Still on the Potty Training Attack

Yes, we are still working on potty training... working being the key word.  I certainly wouldn't say we are "trained" but at least I feel things moving back in the right direction.  If you are getting to the "potty training" stage with your little boy, here are some things I have found helpful:

1.  This is the most wonderfully helpful potty training blog I have ever read.  It's sweet and to the point, yet seems to be working wonderfully.  http://toilettraining4toddlers.blogspot.com/

2.  Go straight to "big boy" training underwear.  Gerber makes some great ones!  Pull-Ups are too confusing for toddlers, too much like a diaper and no 'consequence' for having an accident. 



3.  Elmo's Potty Time DVD!  Graham watches this at least 10 times a day and is really learning from it. 



3.  Some great potty training books to read while 'waiting' to go potty.  Here are some of our favorites:





4.  Stickers!  Make a chart or let them decorate their potty seat, but stickers are key to the training process.



5.  M&Ms!  Don't know why, but they seem to work every time.

So those would be my grand suggestions, now let's just keep our fingers crossed that we can stay "trained" for some amount of time without a relapse  :)

Break Out Your Dancing Shoes, Wedding Season Has Begun

Many of you know this, but Tim and I are practically professional wedding 'go-ers!'  Since meeting Tim in 2003, we have been to countless weddings... like 11 our first summer together, countless.  Don't get me wrong, we love a good wedding and have yet to go to anyone's wedding where fun wasn't had, but the sheer number we go to every summer is just crazy. 

Each fall when we are traveling home from the last one we  say "I bet this is the last round and next summer we won't get invited to any."  Hasn't happened yet  :)  But I'm sure the day will come when everyone we know is married off, well most everyone anyway... we know a few bachelors that may remain forever.  But I'm sure on that day a little part of me will miss the crazy traveling, partying and horrendously long recovery that entails our friend's weddings. 

This weekend marks the first of 5 weddings for this season, or at least those are the ones we know about, there are always those couple random relatives etc that sneak in there to push the number closer to 10  :)  This summer also marks some special weddings as 2 of my best friends from college, Raschele and Lisa, are getting married.  So raise your glasses to the Brides and Grooms of 2010 because wedding season has begun!

Here is one of my favorite pictures from our wedding... can't believe it's been almost 5 years already!

[caption id="attachment_305" align="aligncenter" width="470" caption="Our First Dance as Mr & Mrs Ahlers!"][/caption]

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!  We are so blessed to be having an absolutely gorgeous spring, so I plan to spend the afternoon outside soaking up some rays and thoroughly enjoying the great outdoors!  Hope you do the same.  Here are some pictures of our spring so far:

Music with Nancy

Last summer I signed Graham up for a music class called "Music with Nancy."  It's a toddler class offered through the Coralville Rec Center and it's fairly inexpensive so I figure if Graham didn't like it, no biggy.  Initially Graham would just sit on my lap during class, he never participated, yet as soon as we'd get in the car to head home he'd start blabbing on and on about Miss Nancy this and Miss Nancy that.  

After the summer session I debated whether or not to sign Graham up for any more classes, but I assumed since Graham talks about Miss Nancy all week and since he repeats all the things she does in class at home that he must like it, even though he doesn't really seem to be engaged during class.  So I signed up for 3 fall classes and then this spring 2 more classes.  

I am happy to report that after 6 months of Music with Nancy, Graham is finally starting to get the drift  :)  Just in the last 3 weeks Graham has started participating and engaging with the other kids in class.  Here are some of Graham's favorite parts of music class: 

[caption id="attachment_270" align="aligncenter" width="376" caption="Shake, shake, shake the parachute"][/caption]

 

Getting an Instrument

See Mom, this is how you play it!

Shaking his sillies out

 

  

 

 

Going to Watch the Hawkeyes Play "Down, Set, Hut"

Last Saturday was Iowa's Spring Football Game  (Go Hawks and bring on the football season!)  Since it's free to the public, we thought what better chance for Graham to get to "go" to a Hawkeye football game?  Apparently this is what every parent in the Iowa City area thought because there were loads of kids there including 5 families we hang out with regularly.  Graham was in HEAVEN!  He got to see the Hawkeyes and Herky (or Turkey as Graham insists on calling him) and all his little buddies were there.  The weather was gorgeous, but the "game" or scrimmage left a little to be desired.  Either way, the kids had a blast, the adults chatted and everyone had a great afternoon filled with snacks, football and fun!  How we managed to overlook this tailgating opportunity this year is a mystery.  Next year we for sure throwing a tailgate for this bad boy!  

[caption id="attachment_281" align="aligncenter" width="376" caption="Graham figured it was safe to let Daddy give "Turkey" a high five, but he wanted no part of it :)"]

 

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[caption id="attachment_282" align="alignleft" width="197" caption="The snacks mommy brought were a big hit!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_284" align="alignright" width="197" caption="Kinda hard to look up into the sun Dad, but you get the drift."][/caption]

25 Things about Me

A sneak-peak into the complex web that make up Kate:

1. I am addicted to Mt. Dew, no matter what I do, I can't seem to stop the craving.  I must have at least one a week.


2. I hate birds, ALL birds.  They just totally creep me out and add that to my horrible seagull experiences, you can pretty much strike birds out of my vocabulary.


3. I love being pregnant!  It's the only time in my life when I am not the least bit self-conscious about how I look, not to mention it means that within 9 months I will get to hold and love a baby unconditionally... added bonus!


4. I am a brunette, but I truly believe blonde hair fits my personality better.


5. I love, love, love, college football.  The Hawkeyes are my team, but I could tailgate and watch college football anywhere on Earth and be in complete Heaven.


6. I WILL NOT eat corn dogs.  I am not a picky eater, but I draw the line at corn dogs.


7. I someday want to be "in shape" enough to be able to teach aerobics classes... got a way to go on that front.


8. I am a complete control freak!  It was kind of rough typing that out, but it is the truth and knowing that has helped me try to tone it down when possible.


9. One of my favorite things is fresh, clean sheets on the bed.  So don't be trying to come to bed dirty on laundry day, you will be asked to sleep on the floor!


10. I am a firm believer in a woman's right... to birth control, to choose, and to control her own life.  That being said, if you smart enough to know your rights, then you are smart enough to act responsibly in all you do!


11. I think I may have missed my calling as an event planner, but I wouldn't trade any career for the one I have now.


12. I need to work on my listening skills.  I often talk to break silence, when time is all that was really needed.


13. I am one of the least political people on the planet.  True, I have strong opinions on many political issues, but I just don't have the wear-with-all to argue about it 'til death.


14. I spent 31 days in Australia in high school and have been to Mexico 3 times.  I hope to travel more, because there is a lot left I need to see.


15. I am the worst speller!  I CAN NOT live without spell check, the world would think I was a complete idiot  :)


16. I would like take photography lessons someday, because I truly believe pictures are worth a thousand words and in a family of talkers such as mine, that means a lot!


17. While I like to ski, I would take a beach over the slopes any day.  I love the smell of salt water, the feeling of sand, the excitement of snorkeling, the rush of surfing and of course the look of being tan.


18. I find pride in "fixing" things myself.  Whether it's the ever running toilet, the non-working vacuum or just a loose screw, knowing I figured out how to fix the issue makes me smile.


19. I have live in 7 cities in 4 states: Madison, WI, Green Bay, WI, Macon GA, Germantown TN, Cedar Rapids, IA, LaCrosse, WI, and Iowa City/ North Liberty, IA.


20. I am NOT good with foreign language.  I can read about 10 phrases in French and say about 3 in Spanish, none of which are at all useful in everyday life  :)


21. After becoming a parent, I am ever increasingly more thankful of all my parents have done and still do for me.


22. I am a science nerd.  I have a Biology degree and have always been fascinated with plants, animals, medicine and the art of the living thing.  Need something dissected, I'm your gal!


23. I love to get my hair cut.  You may never see me with long hair, simply because I love going to get it cut so much and you clearly can't have long hair if you are getting it chopped off all the dang time.


24. I envy people with a maid... don't we all!  I adore having a spotless house, I'm not sure anything bring me more peace.  But let's be realistic, even super woman couldn't keep a totally clean house with a 2-year-old and a dog.


25. I love being a mom.  Even as much as I love Tim (endlessly), nothing can or ever will give me greater joy than being a mom!

Update on the Crazy Neighbors

Mr. Garage Stander is still-a-standin' with his dogs so vigilantly at his feet.  No change in appearance yet, however I must believe he is going to realize the weather change soon and lose the coat as least.  You could possibly bear the heat in flannel pajama pants, but I'm guessing that coat will have to go.

The Mr. and Mrs. Hermit are apparently about to pop baby Hermit #2 any day now.  I happened to be on the deck when she popped her head out to yell at their, still nameless, dog.  Here's to hoping we learn at least the gender of that little one before age 2.

And yes, crazy cat lady did come over to chat me up again yesterday afternoon... big surprise one of her cats is missing.  There was of course the added plug that her daughter would again, love to watch Graham anytime we needed her to, with supervision from the crazy cat lady herself.  Really, do I look like I am ever going to take you up on that offer?  (Tim just walked away  :)  )  We just might stop going in the front yard all together, it's truly not worth the conversations I must have with that woman.

Potty Training Update

As it seems to go with most things in my life, just when I thought we were SOOOO close to being potty trained, Graham decided otherwise  :(   In the past 2 weeks Graham has completely regressed on the potty training front, as if he somehow knew Lent was ending or something.  Around the last week of March Graham got another "stomach bug" we'll call it forcing us to go back to using diapers for a couple of days.  Ever since then, the kid refuses to go #2 on the potty... just WON"T do it.  On Thursday we sat on the potty for literally an hour reading books and singing songs etc and the minute I gave up and put his underwear on, he pooped!  Really, give Momma a break!

I've tried stickers and candy, bribes and toys, jumping up and down, singing praising songs, I'm all out of ideas to get Graham pumped about going potty again.  And with each day I get more frustrated because I know he knows enough to tell me when he has to go, he just won't.  I'm lucky if he tells me when he has to pee or "twinkle" as he calls it.  How does this happen?  Graham went from telling me all the time, to honestly only telling me when he wants to get out of doing something else, like riding in the grocery cart, then he has to go potty or eating the rest of his lunch, then he magically has to go.  So how do I get back on the band wagon?

I thought about just giving up for a while and trying again closer to when he is 2 1/2, but I just feel like he is so close, why give up now?  So my only other thought is to try a new potty.  I was totally against buying one of the little potties that sit on the floor because let's be realistic, I have enough crap to clean up without adding another potty.  But in the hopes that Graham will like the independence of being able to "do it myself" I think  am going to break down and buy one, along with an "Elmo Goes Potty" DVD.  I know, I know... I also feel like this is a step in the wrong direction, but something's got to give because we are making no progress in the Ahlers' potty training department and Momma is getting a little sick of the ever-increasing laundry situation!  Here's to putting all my egg's in Elmo's basket... work your magic you little red furry thing!

It's Official, I'm Legal

Over the last few months I have been noticing a slightly sad trend... no one ever asks to see my ID when I purchase alcohol anymore.  I know I should be thankful that I no longer have to worry about having an ID with me 24/7 in case I happen to buy wine at the grocery store or a beverage with dinner, but let's be realistic, if I have my wallet to pay for the alcohol, chances are I have my ID too.  So does this mean I no longer look 21?  I thought the general rule was that you had to card anyone who looks younger than 35... yikes, does this mean I look older than 35?       

In fear that I truly look "old" I went on a scavenger hunt this morning to find a picture of me at 21.    

[caption id="attachment_230" align="alignleft" width="197" caption="The summer of 2003."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_233" align="alignright" width="197" caption="The summer of 2009."][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

So maybe I do look older than I did at 21, but I still say I could get carded regarding the "under 35" rule, at least for a few more years.  I suppose some of it has to do with Graham and the fact that any sane waitress or grocery checker would assume I'm at least 21... because on one who's 21 would take a kid as crazy as mine out in public  :)  Oh well, being young was nice while it lasted.  Here's to moving on to our thirties and all that lies ahead! 

Date Day

This winter Graham and I started "date day."  It was meant to be a day where Graham and I did something a little special, just the two of us.  I know we spend everyday with "just the two of us," but I was hoping that by calling it "date day" we would get out of our everyday routine and try something new.  

Our previous date days have really been nothing to brag about.  They mostly consisted of the mall and lunch or the park and lunch.  They were always fun, and calling it "date day" did made it seem a little more exciting, but all in all they were pretty mundane outings.  So this week I was feeling a little adventurous and thought I'd try something completely new.  I looked at the weather forecast and Wednesday looked cold and dreary, so what better day for a date right?  I decided to take Graham to his very first big screen movie, How to Train Your Dragon!  

Graham and I talked about it for two whole days, getting all excited about dressing up a little nicer than usual and what we were going to do on our date etc.  We were both pumped.  So after 'Music with Nancy' we headed to Cedar Rapids (apparently Iowa City doesn't do any movie showings before 4:00, nice!) and started our date.  First we got some lunch at Panera, I had a broccoli cheddar bread bowl and Graham had PB&J with yogurt on the side, yummy.  Once our bellies were full we headed to the movie theater and bought our ticket... only needed one since Graham was under 3, score!  

Even though we had just eaten, we had to get some popcorn and a soda to make it official  :)   and we headed in.  Graham was a little nervous at first sight of the giant screen, but after the previews started rolling he was all in!  We even brought our very own 'baby dragon' so we could feel both safe and like part of the movie.  

[caption id="attachment_219" align="aligncenter" width="282" caption="Cheese!"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_217" align="aligncenter" width="282" caption="Got to try some of that buttery goodness for myself!"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_220" align="aligncenter" width="422" caption="All ready to "watch the dragons mom!""][/caption]

 

How to Train Your Dragon was a great movie!  Graham had a ball.  Not that surprising, but we were the only ones in the Theater for the 11:45am show.  It was probably for the best as Graham was a really good boy, but he did get up a couple of times and of course had to ask "MOM, WHAT ARE THEY DOING MOM?" about every five minutes  :)

 

After the movie Graham got to play 'ride the cars' a couple of times.  He may have liked this even better than the whole movie experience, but for the sake of my memories I'm choosing not to think so.

[caption id="attachment_216" align="aligncenter" width="423" caption="I gotta drive it!"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_215" align="aligncenter" width="423" caption="I won, I won!"][/caption]

 

After our games we braved the torrential down pour and ran to the car.  Within minutes of buckling the seat belt, like before we left the parking lot, Graham was out like a light, still holding his baby dragon. 

[caption id="attachment_222" align="aligncenter" width="423" caption="Training Dragons is just exhausting!"][/caption]

 

What a great "date day!"  Can't wait to do it again soon!

 

 

Dancing Like a Gypsy?

On Good Friday we went to Bettendorf to spend some time with Tim's family and celebrate Easter slightly early.  We went to Good Friday service at 7:00pm... not a great time to be taking a Graham and Gavin to church.  The boys, and parents, survived the service (It is Finished!) but by the time everyone got home we were all pretty ready for a stiff beverage!  Since we opted to eat after church, and we had to wait a bit for the traditional Good Friday pizza to come, the beverages we are big hit  ;)    

Graham and Gavin had already eaten, and had about a million snacks in church, so we got their jammies on and Uncle Ryan (Tim's Brother) decided to turn on the tunes.  I mentioned to Ryan that Graham seemed to know some of the words to the Kings of Leon song "Use Somebody" the other day when we heard it on the radio.  So Ryan popped in the CD and proceeded to teach Graham how to dance... like a gypsy!  Don't ask why, as there is no reasonable explanation to 'why a gypsy,' but that's what he called it.    

[caption id="attachment_201" align="aligncenter" width="376" caption="Teaching Graham the correct finger position to "rock out""][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_203" align="alignleft" width="282" caption="Dancing..."][/caption]

 

More Dancing...

 

 

[caption id="attachment_202" align="alignleft" width="282" caption="Graham: "You have to wind up to shake your booty""][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_205" align="alignright" width="282" caption="Hugs after the "lesson""][/caption]

  

[caption id="attachment_208" align="aligncenter" width="376" caption="All tired and sweaty from 45 mins of dancing.... to one song!"][/caption]

 

  Fun times had by all!  And the pizza came just in time... right before things got out of hand  :)  

The True Meaning of Easter

I was chatting with some mom friends recently and we got on the topic of Easter and what everyone's plans were etc.  We all said we were getting together with family and going to church... when someone asked, "hey, have you talked to your kids about the true meaning of Easter?"  And that got me thinking, wonder what Graham really knows about Easter?  Clearly he knows about the Easter Bunny at the mall and Easter Egg Hunts, the kid loves those eggs!  But I don't know that Graham has any idea of how Jesus fits into Easter.  And exactly how as I supposed to explain it?  For Christmas we got a 'touchy-feely' book that talks all about Mary and Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus, the whole nine yards, but to my knowledge, there is no such book for Easter.  This is probably intentional, as telling kids to touch the thorns on Jesus' head in order to learn about something 'scratchy' is maybe not exactly the right teaching tool.

So when is a good age to explain the true meaning of Easter?  I think the answer everyone wants to give is, right from birth... kids should know that Jesus dies for us to take away our sins.  And this is true, they should know that, but to really explain that the reason we celebrate Easter is Jesus died on a cross and 3 days later he rose again with the living and now is in Heaven with God... that's just a huge concept for a kid to grasp.  It's even a huge concept for adults to grasp!  So do I just go on letting Graham have fun with the Easter Bunny side of Easter until he is a little bigger and maybe old enough to understand?  Or is there really a good way of telling little kids about the true meaning of Easter?

The Results are In...

I got my blood taken last Thursday in hopes to solve some of the mystery behind this whole infertility issue we are having.  And you'll never believe it... I am NOT OVULATING!  Big surprise, I swear I could have told you that 10 months ago and we could have saved everyone a lot of time and trouble worrying about this.  But at least it is an answer that is treatable. 

All morning I have been worried that the tests were going to come back the same as every other test we have taken, with nothing wrong.  And while this should be good news, it wouldn't explain why we aren't getting pregnant, nor would it point us in the direction of a course of treatment.  My other fear was they would have found indicators for Endometriosis.  Then I would have really been up a crick without a paddle.  We are talking surgery and meds, all sorts of fun stuff, but still no baby.

So I guess all in all I am glad to hear that I am not ovulating, I just really hope Clomid is the answer to the problem!