Monday, September 3, 2012

Hawkeye Football!

Saturday was the season opener for Hawkeye football!  And in true Hawkeye-fashion, they managed to squeak out a win in the last few minutes of the game.  We're Hawk fans, we take a win any way we can get it!

Go hawks!


Rea watching the game with her peeps!



It wouldn't be a football game without fried food!




Saturday, September 1, 2012

Potty training...and all that jazz

We're still living life on the edge... and by that I mean, no diapers!

We're almost through our first week of potty training and I must say, it's not for the faint of heart.

As a first-time parent, I'm in that terrible position where I don't know if I'm pushing too hard or not pushing enough, you know?  There really is no exact rule book... to-do list... I know there are books and videos and great advice from those who've gone there before, but nothing designed specifically for MY child.

The great thing is, we are on day 3 with NO accidents!  And a huge break-through last night as we were playing at play land- Rea actually stopped playing in mid climb, ran over to me and said, "Mommy, I have to go potty!"  We ran to the nearest store, she picked out her stall, and low and behold, went potty!

I'm really proud of her and this whole process has made me realize, I should never underestimate my little peanut.  I need to remember this as we face new phases along the way- teach her what I know, be supportive, and watch her grow... she will continue to amaze us each and every day. Oh and MnM's help too.


Rea getting a little support from her bestie:





"Hmmmm.... lemme see if this thing is all it's cracked up to be."




New big girl underwear! Thanks Gramma K.!



Enjoying the fruits of her labor... MnM's!




Monday, August 27, 2012

Adventures in Potty Training

I thought this post would never come.

Oh I know, I know...you're shaking your head at me. Each child is different... they will know when they're ready...they're on their own schedule.  I get that. I really do.  It's just that...

I am SO glad it finally happened!

I want to remember this day. The day that Rea went on the big girl potty for the very first time. And no, not just squattin. Actually went potty! 

Thanks to her daycare provider, I got a fun call at work from a very excited toddler all ready to tell mom the story.  Then we took a trip to the store to buy MnM's- her choice of treat.  Then we got home, pulled out the lil potty and it worked like charm thanks to Nick Jr. on the TV to distract her.

She then had the great idea to put on 'underwear' (No mom! Not panties...underwear!).  At this point, we're going with it!  We laid out underwear for tomorrow. Safely packed some spares to travel to daycare and we're keeping our fingers crossed.



Sunday, August 26, 2012

Hold on....

Because the weekend will fly by!  Especially when there are plans to be had....

Friday night:

Oh the best laid plans.... Rea and I met up with our friends, Jen & Jacque, Jackson, Klara, Karly and Keefer.  If you do the math, that's 3 adults and 5 kids.  The plan was to check out the new cupcake place in town. 

Little did we know, said-cupcake joint no longer sells cupcakes after 5 p.m. and instead, turns into a trendy, savvy, date night dessert lounge.  See us exiting stage left with cupcakes to go. Oh and did I mention Rea got a raging bloody nose while I was paying for the cupcakes?  I love when parenthood throws you a curve ball. 

But we survived and Rea loved being with her friends for the night...




Saturday:

My parents came to help us a with a home remodel project in the garage (pics to come later).  Due to the rain, my mom, Rea and I hit up the mall.  As soon as Rea got in this little red car, she exclaimed, "I'm going to go pick up my cousins!" 





Sunday:

The weather cleared up so we headed outside for a morning stroll... (thanks for the baby stroller Gramma K.!).  The sun was actually way too hot for this boycotter of summer so....




We headed to the furniture store.  I got caught up in the moment (and the deals!!!) and purchased the leather furniture for our family room that I have been coveting for some time.  Dark chocolate sofa, love seat and a custom ordered LaZboy rocker/recliner, note fabric swatch below.  You like?






Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Kind of a big deal.

Our toddler (finally!) mastered the slide at day care....

'Look mom, no hands!'