Potty Training Update

I wouldn't say we've stopped progressing but I would say my little potty prodigy has become less interested in sitting on the toilet. Sometimes he still does really well but other times he'll try for about 2 seconds before he hops off and runs away.

Talking on the phone while taking care of business is not a behavior Spencer has seen mommy or daddy do, he just loves the phone and it was a good way to get him to sit still.

Usually after he has gone potty he'll grab one of his stuffed animals and sit them on the toilet.

Here he is wiping Mr. Bear with a square of toilet paper. Although I fear he'll one day drop his animal in the toilet when I'm not looking I think Spencer potty training his animals is a good way to reinforce what we've been working on.

After trying on the potty Spencer will wash his hands, which is a mini reward in itself, he LOVES to play in the water. Then he gets to watch some "boo" (Veggie Tales or other nursery rhyme type songs on Youtube). Depending on how he behaved while going potty determines how many songs he gets to watch. A job well done will earn him three songs (approximately 10 minutes).

I need to start putting him in underwear instead of diapers. I'm sure that would help motivate him to stay dry.

Week 24

Not much to report other than I'm getting bigger everyday! My tummy has been so itchy with all the stretching it has been doing. Any suggestions to help with the itchiness? A particular lotion or remedy you've used and liked?

 

Spencer has been very helpful in reminding me to put lotion on my tummy. Every time he sees a bottle of lotion he'll bring it to me and point to my stomach. We usually lather up together because Spencer always wants some too.

Spencer has been very affectionate towards his baby sister (just wait until she comes out and cries nonstop son). He is constantly giving my belly hugs and kisses. When he has a snack he'll often offer some to my bellybutton and make eating sounds before he pops it into his own mouth.

Spencer is growing up so much. He is going to be an excellent big brother.

Revising My Goal

A few months ago I announced a hefty goal of completing three cross stitch stockings for Christmas 2011....it doesn't look like that is going to happen. Being pregnant has really slowed down my progress. For several months instead of working through Spencer's naps I would nap and instead of working after Spencer went to bed I would lay on the couch with saltines and ginger ale.

I'm not giving up on my goal however, just revising it a little. Now that I'm feeling better and have more energy I am back working every Spencer-free moment.

Here's my progress so far:

Yes I finally learned how to make a French knot so I was able to complete my first cross stitch.

Spencer's stocking was significantly more work than mine. There were more colors and more detail but it was totally worth the work.

And here is the start of Daddy's:

Clearly I've just started and have a long way to go until it's done.

My NEW goal is to have them all cross stitched by the end of the year. There is no way I'll have them sewn into stockings by Christmas so I'll just shoot for next year. By next Christmas I'll need to have four stockings anyway so I'll just stitch them all first and sew them up later.

If anyone with a sewing machine and skills is interested in helping me with this endeavor just let me know. I've used a machine before but that was back in Jr. High so I may need some coaching. Depending how my free time goes with Lamar baby number two in the mix I'm hoping to have the fourth stocking stitched by end of Spring/beginning of Summer next year. Then I'll be ready to sew!

Week 22

Another two weeks come and gone. I had a few more sick days these past few weeks, just feeling dizzy and nauseous but mostly feeling tired. Some days are definitely better than others.

I have an appointment this Wednesday and I'm looking forward hearing baby's heartbeat. As she grows I feel her kicks getting stronger. Her favorite time of day (or night I should say) is 10pm. That is when she starts busting out her ninja moves. It's fun to feel her moving around but sometimes she keeps me awake.

Clearly I still haven't gained much weight. Every time I step on the scale I hope to see larger numbers. I started to get concerned that my lack of weight would eventually cause problems for me and baby. Last night I talked with a doctor I respect very much and he was able to reassure and give some perspective and guidance.

I feel much better having talked through some of my fears and concerns. My weight will come eventually, it is just taking my body a few weeks to catch up after losing so much.

Back to School

I'm sure several, if not all of you are experiencing back to school fever. Either you are in school, or your child is...or neither of these BUT you are being affected by the busier roads and crowded stores which have resulted from students going back to school.

We are not the exception. We have an Elementary school literally across the street which makes driving anywhere between the hours of 8-8:45am and 3-4:00pm a nightmare.

I also have someone in my life who has recently obtained employment at one of our local schools serving food in the cafeteria. She doesn't have a car and often needs a ride to and from work everyday. I'm working with a few other ladies to help this friend with her transportation needs. Ultimately we are trying to get her self-reliant with either biking or walking to work but on days when weather is poorly these really aren't an option.

And last but not least, my dear sweet husband has headed back to school to complete his Master's degree in Computer Science. He has been working on and off towards his degree these past few years but now we finally have a game plan.

He was approved at work to enter a program called 20/20, meaning his employer is allowing him to work part time and go to school part time while still maintaining a full time salary. I don't think I need to express how completely awesome this is....

Of course this sweet deal doesn't come without consequences. He has to maintain a certain GPA and he loses his flextime, meaning he has to work a strict work schedule which wont allow him to take any time off. He will also be indebted to his employer for 6 months after he completes his degree. Nothing we can't live with.

This semester Adam is taking three classes, two of which he'll need to travel to campus for. One of his classes started last Wednesday and has already proved to be challenging and time consuming (700 level course in Cryptology). The other two start next week but Adam thinks they wont be as difficult. I guess we'll see once they start.

No Paternity Test Needed

We went out to eat last night. As we were waiting to be seated a girl next to us took notice of Spencer.

Girl: Is he your son?
Adam: Yep. He looks just like me, and I look just like my dad, and he looks just like his dad...
Girl: He does, he looks just like you. I guess we won't be seeing you on Maury. 

I guess not.

Poop in the Toilet

Another poop post but fortunately (or regrettably) no pictures this time...

Last night we were getting Spencer in the tub and while standing up in his bath water he started making a strange squatting motion. I heard a little toot and I asked him if he'd like to sit on the toilet. Very excitedly he shook his head 'yes.'

It took us a few tries to figure out how to get him on the pot without him falling in. Once secured Spencer concentrated real hard until his face turned red. After a little straining he finally managed to push out a small amount of poo.

This proud momma was so excited Adam had to take away my phone so that I didn't call everyone in my contact list and inform them of our big news. This was the first time I ever asked Spencer to sit on the toilet and he was a pro.

I did want to snap a picture or two but Spencer was anxious to close the lid and flush...sorry folks.

I had another opportunity today to take a picture, after lunch when I was preparing Spencer for his nap I mentioned to him we should take a trip to the potty. He was very excited and even beat me to the bathroom door. We got him situated and he took care of business again.

The reason I didn't take a picture was because I would always know it was his second poo and not his first...and honestly who takes a picture of the second poo and not the first?

So I guess this means we're potty training now. I never thought Spencer would be ready before I was. Not that I'm not willing, I'm just not prepared. I don't know the first thing about potty training someone.

Do I get a little potty chair or since Spencer is already so interested in going on the big boy pot do I just get a smaller seat to fit over the toilet seat? What do I say and not say when it comes to encouraging him and reminding him to go? How often should we try to go?

Should I reward him and if so what is an appropriate reward and does he get it every time? And all those other questions that I don't even know to ask yet. Tell me, what do you do? What works and what absolutely does not work?

The idea of Spencer being out of diapers before the next little Lamar arrives is really appealing, but is that a reasonable expectation? Any thoughts, suggestions, tips, and words of encouragement are welcomed.