Big Boy Undies

So this happened last month...

Yep, this is about potty-training. But I'll spare you the details.

One morning, as I changed Jon's diaper he looked at me and said non-chalantly, "Mommy, I don't wear diapers anymore. I wear big boy undies."

Inwardly I thought, "Hallelujah! Good for you, but I have a six-week-old baby and this is not really a good time for me to potty train with you."

Outwardly I said, "Great! Run upstairs and put your airplane undies on and I'll set a timer to remind you to go potty." (We had undies on hand from our last attempt, which obviously failed.)

He put on his undies, and within two days was basically accident-free. All the problems from the last attempt were forgotten. It was his idea, and so it was going to happen. That is Jonathan all the way, if he owns it, he will make it happen. Tenacious little guy.

I'd love to take credit and share all my "secrets" for easy, tear-free potty training, but it was all him. I really just reminded, pulled pants up and down, and cheered. I'm so proud of him for choosing to grow up and do something hard, especially during a stage when many children tend to regress. He is a really special boy and I am one lucky, grateful momma.

A side note: Benjamin did not find the potty training days that magical; being put down suddenly mid-bottle or just as he was drifting off. If it weren't for Nay Nay's well-timed visit Ben would probably have some sort of trauma from the ordeal. Thanks for playing wingman, Mom.

Lucky Me

Fabio is an amazing dad.

Ben is bottle-fed, and Fabio takes more than half the middle-of-the-night feedings for me.

Just because.

He tenderly changes diapers, rocks to sleep, coos and plays, and suggests going out to eat when he can see I'm exhausted or overwhelmed.

Then he marches back to work, so I don't have to.

He rearranges his schedule to stay with the boys while I exercise, and never says a word about the state of the house--no matter what it looks like when he comes home from work!

He is generous with me and the boys to a fault, but also a firm and kind disciplinarian--teaching Jon to solve his problems instead punishing him.

More than anything, he completely head-over-heels devoted to his little team.

Even in his reviews on RateMyProfessor, his students mention that he "really loves his family."

Yes. Yes he does.

I don't know how I got so lucky.

Brothers

I'm really crazy about these two.

Jonathan is so good to his baby brother. He loves to help make the bottles, throw away the diapers, and sing songs when he's said. He is gentle, loving, protective, generous, and playful.

In Jonathan's eye, the little boy that pushes Jon sometimes at church isn't allowed within five feet of Ben (and neither is his baby sister, just to be safe). Jon cautiously stays between Ben and the two firmly stating, "No. No. Not my Ben." until they leave.

Jonathan kisses and hugs Ben tenderly, and prays for him every night.

Ben seems to love his brother's affection. Jon likes to rub B's hair, and when he does, Ben's whole body relaxes and his eyes get sleepy. Every time. He doesn't complain about the loving noogies and squeezes, either.

Ben loves to watch Jonathan run around the couch, dance, and be silly. Jonathan often offers for Ben to hold one of his toys while he plays (and is a little disappointed when B drops it). When I put B in the crib, Jonathan dutifully follows, climbs up the side, and sings to Ben--while B kicks and coos with delight.

It really does a Mommy's heart good to see two of her very favorite people in the world be so good to each other, and so loving. May it always be so...

Happy Birthday, Fabio!

Fabio loves ice cream cakes,

but he doesn't eat sugar.

So I made one using sugar-free brownies, ice cream, and cookies.

I got up early or added layers after midnight feedings so he wouldn't know beforehand.

It was worth it--because he love, love, loved it, and he was so surprised!

It was a little gesture for a great guy, who I love a whole lot.