Potty Update

Disclaimer: this post is mostly about pee, so if you don't want to read about pee, don't read this post. 

Leah's been a potty rock star! She hasn't had an accident at home since Thursday, and only one on the playground at school (but who wants to stop and pee when you're on the slides?!). I wish she understood how proud I am of her. I think she does a little... She often says, "I so proud of Leah," and while she might not get that they are for doing so well on the potty, she doesn't really care because she got PRINCESS ARIEL pajamas. The best!

These are not Ariel pjs, but Leah's new style of underwear-over-pajama pants-over diaper (for sleeping only!).

Anyways, after a few days of debating whether seemingly painful and hesitation to pee was behavioral or medical, I took Leah to the doctor today. Poor girl has a UTI! I'm sure it's somehow related to potty training, but since she's not having accidents we are sticking with it. Pretty soon she will be as good as new- and still not wearing diapers!

Watching football like a balla in big girl panties!

No More Diapers!

Fever can't stop us! A little bit of Tylenol and let the potty training commence...

First pee after less than 10 minutes on the potty!!

Thank you Dwormans for the perfect potty activity. The picture is cute, but less appropriately aimed than I realized. 

Apples and CHEEEEESE :~)

(Also a really cute, not internet appropriate pic. Boo.)

First pedicure.

And manicure.

A successful first day!

Strip Update

Crazy sad things happening on the strip right now, but I'm not there. Home safe, relaxing and reading in a peppermint bubble bath, in case you are wondering. 

Big girl ponytail! Can't believe her hair is long enough (sorta)!

Big girl electric princess toothbrush. 

Here Comes Santa Claus

Christmas Performance 2015

(Our star is the one to the left of the girl with the long Santa hat straps.)

Never Again

'Twas fun, but please... Never again!

NINETEEN?! Are you kidding me? That's, like, 16 too many. 

Remember, this doesn't count road trips. 

2016: I hope you are full of family and friends, but not quite so many terminals and baggage claims!

Tonight, Leah got her own water from the refrigerator dispenser. I got a cup down for her baby and next thing I know she is filling it up for water and asking for a straw. 

Later, when we were getting ready to sing night-night songs, Leah tried to turn off her own light like she always does. And, like always, she's about half an inch short. So we asked who was going to help her tonight- Mommy or Daddy? Except tonight, instead of answering ("Daddy", of course), she looked at us, looked around her room, found a book that's about an inch thick, placed it on the floor under the light switch, stepped on it, AND TURNED OFF THE LIGHT. I wish I had a picture of her face right then. Pure joy!

Two going on twenty-five. 

Thankful for Saturns

Brian went to Utah this weekend and came home with a new car. Yup! After, I dunno, 7 or so years of hand-me-down Saturns (not complaining- THANKFUL!), a new car was quickly moving from the "want" list to the "need" list. A handful of friends happened to have bought cars in Utah, so we asked about it and it turns out they just shopped online for the best deal and that deal was in Utah. So Brian started shopping online and next thing we know, he has a one-way ticket to Salt Lake City.

Thank you former Saturn drivers for your Saturns on the cheap- we wouldn't have been able to make this purchase if it wasn't for your willingness to part ways with your Saturn. 

So, welcome to the family silver 2013 Ford Fusion with 32000 miles and electric(!) windows. Not sure who loves you the most. Afterall, Leah has proclaimed "I yike Daddy's car!" no fewer than 47 times the last two days. 

Shoes

Today we went shopping to find Brian new work shoes. While we were waiting, Leah found the girls' shoes and a pair she liked, sat down, took her boots off, and proceeded to attempt to put the new ones on. Ummm, ok!

The best part? They were sparkling and light-ups. Brian loved them.

Also, this:

And this:

Thankful for Leanne

Here I go being sappy again...

Leanne,

I have hundreds of pictures of Presley, but not a single one of you or the two of us! It's pretty amazing though, how one Mommy and Me class made realize that everything about moving to Vegas was going to be ok. We may not actually be as close as that ridiculous Scary Mommy article I sent you last week (http://www.scarymommy.com/11-signs-that-youve-found-your-mbff/)- or at least not in the same way- but I am so lucky and so thankful that I have you!

I enjoy watching our girls become real friends as they grow up together. I appreciate all of the times you have watched Leah for us, and for trusting us with your kids (Presley, at least; Parker and I will spend some quality time together at some point!). Your restaurant recommendations are always on point, and most importantly you put up with my restaurant monster when we eat out together. You let me blab when I don't know what to say and bitch when I have too much to say; your responses are comforting and your silence, a reminder that life isn't about me and I need to suck it up and smile.

You've welcomed us into your home, into your family, and I am so grateful for all of the moments- big and small- we have celebrated together. 

You are a great Mommy and a great friend and I am forever thankful for you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Our girls <3

Update: found one!

Thankful for Generous Friends

I wish I had kept track and had some comparisons because I think the actual numbers make this fact even more amazing, but in Leah's two years I have basically spent $0 on clothes for her. It's not really true of course- I bought two packs of socks and a "winter" coat for her on Friday- but in the grand scheme of things, with the hundreds of things she has available to wear in any given size through 3T, the large majority are hand-me-downs. And I am so incredibly thankful. Your generosity has made a huge difference in our lives these last two years. 

I don't like shopping- although I like it more than I used to- but I am pretty sure I could spend all day and all paycheck on shopping for Leah. It's even better when I get to shop for free in a box that shows up on my doorstep. Kids clothes aren't cheap. They get too small and too messy too fast to spend too much money on them; hand-me-downs are definitely the way to go.

Accepting hand-me-downs is definitely one of my two pieces of unsolicited advice I give new moms. (The other? Don't skimp on a chair for the nursery!)

Shout out to the three families who have supplied me and continue to supply me with Leah's wardrobe. I am thankful for you (and thankful for your style)!

Hand-me-down dress, and super cute!

Hand-me-down shirt... and pants... and shoes (x2)!

Thankful for School

When Leah got her move up date for the next classroom at school, I told her she was moving to the "Booo Cubs," because, well, Cubs.

Then she starting calling it "Booo Cubs," so I figured I should probably stop!

I am so thankful for Leah's school. It doesn't get easier knowing that she spends so much time there and a whole lot less with me, but it's never been hard, either. I knew the first time I walked I to that school that I could leave my baby there (if I have to, you know?!). They've taught her so much and afforded her the opportunity to learn to interact with other kids; she (we) have made great friends there! They also let me work to help provide for our family while I know Leah is in a safe, loving place.

Leah's first day as a (Booo) Cub!

Zyler, Leah's school bestie, and Leah at the park <3

Thankful for Birthdays

I love LOVE birthdays (if you don't know this, you don't know ME). I am thankful for every birthday I get to celebrate, and today that means I am thankful for Ari (and for his birthday).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARI!!

I love you more than Addison Reed loves blowing saves, more than Matt Harvey loves arguing to stay in the game, and even more than Kansas City loves missing school tomorrow for their championship parade. I'm thankful for every minute of the last 19 years with you. You remind me what it's like to be a teenager with teenager problems and teenager excitements (only one more year!); you keep me young. Come visit us soon- trip is on us!

Have the best year yet!

Thankful

Today I am thankful for everyone who nicely reminds me that I need to blog because my blog is a way to share what's going on in our Vegas life with those who aren't here with us every day. I am thankful for the reminders that this blog is a way for ME to remember the important moments, and I am thankful for the technology that allows me to save and share my memories. 

Sunday Night

Couldn't decide which picture to post, so, you know, all three:

Pictures

I have so many cute pictures of this almost two year old from these last couple of days. I can't even handle it. 

What a great last week being one!

Play Date

I have a lot of posts to write (An entire list actually. I'll get to it eventually.) but right now I just want to remember today. It was such a fun day with new big sister Presley!

Walking to our first story time!

There was lots of singing and dancing and music-making on top of all the story-telling!

At least one of them was a good listener. 

Bag ladies.

Sharing a delicious snack!

Once Leah's new kitchen gets built, that's going to be the sink and stove they're sitting on! But for now, just hangin' out :~)

Fun (and exhausting, especially given that SOMEONE didn't take a nap) day!

Twins

Guys, my kids are twins. Just got this for Johnny, and I'm certain that Leah's would look THE EXACT SAME!

In Lieu of Book Club...

Summer

Summer means... Sidewalk chalk, splashpads, indoor playgrounds (otherwise known as Petco, the children's museum, etc.), and friends!