Quilt

Pillar, my church, had its annual ladies' retreat last weekend. It was big fun in and of itself, but it was also my first night without Juliet. Too bad I got about the same amount of rest without her. Anyway, one of the activities on the agenda was to make a quilted table topper. It was a total blast and I can't wait to do it again. I hadn't touched a sewing machine since I was about 10 when my mom decided it was high time I learned how to sew...it turns out, it's just like riding a bike. I used Ms. Eileen's machine which has an extra pedal that cuts the string for you. That is my kind of machine!

First Trip Out in Underpants

We needed to go to the grocery this evening for a few essentials. It would not take us but 30 minutes with the whole family to get the list. We thought to ask Isaac if he thought he could handle wearing his underpants to the store and keeping them dry until we got back home. We assured him that there would be a special surprise for him when we returned. That got him excited!
He said he could do it. So before we left, he sqeezed his hardest to get a few drops out into his potty chair, we dressed him, then we were off...armed with a change of clothes (of course).
We asked him a few times while we were shopping if he needed to use the toilet; he said he was ok...always reminding him of the special surprise that awaits him!
I am happy to report that he was successful and there were lots of high-5's and kisses.

Isaac's special surprise was his first pair of safety scissors. He was practicing cutting paper (with his left hand...hmm) the rest of the evening in his underpants. It was a really fun evening to be his mom and to see him succeed and something he has been trying to get better at.

Juliet: 3 months old today

Well, we have a couple of headlines to herald the 3 month birthday of our youngest child: Juliet Talbot Long.

Today, it looks like teeth are sprouting AND she rolled over. Yes, that is my daughter rising to the occasion. I'm so proud!

a wednesday post

Here is a picture of Isaac in his training pants. He is starting to get the hang of them and getting them off before going to the potty seat. No accidents yet today!
Our kind neighbor gave us some new puzzles that Isaac is enjoying. Juliet likes to watch Isaac.

Just so I don't forget

Last Friday night, our church youth group had seperate sleep overs for the boys and girls. The boys were at our house and the girls were at the Chatman's house. Isaac stayed with Tim and Juliet came with me. It was a late night with lots of fun for each house. Juliet and I returned home around lunch time and we visited with some friends and then had a nap. Before Juliet woke up, Isaac and I were in the kitchen while Tim was outside. I was washing dishes and Isaac was playing with his trains.

He says out of the blue, "mama, I'm sure glad you're home".

I said..."what did you say?"

and yes, he said it again, "mama, I'm sure glad you're home". I couldn't believe my ears!

I said..."thank you, Isaac, I'm glad to be home"... and the day went along with my heart a little bigger!


Juliet is now is size 2 diapers, she hurts my shoulders when I sling her, and her schedule is starting show signs of predictability. Progress.

Potty Training Update

We have had a good week of potty training Isaac. The last picture is our progress chart at last weeks potty party. In this first picture, you can see how many stickers are on it. There is a sticker for each successful deposit into the potty chair. Accidents are marked in the lower corner with a dark colored marker for my records only.

You can also tell by the many expressions on Isaac's face, that he is entering into a new phase of emotions and communications. It reminds me of how complicated we are as humans. We are like onions with so many layers. Isaac is just beginning to experience the gamut of such emotions. That must be confusing for him...to sort it all out in his heart and in his head.

Isaac's success with no pants on is about 80-90%. Once we put the training pants or underwear, his success is about 5%. Suggestions are welcome and encouraged. PLEASE!!

Juliet

Isaac's Potty Party

A success! Isaac used the potty twice this morning before having his first accident. He is very motivated by the treasure chest and the stickers for his progress chart. I plan on staying home for the first few days to really hit this hard. Wish us luck!

A video from the potty party.

More Pictures

Visit from Grandparents

The Letter Factory

Thanks to two very classy and beautiful women at my church who recommended the Leap Frog video The Letter Factory, Isaac is now 95% strong on his letters and their sounds. Take a look. The video isn't so good, but you'll get the idea!