Potty time!

My Echo

About two weeks ago papa and I bit the bullet and drove to Ikea with a shopping list that has been growing over the past few months. Not on the list, was a green and white potty. Too early for a 10 month old, but sooner or later, we would need it, and since we were already, we decided to grab one, and postpone an unavoidable future visit to Ikea.

While waiting at the Home Delivery line, which was slower than the checkout line, you tested your potty and liked how it felt.

At home, when you started making your familiar grunts, nonna Maria suggested that we sit you on your potty, just to get you used to it. Like a pro, you pushed:

You posed:

You pushed some more, heart in the present, eyes in the future. Zoe stopped playing with her new dinner set we got her from Ikea, and kept you company the whole way, encouraging you to charge on.

The experience was more dramatic than the pictures portray. You even lost a sock along the way, although that's far from unusual for you. You leave no sock on your feet and no hat on your head, no matter what the weather is like. 

We cheered, and clapped for your success, but instead of joining in our celebration, you were disturbed by the sight of your work, and tried to shun away. But worry not. Since that day, we have been putting you on the potty on and off, and whatever feeling of unease you had hat first time, is all gone. Instead, now we have to insist that you do not touch your poop.

Love, Mommy.

Little things about you

My Dear Little Echo,

I had to travel to San Francisco for a couple of days, and since you are still nursing, we made it a family trip. The weather was gorgeous. The sun was bright just the right amount, and the rays were warm just the right amount. The hotel was a walk away from the facility where I worked, and right across the street was Children's Center - a carousel with horses and chariots, an outdoor playground, grass to roll and run, and most fun of all, the Children's Museum.

As we were planing the trip, we were worried about how papa would entertain two little girls for two full days. Instead, you girls found yourselves in children's paradise full of activities. Kudos to papa for entertaining you, doing scientific projects with Zoe, crafts, dress-up karaoke, Disney store adventures, diaper changes, and meals. While Zoe was having the time of her life through amazing activities, you were enjoying the energy, colors and action around you in your own way.

Every few hours I joined you for half an hour to an hour for feeding and playing. Nursing you is near to impossible when there is something going on. In fact at the hotel room, I ended up hiding inside the small dark closet to remove all stimulus from your area of vision. Alas, the ironing board was there, and you found a way to play with it. In the evening, we all collapsed into the only bed in the hotel room. Reading your body language, I'm sure you said "Oh My God! I can't believe Zoe is sleeping next to me! Let the fun begin!!!" You kept crawling on her, all psyched, and wouldn't let her, or anyone else sleep. We were all tired. So very tired, but enjoyed your funny reaction.

I know you won't remember the little things we do, but you will know how much you are loved by everyone in our little family.

You love being in the bath tub with Zoe, so we throw you in together. Zoe holds you to make sure you don't drawn. When it's time to rinse her, she panics, screams, because refuses to let go. I tell her I will hold you. She makes me promise not to let go.

The other day we noticed you were chewing on something. Before we could figure out what it was, Zoe, quick as lightning, shoved her little fingers in your mouth and pulled out a shiny piece of chocolate wrapping paper.

You slammed my glass off the table with your Herculean arms. When Papa and I rushed to clear the pieces of glass, Papa asked Zoe to move you away. She immediately grabbed you from behind, lifted you up, and dragged you away from the scene.

I get on my knees and start crawling. You see me, and start crawling toward me, laughing. We head toward each other, butt heads, and hug.

Your little mouth houses five teeth that create an adorable asymmetrical smile.

I love you.

Mommy