It is one of the most incredible and rewarding things; watching someone you love, grow and learn. As our kids slumbered through the night a few weeks ago, I retold a story to Hugh about something amazing Charlotte did earlier in the day. I said to him, "Every night when our kids go to bed I love them so much I can't imagine loving them any more than in that moment. Until the next day when they do and say new things and as they sleep I once again can't imagine loving them any more than in THAT moment."
When Amelia holds up a round red fruit with a stem and proclaims APPLE! Then proceeds to do a somersault off the armrest onto the couch. When Charlotte shows her goofy personality (and makes it so obvious she is our daughter) saying things like "poop-tella"after I say her farts will smell like Nutella if she eats too much. Or when they sing and dance and mouth the words to their favorite songs. Unprompted kisses. Tight squeezing hugs. Snuggles. Giggles.
Or, like the story I told Hugh that night about Charlotte. That day she took off her diaper and looked at me like she was being sneaky. I said I didn't care, just as long as she went pee in the potty chair. She agreed to the established terms and conditions and went about her business playing with her horse toys and dolls. We have been through this so many times, I was preparing for the inevitable pee puddle. I certainly wasn't expecting the puddle to be IN the potty chair! Not to mention three more "puddles" shortly after the first. What a big girl! Though, being exceptionally proud of, both her initiative and the simple act of 'going', I kept my hopes close to the floor where I would eventually be cleaning up the pee puddles. We put a diaper on her that night of course. But since she did so well the day before; we continued the diaper-free escapades. And now you can imagine, a few weeks later...
Or, like the story I told Hugh that night about Charlotte. That day she took off her diaper and looked at me like she was being sneaky. I said I didn't care, just as long as she went pee in the potty chair. She agreed to the established terms and conditions and went about her business playing with her horse toys and dolls. We have been through this so many times, I was preparing for the inevitable pee puddle. I certainly wasn't expecting the puddle to be IN the potty chair! Not to mention three more "puddles" shortly after the first. What a big girl! Though, being exceptionally proud of, both her initiative and the simple act of 'going', I kept my hopes close to the floor where I would eventually be cleaning up the pee puddles. We put a diaper on her that night of course. But since she did so well the day before; we continued the diaper-free escapades. And now you can imagine, a few weeks later...
Although she prefers to be naked while we are home still because it is easier than dealing with pulling up and down her pants, she can and will do it. She has been dry at night for 4 nights in a row now! I can't even remember the last time I put a diaper on Charlotte. I am not sure if it's more liberating for her or for me. Either way, we are all excited and very, VERY proud. And when it comes to diapers, Charlotte ain't got time for that.
Until next time
Heidi
More Pictures
Until next time
Heidi
More Pictures