Potty Training 101 Week 1

I have decided to potty train Mika a month before she turns 2 years old. I am sick and tired of smelling the Diaper Genie. So, I have decided to devote my time into potty training. I bought a standard potty chair with no bells and whistles. Then, I also bought "Elmo's Potty Time" DVD at Walmart. So, last Weds. I put the dvd on and Mika and I sat down together to watch ELMO :). Then I pulled out the potty out of the box so she can practice. On Thursday, the potty training began. Mika did awesome the first half of the morning! She went 4 times like it was no big deal. Plus she went #2 w/o any hesitations. It was amazing! I think she was amused with Mommy getting excited :D. Here is how the week started...

Weds. 8/26 Practice
Thus. 8/27 4x
Fri. 8/28 1x
Sat. 8/29 0x-We were out and about
Sun. 8/30 3x
Mon. 8/31 2x we were both sick with a cold
Tues. 9/01 1x still sick
Weds. 9/02 0x

Over all, I am actually pretty pleased with the results. Even, if she goes once a day...that means one less diaper I have to change. She generally goes through about 5-6 diapers a day. Since we have started potty training, we go through about 3-5 diapers. If I can go consistently 2-3 diapers a day, then I am going to approach it with just wearing panties. Then, she may not like being wet and has to use the potty. I am hoping she will be potty trained before we travel for the holidays. Oh, and before I decide to get pregnant in 6 months :).

My Beloved Grandmother

Sarah L. Swift passed Tuesday, April 28, 2009 in Houston, TX under the loving eyes of her family. Sarah was born in Strang, OK to Art P. and Ethel Davis May 10, 1911. She was preceded in death by her parents;her husband, Burton Coe Swift; four brothers, Sam, Carl, Gilbert and Art;three sisters, Dorine, Annabel and Margaret. She is survived by one son, Richard Swift and wife Marie;two daughters CoeAnn and husband Gary Johnson; Sherry and her husband Bob Chumley; and one brother, Bob Davis and his wife Genie; Grandchildren: Jeff Johnson and wife Elena; Greg Johnson and
wife Jeannette; Stacie Williams and husband Doug; Bill Chumley and wife Misty; Krista Johnson; Stephanie Bakle and husband Chris. Great Grandchildren: Christopher,
Matthew and SaraAnn Johnson; James, Caitlin and Andrew Chumley; Trevor and Tiffany Williams; Mika Bakle. A very special loving and faithful nephew, Wally
Roush, his wife Dorris and their daughter Kimberley Boggs. It was Sarah’s request for Kim to sing at her funeral. Sarah’s primary focus was always on family. As a little girl and continuing after her marriage to Burt, she always attended to her brothers and sisters needs. Her door was always open to her sisters and brothers and some lived with our family at various times. She sewed for both herself and daughters and made Coe Ann’s beautiful wedding dress (later worn by Sherry) as well as numerous other special dresses. Before workingin retail, she stayed at home and took in ironing, while also babysitting children to help provide extra money for her children’s special activities. Her children know they were truly blessed by having such a wonderful, caring mother and friend. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.





Go ye now in peace, and know that love of God will guide you.
Feel his presence here beside you showing you the way.
In your time of trouble, when hurt and despair are there to grieve you,
Know that the Lord will never leave you. He will bring you courage.
Know that the God who sent His Son to die that you might live
Will never leave you lost and alone in His beloved world.
Go ye now in peace. Go ye now in peace.

In Loving Memory
Sarah L. Swift
May 10, 1911-April 28, 2009

Brought to you by the letter C

C is for Clumsy, that's good enough for me :)...My weekend was definitely peaceful. On Friday night, I was getting things together so DH and Mika can take a trip to Ohio for the weekend. I wanted to make sure everything was taken care of so I can have a peaceful weekend. After I loaded the laundry into the basket, I went into the living room. In order to go into the living room, I had to step over the baby gate. Well, I tried...My foot got caught, the laundry basket fell out of my hands, and so did I. I totally snapped the baby gate in half and bruised my ass...So NOT PLEASANT! I also managed to leave a dent in the wall. Now, that I can't explain...On Saturday, my DH and beautiful Mika left for the weekend. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I was able to unpack the rest of the boxes in the living room and a few from Mika's room. Now, if only I can continue to do this and not hurt myself. Mika had a blast over the weekend with the grandparents. Now, she has a cold er the beginning of one...back to being mommy again...Mommy to the rescue!!!!

Are you kidding me?

I went to Walmart last night to pick up a few items. As I am strolling down the baby aisle, I noticed Enfamil was low. Actually, they were completely out. I thought was strange, but didn't think too much. Then, I noticed a sign that says "if you do not see your formula on the shelf, please see the fitting room associate." I walked over there and asked for the formula. I asked them why they were keeping it locked up. One associate said they keep it locked up due to thefts...Ok, that makes sense...After I was done shopping, I went to check out. The check out associate and I were chatting and she said that baby formula is now used in Meth and Cocaine...Are you F'n kidding me? I understand the economy is in crisis, but come on...baby formula, seriously? This statement is for all the drug users...GET A LIFE!!!!!

Here is the article in case you feel like reading it...

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/342352/most_shoplifted_items_infant_formula.html

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle....Repeat...

One of the moms sent me a link to design my own reusable grocery bag. If my bag wins, the prize is a $1000 gift card and may see my bag in stores. If I am a finalist, the prize is $100-250 gift card. Please, vote for my bag :)...Please vote for my bag! It's one vote per day.

http://www.designareusablebag.com/vote-for-designs/bag.aspx?BagId=9807&banner=kroger

Bummed about America Idol

I am a huge fan of American Idol. I have been watching it since day one. I guess it reminds me of Star Search :). Last night, Scott Macintyre was voted off. Simon decided to make the decision of not saving him. I was hoping that Scott would pull through and make the top 5. He is such an inspiration and I hope this is not the last time we see him. Hopefully, he will continue to write music...follow your dreams!

Fort Wayne Botanical Garden

I went to the botanical garden over the weekend with my lovely SIL...We had a blast while she was here. I wish our house was more complete when she stayed here, but I am glad she still came. Back to my adventure...it was so pretty there...definitely worth the $5 :)...The best part is that I actually took some pictures. Surprisingly, I did an awesome job. Let me know what you think or that I need to quit my day job :)...j/k enjoy the view...

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny arrived early at our house last night...literally...We were sitting down for dinner and Mika was signing "bunny" and making barking noises...We thought she saw the neighbors dog, but she was right...The Easter Bunny came to our house last night.





I think he's been hiding out underneath our deck...

Nature Lover

Have you ever wanted to see a Bald Eagle's nest up close? Check this out..

http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

This mama bird has her handsful. She hatched 3 baby bald eagles. Unfortunately there is no sound or at least on my computer. I enjoy watching this every spring. It's amazing to watch. You can find other cams, but this website has an awesome view...I like to check on mama and her babies...in a few months, they will be ready to fly...which is such a neat treat to watch...Enjoy the view!!!!!!!!

It's update time!!

In the past two weeks, My DH and I have been very busy. We finally moved out of the crappy apartment into our beautiful home (picts soon to come). Our apartment wasn't really crappy, just never felt comfortable there. We are slowly moving into our new house. I threw my back out so unpacking has been painful. It hurts to bend over and put away things. I feel bad that I haven't been contributing, but all I can do is take care of Mika. Bt the end of the day, my back is throbbing. I can take some heavy duty drugs, but they make me extremely tired. The only room that is complete is our master bath. The kitchen is almost done, but the rest of the house is in boxes...It will prob. take a good month to complete the process of unpacking our crap. I am glad that we are not a pack rat...then it would take forever to feel settled. Our neighborhood has a seasonal garage sale. So, most likely I will be selling and donating :)...I have started reading Twilight. Actually, I have never bought the book/series, but I have found a copy online. I must say, it's pretty good. The first night I read 130 pages...it may not sound like a lot to some, but it's a huge step for me...I never read! I should though, but I am never motivated. What else...Oh yeah, I just celebrated my 30th Birthday. I still can't believe I am 30...My DH and I went out to Chili's with a wonderful couple from the MOMS UNITE Group...Thanks girl! Again, I am bad about not taking pictures...but I will post some pictures of our new house!

Toddlers and Tiaras

I watched Toddlers and Tiaras last night on TLC to see how bad this show really is. I think it's unnatural to parents to exploit their child into this. The hair and makeup is way to much. Plus, people put their life savings into the costumes.I think if you are going to put your child into a pageant, it should be for natural looks...not made up. I do know what it's like to be on stage and how the lights drowns your complexion...a little make up is ok, but don't cake it on people...let your child show off his/her natural looks. Be true to yourself!

New Layout

Bare with me...I am trying to see if I like this new layout. I was bored with the old one and decided it was time for a change. I hope you like it.

This cracked me up!

Music to my ears

My DH and I went out to dinner to celebrate his birthday. On the way back, Mika started to get fussy b/c it was close to her bedtime. All of a sudden she yelled out MMMMMMM MAMA...She has been saying Dada for months...Even though it was on his birthday, it was music to my ears :)...

Amusing or disturbing?

This is what I find disturbing...It's cute and all, but reminds me of Sir Mix A Lot...



So, who's with me ?

Well, Frick

As you all know, most of the Fisher Price Rainforest line has had some issues. We own the pack and play. I absolutely love it, but this afternoon, one of the sides collapsed...totally bummed b/c we have to call the recall hotline to replace it. I definitely want to keep Mika safe, but I love the pattern on it...better safe, than sorry :)...

Happy Valentines Day

Mika and I went to our first Valentine's Day party in Fort Wayne. The party was a huge success! It was at the south end of town in a fire station...I thought that was pretty neat. There were lots of kids/babies that Mika played with. Talk about baby overload...Mika would not settle down for a nap. She cried or I let her cry for 30 mins thinking she would settle down for a nap. Boy, I was wrong. She was extremely over stimulated. I had a feeling she was either going to pass out when we got home or not settle down for a nap...As much as I love the moms group, I think I might go for something low key...That seems to be Mika's style.

Happy Valentines Day

Make a Smilebox greeting

Hook em!

Chris and I moved away from beautiful Austin, Texas. Chris was offered a job through his company that was too good to pass up. I look at it this way, at least he doesn't have to loose his job. It's been hard for me, but I am trying to stay positive. As soon as we sell our house in Pflugerville, we will reside in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As of right now, I am staying with his family and Chris is in Indiana. It's been hard, but we are trying to save money. We shall see how long I can last here.

I actually watched the UT game vs OSU last night. All I have to say is, we kicked your a$$ Buckeyes! It was a very close game, but awesome!