First Potty Learning Attempt

Sweetie has been obsessed with pretending to go potty for the last two weeks. She tells me she has to go, which usually means she has just gone, and she sits on her potty chair for a few minutes before getting a clean diaper. After walking into the bathroom the other day and finding this:



I thought it might be time to make a training attempt. Sweetie spent Friday morning naked in the bathroom with her cup-cup, pretzels, a stack of books, and the potty chair. After three pees on the floor, I caught her starting to poop. I put her on the chair, and she did her business. Success, I thought. Then she stood up and saw what she had made. She completely freaked out, right away asking for her diaper. I don't intend to push her, so it's back to diapers for us.

Then tonight as we were getting ready for bath, she told me she had to go potty. She sat for 5 minutes and all attempts to get her into the tub were met with an emphatic no. And then...she made tinkles! We may get this done yet!

So frustrated!

Smartie has ear infection #13! She had her second set of ear tubes, heavy-duty ones designed to last 2-4 years, in December. At the end of February, she fell and hit her right ear hard. The tube popped right out. Her surgeon acted like it wasn't a big deal, didn't even want to see her. Now that ear is infected. And it's Friday afternoon with no chance of getting in with him. I took her to Prompt Care for another round of antibiotics. Monday morning, I'm DEMANDING to be seen by the surgeon. Looks like we may be facing a third surgery. GRR.

Bubbles are Fun!

Running Tips

Papa Runner & I have completed 9 weeks of training. So many people have encouraged us with this. But the most common comment is, "I could never do that!" You may not believe us, but we would have said the same thing before this. Papa & I have both had knee injuries that required physical therapy. And yet here we are!

We have a fantastic coach with 20 years' experience. He's had about every injury you could have and is still running. He's given us a whole list of "no sweat" exercises that strengthen the legs. These are the kind you could do anywhere at any time. I've decided to share them with you over the next few weeks. Who knows, maybe you'll be joining us on the trail someday soon!

Exercise 1:
Stand on one foot. No, really! Stand unsupported on one foot for as long as you can, then switch to the other. All the dynamic muscles of the foot and ankle get strengthened as you use them to stabalize yourself. You can do this exercise as you wait in line, while doing the dishes, even while fellowshipping at church! In fact, you'll probably see me doing this quite often at church. When just standing gets too easy, you can bounce a ball or close your eyes to make it more difficult.

Happy trails!

Hot Chocolate

Some of you may recall that Smartie liked playing in the snow because she got hot chocolate afterward. Yesterday, we played outside for a while in the nice spring weather. This is the conversation we had on coming in:

Smartie : Mommy, I'm really cold. Can I have some hot chocolate?
M: No, I'm not making hot chocolate today. But I'll get a snack ready.
(a few minutes go by)
Smartie : Mommy, I'm still really cold. Could I please have some hot chocolate?
M: No, I just gave you a snack. Finish your crackers.
(a few more minutes go by)
Smartie : *gasp* Hey, Mommy, I see something!
M: What? Where?
Smartie : It's in the cupboard!
M: Really, what is it?
Smartie : Well, it's hot, and it's brown, and it's called HOT CHOCOLATE!!!

When I finally stopped laughing and picked myself up off the floor, I made a batch of hot chocolate. You gotta admire her persistence and creativity.

Admit it, who's a fan?

NKOTB!

Good News!

We have reached our minimum fundraising goal! As you know, Papa Runner & I have been training for a half marathon with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. In order to run the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon, we had to commit to raise $3900 each. As of today, we have $8137.44! Of course, there is no maximum goal. The cause of cancer research will always go on. We can accept donations into our account at our website, by mail, or in person until June 30.

Training is going really well, too. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I do. You just feel better after a run. We're already talking about doing a full marathon (not with TNT) in the fall, and fundraising for another next spring!

In other news, Sweetie did the cutest thing yesterday! At bedtime, I read her a Bible story, then told her it's time to pray. She closed her eyes, folded her hands, and said, "*babble-babble-babble* MMMMMMMMM-men!" It's amazing how fast they learn. It really is never too early to start good habits of prayer and reading. And memorization, too. (Pardon me while I brag on my kids) For the last month or so, Smartie has been memorizing Psalm 121. She can now say 5 of the 8 verses. She really enjoys it, especially when we make up hand motions to help her remember.