Camille~ 7 months

Growing, growing, growing.  That's what we're doing around here these days.  Camille is really becoming her own little person.  She can now sit up on her own without tumbling over.  She continues to sleep through the night, but has become more difficult to put to sleep at night and nap time.  After two weeks of crying it out, I decided to try giving her a blanket to sleep with.  It did the trick. Now, when I put her into bed, she maybe cries for a minute before settling down, popping her thumb in her mouth, and rubbing her blanket.  It was torture listening to her cry for so long, knowing that whenever I would go in to pat her back, she would sit up, start smiling, and think it was time to play.  Neither of my children have been the rock to sleep kind of kids.  That only keeps them awake longer.  So, now that we've got the whole sleep routine under control, I feel much better! Oh, newborns are sweet, but just having come out of a sleep deprived stage, I can say I do NOT envy pregnant mommas or those with newborns.  I'm sure I'll "forget" when we are ready for #3 (it's gonna be awhile), but for now, I'm ecstatic that I have two kids that sleep...and sleep well.

From the past month:

Loves her jumperoo.

Can still fit in the bouncer, but not for long!

Tripp at 7 months:

Tripp loved the jumperoo too.

They are certainly siblings!

Spring Concert and Art Show

Tripp's school put on a spring concert/art show for the parents this year.  The entire preschool participated in the concert that consisted of three songs.  Poor Tripp got a little stage fright and cried most of the performance.  It was pitiful.  Poor guy.  When we went to look at his art work after the show, his teacher told us he was very clingy after we dropped him off.  He normally loves being at school with his teachers, but I think having Rob and I there threw him off a little. Ms. Martha said he kept saying he was tired and ready to go to bed.  He seemed to perk up after the show when we were all admiring his work in the classroom. Maybe he'll feel more comfortable next year.  I don't blame him for being scared.  There were 200+ children in the show. Multiply that by 2 or more family members in the audience and that would scare some adults!

All grins before the performance actually started.

Tripp was not thrilled to walk out on the stage.

Awww, so SAD.  He went to stand by Ms. Martha, his teacher.  She's so good with the children and Tripp adores her.

Tripp and his buddy, Max.  Happy, now that he's not on stage.

Another one of Tripp's classmates, Arabella.

Potty Training

All I have to say is Uggghhhhh.  Potty training a BOY is the pits. Or maybe just potty training in general.  I'm so not a fan.  Can you tell?  But, here we are, a week later and I'm finally confident enough to say we're day trained.  No accidents since Tuesday.  I haven't ventured out because I'm terrified that he is going to have a terrible accident while we're out and because he doesn't want to use a public restroom.  And public restrooms are gross anyway. The nurse in me will shudder a little as I either sit him down on 18 layers of toilet paper or have him stand (if he's tall enough) because I know he'll probably touch something. Meanwhile, I'll be trying to manage Camille in the stroller behind me.  Nope, no thanks.

Okay, I know, I know... I have to bite the bullet and take him out soon.  Spring Break is over in two days anyway and he'll be back at school.  The great thing is that his teachers are fully aware he has just started being potty trained and will take him to the restroom every 30 minutes this week.  It's awesome since that's how the routine's been working at home.

On a positive note, a few days ago, I was completely ready to throw in the towel, but honestly, I'm glad I didn't.  One of my feather pillows may have bit the dust, he may have peed on the couch a few times, and there may have been a few tears shed from all parties, but I'll take that if it means a smaller diaper bill each month.  Potty training just requires patience.  Something I continuously have to work on.  So, I guess we can say, we've both learned a little something this week.

Say a prayer that we will have continued success.  This Momma needs it.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday consisted of church, a late lunch/early dinner with the family, and some relaxation time. Basically, my favorite way to spend a holiday.

Tripp was so excited when he came downstairs and saw what the Easter Bunny left in his basket.

The Easter Bunny brought him a few toys, but also some practical things like Thomas & Cars plates and a Spider Man beach towel.  Gotta love that Bunny!

M&M's: Tripp's favorite candy

Camille's Basket

Daddy is silly.

Camille had a bit of a runny nose, but stayed happy all day.

She can only stay in the sitting position without help for brief periods of time.  The boppy makes a great prop.

Aunt Alli and Camille

Pepere and Camille

Family Photo Attempt #36786048

Better(ish)

It was rainy all day, but cleared up for a short time in the afternoon.  I'm glad we were able to quickly hide a few Easter Eggs for the hunt.  Tripp had a blast searching the front yard for the hidden eggs.

No competition...yet.