Pavlov... nice theory

So... it's not a salivating dog, but it's quite similar nonetheless.

A few months ago we worked on potty training Kate with a box of stickers and a piece of posterboard representing the days of the week. Eventually this tool set turned into a box of stickers a timer set for 45 minutes and a fruit snack gummy. Over the course of a couple weeks we found that a 45 minute timer and a successful trip to the bathroom was rewarded with not only a sticker of her choice (sometimes one of those free address labels that came in the mail with Shads or my name on it) but an individual fruit snack gummy as well. About two weeks later we were able to just remind Kate that it was time to go and once in a while she would negotiate a sticker or gummy. She would act quite proud of herself and who were we to question this pride. Afterall, if we could get her potty trained, at least during the day - that would leave just one child in diapers during the day. Thankfully now we are at just one child in diapers - cloth diapers this time around - during the day.

This past weekend we were reminded of our potty training process when Shad put a drink in the freezer and set the timer as a reminder. We were having lunch at the kitchen table when the timer went off. I noticed right away when it began to beep that we had Kate's undivided attention - I responded with "Kate, it's time to go to the bathroom" just as we had months prior. She popped up out of her seat and ran to the bathroom. She returned to the table a few minutes later. I was amazed and laughed about how automatic the whole experience had become. About five minutes later the timer went off again and I turned to Shad silently wondering why it went off again - but verbally saying to Kate "time to go to the bathroom". Again, Kate sprung from her chair and headed to the bathroom - I was in hysterics - Shad, defended the need for just five more minutes in the fridge and Kate let us know she didn't have to go again.

I wonder if I can use that timer a couple times a year just for a refresher and bust it out on her first date or something. Hmmmmm.... this could be fun. :-)

Roll a Rolo

to your pal!

Shea rolled for the first time today - woo hoo!

There is nothing better

than hearing your child give a true belly laugh.

Distractions

Reilly and I talked about him having his own room on the way to school today. He and Kate currently share a room and Shea's crib is in there as well. (although she hasn't spent a night in there yet) I always thought, what fun to share a room - they would be lost without one another. To my surprise, Reilly said "Kate distracts me", "If I had my own room, I could fall asleep a lot easier". These remarks were followed up with "She can really annoy me at times and she talks a lot too."

My response to this: "Okay Reilly when you're going into first grade, it might make sense for you to have your own room." (currently what would be his room is my office, so I don't really want to find a new home for me yet)

Too Big

R: I'm trying to move you Mom so I can get into bed next to you but you are too big and way too heavy.

K: Mom's not too big she's perfect.

Thanks Kate!

R: No, she's too big Kate, look.

Abra Cadabra

We went to see Illusionist Jason Purdy - Reilly was one of his participants. It was so cute. Who knows how he poured 6 different beverages from one milk carton. He left the milk carton with Reilly - it expired in May of 2006. Hmmmmmm..... bummer they never share their secrets.

Waiting for Guffman

okay, not really Guffman - waiting for Reilly.

Sherlock are you there?

Potty Training has been going pretty well for the last month. Today had an interesting "twist":

-My underpants are all wet.
-Did you pee in them?
-No.
-How did they get wet?
-I don't know.

Probably not the first mystery that is going to be part of growing up in our household.

Who is Sherlock?

Kate had a princess party for her birthday. She dressed as Cinderella and we bought her a Cinderella necklace to go with her outfit. She loves this necklace, then again, so does Reilly.

Today I was getting an outfit for Reilly because we were running late. I picked out his Spiderman boxers from his underwear draw and underneath them I found the Cinderella necklace.

I'm confused? What was Cinderella doing with Spidey in and underwear draw. Do I dare ask Reilly to explain?

Who's Long Legs

Is a girl Daddy Longleg Spider called a Mommy Longleg Spider?

Whooooaaaaaaaa....

New Dog

If Kaya steps on the dog I need a new dog. -Kate

THREE

So Kate turns three today. I started singing Happy Birthday to her when she was waking up, her response was "No, I don't want to be three yet, how about tomorrow".

My theory is that she knows that since she's three it's time to "send" her pacifiers to that little baby in California who needs them now. It worked for Reilly, hopefully it works for her.