Gigi's Perfect Day

I asked Gilana what she wanted to do today and she responded "Kit-chien."  Which means she wanted to play with her kitchenette set and do some baking.  Next I asked her what would make this the perfect day.  Gilana answered without any hesitation, "Daddy home!"

As I write this Gilana has my phone and is trying to dial some numbers.  She is saying "Call Daddy!" Our big girl loves her Daddy.

Camelia's First Steps

We would like to record this monumental occasion as officially taking place yesterday on Daddy's day off.  Camelia stood and took two steps towards Daddy in order to give him a sweet kiss.  She has good control of her 22.2 pounds of baby chunk.  She is a darling little lovie!

Gilana's Great Successes

Gigi wet her bed twice last night, but hey, this is a brand new venture into foreign worlds of exotic expectations.  Today, however, has been an entirely different story.  Gilana started the day by bumping her head, leaning towards me, and reciting "Chissh, Mommy.  Chissh!"  I didn't understand at first, but then realised she wanted a kiss on her injured head.  I administered the requested cure, and Gigi pronounced herself healed with "aww betta"! 

Over the last two hours Gilana has requested assistance getting on and off the toilet and likewise taking her lovely "Merma" (princess) underwear off and on.  She has been very persistant about this, requesting assistance about every five minutes.  Please note that I was trying to iron some shirts (the results on this task were poor at best) and care for Meli at the same time.  All hoped-for productivity this week has been put on hold, as this is Gigi's Potty Training Intensive!  This last time Gilana was near frantic to get on the privy, but made it just in time to successfully take care of all her business.  She was shocked and pleased with herself, but the greatest pleasure came with the happy reward of a special M&M treat.

We are well on the road to a toilet trained toddler.

Potty Time

Today marks day two of our potty training adventure for our lovely 22 month old.  Yesterday went as expected with numerous accidents on the carpet, patio, garage floor, and twice in the crib at nap-time, all followed by a rush to the restroom to finish off the business there.  All in all a successful day.  Today, however, is not quite going as expected.  Gilana was slightly wet this morning, but after I woke her in attempt to use the toilet first thing, there has been nothing to report.  Nothing.  She has not relieved herself since that slight dampness this morning at 7 am.  It is now nearly 3 pm and while she has done some odd little dances and drank a large quantity of fluids she has not succumbed to the embarrassment of potty on the toilet.  I do not force her to sit there, but we do speak of it often.  The teddy bears have used it today and have gotten rewards for that, but Gigi has not.  She's a little tank, but alas, she will pop soon, and then I shall have a lot of cleaning on my hands.  The sterilizers and others cleaning instruments are ready, as are the change of sheets, clothing, and sweet little toddler undies.  We are on a mission to potty train.

Camelia at 9 months!

Camelia just hit the nine months mark today (Gilana is now 22 months).  Meli made it official yesterday by standing up in the middle of the room... and just stayed there, not sure what to do next other than balance in place and watch her sister's antics with Daddy.  She required so assistance to get up, stand there, or later to ease back down and crawl forward towards her next target.  Today she stood up next to the hutch and took some steps alongside.  She is such a sweet little gem, and we are so enjoying the pure joy of time with her.  She applauds exuberantly when Daddy comes home from work (or even comes back to her after being in another room), Camelia is quite gracious with offering her family kisses, and loves being loved.  She is a delightful little snuggle-chunk!

Birthday Adventuring

For several weeks Byron expressed his excitement for my birthday.  I on the other hand was not so thrilled.  My days had been rather long and trying, and I don't get excited about surprises because I don't know what I am supposed to be getting excited for.  So two days prior to the big day, Byron revealed his plans for me.  My excitement started to grow.

Morning with the girls

 

Breakfast with dear friends

Church, listening to a sermon by our beloved pastor with dear friends

Put the girls down for naptime at home and leave them to the care of Alexandru and Kelsey!


Sushi in Glendale

Stroll through the Americana

Couple's Massage

Stroll around Pasadena

Dinner at the Melting Pot

A FULL NIGHT'S Rest at our Honeymoon Hotel in Burbank

Home for a pool party with the cuties

Baseball Training

Daddy will be so proud...

Gilana found our sports collection and started naming off the baseballs and basketballs.  She then proceeded to extract the baseball glove from the assortment and inserted a baseball in the center.  Perfect fit!  All of this done without my involvement or input.  Little smarty.

Camelia's Teeth

Two more today! Now she has two bottom and one top right.  Lookout world, Camelia can bite!!

Sleeping progress

After Camelia's second crying episode of 2.5 hours tearing my heart to pieces, we decided to put the girls into separate rooms so that Camelia's stubborn sleep habits would not negatively impact Gilana.  I plan on them being in the same room again after this baby stage, but for now this is the best thing for our family.  Once Byron and I determined to separate them last week, we went straight to work rearranging the rooms in time for bed.  This required dismantling Meli's crib and determining furniture placement using this handy tool.  Byron made the call to no longer have a guest room as it made the 10' by 10' rooms too cramped with a cribs, armoire, desk, futon, rocking chairs, and bookcases spread out between them.  After a couple hours of concentrated effort all was ready and lovely for the babes.  That night Camelia went right to sleep after only 5 minutes fuss in her new room.  Nights have gotten progressively easier.  Success!!!