It's such a fascinating and exciting thing to witness the growth of a human being, from infancy, through toddlerhood, through childhood and then on to young adulthood (which, thank the Lord above I haven't had to experience yet). And raising kids at such different stages just makes life crazier and crazier...
This week I am attempting to potty train Isabella. Yikes. I fear potty training--- I loathe potty training. But I decided to change my attitude and stay positive and just "git er done" before baseball season starts.
I decided to take my friends advice who is an expert potty trainer, and let Bella sit on the potty in front of the T.V. for several hours while providing tons of liquids, books to read and fun things to do... and under no circumstances, letting her get off of the potty until the first big pee. I really tried to stay positive.... we watched "Tinkerbell", and then we read every book on the book shelf, then we sang songs... nothing. Finally I told the boys to watch her for a minute while I went to get the noodles off the stove in the kitchen... instantly she yells , "Mommy I go pee pee!!" Only she is standing up, and the carpet was absolutely soaked. Note to self, do not attempt this technique without protection for the carpet and ample time on your hands.
I find it interesting that potty training takes place during a time in a child's life where they are incredibly head strong, and stubborn beyond belief. Any attempt at disrupting their play time, or whatever it is they want to do, can lead to lots of kicking and screaming. Unfortunately this has made my patience wear thin. But after days of frustration, and clenching my teeth trying to stay patient and positive... she is finally getting it!
I found this picture in the archives... of Isaac's potty training days. I don't know why but this picture really says it all.
At the same time, I am dealing with the twin tweenagers...
The twins will turn nine in a few months and I have been informed that one of them has a "girlfriend." I learned this juicy little tidbit from one of my friends, who's son is a friend of my boys. So later on, I decided I had to gently prod him for information... he's usually very up front about things with me so I was kind of surprised that I hadn't heard about this sooner.
"Sooo, Mason, I hear you have a girlfriend." I said.
"Well kind of, not really"
"Well, who is it?"
"So and So..."
"Oh... well what do you and your girlfriend do? Like do you hold hands at recess or what?"
"No, she pretty much just glares at me everytime I walk by."
"Oh, okay."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure our relationship isn't going to last."
"That's very perceptive of you."
I later found out that the girl that Mason "likes" is really in "love" with Jackson, which makes their "relationship" a bit strained, some might say, unhealthy. He has since informed me that they "broke up"... whatever that means.
Ahhh, an elementry school love triangle ... it makes me smile a little... and worry about what the future holds for these two. I hope they realize sooner than later, that girls are nothing but trouble... and there's PLENTY of time left for that.
Better stick with LEGOS and baseball for now.
