Potty Training

This picture is actually very old and she's not even sitting on the potty, but it sure does look like it!

At Paige's two year doctor appointment, the pediatrician mentioned that we should start to familiarize Paige with the concept of using the potty. So, we borrowed a "Princess" potty from Addie, who has since outgrown it.

We placed the potty in her playroom and she quickly wanted to give it a try. I took a picture with my phone of her first time on the potty. She hopped off of the potty to see the picture and peed on my leg. Hopeful, we tried again the next day and it was a productive try (#2 at that!). I thought, "Maybe she'll shock us all and be a whiz (pun intended) at this potty training stuff." However, I think we're still a bit ahead of our time. Paige wants to try the potty every couple of days but it is definitely hit or miss. Most of the time it is just an excuse to read lots and lots of books.

Most recently we spent several minutes trying on the potty, reading numerous books to no avail. She walked into her room, diaperless and proceeded to poop on her bedroom rug. Obviously, she isn't quite there yet but trying definitely makes for some very cute pictures!

Her first time on the Princess potty, right before she peed on my leg.

Bare behind picking out books to peruse on the potty.

Reading to baby on the potty.

I think she talked Daddy into reading each of the books in this basket on this particular evening.

Christmas 2010

Paige at home in Rogers on our "Christmas morning."

Christmas was extra special this year because it was the first year that Paige started to get the whole concept. The Little People Nativity Set was one of Paige's favorite toys during the month of December. Baby G (Jesus), Joe (Joseph), and Manny (Mary) were discussed often. She loved spotting nativity sets while we were out and about. Paige also enjoyed finding her elf, Penny, each morning. Penny watched Paige and reported to Santa if Paige had been a good girl or not. Most days I think Santa was pleased.

We also had plenty of activities to celebrate the season and she had a great time with them all. One of her favorites was the Polar Express train ride. She loved wearing her Christmas jammies on the big choo-choo. Santa made his way through the cars but she wasn't so sure about him, which turned out to be the story for every Santa sighting. He was fine as long as there was a good distance between them. We did manage a picture with Santa at the mall, but she sat on Mommy's lap and Mommy ducked behind Santa at the last minute. I guess an improvement from our picture last year! She did ask Santa for a baby doll and Santa happily obliged on Christmas morning.

Paige and Mommy at Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.

Christmas also entailed quite a bit of traveling - Rogers to St. Louis, St. Louis to Ft. Wayne, Ft. Wayne back to St. Louis, and St. Louis back to Rogers. Paige did great in the car and most importantly, she was in good spirits during our visits. Normally fairly shy towards those she doesn't know, Paige was very friendly to everyone and loved all the attention.

There was a pretty good amount of snow at Grandma and Grandpa's house so we took advantage of the opportunity to play outside and go sledding. She absolutely loved it!! Also a big change from last year. It wasn't really packing snow but it didn't stop Paige from trying to build a "Frosty Snowman." She picked up a handful of snow, tossed it back on the ground and said, "Frosty Snowman." Well, sort of. There are plenty of pictures from sledding but she looked so cute all bundled up and didn't stop smiling!

Paige loved sledding!

Santa found Paige at Grandma and Grandpa's house and ate all of his cookies (Paige reminds us of this daily). There was definitely no shortage of gifts for Paige. One of her favorites is a dollhouse from the Maxeys and Hydes. They should all keep her entertained for quite some time!

Paige and Daddy at Grandma and Grandpa's on Christmas Eve.

We finished our vacation with a trip to the Magic House in St. Louis. It is a big, interactive children's museum full of fun things to do. Paige especially liked caring for the babies in the nursery. She and Lucy explored it all together.

It was a busy month, but we had a great time with friends and family and are so thankful for everyone.

We recently bought a Mac computer so the pictures for these events can be viewed on our gallery, http://gallery.me.com/jessicaleeham. The idea is to eventually house all of our photos on this gallery instead of the Shutterfly site but it may take a while to get them all moved over.