Toodler Issues - potty training

P is becoming a little girl.  It is crazy to think that just over 2 years ago she joined us and we were battling with every choice - and we have done what works best for us so far.  Now, as we get into toddler hood, I am starting to think about some of the new issues that we are going to deal with.  I am going to write about some of them here.  I am hoping for some feedback - opinions welcome.  I will update you as we go along and what we do, and ultimately how is goes!

Issue #1 - Potty training
I don't think that P is ready yet, but I honestly don't know what to watch for.  She has started telling me when she has pooped but not before.  I am hoping that we can get a shot at it this summer but I am not pushing anything.

I think once I am out of school and my workshops are over, I may go purchase a potty.  We can read about it and sit on it.  Then see what happens.

I am looking for recommendations on potty seats and books for her that would be good.  I will say that I would have loved to do a potty cover so she could use the regular toilet but that will not work for the sitter.  Any thoughts that you all can help me with?

Weekly update

So May is coming. That means my life will be BUSY. I have too many track meets, wrapping up school, getting ready for several summer workshops I'm attending, summer school, and other stuff. I'm going to do my best to post a couple, hopefully few, times a week but we will see.

Here's this week's plan:
- I have a confession and I need help.
- TAT, if it's here
- There are a few changes that I am wondering about with toddler hood. Ian going to write about a few over the next few weeks. I am hoping to start developing a plan.

Thanks!  I hope everyone had a great weekend!

New purchase

When we were up visiting friends for March Madness, P had her first experience on a swing set. She loved it. While J and I were hoping that we might wait one more year - our fate was sealed, we needed to figure out a swing set.

After talking with some friends, the debate began. Do we assemble ourselves and save serious cash or go big time and let someone else install. Originally, we had planned on being cheap. I talked J into going to a swing set place after pricing sets at Hardware stores.

We went to look and left with the purchase of a floor model. In the next couple weeks, we will have a swing set delivered and installed in our yard. I can't wait until P see it.

Here is your preview:

Wordless Wednesday

Seriously weather?  It was 70 degrees yesterday and this was last week!

TAT - my typical workday

I know I already wrote today, but this is a great topic. This week Melissa is back to work and shared her new schedule with us for Toddle Along Tuesday.

So here is my schedule:

5:09 (yes, that specific): alarm goes off, I hit snooze

5:15: alarm gets off again. I get up (or hit it one more time).  Get face and hair ready. Turn on Keurig, feed dog, feed self, pack lunch, check FB. 

6:10: back upstairs to get dressed, brush teeth, put on jewelry. Get coffee and water for work. 

6:30: on the road to work.

7:00-3:00 teach, grade, plan, copy, etc. 

3:15: get the P. 

3:45: run errands, go to gym or head home. Play (inside or out) until J gets home. 

6:00: finish up dinner prep and eat. 

7:30: bedtime routine for P. j gives her a bath while I shower. I put her down while he showers. 

8:15: grading, TV, iPad time, relaxing. (After reading some blogs, I may have to add wine to this part of my day). 

10:00 (but usually closer to 11:00): bedtime. 

I have a new addition to my life

I have another job. I can't believe I am saying this but I am I Wildtree rep!  I went to a tasting on Friday night and loved everything. Then the rep running the party shared information about their freezer meal Artie's and I was hooked.

I was already planning my freezer meal party in my head. Then she got to the part of her presentation about becoming a rep. I was ready to tune out but she got back to the freezer meal idea. Her suggestion was to just host freezer meal parties but also be the rep. After a little thinking (and talking with J). I signed on.

Wildtree offers the highest quality herbs, spices and culinary blends that are free of preservatives, additives, fillers and promote a healthier lifestyle. We believe in the value of making cooking a quicker, easier, more healthful project for those who are short on time. Wildtree also offers a fun adventure for those who wish to be more creative in the kitchen.

My business kit should come tomorrow. I'm so excited to try everything else. I'll let you know how things go as time goes on. If you are interested in ordering sooner, check out my site here. 

Weekly Update

Hello!  I have lots to tell you about this week!!  I am so excited!

Here is the plan:
- a big announcement!
- J and I bought something for P.  I think she will love it and I can't wait to share it with you.
- I actually will post some pictures for Wordless Wednesday - promise!!!

Fisher Price Bubble Mower, AKA Gubbles

Last summer, I had a bottle of bubbles that I would blow for P to watch and chase.  We accidentally left it outside all winter on the patio table.  Every once in a while, P would see it and call out, "More gubbles!"  I promised her that I would get more when the weather got nicer.

Fast forward to her birthday present from her sitter - The Fisher Price Bubble Mower.  It is the perfect combo.  Outside, bubbles, and activity.  P loves it!  It did take her a few goes to see how the bubbles would work but then she was off!

I love it because it is the perfect size - for her and storing.  The bubbles that come with the mower last but I can also refill and keep it going.  I have been a fan of Fisher Price for a while (we have a few other items from them).  This really will be fun for this summer and even into the fall!  I also love that it did not cost a lot.  Check it out here!

Check out P playing with the mower here!  She has played with it every day since it hasn't rained!

PS - I just wanted to start talking more specifically about some of the products that I buy and love.  This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.

Torn over technology

I love my iPad.  It is a great way to stay connected, stay organized, and unplug.  It is ironic to me that I think of it as a way to unplug.

Once P started getting into playing with more advanced toys, J and I said that we were going to keep her away from the iPad and our phones.  She started with looking at pictures and videos of herself that I had taken.  The iPad was officially named "Baby" because of the pictures of the baby.  Then I discovered some great learning apps.  There are several Fisher Price apps that are great!  She loves the Minnie bow maker (it's not too educational but she loves her Minnie)!

Then came YouTube!

She discovered videos of babies.  Dancing babies and funny babies are her favorite.  I am embarrassed to say that I have used YouTube to allow me to get dinner cooked, papers graded, and wind down for a little while.

Add in Netflix. We were recommended this by another friend because they have a kids channel that is a little more controlled than YouTube. I am glad about that but, be warned, one episode runs into the next. So it could go on for a while!

I am now torn. I feel guilty that I started it, but she does learn some things are she is going.  I do not allow her to have it non stop, but I am not exactly sure where the line is.  I guess we will live and learn!

What technology does your LO use?  How do you limit it?

Weekly Wrap Up

So I missed the opportunity last week to share some great outside pictures of P but they are coming!  Track, conferences, and proctoring the ACT took my time.  Here's the plan for the week:

- Maybe TAT.  I don't know the topic.  I also Melissa is super busy so it may not happen.
- Definitely Wordless Wednesday
- I love technology but I having an internal struggle.  Help me!
- I want to share a great toy P got for her birthday.  So a review is on its way!

Summer dreaming

I am ready for some warmer weather!  I finished up spring break and Easter with the temperature topping out around 55 degrees.  It was not all that I imagined!

             

P got a lot of outside toys for her birthday.  She got a sandbox, trike, and water table.  We have sidewalk chalk and bubbles.  I am pumped to play with her.

         

Come on summer - we ready, are you?

Fifty Shades

I am a math teacher.  I like numbers.  I am not a reader.  I have tried many times to be a reader.  I even read several books in P's first year in the time that I spent with her overnight nursing.  I am proud to say that I have read 8 books since she was born.  I am embarrassed to say that I probably read 8 books between college and her birth.  I would love to do better!


The last set of books that I read was Fifty Shades of Grey series.  I was hoping that it would draw me in.  I had also hoped that it would jump start other things, but that is another post.  I can say that I read all three and did enjoy the story.  I can't say that I found it realistic but I did enjoy it.

As a math person, I can't really give you a good meaning of all of the symbolism or big picture but it was worth the time.

Now I'm looking for something else to read.  Suggestions??

Weekly Update

So I kind of cheated last week with my dual Easter/TAT post but it was the first week back after spring break so I'll take it.  Things are good now, April seems to be fairly open schedule wise.  May is another story so I will see how blogging works with that!

Until then, here is the plan for the week!
- Reading is a subject in school that I did because I had to.  I wish that I liked it  more.  Here is my story about reading!
- Summer is starting to look like it will happen.  This weather is killing me!  Here's what I'm excited about!
- Wednesdays will continue with pictures of P!

More about my House Party

Here is more about what I got from my House Party.  I originally wrote about it here.  I had mentioned that the prints I made were for P's playroom. And that I was going to make more.

If you like these, I can design some for you too!

Well, I did and we got everything up. Here is how it turned out!

This is a group of 8 5 by 7 mounted photos. I think these are my favorites!

This is a close up of one of the tiles. 

These are the 2 11 by 14 canvases.  I love the quotes!

These are 8 by 10 mounted photos. 

Here is a far out view of the main wall. 

This is another one of the 5 by 7 mounted photos. 

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

J's sister came into town this week so he took the day off and visited with her, her kids, and his parents. Part of their day was spent at a local dairy farm. I missed it all :(

Easter Fun

Easter is not a huge holiday for either side of our family but we do get together to enjoy company and celebrate.  This year, we shared dinner with J's family on Saturday.

On Sunday, we gathered with my family for brunch and an Easter egg hunt.  Brunch started with the Easter bunny visiting us in line - with Skittles. I managed to keep them from P until we got to the table. We go to a local hotel for a great brunch buffet. I was thinking that the Skittles would allow us to easily get food. She did eat other food, sausage, waffle, blueberries, and a GIANT sugar cookie.

Then came the egg hunt at brunch. Oh wait, we saw the bunny with candy on the way. Then the hunt. Followed by a piece of chocolate. Then we did a hunt at my parents. Followed by a small peanut butter cup.   We managed to get her down for a later than usual nap. She did sleep okay.

J and I had cleaned up. In that cleaning, we put some candy in a bowl n the kitchen table. Fast forward to dinner.  P sat in her seat with spaghetti and peas, ready to eat. Then she saw the candy.  She wanted some. After a short back and forth of her demanding candy and our stance of "after dinner," it ended with her sobbing on the floor without eating anything. 

We put her to bed on time. Luckily the 4 sausage links, berries, waffle, and candy held her until morning. We are awesome parents :)

House Party

House Party is a company that works with other companies to help introduce and promote their products.  They allow people like you and me to host parties to share the word.  I have hosted a few but recently I was picked to share a new HP product. 

I must say, THESE ARE AWESOME!  I was lucky enough to get an 11'' by 14'' canvas, 8'' by 10'' mounted photo, and 5'' by 7'' mounted photo.  I chose to create some art for P's playroom.  I love it!  I love the so much that I have gone back and gotten 8 more 5'' by 7'' mounted photos and one more 8'' by 10'' mounted photo.  I have a plan for another canvas too.

         

I invited lots of people to come see my creations and enjoy some good food.  We had a great time and they got to take home several items.  I am hoping that I will continue to be able to host House Parties!!