Silly silly Potty training

Reesey girl - you are just cracking me up with this potty training.  The other day Mommy tried to attempt the "3 day potty training method" which even the sound of it is terrifying.  I put you in an old t-shirt and some thick undies with nothing else.  I mainly tried to get you to stay on the big blanket I laid out in our living room so you wouldn't have accidents all over the apartment!  For the most part you did pretty good!  I set my alarm on my phone for every 30 minutes to take you to the potty, and you did a great job.  Every time you do the whole potty routine and nothing actually comes out you get one M&M and when you do go pee pee or poo poo you get 2 M&M's which makes you really excited.  I'm hoping you will be fully potty-trained by your 3rd birthday.  So that gives me about 6 weeks?!  You can do it girl!  You are definitely smart enough, and know how to, its just if you can make it in time. We'll get there. :)

Just yesterday was a really hard day for Momma.  Your dad and I had our divorce mediation.  Although it was really upsetting for me to to have to give up any time with you and Roman, I agreed to giving your Dad a lot more time with you than the "Standard Possession Order" we were practicing temporarily.  At least until Roman turns 3.  I want you guys to know your Dad, and I want him to know you.  These first years are so precious and despite what is happening between the two of us and the divorce, all I want is what is absolutely best for you two.  It kills me to think about how your relationship with your dad and I will be when you are older.  Will you compare the two of us constantly?  Will you enjoy his house more than mine?  When will you ask me why we separated?  Will you understand why I left him? ... I'm sure you will have so many questions, and I will be prepared to answer all of them.  But one thing for sure I want to make certain you understand is that this divorce had NOTHING to do with either of you.  It was not your fault in anyway.  By the time you are reading this, I hope that you understand the details of why I had to make this decision for us.  I love you with all of my heart, and would never want you to see a bad marriage from your parents.  I think the best way you can love your kids is to show them the love of Christ.  To show them in your own relationships what love is, especially in your own marriage.  I didn't want you guys to grow up witnessing our unhealthy marriage.  God has been strongly working in both your father and I in many amazing ways.  There is so much redemption coming from even the most painful circumstances.  I truly feel like "Much Afraid" going up to the High Places and becoming "Grace and Glory"!  Our God is so faithful.  I am so thankful for how He has protected us and guided us each day.  Your mommy loves you so much it is painful.  You are both with your dad right now for the weekend.  So I am using this alone time to really seek God's peace and understanding, and fill my mind with Him.  I know you are in His hands even when I can't see you or hold you.  I miss you terribly!  LOVE YOU BABIES... XOXOXO Love, Mommy

Our Comforter

Reesey girl -
I was just thinking of a memory from not too long ago of you and I at the Galleria mall.  You were having a MAJOR MELTDOWN.  I mean major! I don't know what the matter was - but you were not a happy girl. So we are in front of the Starbucks line where I was trying to get you a milk that you had been begging for.  I finally receive the milk (you're crying and screaming this whole time), and then I hand you the milk, and you don't want it.  I had had it!  After a 15 minute detour and passing up the whole reason we came to the mall, you didn't want the milk!  And you wouldn't sit in your stroller either so you begin flailing in tears on the ground right in the middle of everyone who's trying to enjoy a nice relaxing cup of coffee.  So I'm literally trying to use Papa's "karate chop" method to get you into your seat and strap you in.  Obviously the entire Starbucks area was staring at us, and I was no doubt losing my cool.  But all of a sudden this beautiful older woman comes over.  She literally just picks you up from the ground and holds you real close and starts singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".  You immediately calm down completely.  No more tears, no screams, nothing.  She's rocking you in her arms, singing, and talking to you.  After the song was over she asked you if you were okay, and you said yes, then she places you in the stroller and gives you a kiss and says goodbye!!

 I was literally brought to tears in that moment watching this woman.  I truly believe I witnessed an angel that day.  She helped ME and YOU calm down when we really needed it.  I've learned so much from that moment.  Isn't that a picture of what God does for us?  We are kicking and screaming and nothing is working for us, and then all it takes is listening to God, and allowing Him to hold us and comfort us like He does so well, and we are at peace.

Now... I'd like to say that leaving that Starbucks you were just a happy little clam, and sat without the slightest noise the rest of the shopping trip, but in about 5 seconds after leaving the Starbucks the wailing began in full force Round #2.  But I had a whole different feeling of patience, and calm.  No more anxiety and feeling like I was going to explode!  You and I have many guardian angels watching over us, and our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need, when we need it.  When I feel overwhelmed or enraged I am going to rest in the arms of Jesus, and listen to His sweet words to fill my heart.  He is our ultimate Comforter.  I love you Reesey Poo.  XOXO *Mom