Potty Training update

Without giving too many details you probably don't want to hear anyway, let me just say that Izzy is doing amazingly well with the transition from diapers to panties. She has been at it for a week and a half now and hasn't had an accident in days.

I can't take much credit - she was just ready. Potty treats are also a big help.

Way to go Izzy!

Thanks for making this milestone so easy on your mother!

Potty Time

It's time. Izzy is ready. So today we cleared our schedule, pulled out the panties,

the skittles,

and set the timer every 30 minutes.

Wish us luck! I'm hoping to cross diapers off my grocery list for good in the near future.

Horse Camp

We are so lucky that my parent's neighbor gives the girls a private horse camp every summer. Amy and her daughters spend mornings teaching the girls how to ride. Then Amy does crafts with them in the afternoon. Add a little swimming in the canal and it makes for a fun day. It was Maren's first year at horse camp. She loved to ride Addy. Best of all... she became a real cowgirl with a trophy and everything. Amy awarded it to her for falling off the horse for the first time. Don't worry - she didn't hit the ground and Amy caught her quickly. Cousin Natalie got horse camp started for us... Hannah on her horse, Peppy...

Isabelle even got a chance to ride... Definitely a good week at horse camp! Thanks Amy!

Happy Birthday Isabelle

Our little Izzy turned TWO yesterday! The time has flown and she has moved quickly from a sweet little baby to a busy, independent two year old.

She's been obsessed with her birthday for a few weeks now. Every morning she would wake up and ask, 'Birthday?'. Then she would ask about her 'cake?'. 'Yes', I would say, 'we'll have cake after your birthday dinner'. She was thrilled when we all woke her up with a chorus of 'Happy Birthday'. There were smiles and happy giggles all day as she enjoyed all of the extra attention. This was her favorite birthday gift. CAT by Mathew Van Fleet. She is all about cats these days and this delightful book has kept her busy for hours. There are furry tails, moving paws, squeaky toys and all.

We love you Izzy! Happy Birthday!

A Run for my Money

Why do my children get more and more independent with each successive one? Izzy is quite a character. She is not even two yet, but knows exactly how to get what she wants. Is that from being the youngest of four sisters? Take, for instance, this morning...

It is too quiet. I check around and find Izzy on a stool at the counter. She has found her sisters Valentines chocolates (thanks Natalie!, the girls were so excited!) which were put away 'out of reach'. One giant chocolate is already in her mouth. When she realizes that I am coming to stop her pilferage, instead of feeling guilty or trying to hide the evidence, she immediately starts shoving as many chocolates in her mouth as possible. She is not even two? How does she learn these things?

Little Helper

Izzy is my little helper. As soon as she even thinks I might be mixing or baking, she immediately scoots a chair up to the counter and demands to participate. Her favorite job is to mix. Although she also likes to pour and measure. She's not really much help right now. And sometimes she is downright in the way. But I hope in a few years she will still be happy to stand beside me in the kitchen and help out.

Birthday Month

Tonight we had the official closing ceremonies for Birthday Month. Whew! I feel like I just completed an olympic event. It's been quite an action packed few weeks...

Isabelle got us rolling on April 1st with her very first birthday. Yipee! She didn't know what to do with presents or cake, but was very excited to have everyone cheering and singing to her. No cake in the face for this baby - it was all about picking off the candy.

Hannah continued the birthday celebrations on the 14th with a horse themed birthday - complete with horse cake and a gift certificate for horse riding lessons. She can't wait to meet Puddin' and her teacher, Jessica. Now she can put those cowboy boots she got for Christmas to some good use!

Kirk made me promise months ago not to throw him a party for his big 40. He wouldn't even let me invite a few friends over. So he celebrated the milestone on April 16th with his girls and some Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie (thanks Mom!).

Paige had her very first 'friends' birthday party on Saturday - Tinkerbell style. Tonight we had a little family celebration for her actual birthday. She was thrilled to open presents filled with craft and office supplies. She is always making or creating something. Hopefully, she will stop borrowing my stapler and tape now that she has her own.

As for me - I think I'll be able to do without cake and ice cream (or any other form of desert) for quite a while. I had better avoid looking at the scale for a few weeks until I can exercise the birthday calories off. Now that everyone's birthdays have been celebrated I can relax and enjoy the rest of the year.

1st Birthday

Happy Birthday Isabelle! I can hardly believe that a whole year has already gone by. When I look back, it's amazing to me how much you have learned in your short little life. What's more amazing to me is how much personality can be packed into such a little body. I love your cheesy smile, your teasing look, the way you kick and smile when your Dad walks in the room. I'm in love with the way you walk like a high stepper, squeal and belly laugh. I looked forward to this time when you would be more independent, could eat real food, call my name and get around on your own. But I miss those precious days when you were a newborn cooing and smiling for the first time. Although I appreciate a full night's sleep, I will treasure those nights when it was just you and me in a dark and quiet house snuggling in the rocking chair. You are my last baby and I have enjoyed every moment of your infancy. You are surrounded by three sisters who can't keep their hands off you. They will compete for your attention and are thrilled when you let them hold or entertain you. I couldn't imagine our family without you. You complete us in a way I would have never thought possible. I can't wait to see how you grow and progress from here. I love you, Isabelle.