Potty Week Re-Cap

Well I'm delighted to report that neither Gabe nor I suffered any permanent trauma last week as we endeavored to embark on the crazy world of potty training! Suffice it to say, however, that this week has been potty-free (much to mommy's....and probably Gabe's relief as well). Well I guess he has asked to use it once and did *use* it...that's always rewarding!

So I put the big boy pants back in his drawer, and sent his little butt back in diapers! Although it was a radical experience, I am glad we did it! He's still willing to use the potty, and he did learn one VERY valuable skill towards the end of the week. I am very pleased (and somewhat surprised to report) that my darling child has learned to "bend over and touch his toes" so mommy can wipe his butt! It's the CUTEST thing in the world to see. And of course he's only mastered this skill for a few seconds (which doesn't allot for much wiping time:)) so it's mostly Gabe starting in the butt up position and after a VERY brief few seconds, deciding to move forward in that position....with mommy trailing behind with the toilet paper. A hilarious mental picture! And so it was a learning experience, and one that I will treasure always.

As far as a preggo update....queasiness has come back in almost full force sometimes! A bit of a surprise to me, as I wasn't too sick after the first trimester with Gabe. I'm so excited though to see the progression of life outside my body, and all the changes that go with it. I don't think I've ever loved being pregnant more! All the kicks and squirms bring a tear to my eye on so many occasions. I am so thankful for this miracle inside me, and even more so after loosing my last two pregnancies. Words can't describe the gratitude and awe that I've felt for my Jehovah-Jirah, my Provider, after He has blessed me with yet another miracle when all hope was seemingly lost. He truly does hear us before we call, and continues to hear us while we are still calling, as it says in Isaiah 65:24. I am enjoying taking one day at a time with this pregnancy, and marveling at the miracle taking place every second. On a slightly different note, I am measuring much smaller than I was with Gabe at this point in time. I have a 20 week picture from when I was pregnant with Gabe that I'll hopefully get to share with you along side of the 20 week picture that I'll take in a couple weeks. HUGE difference....literally! Oh and we're prayerfully considering a doula/midwife and a water birth! It has been my dream (ever since I was pregnant with Gabe) to have a water birth and now I'm really considering it. All of the research I've been doing the past couple days has really gotten me very excited about the birth, and even the prospect of delivering the baby myself in the water!! We're still waiting for some finalities to be processed and won't know for certain until July when I have my consultation. In the meantime, it's research, research, research for me, as well as talking to some others who've had water births themselves. Anywho that's all on the update agenda for me...but never fear.....the Rader's are still here.....and there's ALWAYS cheer.....never any beer....can I be any more clear?