Zoo Lights

Thanksgiving weekend we went to Oregon Zoo's annual Zoo Lights. We are so glad we did! The weather was perfect, a little chilly but no rain. We got pizza for dinner to eat while on the zoo train (thanks Papa for standing in line) which ended up working out perfectly. Kyla loved all the lights and even wasn't scared of the big elephant that greeted at the front gate. Kyla wanted to give him high fives. I wish I could have gotten a picture of her face. This night was one of the greatest highlights of our Thanksgiving weekend!

Potty Training Update

Since my last post, I can count on one hand how many accidents Kyla has had. Still not perfect, or potty trained at night, but she wears her big girl panties all day. So proud of her progress. It is also saving us money which we like with baby number two coming in a few months. She now cheers for mommy and daddy when we go potty, and gets very excited when she gets to try a "new" potty in public places. Although this is a simple post, it has been a big undertaking in the Van Winkle household.

Potty Training 101

Potty Training...one of those parenting topics that feels very foggy when you try to start implementing your plan. I now know why most parents dread the beginning of potty training.

At first, I was one who didn't have a plan, but thought to myself, at least I am introducing the idea to Kyla. Our family has been sick this last week. I decided to start potty training at the same time. I wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but thought since we were going to be house bound anyway, why not start. After getting lots of advice from those parents that have gone before us, as well as those just wishing us luck, we decided to jump all in and start!

We decided on three tips that we were going to use:

*Only use big girl panties (including nap), and do pull ups at night until Kyla can get the hang of going on the potty. to be honest, I was a little nervous of this one because I knew there would be many accidents.

*Instead of asking if Kyla had to go potty, we used the phrase "let mommy/daddy know when you have to go potty". This way she would be thinking it was her idea to use the potty. Kyla is strong willed and very determined to have things be her idea and her timing.

*We would give "treats" and BIG cheers for when she went %100 in the potty and not on the floor. Then she would get "treats" for telling me she had to go, and going.

* Giver her as much juice or liquids as she wanted. She needed lots of opportunities to learn the sensation, and experience the potty.

We are on day four now, and Kyla is now telling me when she has to go, and has no accidents today (we have a couple of hours before bed time). I would have never thought that she would "get it" so fast! Yes, there are many methods and all kids will be different, but this TOTALLY WORKED! The first day was long and hard with 9 accidents and 10 pairs of panties. However, she learned in that one day the sensation of going potty because day two she only had three accidents and half the day she used the potty with no accidents at all. I must admit though, I wanted to give up after day one. I felt like there was not one room in the house I hadn't cleaned in, and I was really wondering if she was learning anything. The best advice that I was given, came to my mind that night..."stick with it, she will get it".

I am so proud of Kyla, and feel a little proud of myself and Jason for sticking with it. Granted the process is not perfect or over yet, however I feel like we have gotten past the first hurdle. I am sure there are days to come that will feel like set backs, but I will remain excited for accomplishing the first hurdle of potty training.

Congrats Jason!

It has been about a month now since we headed down to Eugene for and ACP (American College of Physicians) conference for internal medicine physicians. During one of the afternoons Jason did a case presentation of one of his patients that he saw this last year. He researched the rare infection the patient had and then created a poster and presented it during two rounds of judging. He was asked many questions, and answered as many of them as he could. There were 44 other medical residents that did this, and we were so excited when Jason took 2nd!!! He worked so hard to create a good case, and favor was granted. Great job Jason! You are an amazing Physician and your patients are lucky to call you their doctor!

WE ARE HAVING A......

GIRL!!!

Pink? or Blue?

We have reached the halfway point of this pregnancy. We can hardly believe that 20 weeks has gone by, and it is time for the "big", truth telling ultrasound. Granted we pray that all is healthy with little baby VW, and Jason's medical checklist passes with flying colors, we are both extremely excited to find out if we are adding a boy or girl to our family. This coming Friday we get to find out! Pink or Blue!?! We will soon find out!

We are taking a poll to find out what you think! Will Kyla have a little brother or sister? Take a guess, and post a comment if you would like. We will let you know the results this Friday! :)

Here are some facts about this pregnancy (some compared to last) to help you make your guess:

* My morning sickness was just all day nassau (same with Kyla), however it was earlier during weeks 4-7. My first pregnancy it was weeks 8-12.

* No major food aversions, but I love salt and water this pregnancy (with Kyla it was sweets).

* My skin is dryer this time, and was not as clear during the first trimester (With Kyla my skin was better).

* Felt the baby move at 13.5 weeks.

* Jason comes from a family with all male cousins except for one, I come from a family with all female cousins except for two.

* I had only gained 2 pounds as of my 17 week check up.

* Jason thinks it could be a boy. I really don't have any inkling, but have a desire as to what I want.

* Baby's movements are lower than Kyla's were. (I have heard that each baby gets lower with every pregnancy as well.)

Daddy's Girls

For Jason's birthday, my cousin took some pictures of Daddy's girls. It was fun, but tough to get Kyla to stay interested in what was going on. With some bribing of treats, we captured some great shots.

Happy Birthday Jason!