I'm so impressed!

I had heard that if you wait until your little one is ready, that potty training is a breeze. But, all my prior experience (or stories I have heard from others) suggested otherwise. I was terrified to begin the process, because I just knew I would be in a never-ending cycle of cleaning up pee-pee and poo-poo all over the house...and I just don't do well with that.

Once again, little Miss Ryleigh has exceeded my expectations. More so than I even imagined possible. We literally started this potty training thing two-weeks ago. The first couple of days had a lot of the moments I was worried about; but luckily for me, my mom was there, and she did most of the clean up. (Yes, I'm still spoiled.) Ryleigh started learning the process though, and every day she did better and better.

Again, my expectations dropped during the move. I just assumed that she would be out-of-sorts and we would all be busy, and thus not the prime environment to focus on potty training. Well, she continued to tell us every time she needed to go to the potty- and sure enough, when she said she needed to go, she went! I'm not just talking about pee-pee here, folks. All of it. In the potty! Without prompting from us. She had one accident on move-in day, and I think it was because she was so excited to see her toys, which had been boxed up for six-weeks, she just did not want to stop playing long enough to go potty. Of course, she cried when it happened, and then it did not happen again.

Wednesday evening, we had our first outing in the big girl panties. It was impromptu, as I was late taking Jesse some clean clothes for a meeting that night, and literally had to throw Ryleigh in the car, panties and all...but she did it! She was in her car seat for almost 30 minutes with no problem. And, we were so rushed to get in the car, I did not have her go to the bathroom before she left. Pretty stinkin' impressive!!

I was going to title this post, "Potty Training=Success!" but after this morning, I decided against that title. My little stinker had two accidents this morning- one in a 20 minute car ride (after I had her go to the bathroom before we left, and asked her if I needed to put her in a diaper) and the other sitting in my bed.

In the car, she simply said, "Mommy, I go pee-pee in my car seat." I was like, What?? And sure enough, she had.

About an hour later, after getting home and giving her a shower, she was sitting in my bed watching a movie and I was straightening my hair. All of a sudden, "Mommy, I go pee-pee in your bed." This time I was not so calm.

I realize they call it potty training, because it is just that. It is not going to happen overnight, and there will be accidents along the way. I was shocked this morning because there was no apparent reason for them, and she did not seem upset by them, as she had previously when she had accidents. I made her go sit on the potty for awhile afterwards, and asked her why she did not put her pee-pee in the potty. Sure enough, she said "I sowwy, Mommy. I'm a bad girl."

I'm still beyond impressed. Two weeks, and only three accidents, if you do not count those first few days. This is the second big transition we have worked with Ryleigh on in three months (transition from crib to big girl bed), and both have been significantly easier than I anticipated.

So have hope, all you moms who have not yet experienced the transitions. It just might go easier than you think!

Baby Childs arrives tomorrow!!

Some of my best friends, Ben and Stacey, are expecting their second baby tomorrow! Stacey is about 39-weeks, and they are going to go ahead and induce in the morning, so that Ben gets some time to bond with the baby before school and football start going crazy.

I'm so excited! I feel like I'm not going to sleep tonight...I can't imagine how they must be feeling. I cannot wait to find out whether the newest family addition is a boy or a girl. Ryleigh cannot wait to meet "Gabbi's baby budda." (I guess she has cast her vote...I think it is a girl, but I really want it to be a boy so our boys can be best buds!)

Get some rest, and I'll be praying and waiting to hear tomorrow. Love ya!

30 weeks

As of today, I am 30-weeks along. Some days it feels like we just found out yesterday...others days, I look down at my growing belly and wonder how in the world it will continue to grow for 10 more weeks!! YIKES!

I drive back to Houston tomorrow for another doctor's visit. We have begun the bi-monthly visits, which get old after awhile, if I'm being honest. But, I am thankful that they keep such a close watch on the little one, and make sure that the pregnancy is progressing as normal. This pregnancy these appointments will be even more crucial, especially as the end draws closer, to make sure we know exactly what is going on with my body. I do not want to spontaneously go into labor in the middle of the night and have to make the drive to Houston!!

Baby Boy Shulse seems similar to his big sister in many ways. He loves to move around, kick, stretch, and frequently gets the hiccups. Of course, this mainly occurs when I lay down to go to sleep at night or when I'm driving in the car. I'm also quite certain, that again like Ryleigh, this little one will have a head full of hair, because my heartburn and acid reflux are every bit as irritating this go around. Tums are my friend.
Baby Boy already seems to love his big sister. I have noticed lately that when she is playing and squealing with laughter and enthusiasm, he starts kicking. It is as if he is saying, "I'm ready to play too, Ryleigh!" She seems equally excited about him; hugging and kissing my belly and saying hi to "baby budda." The first time she took a sticker and stuck it to my belly, saying, "one for baby budda," I almost cried. I have no doubt that these two will be a hand full for Mommy and Daday, but also a fun duo who love each other and are the best of friends.

Oh! Guess what else? I got the new nursery bedding today! I had ordered online last week; the first thing shipped to my new home address. It arrived today, and thankfully Jesse still liked it. (He has a habit of saying he likes something, and then once it gets home, no longer liking it so much.) We still have plenty of time to work on the nursery, but it was exciting nonetheless to get it today. And before you ask, yes, I promise to post pictures once the room is complete.

Speaking of pictures, you have all been twisting my arm for a belly shot. Well, my camera is broken, so I have not taken any belly shots since the belly became...well, a belly. AND, as an honest disclaimer, this picture was taken at 28 weeks, the day of Susan's wedding. It's the closest I can come up with.
That was the week that I noticed the biggest change in the belly. It grew pretty big that week. No telling if it was all the yummy food from the wedding, or what, but wow, I was blown away when I woke up every morning!! The growth has slowed down a bit now, but I'm still a nervous wreck about how much bigger it is going to get. This baby is growing straight out, not so much side to side, and I don't know how far my skin will stretch. I guess time will tell. Palmers Cocoa Butter is applied daily, and so far, so good. Again, time will tell!

So there ya have it. 30-weeks along, and still growing on schedule. We still have awhile to go, but something tells me that October 6 will get here before we know it!

Welcome to the blogging family!

After being the only one in the family to do this "blogging thing" for so long, my sisters are all finally on board! It is really a great thing for families and friends (as those of you who blog can testify), as a means for keeping in touch and sharing life with people who dont live close by.

My sisters and I are all spread out; except Julie and I, who though we will both live in College Station, will probably still lead very independent lives. With so much going on in each of our lives right now, this venue is an excellent resource for showing the details, the funny stories, the thoughts on life, and of course, the pictures!

So, please welcome my family to the blogging family!

• Susan
• Sarah
• Julie

Girls, I'm so excited and cannot wait to read and see more of your lives. Love y'all!

We're in

I'm actually surprised at how comfortable I feel already!

When I was packing up our house in Houston, it felt never-ending. There was always another room, another closet, another box left to pack.

We had a lot of help this weekend, getting moved in and unpacked, and I feel really good about where everything is! Sure, there are still rooms not finished and no deocrating has been done, per se, but that's okay. We are fully functional and that's all that matters.

My goal is to tackle one room every weekend (maybe not back-to-back weekends, we'll have to see how "over it" I get), fixing it up the way we want it.

Neverthless, we're in! And slowly but surely, we'll get settled and turn this house into our new home. I'll be sure to post pictures when it starts to come together.

(On a side note, my camera has been broken since May-- have you noticed the lack of pictures this summer? I have not had time to get it fixed or look into buying a new one!! Ahh! It's on my list as well.)

"I'll see ya at home!"

That is what I said to Jesse, as we both got into our cars and headed home this morning.

The morning was a whirlwind of trying to do a final walk-through (which did not end up happening), waiting for the new teller-in-training to get my cashier's check right, Jesse having issues at work, signing our lives away, handing over the money, and receiving the keys in return.

We officially have a home again!

We went over there to make sure everything was good, decide a paint color for the living area, and decide where we want what. Then I had to go to the bathroom (surprise, surprise), and realized there was no toilet paper! Ah!

So, we are back at the cottage, Jesse taking a shower and short nap while I pace anxiously. We will go get the paint when he wakes up and then head back over to begin. I'm super excited and ready to get going-- all in good time. This time, I will bring toilet paper!!! Haha!

Hooray! We made it! I'll be in touch next week once we are settled. :)

She's getting it...!

Ryleigh is doing so well with her potty training! She is able to stop herself if she accidentally begins before reaching the potty, and most of the time, she has told us when she needs to go and makes it right in time.

Knock on wood, but there were no pee-pee accidents at all Wednesday or Thursday! She's really doing it! And yes, she finally did it for me, which just made my day.

We still have awhile to go- obviously, I'm still putting her in diapers when we leave the house or when she is sleeping, and that might continue for awhile. But, already I'm saving diapers during the day, so I can't complain. AND, when we are out and she is in a diaper, she still tells me if she needs to go pee-pee, which is awesome. Wednesday we were running some errands and from the backseat she says, "Mommy! I go pee-pee in my car seat." HAHA! She knew that there was not much she could do about it, but wanted to let me know she was going. Hysterical.

Way to go, Ryleigh! Mommy is so proud of you!

Thanks, Mom for the help and encouragement- both to Ryleigh and me. Couldn't have (wouldn't have) done it without you!

"Couple more days..."

That is what I tell Ryleigh every time she asks about Daddy or College Station.

"We go see Daddy? College Station?"
"Ryleigh, when are we going to see Daddy?"
And she sighs, smiles, and says, "couple more days!"

I'll admit it- this summer has been hard. Packing. Moving. Having no home. Living out of suitcases. Driving up on the weekends, though still not to our own place. Not having all three of us under the same roof. Communicating mainly through a 15 minute phone call once a day.

NOT ideal.

And I am slightly (slightly=very) hormonal, meaning I need more right now. More time and affection and attention and help from my husband. And it simply has not been possible. You can only squeeze so much into a 2-day weekend.

But....there is a light at the end of the tunnel!! In a "couple more days," we will close on our new house. We move up there this weekend! I know the moving and settling might be slightly chaotic, but its chaos under one roof. Our family. Together. In our home.

I'm ready! Hurry up Friday!!!

It's on!!

Ryleigh has talked about the potty for awhile. She has told me when she has to go pee-pee or poo-poo, or when she wants her diaper changed. I knew it was time to start potty training, but with everything going on this summer, I was apprehensive to start. (Apprehensive=Lazy)

While we have been staying at my mom's house, and with her encouragement, we thought we would give it a go. We went and got Ryleigh some pretty big girl panties and a new potty for Gaga's house. We found books to read while sitting on the potty. And mom bought a bag of M&M's for Ryleigh's treat, should she decide to go in the potty.

So, last week, when Ryleigh woke up and had her breakfast, we changed her out of her diaper, had her sit on the potty (with no success), and then put on her big girl panties. We explained that she needed to run to the potty to go pee-pee or poo-poo. And then she was off to watch her movie, not listening to one thing we said.

Sure enough, a little bit later, she starts screaming and crying. We realize she has started to go pee-pee and does not like it one bit!! We run to the potty, but we're too late. This happens two or three more times that morning. Then later, she actually stops herself and finishes in the potty! Crying the whole time, saying "I'm a bad girl!!" (Mom and I were trying not to die laughing!!!)

One morning we looked in the potty, and there was already pee-pee in there. It had to be from the night before, though neither of us know when she did it. Miss Independent.

I'm trying not to get my feelings hurt that has not done it out-right for me yet...every time she has gone in the potty, she is with Gaga. But, hey, it doesn't matter how she learns, just so long as she is learning, right?

Now, we are still not there. But, I think some progress is being made. Yesterday morning, she wore her big girl panties all morning long, and did not have one accident! In fact, when I put her in her diaper to leave the house, she told us she had to go pee-pee, and ran for her potty. Again, she had started to go, and managed to stop herself and then finish in the potty! Pretty good!

I'm sure this will be a process, but how cool would it be to not have two kids in diapers?? Keep it up Ryleigh! You can do it!

Susan and Brent's wedding

My sister got married on 7-8-09. (Yes, those crazy kids got married on a Wednesday.) As you can see, it has taken me awhile to write a post about it. It has not been because I have been busy; I think I have been processing everything. The week was a whirlwind of fun events, and at first, I thought about giving a play-by-play commentary, but decided against it.

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I could tell you about the early morning flight up there: a new first in my life, as I was able to use those handy little sick throw-up bags, not once, but twice, on one trip!

I could tell you about the cold weather we felt immediately after getting off the plane.

I could tell you about the awesome limo that picked us up from the airport or the weird hotel room we stayed in.

I could tell you about the beautiful new pool Brent and Susan put in their backyard. About the fun and crazy pool party. How fun it was to be with all my sisters at one place. The yummy virgin strawberry daiquiri's the bartender made just for me. Ryleigh swimming in the cold pool until her lips turned blue.


I could tell you about the fun morning at the spa, feeling pampered by spa pedicures and manicures, relaxing with the girls.

I could tell you about the yummy Bridesmaid Luncheon at the cute little tea house. How Susan was so sweet and showered us with fun and special gifts. How I thought every girl dressed so cute and was so excited to be there with Susan.

I could tell you about the traffic getting to rehearsal across town. Apparently 5:00 traffic happens during the week, whether there is a wedding or not.

I could tell you about the bus ride, where Ryleigh kept yelling to the front of the bus, trying to get her Gaga's attention.

I could tell you about the crazy rehearsal, with Ryleigh running all over the place, and the coordinator trying to squeeze all 10 bridesmaids and 9 groomsmen on the stage. How much fun the guys had joking around the whole time. How we all left, still not really knowing what was going to happen the next day.

I could tell you about how hungry we all were when we arrived at the rehearsal dinner. How delicious the food was- especially the appetizers. The nice atmosphere. The difficult and sentimental speeches given by Kori, Bradley, and myself. Ryleigh falling asleep in our booth. The excited bride and groom.


I could tell you about the late night lingerie shower, where we planned to eat dessert, but never did because everyone was still full from the late dinner. The fact that it was midnight before we even started the party! The funny (and wayyy TMI) games played. The laughs shared by all the girls. The fun and pretty lingerie Susan received.


I could tell you about the morning of the wedding- waking up to Susan being sick and needing medicine. All the girls loading up to go to the salon and get our hair done. Susan still sick. Coming back to the hotel to have makeup done and finish getting ready. Scarfing down Subway sandwiches. Susan still sick. Feeling big as a house. How beautiful the bridesmaids looked all done up. The relatively quiet ride to the church. Everyone praying Susan's stomach would calm down.


I could tell you about getting into our dresses at the church. Seeing the beautiful flowers. Watching as they finished decorating the church. Susan getting into her amazing dress and unbelievable veil. Taking the "girl" pictures before the wedding. Trying to get Ryleigh ready. Waiting for the ceremony to begin, and realizing that the bus full of most of the wedding guests had still not arrived.

I could tell you about gathering at the back of the church. Hearing the music begin. Ryleigh yelling "it's Baby Einstein, Mama!" The girls starting the parade inside the church. Ryleigh pitching an absolute fit, and me apologizing to Susan, thinking there was no way she would make it down that aisle. Walking down the aisle myself. Turning around to see that Ryleigh actually did make it down the aisle...

I could tell you about the minute Dad walked Susan into the church. The smiles on everyone's faces. Her face behind the veil. The quick hand off of Ryleigh to Jesse. Brent focusing only on Susan. Dad giving her away.



I could tell you about the sweat dripping off Brent's face, as the groomsmen continued to pass down Subway napkins for him to wipe his brow. The smile on Susan's face when she took Brent's hands. The giddiness we could all sense.


I could tell you about the ceremony. The laughter exchanged. The sand ceremony mix-up. The vows. The first kiss. The sheer joy when announced as husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. Burns.
I could tell you about the Bride and Groom running through the rose petals. The pictures afterwards. Ryleigh running everywhere. The limo ride with the wedding party to the reception. The exhaustion from all the bridesmaids. The laughter and jokes from all the groomsmen.

I could tell you about the gorgeous reception. The tents. The flowers. The twinkle lights. The ice sculpture. The taste of the appetizers, as my stomach growled. The smile Jesse gave me when I walked into the room. The new relaxed state of the bride.

I could tell you about the grand entrance. Again, the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Cutting the reversed Bride and Groom cakes.
I could tell you how happy everyone was at the party. Excited for Brent and Susan. Smiles everywhere. A tasty dinner. My daughter having a fit. Gorgeous people everywhere. Family and friends thrilled to share in the special day.

I could tell you about the first dance. Brent's classy and fun top hat. Susan's never-ceasing smile. Her dress swishing around the floor. The poofy party veil.

I could tell you about my emotional state. Watching Dad and Susan dance. Crying with Sarah and Julie in the bathroom. Dancing with my Dad. Watching the guys and girls "get down" on the dance floor. Laughing as Savannah stole the show, dancing in the middle of the group.

I could tell you about the fun band. Susan tossing the bouquet. Brent going after the garter. The fight to catch the garter (unheard of, right?) Getting tired. Feeling huge. Wishing Jesse was there with me. Hugging Susan and wishing she knew what I was thinking, since the words didn't come.

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There are several events I could tell you about.

But I don't want to do that. I want to share what I couldn't, when asked to give my speech at rehearsal dinner. Had I known I was supposed to speak, I would have been more prepared. I would have had a great speech, ready to go, though knowing me, still getting emotional.

Instead of event details, I want to share my heart and thoughts. So, Brent and Sus, here is what I would have (should have) said in my speech:

Brent, from the day my sister told me about you, I was nervous. Nervous because you were not anything like anyone else she liked. Nervous because she spoke about you in a serious and yet giddy way. When she told me about you, her smile seemed brighter. As you two continued dating, I saw her change. I watched her grow more dependent on you and the love you gave her. I could see her growing up and caring for someone else more than anyone else in the world. I recognized the signs. And I began to pray that you would love her as much as she loved you, so that I could learn to trust you with her heart. Now, five years later, I am so happy to be here and share in the joining of your hearts and lives. Thank you for caring for my sister. For loving her in a way that only you can. For building trust and relationship with my parents and family. We are excited to welcome you to the family, and I'm thankful to call you my brother.

Susan, the words still do not come easy for me. I try to tell you what you mean to me, but how do you describe the love you have for your sister? I am so proud of you. You might not always know what you want in life right away, but man, when you find it, you go for it! You are kind hearted and generous to everyone you meet. You give of yourself, of your time, your energy, your attention, without demanding it back in return. You love with your whole heart. You might be a twin by genetics, but there is no one quite like you. I have more memories than I can name, growing up with you down the hall. Happy times, frustrating times, laughter, and tears. And I think that is how it is supposed to be. The standard definition of a sister is, "a female who has common parents with another." But I dont necessarily agree. The definition I found that most suits what I think about with each of my sisters says, "Someone you can trust with your secrets; who will stand by you no matter what; who always loves and accepts you." I have been blessed to have three very different, but very special sisters in my life. Thank you for being such an intricate part of who I am. I love you more than I can say, and I am so excited that you have found your prince charming. I pray that as you and Brent begin your life together, you continue to dream big and make the most of this life. Tomorrow is your day, and I'm just thankful to be here to witness it and share in the joy of this momentous and life-changing occassion.

I love you both and wish you life's greatest blessings. Congratulations.

You should be proud of me

We are up in College Station for the weekend, and the club has a fabulous kiddie pool. I knew Ryleigh would love playing up there, but there was no way I was going to sit, fully clothed, sweating to death in this insane heat. So, last night, while Jesse was at a business meeting, Ryleigh and I went to Target, and I nonchalantly decided to check out the swimsuits.

(Interjection here, for those who don't know me real well. I hate swimsuits. With a strong passion. If I can get away with not wearing one all summer, I'm fine with it. In a normal year, I probably wear a swimsuit maybe 3 times. And I dread it every time.)

When I found out I was going to pregnant over the summer, I decided there was no way I would be swimming at all this year. Thus the reason for the fun sprinkler games and baby pool in our backyard- Ryleigh can splash and play, and I can wear my tank top and shorts, sitting next to a fan, where no one has to watch me sweat.

Anyway, I found a maternity swimsuit last night, and actually purchased it. Still, I figured once I put it on at home to show Jesse, I would talk myself back out of it and return it. Well, he liked it. And after Ryleigh saw it, all she talked about non-stop was going "simming."

So today, for my lunch break, I took Ryleigh up to the club pool- both of us dressed in swimsuits. Luckily, there were not many people there, mainly other mommies with their kiddos. Yes, I probably looked ridiculous and most definitely pregnant, but we had a good time and managed to stay cool. Perhaps my self-consciousness is slowly fading with age...and hormones.

I'm proud of me. :)

Officially closed

It's done! We went today, signed final papers, handed over the keys, and received the wire money transfer to our account. Village Hills is no longer our home.

I'm thankful to have it completely finished and "off my list," but it was sure final when we handed over the keys to the new owner.

We wish her well and hope she has as many sweet memories in the house as we did.

Goodbye Houston....hello College Station!