Birthdays, Pumpkins, Halloween & A Whole Lot of Other Amazing Stuff

We carved pumkins last night. Kariana pointed at the pumpkins saying "pumpkins . . . pumpkins . . . light . . . light . . . ," which fortunately has replaced "pumpkins . . . pumpkins . . . poop . . . poop" indicating that a bird had pooped on one of the pumpkins earlier in the week.

Kariana telling us she is going to be "one . . . two . . ." years old.

I can’t even begin to believe how fast time flies and that I’m about to have a two-year old! This week we are gearing up for Kariana’s birthday and Halloween. When I ask her what she’s going to dress up as on Halloween she proudly says a “bee” and giggling she waits for me to make my funny “buzzz” noise and tickle her. Then I ask her how old she is going to be and she counts “one . . . two!” We’ve even been practicing the Happy Birthday song and she acts like she is blowing out the candles (similar to when she blows bubbles in the swimming pool). All of this is truly amazing to me. I can’t believe the progress we have made communicating with Kariana. I remember Doctor Koush saying to me that the word explosion occurs between 18 and 24 months but never in a million years did I think I would be having real conversations with my daughter at this point. I can see the frustration level diminishing in her when we are able to understand what she is trying to tell us. I can’t explain how much fun it is to watch her communicate with us in her primitive almost-two-year old way. This is only one example but this weekend Kariana came running into the house after having been at the park with daddy. She was babbling excitedly about something but obviously trying to tell me a story.

K: “Park . . . park . . . daddy . . . daddy.”
Me: “Did you go to the park with daddy?”
K: Nods head and says “yes” while patting the top of her head. Then says “waah . . . waah . . .” while pretending to rub her eyes (usually indicates a baby is crying).
Me: “Oh, no. Did you fall and hit your head at the park?”
K: Looks at me with big eyes and says “yes.”
Me: “Oh, no. Did you cry?”
K: Nods head and says “yes.”
Me: “Did daddy kiss it and make it feel better?”
K: Nods head and says “yes.”
Me: “So, you’re all better now?”
K: Nods head and says “yes.”
Me: “Oh good, I’m glad you’re all better. Are you ready to eat dinner?”
K: Nods head and says “eat . . . eat . . . cookie . . . cookie . . . please.” She emphasizes "cookie . . . cookie . . . and please" with an inquisitive expression.

Oh brother, how do you refuse that?

In honor of the birthday girl!


Thanks Aunt Kari for my birthday t-shirt.

Elmo's Potty Time Video

The debate about toddlers and television rages on and as Kariana approaches two years old, I have to admit I’ve become pretty relaxed on this subject. Kariana’s favorites are Sesame Street, Dora, Thomas and Mickey Mouse and I see the learning opportunities in these shows. Plus, if it helps to divert her attention and keep her happy while I’m trying to get ready for work or get dinner on the table, I consider a few minutes of Sesame Street a win-win for everyone. But even I was against purchasing a portable DVD player for Kariana until we were flying across country this summer. I have to admit the portable DVD player that I purchased (against my better judgment) helped pass the time on our four hour plane ride.

One of the videos I picked up was Elmo’s Potty Time. Every day Kariana asks “Elmo Potty” which translated means “May I watch Elmo’s Potty Time video?” We haven’t pushed potty training with her. Until recently when we asked her if she wanted to sit on the potty and try to pee pee or poo poo, she would shake her head no. Although with any toddler “no” sometimes means “yes” and “yes” sometimes means “no.” So despite the shaking of her head no, she often sits on her little potty and pretends she is going to the bathroom but she doesn’t really go. It is clear to us that Kariana understands the concept because we talk about it alot but I have let her take the initiative in deciding whether she wants to sit on the potty and in the meantime she continues to watch Elmo. Lately, she's been asking for “Elmo Potty” alot and says things like “Elmo pee pee" "Mommy pee pee” “Daddy pee pee” “Bubba pee pee.” I respond “Yes, Elmo pee pees in the potty, Mommy pee pees in the potty, Daddy pee pees in the potty and Bubba pee pees in the potty too.” Okay, so Bubba is one of her Little People friends that she is obsessed with carrying around and Bubba doesn’t technically pee pee or poo poo, but at least the message gets across that everyone pee pees and poo poos in the potty.

Then the other weekend Kariana did it!! Kariana knew exactly what to do. Before bath, she pee peed in her little potty, dumped it in the big toilet, flushed and climbed up her stool to the sink to wash her hands! Since then Kariana has been pee peeing in her potty at least one time every day. I recognize that we have a long way to go before we can get rid of diapers but if Elmo can teach Kariana to use the big girl potty then praise to you portable DVD player!!!



Kariana watching Elmo's Potty Time Video while playing dress up in her princess dress.

Pumpkin Patch



This looks like a good one!



Geez, this is heavy. Can someone lend me a hand?



Sucker . . . .

 

I knew he was good for something.

Thanks Dad!

Thanks Mom!

All we heard afterwards was "patch" "Emma" "mommy daddy me." Translated: "I went to the pumpkin patch with mommy, daddy and Emma."