What You Can Find on a Potty

So, it goes like this. Brice's Teacher Britney took the class to go potty before nap. Brice was in the stall for a minute and T. Britney asked if he was okay. He said yes, but continued to stay in the stall. A couple of more minutes went by and he still did not come out. T. Britney looked under the stall and saw that he was still sitting on the potty. She once again asked if he was okay. He said yes and that he would be out in a minute. A few more minutes passed so she asked him to please hurry because there were other kids that needed to use the potty. He did not say anything, so she opened the stall and he was literally reclined on the toilet seat completely naked. He had taken off all of his clothes, socks, shoes and everything and was sitting back on the seat with his arms propped up on the back of the seat and his head tilted back. I LOVE it.

We Have TWO Kiddos in Preschool

Jaeda started preschool last week, and this was not the easiest thing for me, but was definitely the most fun thing in the world for her. All I know is that I am SO thankful for my wonderful friends who called me to check up on me (because her going to preschool is all about me???) when she went off into the big world last Monday. One of my closest friends Katie whose daughter Kamryn is one of Jaeda's best friends met us for lunch in San Luis and talked me out of picking Jaeda up early from school...I am ridiculous. I would have ruined her day had I tried to take her away during lunch. Then my other Caitie, who I share my ridiculous emotions with all of the time called to see how Jaeda's big first day went and this was very comforting too. I cannot express how much these simple gestures meant to me. I found myself praying a LOT that day for Jaeda and thanking Him for the support our family has of friends that care so much as to pick up the phone to call and see how things that seem so little, are going.

Anyways, I could go on and on about the other encouragement that I received from friends last Monday, but I won't...you know who you are, but I cannot believe the emotions and separation anxiety that moms go through when letting go of a baby even if it is for only a few hours during the week...especially when it is intended for the child's greater good!
Jaeda had an awesome time, napped great (and without her blankie! She didn't even ask for it!), used those manners, and made new friends. What a great week! Brice helped her too...showed her to her classroom (his old class), her cubby, etc. It was a really neat blessing to see how well he takes care of her. ALSO, Kaitlin and I had a great two days, just the two of us...I love watching her blossom when it's just her! Though I think she got bored playing with me after a while, and really missed having her siblings around. She is awesome and I love her to pieces.

Jaeda's Second Birthday Party

Yes, I know, you thought that she already celebrated her birthday, and you are right. However, we also had another party today to celebrate with the family, my mom who arrived in town last night, and all of Jaeda's friends. We outdid ourselves, but the girl had so much fun, and is officially "princessed" out after getting about every princess toy imaginable. She had fun playing with her friends and sharing her new toys...there were plenty to go around...very generous friends and family we have...wow. Choosing a theme for a birthday party can be very difficult for me as I research everything that Jaeda loves and the trends these days for toddler girls, then weigh them against the little interests that Jaeda has that most people don't know about. Jaeda had a garden party because she loves flowers, helping me in the garden, and being outside. Plus, it was much simpler than the princess party I would have unneccesarily overdone had I attempted it. Weeks before the party, people asked why we weren't going to have a princess party for her since she loves princesses, but truthfully, Brad and I really wanted to seek out Jaeda's unique interests and celebrate them, thus the garden party. She loved it. We are itching to try out the new garden tools and set out the play garden animals that she got today.

As I said, my mom is visiting and I think that her first day here, today, did her in due to a combo of both the jetlag and a two year-old's birthday party. I am so appreciative of how she is such an awesome Mamaw to my children, but not only that, she is also still very much separately a mother to me. She whipped up some of her famous fixins today right before the party to help me out, then attempted to straighten up after the party (nearly impossible with three kids 3 1/2 and younger all over the place). I only hope that I am half of what she is when my kids are parents.

Happy 2nd Birthday Princess!

Today was Jaeda Boo's 2nd birthday...starting at 5:45 this morning...heaven help me.
I slept on the couch (couldn't breathe in bed due to allergies), and before the sun was up, Jaeda came in the living room and immediately saw her present that never got wrapped last night, lying on the floor...little Cinderella, wired ever-so-well in the box...I am glad that Brad didn't try to steal her out of the box at the store because he would have never been able to get her out. In fact, I believe it to be almost traumatizing to little ones to see the parent undo all of the wires to get the baby dolls out of their packaging. Jaeda asked me if it hurt the baby as I untied the wire from around little Cinderella's neck and set the sewn-to-the-cardboard-hair free using scissors. Goodness.
She had a kickback birthday for the most part. Aimee came over at 2 to give Jaeda her BEAUTIFUL "Jaeda" necklace which she LOVES so much! It is absolutely precious. Her first nice piece of jewelry. Then at 4, the Harrison's came up for Jaeda's birthday dinner...Brad made chicken stir fry (it was awesome!) and we had great weather so we ate out on the patio (the best place for the mixture of tons of rice and 5 kids).
Kam got Jaeda the twin Cabbage Patch dolls that I wanted for her and Mrs. Harrison (as Brice calls her) didn't even know that I already had my eye on them! It was like it was my birthday, I was so excited for her to get them! (Thanks, Katie :))
We later had cake with GGMaw and GGPaw, and Teacher April came over too! It was such a wonderful day.
I always cry on my children's birthdays, but have not yet...I am sure that that will come when I crawl into bed tonight...I love reflecting on them and thanking God for them. I love the pure bittersweetness of motherhood.
To view more pictures from Jaeda's birthday, click on this link http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=33644349206.131883140306.1186545603799&page=1&sort_order=0&navfolderid=0&folderid=0&ownerid=0

I've Added Weight

I am so pleased that it is not to my body, but in my power class at the gym! I have been training at the gym for two months now and tonight I was able to increase my weight...a milestone in my "getting back to pre-pregnancy body" journey. I like that my kids know what to expect every night when Brad gets home from work and Aimee pulls up to pick me up for the gym (They ask me if I am going to the gym-do they know what the gym is or what goes on there??). Thankfully, they no longer smash their faces up against the glass door crying and screaming that they want mommy. I suppose that this too is a milestone for them. I just hope that they have seen or will notice that I am healthier and more energetic...in a better mood overall...since I have started working out everyday. I hope that it is a habit that they want to adopt as their own in some way...this incentive keeps me motivated.
When I got home from the gym tonight, the girls were down, Brad went to play basketball down in Oceano, and Brice and I made dinner for me (he ate half of it). He LOVES to cook, he could be on Food Network Jr. if there were such a thing.

Kaitlin is borrowing a push toy from a friend and could not love any toy more than this one. She goes so fast! Brice likes to watch and make sure she is doing everything correctly and make sure that all is working correctly. Jaeda on the otherhand likes to steal the toy from Kaitlin and then cries big-time when we asked to give it back to KJ.

No More Monster Ride

Bricey went to the Fair in Paso today with our family's best friend, Aimee, and Josh, and had the time of his life! While washing his super-thick, filthy hair in the bathtub, we talked about his 8 hour day at the fair and his favorite and least favorite things...and everything he ate. He LOVED the ferris wheel, but hated the "monster ride" which turned out to be a dragon-like train. He ate tons of new foods (I probably don't want to know) and I have never seen him smile so big when telling a story...I am so thankful when he makes precious memories with people that mean so much to our family. Thanks guys for investing in our little man!