Potty time

Two kids in diapers is absolutely no fun. So...this weekend we decided to get Nick started potty training. We have been talking about it for ages, but with the baby coming decided to wait even though Nick was showing some interest. I am beginning to think I am crazy trying to potty train a 2 year old and take care of a newborn, but so far so good.

Day 1 went off without much of a hitch (but we only really worked at it for about 4 hours). We didn't have enough underwear yet so we had to make a quick Wal-Mart run for more and then we got started in earnest after Nick's nap. He had one little accident, but otherwise did fabulous. He is telling us when he has to go (and when he doesn't), but I figure that is better than us having to ask him every 30 minutes. And will wonders never cease --- he even pooped on the toilet by the end of the day. If the rest of this goes as good as Sunday, we will have a potty trained little guy in no time --- though I am still dreading naps and nighttime.

Today he is at the baby-sitters so we will see how he does there. I'm sharing a picture from one of his many bathroom trips today, and tonight I hope to get one of his potty face. When he actually goes on the potty he will run out to whoever isn't in the bathroom with him to share the good news. The excitement on his face is priceless --- though I doubt it has much to do with going to the bathroom and more to do with the fact that he knows he gets some Smarties when he does! Hey, I'm not above a little bribery if it means no more diapers. The kid is already in a size six. If we don't get him trained soon he'll be wearing adult diapers before we know it! I took a few of his excited face last night, but they are very blurry because I wasn't ready with the camera (bad mommy). Don't mind the crappy picture. Our bathroom is long and skinny with a door between the tub/toilet area and sink area. Not real good for picture taking.

First (and second and third) "photo shoot"

For those looking at these from 2 Peas, I apologize for the large number of pictures to follow. This post is truly for the family so they can choose which pictures they would like, but of course, I wanted to share them with all of you as well. I don't consider myself a professional photographer, but I do my best and it is sufficient for my family. So, after three (maybe more) attempts, here are the photos I cobbled together. Oh, and for those commenting, I would love to hear your thoughts on the two photos near the bottom that are the same except the PP (it's him all swaddled up). Do you have a preference on the PP or should I just scrap it altogether? Just looking for some outside opinions

For the family --- please shoot me an email by early next week to let me know which ones you want and what sizes you need. Most of the black and whites can also be done in color, but there are a few (the last one for sure) that black and white was the only way of salvaging the picture.

Finally

How is it that I am at home everyday, yet it still took me two weeks to really get any pictures of this new little guy? I really wanted to get some pictures taken in that 4-8 day range (which I think I read was the optimal time for curled up cute newborn shots), but with the holidays and Mike being on vacation and adjusting to life with two it just never happened. So today I finally got out the black blanket and took some shots. And miracle of miracles, I even got a few without the scowl and one or two with both boys.

I took someone's advice about using a bean bag chair for infants (I finally found one at Target after searching for two months at Wal-Mart) and it worked like a charm. It was also great for trying to position Nick with Zander. Nick didn't really want to cooperate, but I worked with what I had and got at least one I am happy with. I am really going to have to work on learning to get shots of two kids now instead of just one (because getting good shots of one toddler wasn't hard enough, let's throw in a newborn, too).

I really like this first one, I just wish I would have changed his clothes. I love this outfit (it says DANGER Contents giggle under pressure), but it really doesn't work well for pictures, especially when words get cut off. I mean really, does this kid look dangerous?

I threw this one in because I love baby feet --- and because my child has the biggest feet ever. Actually, his feet aren't that big, it's his toes. They are crazy long!

And this is one of the only ones of both boys that actually turned out. I just wish I would have been back a little farther so I didn't have to cut off so much of Nick's head. The 8x10 crop looks even goofier. Oh, and I wish Zander's onesie wasn't so blown out, but hey, I take what I can get these days. At least nobody is scowling!