Role Reversal

Just when I think Addison and Emma have adjusted to school, Emma throws me a curve ball. Honestly, Emma is much more independent than Addison, so I was quite surprised as Emma kicked and screamed for me to hold her when I tried to leave school the past 3 times. I know she was fine when I left because the teacher didn’t call me and she later told me that Emma cried for a short time and is fine when I leave. I’m not sure what’s up with her. She has been waking up early and taking a long time to fall asleep at night. This usually means teeth are coming. Both have their 2 year molars left and then their baby teeth will be complete. I can’t wait for that to be over! 

Let’s just say potty training didn’t go as planned.  Saturday we were out and about all day, but when we were home we tried to use the potty on several occasions and it resulted in two naked toddlers running from us on several occasions. On Sunday Brian went to a Jags game so I decided to leave Emma in training pants for a while and take her to the potty (Addison refused the training pants and I didn’t want to push so she kept her diaper on). I am starting to think they are not quite ready because I can’t get them to stay on the potty long enough to do their business. They also want to put their hands in the potty and take the potty apart and play with it. Their potty chairs have been out since Christmas so it’s not like they are new to them. Addison has gone “number 2” twice and both girls have gone “number 1” numerous times.  So I’m pretty sure they understand what the potty is for. My concern is that they do not have the attention span to sit. I’m also wondering if I’m pushing for this too early because they are not waking up from naps dry or going long periods with dry diapers. The plan now is to keep putting them on the potty at designated times during the day and give them another month to get use to the idea. Any tips from other moms are much appreciated. (P. S. Erika I will try what you suggested!)

I’ll also make a confession. I don’t really mind my babies in diapers. They are only 22 months. In my mind when they are out of diapers they aren’t babies anymore. And, for me there’s a bit of sadness to them growing up so fast! If anyone can talk Brian into trying for one more maybe I will be motivated to get this potty training done. 

Emma displaying her new obsession...dressing herself!

Addison in daddy's nikes and Emma in dress shoes.

Sweet Addi

Emma eating a leaf shaped cookie. Can you tell I'm wishing fall was here!

Addison

Emma

Emma working on saying "Cheese"!

Addison

Addison loves icing!

Addison trying to act like she is not going to touch the wall outlet.

Playing chase!

Sometimes "cheese" turns out like this!

Emma in pink, Addison in red

Travel and Trials

We had a great time visiting family for the long weekend. First, we went to Panama City, FL to celebrate my niece’s 5^th birthday. She had a great party! It’s just hard to believe she is 5 already! Emma and Addison had fun with all the presents, cake, and play sessions at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. From there we headed over to my in-law’s farm in Airton, AL to spend time with the rest of the family. It was raining from the tropical storm so we couldn’t get out as much as we would have liked, but still had a good time with all the cousins (AC & Grady), aunts (KK & MG), Uncle Mikey, and Big Daddy and Nanny. Emma is obsessed with riding the Kaboda! It’s her first word when she wakes up in the morning and from naps when we are at the farm. 

We are still getting used to going to school. Emma is generally happy about going. However, today she wanted to be held before I left. I think she was still sleepy from our trip. Emma did not cry when I left though. Addison was still hesitant about being there. I could barely pry her off my neck to help her get settled. I try very hard not to linger. I just feel really bad about leaving her when she is upset. Their teacher is very loving and has been doing this for years. I feel very confident with her skills and her temperament with the children. I hope Addison will grow to love school soon. I think the change has caused some separation anxiety at home too. She wants to be held most of the day. 

Brian and I are thinking of starting potty training this weekend. I know they are starting to understand the concept I just worry they don’t have the attention span to sit on the potty for very long. It’s also hard to keep both of them on the potty at the same time. Truth be told, I’m probably less ready then they are because I know it will be very challenging with two.  I would like for them to be potty trained by the time they are two. That gives me two months to work on it!

Addison left, Emma right (Their first day of school.)

I just love Addison's expression in this photo. Not so sure about this school thing! They look so cute with their backpacks!

Emma playing with the "food" in her classroom.

Addison chose to color. She loves art!

This is cousin Annabelle.

Emma and Addison are wild! They were trying to catch each other going down the slide. Emma is on the way down.

 Addison trying out the tractor. Uncle Justin was there to save her if she got scared.

Addison, Emma, and Cousin Layla

Emma

Kid's table at Layla's party:  Emma, Layla, me, Addison

Layla and Annabelle

More sliding:  Addi standing, Emma sliding

Emma trying on Layla's shoes.

Ready for their second week of school. Addison left, Emma right