Changes

Asher is SO cute these days, as he is talking more and more. His body language and two-year-old way of speaking keep us smiling all day. I had to hold him longer and give him an extra squeeze before putting him down for his nap today because there is no doubt that my baby is on his way to becoming a big boy.

That said, he has some major transitions coming up soon: saying goodbye to pacifier use, moving to a big boy bed, and potty training.

So we are tackling the first hurdle. He is still using a pacifier to sleep. He likes one in his mouth and holds one in his hand. These two remaining beloved pacis are getting grungy and I don't think we will buy him new ones. We are pretty confident he can get to sleep without them and this is a good time to wean him off of them since he is healthy, happy, not teething, and we are not traveling or hosting company or any of the other excuses we've used to let him keep using them this long. So...I cut a small hole in one of the pacifiers, which renders it useless and tomorrow night I will do the same to the other.

He was pretty concerned about the hole in his pacifier, and I was very sympathic. We bemoaned the fate of his dear object. He still held on to it when I put him down for the night, but I don't think he'll put it in his mouth. I'll let you know how tomorrow night goes...

Back to School!

We really had a GREAT summer, and I've enjoyed reflecting on it:

ONE wonderful pool which Toby learned to swim across
TWO dear parents (my mom and dad) who we so enjoyed having here
THREE trips: Minnesota, Mammoth Lakes, and back to the family farm in New York

But it also feels GREAT to get back in to a routine! Toby had his first day back at preschool Friday. We like his new teacher, Miss Diane, very much already. Our kiddo was happy to be reunited with old friends and excited to make new ones!

Nervous excitement as he stands outside his classroom door ready to go in!

No problem settling in. Can I get a "Bye Mom?"