Aug 19, 2007

A picture taken earlier this month. Cousins came to visit and we rode the Horses at the mall!

Update

A little update on what we have been doing lately...Liana has been potty training. She has her good days and bad days. Right now she is mostly in pull ups, sometimes big girl underwear. No more diapers! We also have transitioned from a small potty, to a seat on the toilet, to now she climbs on the toilet seat by herself.

Tonight was the second night of transitioning her into going directly to her bed at bedtime. Our routine had consisted of her falling asleep on my lap or on her Dora sofa, then I would carry to her crib. That way I could have a little more time to hold her since our schedule is so hectic during the week. Yesterday she went to sleep without any fuss at all!!!! Tonight she cried some before we actually got to the bedroom, but went along with it when we got to her room!!!

I knew that Liana was starting to learn letters at daycare recently; however, today I realized just how much she has been learning.

We were singing a song to teach her how to spell her name, which she likes.

I can't think of anything else tonight. Take care everyone!!!

Friends Visiting

Julie, my traveling partner when I went to China, and her two daughters (Mari had stayed with Liana for a couple of months after I went back to work) came for a visit this weekend. They arrived Friday and left today, Saturday. We were so sad to see them go. Liana made a card for Mario, since he couldn't come for a visit.

First Corn On The Cobb

We had eaten corn on the cob several times previously; however, I had always cut it off the cob for Liana. This time I gave it to her on the cob, and boy did she know how to eat an ear of corn! They must have had it at daycare...and I didn't realize she was eating it that way. She ate almost all of her corn!

July 23, 2007 Pool Party with Haleigh and Kaylee

Today we went to Knights Action Park. Mondays are Mom's get in free day. I hadn't realized just how important that was until I looked at the entrance fee!!! It was fun though. There were many different areas we could go with young children. They even had a tidal wave for the older ones.

July 22, 2007 Bubble Party with Hannah

Sunday afternoon we had a bubble party with our friends Hannah and Cheryl. We had a large bubble pail, as well as the bubble train purchased yesterday at the train museum. How fun!

July 21, 2007 Monticello Train Museum

Saturday we took a trip to Monticello to the train museum. They were having a special even...the "I think I can" train. Our friends Haleigh (sorry, no idea how to spell her name) and her grandma Joyce went with us. It was a the perfect day to go. We rode an old train for half an hour. Liana loved it! There were cars set up where you could see how they might have been in earlier times. There was a petting zoo, although Liana wasn't interested in it until we were about to leave. Both girls loved the Hay Maze. It was stacked two bails high. There was a tent to purchase items and a tent to purchase food. We had a great time. Both girls, Haleigh is a year younger than Liana, slept the trip home. Oh, the picture with both girls and the conductor of the train was funny. I had seen Liana sticking her tongue out at him, but didn't notice him doing the same until I uploaded the photos to the computer! So funny!


There was also face painting...Liana chose a red ladybug first for her right arm. She then asked for a white flower on her left arm. She loved the train set toys set up too! There was some intense playing going on there!

July 2007 New Salem State Park with Hannah

This weekend we went to New Salem State Park with our friends Hannah and Cheryl. The girls seemed to have a good time. I enjoyed walking in the woods setting.

Cousin Jeremys' Wedding

We were at cousin Jeremy's wedding July 14. I have a video, with poor lighting, of Liana on stage dancing. It was the the side of the stage, but she did do it on her own. I was not able to download it to the blog, due to my limited ability. The groom is a hunter, fishing type of person. In addition to the wedding cake, they had a cake with a duck pond, a hunting dog, the groom dressed in camo lying on the ground, and the bride has a wedding dress and a shot gun slung over her shoulder and pulling the groom with one hand. Very cute!

Cook Out at Friends

We joined friends at a cook out after the 4th of July. We met new friends and enjoyed our time with Shannon's family. They are all with the local FCC.

Potty Training

We have been halfway potty training for some time now; however, last Friday (June 29), we started...again...with the training pants. Otherwise known as the "big girl underwear." I love hearing her say underwear. I have had the week off and we have been potty training, but I have not done an intense training. She actually pooped in the potty the other day! Yes, I broke down and am using candy as an training method for pooping in the potty. My smart little cookie has tried to expand that method to peeing; however, I have remained firm. We have been out so much this week though, we have used pull ups and she has USED the pull ups. I didn't realize I could write so much about this issue. WOW!

Moving on...I finally was able to relinquish the rest of Liana's 18 month pajamas and her 24 month and 2T clothes. I was having a hard time letting go of the idea of possibly adopting again. I figure if something changes and that DOES happen, it will be so far into the future I can buy new things. I love going to garage sales now! I called my friend and that evening she came by and picked everything up. I now have the spare bedroom back.

Jose and Mary's Visit July 2007

Mary and Jose came for a visit on Monday. They drove two hours to play with us. As you can see, Liana and Jose both enjoyed playing in the pool. Of course, they also like to swing.

Liana and Hannah Fishing

This was Liana's first fishing experience. She also had a first boating experience in a paddle boat. My pictures didn't turn out very well though.

The Return of the Fridge

This was taken after my other cousins' bride-to-be's shower.

Visiting Our Friends the Berbers June 2007

We visited Julie, Mario and Mari in June. As you can see, we had a great time. The picture of Liana and Mario towards the bottom is when they were exercising together. Liana loved the fish in the pond, which Mari built. Mario spent a long time with her by the fish pond.

Flower Girl in Cousins Wedding 2007

Liana was one of two flower girls in her cousins' wedding. She was beautiful and did a fantastic job, they all did. The wedding was beautiful and we all had a great time.

Henson Robinson Zoo May 2007

These were taken at the Zoo in Springfield, IL. We went with friends that have two younger little girls. I hate snakes, but to detour Liana from this fear, I encouraged (Yikes! I even touched the thing!) Liana to touch the snake. She had a great time there. I was surprised that she put one foot on the rock wall and didn't look back. She was at the time in no time.

You Crack Me Up

Liana started saying "You crack me up" a week or so ago. It always "cracks me up" when she says it. She says it and laughs, repeatedly.

Just a Swinging

Last year Liana didn't want to stay in the swing. This year I have a hard time getting her out of it.

Easter 2007

There are more pictures to be organized and posted between the last entry and this one; however, I wanted to add a couple of photos to the blog.