Independence

The new-found independence and desire to stretch her wings continues as we all get accustomed to Tori’s new sleeping arrangement. The first few days of having her ‘big-girl bed’ were deceptively easy. She went down at naptime and bedtime with little effort, always waking up with a surprised vocalization of “DOWN” or “OUT” as she sleepily padded out of her bedroom in search of us. Now the novelty has waned and the discovery that she has a little more control of her sleep is taking its place. The last week it’s been a daily occurrence for her to lie down at nap time, with her favorite books, for a half hour or so and then decide she’s ready to get up, only to request a nap an hour later. Once she’s asleep she still sleeps well, usually giving me two or three hours to revive myself. (As I’m writing this, she’s once again not sleeping, but is sitting behind me “reading” the Lion King and naming everything in all the pictures). Then comes night time and we start the whole routine over. One night she asked to go to sleep around 7:30, which has been her typical bedtime, and finally nodded off a little after 9:00. I’m discovering in myself a lack of surety on how to handle this behavior. And at the same time, I am in awe of her ability to contentedly entertain herself with books. Like mother, like daughter, I suppose...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TORI

Today is Tori's second birthday. I can't quite believe that she's 2 already. While still my baby in my heart, she's turning in to quite the little girl. She's talking up a storm these days, insists on helping me do every chore around the house and in the garden, and has developed quite a little sense of humor. When we're playing with her and she's amused, she'll say "silly mommy" or "silly tori" at just the right moment. It's very funny and makes her seem so grown up. She loves to chase and be chased, play with her ball and bubbles, and be twirled around and tickled. She still loves her books and quietly wakes up every morning, pulls all her books off the shelf and puts them in her bed to read. She also goes to bed every night with a book in hand; she 'reads' one to herself after mommy or daddy has read one to her. And every night before we go to bed, we sneak in and remove the reading material from her chest. We had her birthday party on Saturday afternoon and it was great fun. The weather was perfect - not too hot, and not too cold. We barbecued hot dogs and had a wonderful picnic outside. Tori's grandparents, great-grandparents, aunt, cousin and lots of friends came to celebrate with us. After eating lunch, desert, and unwrapping presents, we turned on the sprinklers for all the kids to run through. It was a fantastic day of celebration. Thank you to all who were able to make it such a special day. Enjoy some pictures of our fun...

Lovin' Her Room

Tori is really enjoying her new room. She plays contentedly by herself in her new space. I have found her several times, sitting at her table quietly coloring, or eating her snack. Occasionally when it's been too quiet, I'll sneak in and she's laying on her bed reading a book. She looks like such a big girl...

We haven't had many issues at bed time either. She excitedly gets her book, crawls in bed, insists on laying on her pillow and waits for mommy to read to her and tuck her in. She always starts the night adorably tucked into her new bed, but without fail, ends up at the foot of the bed by morning...

Tori's New Big Girl Bedroom

Another milestone met this week for Tori. We have been diligently working the last couple weeks to get her nursery transformed into a big girl room, and finally have it completed. We went to IKEA last night and purchased her new bed; an extendable bed frame that will grow with her from a toddler size bed into a regular twin size bed. Ej excitedly assembled the bed last night, and Tori was eager to climb right up. So, down went the crib and Tori spent her first night in her new bed. She pretty much went right to sleep and slept for an hour. Then she woke up a couple more times in the night and needed lots of snuggles but for the most part spent the whole night cozy in her big girl bed. I snapped these pictures before she woke up this morning. This morning after she was up, I finished getting her room put together with her new bedding, and new table.

She has been having fun playing in her new room. Was fascinated with her table and stools, and has enjoyed sitting down and coloring as well as carrying the stools through out the house.

So far so good with the transition into the new bedroom. Here's hoping that it lasts as successfully as it has started. Next on the agenda - celebrating her 2nd birthday on Saturday!

Mini-Milestone

Just a brief post to tell of our exciting morning today. Tori sat on the big toilet, and actually went potty today! She's been terrified of the big toilet, clinging for dear life (with arms and legs) if we try and sit her on it. Yesterday I purchased a cushiony seat that sits on the regular toilet seat, making it the perfect size for little bums. Tori was very interested in it and sat down with her clothes on yesterday. This morning I thought I'd see if her interest was still there. Down she sat with her jammies still on. Then, without any qualms, I stripped her down to see what she would do. By golly, she sat down like a pro and all of a sudden she piddled. While we (meaning me) weren't completely ready to start training, I think this new cushy seat may just bump us to that point pretty soon. All in all a very exciting morning!

Far Too Long

Once again, it has been far too long since I've posted anything. We've been home one week over the last 3 and those days have been plum full. We spent a week with Grammy and Pa learning to work in the garden. Grammy bought Tori her first wheelbarrow and we got to break it in. She had fun pushing it around the property, however, I think she had more fun helping Pa fill and push the real thing.

Tori's fascination with smelling the flowers continued throughout the week. Each time we went outside she would make the rounds to the different flower beds, enjoying each and every flower.

Probably my favorite event of the last few weeks was our first trip to the Oregon Zoo. We went with a group from our church and had a blast. I was really curious to see what Tori would think and how interested she would be. She loved everything and was very alert and attentive. We got to see polar bears, cougars, bats, birds, elephants, and she'll tell you very animatedly what we saw when you ask her. Her response is excited when talking about the cougars and the polar bears; a bit hesitant with the "Big Elephant" -- Packy was inside the elephant building and she was a little unsure as he walked toward the glass -- ; and animated when telling of the birds (Lorikeets) drinking.

And of course, what is a trip to the zoo on a warm day without an ice cream cone?

And lastly, a big first for our little girl this past weekend. She had her first sleep-over with our best friends, the Mattos Family. We had a busy weekend, with a couple adult only meetings; one Saturday evening and another Sunday afternoon. Mandy graciously allowed us to leave Tori in her care from mid-afternoon Saturday until late Sunday afternoon. And Tori did great (as did mom and dad). This freed us up to paint Tori's bedroom, which we've wanted to do in time for her birthday. We were able to get the painting finished Sunday night, and we are well on our way to converting Tori's bedroom from 'nursery' to 'big-girl' room. Here's a preview of her new big girl room...