Potty Time, attempt 1

Just a heads up - I have decided that it is time to potty train this boy:

You'll notice I wrote "I have decided" and not "he has decided", which may be foreshadowing.  But he has many of the skills required for potty training - the ability to pull his pants off and on, the ability to flip the roll of toilet paper so that it spins sheets and sheets onto the floor, the ability to climb onto step stools with ease, and the ability to take off his diaper at will.  

I have a plan, and I purchased some gear for the event, including a new spray bottle dedicated to a baking soda solution that will deodorize my carpet.  I think I'm prepared for an onslaught of laundry and I'm ready to be patient and loving no matter how many failures he has.  Trouble is, I'm never ready for a day of staying inside all day long.     

Laughter

The first time Zeke hit Ben, I was shocked and scared and I did everything I shouldn't have.  I got angry, I yelled, and I put him in time out for 3 minutes instead of 2.  Now that Zeke has attacked Ben more times than I can count, I have managed a standardized, calmer response.  Not every time, of course, but an increasing proportion of the time.  

I'm always sad when my boys fight.  But, when the pendulum swings to the other side...it is beautiful.

Sloshing

Sometimes Zeke drinks a good amount of water on a mostly empty stomach.  Then he likes to shake his belly and hear the water slosh around.  Listen close.

Not on my carpet

Good thing he likes taking baths, eh?

What is he eating?  Refried beans.  We spoon a glob onto his tray and let him go to town.  He loves it.