BFF

We have become very close with our next door neighbors, The Dodds. Their oldest daughter, Leila, is Charlie's BFF. They have very similar personalities and get along so well. It has been such a blessing having good friends right next door, especially this year. Unfortunately, our friends are getting ready to move to California. I am so sad for Charlie because I know it is going to be hard loosing his bestie.

This picture of Charlie and Leila was taken at The Dodd's Christmas party last weekend. The mommies may have bribed these cuties with M&M's in order to get them to sit still for a picture together. Leila was so precious - she kept trying to hold Charlie's hand during the picture. Charlie was playing hard to get, however, and was much more interested in getting the picture over with so that he could get his reward.

Success

This is what success looks like! Charlie has been diaper free now for two weeks, and we have only had three accidents (all of which happened in the first few days). Nick and I are so proud of how well Charlie has done with potty training this time around. We had tried a couple of times before this, and Charlie totally fought us. We did not want to push him, so we decided to wait a few months and try again. Since Charlie is 33 months old, 3 months from his 3rd birthday, and this was our 3rd attempt at potty training, I took that as a sign that we were ready to give it a try again. It looks like the 3rd time really is the charm in this case!

After changing two sets of diapers for the 10 months, I am enjoying the new change of pace. Plus, Charlie's little tush looks so cute without a diaper on. He seems so lean, and a lot of his pants are falling down without the extra padding. I may need to pull out some of his smaller pants to avoid the plumber butt look.

Way to go, Big Boy! We are so happy for you and proud of your accomplishment!

Happy Holidays

You may remember this post from last month. It is an outtake from the photo shoot that I held in the back yard in hopes of getting the perfect picture for our family holiday card.

We probably spent about 45 minutes outside on a gorgeous day taking pictures. The boys could care less about getting the perfect shot. They were much more interested in playing with the leaves and soaking up the sunshine. Who could blame them - it really was a beautiful fall day.

So, I did not get the money shot of my two handsome boys smiling together, but I did get some sweet pictures of them cuddling. And let's face it, smiles or no smiles, they are just cute. When it was all said and done, I really loved a lot of the pictures. I had fun putting our card together and sent it out with pride last week.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Part 2

Based on the previous post, you might think that our visit with St. Nick was a bit of a disaster. It certainly had me sweating, but it was not a complete bust. Although both boys screamed their heads off initially, Charlie did reluctantly agree to go back and visit with Santa. Nick and I were so impressed that he was brave enough to go back and sit in Santa's lap. It was sweet listening to Charlie tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas. For the record, Charlie would like a tool bench and two vacuum cleaners this year. So, despite the intial freak out, the visit ended nicely.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

~~~

He's making a list

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice

Santa Claus is coming to town

~~~

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

~~~

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

~~~

Apparently Charlie and Jack did not catch the part about NOT pouting and crying.

Oh, Christmas Tree!

We bought the boys their own Christmas tree this year. It is being kept in Charlie's room, and he is very proud of it. He is old enough to know not to touch the ornaments, and Jack is slow enough to catch before he pulls the tree down. The plan is to use this tree to hang all of the personal ornaments they will make and receive as the years go by. For now, that is only about five ornaments. To fill in the gaps, I added some green, blue, and turquoise balls. Charlie went with me to the store and picked out an ornament for himself and Jack. Hopefully that will be a tradition that the boys will both look forward to.

One, Two, Three!!!

That's the number of solo steps Jack took towards me yesterday. He has been taking one step forward for a few days but usually falls. This time, he was hanging onto the edge of the couch, so I reached out to him and told him to come to me. He smiled and let go. One step...then another...a small wobble...and then step three. The best part was that he did not fall after that last step. He just stood there basking in the praise.

I was shocked to see him walk, and it was not a one time performance either. He took another three steps again today. Like with every other accomplishment my children have made in their lives, I was thrilled and devastated at the same moment. He is ten and a half months old, and I seriously thought that I had another month before my baby was going to walk. Walking is such a huge milestone, and to me, it bridges the gap between baby and toddler.

With his birthday just around the corner, I find myself in denial about the fact that the days of having a baby in the house are coming to an end. For example, I refuse to think about Jack's birthday. Charlie's 1st birthday was planned when he turned 9 months. I just got up the courage to order invitations for Jack's birthday last night, and I would be lying if I told you I am excited about the party. This momma wants to bottle my baby and keep him just as he is.

Come in My Office

Charlie is all about building little forts lately and calls them his office. He uses pillows, toys, and anything else he can find to section off little areas of our house. Usually, he wants to keep Jack out, but recently he has been asking Jack to come in. The other day he and Jack played together with Mommy on the sidelines. So cute!

A Special Message

Charlie will be getting a special message from Santa in the morning. I can't wait to see his reaction. Hopefully it will get him ready for our trip to visit Santa on Saturday.

Potty, Potty, POTTY!

I am thrilled to announce that Charlie has had three successful days diaper free. We have only had two accidents, too! We are using M&Ms as incentive along with a sticker chart that earns him special surprises like stickers, books, etc. So far, he loves the whole process, and is able to tell when he has to go. I am certain there will be set backs, but for now, Nick and I are so proud of our big boy. Hopefully we can start the new year diaper free (fingers crossed).