March of Milestones

So when I got pregnant I had three things we needed to accomplish with Helena before #2 arrived. I'm happy to report we've conquered 2 of 3 this month, and both were easier than I thought they'd be.

The first was taking the pacifier away. Lots of opinions on this one, obviously, and I let it slide for longer than I originally thought I would because she only took it when she slept. But then she started waking in the night again...most nights...and getting ridiculous about pacifier related demands. Like washing it in the middle of the night...or three times before going to bed...just for stalling. Annoying. So, I was waiting until after our Colorado vacation to take it away. Then, on said vacation, she told me she didn't want it anymore...so, we "left it on vacation." The first night we were home she fussed for about an hour about it, but after that, just a couple of casual mentions ("Mom, can we go back on vacation and get my binky?") and now it's history. I felt completely fine about the decision, but Ash had a hard time with her initially being upset. So much so that I forbade him to help me get her to sleep for that week because I knew he would cave and during the first bad night I had to hug HIM and tell HIM it was going to be OK. (Love you honey!!) And - added bonus - less night waking. Helpful. I wake myself up enough at night as it is.

Next up, potty training. Helena has been going pee on the potty for awhile now...probably since before she was 2. But I didn't want to rush her into it...I wanted it to be easy on all of us when we finally made the transition. So, we put her in big girl underwear (I took her shopping special to pick some out), and she was elated! How cool are these Yo Gabba Gabba and Wonder Pets ones???!!! Her teachers also suggested that the first day we go it alone that we make a game out of setting a timer every 45 minutes or so and going potty when it goes off. She thought that was way cool. That, coupled with tons of M&M's and stickers as rewards and a distracting game on my iPhone or some drawing for the #2 times worked like a charm. She was down to no accidents after 5 days! We're so proud of her!

I will say that when it comes to potty training, we're lucky to have such an anal female child. She wants to follow the rules and doesn't want to make a mess AT ALL. About half the nights since we've started this she hasn't even peed in her diaper at night and two or three times she's woken up and yelled to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The first night this happened at 3 a.m. I said, "Really, Helena, it's OK if you potty in your diaper at night. Go back go sleep." Followed by her saying "But mommy, I need to go potty!!!" OK. Fine. Then flash-forwards to me telling her to please drink before she's 21 or sneak out of the house in high school. :)

Needless to say, mommy and daddy are very excited to have a small diaper break for the next 3 months!

All I have left is the transition to a big girl bed...which I may avoid until this fall. We'll see. I don't want to push my luck.

-Emily :)