Boys Weekend

G and I were on our own this weekend. Miranda was in Houston shopping with some friends for a few days. Gavin and I have had a full weekend of activities. Friday afternoon we headed to the park for some soccer and sliding. Saturday we ran errands all morning. G scored a new stuffed animal in PetSmart after telling me he wanted to get a toy for Mason. He then took possession of the new toy. After a nap, we went to the movies with Dean and Matt to see Puss in Boots. As Gavin said, "it was awesome"! We then headed back home and had some pizza for dinner and get to have some playtime with Dean and Matt.

Potty Training Try 2

Today Gavin officially moved to the 3 year old room at school. They call it early preschool, but that's too "grown up" sounding for me. Since August, Ms. Maria has not only taught him Spanish, but also has worked in the potty training. Most days he has 1 or 2 wet pull ups, but he goes on the potty at school. Occasionally, he uses the potty at home, but since July I haven't pushed it--until the past two Saturday mornings. Which brings us back to his new class. Historically, kids don't move until they're potty trained. But, times they are a changing & babies they are a being birthed at my campus & filllin up daycare--necessitating movin' on up.
Last week Ms. Elaine & I visited briefly about Gavin's transition. When I mentioned that we were working with G at home and open to a push, she said,"Let's just go cold turkey on Monday. Be sure to bring an extra pair of shoes if he has them." My heart leapt: help with potty training!
Saturday, G wore big boy underwear in the morning. We had 4 outfit changes before I called it quits. I did learn that fleece pants & sweats are really absorbent when potty training.
This morning, G wore his big boy underwear to school. He only used 1 of the 4 pairs of pants I sent with him. And there were 2 pairs of wet undies. I have my suspicions that another pair might have met the trash can, but since he no longer gets a daily sheet, I don't know that. The absence of the daily sheet is another thing I dislike. I guess I don't have to get a report on the times he goes potty and whether or not he was dry, or what time he napped, or how much he ate, but boy it makes life easier. I suppose I'll begin letting go, but it's hard when I want blow-by-blows on the potty training. How can I learn what he's doing without that sheet? The other complication is that I don't pick him up from the teacher he has been with all day. I guess for now, I'll just ask a million questions & be "that mom.".
I'm so proud of my little guy. We made a Wal-Mart stop for a Lightening McQueen car as a reward. As soon as we got home, G went on the potty & then I unloaded the car. (I learn from my mistakes.)
And what is cuter than those little underwear?

Quick Chicago Trip

I had to go to Chicago on business for one whole day last week. It was a fast trip, but I was able to mark off a famous pizza place from my pizza bucket list...we walked a few blocks to Gino's East for some stuffed deepdish pizza. It was awesome stuff. We passed the nicest McDonalds I have ever seen on the way there.

The inside of Gino's is coated floor to ceiling in graffiti.

Thanksgiving Lesson

Today I packed up my Halloween decorations & put out my Thanksgiving ones, including a pilgrim man and woman. G was looking at them and making comments about the pie and crops they hold. I explained that at Thanksgiving we tell God what we are thankful for. He quickly said, "Like Santa Claus."
I guess we've been talking about Santa, too.

After dinner we had ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Gavin approved.

The picture on the slide is from the play area at church. Gavin found it a few months ago and is always looking for it when we leave the nursery. Today he found it with some help from Daddy. I think he won't need any help next time.