Update on my little girl!
I realized I hadn't updated her favorites in quite a long time and they have changed a lot! so here goes...
Favorite Color: Pink...she is in a seriously "girly" phase
Favorite show/character: Hannah Montana, Phineas and Ferb, Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh
Favorite movie: Underdog, Sleeping Beauty
Favorite animal: cat...she continues to carry around a little kitty everywhere she goes. We have to buy them in bulk because she goes through them so fast!
Favorite drink : Cranberry Juice
Favorite meal: macaroni and cheese
Favorite snack: "cheesy" popcorn, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, yogurt
Favorite pasttimes: putting her MANY dolls to bed with blankets on her bedroom floor, singing and dancing, going out to dinner, going shopping
Favorite song: Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis, Anything by Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers or the High School Musical cast
Favorite toy: any of her dolls, her princess dressup stuff, that darn kitty cat!
Favorite phrases: "actually..." all her sentences start with that word right now. "That's what I said!" or "That's what I was going to say" She's going through a know it all stage at the moment
What makes her happiest: both of her parents being home. Laying on the couch with me and watching one of her programs...
What makes her mad: anything when she first wakes up...she is not a morning person! Tickling her when she hasn't specifically asked you to, or copying her in any way. She hates that!
She's my little bundle of personality and I adore her!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Court's first trip to Disneyland!
Wow, I am getting really bad at this. Trying to keep up with Facebook, photo albums, an actual paper scrapbook and blogging is getting to be a bit much. I feel like every moment of my child's life is documented. Good thing I'm only having one, or else I'd be burnt out by the time my second child came around!
But there has been some exciting stuff going on, specifically our first family trip to Disneyland! I always said I would wait until she was 5 years old, so she could get the most out of it, but I used it as a "bargaining" tool during potty training and we had to keep our end of the bargain.
Needless to say, we were all looking forward to it for months. We booked the hotel and airfare forever ago. We built up Court's anticipation and couldn't wait to see Disneyland again through our precious child's eyes. Which, of course, means it didn't exactly go according to plan...things never do with a 4 year old.
We were scheduled to leave on a Wednesday. Court got really sick the Friday night...4 days before....the trip. She came down with a bad cold and a fever. Sunday it turned into pink eye. A trip to the pediatrician followed on Monday. I took another day off to stay home with her on Tuesday. She just wasn't getting better. Since the trip was already all paid for, we said a little prayer and went along with the original plan.
The trip was wonderful. Court seemed to get a little of her energy back. She's an excellent, seasoned traveller. She told me all the rules on the airplane about the seatbelt and no smoking sign (just in case I wanted to take up the habit, I guess). She was in good spirits, but wouldn't nap on the plane or in the car on the way to the hotel, and her appetite had not yet returned. We had planned to not go to the park on Wednesday to give her an extra day of rest, but she wasn't having it! We figured it was cruel to go all the way to Anaheim a block away from the happiest place on earth and make her wait an extra day, so we forged ahead, hoping the excitement of being there and Casey's dad and stepmom meeting us there, would be enough to carry her through. Alas, it was not to be!
Talk about disappointment! She just wasn't feeling well and was being soooo onery. She is not the most pleasant person to be around when she hasn't eaten, and we just couldn't get her to eat anything. We took her on a few rides and she did well when she was actually on them (well, except for Peter Pan, which for some reason scared the crap out of her), but the minute we got off the rides, she would start whining and throwing tantrums again. She wouldn't let me take her picture. It was unbearably hot and we were all cranky from being around a cranky child! We were at freakin Disneyland and NO ONE was having a good time.
Below are some pics of that disastrous first day:
At least mommy and daddy were happy to be there!
Happy for the moment
Get away from me Minnie! I'm in a bad mood!
We gave up around 4pm and went back to the hotel. By that time, Casey was getting sick his own self and we were all beginning to wonder if this was all just a bad dream.
The second day wasn't a whole lot better, unfortunately. She woke up Wednesday night with a lot of congestion and threw up a little bit. It was still hot and she still wouldn't eat very much. We went to California Adventure to see the Playhouse Disney show, which she absolutely loved!
We then headed over to our lunch we scheduled (and might I add, paid a small fortune for) with Ariel and the other princess at Ariel's Grotto. She just wasn't having it. She wanted us to walk all the way back over to Disneyland to go on the Dumbo ride. There was just no reasoning with her at this point. I was so disappointed, I wanted to cry, but we tried to make the most of it.
We paid a lot of money for this lunch, SOMEBODY was getting their pic taken with Ariel :)
Fine, Daddy will wear the princess crown!
She started to turn the corner when we bought her some stuff and promised to take her over to the Dumbo ride! She was pretty good the rest of the afternoon. We went back to the hotel to take a nap and she actually ate some dinner. Unfortunately, just as she was starting to feel better, Casey took a turn for the worse and had to go to the ER for a sinus infection and ear infection! But he promised to suck it up for the rest of the trip.
Good thing he did, because the next two days were AMAZING! My little girl was back. It was much cooler on Friday and she was eating and sleeping well again. That third day was exactly what I had been imagining in my head all these months when I thought about this trip. She LOVED Disneyland that day and took it all in with a much brighter attitude. She especially loved the Pooh characters, Pooh ride, Dumbo, Finding Nemo, the carousel and Alice in Wonderland (which I think we went on like 10 times, I swear!)
Here are some better pics from that wonderful day:
Meeting Pooh!
With all her babies..She's finally letting me take her picture!
Waving to the characters in the parade!
She loved, loved, loved the parade! Then we went back to the hotel for a nap. I think Daddy needed one the most! We went back to the park for the fireworks show, a few more rides and some sugary snacks! That day made everything worth it.
The next day we just hung out by the pool, went to lunch a did a little shopping. It was our unwinding day before the trip home. It was also a great day.
I'd say, overall, the trip was a success. I can't wait to go back again next year!
Wow, I am getting really bad at this. Trying to keep up with Facebook, photo albums, an actual paper scrapbook and blogging is getting to be a bit much. I feel like every moment of my child's life is documented. Good thing I'm only having one, or else I'd be burnt out by the time my second child came around!
But there has been some exciting stuff going on, specifically our first family trip to Disneyland! I always said I would wait until she was 5 years old, so she could get the most out of it, but I used it as a "bargaining" tool during potty training and we had to keep our end of the bargain.
Needless to say, we were all looking forward to it for months. We booked the hotel and airfare forever ago. We built up Court's anticipation and couldn't wait to see Disneyland again through our precious child's eyes. Which, of course, means it didn't exactly go according to plan...things never do with a 4 year old.
We were scheduled to leave on a Wednesday. Court got really sick the Friday night...4 days before....the trip. She came down with a bad cold and a fever. Sunday it turned into pink eye. A trip to the pediatrician followed on Monday. I took another day off to stay home with her on Tuesday. She just wasn't getting better. Since the trip was already all paid for, we said a little prayer and went along with the original plan.
The trip was wonderful. Court seemed to get a little of her energy back. She's an excellent, seasoned traveller. She told me all the rules on the airplane about the seatbelt and no smoking sign (just in case I wanted to take up the habit, I guess). She was in good spirits, but wouldn't nap on the plane or in the car on the way to the hotel, and her appetite had not yet returned. We had planned to not go to the park on Wednesday to give her an extra day of rest, but she wasn't having it! We figured it was cruel to go all the way to Anaheim a block away from the happiest place on earth and make her wait an extra day, so we forged ahead, hoping the excitement of being there and Casey's dad and stepmom meeting us there, would be enough to carry her through. Alas, it was not to be!
Talk about disappointment! She just wasn't feeling well and was being soooo onery. She is not the most pleasant person to be around when she hasn't eaten, and we just couldn't get her to eat anything. We took her on a few rides and she did well when she was actually on them (well, except for Peter Pan, which for some reason scared the crap out of her), but the minute we got off the rides, she would start whining and throwing tantrums again. She wouldn't let me take her picture. It was unbearably hot and we were all cranky from being around a cranky child! We were at freakin Disneyland and NO ONE was having a good time.
Below are some pics of that disastrous first day:
At least mommy and daddy were happy to be there!
Happy for the moment
Get away from me Minnie! I'm in a bad mood!
We gave up around 4pm and went back to the hotel. By that time, Casey was getting sick his own self and we were all beginning to wonder if this was all just a bad dream.
The second day wasn't a whole lot better, unfortunately. She woke up Wednesday night with a lot of congestion and threw up a little bit. It was still hot and she still wouldn't eat very much. We went to California Adventure to see the Playhouse Disney show, which she absolutely loved!
We then headed over to our lunch we scheduled (and might I add, paid a small fortune for) with Ariel and the other princess at Ariel's Grotto. She just wasn't having it. She wanted us to walk all the way back over to Disneyland to go on the Dumbo ride. There was just no reasoning with her at this point. I was so disappointed, I wanted to cry, but we tried to make the most of it.
We paid a lot of money for this lunch, SOMEBODY was getting their pic taken with Ariel :)
Fine, Daddy will wear the princess crown!
She started to turn the corner when we bought her some stuff and promised to take her over to the Dumbo ride! She was pretty good the rest of the afternoon. We went back to the hotel to take a nap and she actually ate some dinner. Unfortunately, just as she was starting to feel better, Casey took a turn for the worse and had to go to the ER for a sinus infection and ear infection! But he promised to suck it up for the rest of the trip.
Good thing he did, because the next two days were AMAZING! My little girl was back. It was much cooler on Friday and she was eating and sleeping well again. That third day was exactly what I had been imagining in my head all these months when I thought about this trip. She LOVED Disneyland that day and took it all in with a much brighter attitude. She especially loved the Pooh characters, Pooh ride, Dumbo, Finding Nemo, the carousel and Alice in Wonderland (which I think we went on like 10 times, I swear!)
Here are some better pics from that wonderful day:
Meeting Pooh!
With all her babies..She's finally letting me take her picture!
Waving to the characters in the parade!
She loved, loved, loved the parade! Then we went back to the hotel for a nap. I think Daddy needed one the most! We went back to the park for the fireworks show, a few more rides and some sugary snacks! That day made everything worth it.
The next day we just hung out by the pool, went to lunch a did a little shopping. It was our unwinding day before the trip home. It was also a great day.
I'd say, overall, the trip was a success. I can't wait to go back again next year!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
My Baby is now officially a little girl!
It's been a long and VERY busy 2 months since my last post. I feel like such a loser for not updating more often, but something else always seems to take precedence. There are just not enough hours in the day to do everything I need to do, much less everything I want to do.
The most important thing that happened is that my little girl turned 4 at the end of August. I still can't believe it. It honestly feels like I just had her. The time is flying by. She's growing by leaps and bounds (it seems as if her legs are finally catching up with her long torso...), and she's maturing before my very eyes. I'm constantly asking her to stop growing and she seriously tells me that it's just not possible. Every year is more fun and exciting than the previous. As sad as I am to see the baby years fade away, I'm enjoying spending time with her as a little girl. She's like my little friend and we go everywhere together. She tells me that she loves me constantly, asks a TON of questions, and seems genuinely interested in everything that I do. She's kindhearted, polite, dynamic, hilarious, extremely intelligent and verbal, and curious. I don't think I could have wished for a more wonderful little girl and I can't believe I've had anything to do with raising such a beautiful little person.
Alright, alright...enough gushing. It's not like I'm biased or anything :) As for the birthday, we had a smaller party than normal at the local park and I'd say it was a hit! She had a blast, but it was exhausting for all. The theme was of course, princesses, because that's what she is!
The calm before the storm
Daddy manning the BBQ...per usual
Best friends...Court and Victor
Anxiously awaiting the pinata
Make a wish!
Yummy cake!
What a tiring day for both Court AND mommy!
It's been a long and VERY busy 2 months since my last post. I feel like such a loser for not updating more often, but something else always seems to take precedence. There are just not enough hours in the day to do everything I need to do, much less everything I want to do.
The most important thing that happened is that my little girl turned 4 at the end of August. I still can't believe it. It honestly feels like I just had her. The time is flying by. She's growing by leaps and bounds (it seems as if her legs are finally catching up with her long torso...), and she's maturing before my very eyes. I'm constantly asking her to stop growing and she seriously tells me that it's just not possible. Every year is more fun and exciting than the previous. As sad as I am to see the baby years fade away, I'm enjoying spending time with her as a little girl. She's like my little friend and we go everywhere together. She tells me that she loves me constantly, asks a TON of questions, and seems genuinely interested in everything that I do. She's kindhearted, polite, dynamic, hilarious, extremely intelligent and verbal, and curious. I don't think I could have wished for a more wonderful little girl and I can't believe I've had anything to do with raising such a beautiful little person.
Alright, alright...enough gushing. It's not like I'm biased or anything :) As for the birthday, we had a smaller party than normal at the local park and I'd say it was a hit! She had a blast, but it was exhausting for all. The theme was of course, princesses, because that's what she is!
The calm before the storm
Daddy manning the BBQ...per usual
Best friends...Court and Victor
Anxiously awaiting the pinata
Make a wish!
Yummy cake!
What a tiring day for both Court AND mommy!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Ahhh...those summer days!
I love summer. Watching Courtney enjoy all the summer activities I used to do as a kid just makes me so happy. She's a big scaredy-cat like I was at that age, though. She's currently frightened of the water and will only go in the sprinkler or wade in a kiddie pool. Casey took her to Lake Don Pedro and she wouldn't step foot in the lake, but she sure loved the boatrides
We went to the Alameda County Fair a couple of weeks ago and she ate her way through the whole place: cotton candy, pickle, snowcone, french fries, popcorn. I'm surprised she didn't get sick. I don't normally let her have any of that stuff, so she just went hogwild
The 4th of July was great! We went to my father in law's house where fireworks are still legal. Don't know how long they will stay that way, so I wanted my baby girl to have a chance to play with the sparklers the way I did. She absolutely LOVED it. She kept saying "mom, this is soooo cool!"
I've taken some days off work and spent them at the local park with her. They have a petting zoo and carousel and train ride. She likes it there, though she's suddenly afraid of climbing on the jungle gym now. Oh lord, this child! Below is a pic of my little "turkey" at the park
It's just been lazy weekends like that...enjoying the weather, playing in the water, eating summer treats! But the rest of the summer is going to be quite busy! She's going to Canada with Casey and his father for a three days next month. I can't get away from work at that time, so I won't be going with them. It's going to be the longest we've ever been away from each other, so it will be hard for me, but I have to admit I am looking a little forward to the alone time....sleeping in, catching up on my scrapbooking, going to some yoga and spin classes, maybe a girl's night out one night. Below is my baby's pic for her little passport.
I can't believe she's three and has a passport! I want her to travel a lot. It's one of the reasons we're only having one. We want to see the world and it's easier to do so with just one!
She's turning 4 next month, so I'm beginning to plan her little party with all her school friends. I can't believe my baby is turning 4! She's such a little girl now and not a baby anymore! She'll always be MY baby, though...
I love summer. Watching Courtney enjoy all the summer activities I used to do as a kid just makes me so happy. She's a big scaredy-cat like I was at that age, though. She's currently frightened of the water and will only go in the sprinkler or wade in a kiddie pool. Casey took her to Lake Don Pedro and she wouldn't step foot in the lake, but she sure loved the boatrides
We went to the Alameda County Fair a couple of weeks ago and she ate her way through the whole place: cotton candy, pickle, snowcone, french fries, popcorn. I'm surprised she didn't get sick. I don't normally let her have any of that stuff, so she just went hogwild
The 4th of July was great! We went to my father in law's house where fireworks are still legal. Don't know how long they will stay that way, so I wanted my baby girl to have a chance to play with the sparklers the way I did. She absolutely LOVED it. She kept saying "mom, this is soooo cool!"
I've taken some days off work and spent them at the local park with her. They have a petting zoo and carousel and train ride. She likes it there, though she's suddenly afraid of climbing on the jungle gym now. Oh lord, this child! Below is a pic of my little "turkey" at the park
It's just been lazy weekends like that...enjoying the weather, playing in the water, eating summer treats! But the rest of the summer is going to be quite busy! She's going to Canada with Casey and his father for a three days next month. I can't get away from work at that time, so I won't be going with them. It's going to be the longest we've ever been away from each other, so it will be hard for me, but I have to admit I am looking a little forward to the alone time....sleeping in, catching up on my scrapbooking, going to some yoga and spin classes, maybe a girl's night out one night. Below is my baby's pic for her little passport.
I can't believe she's three and has a passport! I want her to travel a lot. It's one of the reasons we're only having one. We want to see the world and it's easier to do so with just one!
She's turning 4 next month, so I'm beginning to plan her little party with all her school friends. I can't believe my baby is turning 4! She's such a little girl now and not a baby anymore! She'll always be MY baby, though...
Monday, June 23, 2008
No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth
I know it's been a long time since I've updated. THings have been crazy in the Houtz household. I am working a lot and our weekends have been packed with activities since the weather warmed up.
I debated whether or not to keep up with this blog. It started out as a way to document Court as a baby and all of her firsts, but sadly, she is not much of a baby anymore. I can't believe she is almost four. I look at her, really look at her sometimes, and am blown away by what Casey and I created. She's such a beautiful, kind, funny and extremely smart little girl. I just enjoy hanging out with her. She cracks me up! She's just grown into her own little person and every day I sit and watch and wonder what new and exciting things she's going to do and say that day.
She definitely has some of her parents' traits, though. She is shy, cautious, creative, and indoor person like myself. She looks like me in her shape of face and her eyes, and unfortunately, she has my flat feet and my knock knees. She most looks like me when she is scowling. She is stubborn, curious, and LOVES animals like her father. She has is gorgeous lips, dark blond hair, long eyelashes and big blue eyes. She most looks like him when she is looking at something with curious wonderment. I feel in a lot of ways, she got the best of both of us.
So, I have decided to continue with the blog and document the exciting adventures of this amazing creature as she approaches four. The stresses of toddlerhood (potty training, temper tantrums, sleep training) seem to almost bed behind us. I know that a whole different set of stresses awaits us, but I have to honestly say, I'm looking forward to it!
I know it's been a long time since I've updated. THings have been crazy in the Houtz household. I am working a lot and our weekends have been packed with activities since the weather warmed up.
I debated whether or not to keep up with this blog. It started out as a way to document Court as a baby and all of her firsts, but sadly, she is not much of a baby anymore. I can't believe she is almost four. I look at her, really look at her sometimes, and am blown away by what Casey and I created. She's such a beautiful, kind, funny and extremely smart little girl. I just enjoy hanging out with her. She cracks me up! She's just grown into her own little person and every day I sit and watch and wonder what new and exciting things she's going to do and say that day.
She definitely has some of her parents' traits, though. She is shy, cautious, creative, and indoor person like myself. She looks like me in her shape of face and her eyes, and unfortunately, she has my flat feet and my knock knees. She most looks like me when she is scowling. She is stubborn, curious, and LOVES animals like her father. She has is gorgeous lips, dark blond hair, long eyelashes and big blue eyes. She most looks like him when she is looking at something with curious wonderment. I feel in a lot of ways, she got the best of both of us.
So, I have decided to continue with the blog and document the exciting adventures of this amazing creature as she approaches four. The stresses of toddlerhood (potty training, temper tantrums, sleep training) seem to almost bed behind us. I know that a whole different set of stresses awaits us, but I have to honestly say, I'm looking forward to it!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Our "evolved" family
I called my husband on my way home from work yesterday to let himn know I was on my way and he sounded irritated by something Court had said or done.
"do you know what your daughter just said to me. My mommy should be home soon...you better have her dinner ready"
I proceeded to howl with laughter. Dead silence on the other end.
"It's not funny...why doesn't she say that stuff to you?"
I'm so proud!
I called my husband on my way home from work yesterday to let himn know I was on my way and he sounded irritated by something Court had said or done.
"do you know what your daughter just said to me. My mommy should be home soon...you better have her dinner ready"
I proceeded to howl with laughter. Dead silence on the other end.
"It's not funny...why doesn't she say that stuff to you?"
I'm so proud!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Boyfriend...EXCUSE ME!
Yeah, I dropped Court off at school the other day and her teacher told me that Courtney decided that Victor ( a fellow 3-year old ) is her boyfriend. What? Where did she even hear that term? Ummm...ok, maybe I shouldn't let her watch Hannah Montana, but it all seemed pretty harmless at the time. Anyways, her teacher doesn't think it's a big deal because she doesn't seem to know what it even means. That whole day, she just dragged poor Victor around and ordered him to tell everyone he was her boyfriend or she was going to break up with him. While the teacher thinks it's cute, I'm a little worried..for 2 reasons: 1) I don't want my kid to be that precocious, agressive girl that starts calling and chasing boys at like age 7...not going to happen 2) I'm concerned that she thinks the definition of a boyfriend is a boy you can boss around. Ummm...ok, she may have gotten that from watching me and my husband :) The funny thing is that Victor just follows her around and does whatever she says. Maybe I should be proud that she is showing such "leadership" skills at such a young age?
now, does this look like a bossy, high-maintenance diva in training...
ummm...yeah!
Yeah, I dropped Court off at school the other day and her teacher told me that Courtney decided that Victor ( a fellow 3-year old ) is her boyfriend. What? Where did she even hear that term? Ummm...ok, maybe I shouldn't let her watch Hannah Montana, but it all seemed pretty harmless at the time. Anyways, her teacher doesn't think it's a big deal because she doesn't seem to know what it even means. That whole day, she just dragged poor Victor around and ordered him to tell everyone he was her boyfriend or she was going to break up with him. While the teacher thinks it's cute, I'm a little worried..for 2 reasons: 1) I don't want my kid to be that precocious, agressive girl that starts calling and chasing boys at like age 7...not going to happen 2) I'm concerned that she thinks the definition of a boyfriend is a boy you can boss around. Ummm...ok, she may have gotten that from watching me and my husband :) The funny thing is that Victor just follows her around and does whatever she says. Maybe I should be proud that she is showing such "leadership" skills at such a young age?
now, does this look like a bossy, high-maintenance diva in training...
ummm...yeah!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Now I lay me down to sleep...
Courtney seems to have found religion lately. Her godparents got her this really great children's bible that she just loves. Every night at bedtime, she asks daddy to read her a "Baby Jesus" story. She listens intently and asks a ton of questions (which I do not know the answer to). I have to admit that there have been a couple of scary stories (Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac was little disturbing to read to her), but she takes it all in stride and says that Jesus is a "superhero"! Yes, he is baby!
After the story, she says her prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
The angels watch me through the night
and keep me in their blessed sight.
Yay-men!
I said "baby, it's Amen". "I want to say yay-men". Well, ok, then, works for me!
Courtney seems to have found religion lately. Her godparents got her this really great children's bible that she just loves. Every night at bedtime, she asks daddy to read her a "Baby Jesus" story. She listens intently and asks a ton of questions (which I do not know the answer to). I have to admit that there have been a couple of scary stories (Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac was little disturbing to read to her), but she takes it all in stride and says that Jesus is a "superhero"! Yes, he is baby!
After the story, she says her prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
The angels watch me through the night
and keep me in their blessed sight.
Yay-men!
I said "baby, it's Amen". "I want to say yay-men". Well, ok, then, works for me!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The busy month of March continues
Last month, when Casey and I looked at our family calendar for March, that we WAY overbooked ourselves, but we were determined to not only make it through but have a great time in the process, and I believe we've done that so far. Only one week left :)
A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Disney Princess on Ice show. We weren't sure she was going to sit still or like it so much, but she absolutely LOVED it and behaved so well. My eyes just teared up watching her enjoy herself so much. It's great seeing all these things through her excited eyes.
Getting ready for the show. She still has no idea where we are going..
Our little princess
The following weekend, we were off to San Diego and Seaworld! We had some timeshare points we had to use or lose so we impulsively booked a long weekend in San Diego. There were so many options of what to do there, but I'm a strong believer in not overstimulating a kid (an overtired kid is a cranky kid), but we only wanted to schedule one major event for the vacation. We settled on Sea World because she's never seen dolphins and whales and I personally, LOVE them.
She was great on the plane. We even got several compliments from fellow passengers about how quite and well behaved she was (really? MY kid?). We met up with my father in law at the SD airport (he lives in Palm Springs), grabbed some lunch and started exploring. Our hotel was right on a beach and though the weather was kind of crappy, the view was still spectacular.
Court's favorite thing to do was chase the seagulls!
The next day was SeaWorld. The weather was still pretty overcast, but Court insisted on wearing her sunglasses the whole day!
Waiting for the show...
She really loved the Shamu show (and so did I)
We booked a behind the scenes tour where we got to pet the dolphins (Court said they were too cold). It was AWESOME! Here is Razzle!
We went home the next day. She was so tuckered out, she fell asleep on the plane before it even took off.
Casey left for a boys trip in Vegas a few days later. Court and I had a good time just us girls.
Easter was really fun this year. It was lowkey. We did a brunch at grandma's house. We did an Easter Egg hunt too and she was really into it. The only down side of this Easter is that she won't wear a dress (or any pants with zippers and buttons), but she still looked cute. She ALWAYS looks cute...
Today, we are going to the Wiggles concert. Wish us luck!
Last month, when Casey and I looked at our family calendar for March, that we WAY overbooked ourselves, but we were determined to not only make it through but have a great time in the process, and I believe we've done that so far. Only one week left :)
A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Disney Princess on Ice show. We weren't sure she was going to sit still or like it so much, but she absolutely LOVED it and behaved so well. My eyes just teared up watching her enjoy herself so much. It's great seeing all these things through her excited eyes.
Getting ready for the show. She still has no idea where we are going..
Our little princess
The following weekend, we were off to San Diego and Seaworld! We had some timeshare points we had to use or lose so we impulsively booked a long weekend in San Diego. There were so many options of what to do there, but I'm a strong believer in not overstimulating a kid (an overtired kid is a cranky kid), but we only wanted to schedule one major event for the vacation. We settled on Sea World because she's never seen dolphins and whales and I personally, LOVE them.
She was great on the plane. We even got several compliments from fellow passengers about how quite and well behaved she was (really? MY kid?). We met up with my father in law at the SD airport (he lives in Palm Springs), grabbed some lunch and started exploring. Our hotel was right on a beach and though the weather was kind of crappy, the view was still spectacular.
Court's favorite thing to do was chase the seagulls!
The next day was SeaWorld. The weather was still pretty overcast, but Court insisted on wearing her sunglasses the whole day!
Waiting for the show...
She really loved the Shamu show (and so did I)
We booked a behind the scenes tour where we got to pet the dolphins (Court said they were too cold). It was AWESOME! Here is Razzle!
We went home the next day. She was so tuckered out, she fell asleep on the plane before it even took off.
Casey left for a boys trip in Vegas a few days later. Court and I had a good time just us girls.
Easter was really fun this year. It was lowkey. We did a brunch at grandma's house. We did an Easter Egg hunt too and she was really into it. The only down side of this Easter is that she won't wear a dress (or any pants with zippers and buttons), but she still looked cute. She ALWAYS looks cute...
Today, we are going to the Wiggles concert. Wish us luck!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Praise to the Potty Training Gods!
I have been avoiding talking about my latest obsession because it just really upset me there for awhile. Court was just adamant about sitting on the potty or even discussing it. It was quite frustrating because she was almost completely trained last summer and when I switched her from her nanny to her daycare, she totally backslid and seemed almost afraid of the toilet. I tried everything: a potty chart, M&M rewards (I know, I know a big no-no), buying pretty panties, potty videos and books...heck, we even bribed her with a trip to Disneyland. But nothing worked. It was causing tension between her and I, so I backed off, but still read every potty book and article I could get my hands on, mainly to convince myself that my kid wasn't a complete anomaly. I was completely convinced that my five year old was going to start Kindergarten in a diaper. I'm not sure why it upset me so. I think I had big expectations for her since she did everything so early developmentally. I kept hearing that little girls potty train much earlier and had friends with kids who were trained at 2! People were starting to give me looks when they noticed that my 3 1/2 year old was still in a pull-up. Strangers can really be so judgemental. Just when I was about to throw in the towel, a very stressful situation suddenly presented itself and brought with it some unexpected results!
Two weeks ago, our daycare provider told us that her mom was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer and she was leaving immediately to Oregon to care for her. I had 24 hours to find a new babysitter. I am embarrassed to admit that I cried for that entire day from the stress and the fear and ashamed that my prayers weren't totally with the DCP and her mother. My kid is very shy and doesn't handle change very well (or so I thought). I continue to be convinced that I lead some sort of charmed life, because I found an AMAZING Montessori program down the street from my house within a couple of days that was exactly what we were looking for and they took kids that WEREN'T POTTY TRAINED! Hallelujah!
I planned on her only being at the preschool for a half day that first day to get used to it. When I dropped her off, she was very nervous and sat in the corner, rubbing her eyes to avoid interacting with anyone. When I left, she stood at the door and waved goodbye with the saddest look on her face. I was heartbroken. I couldn't concentrate on my work and was convinced that I made a major mistake. Then, when I went to pick her up, I didn't see her immediately and asked where she was. "Oh, Courtney is in the bathroom!" Excuse me! Apparently, my stubborn child had been using the "big potty" all morning with absolutely no coaxing from anyone. I was floored. I tried not to make a big deal about it because I didn't want to embarrass her, but I swear, I wanted to just drop to my knees and cry! I had tried everything to get her to just SIT on the potty, and a few hours of good, old-fashioned peer pressure solved the problem! Who knew!
She uses the potty pretty regularly now (except for #2, but hey, I'll take what I can get right now). She's still in a pull up but keeps it dry during the day. I will switch her to panties in a couple of weeks when she gets more used to her school. She LOVES school and her new friends. She seems to have forged an immediate and sweet bond with her teacher and just feels comfortable there. She's even taking an afternoon nap (which she hasn't done in a year!) I swear, it's like she's a different kid. No more tantrums either. She's just the sweetest thing now that she feels more independent and is getting more rest.
I'm grateful for being forced into this change that I was convinced my family wasn't ready for! We're all happier because of it.
I have been avoiding talking about my latest obsession because it just really upset me there for awhile. Court was just adamant about sitting on the potty or even discussing it. It was quite frustrating because she was almost completely trained last summer and when I switched her from her nanny to her daycare, she totally backslid and seemed almost afraid of the toilet. I tried everything: a potty chart, M&M rewards (I know, I know a big no-no), buying pretty panties, potty videos and books...heck, we even bribed her with a trip to Disneyland. But nothing worked. It was causing tension between her and I, so I backed off, but still read every potty book and article I could get my hands on, mainly to convince myself that my kid wasn't a complete anomaly. I was completely convinced that my five year old was going to start Kindergarten in a diaper. I'm not sure why it upset me so. I think I had big expectations for her since she did everything so early developmentally. I kept hearing that little girls potty train much earlier and had friends with kids who were trained at 2! People were starting to give me looks when they noticed that my 3 1/2 year old was still in a pull-up. Strangers can really be so judgemental. Just when I was about to throw in the towel, a very stressful situation suddenly presented itself and brought with it some unexpected results!
Two weeks ago, our daycare provider told us that her mom was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer and she was leaving immediately to Oregon to care for her. I had 24 hours to find a new babysitter. I am embarrassed to admit that I cried for that entire day from the stress and the fear and ashamed that my prayers weren't totally with the DCP and her mother. My kid is very shy and doesn't handle change very well (or so I thought). I continue to be convinced that I lead some sort of charmed life, because I found an AMAZING Montessori program down the street from my house within a couple of days that was exactly what we were looking for and they took kids that WEREN'T POTTY TRAINED! Hallelujah!
I planned on her only being at the preschool for a half day that first day to get used to it. When I dropped her off, she was very nervous and sat in the corner, rubbing her eyes to avoid interacting with anyone. When I left, she stood at the door and waved goodbye with the saddest look on her face. I was heartbroken. I couldn't concentrate on my work and was convinced that I made a major mistake. Then, when I went to pick her up, I didn't see her immediately and asked where she was. "Oh, Courtney is in the bathroom!" Excuse me! Apparently, my stubborn child had been using the "big potty" all morning with absolutely no coaxing from anyone. I was floored. I tried not to make a big deal about it because I didn't want to embarrass her, but I swear, I wanted to just drop to my knees and cry! I had tried everything to get her to just SIT on the potty, and a few hours of good, old-fashioned peer pressure solved the problem! Who knew!
She uses the potty pretty regularly now (except for #2, but hey, I'll take what I can get right now). She's still in a pull up but keeps it dry during the day. I will switch her to panties in a couple of weeks when she gets more used to her school. She LOVES school and her new friends. She seems to have forged an immediate and sweet bond with her teacher and just feels comfortable there. She's even taking an afternoon nap (which she hasn't done in a year!) I swear, it's like she's a different kid. No more tantrums either. She's just the sweetest thing now that she feels more independent and is getting more rest.
I'm grateful for being forced into this change that I was convinced my family wasn't ready for! We're all happier because of it.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Drama Queen update
Nothing in particular going on. I just crack up at my kid on a daily basis.
Below are some pics with her new scooter (thanks Auntie Gloria and Uncle Matt). At first, I was a little apprehensive because she is not exactly the most graceful of children, but after she put all her pads and her helmet on, we all felt a little better about it. Though, to be honest, I think she's more excited about the pads. She hasn't done much more than push it up and down the hallway and look at herself in the mirror.
Nothing in particular going on. I just crack up at my kid on a daily basis.
Below are some pics with her new scooter (thanks Auntie Gloria and Uncle Matt). At first, I was a little apprehensive because she is not exactly the most graceful of children, but after she put all her pads and her helmet on, we all felt a little better about it. Though, to be honest, I think she's more excited about the pads. She hasn't done much more than push it up and down the hallway and look at herself in the mirror.
Latest Courtneyisms:
This is a story she told me the other night during bedtime:
"Once upon a time there was a beautiful, mysterious mermaid princess who lived in a castle under the sea. There was a bunch of water in it. Then, happily ever after, she couldn't swim in the castle because a mean octopus came along and cut her tail off with the scissors. The end"
Kind of disturbing :)
She came out of her room with a hat, her tap shoes, a purse and sunglasses..."Sorry it took me so long, mommy, but I had to get fabulous". Well, ok then!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Mother of All Courtneyisms:
Court: (while watching me get dressed in the morning), Mommy, I think I need a bra...
Me: Baby, maybe when you get bigger. You don't have any chi chis yet
Court: Yes I do (pointing to her chest) They're right here!
I think my husband is going to have a heart attack! I personally found it hysterical!
Some others:
Me: What do you want to wear to the grocery store
Court: I don't know, mommy, I haven't decided yet
Me: Well, we need to get dressed soon
Court: I'll figure it out later!
Excuse me!
Me: Hurry up baby, mommy is late for a meeting
Court: Well, call them and tell them they have to start without you
Now, why didn't I think of that :)
Court: (while watching me get dressed in the morning), Mommy, I think I need a bra...
Me: Baby, maybe when you get bigger. You don't have any chi chis yet
Court: Yes I do (pointing to her chest) They're right here!
I think my husband is going to have a heart attack! I personally found it hysterical!
Some others:
Me: What do you want to wear to the grocery store
Court: I don't know, mommy, I haven't decided yet
Me: Well, we need to get dressed soon
Court: I'll figure it out later!
Excuse me!
Me: Hurry up baby, mommy is late for a meeting
Court: Well, call them and tell them they have to start without you
Now, why didn't I think of that :)
Friday, January 04, 2008
Christmas Rocked!
It was the most amazing Christmas I've ever had. Court was soooo into it this year. She supervised the purchasing and hanging of the Christmas lights as well as the purchase and decorating of the tree!
She only asked for one thing from Santa, and wrote a 3 page letter to him requesting a Dora Mermaid (that spins). I saved the letter for her memento box. It was just a bunch of lines of little circles. It was sooooo cute. But my daughter is not just a taker. She also enjoyed going Christmas shopping with me and picking out presents for others, especially for "Gamma". She had overheard my mom say that she needed a new pair of slippers, so Court got her a FEW pair. She also insisted on helping Casey wrap the presents, which means each box had 18 pieces of tape and 4 bows!
My stubborn girl didn't want to go see Santa this year. (Though she did yell out to him in passing at the mall that she really wanted that Dora Mermaid). So, we had to improvise with the Christmas card picture. After several failed attempts, Casey finally got the pic below in our front yard with all the Christmas lights.
Not bad for an amateur!
My family has quite a few holiday traditions that I've been anxious to share with Court as she's gotten older. One of them is a baking day with my mom. Court wasn't the least bit interested, but my mom and I had a blast!
Court was more interested in eating the finished products!
Christmas itself was AMAZING. Christmas Eve she wanted to go to bed right away so Santa would come. She carefully arranged his Oreos and Rudolph's baby carrots on a baby plate and crawled into our bed. When she was asleep, Casey and I drank some champagne (while he ate the Oreos and fed the carrots to the dogs) and watched a movie while wrapping her presents.
She woke up fairly late surprisingly and I watched her little face as it slowly dawned on her that it was Christmas morning. I will never forget that look of excitement as long as I live! She ran out there and ripped throught 8 presents in about 5 minutes. I was cracking it up! It was serious business with my little girl. She would open one, make a funny comment, literally throw it over her shoulder and rip into the next one. "Oh ANOTHER pair of Crocs, I already have so many silly Santa" were some of her exact words. She was sooo excited when she opened the Dora Mermaid. Mommy and Daddy were less excited when it took us almost 15 minutes to remove all the ties and tape to take the doll out of the actual box! They adult proof those things!
Overall, it was wonderful and I will treasure the memories always!
Here's a pic of her trying on her dressup princess clothes and shoes.
Using her doctor kit to check on Fred!
And just a cute pic of her modeling her winter hat!
It was the most amazing Christmas I've ever had. Court was soooo into it this year. She supervised the purchasing and hanging of the Christmas lights as well as the purchase and decorating of the tree!
She only asked for one thing from Santa, and wrote a 3 page letter to him requesting a Dora Mermaid (that spins). I saved the letter for her memento box. It was just a bunch of lines of little circles. It was sooooo cute. But my daughter is not just a taker. She also enjoyed going Christmas shopping with me and picking out presents for others, especially for "Gamma". She had overheard my mom say that she needed a new pair of slippers, so Court got her a FEW pair. She also insisted on helping Casey wrap the presents, which means each box had 18 pieces of tape and 4 bows!
My stubborn girl didn't want to go see Santa this year. (Though she did yell out to him in passing at the mall that she really wanted that Dora Mermaid). So, we had to improvise with the Christmas card picture. After several failed attempts, Casey finally got the pic below in our front yard with all the Christmas lights.
Not bad for an amateur!
My family has quite a few holiday traditions that I've been anxious to share with Court as she's gotten older. One of them is a baking day with my mom. Court wasn't the least bit interested, but my mom and I had a blast!
Court was more interested in eating the finished products!
Christmas itself was AMAZING. Christmas Eve she wanted to go to bed right away so Santa would come. She carefully arranged his Oreos and Rudolph's baby carrots on a baby plate and crawled into our bed. When she was asleep, Casey and I drank some champagne (while he ate the Oreos and fed the carrots to the dogs) and watched a movie while wrapping her presents.
She woke up fairly late surprisingly and I watched her little face as it slowly dawned on her that it was Christmas morning. I will never forget that look of excitement as long as I live! She ran out there and ripped throught 8 presents in about 5 minutes. I was cracking it up! It was serious business with my little girl. She would open one, make a funny comment, literally throw it over her shoulder and rip into the next one. "Oh ANOTHER pair of Crocs, I already have so many silly Santa" were some of her exact words. She was sooo excited when she opened the Dora Mermaid. Mommy and Daddy were less excited when it took us almost 15 minutes to remove all the ties and tape to take the doll out of the actual box! They adult proof those things!
Overall, it was wonderful and I will treasure the memories always!
Here's a pic of her trying on her dressup princess clothes and shoes.
Using her doctor kit to check on Fred!
And just a cute pic of her modeling her winter hat!
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