Nakie Mylie

Mylie is growing so fast and coming in to her own personality. It is funny to see the things that she does...that Maysie did...and the things that Maysie NeVeR did!! Either way, she doesn't skip a beat at keeping me busy, as well as, entertained. Here is a picture of her latest stunt that I can't help snickering about:

SLACKER

I've had this slideshow sitting in my projects folder for a VERY long time now, but I figured it's never too late to share! So...enjoy! I will be making an updated one soon...after these darn midterms. Thank you for checking this out!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=809ed451e91879ee89c399&skin_id=1702&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Can you say Potty Trained?!

I can't believe that after 3 failed attempts, my oldest baby is now potty trained! We have had success with both 1 and 2 on the potty chair. We have had success with leaving the house and going in public restrooms. We have even had success with waking up to go potty and then going back to sleep! It is amazing how fast it goes once kids understand the purpose or concept! Now don't get me wrong, we still have accidents because she hasn't graduated into telling us when she needs to go (except for the wake-ups), but they don't happen often. When an accident happens, it is usually because we weren't paying attention to the last time she went. We are so proud of our BIG (little) girl. She loves to decide which panties to wear...Oh the choices: Hello Kitty, Minnie Mouse, polka dots, stripes, stars, mermaids, pineapples, watermelons, and more!

The best part of the story is how we broke through with our many successes. One day, Chuck E. Cheese called Maysie and told her that he really wanted to see her. He personally invited her to his place under one condition. He told her that if she went pee-pee on the potty she could go see him and tell him in person. So, it took about 3 days of trying and a couple more encouraging phone calls from the mouse himself...and Voila`! The cutest part was that each time he called, Maysie would say, "Okay Chuck E., I go pee-pee on the potty and come see you!" Then she would run to her potty, sit down, and W-A-I-T...for soooooo long with no pee-pee. So, when she finally went on the 3rd day, the whole house celebrated!!! We waved bye-bye to her pee-pee (flushed the toilet), washed our hands, got ready (still celebrating), and left for Chuck E. Cheese right away! We waited to see Chuck E. when we were done playing and she told him the great news. He gave her a high five and a thumbs up! What an experience...tune in next year when Mylie becomes part of the Potty Club!

P.S. To continue our success, we did use a little old fashioned bribery. Each time Maysie went pee-pee (or poo-poo) on the potty, she'd get to visit the treasure basket to take ONE toy. The funny thing is that after a couple days, I wouldn't pull it out unless she reminded me. Eventually she forgot all about it and it still has toys!! I guess she is content with the praise and accomplishment! Plus, there are SO many steps to remember when using the potty!

I'm over it! I think!

I did it! I am going public!!! My blog readers keep forgetting their log-in information. So, just to make life easier, here I go...PUBLIC! Plus, it is easier for the Aussie's to view our family! I am having an anxiety attack as I am doing this! Ahhhhh!

My LiTtLe PaStRy ChEfS

Yesterday, My friend Andrea, her son Justin, Maysie, Mylie, and I went to Little Pastry Chefs. It was so much fun!! Justin and Maysie had a blast rolling sugar cookie dough, cutting out shapes of their choice, and frosting and decorating cupcakes and cookies. Justin and I had fun throwing flour on to the table (like the bakers do on Cake Boss-my new favorite show) while Maysie licked up frosting. Andrea was busy keeping Mylie occupied. She gave her several cookie cutters to play with, helped her lick up frosting, frosted a cupcake for her, and even chased her around the shop!!! (Thank you, Andrea!) It was a bummer that we saw the highchair (with safety straps) after we were finished!! Mylie had so much fun gobbling up her orange cupcake. The best part...was that it wasn't my kitchen (or Andrea's kitchen) that needed to be cleaned up after we were finished! We will definitely be back. The staff was so nice, too. Here are some of the pictures I managed to take amidst all the chaos. (Really though, there wasn't much chaos...just a lot of fun!)

This is the before pic... (Mylie, Maysie, and Justin) Notice they are squeaky clean!!
Mylie didn't know what was going on. One thing she did know was that her cupcake was too yummy! She went to town...as you can see on her face!!! I love these kinds of pictures.
My little decorator is hard at work! She liked decorating and then dipping her finger for a taste. It is so funny to watch a two year old lick her lips!!! Yes...that is flour all over her shirt. And yes, that is a pigtail. I can put her hair in two pigtails now! I love it.
Here are Maysie's finished cupcakes. Don't they look YUM-YUM-YUMMY?!?!?! It was funny because we cut sugar cookies first. While they were cooking, the kids decorated their cupcakes. Maysie unwrapped her cupcake and took a big bite. She had no idea we were going to decorate it! She caught on real quick!

NaP TiMe!

Oh my goodness! This story is such a miracle, I have to share! So, as you might know, Maysie just slept in her toddler bed for the first time last night. At nap time, I was worried because she usually plays in her crib for a short time before falling asleep. So, when I put her down for a nap, it seemed like she was going to stay (we won't mention that I bribed her with a mini sprinkle cupcake when she woke up). Sure enough, she comes strolling out 3 minutes later. I hold my ground and do not give in to the puppy dog eyes and polite "PLEEEEEEZE!" Lo and behold, about 2 hours later, she said, "Mommy, Mommy....I night-night! I want go night-night!" Then, she takes off running to her bedroom! I follow her, help her into bed, give her a kiss, and promise her the cupcake when she wakes up. That sweet, darling, precious, little girl fell asleep for 4 HOURS!!!!! I could not believe it! I almost went and woke her up. I think I'm getting off the hook with this one since potty training has been such a disaster.

Here's my little toddler with plenty of sweet & sticky kisses to give.

BiG GirL BeD!

Yesterday, Mike & I decided it was time to turn Maysie's crib into a toddler bed a.k.a. Big Girl Bed!!! She was so excited . Here is a picture of her testing it out. Notice that Mickey is still her bedtime pal!! (He is no longer known as Tee-Tee.)
So, she totally went to bed like a big girl. I was excited to read her a book while laying in bed with her! Then, we kissed, said, "I love you SO much" & "Night-Night," and she fell asleep! I was expecting her to get up and start playing in her room. So far, the transition has been easy. (We haven't taken a NAP yet, though.) Anyways, I woke up around 4 am (with Mylie) and Maysie's door was opened. Strange. Neither Mike or I opened it. That only leaves one other person. But, that person was sound asleep in her bed...like a big girl. Well, at about 5:30 am, Maysie came strolling in to our bedroom with Mickey, her blankie, and her pillow. I picked her up, she laid down next to me, and fell asleep until 7:15 am. Not a word said. Too Cute! It is amazing how something so little can be such a big event! My life has been so much more fun just watching my little angels grow up! Here is a picture of Maysie passed out in her bed.

Silly Face! Kissy Face!

I caught Mylie trying to make silly noises. I am so glad I had the camera ready to capture a memory that might have been forgotten!

Totally not a photographer...but had fun pretending to be one/Father's Day!

I know I am so behind, but I just finished my 1st two classes!! Yeah! Oh, and I EARNED A's in both classes (100% to be exact).

So, I do want to share what our family did for Father's Day, too! I really dread Father's Day to be honest. I tell myself that I am not going to do anything, (my hubby & I are okay with that) but I always end up pulling something out of my magic hat! This year, I bought Mike and all the kids matching Vans.

Then, arranged for them all to dress in white tops with denim pants/shorts. Next, we drove a whole 10 minutes (or so) to Spring Mountain Ranch and I took pictures of them all. {Disclaimer: I am not a photographer by any means.} However, I am pretty impressed with my work. To my naked eye, they look great. To the trained eye, I'm sure they don't pass the test. Oh well, the point was to have fun. Mike enjoyed it. He said we did exactly what he wanted to do...spend time with his family. (Plus, Mike is on my naked eye team.) We ended the day with Michael playing a fabulous baseball game against Sierra Vista. The little stud hit a triple, a couple doubles, and turned a few double plays at 2nd base (enough to make his Dad proud-especially on Father's Day). Here are a few of my "fantastic" (wink, wink) shots!

POP-SPRINKLES!!!!

Maysie has been saying POP-SPRINKLES for a while now...(it means popsicles). But, today was definitely worth a post. She has only said the word if you ask her to say popsicles or if you ask her what one is (she has popsicle pajamas); she has never used it on her own accord. Well, yesterday morning, I was going through our normal routine of asking her what she wanted for breakfast. As I was hoping for Cheerios (I was really sleepy. I stayed up until 3:00 am doing my final exam for one of my online classes.), I could tell she was putting A LOT of thought into her decision. Then, she very confidently said, "Mommy, I eat POP-SPRINKLES. Mmm Hmm. Yes." It was so cute, I couldn't resist. I felt she earned it...remember, I was awake until 3:00 am and woke up at 5:45 am. In my defense, I froze organic, sugar-free fruit juice in POP-SPRINKLE molds. So, it was like having her morning juice...right?
(She looks like such a big girl in this photo!!!)

P.S. She, later, ate a bagel with strawberry jam and cream cheese.

What I got!!!

I get an F on pics taken at a birthday party. I was so busy, and since it was a pool party, I didn't bring out the cameras. Then, a button got pushed and the last few were too bright!! Ugh!! I might get it right one day! The party was a hit! Maysie totally understood that the party was all about her. Mylie didn't have a clue. Either way, it was fun to get together with family and friends. (They got A LOT of really cool presents. It took us 2 hours to open!!)

Maysie, Emma (my cousin's daughter), my Popo (grandma from my mom), Mylie, and Pankie (my dad).
Justin, Maysie, & Emily having lunch (Actually, Maysie was bombarding their lunch. She didn't want to eat her own lunch.)
The PrEsEnTs!!!! I wish I took more angles. It was crazy-ness (I finally got the chance to use your word, Melissa!)
Nicole with the mouth-watering cupcakes (s0 I heard...I am on a diet). Nicole's friend made them & and the cakes for the girls. She is an awesome baker. You can also see the Marshmallows dipped in chocolate and mini m&m's (all the menu items started with M).
The cakes before...
The cakes after (Maysie was smart...she ate her sister's cake-isn't that what baby sisters are for? I wouldn't know; I'm an only child.)
The main culprit...
As you can see, she did not have an accomplice this year. Mylie didn't want anything to do with the mess. She cried when we put her hand in it!
Mylie liked the cupcakes instead.

What a ONE-derful day to turn ONE!!!

Tuesday was Mylie's 1st birthday. The day started off like normal. I was bothered ALL day because I didn't have a plan. I didn't want to go eat (since I am on a really strict diet...I've lost 12.5 lbs so far!!!). I didn't want to go to CEC (we just went there and Mylie doesn't get into all the fun yet). I wanted to go to the park, but we had to wait around the house for a home inspection (and the lady had us waiting ALL day). Then, Michael reminded me that he had a baseball game. Now, I love going to watch my stepson play ball, but I didn't do anything for Mylie's birthday yet (plus, I have to chase after the girls...so I never really get to see the game anymore)! My parents wanted to spend some time with the BiRtHdAy GiRl, too! Well, Mike ended up going to the game and the girls , my parents, and I went to a new park by my house! Here are A LOT of pics of Mylie's actual 1st Birthday! (Sorry!! I couldn't decide!)

Here's that AdOrAbLe Birthday hat:
My baby is getting so big! I think Maysie was sleeping because Mylie is holding a toy!
I can't help but defend myself when I see the mess in the background! I have not been able to get things under control since their party! My finals are next week...then it is major toy sorting!!!!
Enjoying her (2nd to the last) bottle...I had to feed the LAST one to her...she's still my baby! Can you blame me?
The Birthday Girl @ the park! That tu-tu is the one that nobody got to see Maysie wear last year! (We took it off right away so that Maysie could get into her swimsuit and run through the water at the park!)
A girl has to have her cake ...and eat it too!
Happy Birthday, Princess Baby!!! It has been a short year. Again, I must've blinked.
I will put together a Birthday Party post sometime this weekend...hopefully!

It's great to be TWO...when you are Maysie!

I miss blogging. My two online classes are very demanding, but I couldn't hold myself back. Yesterday, my little Moo Bear Maysie turned 2!!! We started out the day by singing "Happy Birthday" together and learning how to make two on our fingers (we've been practicing all week). Then we played birthday princess dress-up!
Next, I made her a few of her favorite things for breakfast (eggs, 1/2 of a toaster strudel w/ birthday sprinkles, and two gummy vitamins).
(The next two pics were taken after breakfast. Maysie loves to walk around like a DiVa! It cracks me up that she makes a diaper look so haute couture. I can see this look parading down the runway...the way she rocks it!!! I had to get the pouty model face picture in there, too. It IS her birthday...and she can cry if she wants to! It just makes her that much more of a DiVa!!!)
(Yes, that is a little teacup chihuahua...just like the DiVaS in Hollywood!)

The whole day was a blast! I let her have ice cream with M & M's for a mid-morning snack. Then, it was off to CEC (Chuck E. Cheese-can't say his name around here) to meet up with her favorite people (Uncle Andy, Jimmy, Carrie, Pankie, Lau-Lau, Andrea and Justin) for some afternoon fun. (Her big party with Mylie is next week.) She had SO much fun! The big kids (Daddy, Michael, Uncle Andy, Jimmy, and Carrie-their godmother) helped with the 2,780 tickets that we cashed in! Maysie and Justin won a lot too! Maysie loves the Whirler machine and kept hitting the 60 ticket bonus all by herself! We split the tickets between the two little kids (that's 1,390 each!!) and Andrea said that Justin felt like it was his birthday, too!!After that, we headed off to Michael's first Green Valley High School American Legion Baseball Game (yes, we were so proud he made the team)! They got spanked by Coronado, but Michael played so AWESOME! He grounded out the first time, had two great hits his next two times up to bat, and he started and played an errorless game at second base (Oh and he was the lead off batter!). What a ROCKSTAR!! I'm glad he had such a great game.

Maysie also got to play with more of her favorite people (Michael's sisters from his mom-Madi, Alie, and Dari). What a wonderful day for Maysie! Sorry, I don't have many pictures of the afternoon. It is too hard to take them while chasing after both girls!!

Oh, the day before Maysie's birthday, I took her for a pedicure. She loves the flowers. Love those chubby toes...she has my feet!P.S. Didn't mean to leave Mylie out on the post. I will report on her birthday, too (it'll be here soon)! Also, stay tuned for their birthday party!!!!