Potty Training Day 2:

I wouldn't say today was exactly a success, but we made it through.

Luke, as I expected, provided quite a bit of opposition. This morning was ok, but it just went downhill from there...with a literal kicking and screaming tantrum after nap time when we put him on the potty...from Luke that is...though I think Chris and I both were ready to throw our own tantrums of frustration. It took awhile to get Luke calmed down and I eventually allowed him to get off the potty even though he didn't even try to go. And it was blatantly obvious he had to go. He was doing the twisty-hold-the-legs-together-gotta-go-potty dance. After a few minutes of him walking around in this manner, I asked if he would like to use his little Winnie the Pooh potty (we had been trying to teach him how to use the "big boy" potty)...he considered this and said, "What about my froggy potty?" (Yes, we have two little potties...both I bought awhile back hoping it would entice him to want to go.) Anyway, I was eager to comply to his request - especially after such a long and strenuous tantrum. I was so relieved he was willing to try again.

So, I got out his little froggy potty and within minutes he excitedly ran out to tell us, "I did it!"
Yehawww for accomplishments!

So, we've had some issues, but also some progress as well. Tomorrow is a new day!

Potty Training

Yesterday we started potty training Luke...again...for the 3rd time. Third times a charm right? Well, that's what they say...

The first attempt this summer was a complete disaster. He was not ready, he was not cooperative and it was more frustrating than it was worth.

The second time I didn't push it too much as I was just excited he was willing to get on the potty and go. However, his willingness dwindled and we were back in diapers.

This time there's no going back. Though he prefers the security of his diapers, it's time that he's potty trained. This time I'm trying to be more relaxed about it...but also more consistent. I've come to learn that potty training take a great amount of motivation and consistency from the parent.

I will admit that I was secretly hoping that since Luke is on the older side for this process, that he'd take to it right away and Poof! he would be potty trained. A mom can dream right?! =) Well, it clear that this secret hope will not be a reality. He did do well yesterday with only one accident. This morning though, he didn't want to put the training pants back on...but he did. We'll see what the rest of the day brings. I have a feeling we'll get more opposition from him today. Oh well, it's all part of the process.

Something that has been very helpful is a Cars sticker chart a friend of mine sent me. Luke likes picking out stickers to mark his accomplishments.

Here's for hoping today will bring great progress in this potty training journey!

Fhins Fans

This afternoon we watched the last game of the season for The Miami Dolphins. We thought it appropriate to take a picture of the boys in their jersey with daddy before the game ended.

This brought back memories of when we were unpacking all of our things in Germany (Sept 2007) and found Luke's Dolphins jersey and had to take a picture of him in it. We had boxes EVERYWHERE and the only decent place to take a picture was in the corner of the guest room...and even then, you can see (below) it was stacked up with piles all around. Anyway, I thought I'd post the pictures. It's amazing how much Luke has changed over this time. I was 20 or so weeks pregnant with Will then, so today's is the first picture we have of Will sporting his and Luke's jersey.

(Sept 2007 - Luke would have been about 15 months here)

Reality Blogging

I have definitely struggled with being a consistent blogger the last few months. I always have good intentions, but somehow the "good intentioned blog" just never gets accomplished.

This year I have quite a few goals to aim for.

One of them being blogging.

I hope to tweak my blogging style a little bit by being more...me. I have found that I've somewhat shyed away from blogging about the frustrations of life. And yet, I am always grateful to those who share their struggles and thoughts...it always makes me feel like I'm not alone. So, one of my goals is not only to share updates and pictures, but to also share the real life moments and thoughts that aren't as frilly and pretty...but are just as real.

I hope that you'll stick with me and still be inclined to read our blog! =)

Shepherd Story

Yesterday I took the boys over to see our neighbor’s nativity scene. I was quizzing Luke on the different figures in the scene. He was going through and naming them, but when he got to the shepherd holding the staff, I could see a moment of confusion. Then he said matter-of-factly, “He’s the one who cooks the marshmallows.” I guess that shepherds staff does look like a pretty good marshmallow roaster!