Halloween 2014

South Bay buddies at our Halloween Party at Sea View Park!

Pumpkin Patch with Mommy and Daddy

OK Corral Halloween Party

Goodman Avenue Halloween Night

2 Year old attitude!

Dear Micaela,

Welcome to the age of 2! Micaela you think you can do everything on your own but really cant do anything by yourself at all and you give us so much grief in the process. Its impossible to convince you to do something or watch something else. "Mommy I want to watch Peppa Pig" "How about you watch Dora we have some new episodes" "Noooo Mommy..Nooo...I want Peppa Pig Please!!" You continue and continue and you know what you want!!  We cant even convince you to read a certain book...you pick one and refuse to change it! As frustrating as it is now and know your stubbornness and decisiveness will be such  good characteristics.

You sleep with about 4-5 lovies and a soft blanket...You love to be covered tight like a burrito. You still drink a sippy cup of 6-8 of milk..it's funny that you start it during book time but then save some for the crib. We pray to you before we lay you down and you always reach to touch your pointer finger with your Daddies. Sometimes you call us to go to the potty. "I have to go  poop" you yell. This means we come get you and you sit on the potty for about 10-20 minutes. You are as sweet as can be but ask for lots of stories. You like witch stories and get so so excited about Christmas doggy stories too. You usually go number 2 then it's back to the crib and you sleep.

Sometimes I get a little sad when you would rather go to Daddy or Grandma Debi. You don't want me to play with you and tell me to leave. You will tell me not to sing or just say "leave me alone." I know you are toddler and hust say what you feel at the moment. I try not to take it personal..and sometimes I do laugh about it. At the end of the day..I know you love me the most. You know I love you more than anything in this whole world!!!!

You are also so fun! You love to pretend! Daddy plays funny games with you like "The Bear game" where he hides the bears and then they chase you. You also love tackling daddy and pretending he is a surf board. You are obsessed with playing with my underwear...yes that's right! You and Daddy wear them on your head and act like little robots. Underwear Papa and Underwear Micaela. The other day when John and his girl friend came over to watch the USC game you insisted on playing. I was so embarrased and tried to explain that you can only play with the under wear when we are alone...haha. It was pretty funny! You love to sing Let it Go and you love to run around and be silly. When I do my makeup you love to sit with me and do the same. You make us laugh with cute little things you say or do. You warm our hearts when you say.."I love you so much"

This age has taught me a lot about myself too. You test my patience and I am learning to take deep breaths so I dont yell at you or spank you. You cab be impossible at times but I know you are just expressing what you feel or you are tired, hungry or maybe just not feeling well. Instead I know give you a big hug and try to help understand your feelings. "You are upset because you cant watch another show..I know you are upset but lets go outside and play with Ever" You being defiant and throwing little tantrums are also a milestone. I heard that and it made me feel better. You learned to crawl, walk and now throw tantrums. Your attitude is so funny and yes makes us crazy but we still love you.

These are some of your favorite lines...

 I can do that!

Stop it!

No mommy stop singing!!

You cant do that Mom!

I dont want to take a bath mom!

Neeenooo!

Don't touch me mom! (When I go to change you or clean your face)

 You're hurting me mom! (When I simply move you)

I love you my little firecracker!
 Mommy

3 Day Potty Training

I decided to potty train Micaela in July since I knew it would be hard once work started. I started with the pep talk and then we threw her diapers away! I left her naked from the waist down and planned not to go any where for the next few days. I used a sticker chart which she loved. I did give her 1 mini M&M for pee-pee and 2 for poo. She was all about that!!  We did have some accidents but overall she did great. After the 3 days were over the stress kicked in about what to do while we were out! I brought a portable potty and extra clothes everywhere. She continued to have accidents here and there but nothing to bad. I kept her in pull-ups during nap and night as her diapers are wet when she wakes. She does call to us from the crib..."Mommy I have to go poop" She says. It cracks me up. At preschool she does not use a pull-up at nap time but she does here. Six months later we never have accidents. We do however have to pull over everyonce in a while. She is so smart and just an amazing little girl. She is always ahead of the curve and I am so impressed at how much she understands and communicates. When she would have an accident she would say.."I need a sad face on my chart" Im so proud of you sweetie!! 

2 Year Old Portraits (Charla Blue Photography)