Haeden's World: Potty Time!

A little over a month ago, we decided to introduce Haeden to the potty. We by no means wanted to push the issue at such a young age, but he was already showing a few signs that he might be ready. Here are a few I pulled from the Baby Center website:

Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes. BAHAHAHA, Yeah, right! His Dad can't even do this one!Can pull his pants up and down. Not quite.
Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper. Usually true when he poos. He says, "I poo poo!" and then runs to the changing table.
Shows interest in others' bathroom habits. You mean is no one ever able to go to the bathroom in peace? That would be a yes!
Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you. Check!
Demonstrates a desire for independence. Independence from us, yes. From his binky and bear, no...
Takes pride in his accomplishments. Does, "I DID IT! I DID IT!" count? I think so, yes.
Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one. As long as there are no bikes around...
Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy." Yes, but usually I'm asking him to put it away!
Understands the value of putting things where they belong. Value? Suuuure.
Has words for urine and stool. Almost. He refers to both of them as "poo poo", such as "I poo poo! I poo poo!" or "Dada poo poo?"

So, as you can see, he was meeting most of the criteria. I was feeling pretty good about the possibility of him catching onto this pretty quickly, or at least showing interest. Like every other mom out there, I like to think my kid's a genius.

These photos might suggest otherwise...

He's thinking, "What's this? A chair? A toy?"

Wait! I know....

Maybe you play with it like this?

This is fun!

I  can use it as a hat!

Or we can play peek-a-boo!

Hey, this is close! Now we just gotta get him to pull down his pants and use it! ha!

A New Year's Resolution... Or Three

We rang in the new year by, uh, sleeping. I wish I could say that was the first time that's happened, but it's not. If we don't have friends over or aren't out partying, I don't really see the point in staying up and watching TV until the ball drops. I know I'm going to be up by 7am the next morning, anyway, so why bother? Usually Hubby stays up and then wakes me up for the countdown. I watch bleary eyed until it's time for my New Year's kiss and then fall right back asleep. Isn't my life exciting? Don't be jealous!

I have the same resolutions this year as most everyone else. I want to save a little more money, work on updating the house (hence the saving money part), and lose a few pounds. Hubby and I go back on the South Beach diet tomorrow, so I've been stuffing my face with chocolate and cookies all weekend long. Starting the diet tomorrow means less eating out which will in turn mean less spending and more saving. And that will mean more money to fix up the house! I've have it all figured out, my friends. Now, I just have to stick to it. I think I can. I think I can (toot! toot!)

You should also know that with a few grunts and "yeah's" my little man made a New Year's resolution of his very own. He wants to be a big boy and sleep in an actual bed now. No more crib for him cause that stuff is for babies! Duh! We've been talking about making the switch for about a month now but I really liked the fact that when I put him to bed, the only protesting he could do was in the form of crying and throwing his binky, stuffed animals and blanket out of the crib. Moving him into a bed meant he could actually get out of bed and get into... everything! Oy vey.

We had to rearrange the room a bit and really buckle down on the child-proofing, but I think it's going to work out well. We had a little hiccup yesterday as he refused to nap in it, but when it came time to go to bed at night he followed his regular routine and jumped right in. He even slept through the night without incidence and just woke up from today's nap a few minutes ago. No problemo! We do keep a baby gate up during the night just to ensure there is no sneaking out at night. He certainly has a mischievous side to him, so who knows what he'd be into if given the chance!

And now I get to do what I love most, shop for bedding! Too bad I have champagne taste (Dwell Studio) on a beer budget (Walmart).







The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I have to admit it. I was crazy excited for Christmas this year, mostly due to the fact that I knew Haeden would be having a blast with all of the wrapping paper, bows, boxes and, oh yeah, presents! However, I was also a little bummed because to me, Christmas is all about family and for the second year in a row we weren't having any extended family come to visit. Or so I thought.

It was the night before Christmas and I was laying on the couch in my pajamas, watching a terrible Lifetime holiday movie and feeling sorry for myself because of the migraine I had been developing all day. I had just put Haeden to bed, the boys were in their room testing out their new video games (we celebrate with them on Christmas Eve since they spend the next day with their mom and her family), and Hubby was at the dining room table working on... something. I don't know what. I was too busy feeling sorry for myself, remember?

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. We weren't expecting anyone, so I asked Hubby to answer the door since I was in my pajamas. He checked the peep hole and then opened the door just a little, telling me that I need to come and see for myself. I figured it was just a friend, maybe dropping off a gift for Haeden ( the ladies, they love him), but I still didn't get the whole "come see for yourself" line he gave me. When I saw my sister and her husband standing there, I totally peed my pants.  No, I'm kidding. I cried though! That was the most wonderful surprise this "peeker" could have received!

Now, on to the goodies...

Caught red-handed! See how he's reaching for an ornament?!

Santa brought Haeden an ATV! 

 We needed more cars in our house...

 Finally! A bike of his very own!

 Move over Bob the Builder! A new man's in town...

 We were, uh, testing for safety! And that bit, it is not safe! I have already been poked in the eye.

 They need one of their very own!

 My grandmpa. He's adorable.

With Grandma, who apparently didn't want her picture taken! But you can still see that she's gorgeous and doesn't look anywhere close to 81!

Wheeeee! That was fun. Let's do it again next year!



You Oughta Know

Joining in on the fun with Little Miss Momma, and continuing my lovely habit of over-sharing. Enjoy!

I seriously cannot get through the day without a piece of chocolate. Alright, maybe I can, but I don't want to even try...

I detest all seafood except for tuna. And even then, it has to be fancy albacore.

I am the official dishwasher at home. Our 1960's home and it's mostly original kitchen doesn't have one. I've never liked the dishes, but now it's kind of the only alone time I get when everyone is at home, so I don't mind so much anymore.

I hate my ears. I used to make my mom tape them back at night when I was a kid because I thought it make them stay that way. I'd still love to have them "fixed", but my family thinks I'm crazy.

I would love to one day turn a hobby into a business. And if I can't do that, I have to go back to school and get a degree.

My husband is good at all things artsy and while it's one of the things I love most about him, it's also a little bit intimidating for me when I want to be creative, too.

I love being a mom. It gives me more joy than chocolate. : )

Sometimes, I miss being pregnant.

I have a binder full of craft tutorials. I'm hoping one day to actually try them all.

I have a GREAT relationship with my Mom.

Having a son has brought me closer than ever to my Grandmother. I'm so thankful.

I don't tan. Like, I can't. The good thing about that is everyone thinks my red hair is natural.

I really want a dog. And a cat. And a horse. And an elephant... you get the idea...

I was allergic to red dye #40 as a kid. Some people think I still am, but I'm not.

I want to learn to crochet and do needlepoint.

I live in Florida, but I prefer mountains and lakes to beaches.

I have two step-sons. It's quite the challenging role, but I love them.

I used to be a Mormon. I sometimes miss the people and the feeling of being a part of something different, but I don't miss the religion itself.

I'm allowed to make fun of and complain about my family... but nobody else is or I get mad. Not even Hubby. hehe

And now, It's your turn! Link up with Little Miss Momma!