Happy Birthday Sophie!

I can't believe Sophie is 3 years old today.  It seems her baby and toddler years have just flown by.  She is definitely growing up!  We often get comments about her that she looks different from the other kids.  It's the blonde hair, none of us have that light blonde hair.  But not too long ago we got this picture of Nate which I think looks so much like Sophie!

You can tell they were both full of mischief!

Hope your birthday is great girl!  We love you!

Mommy Mommy Mommy , I need to go potty

All my kids potty train just before their third birthday.  Sophie was ready at the beginning of the summer, but I wasn't.  The idea of potty training her on vacation, or while we had house guests made me want to gouge my eyes out-no way.  When Jack was little, he loved stickers, so I made him a chart and every time he went on the potty, he could put a sticker on the chart.  I also made Bella a chart, but she could have cared less, she just wanted cute undies.  Sophie was all about the chart, but she wanted to chart to lead to something.  So we picked out a doll, made the chart and went to work.

Potty training is one of those things that you know will be excellent when it is over, and the end result is totally worth it.  But the middle, not so much.  I think I was also reluctant because we got new carpet this year, and it is still nice.  But we stocked up on the thick gerber panties and those usually don't leak a ton, at least not on the floor.  And here we are a few weeks later, and she's got it!  I know there will still be the occasional accident, but I won't be buying diapers anytime soon.  We do have to go in a ton of public restrooms, and I do have to focus on someones bodily functions besides my own.  But that will all pass.  We did have a bout of being afraid of big potties, but I think she is conquering that. 

So adios diapers, hello more things to wash!

Family Bike Ride

On Labor Day we went on a bike ride all together.  I have intentions that we will do this a lot all summer long, but this last summer got away from us and this was our first ride together.

The weather will hopefully be mild enough that we can get another one in.  That is, if we get a new tire tube for the trailer.  It has a flat that we just pumped up along the way.  Bummer.

We also went and saw the Karate Kid, which I think was okay.  Sophie is potty training and asked to go to the bathroom at least five time during the movie.  We are now talking about the ability to "hold it" for a bit.  And why is it all kids like public restrooms?

First Day Of School!

We started school about a week and a half ago.  The porch light is on because Jack left early for his new school.  We are sooo blessed to be in a carpool with a bunch of kids from the neighborhood.  He was in school for a week before I drove!  I hope all the other moms are loving it as much as I am, one of the hardest things about letting him go to the other school was the driving everyday prospect.  It was a bit of a rough start, Jack feels homesick for his old school.  But he's starting to get the hang of the new rules and procedures and getting into a good homework groove.  The kid does as much as he can in the car on the way home.  Maximizing his time, that one is. 

You can see here that this girl is thrilled to start second grade!  She was beyond excited.  The funny thing is, neither of these girls even saw their brother that morning the start times are so different.  She is so independent this year.  She says she wants me to go with her to school, but then takes off so I am just watching her from a distance, or running to keep up. 

People keep asking me if Sophie is sad to see the kids go.  No, no she isn't.  With them gone she has run of the house and can try and sneak into the stuff of theirs she isn't supposed to play with.  She can also choose to watch a movie without negotiating or compromise.  She is looking forward to her neighborhood preschool we are doing.  She is a bit bummed that the first place they are coming is our house, but she'll have fun.  Also, we are in the throes of potty training right now.  She is doing really well, she is telling me when she needs to go of her own volition.  I am thinking in a few weeks we will be there.  We did go shopping on Friday and did have to go in many public bathrooms.  She is terrified of falling in the toilet, so when out and about she makes me really hold her on the potty, which is fine, but awkward.  I'll take it over diapers though.