Potty Day!

Ben is potty trained!  It seems so long ago now that I am writing this (it happened on February 22nd), but it is important that I document the memories :)

We used the exact same method of potty training Ben that we did for Luke because it worked so well the first time.  It is the one day method and we followed the basic steps found here.  Benjamin hadn't really shown many signs of being ready to potty train, but Andy and I decided to pull the trigger and boy am I glad we did.  He picked up on it quick!  We were both shocked with how well he did!

We started in on the juice and snacks that morning and it only took a few times for him to start recognizing his body's signs that it was time.  I think he only had 2 accidents that day and only 1 the next!  I am not going to pretend that he just started telling us he needed to go pee immediately, but with our help he was a pee-pee rock star in no time!  What I am the most proud about is that since that day 3 months ago he has only wet the bed over night 3 times!  That my friends is a win!

If you are looking to potty train your kids I highly recommend the 1 day method -- if you are diligent about the process it works!!!

Andy is the most patient person I know :)

 We played all day long on the tile in the kitchen

 I think this was the next day.  He was so proud of himself (as were we)!

Chicago!

Back in February I was able to take a girls trip to Chicago with a couple of girls from work and one of their mutual friends.  We planned the trip around going to see Phantom of the Opera.  In hindsight we didn't give much it thought that we were going to Chicago in February of one of the coldest winters in recent history.  Regardless, we didn't let the cold stop us!  We got out and saw the city as if it were spring!  It was a great and much needed trip for me.  I am thankful to have friends that knew I was coming off a very hard year and were willing to go an have some fun!  Also, a big thanks to Andy for not caring that I was gone on Valentines weekend ;).

The toilet in the O'Hare airport -- the protector changes to a fresh one with a wave of a hand.  When will Texas get with the times??

 My very first Chicago Dog!  It was all I had imagined and more!

 The Chicago River!  I have never seen a frozen river before.  I hear I need to go back when it is warmer and take the architecture river tour.

Amy, Me, and Shauna -- I am pretty sure my thighs were frozen at this point

 Me, Amy, Shauna and Amy

 Views from the Hancock Building

 Chicago deep dish pizza -- It was delightful! It was worth the mile walk in the 9 degree weather!

 There was a specialty donut shop at our hotel -- this one was the Creme Brulee Donut

 From the bottom of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)

 Views from the top of the Willis Tower

 In the glass observation deck -- 103 stories up!

 The Bean!

 The Nutella Cafe at Eataly Chicago.  This called my name from the moment I knew it existed!

 My Nutella treat

 Navy Pier -- it was even colder than it looks!



Teddy Bear Park

Before we headed home from Houston we stopped at Teddy Bear Park for some play time and a picnic lunch.  The kids are getting more and more independent which hurts my heart and makes me smile at the same time.

I love this cousin quadruple hug!  Pretty soon they are going to have to figure out the septuple hug!

Click here for a past visit to Teddy Bear Park to see how these kids have grown!

Hanging Out in Houston

Here are some shots from our time hanging around at my sister's house. I love that these cousins love each other so much!

I love the way the boys gradually inched closer to Makayla!