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Rachel updates:
SIZE - Rachel is finally not a size concern. She is over 24lbs at the 15th percentile for weight and on the small/average end for height and head size as well. She is fitting size 2T clothes well and size 6 shoes. We have switched to 2% milk and don't need to worry about her weight anymore!
LANGUAGE - Rachel has an unbelievable vocabulary. She speaks in full sentences like "tomorrow when I wake up I will put my sock right in the white laundry basket". She uses big words like "possibilittitities".
If you ask her "do you want yogurt or crackers?" She will answer "I want yogurt AND crackers."
Her words are a hilarious clue into her mind. She makes us laugh and we are really enjoying this stage.
FUN ACTIVITIES - these days we are spending free time at the pool, library, gymnastics class, biking or running with the stroller, hiking, shopping at the store. At home we read books, dress and undress dolls, have all our stuffed animals use the potty, have our stuffed animals say "nice to meet you", wash our hands, brush our teeth, turn on water, play with play dough, stickers, crayons, put on band aids, and help with baking, laundry, and dishes.
(sorry this is sideways)
POTTY TRAINING - Rachel woke up the morning of her 2nd birthday and refused to wear diapers. So we wore underwear. And ran over to the store and bought more underwear. And ran to the library to get out potty books and potty videos. The whole Saturday was spent in sweatshirt and underwear (a good look) staying close to the potty and trying to reduce the frequency or severity of accidents. Night time diapers. Day time underwear. Sunday we took the potty in the car and went hiking and all went well.
It has been 9 days and I would say we are good with urine going in the potty all or almost all the time. Poop has not been as successful. But Rachel has successfully used the potty or toilet at home, daycare, the doctors office, a port-a-John at the pumpkin patch, costco, on the side of the road, Walmart, friends houses, and the pool. So far no success but many attempts at squatting in the bushes. So far no accidents in the stroller, car seat, or backpack.
All in all we are happy with it and Rachel seems positive and committed. School is on board and terrific. Washing just 1 diaper a day is a huge reduction in laundry, even with extra pants.
BEDTIME STALLING - Although Rachel has always been pretty good with her bedtime routine and going to bed, she is working hard to stall. Stall to get ready for school by refusing to wear clothes and ask for more food. Stall for bedtime by asking for ... anything. For example, tonight Jason went running while Rachel had a bath. I (Meggan) got her out of the bath, brushed her teeth, gave her water, put on her night time diaper, put on pajamas, said good night to the moon, read our 2 night time stories, got the blankets and stuffed animals ready and Rachel says 'I have to poop.' So... since we are potty training, we run to the potty, remove everything, sit on the potty, go poop, and then have a big celebration with high fives and singing and dancing.
Then I try to convince Rachel to put diaper back on, sleeper back on, and go into her crib. Things Rachel said to try and stall:
Rachel: "I need to brush Duckie's hair" Meggan: "No. Diaper on. Sleeper on. Night night time."
Rachel: "I want to read Baby's Beach Ball." Meggan: "No. We already read books. Diaper on."
Rachel: "I want my purple blanket." Meggan: "Diaper and sleeper on. Then we get purple blanket."
Rachel: "Mommy did you know that we live on planet Earth? I want to see it. (we have the planets on her wall) Meggan: "Yes honey. Diaper on. Sleeper on. Night night time."
Rachel: "I want a sticker." Meggan thinks hmmmm.... Rachel is supposed to get a sticker for the wall every time she successfully poops on the potty. She says "Diaper on. Sleeper on. Night night time."
Rachel: "I want to read a story." Diaper is put on. Sleeper is put on. Meggan: "Night night time."
Rachel: "Mommy will you sleep with me?" Meggan: "No Rachel. Night night time for Rachel."
Rachel: "Mommy is this a new sheet on my bed?" Meggan. "Yes honey. Lay down for night night time."
Rachel: "Mommy did you know that this is a new sheet on my bed I guess?" Meggan: "Night night Rachel."
Rachel: "I want my feet covered." Meggan: "Night night Rachel."
Rachel: "And kiss Nunu, Mommy." Meggan "Night night Nunu. Night night Rachel."
Rachel: "Buenas noches Mommy."
