Passages

I can’t believe it is September 1 already. This morning was Miriam’s first day of preschool. She was such a big girl – no tears! But she did ask for an extra hug. I was a bad Mommy and didn't get the prerequisite before school picture, but here she is after school!

Getting her to not pose for a picture has been a little challenging lately!!

This summer has flown by. On the highlight list are:

Miri no long uses her bobo (pacifier)

And *drum roll*

She is FULLY POTTY TRAINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot believe how quickly she is growing up. I also feel like these two accomplishments have fully ended her baby/toddler years – she is now a big girl (as she likes to tell me repeatedly throughout the day!) Sometimes I feel a little sad that we no longer have a little baby, but as time goes by and more and more trips to the store pass without the purchase of diapers I miss the total neediness less and less.

I have enjoyed all (well mostly all) phases of this journey. But I have to say right now is the best! Miri sleeps through the night, if she needs to get up and potty she does so without making a production of it (waking us up!) On weekends she is content to play in her room so Mom and Dad can get an extra hour or two (or 3.5!) in of sleep. Even though her room is normally completely trashed by the time we get up it is so worth it to have that extra sleep! She will not only play by herself inside (without the TV) but she will also play outdoors without trying to come in every few minutes. Her current favorite outdoor activity is to dig for pirate treasure in the backyard. She was digging in the middle of the yard until Ryan and I convinced her that the mole trails along the fence were really pirate trials! It is so nice to be able to read/relax outside without a “Mommy look at me, Mommy do this” every second. When we dine out she will entertain herself with her little toys, she even normally orders for herself! She is understandable and polite. She can still sometimes be a pill, but those instances are few and far between.

Now as much as I love this newfound independence, patients and company I am not looking forward to the day when we are no longer her world. I love the fact she wants us near her and she hugs and kisses all the time. Weekend mornings, after she has deemed we have had enough extra sleep, she comes up for cuddle and tickle time. There is nothing in the world greater than tickling your baby until she laughs so hard she snorts!

Ryan waited all summer for a big project at work, and now it has taken off, so he is really busy again and working long hours. I ended up working more than I really thought I would have to this summer, but it is all good. This fall/winter is not looking too crazy!