Much ado about poo

Yep, you’ve guessed it: this blog entry is going to include all kinds of toilet talk. We’re a week into potty training Avery, and the week has included many highs and many lows. She’s getting it (sorta), and we’re making progress (I think).

It’s funny to reflect on the week. Like Avery, I’ve logged several hours in the bathroom cheering her on, encouraging her to “push” and “squeeze,” and then toggling back to clean up duty, and watching her like a hawk wondering when and where she’ll strike. Gosh, this can be frustrating. Hopefully our little trainee will be a toilet-only girl soon.

In the midst of all this panty glory, Romey continues to grow and grow. She “passed” her six-month well check and is nearing the 8-month mark. Romey weighed in a 17 pounds, 9 ounces, and is 26 ¼ inches long. Romey is still a little sweetheart, and loves to bounce in the jumperoo, and is busy perfecting her army crawl/roll to get to where she wants to go (much to the chagrin of Avery.) Dan and I are betting that she’ll be a full-fledged crawling machine by the end of July. And so the story goes, as soon as we figure out one stage of development, the playing field continues to change. Sometimes we’re quick to adapt, and other times we moan and groan our way through it.

Besides being in potty boot camp, Avery also had her well-check appointment, and like Ro, the doctor was pleased with her stats and development. We’ve got to admit though that it is a trip to see her running around the house in underwear. Wish us luck; potty training is for the birds (as my Grandma Lois used to say)!

Happy early 4th!

Catch up

Welcome to our shameless picture parade! Enjoy the next four posts!

And she's three....

It's hard to believe that our little baby Avery turned three yesterday. Avery, we love you. We think you're a pretty cool kid. We love your spirit, your passion, your sweetness, and your craziness. We love that you're a happy kid, and are delighted that you live life as though your hair is on fire. You might not know this yet, but we consider you the best surprise yet.

A little family party time.

Avery sporting some new pajamas in Nebraska.

Avery using Grandma Bensen's cane as a microphone. Requests anyone?

Nelson extravaganza

The six original Nelson's

The whole Nelson clan

Four of the five Nelson cousins

The youngest and the oldest

Crazy Nelson siblings (posed by Jake)

So blog-worthy....

We're just coming off of our trip to Nebraska to visit Dan's family. We had a terrific time, although traveling with two children was a bit challenging. I'll be posting a lot of pictures from our time there, but just had to dedicate one posting to my favorite Harley-wannabe. What you don't see in the pictures is that Dan is wearing his crocs--now that's hardcore ;)

I give up

I give up. I've come to accept that getting a picture of two smiling children is nearly impossible. I'll try again tomorrow.

So close.....

A typical picture of Avery and Romey -- that is, Romey looking at Avery.

Gosh, I've seen this pose somewhere before.......

Romey: "That's it Avery! It's on!"

Taking turns

Avery is learning how to take turns. We'll often hear her say, "Avery's turn!" or "My turn!" For a three-year-old taking turns is no small feat. Taking turns requires patience and self-control—two fruits of the spirit that will require a lifetime of effort and continual practice (for three-year-olds and adults alike).

In my daily rock-a-thon with Romey I’ve had a little time to reflect on ‘taking turns,’ and by this I’m not referring to the preschooler application (i.e. sharing a toy, or sharing a soda). Moreso, I’m referring to the adult application. As adults we too often wait for our turn. Many turns are highly anticipated—a pregnancy, a birth of a child, an engagement, buying a home, or obtaining a goal. And then come the turns which you don’t want or don’t anticipate—a car accident, an illness, a divorce, a disappointment or other related hardships. Aren’t these often the 'turns' that we don’t want, and often want to give back? As I’m sure the case is with many of you, Dan and I have people in our lives who are experiencing 'their turn.' When thinking and praying for these people, we often toggle between great joy and great heartache. Can’t help but be grateful that God walks through our 'turns' with us. Isn’t the preschooler application so much easier?

And speaking of turns, it is our turn to head to Nebraska. Dan and I are ramping up for our flight with Romey and Avery. We’re hopeful that it will go smoothly.

In other Nelson news, Dan continues to shrink and has hit the 80 pounds loss marker. He feels amazing, and looks great too!

Enjoy these recent pictures of the girls (courtesy of my mom)!

My dad with Romey in the Bjorn. He looks so natural, right?

Believe me, this kid is as sweet as she looks. I can't stop kissing her!

My mom's attempt to get a sister shot. Skittles will only get you so far....

Romey and Lea doing the "Lea" pose -- i.e. Lea touching heads with the person in the picture with her ;)

Romey: "Shh...I gotta secret to tell you."