Potty Training 101

Thankfully Elyse and Caleb were both potty trained at or by two.  Well now that Kallen is just over that, we use cloth diapers and the boy poops non-stop, I am so done with diapers on him!  Therefore, we have been bribing him with candy and Elmo underwear that he loves to wear.  The problem we were having was that he would not poop sitting down, until yesterday.  He was reading books with me while on the potty and low and behold, he went #2.  I started jumping up and down, I was so proud!  I then continued having him try throughout the day.  He is nowhere potty trained, but he will spend his mornings sitting on the potty and trying.  It's a good start, right?!?

GOAL: Kallen wears only underwear by the end of summer.

I am more than happy to take suggestions from other moms out there on how you got your child to stop playing and use the potty?  

Father's Day

As you all know, yesterday was Father's Day.  Unfortunately with Ian's 6 month birthday landing on the same day, I am posting this a day late.

I hope Nate had as an enjoyable day as he said he did.  His day involved attending church (and him serving in the 3 year old classroom, what a man), opening homemade presents from the kids, taking a little nap, playing outside, and going out for ice cream.  

Words can't describe how grateful I am to have him as the father of my children.  He is seriously such an amazing dad that loves his children unconditionally.  He really makes parenting a lot more enjoyable, and I respect him so much. 

To all those dads out there, especially Nate, my dad and father-in-law, I hope you all had a wonderful, memorable, relaxing and fun Father's Day.  On behalf of all moms and kids, we really appreciate all you do and love you so much.

Ian Turns 6 Months Old

Six months!?!  It's incredible that our littlest peanut is 6 months old today.  Officially half way through his first year of life already.  I actually get teared up thinking about it but at the same time rejoicing at the thought that we are closer to one nap and a more adventurous life again.  I really don't feel like he can already be six months old, it has been the fastest six months by far that I have ever experienced.  

Because we love him so much and it's his six month birthday, below are six things that Ian loves so much right now:
1. Talking
2. Taking baths
3. Being naked
4. Rolling or lunging forward
5. Eating food
6. Giving and receiving kisses

(Ian has his doctor appointment in a few weeks, I already strongly believe everything will be great, but will post his stats then.)   

Mini Gator

Out of all the outdoor stuff and riding toys we have, our mini John Deere Gator is by far the kiddos' (especially the boys) favorite thing.  Chris, who farms Nate's family farm so generously handed it down from his kids to ours last fall.   We can't thank him enough for the Gator, it gets charged almost daily because it's used so much :0)

8 on the 8th

8 random pictures of the kids on June 8th 

Hippo Smile

Since we received a few comments on Ian's hippo smile; I decided to post a few more, as well as some other fun facial expressions.

Papa and Nana Speckman Visit

Starting late Friday night we had the privilege of hosting my dad, Bill and stepmom, Carmela from Las Vegas.  It's been just over a year and the kids were beyond thrilled they were coming.  The weather turned out perfect, so we took every opportunity to be outside.  The highlighted events included playing at the park, going to Anoka-County's Annual Air Show and the Coon Rapid's Dam.  Well since Carmela captured over 300 pictures, it's been difficult to decide which ones to post.  Therefore, this post is devoted to ones with them and the kids.  A special thanks to her because now I have many fun picture posts to come of the kids :0)

Thanks Dad and Carmela for coming to visit.  We LOVED having you here and hope it doesn't take another year till we can see you again.  The kids are already asking when you are coming back.  Love and miss you.  Hugs!