We must be in one of those stages where everything is in a state of transition, and kind of like a growth spurt, it appears out of no where and seemingly happens overnight.

The nuk
Sophie is down to only using her nuk at bedtime which means that at least I don't have to hear her trying to talk with the blockade in her mouth.  I've been trying everything to encourage her to give it up willingly - telling her that if she leaves it in a special spot the nuk fairy will take it and leave her a gift (her answer: "she can't take my stuff!); praising her for being so grown up, such a big girl (her answer: "I'm a baby.  I your baby."); telling her that she's too old for a nuk and it's time to throw it in the garbage (her answer: "I NOT! LEAVE ME ALONE!").

Last week, for two nights in a row, I couldn't find any nuks.  I actually looked, trying every nuk hiding place in the house and couldn't turn up a single one.  And she did fine, she didn't cry and or tell me that I'd ruined her life like Martin did when I took his nuk away.  On day three, while I was at work, she found one.  This shouldn't be a surprise to me since I've purchased probably 50 since she was born, and each one promptly disappears within minutes of being removed from it's packaging.  So, for the past few nights she's used the nuk again but I feel encouraged.  I'm going to scour the house for nuks on the loose and eradicate them from our home then we'll start again.

From diapers to underwear
Everyone tells me that girls are easier to toilet train than boys, and I sincerely hope that this is true.  We had a hard time with Martin and it just took FOREVER.  Once he decided that he was ready, and once we really pushed him, then it just clicked.  I've been hesitant to push Sophie, but she's been giving me signs that she's ready.  I'm encouraging her to wear underwear, ask her to go to the bathroom frequently, and praise her any time she takes the time to sit on the toilet.

Last week, I realized it was a bit quiet and went looking for Sophie.  I found her in the bathroom sitting on the toilet, going on her own without prompting.  I was so proud.  I praised her up and down.  Later, on the phone with my mom I recounted the story.  Sophie took the phone and told it her way.  "Grandma, I pooped!"  She started walking around with the phone, out of the kitchen and into the living room.  I followed her, acting in my usual role as interpreter.  "I pooped.  See?"  She held the phone out to the chaise lounge.  My eyes followed her directive.  Straight to a banana-shaped log.  Of poop.  On my chaise lounge.  In the living room.  From hours earlier.  This girl.


This sweet girl pooped on the couch.

Little lady
Today Martin spent the afternoon with some neighborhood kids, celebrating his friend Jordan's birthday.  Sophie was so sad that Martin was going somewhere without her, she's just so used to being his shadow.  So I made some special plans for the two of us - we went out to the coffee shop for hot chocolate, then to Target to do some shopping. 


She was a lovely companion, hanging out on the comfy chairs and saying hi to everyone that passed.  It was different being out with just the two of us.  We could spend a little time together, my attention was there just for her.  After a few minutes I asked her if she was ready to go.  "Not yet, momma.  We stay here," she said.

She's growing so fast, moving away from toddler and more into a little girl every day.  It makes me feel a bit nostalgic for the littlest version of her, thinking about snuggling up with her when she was a baby.  But I love this part, this time when she still wants to be right at my side.  Now standing next to me holding my hand instead of in my arms holding her on my hip.  I'm trying hard to appreciate everything about this time - battles with nuks and poop on the couch and all.