Training - the Final Frontier

The final frontier before the baby comes, at least. I don't want to post a lot of details regarding potty's and all that, but I will say that the first day she decided she would go by herself, in the appropriate location, was one of the happiest days of my life. Back in December my mom made efforts at training her while Brad and I were in Mexico; to no avail. While Kate and I were home in May, Nanny tried again; and was met with unbelievably strong resistance. It was clear - even back in December - that she knew what she was supposed to do, and she didn't much care for a mess in her diaper, but the resistance was ridiculous, confusing and horribly frustrating. The other day, in between diaper changes, she marched into the rest room, closed the door, and moments later came running out hollering for me to come see. Sure enough - no prodding or begging from me! As suspected, she did it when SHE decided SHE was ready, no sooner, no later. I'm proud of her and she's been doing a great job. We have our accidents of course, but all in all it is a proud moment in our short time together. And now, Anna can come. After all, what will I do with myself if I don't have to buy diapers?

3 weeks and 4 days...

but who's counting? 3 weeks and 4 days until my due date. The way I'm feeling would indicate to any reasonable human being that I will deliver before that date; however, I would have sworn that same thing last time and I was induced 7 days AFTER my due date. That said, I really do feel differently this time. I was never so uncomfortable and in pain as I am now. I can't imagine this will last another 3 weeks and 4 days.

And so, we decided to go camping this weekend. Not cabin camping, not RV camping, but tent camping. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well (although I DID have a little elf crawling on top of me and my belly in the middle of the night) and I probably wasn't of much help to Brad with set up, take down, and watching Kate in between. But Kate had the time of her life and absolutely loved the tent and her new sleeping bag, as well as her first fishing adventure with Daddy. Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Can you spot the little elf peaking out of the tent window?

Yesterday we found a bounce house at a nearby neighborhood party. This face says it all.

Rainy Days and Monday's

Kate asked me during a downpour this morning if we could go play in the rain. As you can see here, she requested her umbrella, rain coat and rain boots for the outing. When we saw a worm she asked, "what's that?!?" Then quickly, "let's go, Mommy. Bye worm!"

Budding Penguins Fan...

Life Changes

I just realized that I have been out of touch regarding the blog. After our return home it took me a few days to get settled - with getting back in touch with my doctor, visiting a physical therapist for my back pain, sending Brad off on a 10 day trip full of fun and .22 work, and making the insane decision to jet off to Pittsburgh for Game 6 (and pawn Kate off on Phee and Peter!). Oh my. FYI - I am 8 months pregnant, so needless to say it was quite an effort to get myself across the country. But alas - well worth it! What an experience to see Dan in his element (well, at least his element since 2/15/09), as well as Mary Beth and Bryan, and a WIN in Game 6. It was fantastic. Dan has always been an incredible person to me, but it was insane to see his local fame in Pittsburgh. And of course, Lauda and her friend (my friend, too) Kat came along for the ride. And Nanny, Grizz, Phatty, Kase, Mal, Josh, Gary and Gracer, too. Oh my.
And then, last night Kate and I went to Phee and Peter's to watch Game 7. I knew the result would either be devastation or euphoria. I can't describe to you how the outcome has made me feel - and the chance to see my brother raise the Stanley Cup above his head. I go from cheering to silent reflection to bawling my eyes out. It is incredible.
And I can't wait to see that Cup in person! That "giant cup" as Kate says. Yes, Kate, a giant cup. Oh my.