A new routine

Today marks Day 1 of Lillian's new bedtime routine, and I am happy to report it was successful-ish. She didn't go to sleep until 9:30pm BUT she didn't cry, play, get out of her bed, whine...nothing, well she chatted to herself a bit, but she went to sleep alone! HOORAY!

It's a good thing, because I was about ready to sell her...I already had the ad planned in my head...For sale by owner - 2 1/2 year old little girl. Very tan, cute, smart, and fun. Turns into a crazy person at bedtime... Anyway, I made a groovy sticker chart with each step of her bedtime routine listed with picture, we reviewed it a zillion times today...and I waited to get started until 8ish and it worked! I'm so happy! Jeff offered Lillian a special prize if she could follow her routine like a big girl for 3 nights in a row...he thought maybe the zoo, or sea world, no...Lillian would to go to Finn's house as her prize...

So, that is what's new around here...just enjoying the summer day by day! I will post a picture of Lillian's chart once I snap one, I am really proud of my handy work...xo -ag

updated to add

Day 2 of the new routine...would be called a failure-ish...no nap, in bed by 8pm, lots of crying (too tired) and lots of needing mommy's love...oh well, she slept until 7:45am this morning...

Day 3...nice nap, started bedtime routine at 8pm (I set the kitchen timer)...asleep by 9:30pm, but needed lots of repetition / review of the routine and Lillian is trying to break all the rules, as usual...

My hope is that by day 10 I can say the routine is a no brainer...we will see...xo -ag

Swings

I love swings, I really do. There is something so peaceful and soothing in swinging. Tonight, Lillian demanded that we go to the park, even though it was nearly dark, so we drove, even though it's just down the street, and played at the park. And as the sun was setting, we were swinging together on the swings, her legs wrapped around mine, and it just made everything go away. The sky was beautiful with dark and light colored clouds, the air calm, an occasional bird flying by and it made me feel better. It also made Lil happy and that always makes me happy.

The doctor visit with Grandma Shirley went OK today. I did cry, but mostly because the nurse, who is also a friend from high school, started to get teary. She also loves the Shirl, and it hurt her to see her in her current state, but hopefully we can make the best of it. I guess we will just wait and see.

In the meantime, you might just find me in line at the swing set. Hey, get off my toilet.
xo -ab