Potty Training Challenge

Okay, so I thought this potty training thing would be going a lot smoother than it has. How hard can it be to potty train your toddler, right? I had no idea I was up for a whole new challenge. So, I decided not to get the ever so popular, "fancy smancy princess potty chair" that makes music everytime your child goes potty. I figured all I needed was a basic potty chair and we could always decorate it with stickers. Avery seemed interested in her new potty at first and wanted to sit on it all the time, which was a good sign. The first week or so she was doing really well and was eager to try it out. I was trying so hard to be patient with her and explain it to her, in her "toddler language". She was doing very well and even went in the potty at one point. I was so happy, I almost cried tears of joy! It's kind of ridiculous what my life has come to these days!  So I thought we were on track and this was going to be a sinch, until one day Avery didn't want to use the potty anymore. Noooo! That wasn't supposed to happen....aaaahhhhh! Well, maybe I pushed her too much or maybe she just isn't ready yet. Now she doesn't even want to step foot in the bathroom....and I thought we were making progress. Having talked to other moms, I've heard all kinds of stories of the challenges of potty training. I figure, atleast I'm not alone, right? I guess I need to give it time and be patient. I mean, she'll eventually get the hang of it and I'm not exactly in a rush for my little girl to grow up. As for now, the potty chair challenge continues. Maybe a trip to the local book store for a potty training book isn't such a bad idea.

Callum is 6 months

Callum recently turned 6 mos. old, which means my little guy is already half a year old. It seemed just yesterday he was a teeny, tiny newborn new to the world. Where did the time go? I am having so much fun just seeing him grow from day to day and watching him explore so many new tastes and sounds. Eating new foods has been enjoyable for him, as he seems to like pretty much anything I make for him. He loves playing with his big sister and observes everything she does. He has sooo much energy and is already getting around, quite literally. He has gotten so good at rolling over from his back to his tummy now and has taken his first crawling steps. I can only imagine the energy this little boy will have when he is Avery's age! I guess I'm in for a surprise!

Staying Cool at the Water Park

 

 

 

 

 We took the kids down to the neighborhood Water park the other day to try and stay cool. We figured Avery would have a blast at the kids water park since we've never taken her before. We've lived here for 4 years now and just finally decided to head down there. Geez, it's about time, right? Sadly enough, it will probably be the first and last time we take Avery there for awhile. She wasn't very fond of being sprayed by the water jets or going near the giant bucket that dumps out gallons of water every few minutes. She was clinging onto daddy for dear life and was screaming for "momma" most of the time...lol. Hey, I'd probably be scared too if I was only two. Lounging inside the pool is more her cup of tea. Callum was a little trooper and enjoyed getting his little feet in the water. He seemed to have a good time relaxing by the poolside with his binkie. I was just glad the kids were able to stay cool!

Colorado Pictures

Colorado Adventure

So our adventure began when Philip was called to work out of town once again. We decided to pack our bags, take the kids, and travel as a family. We were headed off to Colorado! Honestly, we were a little hesitant driving for 14 plus hours with two little kids in the back, call us crazy, but decided to just go for it. Hey, you only live once, right? Plus, I was excited to get away from Orange County for awhile and experience something different. Two days later, after hours of driving and one stop in New Mexico, we had arrived in Pueblo, Colorado. Avery and Callum adjusted pretty well to the hotel life. They just needed to get a daily routine going and they were set. Hey, I was just happy I didn't have to clean for 3 weeks. We had our daily outtings that included shopping in Colorado Springs, parks, and our trips up to see Aunt Jeanette in Denver. Avery was ecstatic to see her Aunt! While up in Denver there was a huge, beautiful garden park that Avery got to run around and explore. Denver had quite a bit to offer! One of the days, Philip had gotten off work early and we decided to head over to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City. While there, we got to walk across the world's highest suspension bridge and see the world's longest single span aerial tram. I must say, the view was absolutely breathtaking, but a little terrifying at the same time. Avery had a great time riding the carousel and there was a petting zoo where she got to pet ponies and baby goats. This was right down her alley. It was the perfect place to spend the day with two little ones. I must say, Colorado also has some interesting weather. From crazy thunder and lightening storms, to beautiful rainbows that light the sky....pretty incredible! Finally, after 3 long weeks of adventures, it was time to pack up the car and head home. Colorado was a success!

Avery just turned 2!

Wow, it has been one busy summer so far! Avery just turned two on July 28th and we took her to Sea World to celebrate! She had so much fun exploring all the sights and sea life. She got to see the whales, dolphins, seals, and enjoyed going on the kiddie rides with daddy. There was a spot where she could actually touch the starfish and thought it would be a good idea to take the poor starfish out of the water. Ummm...Yikes! She also got to see Elmo's Flying Fish show in 3D. Although she loved seeing Elmo, she wasn't too fond of getting sprayed by the water that suddenly pops out several times during the show. Each time she got sprayed she would let out a LOUD cry. Philip and I tried to be sensitive and not chuckle. I have to admit, it was pretty cute. As we made our way to the exit, we couldn't help but stop and take one last picture of Avery standing next to her most favorite thing in the world. Milk, of course. There was a huge statue of a bottle of milk. It was perfect! No better way to end a day than with a nice, tall bottle of milk. All said and done, Avery had a great time at Sea World!