K's First Stage Performance

Klaudia's dance team had their first performance last weekend. We had a huge melt down right before the show - K does not like having a make up on. Period. Although we were able to convince her to sit still and let us put it on, it was all gone by the time we got to our destination. Until the last minute we were unsure whether K would join the girls on the stage or not. But she did, and she had a great time. It was so much fun to watch those youngest participants doing their own thing. All but one forgot to look at their teacher to follow her moves, so it looked like every girl had her own agenda. The whole 'dance' lasted about 2 minutes, and it left us all teared up.

Her Angelic Side

Since my parents visit, Klaudia's speaking skills have improved exponentially. Just a few months ago, she was only able to say a few single words. Today she utters sentences, and even though her grammar is not always right, she improves every single day.

And, I love how she uses her new ability to continue being such a gentle little kid that she is.

The other day at the park, when a little girl came up to her and said she'd like to build a castle with Klaudia, K replied: Thank you help me build my castle. (meaning: thank you for helping me build my castle)

And, when I heated up a hot dog for her for dinner and gave it to her to eat while she was busy watching TV, she paused after her first bite and said: Thank you for the hot dog, mama. It's really good.

Potty Training - Final Post?

Klaudia is done with diapers - quit them cold turkey. No hassle, no accidents - pretty impressive. It's been a few days like this, and we still have diapers on at night, but she wakes up with a dry one. Wow!

You Know You Are a Parent When...

1. ... you're at the cashier in your work clothes (dressed up in Len's case) and instead of a wallet, you pull out a pair of baby socks.

2. ... you're on a date with your husband, and you choose to stay and sleep in the car after lunch rather than go shopping.

3. ... your white nursing pad sticks out of your dark blue shirt while you're teaching.

Maya's First Steps

Maya took her first steps at 11 months and 6 days! She decided to do it while mom was away at work, of course. Daddy again took the honors.

Potty Training

Right before my parents left for Poland, my dad fixed K's portable toilet seat so that it would fit our toilet seat perfectly. As a result, K had a couple of successful 'goings'. Since then, however, she has refused to sit on that thing and hides when she needs to go.

We don't pressure her but kindly remind her every now and then about the toilet's existence. And, here is the outcome:

a. When getting ready to go to the park with the girls, I asked K to come to the bathroom with me (main reason - not to leave her with M unattended). While I was going to the bathroom, K said with a lot of enthusiasm in her voice and a big smile on her face: Mommy, you're going pee pee! Good girl!

b. K has been trying out my patience recently - for some reason she likes to slap M around when she feels like it. One morning after I had asked numerous times to simply stay away from M, K poured a bucket of water on M's head. It was in the bathtub while taking a bath, so it seems like not a big deal, but again it was after multiple happenings, and it did cause Maya to freak out). Anyway, I got upset and told K that there would be no TV for her that day. She was heart broken.

When done with her bath, K ran to the bathroom and asked me to help her sit on the toilet. Without saying a word, she peed and pooped. When finished, she asked with the most angelic voice: "Mommy, are you happy now? Can I please watch Dora?"

Critters

The snake season has officially started. Two days ago I saw two little snakes on the road on my way home from the grocery store.