who wants a cheerio?

She's a big girl now!

way to go lyla! i think i can officially say that lyla is totally potty trained. we are doing a pull up for nap and bed, but lyla even stayed dry last night!

we only had a handful of accidents, and she is now able to just go on her own with minimal help from me. we have even ventured out a few times in public and she has done a great job telling me when she needs to go. i think she really likes the independence, and i really like not changing her diapers.

whew, i have one weaned, and one potty trained. i feel like i am free! well, sorta.

potty training: day 1

i decided on a whim (ok, not a whim...i really just needed to get it done), to potty train lyla today. she was ready, so i simply placed the underwear on her little behind, and we were off.

surprisingly...its been a great day. one tiny accident while she was helping me switch laundry, and its been smooth sailing ever since. she even went twice without even telling me she needed to...she just went in the bathroom. she even pooped, which i know is gross to talk about, but i think pooping twice on day 1 of potty training pretty much rocks.

if you know lyla at all, you would know that she's extremely independent and stubborn. she will do something when she makes up her mind to do it, and she will do it all herself. today was no different. she insisted on getting on the potty herself, handling her own underwear situation, and flushing the toilet. pretty much, i had to wait in the hall.

but here's what happens when i let my 2 year old pull up her own underwear. i can't wait to use these when she's a teenager.


crossing my fingers tomorrow is as great as today. way to go moo!

as i choke down my chicken

i tell myself:

its worth it to feel so good in your own skin
its worth it to be a good example to your kids
its worth it to do something for yourself, for once!
the pain means your body is moving and working hard
i have always been able to do anything i set my mind to, and this is no different

so i look forward to that treadmill, and those hills.

rsl cuties

until last year, i was never a fan of soccer. but, i have been converted! we have such a blast at RSL games, and the kids look wicked adorable. lyla is a cheese, seriously.

texas pictures

loved having his own seat!

Fort Worth Zoo--rated among the top 5 in the nation. it did NOT disappoint.


don't mess with his pretzel

can you see the cute lions? it was literally like a jungle there---and felt like it too


aunt larissa- age 15

with mom and aunt lynnae (age 13) on mothers day
mom and i on mothers day--i had e coli from the water here at home...i was still feeling like death that day.
aunt libbie (11), aunt lynnae (13), and moo
okay, all of the boys on my brother's football team are in THIRD grade...can you see my brother? he is about as tall as the coach. too funny.
gorgeous aunt libbie--she's only 11
uncle blake (9) and his favorite nephew
mom and lynnae at her 8th grade banquet...the big party to celebrate going into high school
gorgeous aunt lynnae!
we chilled at softball games

nemo!
how you survive a plane ride with 2 toddlers....

15 months and chuckie cheese!

grey is 15 months now, and its quite a milestone for him! not only is he walking, he is running, and can even pick himself up to standing after he falls down. he talks a lot, and has even started putting concepts together--for instance, when we pull in the garage he says, "house! house!" he asks "what's this?" and "what's that?" and points and says "look!" when he is excited. he tells us when he poops, which is hysterical. he pretends to talk on the phone and says "hi!" when he puts it up to his ear.

grey is also officially weaned. its been just about a week, and he has done a wonderful job! he is getting better at the cup each day. he is also sleeping completely through the night...my fears about him waking up at 5 or 6 to eat and then go back down have been eased. i hope it lasts!

he likes anything with wheels, and he loves to follow his big sister around. his favorite foods include cheerios with milk, bananas, strawberries, pears, noodle soup, gold fish crackers, broccoli, and of course, any lollipop. i really can't believe i have two active, funny toddlers.

in other news, lyla received her first reward for completing a sticker chart. we went to chuckie cheese last night, and i think she had a lot of fun. she sure did love her tokens. :)

fast update--more to come!

well hello! i haven't blogged in a bit, because i have been SUPER busy. i have spent the last week in dallas with my wild and crazy family. we had a lot of fun, and no matter how long we spend there, it never seems like i can spend the kind of quality time i would like with my mother, brother and sisters. BUT, they are headed to slc in june for a month, so not only will we have some very lovely visitors, but also very competent babysitters. :) they are wonderful with my kids!!

some things i wanted to jot down, before i forget:

--the kids were ANGELS on the flight to dallas. i was so nervous about traveling alone, but my itouch and lots of fun snacks made it a breeze. i recommend the itouch to anyone traveling with a 2 year old.

--my kids love the water...grey in particular. lyla is still a bit skittish because she doesn't trust her life vest, but give her a kick board and she is in heaven.

--lyla is talking more and more, and has finally started being a good girl at night! we created a sticker chart (she gets a sticker for every night she stays in her bed and doesn't touch the blinds/humidifier, etc) and she loves putting her ariel stickers on each morning...we are 3 away from a trip to chuck e cheese!

--grey is finally able to stand up on his own after he takes a tumble...which means mom doesn't have to pick him up every 30 seconds. i love this.

--lyla is a MONKEY. last year she was so timid and shy at the park, and now she is running up and down the slides with no fear at all.

and the biggest news for mom IS...i have FINALLY weaned grey. i didn't nurse him wednesday night, and just did a bit yesterday morning, and nothing since. wish i could say i was more relieved, but clearly, i am not. yuck. :( he seems to be handling it ok...still doesn't love milk, but devours orange juice, so i am hoping it comes with time. he is sleeping and going down for naps/bed just fine. i am so proud. proud of him for being so good, and proud of me for nursing 14 months. now i can finally focus on the things i want for me...which is dropping 20 pounds and running my butt off!

pictures are to come. i just had to jot down what was on my mind before i forgot all about my trip!