Adventures in Potty Training

So a few weeks ago, Hudson started alerting me that he had a dirty diaper. He would come to me and say "Mommy, I poop.". I thought it was great that he was showing interest so soon. He's only 20 months, and I had heard boys can be more difficult to potty train, so I wasn't expecting his sudden interest in the potty. After about a week of this, I went to Target and bought the Royal Flush potty. It's hideous and super cheesy, but it's also a potty, and there wasn't a lot to choose from. Besides, Hudson likes it,so I guess it doesn't really matter that it doesn't match the decor of the bathroom. :)

We spent the first week just kind of getting used to the idea of the potty. We aren't really pushing it too much unless he expresses interest. I don't want to push too soon, and he decide he doesn't want to use the potty. Basically, he would say "Potty!", and I'd take him. There wasn't much action the first week. Just a lot of sitting, reading books, and watching Elmo. Last Sunday night, we went through the potty routine, but this time the potty started singing! (It does that when there's some action.) Of course, Tucker and I acted completely nuts. We were so excited that he actually went!

In our excitement, fifteen minutes later, we were at the potty again. I could tell Hudson had to go. Before I had time to get the diaper off, he had peed on my leg and all over the bathroom floor. At this point, I'm yelling for Tucker to help me clean up. I'm trying to clean myself up while Tucker is trying to clean the floor. In the meantime, Hudson is running around naked. At some point during all this, I turn around to see Hudson pushing, and I knew exactly what was about to happen. I went to grab him hoping we would make it to the potty in time. On the way there, I step in something. I look down to see that I've stepped in poop. Apparently, Hudson went on the floor while we were cleaning up.

Once again, I'm yelling for Tucker who had just finished cleaning the bathroom floor. All we could do at that point was laugh. Tucker took Hudson up to get a bath, and I cleaned up downstairs. We tried using the potty on and off this week, but I have to admit, I was a little gun shy after the events of the weekend. So needless to say, I didn't push it. This week we plan to try again, and we are armed with Pull Ups. Our plan is to wear Pull Ups in the afternoons and on the weekends. I fully expect that accidents will happen, but hopefully using the Pull Ups will make things easier. Any advice you have to give on the topic, will be greatly appreciated! Wish us luck!

Amanda

Pru Turns 2!

Last weekend, we traveled to Calera to celebrate Prudence turning two years old. It's hard to believe it has been two years since that spunky, fun, and beautiful girl blessed our lives. It is such a blessing to be her aunt and watch her grow. She's going to do great things, that girl!

The party theme was Mickey Mouse, one of Pru's favorite shows on TV.  Emily did a great job preparing and decorating for the party. It truly was like stepping into Mickey's Clubhouse. Emily had the most precious dress made for Prudence to match the party theme. Of course, Prudence got more presents than she knew what to do with. One being a kitchen and another a 1,000 piece tea set. I kid, but there were at least 50 pieces!

 Daddy and Hudson riding the wagon down the hill! 

 Singing "Happy Birthday"

 Blowing out the candle!

Happy birthday, sweet P! 

I can't believe you're two already!

Love you much,

Aunt Manda 

New Year, New Adventures

Happy New Year! No, we didn't even make it to midnight. Hudson went to bed at his usual bedtime, and we soon followed thereafter. We didn't do anything fancy. No night out on the town. Yes, it was an option, but not one we really considered. As I've gotten older, I have realized what is really important in life. I couldn't have been happier spending the last day of 2014 with my favorite two boys.

2015 holds many changes for us. One being that our family of three is growing to a family of four! We are thrilled that God has blessed us with another child. Baby #2 will arrive in early July. Hudson doesn't quite understand just yet, but as time goes and my belly grows, I'm sure he will begin to understand. He is going to be a wonderful big brother to his little brother or sister!

I can't imagine life getting any sweeter. 2014 was a year full of happiness and laughter. We are looking forward to 2015 and all the happy changes that will come with it!

Amanda