Baking with a toddler

Usually I bake when Leila is napping.  It just seems easier (and not so messy) that way.  Today I decided to try to make these easy healthy breakfast muffins I saw on Betsylife with Leila's help.  The entire experience was a success!

You were thrilled to mix the dry ingredients...

eager to measure the pumpkin puree... 

...and mindful that the mix made it into each paper liner.

The best part, of course, was tasting the muffins.  They were perfectly moist and delicious. I loved sharing this experience with Leila and am so excited to have a helper in the kitchen. 

Do you bake with your toddler?  What are some of your easy, healthy, go-to recipes?       

You make Mommy proud!

Dear Leila,

It's official...you are not my little baby anymore.  At 28 months old you are out of diapers and wearing underwear.

Yep, Daddy is proud of you too.  (He even dressed you today!)

I really thought I would never be ready to potty-train you.  Not because I want you to stay little forever, but because I was afraid I would fail at potty-training you. This potty-training experience has taught me not to be afraid to fail, not to be afraid of change, and that together we can do anything!

You have made me so proud these past few days.  You have had only a few little pee-dribble accidents (and one big one that scared you) and have stayed dry more often than not.  Today we went for a walk to a park with no bathroom nearby and you stayed dry!  The best moment so far was Daddy catching you trying to hide and poop in your underwear.  He stopped you just in time and you went on your little potty instead.  I was surprised you actually made me stay in the bathroom with you while you did your business.  You've got this girl!

This change has not been easy on us though.  You continue to resist my suggestions to use the toilet every half hour, but Mommy knows best.  Soon enough you will be able to initiate going on your own, but until then we will be practicing a lot.  I want you to be successful, yet I realize at the same time that you will learn from your accidents.  My plan is to remain consistent so you learn what is expected.

I am not sure what challenges we will face in this potty-training adventure, but I do know that we will not be looking back!

Keep up the great work Leila.  I love you!

Love, 

Mommy   

35 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 35 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up two pounds this week (to make up for last week!) Total weight gain = 21.5 lbs

Feeling: Tiny compared to the pregnant ladies (Amy, 37 weeks and Eve, 35 weeks with twins!) I hung with at the Superbowl party this weekend.  It really put things into perspective seeing these ladies waddle (sorry, you do!) and look generally uncomfortable even sitting down. 

Maternity clothes: Uh huh!  I love the new comfortable
clothes I ordered from Old Navy...worth every penny. 

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: Dealing with typical pregnancy insomnia.  It's been taking me over an hour and a half to fall asleep at night.  Wondering if the mid-day naps are making it worse?!

Best moment(s) this week:  Potty training is OVER!  We did it all out for one day and are done.  

Food cravings: Sweets are my thing again this week. 

Gender: Baby BOY!

Movement: Yes, but way less active than Leila was...or maybe I am just busier and don't notice it as much.

What I miss:  Order.  We are in the midst of too many organizing projects.  I enjoy organizing but not the chaos that comes with the process.

What I'm looking forward to:  My friend Lauren is throwing Carson a party this weekend!  I am excited to celebrate this little guy.

Weekly wisdom: All great things...I can still cross my legs, shave them with ease, and touch my toes.

Milestones:  35 more days! Carson is about the size of a coconut and his hearing is fully developed.  He'll be spending the next 35 days putting on some weight (as will I).

Due date: 3-13-13

The Great List {02.04.13}

Starting off the week with The Great List has been a great way to let go of all the negative and focus on the positive for the week ahead.

So proud of this girl!

1.  This was a BIG week for my favorite girl (and me too!).  We tossed the diapers and charged full speed ahead with potty-training.  I'm not going to lie, potty-training is exhausting!  But I am so glad that I finally sucked it up and did it. There's no looking back now and that is the best part.  We're done!  Yes, there will be set-backs (accidents, meltdowns, and possible regression when Carson is born) but knowing that she is diaper free is quite freeing.

2.  I got my first paycheck in nineteen months!  Even though it was half of what I expected, due to an adjustment for starting so late in the school year, it feels great to make some money for doing what I love.

3.  It's been warmer than I remember for this time of year, even in San Diego.  I welcome it after some frigid nights.  Perfect weather for me is year round flip-flop weather.  Even if I don't wear flip-flops daily, I want to know I can.

Source: google.com via Jen on Pinterest

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  

Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

Share some joy...

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