Number 1: THE most surprising. Over the course of 5 days, the Cian Monster decided he would potty train. HE decided. And that was that! If you remember, we tried back a few months ago to potty train when it was so cold, that we basically had nothing better to do. And it went well. So well, that I concluded after one day of doing it, that diapers were the best invention and $7 that I would pay every week. I also told myself that we would try again at our next place when hopefully, we have less carpet.
Well fast forward to this past Monday and Cian was hating the newest diapers I bought him. They were a new brand. I had a coupon. So naturally, that's what I got. Cian calls them "ouchie diapers" so through his tears, I threw out my weekly question and asked him if he would rather wear underwear. He actually jumped on that idea, which was super surprising since every week we have asked him, he would simply declare, "No. Change my diaper!" But it still took a lot of further convincing that underwear meant that he had to use the potty. "Mommy wears underwear. Brycen wears underwear. Maggie wears underwear....Great Grandma, well, ....sometimes..." ;) We went through the list and I told him that Lighting McQueen (his underwear) wanted to stay happy and dry. It took three days of little accidents and my forgetfulness (and treats and shows and hours on the potty) but on the fourth day, he had it down. Since deciding that it was "fun" to keep his underwear happy, Cian has needed no treats, has had no accidents AND insists on wearing no diaper to bed. I wasn't completely sold on that concept yet but he insisted (most of been some really awesome diapers) and has woken up dry. Day and night potty trained in 5 days? Yes please.
What I learned:
Every child is SO different. What worked for Brycen, did not work for Cian. Brycen could go on demand, every 45 minutes when asked to try. He also worked for the promise of a single miniature marshmallow or sticker and day potty trained when he was 27 months. Cian could sit for 4 hours, after taking an hour to be convinced to sit; hop off, and have an accident 30 seconds later. I also can't (still can't) ask Cian if he needs to go potty. It will always be "no". But when he decides that he needs to go, 2 minutes later---after we already left the grocery store, we run back in and he successfully goes. Cian's treats also had to be a full donut, or cup full of jelly beans, marshmallows, m and ms, gummy bears, or chocolate chips. It could never be the same, he constantly needed to be enticed and it was expensive, not to mention, unhealthy. However, Brycen did take a year after being day potty trained to be night potty train. He just loved sleep too much. Cian did both in just days (the second time around), but at 32.5 months.
Oh, but with both experiences, how I LOVE the result. Their little bums in (dry!) undies and no diaper changing. For four complete months. It's a happy time.
 |
| I went to see "The Fault In Our Stars" Friday for a girls night. Oh goodness, bring the tissues. |
 |
| Bryce and I celebrated 6 years of marriage!! |
3. I turned way too old and was asked, "Are you turning 29, again?"
 |
| I am 27... going on....40! Thanks for asking. |
 | ||||||
| Bryce had to leave mid-day on my birthday for a job interview in New Mexico. Don't worry, I bought myself a steak for him to grill before he left. I also managed to be super late to my very own surprise party my dear friend held for me because ...we lost track of time at the Farmer's Market. It was a good day. |
 |
| This little man turned 5! It was quite the scheduled and perfectly Brycen planned day (more pictures to come). |
5. We found that we are having our 3rd baby boy (well, 80% sure)!
 |
| My siblings found out over the last week or so. My parents, the days after the ultrasound. Due October 8th (4 months from today!) |
6. Bryce was able to tell his parents in person that he accepted a job at Intel in Portland, Oregon.
Yes, the job is huge (we decided the same day my parents were arriving in town, the day after the ultrasound, it was.crazy.) and I am incredibly proud of him and excited for our future. But for his graduation present, I, ahem, secretly worked (for months) to fly his parents out from Oregon, to attend his PhD graduation without.... Bryce knowing! He always figures out what I'm up to but...... I pulled. it. off. Finally. After 6 years and it was huge. He is still in awe that I accomplished such a thing. Hey, I'm a talker and between the two of us, I do most of it. :)
It also helped that my parents were flying in, to give some awesome airport excuses and explanation as to the need to clean the house, grocery shop, plan activities, etc. And, of course, those that did know, didn't tell him. I can basically hear the Hallelujah chorus.
Nevertheless, my brain still hasn't recovered. It hurt. I totally nearly blew it countless times. Fun but so hard.
 |
| The day was gorgeous, glorious, and perfect. |
 |
| Our group. My parents and baby brother were also able to come. As well as Bryce's twin, since he is working in Indy for the summer. We feel honored for their support and loved having the company. |
And now.... the ultimate goal is to get to Oregon. There's packing, cleaning, and moving, and house hunting (from a huge distance). And Elementary hunting (same mentioned distance). And road trips galore (for all the many things we wanted to while here....and didn't). And pregnancy and apparently, aging. And of course, enjoying the time we have left, with our friends here.
And hopefully....hopefully! more pictures posted from birthdays, graduation, and visitors. And not to mention, daily life.
