Adventures in Potty Training

After returning from NJ on Monday night, we decided to try a little something new on Tuesday, undies! We had embarked on this adventure b/c for the last month or so Jack had regularly been peeing on the potty before and after bath and other times of the day. In some cases he would even take his diaper off himself to use it. So we decided to give it a whirl...

Clara was more than a little excited and before breakfast had arranged all of Jack's new garments for him to peruse.


Thomas undies!


Jackie-Booooooooy (to be said like Pop-pop)


Ballet pose


Cheese!


Later in the day...




Sadly our little experiment was over by afternoon of the next day. I found it too overwhelming after several puddles and a filled pair of undies coupled with a screaming baby while I was cleaning up the messes. We'll try again when Meghan is a little older, and I'm more able to handle the demands of both children. Jack continues to surprise me sometimes as I follow a trail of clothes to the bathroom only to see him sitting on the potty. There's hope!

The very same evening we were treated to a visit by my good friend Kori! who was in town for business. Kori and Clara have a special bond over Princess Tiana. So I was glad they had a chance to reunite. Though I daresay that Clara doesn't remember their last meeting as she was two months old.

Kori joins us for evening story time with the girls.


Very intent on telling Kori all about Mavis the train. :)

New Jersey or Bust!

Two week ago over the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, we traveled to New Jersey to visit Grandmother in Trenton. It was the first real road trip in the van fully loaded, and despite some slight hiccups (like barfing on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway), things went surprisingly well. Clara was particularly excited because she remembered the visit last year and was reminiscing about it. It was neat to hear. We took every opportunity to enjoy all the delicious food Trenton has to offer: steak and cheese, pizza, local made ice cream, kielbasa (which the kids devoured, who knew?), and cannolis!

On Saturday morning Meghan snuggled up with Nay-nay.


Getting her hair fixed by the master! Note the Patriots attire, we had to get psyched up for the divisional final against the Broncos later that night.


Bundled up to experience her first really cold temperatures.


Visiting with Grandmother!


Tickling the ivories


Goofing around on the stairs, Jackie Boooooooooooy-eeeeee!


Barfing through tummy time






Grandmother holds Meghan for the first time.


Jack was very excited to turn off and on the light pictured behind him.


Monday morning catching a few stories with Pop-pop before departing.

Afternoon on the Greenway

Last weekend in a brief window between rain showers, we opted for something a little different. Because we'd been cooped up for much of the weekend, we decided to forgo the stroller and let the kids walk to and from the park. They each put on their boots, and we headed out.


This afternoon the weather was absolutely gorgeous following the downpours this morning and last night. Clara asked if she could walk and stomp in puddles, so I decided to give it a whirl and let both kids walk again. They had a great time splashing around. Jack was pretty wiped out by the end. He would get really upset when the sticks he threw into the creek didn't make it all the way into the water and didn't seem to grasp that he couldn't just walk right up to the water's edge to do so. All in all it was a success. The kids made it and did a good job listening throughout, and right now while my normal walking route is closed due to road construction, this is a fun alternative.






Clara was more than a little soggy once we got to our favorite "photo bench".


More pictures on said "photo bench" from earlier in the week.

Playing with Christmas Toys

Despite the organizational nightmare, the post-Christmas influx of new toys and games has created hours of entertainment for the kids.

Still at Nay-nay and Pop-pop's enjoying a game of Hungry Hippos! Note Jack wearing a present - his Hawaiian boots from Uncle Jack & Dy.


Back at home enjoying new bath toys in and out of the tub. Clara really loved these "dirty dogs".


Coloring with their new tub crayons which Santa may or may not be regretting.


Jack having fun with the cash register


Clara enjoyed playing the "Fancy Nancy Dress-up Game" almost as much by herself as she did against me.


Kit has continued to provide lot of entertainment and has been accompanying us on our daily walks.


Parade o' princesses


And even Meghan is getting in on the action. She's just beginning to explore the delights of Sophie the giraffe.

Merry Christmas!

On Christmas Eve the Zimmerman-Schaeffer clan came over to celebrate with us.

Don't know if it was like this for most families or if we (*coughJackcough*) were just a special case, but growing up, taking family pictures was always an ordeal. Typically the most successful method of obtaining a decent picture was promising to take a silly one afterwards. With Clara and Luke together, it was necessary to employ those tactics.




So in the theme of things, we took a seriously picture...


and one with silly faces.


Anna was so excited to be watching TV with the big kids.




A quick snuggle with Nay2 after the presents have been opened.

Then it was bedtime so that Santa Claus could make an appearance. And what do you know? He did!

Wake up, don't you know, it's time to come out!


Jack's presents are strategically poised at the far end of the living room from the fireplace.


Clara came up the stairs and could hardly believe that Santa came. She shows off her new Snow White doll.


Her new Thomas track and sheds.


She checks out her stocking.


The Beast!


Only the promise of buttons can lure Jack into the living room to check out his new cash register.


Clara looks at Jack's new train - Fergus.


Hmmm, someone else is interested in the cash register.


Backstory on this one: Not sure what transpired over Thanksgiving while perusing the American Girl catalogue, but the mystery was all out of this one. Clara just knew she was getting "Kit" the American Girl from Nay-nay & Pop-pop. From the moment we climbed in our van and headed to Richmond for the holiday, Clara was saying that she couldn't wait to get her Kit doll. Somehow she was tuned into exactly which wrapped package was Kit the moment she walked in my parents' house. In the days leading up to Christmas, Pop-pop teased her a bit by moving the present all around, but she always seemed to find it. So here she is on Christmas morning finally opening "Kit". You'll also see Jack hiding out in the kitchen playing with his old, trusty "green flower".


The festive grandparents.


And not to forget whose very first Christmas it is! Meghan's Christmas morning Breakfast of Champions!


Chillin' with Stink-a-Lu


Later on in the day at the Carsons decked out in her Christmas duds, Meghan takes a nap with Su-su.


And cuddling with her Memo and couldn't be comfier.