Potty training....number 3

As both of the girls approached age 2, I started (and successfully) potty trained them. (side note: Ryan will admit he had nothing very little to do with this milestone). I'm not saying it was easy peasy, in fact, I probably shed a lot of tears. But the way I remember it, it was not terribly trying either. Fast forward many years, and along came Lincoln. He approached age 2, and I tried, without much luck one fall day, to potty train him. I didn't remember it being so hard with the girls! Plus it was 1 against 4 in this house and I wasn't getting much support from Ryan and the girls. 

So I quit. I would say that I was lazy, which I probably was, but in my defense, I was up to my eyeballs learning about Lincoln's food allergies which was a total game changer for all of us. 

Several months later (this past weekend), on a little bit of a whim, I decided to take the plunge again. This time, I warned Ryan and the girls to either get on board, or get out of the house :) I was fully prepared for them to leave for the weekend! But they didn't, and in fact, with only a little mumbling and one screaming episode (Sidney got peed on), they were even helpful! I have THIS pretty hilarious video (be warned....offensive language!), that I took one day as he was sitting patiently on the pot.

My plan is always to "pull off the diaper and never look back", and that's what we did. Stay home, drink loads of liquids, and pee. By day 3, Lincoln was a complete champ! I, on the other hand, felt pretty frazzled and was beyond excited to get out of the house this morning. If there's one major difference between boys and girls----aim! Ryan said it best today "it's like a missile"! Needless to say, the bathroom floor has been scrubbed many times/day because the boy has zero aim and makes a complete mess. One thing at a time, right!? 

Way to go buddy! We are so proud of you :) 

Regan is 10

Well it happened. Our biggest little person has turned 10. Double digits. Someone just asked me how that feels. And the answer, is a flood of emotions. I'm so proud of her, and so excited to have more grown-up conversations with her. But on the flip side, it really does feel like last week she was our little toddler. A girl who loved to dance and sing, do arts and crafts at the kitchen table and the baby who never wanted to be held (that was such a sad part of her newborn stage). We had a fun tubing party with her friends the weekend she was turning 10. It also happened to be one of the coldest days of the year. But let's face it, kids don't care about cold and they had a great time! 

For her birthday, we decided it was time to change up her room from the pastel little kid room, to the pre-teen double digit decor. She got to help with the planning, and the night before her big day, we transformed it while she slept. Her most favorite part is the biggest bean bag chair she asked to be custom made. There's still some small things to add, but she scored her own desk and her very own garbage can (which has been a huge source of stress for Sidney because she wants her own garbage can!). Yes folks, we have tears over garbage cans here. 

I'm hoping that turning 10 will also bring a little more responsibility for herself and her school work rather than the constant nagging by her awesome parents :) Wish us luck! Happy birthday Regan! We love you forever! 

Birthday Eve

It's another birthday eve tonight; this time, we will wake up tomorrow to celebrate Regan. Tonight, she falls asleep in the single digits for the last time. Almost a rite of passage to turn 10. For both her and me! Thinking back 10 years. All the tears (out of both of us!), the laughs, the happiness and joy that we have experienced in those 10 years is incredible. Parenthood has been a journey like none other. One that only a parent can understand. 

I recall her birth story like it was yesterday. Coming 4 weeks early (that little peanut wasn't due until March 13th!); but clearly ready to face the world. I remember details like opening a door inside the hospital only to see my own doctor standing in front of me, where we exchanged "what are you doing here's?!" Or the ugly purple run down house that I stared at out the window while getting an epidural. Or that immense feeling of love when they placed her on my chest with a delight of "it's a girl!" And Ryan's immediate comment to the doctor that "she's going to date!", to which she laughed and reminded him that she wasn't yet a minute old....we had time. 

Oh, but that time slips by so quickly. And before you know it, she's turning 10. I don't think you ever stop parenting, and I look forward to whatever the next 10 (20 and 30) years bring our way. Happy Birthday Eve Regan! 

A new sport

I strive to expose the kids to a variety of sports. Let them try things (at least once) before making a decision about actually taking up interest. Sometimes, despite the battles it takes, I hit the nail on the head. 

And this time, I even surprised myself! 

I don't like winter much. I don't like cold. But if there is one thing I do like about snow, it's downhill skiing. But I'm no pro, so I knew that waiting for the kids to get a little older was in my best interest. Finally, this winter, I asked the girls if I could sign them up for skiing lessons. Ryan complained (it's expensive, they're involved in a lot already, and aren't they too young!?). 

Although there were tons of nerves and maybe a little whining this morning, an hour on the hill and they were both hooked! 

And good!

I truly was in awe at how well they both did. After their lessons, I couldn't get them off the hill! They spent another 1.5 hours going up and down, up and down. Don't get me wrong, they have a lot to learn yet as they only worked at the bunny hill today. But they loved every second and are so excited for next week! 

Click HERE and HERE to watch each of them in action. 

Way to go girls! 

Keep on keepin' on

Life has been keeping us busy these days, but I wouldn't want it any other way. January has come and gone and so far, 2016 has been a lot of fun! My birthday fell on a Friday, and while I was able to have the day off from work playing and snuggling with my little buddy, we spent the afternoon/evening at the girls' dress rehearsal for dance. When they were finished, we snuck out the side door and headed for a quick treat. We are so thrilled that even Lincoln can enjoy this yogurt bar (with their dairy free option and a few pieces of fruit topping). 

The girls have started into softball clinics on Sunday nights (and soon Fridays as well). I love this softball association we are a part of, and the girls are gaining some great skills and tips during the off-season. 

With winter and school comes illnesses. Thankfully these tests came back negative and their couple days of fevers ended as abruptly as they came on. But I want to remember this picture: Sidney's face of disgust as she just finished being swabbed and Regan's gross sounding gag as she was swabbed. We love our probiotics, essential oils and lots of hand-washing! 

Lincoln scored this sweet fireman's hat at lunch one day and wore it proudly all day long. He wanted to bring it to bed but was convinced to leave it on the dresser over night. 

Oh is he just so cute! 

I just can't get over it, sure I'm quite biased, but that face, it honestly melts my heart! 

The other day, as I got him dressed and he looked at me with those big dark (almost black) eyes, I smiled and told him "it's your eyes! you're gonna break someone's heart some day with those eyes".  And he smiled and ran off to play. 

Before today's snowstorm arrived, we took in the gorgeous sunny temps and I brought all 3 kids to the local sledding hill. We quickly shed our jackets as we trudged up and slid down, time and time again.  

Lincoln adores being right beside me in the kitchen. As I bake breads for breakfast the next morning, or cook dinner, he stands in his stander and asks to watch. Sometimes he wants to stir, and on this occasion, he begged to eat the "lmenon". Yes, he eats it. Like bites off the rind and chews it! 

It's been a fun start to 2016 and we look forward to more family time and making memories.