Sweet Baby Girl

Sophia Leigh will be one year old in exactly one week.

I am flooded with emotions by this realization. For weeks I have found myself musing over this last year (and preceding pregnancy), and feeling abundantly blessed for every moment.

When I was pregnant with her, I wondered if I could love another child as much as I love her sister. I loved and adored her from the second I found out that she was on her way. But would it be equal? Could I make them both know how precious they are to me? These were just some of the questions that would cross my mind periodically.

Then Sophie was born, and I found that my heart had been waiting for her all along. Just like before, my heart and whole being expanded...almost exploding in complete awe of her.

As her mother, I am filled with gratitude. She is more than I could have ever hoped for. Getting to know her sweet spirit is a gift.

Although part of me is sad that she is growing up so quickly, I am overjoyed and looking forward to each new phase of her life. She continues to amaze me everyday!

FYI

Sometimes when I get busy, I'll write a post and schedule it to be published at a later date.

Silly, but I usually try for once a week.

About 2 weeks ago, I wrote 2 posts and predated them.
I don't have the heart to take them down.
The first will post tonight.

The one that I scheduled for Nov 8th, now means so much.
And, you'll soon see why.



I love and miss Ben in a way that mere mortal words fail to express. The concept of eternity is the only thing that brings me peace. I'm just so sad that our time was so short. The three of us are so blessed to have him as ours.

Pretty Toes

Jocee loves when our toes match!
She picked the color & even "helped" paint it on.

Thanks Laura, for starting her young.
(Tonight before bed, she asked for "blue toes." I blame you.)

Its good to be King.....if just for one day

Departing KPVU

Nothing but ground in the first wing over

800 Shaft Horsepower a side makes a happy boyChicks dig Beta

Potty Like a Rock Star

This cute girl is POTTY TRAINED!!

Potty training is a task that has been looming over my head since I found out I was pregnant with her. I loath diapers. They're expensive, unsanitary, smelly, and bad for the environment.

But how would I approach such a huge undertaking? Years ago I took a child development class through UVU in which potty training issues were covered. Needless to say, the topic has always intimidated me.

Most other moms have told me that it takes time (months).
So my original plan was to get her a potty when she was 18 months old. I'd gradually introduce the concept so that she'd be completely trained by the time she turned two.
Reasonable, right?

Ha!!

THEN, reality hit.

• A new sibling at 19 months old.

• An extended trip to Boston over the summer.
  

• Moving & unpacking (aka-chaos)

My revised goal was to start potty training by the time she turned 2 1/2.
(TODAY!)

I have asked so many experienced moms for any advice that they were willing to share. I've tried almost everything. Most of it was crap (get it?..ha...ha)! Every kid is different and whatever worked for everyone else, seemed not to work for Jocee.

Anyway...
We started last Wednesday (Sept 30) and Jocee is DONE!
I am so happy that it only took 7 days!

In an effort to pay it forward, I wanted to share what worked for us.

This book...

(Similar e-books & info can be found on the internet.)

This DVD...

(Ben credits Elmo for her success. Whatev! I helped, too!)

These stickers...

(Yes! She absolutely put them all on, herself!)

So at exactly 2 1/2 years old, Jocelyn is potty trained!
We are both so proud of Little Miss, and so happy that she is proud of herself!

Sophie is 11 Months!

This adorable little girl will turn one year old in exactly one month!


There is too much I could say about her.
Her sweetness brings tears to my eyes.
I am eternally grateful that she is part of our family.


We love our Little Miss Leigh!