31 August 2005

Potty Training - Not so Yippee...

I guess it's true that pride comes before the fall. Madeline has decided that she's not so sure that she wants to go wee-wee on the potty. She even had a small accident in her new big-girl underwear and just kept playing without any fuss. That girl knows how to call my bluff. All that I've read about the topic has indicated that potty training is right when the child has decided it's right for herself. So that's how we're going to approach it. It would be so nice if Madeline would just point to her big girl underwear and say, "Mommy, I want to be potty trained now...no more diapers for this big girl." But then, if she could articulate that well, she'd probably be saying other things I wouldn't be quite ready to hear. I just love her approach to the situation...she has actually turned the tables on me. I keep explaining that when she feels like potty is going to come out to tell me so that we can sit on the big-girl potty. So last night after several attempts to get her to fall asleep she says, "Mommy! Potty!" So I dash into her room, pull her off the bed and run into the bathroom, frantically take off her pull-up and plop her on the potty - "Whew!" I thought, "We just made it." So we sat and sat and sat and finally I asked her, "Do you have to go wee-wee?" She looked at me with bright eyes, smiled and said, "No wee-wee." I felt like a big fat lollipop at that moment, but I didn't want to discourage her from initiating going on the potty in the future. So I continue to learn that although I think I have some of these parenting ventures all figured out - I really don't and only time along with a little experience will help us along. But Madeline sure has me all figured out!

30 August 2005

Missing Grandma Ruby

I can't believe that last year at this time we were all preparing for Grandma to live with Auntie. Little did we know that she would only have weeks left. I've been thinking about her a lot lately and couldn't stop journaling about her the other night. I miss so much about her, even her sassiness. She would have gotten a kick out of how much Madeline has grown up since last year. I wish she was still alive so that I could tell her how much I love and miss her in my life.

29 August 2005

Potty Training - Yippee!

We have just ventured out in our first day of potty training. Madeline has gone on the "big girl potty" twice today, without any accidents so far. I've been browsing through a few books on the subject and am finding that the most important thing is to find out what is appealing for Madeline to work for and use that as the motivator for getting the desired response. We have been eating lots of salty foods, drinking lots of liquids and rewarding with her favorite goodies. So far, so good. I hope tomorrow is just as promising. Wahoo! - Maddie is on her way to big girl underwear!!

28 August 2005

Contentment Now

So many times I find myself anticipitating what the next stage will hold for me in my life, especially in my wife and mother roles. But Nathan reminds me to enjoy the exact moment I am in right now, to soak in every aspect of my life at this present time because it passes so quickly and without return. I enjoy looking forward, but I do try to remind myself that this is a time in my life that will never be again and I never want to forget any of it.

27 August 2005

Daddy-Daughter Time

My husband coined this phrase soon after Madeline was born - his very own special time with her. In the beginning of her life, this time would consist of him giving her a bath, taking her for a walk, and even holding her close and talking to her while doing various chores. For someone who grew up with only brothers, Nathan has much insight and a deep love for our little girl. I admire the way he addresses her with calmness and respect, and hearing them laugh together is one of the most beautiful sounds I hear during my busy day. Yesterday he took her to the Huntington Library and did things that I've never even thought of doing. He lit up as he reminded her to share with me about taking her shoes off and letting the fish "bite her toes." Her little eyes were proud and excited of her adventures with Daddy.

Daddy-daughter time...priceless!

26 August 2005

Extreme Parenting

I am so sick and tired of hearing about extreme ideas in parenting. The trend today seems to embrace extremism, where parents cling to one idea or another on the pendulum that completely engulfs all of their decision making and ideas about parenting. What ever happened to critical thinking? It seems that people read books for the sake of having someone else think for them and their parenting, which creates these crusaders who are more obsessed with the fact that their parenting style is the "right way" instead of looking at their children and saying, "What is most beneficial to my child?"

I'm also tired of reading other Christians' blogs completely bash and tear down the Ezzo's. Yes, some of their ideas are extreme and totally unrealistic in practice. But who are these to believe themselves the "judge" and actually refer to themselves as "Anti-Ezzo." It's sad and sickening, and paints a sorry picture of judgmentalism and a lack of grace to the secular world.

What ever happened to reading parenting material for the sake of creating an eclectic approach to parenting? Why is it that a person has to agree with everything written by a certain author? We should be using our critical thinking and reasoning skills when picking up any book regarding our relationship with our children. Most of the books I've read present some valid points, and the points I don't agree with, I skim over and ignore. It's come to the point where parenting styles are not open for discussion - it's the new "politics" - we don't talk about it for fear of conflict and more importantly, for fear of being attacked by an extremist.

Focus should be on what is best for my child. My child is a unique individual who has benefited from an array of different approaches and interventions. I do not subscribe to a particular parenting style because my child changes with every stage she enters. I can't remain affixed on one style of parenting just because it feels safe to me...that's not parenting, that's cowardice and ignorance. If I want to remain close and connected to my daughter, I have to meet her where she is and not just cling to a particular idea of parenting just because that's a group I want to identify with.

25 August 2005


my best job in the world - being your mommy! Posted by Picasa

the Kirk family reunion - a wonderful time in Maui together Posted by Picasa

Our boat trip to Molokini...one big happy family (including Jered & Heather)! Posted by Picasa

my handsome husband Posted by Picasa

Maddie kept us entertained by teaching this mimicking bird every word she knows! Posted by Picasa

four generations of Kirk love... Posted by Picasa

Maddie and her favorite roomie Christi -- they enjoy lots of lovies together. Posted by Picasa

Maddie kisses her great-grandpa Kirk - she couldn't stop making him laugh! Posted by Picasa

Cheeeeeese!! Posted by Picasa

The Maui Bunch ... say cheese! Posted by Picasa

24 August 2005


Here we are enjoying a wonderful sunset in Maui...it's hard coming back to reality, but it was a fabulous vacation! Posted by Picasa