A big deal; things that are 'supposed' to happen (eventually) but just take too long, even with coaxing, bribing and full on yelling matches, cause stress to all involved - they become a Big Deal. And the worst thing is that people tell you not to force the issue, as it only makes it worse; so then you feel bad for trying to help the situation along!
The Big Deal that has been an issue for an extended length of time now, is Linc and his Number Twos... in the toilet, no nappy/pull-up style. He just wasn't doing them - literally; if we refused to give him a nappy to do them in, he would hold on for a couple of days resulting in some....well, backing up (without going into too much detail). While in the past six months we have had some wins, it was extremely irregular, and didn't continue. Until now. Three days ago, he just decided to take himself to the toilet to do his number twos. And then again the next morning, and then again the next afternoon. We are confident that this is no longer a Big Deal and has become a habit. Finally. It is a huge relief, as he starts school in a couple of months and we were adamant he was going to get in the swing of things before then. Well done Linc.
What else has been happening? Not a great deal (it wasn't our family that won $28m in the lotto!), we are loving the warmer weather, throwing the windows open till late evening, not having to use the gas heating, the kids are able to spend more time in the backyard (without getting burnt to a crisp); it's just a nice time of year, especially to enjoy a walk/ride around the lake! Mum continues to regularly visit Mini Q, the Zoo and Monkey Mania which is a good chance for her to also meet up with her friends. Unfortunately Mum has had to go back on her blood pressure medication for no medically identifiable reason. Ain't life grand. But with a husband like me, it's probably no surprise?!
Carter is talking very well now; he is excellent at describing how Linc hits him in the 'nog' and can count to ten with a little assistance. Unfortunately he continues to have some very bad luck with regard to keeping his head from contacting hard walls and tile/concrete floors - yesterday he slipped over in the garage as he and Linc had been playing with the hose and it made the polished concrete floor in the garage extremely slippery; he has a huge egg on the back of his head which, while it bled, didn't split the skin (thank goodness). He is still in his cot, although is probably big enough now to go into a bed, as Linc moved into his at around this time (although that was by necessity, to make room for his brother!). That may or may not be an issue in the future, as we are still discussing whether to try for a third! He's still a bit timid around large groups of people and loud things; this was demonstrated this morning at a nearby fete where he really didn't like being there (but Dad got great cuddles!).
Linc can now write his name (Linc, not Lincoln!) and is turning out to be a very bright kid; sometimes a little too smart for his own good, but that's kids for you - they always know best and absolutely have to have the last word. That's our struggle with him at the moment; trying to teach him manners, and that it's rude to talk back!
We recently joined a whole bunch of kids on our street in dressing up and going around to houses asking for lollies; it was great fun, and the kids were fantastic. Dad even dressed up for when the group came to our house; unfortunately it was quite a frightening costume, so some of the kids weren't brave enough to get some yummy chocolates!




