Here We Go....

Today marks the first day of our 'cold turkey' potty training. Between you and me, I don't think I'm going to make it. We put the first pair of big girl underwear on at 8:00 am. By 1:30 we had messed up pair #8. At that point I said screw it, put on a Pull-Up and put her down for her nap. I've already done a load of laundry (I only have 8 pairs of training underwear) and now I'm going to have a coffee. I don't drink coffee! (OK, maybe one cup 3 mornings a week at work, but NEVER on weekends.)

Why am I doing this you ask? (Believe me, I'm asking myself too.) Bradyn has been pretty consistent in doing her 'job' on the potty every night before bed for several months. She will also tell us when she has to go during the day - sometimes. The real motivating factor? She's starting at a new daycare in September, and has to be fully potty trained. Together, with her current caregivers, we decided that Bradyn would really benefit from being around older kids. While not necessarily a Baby Genius, Brady is a pretty smart little girl. She's the oldest, and by far the most advanced of similar aged kids in her class, so we thought September would be a good time for her to move on. (Yeah - leave now before they kick her out in February because she's too old. Or even before, now that she is full on into the Terrible Two's, and becoming a real handful. I'm sure they're counting down the days - I would be.)

So, we've got 3 months to make this happen. Everyone has told me that she'll have no problem. After this morning, I'm not so sure. She's such a little bugger! I'd ask her if she had to pee, try to get her to sit on the potty, listen to her say 'I don't have to go' and then 5 minutes later, I'm changing her pants - AGAIN - because she's peed. I'm tempted to just change her and put her out in the yard. Pee all over the grass for all I care.

Tomorrow will be better. Right?

Our Trip To California

Last month... no wait - it was 2 months ago now (where has the time gone?)

Back in March, we headed down to California for an extra-long weekend. The weather was a wonderful change from the dreary rain we were having at home. Although not Bradyn's first trip on a plane (let's see... I think that was trip #6, plane #21), it was her first flight to the U.S., and the first time she actually needed her passport. Unfortunately, I think our next flight is going to be a bit expensive. She was great on the way down, but on the way back, the only way I could get her to sit down and put on her seatbelt was to bribe her with presents (Thank God for Dollar stores). Now when we talk about planes, she'll tell you that if you put on your seatbelt, you get presents.

Here's a picture of Brady taking a break during our marathon day of outlet shopping.


Making dinner with Auntie Molly.

Have I ever told you that Bradyn loves ice cream? Here she is, savouring her first experience with Ghirardelli ice cream. (Don't worry, Uncle Bri knew better than to get in the way.)

She ate the whole thing, all by herself.

Burning off all that sugar, dancing to the street musicians.

Did I mention that Brady likes dancing, even more than ice cream?

Having some special time with Daddy.

Playing with her buddy, Mildred.

Hanging out on the swings - yet another of Bradyn's favourite activities.

Wheeeee

I'm bummed about the poor lighting, but this smile says it all.

Bradyn had a wonderful time.