The Doughnut Store

An anecdote from this morning... Izzy: I'm going to some stores with baby in the stroller, Mommy. Mommy: Okay. What stores are you going to today? Izzy: Whole Foods, King Soopers, a new Safeway, and a doughnut store. Mommy: A doughnut store? Izzy: Yep. A doughnut store named Church.

Big news

It was a milestone weekend, one for which I can take no credit! Izzy decided on Saturday morning that it was time to potty-train herself. When she woke up, she pattered out of her room and into ours and declared "MommyIneedtogopottyrightnow!" Who am I to argue? After we whipped off her jammies and diaper, she sat right down on her potty seat and proceeded to pee a fairly impressive amount. Since that morning (5 days ago), she hasn't really had an "accident" to speak of. There have been a couple of pre-pee dribbles that have necessitated a change of undies, but for the most part, this girl is a CHAMP when it comes to doing pee and poopers on her potty. We have a portable, foldable potty seat that we bring along everywhere now, along with a ziplock of fresh pants and undies... just in case. So while it is a bit more inconvenient to find potties on the spot wherever we may be, she is doing an awesome job of telling me each time she needs to go, and holding it until we find a nearby bathroom. And the payoff of not having to change diapers is so worth it. So far, we have continued to put her in diapers for naptime and overnight, but I think her diaper has been dry when she woke up every time except for one morning. So who knows- maybe next week Mom will get up the guts to have her sleep in undies, too. What's the worst that can happen? More laundry? Bring it on. Anyhoo, we are so very proud of our girl. Growing up before our eyes, I tell ya. And before I get too mushy or nostalgic, let me say that one of the highlights of this milestone is NOT BUYING ANY MORE DIAPERS!!!! YESSSSSSSSS. Oh, and as a little post-script, I would like to note that Izzy's favorite game right now is making food for her stuffed friends and protecting them from cookie monsters. For example, I frequently overhear variations on the following conversation: "Would you yike an egg and pepperopi, Pancake? Here is a plate woh you. Don't worry, I will keep you safe wom a monster. I yah you (I love you). " I think it's safe to state that I could not be more charmed. -c

A Party to Remember!

We have had an amazing celebratory weekend for Izzy and Reg's birthday (Izzy on the 19th and Reg on the 20th)! On Friday, my mom, Bob, John, and Patrick ("Dodo") flew in from Michigan, and Wes and Lou rolled in about midnight from Kansas City. Yesterday (Saturday) we had Izzy's birthday party, which included about 15 of our closest friends and family. What a wonderful memory-- our girl is so very loved. These days we are all about Elmo and Big Bird, so we went with a Sesame Street theme, and I ventured into the land of (cup)cake decorating. It was a fun project and the cupcakes turned out way better than I expected. Izzy did fairly well with so many people here, but was a bit overwhelmed by it all. Thankfully she had her 2-year old buddy, Wrenna, to share in the joy of opening gifts and eating goldfish...

We laid low for dinner last night, hanging here at the house with family and Abby from Denver-- who definitely qualifies as family. :) This morning we went to church and enjoyed a birthday lunch to celebrate Reg and Izzy's birthday, as well as Mom and Bob's first anniversary! Goodbyes always stink, but it's been an unbelievable super weekend and we feel so blessed. I'll keep it short and sweet so I don't get overly sentimental or teary, but I can't say enough about the last 48 hours, and the beloved people with whom we got to celebrate.

Happy birthday to you...

Dearest Isabelle Grace,

Two years ago, I was staring into the most beautiful eyes I have seen. The most perfect fit in the crook of my arm. The softest skin I have ever felt. The smallest toenails I have witnessed. The strongest love I have experienced. Oh, dear girl, you came into our life and we had no idea just how amazing this thing called parenting would be.



Today you are two. You still have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, but now they take in everything that happens around you, and look upon others with love. You are 35 inches tall, but you are still the most perfect fit in my arms. Your skin is still the softest, but now it boasts a few little scars that tell of your adventures thus far.



Your toenails are getting bigger. You have glorious curly, golden hair that, when wet, reaches down past your shoulder blades. You give hugs and kisses without reservation. You sing the ABC's (the "AB's") all by yourself and say words like stegosaurus (tay-go-do-dah) and guacamole (gah-co-mo-wee). You make up songs about your world. You pray for your family, friends, and animals. You speak in sentences. You say "I love you" to people, in words and sign language. You know your numbers up to ten. You go nowhere without your beloved BoKitty and PancakeDoggy.



Your favorite foods are grapes, broccoli, and chocolate chips. You compare things (i.e. "Wolfie is black like Pancake"). You are so very spirited. You tell us your whole name ("Idee-bay-oh Day Do-Dah"). Your smile can light up the cloudiest, darkest day. Your giggles sound like angels. You bring us more joy than we knew was possible, and to us, it is a glimpse of heaven. And the love-- oh the love-- without a doubt, is still the strongest I have experienced.



Thank you for the joy you bring, Sweet girl. God's love is reflected in your eyes and your spirit every day, and we cannot imagine a moment without you. We love you so very much, Izzy, and could not be prouder to be your parents.

Love,
Mommy & Daddy