Potty Time!

I know, I know, Clara's only 18 months old and we still have a lot of work to go. But, we are excited to be in the early stages of potty training. All on her own, Clara has started telling us when she has to go or has just gone pooh (about 50% of the time, but getting better every day). I guess you could say we talk a lot about pooh these days! Aaron and I have taken this as a sign that she's ready to start the daunting task of toilet training. We have been spending some time on the potty. Two times she's gone pooh in the potty! Granted, one time was just the luck of quick hands while she was in the bathtub and the other was lucky timing when we sat on the potty before bathtime. She has her own potty seats, a potty book, and great start on what I'm sure will be a long process!

What better way to pass the time than a ride on Daddy's knee;

the best horse in town!

Other than that, things have been getting back into routine here at the Barrett house since we've returned from vacation. As I've said before, one of the best thing I love about parenting is watching Clara's personality blossom! Seeing her develop "favorites" and quirks and exerting those preferences.

The big thing that happened is Clara has a new love, her Elmo slippers! Our little girl has quite a thing for the little red monster; as most kids her age I've learned. The slippers arrived on Thursday and she barely takes them off when we're in the house.

Since we spent time at our friends house in South Bend, Clara is all about the baby dolls! Playing with Abby's dolls really brought out Clara's "mothering" instinct. She feeds them with a toy bottle, puts them "night night" and covers them with blankets, and pushes them around in the doll stroller we got her.

She is also in love with her sunglasses! She wears them at Mrs. Jackie's, around the house, and at stores. Don't even think about taking them off unless it's her idea!

Our Elmo lovin', stroller pushin', shade sportin' munchkin!

And tortellini eatin'!

Clara and I spend a lot of time this weekend in the backyard playing in the pool and in the sprinkler. It's been so hot, but were sick of staying inside. Aaron enjoyed a boys weekend in Ft. Meyer's with his buddy Andy and heads back to work tomorrow after a long month off (but not long enough!).

Trying to catch the water.

We hope you all had a fun weekend like we did. xoxoxox