Feb end.........March begins.........what a week

So allow me to start my week on Saturday, February 26th.  Potty training boot camp (PTBC) began at the Grant house. I was determined this time. Heartbroken and embarrassed by the fact that ALL of Brenley's 3 year old friends were moving on Monday from the "potty training" room to the big kid room - the one full of field trips, new toys, paints, and cooler books.  It seriously hurt my heart, and it was up to me not to be fooled by my clever little child anymore.

The night before PTBC, we hit Target for a poster board, stickers, treats/presents and new undies.  She got to help pick ALL of it out. And even I was okay with the Diego boys briefs she picked out because at this point, I was for whatever worked.  Plus her little booty fills out boys briefs quite cutely.

Saturday morning came and we promptly got into big girl panties.  We ate breakfast and drank our milk and I urged her to go sit on the potty. So sit on the potty we did......for 3 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And no, not once did she even leak out ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!  It was the LONGEST morning of my life. By 11:30, I was fit to be tied. So we got up from the potty (me from the very hard bathroom floor), we gathered our books, and markers, and everything else we collected in the bathroom the past 3 hours, and we went about our day. 5 minutes later (maybe?) she peed ALL OVER our brown recliner. And she SOAKED it.  I was crushed.

I'll spare you all the gory details of our day, but let's just say, she finished "marking" her territory in our living room that afternoon.  She peed all over herself and never ONCE was any time in the "big girl" potty.

I will say it was one of the most emotional days I have had in a very long time. From tears and utter frustration, to a series of jumping, shouts and joys when it finally "worked" - and sometimes this would come within minutes of each other.

Breakthrough's finally started happening around 3:00 that afternoon.  We skipped Beau's basketball game. We skipped any usual Saturday errands. We were staying put in our pee stenched house until she started to get this.......and slowly she started to get this.

The evening rolled around and both Brian, Beau and I had a previous engagements, so Brian's parents came over to watch lil' B while we went our separate ways. Returning home a few hours later, I wasn't sure what to expect, but low and behold, she showed off for G&G and went potty in the big girl potty WITHOUT soaking her panties first, which is about all we got earlier in the day.  I considered the day a success.

Sunday rolled around and it was a little more of the same.  I refused to get out her out of the house because there were no more pull-up's going on her.  Finally by Sunday afternoon, we were starting to have some success where she would actually stay dry, and then potty in the big girl potty when prompted to try.  I will say, though, at this point my back was killing me as our bathroom floor and my behind became best buds over that weekend.

Monday came and I was sad for her. Sad that all her buddies would not be there at school waiting to play with her. But her panty clad booty marched into Northridge Monday morning and she proudly told Ms. Toni she potties on the big girl potty. So here we go.......

Every day when we picked her up this week, we were elated to see her in the same pants she went to school in that morning. Our big girl was getting the hang of this........finally.

On Tuesday, I discovered that my first administrative assistant that I had when I first started working at ole' Shep passed away from her brave fight with breast cancer.  I have never met someone more positive and strong than SB.

On Wednesday, Beau lost ANOTHER bottom tooth. That was the second one in the past week.  He looks toothless on that bottom row and the tooth fairy again was very generous with this handsome little boy.

On Thursday, we anxiously awaited the arrival of our two new nephews, and on March 3rd mid morning, Tyler Thomas and Brandon Martin joined the world.  My SIL is one strong woman carrying almost 13 pounds of baby that were each 20 inches long.  We couldn't wait to meet these two blessed boys.

Friday brought the funeral for SB. Talk about the Circle of Life. Pastor described SB as "living life in full throttle" and that certainly was the case.

And finally Saturday brought us to Beau's last regular season basketball game at the YMCA. He is such a little rockstar.  He did so good this season and we were so proud of him. I LOVED watching him play. All the boys on the team were a joy to watch. Sweet faced boys with killer instinct.  

After Beau's last game, we headed to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate with an end of the year party. They got their medals and trophies and Coach re-told a story of a great sportsman on the team.......his name was Beau Grant. Awww..........big feet and a tender heart.......that's our Beau.  Note the missing teeth in this first picture.

 

After our bellies were stuffed, we headed to batting practice. Then after batting practice we headed to Wesley hospital where baby T ended up on Friday. He had some problems breathing and they decided his best level of care was Wichita. After discovering he had a collapsed lung, they got him the help he needed and Saturday morning, "he was a new man."

So with L being released out of the McPherson hospital, the hubby, her and Baby B headed down to Wichita, which allowed us the pleasure of meeting at least Baby B.  He is awesome. So much black hair.  Sweet baby boy. Now we await meeting Baby T and getting to snuggle him a bit. In due time, though.

 

This is baby T. His Daddy snapped this picture for us while he was still in McPherson.

Now back to Princess B.  Thursday night, Mama had to take Beau and her to Beau's B-ball practice because Daddy went to McPherson to meet his new nephews and visit his Sis and BIL.  I was nervous because this would be our first dissension on the public restroom. She rocked it. No wet panties and no stage fright.   I breathed a sigh of relief.

Saturday we were literally on the go almost the entire afternoon. Princess B told me when she had to potty. We made it to the restroom and she pottied.....just like a big girl should. The pride oozed out of me.

Now I realize we are not 100% out of the woods. I failed to mention the "poop" incident earlier this week. Let's just say, "poop water" is now a funny phrase in our house. And speaking of poop........we haven't see any come out of her since our earlier incidence this week.......so time will tell on the ole #2. But look at her Potty sticker chart........she and I are both proud of this!

See, I told you this was quite a week. And on Sunday.........we played games and rested (and hopefully pooped)!!!

Brenley Gets a Haircut - a real one this time

So the boys got up Saturday morning to get their haircut (at the insistence of Mama).  Brenley overheard they were going to get their haircut and she wanted one too.  We preoccupied her with something else and the boys went on their way.  But she kept telling me that she wanted her haircut too.  Now I should say, I have been contemplating a haircut for her. Thinking it would thicken up her baby fine hair, and knowing it would be a lot easier to care for as we head into Spring/Summer. But I wasn't planning to do it this weekend...........but she kept insisting..........

So I called our haircut place, and got her in............and here is my pretty girl.  A lot of the blond is gone in the back, so she is officially a "dirty blond" but she still is very pretty, and was it ever easy to brush! This is our big girl with her first "noticeable" hair cut!

End of the Birthday Night

It's Sunday night, February 6th.  Brenley's birthday is coming to a close. Brian and I have the kids in jammies. They are back in their room's watching TV.  We are settled in and watching a great Super Bowl game, and to what did our wandering ears hear?  Brenley crying and whimpering. We didn't think much of it as she does that when her DVD skips, but I kept hearing her. No screaming for Mommy. No"HELP!", just soft whimpering and crying. So I ran back there and found her swimming in PUKE!  OREO PUKE!   Black gooey oreo puke! But allow me to rewind the story a bit. When I ran back there I didn't turn on the light, so all I see is this dark stuff surrounding her body, it's on the bed, in her hair. I immediately think it is blood so I scream blood curdling screams for Brian to get back there and turn on the light, as I have picked her up at this point and am basically frozen, and we quickly realize it wasn't blood - thank goodness - but boy did I get every one's adrenaline pumping last night.

So back to the oreo's.............I let her have some mini oreo's earlier that evening/afternoon, because after all, it was her birthday. Guess I didn't realize how many she ate!  Lesson learned and boy did we feel awful. She, however, felt a ton better.  She got another bath (it was in her hair and all over her).  Her bedspread and sheets got a good scrub down.........and by good scrub down I mean we washed them twice scrubbing the black goo off the comforter by hand. We thought at one point it was a goner, but we got it out with a little more Zout, a soak over night, and a lot more scrubbing.

So anyway, that's how we ended the 3rd birthday........

Brenley is 3

So anyone that spends anytime with Brenley is immediately attracted to her orneriness, humor, stubbornness, strong will, and heavy charm. I happen to be included in that group. This little woman is the bestest little girlfriend a mama could ask for.

No doubt she makes me tired, as you never know what mood she might be in.  And her "do it myself" attitude can really slow things down. She gets frustrated, I get frustrated..........but in the end I've learned........just leave her alone, she'll get it figured out. She might kick and scream the whole way, but she will get it figured out.  I love the determination in her and it makes me want to bang my head all at the same time. 

So this year has went by so fast.  She speaks really well now (although stuttering is still an issue as she thinks about using the correct words). She is a jumper. She LOVES to jump and climb.  She continues to love her books, coloring, Dora movies, and being outside. Her recent love has been hitting a baseball off a tee stand and wanting to catch a ball. Her Daddy likes that so much that he bought her a pink bat and glove for her birthday.

She has warmed up to the idea of wearing dresses - especially princess dresses. And she even tolerates skirts.  She has to wear her hair in ponies - at least one, if not two.  She is growing out of the nap stage and that hurts my heart a bit, although, when she does sleep............... I could watch her the entire time. She is such a beauty. Long eyelashes. Petite nose. Pretty shaped mouth.

When she wants to give you love, she gives you love. "Hold on tight" hugs are what she is famous for, and she gives good kisses, but don't take offense if she doesn't want to love you...........it has to be her decision.

We have yet to master the potty.  I have to say, it's one of the things I am most worried about. The fact that she dresses herself from head to toe (by herself), and supposedly goes at daycare and has dry pull-up's all day.......should give me some solace in knowing it will happen one day...........but it hasn't yet. I don't understand why she won't potty in the potty when she is at home. You don't have to tell me. I already realize this is a sign of things to come.

Oh by the way, considering I am looking at her right now sneak a drink of my soda..........did I mention she is a fan of Dr. Pepper? Good grief!  And her love of Cheetos, sausage and M&M's also continues! And yes, sometimes those are eaten all at the same time. (Did I mention we were going for Parent of the Year awards?).

Well, that's the update as I know it right now of my perfect Brenley May.  She is just the sunshine of my day. I love her, I love her, I love her. Happy Birthday, baby girl. I hope you have a wonderful year!

Brenley's Birthday Party (2 of 3)

We had an awesome day with both sets of grandparents today.  We celebrated Brenley's birthday one day early so we could take advantage of  sunny day, Bedlam basketball (albeit not on Kansas TV!), and Beau's afternoon basketball game.

We had a nice lunch together, Brenley opened her presents, then we had yummy cake (that Brenley decided to lick, then later cut the pieces herself) and ice cream  It was a great way to spend the day, and watch the wonderment of Brenley as she opened singing cards, played with dolls, puzzles, and water paints.  Oh, and she read books to her grandparents also. It was really precious.  So blessed we could have our family over today to help us celebrate.  Brenley LOVES her grandparents and I know it goes both ways. Beau had a lot of fun playing with them also.  Special day for us.

Dance With Me

So Brenley has decided that she likes to dance.  She hits a button on her "laptop" to play her favorite tun, and gets her groove on.  Her partner of choice is none other than her Daddy.  Here she is with her Princess tent, music, and dancin' with Daddy.  Precious moment.  P.S. I think I am requesting a new FLIP video camera for Valentine's Day so my video quality will be better. I like the videos on my blog, but I'm past this cheapy version I've been using! (Brian, was that hint big enough, honey?).

Winter Session Basketball

I am LOVING watching my son play basketball this season. He is a DEFENDER. Mean, tough, and smart.  I like that combination.  His team has really come together and really are all very fun to watch. They are really getting it, and so far (knock on wood) are 4-0 this session.  Today was a close game. Not many points scored, but they won in the last few minutes of the game.  They have successfully beaten both teams that beat them last session. Way to go Tigers, and way to go Beau Charlie Grant!  You have been so much fun to watch and your hustling and listening to Coach make MOM and DAD so proud!