Big Boy Underpants

Two weeks ago on a dreary Monday morning, we were stuck inside once again due to the non-spring weather and I was searching for something  I could do with the kids to pass the time.  Then I got a genius idea.  Why not potty train Brock today! 

 

 WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY????!!!!!!! 

Potty training is not all my mom cracked it up to be.  I'm pretty sure I don't have the same amount of drive and determination as my mom because she potty trained all of her children, save one (which would be 6 children) at the age of 18 months - in ONE day.  One day people.
 I have to say the first 3-5 days were the hardest.  The first day or two I was taking him to the bathroom every 10-15 minutes and the days following that I started being able to stretch it out to every 20-25 minutes.  I think by day 3 I was ready to quit.  It's not that he was having accidents or not doing well, cause he was accident free and loving it, but it was more the fact that it was consuming my entire life and I didn't have time to eat, think, or take myself to the bathroom.  Poor Sophie was probably feeling very neglected that first week too. 
Did she complain?

 Of course not.
But I of course did.  So here is the progress report:  After two weeks of potty training he is now going potty every 45-60 mins (and occasionally slightly longer) he wears a pull-up while he sleeps, although his naptime pull-up is starting to be dry when he wakes up.  He will go #2 in the toilet if I can magically sense that he needs to go and I wait with him on the toilet for about 30 minutes.  There has been an instance or two when he has told me that he needed to go potty (haaaaallelujah!!) and luckily he didn't have any accidents during church on Sunday because I was really worried about that.
So really, he has been doing a great job, I think I just didn't understand before we started on this little journey of potty training that in the beginning, it requires more discipline of the potty trainer (me) than the potty trainee.  And also that it would be nice if all toilets had a built in peepee teepee to stop the "over-spray" if you will.  I can not tell you how many outfit changes we've had to do because of that one.  Over all, I am happy with his progress and I'm glad to have him out of diapers just in time for Sophie's new solid-food diapers to start getting heinous.  I love my kiddos!

Update

What would an update be without a few pictures of Sophie? She turns 5 months old tomorrow and it is making me hyperventilate a little.  She is such a happy baby and such a good girl.  What can we say, we're crazy about her! 

 We finished our basement at the beginning of October right before Sophie was born but I don't think I ever posted pictures so here it is.  It has been a huge lifesaver to have a space to hangout with the kids and as a family.  I also teach my little singing classes down there and it's perfect.  Thanks to all who helped us finish it!

 Brock is now my little puzzle boy.  One morning he was playing really quietly in his room and I went in and saw him putting together this puzzle all by himself.  Ever since then he's been obsessed with doing puzzles.  Now he can finish this whole puzzle by himself- and fast!  When he wakes up from his nap he always says, "C'mon Momma, build a puzzle!"  I love puzzles too so it's fun for us to do together. :)

 Luke and Brock going out sledding in the back yard.  Luke doesn't get home from work until after it's already dark outside so it's freezing outside but somehow boys don't get cold when they're out playing.  Spring is coming and I'm excited for it to stay lighter a little later so they can keep playing outside together without freezing!

 "Granty Pants" as Brock calls him, or now, "Elder Pants" entered the MTC last week.  You would think after sending two other brothers on missions it would get a little easier but it was rough!  They don't let you go inside the MTC anymore, it's just a curbside drop-off now.  We went to Brick Oven with everyone and then stopped off at the temple for pictures and saying goodbye.  Let's just say there was no shortage of tears.

This picture could make me bawl.  Brock absolutely adores Grant and Granty has been such a good friend to Brocko.  It was hard trying to explain to Brock that he wouldn't see Granty for 2 years so he needed to say goodbye.  Of course he didn't understand.  I just hope he doesn't forget about his good buddy.  Granty will be an incredible missionary, we are certain of that, and we will miss him so much.  I'm so grateful to the men in Brock's life for being a good example to him and serving full time missions.  I can't even imagine what it will be like sending Brock on a mission.  Luckily I don't have to worry about that for a few more years.  Love you Granty, we miss you already!

Christmas a month late!

Here's a few pictures of Christmas.  I think I must have lost my camera on Christmas day and not found it until a week later because we have no pictures of the Black's while they were here!  Bummer!!

It was so fun to have them here in Utah...Brock and Porter had so much fun and were instant buds.  It was great to have my older sister around, I miss her so much!!  We had a great Christmas and a great week after with family and attending Grant's endowment.  So cool.  We love our families!!

 Jace, Izzy, Gabe, Brocko, Kinks in their matching Christmas jams :)

 I might have already posted this?  This is them in their matching Christmas church clothes on Sophie's blessing day!

 Brocko reading his new stories on Christmas morning.  He was so excited.

 Brock and Soph on Christmas morning.  I love that Brock couldn't even take his eyes off of his toys for two seconds to take a picture.  At least he's saying cheese though.

 Sweet Soph in her beauty jammies :)

This was the day after Christmas.  She is such a smiley girl it's so fun!

In case you forget...

here's a beautiful reminder

Happy New Year!!

Sophie Giggles

I will be posting pictures of Christmas shortly, but in the mean time, here is a little video of Sophie giggling.  I wish my voice wasn't so loud so you could hear her better but it's still cute.  Love this girl!

Holiday Cheer

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Such a Blessing

We blessed Sophie this past Sunday and it was such a neat day.  The blessing was very sweet, she had lots of supportive family, she looked darling and she was an angel all through Sacrement meeting.  Grandma Lisa bought her beautiful dress and Mimi made her adorable headband.  What a lucky girl to have such great grandmas!

After everyone left she got in her comfy cozy's and relaxed for a while with dad.  She would have put a bow in her hair had she known I was going to take a picture.  Sorry Soph. 
We love this sweetest girl ever!!