First pair of walking shoes!

Shoes have finally appeared on this childs feet.  Finally.  Long past due!!  But, I have my own reasons for leaving her shoeless for so long that I stand behind, but the time has come.... for the most part.  The shoes were lost in the car a few times today, as they were immediately pulled off once we were driving by little Emily who's rather go barefoot.  But, when walking around she had no problems with them.  As soon as we arrived home though, she took them off.

Just like teaching a child to go in the potty when the time has arrived, I guess this will now be shoe training to keep shoes on when we're out in public.... or outside.  The wet season is right around the corner.

They're so cute.... a friend passed them on to her, and I'm sure soon enough she will have outgrown these.  Hopefully Emily will be the wonderful recipient of her friend, Kaitlynn, shoes. :)  If not, we'll be heading in to the store to get the next round of shoes :)

I wonder if she'll be a shoe lover too?  Both her sisters are crazy about shoes, especially sparkly, fancy, high heel ones!

Her first potty video! She did it!

She did it!!  Emily peed in the potty for the very first time!!  I wasn't the one sitting in front of her when it happened, so my heart just wanted to squeeze big sister for grabbing my phone and video taping it.

Emily's taken a hand in her own potty training.  I am terribly lazy when it comes to this, since it's really not that important to me.  I have no school waiting that needs them potty trained, and I don't mind changing diapers.  I do believe that by making it a non-issue a child will want to start using the potty on their own.   This is the phylosophy I followed with my other children, and what I'm following for Emily also.

And so she is.  Just before 15mo she was introduced to the potty seat just because I found a super cute one.  She showed signs that she was ready also, and so I am following her lead and just not making it a big deal.

So my little girl pulls on her diaper, takes my hand and leads me to the bathroom.  Lifts the seat and puts her potty seat on, asking for a help up.  She is remarkable.

Good job, Emily :)

School time has begun!

Well, not for Emily it hasn't... not officially.  As her big sister Alyssa is doing work I plan to have work for her also, although our entire day is always filled with something educational.  She wanted to put a backpack on though and carry it herself, and wanted to march herself on in to the school.  It's where we did go next, and as a teacher filled out a form for Alyssa to take a dictionary home with her Emily crawled on up and sat in one of the desks.... ready to start.

My two oldest children are attending school out of this "alternative" school building -  brand new, state of the art teaching equipment, three alternative programs, and a group of incredible teachers.  I feel so bless that we have such an option available here and that it's a perfect fit for two of my children.

Katie, just entering 1st grade, was enrolled in to the main public school this year and came hope beaming after her first day.  I suspect it too is the perfect fit for her learning style.

And Emily?  Emily I believe will follow Katie in her foot steps, and push to be challenged.  She already is well ahead of herself, I hope I can live up to the challenge and continue to keep her challenged!  I bet I can :)

Waving bye-bye to mom

Potty Time!

Dear Emily - 

You have found your new fascination, the potty.  I haven't really done "potty training" with you persay, just when the opportunity strikes I'll set you up on the potty.  I found this adorable winnie the pooh potty seat a few weeks ago and it seemed just perfect for you.  You love it!

These pictures are from a few days ago, first thing in the morning after waking up.  Can you see your eyes still tired?  I thought I'd sit and play with you while you sat on the potty, but Katie came in and thought she'd use the time to give you a beauty treatment.  She buffed your feet and painted your nails.  You thought it was great!!

Tonight, while Katie took a shower, you walked to the potty and tried to take your pants off.  What a great opportunity to encourage you!  I helped you take off your pants and diaper and climb on up.  You motioned your little hand that you wanted toilet paper.  You are so precious :)

You definitely have the idea down.  It will be an exciting day the first time you actually pee :)  I really thought you were going to do so tonight, and no doubt I'd be calling your dad to share with him the great amazing feat! :D  There is no rush, it's all on your time.

I'm so proud of you Emily :)

Another day playing with horses

Way, WAY too cute!!

With our belgian, Holly

Brushing Holly

A girl on a mission

Investigating how this hat thing works