New Tricks

We have several new accomplishments at the Guess household. First, Reagan has been blessed with Sam's bumbo baby seat, which I think has been passed around our entire church group. She is so cute "sitting up" and she thoroughly enjoys her new perspective on the world. And, Addison learned to pedal her little bicycle. She loves to ride up the street, although I frequently have to carry her and the bike back home. Now that she has the pedaling down, we need to work on the pedal/steer combo!

PS....In even bigger news, for those of you following the potty training saga....we have accomplished poop in the potty. We embrace bribery in this house, and the promise of a new princess doll did the trick! I will spare you the pics :)

It's Tough Being Two

Aren't these outfits precious? A family friend gave them to the girls when Reagan was born. They come complete with a watermelon purse for Addison and a fancy "bling" paci for Reagan. Hard as I tried to convince Addison that the paci was for Reagan, it is officially community property! Of course, neither girl is too keen on having their pictures made while dressed so sweetly. I can't even remember what Addison was so upset about, but it probably had something to do with shoes or sunglasses. We have DRAMA every Sunday morning, when I tell her she can't wear her princess flip-flops to church. Also, she NEEDS sunglasses, but not bad enough to wear the blue or black ones, and of course the pink ones are usually no where to be found.

The Second Time Around

Today, as I was looking over Addison's journal from her first year, it occured to me why birth order is so significant to a child's personality. Reagan is nearly 4 months old, but in our household she is my baby! Addison is a typical busy two year old, and by comparison Reagan is so small. I was shocked when I looked over Addison's journal and realized that at this age, I had her in the Exersaucer and Johnny Jumper, and she regualarly watched Baby Einstien. I basically put her in anything she might fit in. I confess now, I think I actually proped her with towels and put phone books under her feet to make her fit. It has not even occured to me to do any of these things with Reagan. I am not waiting around for her to grab her first toy, or watching anxiously for her to flip over. The pressure is off. I know she will do all these things when she is ready. Funny how different things are. I was ready, waiting, and encouraging Addison's every move. Reagan gets all the love and attention, but in a much different, more laid- back way. I write this not to say that either way is right or wrong...just different.

Another Mommy Moment...

This morning I had yet another one of my embarassing/funny Mommy moments. I really need to journal all these funny times, so I have something to look back on and laugh about when I am 50! The girls and I were playing in the playroom this morning, when I decided to call Tommy and check in on his commute. About 3 rings into the call, I realized that Addison was pooping. We still don't have this part of the potty training down, so I hung up quickly and grabbed her to transfer her to the potty. Seconds later, the phone was ringing. Sure it was Tommy calling me for hanging up on him, I answered. Not with the usual, hello, but with, "Sorry I hung up on you, but I have poop everywhere, I will have to call you back!" My sweet friend Amanda, just laughed and said, "Okay, I won't keep you!". That is the last time I will assume I know who is on the other end of the line. Thankfully she's a sweet understanding friend who laughed with me, and has plenty of those moments of her own. She even brought me cookies!

For Mommies Only

Okay, this post is only for my fellow Mommy friends. Those of you not yet deep in the depths of parenthood, spare yourselves the graphic details of this post and check back next time....

Now, for the good news. Addison appears to be potty trained! I am now a FIRM believer in the theory that they will let you know when they are ready. Addison announced to me Tuesday that she wanted to wear big girl panties. I let her and it was a complete disaster. She used them like diapers and then told me each time to change her. However, we stayed the course and the next two days got better and better. We are now on day 4 with no accidents!!! YEAH!!! We have even been out and about with panties on. I did make her wear a pull-up to church this morning, since I would be dropping her off. She expressed her displeasure about this, and to her credit, she was dry when I picked her up. I guess we are down to diapers only for sleeping. The only problem, no poo-poo in the potty. I have no idea how to teach her this, especially when it usually happens at the end of nap when she is in a diaper anyway. I will be anxiously awaiting advice from you veteran mom's out there.

Daddy's Girls

Last week, our sweet daddy brought us all home roses. Pink for the girls and red for Mommy! The reason for the roses....Daddy called home and Mommy was in tears! We had quite the morning. I love my bible study and don't want to give it up, but it is a challenge to have us all dressed and out the door by 8:45. Last Thursday, I forgot Addison's shoes. We had to comb the clothing pantry at church to borrow some sandals. After arriving late due to the shoe ordeal, Reagan had a giant blow-out diaper, and I was off to the bathroom to clean and change her. Finally, after bible study, I went to Jason's Deli with a friend. Addison accidently knocked a tray off a nearby chair, crashing dishes everywhere. When I picked her up out of the mess, she announced, "Have poo-poo". Too late, I looked down and her stinky, 2 year old, toddler poo was all over me! We threw away part of her cloths, changed her, and left our uneaten food to head home. I arrived home hungry, frustrated, and smelly!!! These are the moments only other mother's can relate too. Thankfully my sweet husband saved the day. I loved the rose, but better still, he kicked into "Super Dad" mode and did everything but the breastfeeding for the rest of the night!

More Swimming

Addison is more brave each time we get in the water. Really, I could stand for her to have an ounce of fear! Reagan hasn't suited up yet, but she does like dipping her little toes in.

Happy 4th

They really do love each other....they just don't necessarily like posing for photos together. I find it is nearly impossible to get them both happy, smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. So, please excuse the grumpy picture and accept our wishes for a happy 4th!