Birthday Bash

Lexi's second birthday was a huge sucess despite the fact that we didn't end up taking many pictures and the kids got quite muddy. We also forgot to get out the ice cream and everyone left before the gifts were open. That is how much fun it was. No time for boredom or a break in the activities.

The kids had a blast on the moonwalk we rented and the adults (most of them were my friends from high school) were busy catching up. Time just flew by and the four hour party was over before we knew it.

We actually had 19 kids & 19 adults there. Steve cooked up a storm and we all enjoyed ourselves. Now, I have to track down everyone that brought their cameras & beg for more pictures. I also have to borrow a carpet cleaning machine from Gram because our white carpet is BLACK.


Video of Lexi blowing out the candle (on a cupcake rather than the big cake)

Transition to Big Girl Bed

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a plan to attack the house. We are planning a big birthday party for Lexi this Saturday and cleaning is on top of the To Do List. I had no intention of transitioning Lexi into her new room and toddler bed. I wanted to do that right after her party. In fact, I planned on calling Steve’s cousin, Emily, for ideas of what worked with Camille. However, once I started organizing, I realized that I was tired of thinking about doing it. I moved the rocking chair, her dresses, and her beloved piggy bank (another post about that). The most important thing I did was to build up her excitement about the transition.

Yesterday afternoon, we had our first test. I took her in for her nap. As usual, I rocked and sang a few songs to her. Then, I helped her say a prayer. I put her in bed with hugs and kisses, told her I loved her, and left. She was happy. I went into our room to play on the computer and wait for her to come running out. It did not take long. I took her back into her room and explained that she needed to stay in there until nap time was over. I also handed her a few books. To my amazement, she quietly played for an hour and a half before running out.

Since I knew we would not be so lucky again, I called Steve and asked him to pick up a door knob blocker on his way home. When he got home, he decided that he would set up the tent she got for Christmas in case she was going to play herself to sleep. She was very excited and helped him with it. I must say that it was funny watching a big guy play with a little girl in her tent. They both loved every minute of it.

Later, Lexi and I did the regular bed time ritual. I left with her feeling just fine. About 5 minutes later, we heard her try to open the door and then she started crying. I decided to give her 10 minutes and I would go in to rock her & sing another little song before sticking her back in bed, but she quieted down within 5 minutes. When I woke up at 1am to feed Jordan, I decided to sneak in to check on her. She was on the floor next to her bed snuggling with her favorite purple blankey. At 4am, she started crying. I went in and explained to her that it wasn’t time yet. I did the regular bed time ritual and left her without a peep.

This morning, I brought the camera in with me and took a few photos to commemorate this achievement. Now, we will work on potty training. Actually, it is going very well, but she still does not want to wear big girl panties. I decided not to mention it for a week or two. Then, I will probably have to force her to wear them once or twice before she is fine with it.

Just Because

I hate to admit this, but I haven't posted any videos lately because I lost/misplaced the memory card for my camera. I have been stuck using the little 16 mb one that came with the camera. Videos fill it up too quickly, so I didn't take any. Since Lexi's birthday is coming up, I realized that I could no longer just wait until it shows up. I had to buy a new one. Fortunately, I discovered that the prices have really come down and I got a 1 GB for about $20. There will be lots of videos now.

I am posting some of the photos & a video from this afternoon. We had fun messing around with the camera. I took lots of video clips of her singing. Here is Ring Around the Rosies & the ABCs:


Ring Around the Rosies


ABCs

*If you have problems with the videos, just double click on them & it will take you to YouTube to watch them there.

Pump It Up

This morning, we went to Pump-It-Up with Ms. Amy (one of my old high school friends) and her sons Joshua & Samuel. Joshua & Lexi climbed, jumped, laughed and played while Samuel & Jordan were just held by the moms. I wish I could have joined in because these places are fun! Lexi agrees. She runs around proclaiming, "That was fun!"

Pudding

Lexi has become a messy eater again, but mainly as artistic expression. I think it is her way of saying that I need to make time for arts & crafts again. Those are not as tasty though.

Potty Training Herself?

While I was changing Lexi's diaper first thing yesterday morning, I noticed that it was dry. I asked her if she wanted to use the potty & she said yes. She trotted it there & did her business right away. That was nice, but it has happened before so I didn't think much of it. That was until it happened 3 more times. She didn't wet her diaper at all yesterday. Each time, I asked her if she wanted to wear her "big girl panties" and she absolutely declared that she DID NOT! Not the panties or the pull-ups (both have princesses on them so you would think she would want to). She wanted her diapers. We haven't had the same success today, but then again I took her to the library and out for lunch.

We have several things we are going to work on in the next few months and potty training is one of them. It isn't high on the priority list for me, because she has regressed a little with a few things in the last month (like her desire for her pacifier during the day, her attachment to "purple blankey," and her drama queen attempts at getting attention). I am not sure that the regression is directly related to Jordan. Actually, I think it has more to do with changes in routine.

It started when I was in the hospital and suddenly her Dadda was doing everything for her. She certainly didn't mind that, but it wasn't normal. Next, Grandma Margie took over for a week while I was recovering. I had Lexi the next week and then Aunt Paige came. Routines were out the window for the most part and of course everyone else is prone to spoiling Lexi more than I do. I decided to be patient and let her twist them around her finger a little, but they are all gone and we are back to routines & no nonsense.

You can bet that she is improving. Right off, she stopped trying to get others to rescue her from timeout even though that never worked. To be honest, she has no choice, but to get back on track.

The New Years Resolutions Include:

1. Getting rid of the pacifier. We'll limit it back to nights for a few weeks. Then **puff**, it will magically disappear.
2. Being attached to the purple blankey only for nap & night time (back to how it was before Jordan).
3. Moving into the big girl bed, which she has NO interest in so far. She seems to LOVE her crib. I can't really figure out why because her toys are in the room with the big girl bed.
4. Potty Training - I actually have this priority lower than the big girl bed, but she seems more ready for this step, so we'll see if I can figure out the deal with the sudden dislike for big girl panties.

There are probably others, but these are the ones that come to mind. Wish me luck or give me ideas...

Goodbye Playmate

Lexi is losing her holiday playmate today. Yes, Aunt Paige is headed back to sunny California. Considering the fact that Lexi cried her eyes out when Paige left to spend New Years with a friend, this separation could be difficult. Who will spend hours playing with Legos and other fun toys? Next time they see each other (at our family reunion), Lexi will be two and a half.

Happy New Years

This year, Lexi was able to celebrate New Years with sparklers. For the most part, she liked them, but she had her moments of fear. It was a fun evening even though the party ended by 8pm for Lexi.