The WORD... now what?

Thanks to mommy, Katelyn has learned a new word.... and not a good one. I'll admit, before Katelyn was born I had quite the potty mouth. For some reason, my older son never picked up on any of these words. However, Katelyn listens to every thing! Over the past year I've worked VERY hard to change some of my often used "word vomit" into something that I would mind Katelyn shouting all through Toys R Us. There is still one word (not as bad as the others) that I just can't seem to hold in. That word is Dammit. As I said before, this "word vomit" is a natural response. It flows freely any time there is a hint of frustration near. Our adorable little princess has picked up on this word and uses it... quite well I might add... on a regular basis. As I am strolling through the grocery store, the corner of the basket hits the edge of the aisle and out rings "DAMMIT" from that "oh so innocent" mouth. Can you imagine the looks I get? Play time is interesting as well. She drops the ball? "DAMMIT" Another child picks up the toy she wants? "DAMMIT" A small tumble as she makes her way across the mat? "DAMMIT" ... Of course the other parents aren't so fond of her choice of words. No one wants their little Timmy picking up that one. So, what on earth am I supposed to do to get her to stop saying this one? I guess the first step is to teach myself not to say it.

On another note, our family won an amazing photography session with Little Lamb Photography! We are having family photos done in March. I can't wait!!!

Oh, and Katelyn made the cutest card for daddy on Valentine's Day. We put her hand prints on this little heart and it said, "I Love...

He loved it!!!

It's Potty Time

We've tried potty training in the past but Katelyn really didn't have any interest other than pushing the button to make noises on her Elmo toilet. She will sit for a minute, usually with her diaper on, and play by kicking her feet against the sink base. I urge her to take her diaper off and sit on the seat, but shortly after we have a bare behind running free around the house. Finally, one rare occasion, Katelyn comes to tell me that she has to use the potty. After taking my hand, she leads me to the Elmo potty and pulls down her pants. I assumed she was wanting some pretend play time. Her diaper was removed and she sat down. It didn't take long.. success! I was amazed how easy that was and figured it was a fluke. Sure enough, we are back to snubbing the potty the very next day.

I'm aware that pushing is never a good idea so do I just wait for her to tell me again? Since it is apparent she has some control and knows what to do, are we now on her time? I would love to hear from other parents. What are your potty training secrets? How do you encourage your little one to keep their diaper clean?

Can You Hear Me Now?

I know... I know. An entire month and you haven't heard from me. If you are still reading, I really appreciate it.

So, where have I been this past month? Running.... all the time! The big race -- my first half marathon, 13.1 miles -- is this Sunday. I'm freaking out a little. Okay, maybe more than just a little. I've analyzed everything from the weather (which I know is out of my control but somehow in the back of my mind I believe if I keep looking at it, it will change to something a bit more pleasant) to the food I will eat the morning of. Do I choose a banana or maybe a bagel with some peanut butter? These are the things that have been keeping me away from all of my wonderful readers this past month. It will be over soon and hopefully I will be back with a shiny new medal and noodle legs :)

As for our frisky toddler, she's a bundle of fun. The things children learn at 2 y/o never fails to amaze me. Watching what I say around her has become a high priority. If you think they aren't listening... you're wrong! I thought we would have started potty training by now, but the princess is stubborn. She doesn't do anything unless it is on her terms and on her schedule :lol: We also haven't put the toddler rails on her crib yet. This has been an ongoing battle between mom and dad. I just don't think she's ready. I can envision it now... 3AM and I hear a loud "bang". Our beautiful wiggle worm has found her way onto the floor. Once she's up... she's up. It took over a year to get her to sleep through the night. It would be nice if we could keep her sleeping through the night. Yes, it might be a little while before I believe she is ready. Is 5 too old for a crib? Kidding... kidding...

My Little Bumble Bee

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the princess in her bee Halloween Costume. I put this costume together for her using the following items:

DIY:
Black and Yellow Tutu - Just We Moms Tutu Tutorial

Bee Wings - I purchased some black linen fabric from Hobby Lobby. After cutting 4 circles of the same size from the fabric, I sewed the wrong ends together leaving a small opening. I turned the circles right side out and then stuffed them with batting until firm. Using a large yellow button, I sewed the two pieces together in the middle. I used small buttons to attach the wings to the top (wings are removable in case small hands want to tug at them all evening).

Black/Yellow Leggings: The Children's Place
Yellow Lace Romper: Dollar Daisies
Black Onesie: Hobby Lobby

Big Elmo Birthday

The birthday girl had a great time at her party! Everything turned out great and the kids had a blast in the obstacle bouncer. The Elmo decorations were a huge hit, especially with Katelyn. Ready for some pictures?

Vendors:
Elmo Cake & Cookies: Sugar Boo Sweets
Dress: Caterpillar Kids Etsy Store
Glass "Fish Bowl" Jars: Favor Days
Elmo Pinata & Polka Dot Balloons: Party City
Favor Books: Lakeside Collection
Cake Pops, Crayon Wreath, Cake Stand, Tissue Poms: Katelyn's Mommy & Daddy :)
Elmo Paper Straws w/ Tags, Elmo Favor Tags, Water Bottle Labels, Cupcake Toppers, Dorthy Fish labels, and Elmo Invitation: Cupcake Dream

Counting Down

Sorry, I know I haven't updated in a while. October is always a crazy month. I am now the mother of a teenager (scary) and we are counting down the days until Katelyn turns two. Honestly, I thought this milestone was going to be an emotional event (much like last year), but I am happy to say that I'm looking at this moment with positive eyes. Yes, my little girl is growing up and there is a good chance we will never have another baby. However, I am witnessing a life form as we speak. It is my job to help shape another precious life and watch her flower into something extra special! There really isn't anything that can compare. I love every moment of watching her learn... the sheer excitement of figuring out how things work! This is one of the best parts of being a parent... actually raising your children. So, I'm not ready for another teenager yet, but I think I can handle the big "2".

Besides, her "Katelyn's World" theme party is keeping me busy. It's so cute! Every time Katelyn sees another Elmo birthday decoration, she does her little stomp dance and sings, "Elmo, Elmo". I can't wait for her to see everything together!

Big brother had a pretty cool birthday as well. We took him and his friend to go ride go carts, bumper boats and play some putt putt golf. Dad got to be silly with the boys and even little Katelyn got to take a ride around the track. She had a blast! I think we might have another race car driver.

They got me again

I'm always seeking the best deals for toys, food, clothing... basically anything we buy on a regular basis. Being a one income family definitely limits when we splurge. The Etsy store is doing okay, but not enough to be reliable as a second income. So, when I browse through Facebook and Twitter, I am usually looking for those killer clearance rack discounts.

Unfortunately, Katelyn has had the same group of books for almost a year now. I know books aren't that expensive, but they can add up quick! I've been on the hunt for those great deals. Every once in a while the big bin at the grocery store will run the $2 grab box special but it's so hard to dig through and find something she will like. I usually bite the bullet and end up purchasing one from the nice, neat EXPENSIVE book racks set up next to the dump bin. I know they put it there for that reason. Yes, I do have that big "SUCKER" sign on my forehead... thank you.

Anyways, I'm doing my usual read through on Twitter and come across the deal of the century. "Lots of books for $1.50 and up!! Earn an additional 10% off for signing up and free shipping". Wow, that's perfect! I rush over to the site, totsy.com, and what do I find? One book... yes ONE book for $1.50. Most of the others were a reasonable price $2-$4 but there were only 23 options available. I didn't really find anything for Katelyn so now I'm SUPER bummed out. I was imagining this huge library of discounted gold and after signing up was left staring at the bottom of a useless dump bin. That sucks! I really wanted to replace all of Katelyn's books for her birthday.

So, now I'm back on the hunt for the best book deals. Maybe one day I will get lucky and hit the jack pot! **fingers crossed**