Anna Grows

It is a lifelong skill that everyone attains. This weekend, Anna moved a step closer to learning an important life skill - going to the potty. Gramma Kohler has repeatedly told me that "you were potty trained by the time you were 1." Of course I was......Gramma was using cloth diapers. If Anna were using cloth diapers, she would be potty trained by the time she could sit up. After conversations with numerous "experts," the advice on when to start ranged from as soon as they can walk to whenever the child decides they are ready. We decided that Anna is ready now and found some good web references to get things started in 3-days. With that, the entire weekend was dedicated to non-stop potty training. The events kicked off Saturday morning with the ceremonial presentation of the "big girl underwear" in assorted colors and characters. This choices included "Dora the Explorer," "Minnie Mouse," and "Sesame Street" to name a few. Ann...

Actually, it was a visit from Aunt Mary, Uncle Joe and Cousin James the weekend of July 12. Aunt Mary came bearing gifts for Anna - a very stylish pink flower purse to hold her beads and sunglasses and an animal book. Dad was the recipient of some authentic New York bagels and is guarding them religiously. Anna was swooning over her cousin James, who is a very big kid to her at the age of 15. Anna was the envy of the other girls at the local park when James took her for some quality play time on the slide. Aunt Mary also kept her entertained with coloring, books and bubbles. Uncle Joe taught her to hold up her thumb and say "Aye" like Fonzie. Anna will only use this greeting for Uncle Joe. Anna has made a few "phone calls" this week to her Aunt Mary, although it was hard to make the connection considering the fact that she was using the electronic outdoor thermometer as a telephone. Perhaps next time Uncle Joe can teach her that skill.

Anna got to spend some quality time with Gramma and Grandpa Kohler in Ohio for a long 4th of July weekend. For Anna, it was more like Christmas in July as Gramma went on a shopping spree and was armed with all sorts of toys and games when Anna arrived. It was a challenge getting there. After an anticipated 3 hour flight delay courtesy of United, Mom & Dad opted for a refund and decided to drive. We arrived in Ohio at 3 AM at Uncle Rod's house. Uncle Rod and Uncle Tim left early for work, so we drove to Wapakoneta to join Great Grandpa Kohler for lunch. Great Grandpa enjoyed playing ball with Anna while she entertained other retirees at the assisted living facility. She even made 20 cents from one of the residents who thought she was cute. The rest of the weekend was non-stop entertainment at Gramma and Grandpa's that included lots of ball games, coloring books, story books, dolls, stroller rides, a personal swimming pool, and ice cream. It also included some practical trai...

Anna is not the youngest one in the neighborhood anymore. Henry joined the neighborhood gang on February 1 and is celebrating his 5 month birthday today. He will be joining Anna at Ms. Be's soon. Anna has promised his parents that she will watch out for him until he can at least stand on his own two feet unattended (better yet when he can not only stand, but run). In the mean time, Anna took advantage of being the older kid at a recent visit to Henry's house and proceeded to play with all of his toys while Henry watched. It's tough when you are too little to be mobile and take back your stuffed bear. It won't be long before Henry's in charge!