Here's how it's going

We've been having lots of adventures around here. I'll try and remember as many as I can.
Last Friday we met up with a playgroup on Mount-Royal. It turned out to be one of the few gorgeous days this summer. It took us three bus and two metro rides there. Vanessa was a trouper. She loves public transportation. The scenery, noises and people. Not to mention the fun food I pull out.
Once we got there, we found Vanessa was one of the oldest. At the beginning she was the only one who could walk and talk so she got lots of attention. Then everyone opened up their lunches and she went crazy eating everyone's food. They wee all so generous.
Later on there was a mom and her elementary school son sitting up on top of the hill. Vanessa thought they had the best spot and went up to say hi and sit with them. The lady asked her her name and she answered. That's a big deal. Even better the woman understood her. Vanessa is a hard name for children.
Last week-end we went over to my parents for diner and since Vanessa was underfoot we sent her out for a walk on the mountain with Grandpa. She was so excited even with the mosquitoes until she met up with the dog across the street about 20 feet away. He barked at her. She came into the backyard and Grandpa told us what happened. Vanessa looked at me holding back the tears saying, "I'm ok". "I'm ok" I don't know if she was trying to convince us or herself. I picked her up and she fell to pieces. Poor little girl.
The other week we went to a bbq and there were 2 dogs there. They were very well behaved. They didn't bark or jump on her but she still climbed up my leg. She cried a little and then told the dogs not to eat her. After getting a little more comfortable she told them not to scare her. By the end of the evening she was telling them to go away which they complied to. She's growing up and finding her own strength.

Potty training stress

A couple of months ago Vanessa couldn't sleep one night. There was lots of wining and some crying. She just couldn't get comfortable. It's a well known fact that Vanessa loves her sleep and alone time in her room so it was surprising. We went downstairs to try and sleep in the laz-y-boy chair and it didn't go much better. I needed to go pee but she wouldn't leave my side so she came along. She asked to use the potty and peed in it like it was nothing. There was a little arguing about putting the diaper back on and she went to bed and slept until morning. Strange...Very strange.

Two nights ago she also had lots of troubles sleeping after a huge day. She was hot but unwilling to take off her warm pjs or let me turn the A/C on. She finally let me take her bottoms off and I turned on the A/C. The next morning she got up and asked to go potty. We tried out potty training for the day and I now know she can hold it in. She only went in her diaper at nap time and right before bed. Ohh what to do? We'll see how today goes.

I'm beginning to wonder if potty training is stressing her out. She hadn't asked to use the potty for months and then one restless night and she and her baby are wearing underwear. All we need to do is convince her to go in the potty and not just play.

Canada Day

We had a great Canada Day this year. Vanessa and Daddy went over to the park where the parade was setting up. They came back to collect me and a stroller to watched it as it went by our house. Vanessa took it all in but got really excited when she saw a playgroup friend in the parade.

We came back after the parade and had lunch. Vanessa got a nice long nap and we headed off to the main event. There were train rides, bouncy toys and lots of music. Vanessa loved seeing a lot of friends. One of her playgroup friends was generous enough to help her up the inflatable obstacle course. Check out the video. I'm sure you'll be impressed.

After lots of fun we left to have dinner, get some warmer clothing and the bike trailer. We all wanted to see the fireworks and the Beatles tribute band. Truth be told once we got there it was only the adults that wanted to be there. Vanessa clung to me and wouldn't be put down. I put on some headphones to dampen the sound of the live band. They worked well. I asked her for the 5th time if she wanted to go into the trailer with her suce. She finally agreed. Once she was settled in there she was ok but you could tell the blank stare meant she'd rather be in bed.

We watch the fireworks and went home. We were a tired but happy family. I look forward to next year.