lie, things started off a little rough. It was really hard to follow her around watch her like a hawk ALL day. The first 3 times she peed it just went everywhere. She would just look at us, surprised, like "where did that come from?" And it happened so fast there was no way we could get her to the potty in time to finish. So, we ended up spending the rest of the morning in the bathroom, just hanging out, playing, eating lunch. etc.
We finally got a tiny bit into the potty and Matt and I jumped up and down and screamed with joy and excitement, which excited her of course, but not as much as her M&M and sticker. That sort of made things click, and by dinner time, we were 11 for 16 in the potty! (yes, she peed more than 16 times yesterday - matt made me promise we'd ease up on the liquids for day 2). 2 of her 4 accidents were #2 - which I hear is harder for them to get?
Today has been much better - she's had no accidents with #1 and we even broke the rules and ventured outside to play and made a quick family trip to Target. Tonight after dinner she did poop in her panties...so we still have work to do. I know we're not out of the woods (thinking about all our normal activities that we do AWAY from the house - how the heck is that going to work?), but I think she's made a great start! By today she was actually climbing onto the potty and taking of her undies all by herself!
We've been putting pull ups on her at nap time and night time but more often than not she's woken up dry or woken up and told us she needs to go and been right.
I will say, we've had a LOT of false alarms, thanks to the whole "I want more candy" thing. So, we'll see how it goes weaning her off of that...fun, fun. :) It's definitely a commitment to be running to the bathroom so often, but I feel like now there's no turning back!
Spending a lot of time here the past two days!
Her sticker chart at the end of day one
So proud of you Saylor, you are doing such a great job and you are such a BIG girl!
And SO THANKFUL for my awesome, wonderful, fabulous husband who totally tag-teamed this effort with me. I can't imagine doing this without someone to split it up with. All weekend I've been thinking how grateful I am that Matt is such an incredibly helpful, involved daddy to our little girl.
Here's to 7 or 8 weeks (hopefully) diaper free before we pull out the newborn sizes and start this party all over! :)
This method is pretty intense - you basically pump liquids into your kid all day, get rid of the diapers and don't leave the house. I had heard good things about it from several moms, and a few messy days seemed better to me than months of trial and error, right?
I actually have felt less worried about this transition than I did the big girl bed, mainly because I knew if it didn't work we'd just put the diapers back on and try again later. (But we needed that crib)! So it was nice to approach it with no to little pressure!
On Friday after work, I took Saylor shopping to buy some "big girl panties." She was definitely excited and even opened the package and wanted to try them on right in the shopping cart at Target.
Then, first thing Saturday morning we got to work! Here are all the "supplies" we needed:
Here she is checking out her new panties
Putting on a pair of Dora's
And throwing away the diapers (which I promptly retrieved from the trash when she wasn't looking, just in case).
We did LOTS of this all day - let her drink tons of stuff she normally doesn't
The idea of this method is that you don't ask the kid if they have to pee and then take them to sit on the toilet forever. Instead, you remind them to keep their panties dry and tell mommy/daddy when they need to go. You have to literally follow your kid around all day and CATCH them in the act, then whisk them to the potty to finish. If they get anything at all in the potty, they get a reward.
I'm not going to lie, things started off a little rough. It was really hard to follow her around watch her like a hawk ALL day. The first 3 times she peed it just went everywhere. She would just look at us, surprised, like "where did that come from?" And it happened so fast there was no way we could get her to the potty in time to finish. So, we ended up spending the rest of the morning in the bathroom, just hanging out, playing, eating lunch. etc.
We finally got a tiny bit into the potty and Matt and I jumped up and down and screamed with joy and excitement, which excited her of course, but not as much as her M&M and sticker. That sort of made things click, and by dinner time, we were 11 for 16 in the potty! (yes, she peed more than 16 times yesterday - matt made me promise we'd ease up on the liquids for day 2). 2 of her 4 accidents were #2 - which I hear is harder for them to get?
Today has been much better - she's had no accidents with #1 and we even broke the rules and ventured outside to play and made a quick family trip to Target. Tonight after dinner she did poop in her panties...so we still have work to do. I know we're not out of the woods (thinking about all our normal activities that we do AWAY from the house - how the heck is that going to work?), but I think she's made a great start! By today she was actually climbing onto the potty and taking of her undies all by herself!
We've been putting pull ups on her at nap time and night time but more often than not she's woken up dry or woken up and told us she needs to go and been right.
I will say, we've had a LOT of false alarms, thanks to the whole "I want more candy" thing. So, we'll see how it goes weaning her off of that...fun, fun. :) It's definitely a commitment to be running to the bathroom so often, but I feel like now there's no turning back!
Spending a lot of time here the past two days!
Her sticker chart at the end of day one
So proud of you Saylor, you are doing such a great job and you are such a BIG girl!
And SO THANKFUL for my awesome, wonderful, fabulous husband who totally tag-teamed this effort with me. I can't imagine doing this without someone to split it up with. All weekend I've been thinking how grateful I am that Matt is such an incredibly helpful, involved daddy to our little girl.
Here's to 7 or 8 weeks (hopefully) diaper free before we pull out the newborn sizes and start this party all over! :)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Saylor Says
What we've been hearing a lot of lately:
"oo oo! I have idea!" Preceding any great idea or plan she has
"no turkey/cheese, just peanut butter jelly actually" - really into the word "actually".
Immediately when we pulled up in front of Matt's parents' house last weekend: "oo oo! I have idea - I take a bathtub!" (She is really into taking baths lately and LOVES the bathtub at their house).
The other night when Matt was putting her to bed: "daddy, mommy's back is hurtin!" - apparently something she's been hearing a lot lately! :)
Loves to dish out compliments to us: "I like your glasses mommy, I like your backey (as she pats his back) daddy!"
"You have a good day at work mommy?" or "You have a good exercise mommy?"
One day (I was fully clothed mind you): "Oh no, mommy!" (with a look of extreme concern) "Your bottom is SO red!" (Another one she'd heard lately due to a bad diaper rash).
When she's in the midst of something she isn't supposed to be doing: "don't worry about it mommy!"
"Be VERY careful!" When my friend Mare set her on the counter to fix her hair.
"NO ants bite me!" When I was putting her to bed and praying with her, mentioning that God will watch over and protect her. REALLY afraid of ant piles also lately...like freaks out crying...don't think she's even been bitten though?!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Big Girl Bed
So I am over a month behind on this post, but I want to be able to look back one day and remember Saylor's big move from her crib to her big girl bed...woohoo!
We made the move around the end of January, so she was just over 2. We first tried to move her to the single twin bed that is in the room with her crib. This didn't work too well, I think because the crib was right there and she was confused. So, we took a couple weeks off (back to the crib) and then just jumped straight to the big girl bed, next door in the guest room (what is now Saylor's room). We made a big deal about her "new room" and made the bed cozy for her with lots of stuffed animals and toys. She did so great! I must admit, I did not give the girl near enough credit. I was dreading this move and was just sure that she would be waking up at 5 am every morning, getting out of bed, and coming to our room. OR that she would never nap again. But she has done great! We did have one day after about the first week where she figured out how to get down by herself at naptime and did this repeatedly, coming out into the hallway. I tried the whole "put her back into bed and ignore her so she gets the message that it's naptime" approach, which didn't work. So, I just decided to nip that in the bud real fast and gave her a real consequence (spanking) and she has not done it again once since that day. She definitely understands that she needs to wait for us to come get her to get out of bed. She now wakes up around 7 am (usually) and just hangs out in her bed, reading a book or playing with a toy or talking until we go in and get her. Same thing at nap time. I actually think there is less drama with sleeping and crying than there was in the crib (excluding the one week of terrible tantrums that I blogged about recently).
She is so cute and small in her gigantic bed (we didn't want to get rid of our nice queen sized guest bed, so we're just using it for her for the time being). She likes to keep it full of toys and books, but I don't mind because she usually just plays or reads quietly for a few minutes before she falls asleep. She is also not a fan of being under the covers...and many times she'll fall asleep sideways or with her head facing the end of the bed and feet on the pillow. But hey, whatever works, right?
Way to go, Saylor, on making this big transition! I can't believe how big you are getting to be! We are so proud of you!
We made the move around the end of January, so she was just over 2. We first tried to move her to the single twin bed that is in the room with her crib. This didn't work too well, I think because the crib was right there and she was confused. So, we took a couple weeks off (back to the crib) and then just jumped straight to the big girl bed, next door in the guest room (what is now Saylor's room). We made a big deal about her "new room" and made the bed cozy for her with lots of stuffed animals and toys. She did so great! I must admit, I did not give the girl near enough credit. I was dreading this move and was just sure that she would be waking up at 5 am every morning, getting out of bed, and coming to our room. OR that she would never nap again. But she has done great! We did have one day after about the first week where she figured out how to get down by herself at naptime and did this repeatedly, coming out into the hallway. I tried the whole "put her back into bed and ignore her so she gets the message that it's naptime" approach, which didn't work. So, I just decided to nip that in the bud real fast and gave her a real consequence (spanking) and she has not done it again once since that day. She definitely understands that she needs to wait for us to come get her to get out of bed. She now wakes up around 7 am (usually) and just hangs out in her bed, reading a book or playing with a toy or talking until we go in and get her. Same thing at nap time. I actually think there is less drama with sleeping and crying than there was in the crib (excluding the one week of terrible tantrums that I blogged about recently).
She is so cute and small in her gigantic bed (we didn't want to get rid of our nice queen sized guest bed, so we're just using it for her for the time being). She likes to keep it full of toys and books, but I don't mind because she usually just plays or reads quietly for a few minutes before she falls asleep. She is also not a fan of being under the covers...and many times she'll fall asleep sideways or with her head facing the end of the bed and feet on the pillow. But hey, whatever works, right?
Way to go, Saylor, on making this big transition! I can't believe how big you are getting to be! We are so proud of you!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Old friends and Mark's wedding
This past weekend, Matt's oldest and bestest friend (BFF if you will, but do boys have BFF's? - I think probably not) - got married. We had a great time celebrating with him and Becky in Houston! I am thankful for these old friends of Matt's (who are also old friends of mine) and also for the new friends I have made in their wives. And also just for the community of old friends in Houston - it makes me miss all the wonderful people we grew up with.
The rehearsal dinner was at Minute Maid Park - all of these boys are die hard Astro's fans and Matt and Mark were tour guides there when we were in college. Here's Matt and I out on the field:
The groomsmen gifts: Old school astros jerseys for each of them - Mark had them hanging up on the back of the dugout when they got to go out on the field. This definitely got the "best groomsmen gift ever" vote from all of them!
The boys (Mark, Matt, KC, Jeff) (These next three are actually from KC and Lisa's wedding last May).
The girls (Becky, Julie, Me, Jen)
Congratulations Mark and Becky - we are so happy for you!
The rehearsal dinner was at Minute Maid Park - all of these boys are die hard Astro's fans and Matt and Mark were tour guides there when we were in college. Here's Matt and I out on the field:
The groomsmen gifts: Old school astros jerseys for each of them - Mark had them hanging up on the back of the dugout when they got to go out on the field. This definitely got the "best groomsmen gift ever" vote from all of them!
The boys (Mark, Matt, KC, Jeff) (These next three are actually from KC and Lisa's wedding last May).
The girls (Becky, Julie, Me, Jen)
Congratulations Mark and Becky - we are so happy for you!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A night away
Before Saylor was born, Matt and I took a trip to Boston for one last time get away, (or babymoon if you will).
This time, rather than a real trip, we did a little stay-cation right here in Dallas. Matt's parents came up to spend a few days with us and on their last night here they kept Saylor while Matt and I spent the night at this fancy shmancy place:
It was soooooo nice! I forgot that life can be so....quiet and peaceful. It was almost strange to eat two whole meals with Matt with complete uninterrupted conversation for as long as we wanted! We also both got massages at the spa - such a splurge for us but oh so nice. I am so thankful for my sweet hubby and also for his parents and their willingness to give us this night away!
This is where we ate dinner last night - it was delicious! They are a totally authentic Italian restaurant and fly food in straight from Sardinia once a week. There is also one in Houston so if you live here or there you should definitely give it a try.
Saturday entailed a trip to the Arboretum and guess who was there?!?!?
Belle! And the prince. They have several castles set up right now which are super fun to play in. Saylor was really shy to meet Belle but then talked about her non-stop afterward.
Saylor had so much fun with her Gammy and Pop Pop! She's been talking about them ever since they left this afternoon - thanks guys for coming up!
This time, rather than a real trip, we did a little stay-cation right here in Dallas. Matt's parents came up to spend a few days with us and on their last night here they kept Saylor while Matt and I spent the night at this fancy shmancy place:
It was soooooo nice! I forgot that life can be so....quiet and peaceful. It was almost strange to eat two whole meals with Matt with complete uninterrupted conversation for as long as we wanted! We also both got massages at the spa - such a splurge for us but oh so nice. I am so thankful for my sweet hubby and also for his parents and their willingness to give us this night away!
This is where we ate dinner last night - it was delicious! They are a totally authentic Italian restaurant and fly food in straight from Sardinia once a week. There is also one in Houston so if you live here or there you should definitely give it a try.
Saturday entailed a trip to the Arboretum and guess who was there?!?!?
Belle! And the prince. They have several castles set up right now which are super fun to play in. Saylor was really shy to meet Belle but then talked about her non-stop afterward.
Saylor had so much fun with her Gammy and Pop Pop! She's been talking about them ever since they left this afternoon - thanks guys for coming up!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Saylor Says
The other day while reading her Children's bible, we came across the story of the tower of Babel. There was a big pyramid with several levels and ladders going from one level to the next, no people at all on the page. Saylor gasped and pointed and said "oh no, careful, Jesus!"
-She also has been warning me to be careful lately while we're driving - if there is a large truck in the lane next to us and we need to merge, if I am turning left without a light: "be careful, mommy!"
- EVERY time she yawns she immediately qualifies it by saying: "I'm NOT tired mommy, JUST yawning." (yeah, right!)
- We got a new rug in our family room and while we unrolled it she was rolling all over it and exclaiming in delight "oooo, i love the new blanket!"
- Saylor has recently taken over the task of praying at meal time and it usually goes something like this: "Dear Lord, thank you for chicken, green beans, and rice, amen!" - naming each item on her plate.
- She loves singing the happy birthday song, and usually sings it to whoever was the star of the last birthday party we attended, even for weeks afterward. This lasts until the next birthday party, when that friend now takes a permanent place in the song.
- The other day she "read" all of Green Eggs and Ham to baby brother/my stomach - not so much something she said but so sweet! :)
-She also has been warning me to be careful lately while we're driving - if there is a large truck in the lane next to us and we need to merge, if I am turning left without a light: "be careful, mommy!"
- EVERY time she yawns she immediately qualifies it by saying: "I'm NOT tired mommy, JUST yawning." (yeah, right!)
- We got a new rug in our family room and while we unrolled it she was rolling all over it and exclaiming in delight "oooo, i love the new blanket!"
- Saylor has recently taken over the task of praying at meal time and it usually goes something like this: "Dear Lord, thank you for chicken, green beans, and rice, amen!" - naming each item on her plate.
- She loves singing the happy birthday song, and usually sings it to whoever was the star of the last birthday party we attended, even for weeks afterward. This lasts until the next birthday party, when that friend now takes a permanent place in the song.
- The other day she "read" all of Green Eggs and Ham to baby brother/my stomach - not so much something she said but so sweet! :)
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