My Tiny Dancer

Yesterday was Madie's first dance class. I enrolled her in a Ballet & Fairytales class at the local YMCA. I wanted to make sure that she enjoyed dance before I spent the money on expensive dance studios. Two of her friends from MDO are also in the class and they looked adorable in their little tutu's.

Well....she loved her first class and she has not stopped talking about it!

At dinner last night we were talking about what she learned. She told me that she learned to flap her legs like a butterfly, that they played hop scotch and that she learned to tirsty. I didn't quiet know what she meant. I didn't know if she needed a drink or if she was talking about a new dance position. I'm not a dance expert but I do know a few dance terms. When I asked her to show me, she bowed with one leg back and her arms stretched out and said, "tirsty." I couldn't help but laugh, she was saying curtsy. How cute and adorable. I'm so happy she loved it and can't wait to see what all she learns this year in dance class.

My Little Ballerina

Potty Trained And It Feels So Good

As a parent there have been many things that I have been unsure of but I've always seemed to get by. I would always just tell myself to use my common sense, raising a child is not supposed to be rocket science. Then there are other things/milestones that I have feared. Potty training was one of them. I had read numerous books and articles on the subject and wondered how in the world I was going to get Madie potty trained.

I was encouraged about 9 months ago when Madie actually went to the potty whether it was by accident or not she had no interest whatsoever about continuing to go to the potty. She would on occasion, whenever it was convenient with her. No amount of candy corn or smarties could persuade her. As with walking and talking all children develop at different rates and I knew she would show interest when she was ready.

Ready or not?

About 2 weeks ago I decided it was time. I was ready to commit and do what ever I needed to do to see if Madie was ready. We were going to be home one day so when she got up that morning I took her diaper off and put her big girl panties on. We had about 3 accidents that day. No accidents the next 2 days and one accident the day after that. I can proudly say that it has been 13 days with NO accidents and only wearing a diaper at night. She stopped wearing one at nap time about 4 days ago and so far so good. I must admit that skittles, special skittles (thank you so much skittles for coming out with more flavors and colors to give the illusion that they are more special) candy corn, gummy worms, suckers and twizzlers have played a major roll. There is nothing like consenting to 3 skittles at 7am because Madie used the potty or having to brush her teeth 2 times before bed because she decided she needed to potty one more time. Maybe that's why the teeth they have now fall out?

Now, when we are out somewhere and we need to go potty she will tell me, "Way to go Mommy, you went potty," in the restroom and then she will say, "Give me a high five." There may be some snickers or laughs from others who may be in the there, but I cherish every second of it. Because it shows me that she is supporting me just like I have supported her. We've developed quiet the little support team and I can't believe we did it.

Needles to say, I am so proud of her. I'm also proud of myself. I really never thought this day would come and now that its here it is so bittersweet. My baby girl is growing up way to fast.

It's Potty Time? Part II

Milestone Alert!

Madie went #2 in the potty!!!!!!!!!!
She got up and said, "Mommy, what's that?"

I took a picture, but don't worry, I have no intentions of posting it here. Madie would kill me when she's older if I did.

Mother's Day Out Recap

It was reported that Madie had a great day! She only cried when we were getting ready to leave and go home because she wanted to stay and play. I am so proud of her (and myself) for being such a brave little girl today.

Madie got her first "ouch report." She got hit in the head with a hula hoop----they said she didn't cry but it left her with a red mark on her eye and nose....wow! She's brave and tough.

Here's a few pictures:

Madie waiting to go to Open House

Madie's big day....it was raining, so we got a little wet.

She's so excited!

Already busy at work, before I even leave the room.

Yea! We made it through the first day. I think we/ I can do this!!!!!!!

Bye Mommy, Have a Good Day

I'm sitting at home alone.....as the song goes....all by myself... at least for a little while longer.

Today was the day....Madie started her Mom's Day Out school. Only one day a week on Tuesday's but still...this is a big deal. Thankfully our neighbor is her teacher. Thank you Mrs. A, if you are reading this, I'm so glad you are Madie's teacher.

Last night was open house. Hubby came home from work early so he could also attend. Madie was like a kid in a candy store. She couldn't stop talking about the other boys and girls.

This morning as we walk in the rain to the door Madie let me take a few pictures. (I'll post some of those later) When we got to her room I gave Mrs. A her backpack and started to walk out the door. Madie turns to me and says, "Bye Mommy, have a good day." Talk about tugging at your heart. I'm so glad she didn't cry as I left and I'm proud to know that she was so confident with herself that she acted like she had done this 100 times before. I'll report back after I pick her up and see if this confidence lasted throughout the day.

What A Difference A Year Makes!

It was one year ago today that Madie took her first step by herself.

What a difference a year can make.

There's a Little Monkey In Our House

There is a little monkey in our house!

Madie has learned to climb and I think she tries to scale everything in the house now. Why sit down in a chair normally when you can crawl/climb over the arm of the chair to get to the desired location?

The other night when I was getting Madie ready for bed she said, "Mommy watch!" She took off and scaled the side of her baby bed and flipped herself in. I couldn't help but laugh, but I also wondered....how long will it take her to realize that if she can climb in...she can climb out. I am betting that it won't take long. It looks like we will be converting her baby bed into a toddler bed soon. Yet another milestone to be met. However, I'm really not looking forward to her having the ability to roam around the house at night. I can see it now, she'll come into our room at 2am and say, "hey mommy, what you doing?" Since she no longer uses her pass she already stays in her bed and talks forever before she goes to sleep. I can only imagine what she will do not being confined in a crib.

On another note: We were in the check out line today and this was the conversation Madie had with the cashier-She is always having conversations with people when we are out somewhere. She doesn't know a stranger.

Madie: Hey!

Cashier: Hey---(not as enthused)

Madie: This is my mommy--(she points to me and smiles)

Cashier: That is your mommy?

Madie: Yes, her name meme (She knows what my name and her daddy's real name is, although not the greatest pronunciation with mine)

Her conversation was so confident and so proud to be saying that I was her mommy. I'm holding onto this moment because I have a feeling that it won't be long before announcing who her mommy is will not be that cool.