I really do mean to get better about this...

Everyday I think of something to record about my kids. I mean that.

Daniel is potty trained!! Hallelujah! I started on Wed, Jan 30th. I'd say it took a full two weeks for him to begin going at his own suggestion, but less than a week for him to get the bladder control. I decided that if he was going to run away from me when it was time to change his diaper, well, he could use the toilet. We have a potty on every floor of the house, and I have Potty-On-the-Go for outings. The Baby Bjorn potty is the best. Still using diapers at sleeptimes, but that is the least of my worries. I am so proud of him. It was a tough three days that week. We went nowhere, and I set the stove timer for every 30 minutes and made him go when it went off. There was also an M&M for success. I think the books helped, too. We checked out one about Michael and his potty from the library, and a friend sent me hers about Joshua and Henry. Daniel loves to be read to, and I think it helped him with the whole process.

He is Mr. Chatty with Scott and I. We have conversations about baseball mascots, Curious George, Mr. Joe his gymnastics coach (who he thought he saw on a Harlem Globetrotters poster today), James across the street, and whenever he recalls a time he was upset at naptime, among other things. "Shary shadows," he says. (Scary shadows in his room.) He asks where everyone is - his grandparents, four uncles, and three aunts - almost daily. Coloring and painting sessions always end up all over his hands, and now my walls, on purpose. He holds a pencil/pen/crayon very well. Also, he can kick and dribble a soccer ball! I have been very impressed by this. A favorite pastime is playing in the water in the sink. He'll do it for a half an hour if I let him. Yes, I am worried about the environment and water wasted, but I can actually cook dinner with him occupied next to me at the sink!

It's funny, Scott and I were talking the other day about Daniel's personality traits as a baby that are still there at 2 years 4 months - he hates long car rides, is demanding about food, and loves running water. The sound of running water always soothed him. Maybe he will become some sort of aqua-engineer? We wondered about Elizabeth. it is so exciting to experience their growth and development.

I wish he would eat a better variety of food. This is my fault though. I didn't do a very good job diversifying his palate when he switched to table food. I should have kept pureeing everything. Now, I am putting pureed veggies into his spaghetti and mac-n-cheese. "Don't wike it." is a common phrase at the table. He did try a raw carrot today. He spit it out but tried it again. Small victories.

Elizabeth is pure joy. What a sweet and cuddly baby. I mean it when I say she does not complain unless she is hungry, sleepy, or her diaper needs to be changed. When she wakes at night to feed, she just smacks her lips to wake me up. No crying! She coos and grins when you talk to her, and she is really starting to develop her muscles. Tummy time is not her favorite, but she likes to kick around on the activity mat or bouncy seat. She also loves to watch the birds on her swing. By far, her favorite entertainment is her big brother. She watches him and gives him a huge grin, which always reverses a whine. She is chubby and cute and kissable. Her cheeks are enormous and I am surprised they are not chapped because all three of us kiss on her all of the time!

I am still nursing - two weeks past the my ending point with Daniel! I think the experience with the second child is so much different. The love is just as intense, but I am so much more laid back. I am more optimistic and less obsessed about every little thing. I appreciate the experience so much more, that the night feedings and nursing really don't bother me. I do feel bad sometimes that Elizabeth does not have my undivided attention like Daniel did. Although, Daniel is learning to wait.

Yesterday, I noticed her first trick. All day long she would grab the end of her shirt and pull it up!