Potty Training

There is a lot about parenting that is exactly what I expected it to be. But there is even more that is completely opposite of how I thought it would be. Potty Training for example. I was never into the idea of potty training early, especially having a boy. I just thought why bother? Yeah diapers aren't exactly cheap or easy but they are pretty convenient. You don't have to stress about where you are going to be when your toddler has to go potty, or about accidents. I was all for waiting until Liam was closer to three years old. Yeah we would have two kids in diapers but that seemed easier than the alternative. Plus they are only in diapers for so long, and I'm just not into pushing them to grow up any faster than it already goes. 

Well this littler person of ours had other plans. He would bawl his head off because I "won't let him" go poop in the potty! He also refused to keep his diaper on. So after weeks of resisting him I finally thought to myself "am I seriously fighting him about wanting to go in the toilet?" So the next day we went to work! I opted for this "potty train you kid in 3 days method" and it has been awesome. I don't think this is really for all kids but Liam is just a pretty determined and mature little guy. We went and picked out cute little undies and spent 2 days holed up working on it together and he is doing awesome! Not saying he is perfectly potty trained but pretty dang close! And he is so proud of himself! Thats one of the best parts about being a parent is helping him learn and achieve new milestones and watching how happy it makes him. Plus it has been super hilarious. Lots of very funny nakie pictures and so many hilarious conversations. He has been cracking us up! I just love this little guy so much! And Andrew is amazing, he is so committed and helpful with the whole thing. Im so thankful to be parenting with someone who is so involved and committed.  

Chicago

Last weekend Andrew and I went away just the two of us for the first time since becoming parents. We have done a few nights where Liam stayed with Grandparents but this was the real deal. A whole long weekend of adult time! And I only cried once missing Liam :) 

We had such a nice time. Chicago is one of my favorite cities. We walked around enjoying the architecture, amazing restaurants, and sat for long stretches in coffee houses just talking and reading. We are super thankful we got to stay in the most beautiful apartment downtown, thanks Vanessa and Gary!!  It was pretty blissful, especially just being with my guy. There is no one I'd rather be with. 

But man it felt good to get home to my little guy. Being a mom is so terrible and wonderful haha. You are so exhausted and can't wait to be alone for 5 minutes and the second you are away from them you miss them so much it hurts! Gotta love my life! Now its back to the freezing cold tundra!

How could you not miss that little face!!!

Alright....Let It Snow

Well, and just like that it feels like winter! We got our first snow this morning November 10th! It felt odd to wake up to a totally different landscape, but it is pretty magical!. I have been waking up earlier than normal and getting in some reading or shower time. I haven't been sleeping as well now that Im in the last weeks of my second trimester, but I haven't minded the early mornings. Its nice to be up when the house is quiet and start the day slowly. 

Liam started a gymnastics class which he loves! He is so coordinated and athletic but also an attentive learner. It is so fun to watch him grow. The cold weather has turned our attentions inside. Andrew finished up the last of the weather proofing this weekend and has had more time to just hang out indoors and play with Liam. I have been in full nesting mode. Painting in the boys rooms and just sprucing things up for baby. I have a few other projects going like sewing Liam a comforter (just couldn't quite find one I liked in stores) and knitting a few things. A friend here recommended "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" to me and I am lost in it. Expect many Annie Dillard quotes to follow. 

Halloween and Such

We had a really great Halloween. But I have realized that Holidays with young children are a mix of pure bliss and pure misery haha! There is so much anticipation and excitement that it makes little peoples emotions very fragile. One minute they are laughing, jumping, excited. The next is a complete meltdown. Couple that with lots of sugar and it was quite a day! But we did it all, Liam and I carved pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds after his nap in the afternoon, we got dressed up, went by Mimi and Grandpa's house to say hi, and then headed off to our friends house for some stew and trick-or-treating. 

Liam totally gets the whole trick-or-treating gig, but it was a little more overwhelming this year. Logic has kicked in and the fact that there are tons of out of place mythical creatures and monsters walking around in the dark just didn't seem quite right to him. Last year as a one year old he thought the creepy laughing witch was funny, but this year not so much! He walked cautiously up to each door and made us hold his hand, something he never wants.  But it was very fun none the less, especially because any time daddy is home it is a good time.