The Littlest Tree Huggers: Pottys and Tantrums galore!

As my good friend Lisa so nicely pointed out, it's been a little while since I've posted. It's the craziest thing - did you know that a toddler will keep you buys? OYE! Life is moving at a fast pace right now... we've got some big projects going on with the house (putting in an egress window in the basement to convert a bedroom), and then there is Miss Annabel. She is growing up at warp speed, and we are just trying to keep up!

This week, like it or not, we have started potty training. I wouldn't say that I wanted to start yet, but as my mother kindly pointed out, she was ready. So we've wrapped up the second full day, and so far so good! Don't get me wrong, we have had some tantrums and at times wrestling (that girl is STRONG!), but in general she is doing great. Her teacher at day care has been very impressed, and as long as you can ignore the occasional fit I really couldn't be happier. But man, it is tiring. Mostly because I think I get the worst of the tantrums for whatever reason. But we will make it!

In other news, she continues to be more and more talkative every day. Last night she even told me to go away - that was a new one! On Sunday she counted to 10 all by herself, and she can occasionally do the whole ABCs as well. I will try to get it on video, but for now if she thinks we're paying attention too close I think she messes up on purpose. She also knows some of her colors (but again gets them wrong when you ask because she thinks it's funny). Our favorite thing that she does right now is grab our hand and say "come on, Mom", or "come on, Dad"... sounds kind of common place but I think it's the way she says it that is so endearing. One of those sounds I hope I can always keep with me.

Annabel is really into pretend play these days.... she plays with babies constantly, and likes to take them everywhere we go and change their diapers and give them passies. It's super cute to watch for sure. She is also the biggest mimic you've ever seen. This morning I snapped the picture above, after Annabel found an old purse and insisted on carrying it to school. She also insisted that we find her toy keys, which she carried in her purse. And she had to wear a necklace like Mommy's. I can tell that it makes her really happy to be a "big girl" like me. Sigh.... my baby is growing up so fast! Who knew that she would be 2 so fast, and have accomplished so much by that time? It's amazing to me every day.

So anyway, that's what we've been up to...... sorry for the distance between posts. I'll try to be better! You can expect to hear from me after her birthday at least (just 2 weeks!). Here are some pictures.....

Just messing around last weekend