October 2011

October is traditionally a super-busy month that takes full advantage of the cooling weather, the various festivals, and the cutness that is kids in costume.  I think I say this every month, but each month Claire and Gavin play with each other more and more, and it warms my heart to see how much they love each other, regardless how much they fight.  As I scroll through all of the pictures, I am reminded that even though these first couple of years have been tough, I've been able to give my kids forever friends.

Cuddled up for movie night

October Photo Album - note that it's on Shutterfly; apparently Shutterfly bought KodakGallery (which I've been with since 2002!) which is a little bit scary for me -- it's a surprise I'm even in IT with how reluctant I am to change technologies -- but I figure I might as well get a jump on it starting now!

Claire's October Blog Posts:
More Soccer Pics
Arboretum with the Parks
Disney Princess Live!
Cuties Halloween Party
One Last Pumpkin Patch

Gavin's October Blog Posts:
Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch
This One's a Keeper
Me & Mega Me
Primrose Fall Festival
Halloween Night

No More Diapers?

Well, I guess it's happened ... Gavin is in big boy underwear. I have to admit, I'm a bit shocked -- mostly because I have to admit that I had pretty much nothing to do with it. I mean, sure, some signs were there -- he's been waking dry in the morning for awhile now, it's impossible to keep him dressed, we've put him on the potty some at home, mostly to satisfy his curiosity, and he's been really good at telling me if he needs to potty when taking a bath for a few months now -- but it didn't really go beyond that. I'll be honest, it's not been anything that I've pushed because I'm not a huge fan of those first few weeks after you're diaper-free and constantly on high alert asking them every 10 minutes if they need to go potty and always sure you're about to change some wet (or poopie) underwear.

So, despite my reluctance, how did it happen? Gavin's class at school encourages use of the potty, so he's definitely been trying it some the three days he attends; last Thursday, his teacher even said that they'll start doing the every 30-min routine since he was showing signs of readiness. Well, he decided to show us all by deciding after bathtime the exact same evening that he just didn't want to put on his diaper. After some tug-of-war (with him winning by stripping off the diaper and running away), I decided to just let him sleep in his PJ pants and wet the bed ("serves his right" was going through my head). To my surprise, he woke up dry, used the potty in the morning, and stayed diaper-free until we were getting ready to leave the house for the day, and I found poop in his shorts ... and the diaper went back on. Blech. 14 hours sans diaper, though. Pretty impressive!

That night, same routine of not wanting a diaper, me saying "fine!", and him waking dry. Go Gavin! Four nights later, I finally admitted that maybe this whole diaper-free thing was going to stick and took him to the store to get some big boy underwear (which, after Claire, I struggle not to call "panties"). The next day, he returned to school, and I went ahead and sent him in his undies with extra changes of clothing and let his teachers deal with it. End of the day? Dry!

Just like that, my baby is out of diapers. We'll still wait and see if it sticks, but either way, my baby is definitely growing up. *sniff!*

Life is Short

It's a tragedy that it takes a tragedy to remind you how short life is.  Today, a friend from college passed away, leaving behind her a sea of friends that will miss her sweet personality and beautiful smile. 

It also shocks me what a small world it has become with social media.  Within hours of the event, word had spread to dozens of people, all mourning the loss of such a wonderful spirit.

I hope everyone takes an extra moment to hug someone they love, reach out to someone that they haven't talked to lately, and count their blessing that surround them.

Rest in peace, sweet Sarah.