Potty Training a Toddler

Whoever said "Oh, my little angel just magically decided to go on the potty all by himself/herself. Training only took a couple days." Well, you make me sick. Whoever said potty training wasn't a process is fooling most of us. Potty training is hard work. And, at least I'm not in the minority. Ben's teacher, who not only has 6 children of her own (of which 5 are boys), but has potty trained gajillions of toddlers in her day as well as other professionals have said it is indeed a process and it takes several months and sometimes years.

Whew! What a relief! Things have always been so easy. Ben is so smart, so one would assume he would be one of those children that would only take a couple days. Nope. But, he really tries hard and I have had to learn patience. As he approaches his 3rd birthday, some may say "He's not trained yet?" My answer. No. According to all kinds of pediatricians and experts, those who think their child is ready many times is kidding themselves. My child wasn't physically able to even hold it in until just recently. You have to wait for their bodies to mature. And don't rush things along when they aren't ready. It'll backfire later.

Throughout the process, I have had to learn that what seems easy and logical to us is not necessarily true for a toddler. I have also learned to reach out to others for help. That's important cause most mothers feel like it's cheating to ask for help. That includes me. There's nothing wrong with asking for help. In fact, it makes life easier, and best of all -- less stressful!!

Reaching out to those who know what their doing has been invaluable. Let's be honest here... I'm a first time mom with one on the way. I'm by no stretch of the imagination an expert. I just do what makes sense to me. There's no rule book. I'm flying by the seat of my pants. But I do my best, and that's all we can do as mothers.

So, after nearly a month of what I would call full-on potty training, he's doing ok... he's making progress. I can't really ask for more than that. But it sure would be nice to be done!!

Ode to Change

"Change is the only constant in life." I heard that somewhere - a teacher, a boss, someone. Things are changing. As my belly begins to get larger and the weather changes from hot to cold at the drop of a hat, other things have kept me on my toes. Change is all around us. Sometimes it makes us feel old. Sometimes it makes us feel young.


My husband has embarked on a new career journey - his own business. Scary? Yes. Exciting? Yes. Do I think about it a lot? No, cause I believe in him. He's a smart cookie and his motivation is not only for his own career aspirations, but to provide a better life for his family. I like that kind of change.


Ben is growing like a weed. Oh boy the potty training stories... but that's another blog posting!

Happy New Year

'Tis the New Year when we all are determined to be more organized, more giving and well... thin! Well, I have an excuse. Being pregnant is a good excuse to forego alot of things -- that includes being THIN! I would like to be more organized. Who wouldn't? But I can honestly say that all I want is health and happiness. I'm good on those so far, I just hope it continues this year and for many years to come!

'Tis the Season

As we approach Christmas, stress often takes center stage. I can personally say that my Christmas shopping is not nearly complete -- I still have a ways to go. My poor husband has been working like crazy, and in my nauseated pregnant state I don't feel like doing much of anything.

Friday we had a party, a neighborhood affair, that started at my house. Of course I frantically had to clean up the house for guests. I did the best I could, but I wish I had the energy to go the extra mile. Oh well...

Saturday, John had to work all day. I took Ben to the playground and we both took a 3 hour nap. Oh the glorious nap!

Sunday was a business lunch at Disney. It was great. We got a babysitter and John and I kinda had a date. It was so NICE!! Even though we were joined by another couple for lunch, John and I ventured into the park (season passes are nice) and we walked around and rode one a ride. Doesn't sound like much, but it was great to spend some decent time with him. It's been so long since he and I have been able to spend "alone" time. I think we both missed it.

This week will prove to be yet another fun-filled week of John working late and me trying to keep everything at home together (and try to maintain its clean appearance). I have to find sometime this week to grocery shop, Christmas shop, drop off dry cleaning, wrap the gifts, and pack our things for the upcoming weekend. I can't wait till John gets home at a decent hour again!!

One Holiday Down...

Thanksgiving was last week and what a week it was. I must say I am thankful for many things in life. I am thankful to have a husband who supports every move I make, who makes me laugh and most importantly, who loves me (and shows it) no matter what I do.

I'm thankful for my son who is really the light of my life. He reminds me that every minute matters and that not so fun things (i.e. cooking, cleaning) can wait. Playing is way more fun! No matter what a day I had at work, nothing tops him yelling "MOMMY!" when I come pick him up at daycare.

I'm thankful for my family, both my parents and my in-laws. My parents are supportive, loving and always want the best for me (who wouldn't!). But the funny thing is they love me despite my wierd sense of humor (very unlike theirs) and my crude honesty. We do share a love for really bad, old TV shows: Brady Bunch, Golden Girls. I can watch them for hours. Of course my husband just shakes his head. My in-laws -- I must say my in-laws truly are a blessing. They spoil me as much as they spoil their children (and grandchildren) I don't think too many girls can say that about their in-laws!

I'm thankful for so many things I would bore you to tears. But I'm also thankful to be a mommy again. I'm 7 weeks pregnant and all I can do is pray for a healthy bundle to love more and more every day. I can't even imagine how wonderful it will be to have two children who really give meaning to life.

That's what Thanksgiving is all about.

Happy Hump Day!

Whoever thought of "Hump Day" was either really bored or well... had a really good sense of humor!

Things have been hectic with a father-in-law who has seemingly gone through the wringer the past few weeks (well, months really), school projects, football games and your basic toddler chasing. As the days get shorter and the hope of cooler weather comes about (a girl in Florida can hope for cooler weather -- that doesn't ACTUALLY mean it happens), we have taken advantage of more family time playing outside (football is the game of choice right now) and cuddling on the couch.

We cook dinner every night. Hard to do considering our busy schedules. It is generally way easier to just get something fast -- subs, pizza, etc. Planning out meals does help. But who has time to do that?? I try, but it doesn't always work. My favorite standby: Chicken Quesadillas. Lowfat, just enough for dinner and not too heavy, and FAST. A girl can do anything with that already cooked chicken!! Just microwave it or sautee it on the stove with some onions and you're in business!

On a totally separate note: Anyone have suggestions on kicking a really nasty coffee habit??!!

Is it Almost October Already?

Wow. A month has officially gone by without a post from me. I've been busy with work, school, home and all the other miscellaneous things that seem to pop up. School has been great so far. I'm learning so much and it's definitely manageable to juggle work, home and a toddler.

Ben has certainly kept us on our toes this month. He has battled a cold and we have really kicked into "high gear" on potty training. For so long, he really wasn't ready. Now -- I think he's ready and he's doing great so far. But, it is a switch for me when I'm so used to not having to stop at a restroom every two hours. He also managed to bonk his nose pretty good on the wood part of our bed resulting in swollen nose, a small cut and a visit to the doctor to make sure it wasn't broken.

We are currently prepping for a "big boy" room. He will have the room of champions -- decorated in none other than fire trucks (his favorite!). We're still trying to hammer out exactly what color to paint, but I'm sure we'll figure that out quickly.

Couple of good menu items that are quick and easy during the week: club sandwiches and turkey kielbasa on the grill.