Potty Prowess

Gi still has her occasional accidents but has basically mastered the potty at this point. Lucky for us she is using her potty for #1 and #2. We still have her sport a diaper when she naps and goes down at night...sometimes she wakes up with a dry diaper, other times not. So we are not going to push the issue until she consistently wakes up dry. With this new sense of empowerment, Munch is now fascinated with public restrooms. She revels in giving Hubs and I false alarms when we are out so she can check out what the nearest restroom is like. Insisting on doing everything herself, she is most peeved when a public toilet is automated. Today at the Whole Foods bathroom stall Munch persisted on flushing the toilet herself even though she witnessed the mechanism going off by itself. She demanded to know where the flush handle was. How do you explain to an obstinate 2 1/2 year old that some things just work by themselves? Anyway, Hubs and I are very pleased with her progress. Way to go, Munch!

Easter Show

Can you see Munch in the midst? Ms. Deborah is getting Munch and her classmates ready for their Easter show performance. Everyone got two maracas to shake along to Jesus Loves the Children. Munch is a seasoned professional now!

Progress in Potty World

We are into our third week of potty training and relief has finally come to this blundering mom. Gi, for the past two weeks or so, has consistently used the potty at home for both bodily functions. In fact, Sassy Pants, goes to the potty just so she can climb up on her step ladder to wash her hands. Gi has pretty much issued an edict that our help is not needed. But I have found ways to spy on my Munch when she is doing her "big girl" thing. This is just to ensure that Munch doesn't throw another entire roll of tp into the toilet and then try to flush it down. Gi is also now comfortable with using public toilets. She loves the child size toilets in the family restrooms at the mall the most. With only having to use two diapers a day (one for naptime and one for nighttime), the diaper budget is getting some much needed relief. We are very proud of you, Munch!

Confessions of a Target Mom

Let's face it. I am what my husband accuses me of being sometimes...a hypocrite. Since my late twenties, I've patronized Target for most goods. I can't count the number of times that I smugly told Hubs (usually with his eyes rolling) that I will never ever step foot again into Walmart because of their shoddy employment and retail practices. But since taking on the role of stay-at-home-mom, pinching pennies and saving dollars have become priority one. Yup, after years of blatant disregard for this giant retailer, I walked through their colossal automated doors several weeks ago in search of size 2T underwear for my Munch. I didn't know this but 2T panties can not be found anywhere in this universe except at Walmart. But my retail infidelity didn't stop there. I also picked up a couple of pairs of "short" jeans for under $17. You see, my friends, affordable comfortable jeans in short lengths are hard to come by when you are 42 years old with a belly circumference that is larger in proportion to the length of your legs. So I caved in. Wait! There is more. I have since gone back for a step ladder for Munch to use in the bathroom. And lastly, in pursuit of a good deal, Munch and I had our hair cut at the Walmart "family salon" just yesterday. We both walked out of the salon for under $25...yeah we look a little like Dora the Explorer but so what. I still adore my Target but exclusivity will probably not be in our future anymore.

Me and My BFF

posing with Tigger

Cheese!

sharing a ride

sharing a snack

Family Time

We had a lovely evening last night with the G family. Munch had a blast with Alissa and Maya. All the girls helped to make their own pizza, took a dip in the pool and enjoyed a dessert of "dirt and worm." What more could one ask for? Life is good.

The Potty World Continues

Okey dokey, we are into our second week of potty training. I still have a full head of hair and Gi is not permenantly scarred by my inepitude yet. The reward system is in place and working well. We have graduated to gummi bears and accidents have become more and more infrequent. Hallelujah, there is a merciful potty god after all! We called in the big guns this morning. BFF, Brea, stopped by with her daddy for a brief playdate. And along the way, Munch got to witness again how a big girl (Brea) uses the potty. Now Munch only wants to use the "big girl" potty (toilet). Thank you, Miss Kim, for sending Brea and Mr. Todd over!!! Hang in there, Munch, you're doing great despite your panicky mama. I'll survive this yet with a little hand-holding and the proverbial promise that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As the Potty World Turns

What's more arduous than running a marathon without shoes and water or more grueling than mowing an overgrown weedy lawn in 98 degree weather with 100% humidity? Potty training a two and half year old, my friends! In my 42 years of life, I can't recall taking on a more difficult task...a task that requires infinite good cheer, everlasting patience and a small fortune in 2T princess and Dora underwear. Munch is on board finally but still has daily accidents galore to keep life interesting for Mommy. Spot cleaning has become a way of life in the D household. How long will this transition take? Surely the potty fairy will come to my rescue soon and transform Munch into a potty champ before I pull out all my gray and thinning hair.

Limbo to the Gumbo Limbo

waiting for the feeding at the stingray tank

photo op with Smurtle the Turtle

Munch on top of a turtle sculpture

posing as turtles with BFF, Brea

making the rounds with Brea

hugs

Brea, Gi and Ami-Mei

Gi met up with her BFF, Brea, and some of her mei mei friends at the Gumbo Limbo nature center today for their annual turtle festival. We all got a dose of turtle and habitat awareness along with some fun kid-friendly activities. The Gymboree area, out of all the activities available, was the biggest hit for Munch and the mei meis. And we couldn't ask for better weather...sunny with a cool breeze blowing. To commemorate the fun day, Munch came home with a turtle bag after getting her card stamped by all the appropriate vendors there.

Happy Birthday Ami-Mei!

This is Munch at Ami-Mei's birthday party last year. What a difference a year makes!

Here is cutie-pie, Ami-Mei (in black) one year older.

Sunny, Gi and Alex chowing down on birthday cake and juice.

There's plenty of room for cake if you ask Kai, Sunny and Gi.

Another mei mei has turned four! This time it was Ami-Mei's turn. Gi had such a wonderful time bouncing in the bounce house, blowing bubbles and throwing balls around that she didn't care one bit that her tiny, size five feet were encrusted with dirt. She did all of this without being glued to Mommy's legs which is amazing. Is my baby growing up too? Anyway, we must thank the P family for such a fun-filled afternoon. Happy birthday, Ami-Mei!