Potty Training: The Hits and The Misses! (prt 5)

Well, it's been 3 weeks since we've started potty training, and I wanted to post a little update about the progress Gretchen has made!

-She went all last week with only 1 minor accident at daycare!

-We went out to eat Friday night. I took Gretchen to the restroom as soon as we got there, but she would not sit on the potty. She was in a pull-up, so I knew that we'd be okay. Toward the end of dinner, she said "uh-oh Mommy, uh-oh". DJ and I looked at each other and said "she probably just peed in her pants". I thought for a few seconds about what I should do and decided to take her to the bathroom. She had a dry pull-up, so I sat her on the potty, and she pooped! I was in shock that she 1) told us 2) sat on a potty in public and 3) actually went- and it wasn't just pee; it was poop!!! This is sad, but as a mother, it ranks as one of my proudest days!

- On Monday, we came home from work/daycare, and she told me that she had to use the bathroom! She said "pee Mommy". I took her and she went!

- And, she hasn't had an accident this week at daycare!

It's amazing the progress that she's made in 3 weeks. She's getting better about sitting at home, and now she realizes when she needs to go, and even when she's gone in her pull up. I know that we aren't there yet, but I know that we'll get there... it will take baby steps; but we'll get there!

Outfits for the Birthday Girl!

When planning a birthday, one usually starts with a theme. The theme usually consists of something the child enjoys: Elmo, Superhero's, Sesame Street, Dora, etc. Unfortunatly, with a 1st birthday party, and sometimes a 2nd, the child, just isn't "into" anything yet. So, where should you begin?

For the past 2 years, I've chosen Gretchen's outfit, and then developed a theme around what she will be wearing. I searched Etsy last night and found some adorable hand-made clothes, that would be darling to design a party theme around! Above, is an adorable pink cupcake outfit. Instead of serving a cake, serve individual cupcakes to your party guest.

I absolutly love the above outfit from Pink Confetti! You could easily go with pinks, browns, and yellows for an adorable theme! Take a picture of the shirt to your baker, and have them create a birthday cake to match the shirt! You could also use sunflowers as decorations!

I thought this outfit was too cute! I love the little birds, which could be replicated on the top of a plate, and you could decorate with lime green, turquoise, and pink. Minature bird houses would be great party favors, and your guests could make a bird feeder using pine cones, peanut butter, bird seed, and string!

I just had to share this diaper cover! It would be "too sweet" under a darling birthday dress! Perhaps, go with a Candy Land theme!

And, I couldn't resist sharing these adorable cupcake shoes!

A crown shirt would be great for a modern princess theme!

And, for a simpler party, this candle shirt, shows off how old the birthday girl is!

And, this ribbon shirt, would be adorable with a "Tiffany" themed party!

Two of my favorite stores to order clothes, or just for getting ideas, include Castles and Crowns (located in Mobile, AL) and Orient Expressed (located in New Orleans). You can request a seasonal catolog from their websites.

Hopefully, you've gathered some inspiration for designing your little one's next party, or at least you have a starting place!

Fancy Nancy

If you have not read a Fancy Nancy book, then you need to! Nancy, like's being fancy, and is the fanciest children's book character I know! As she says, "lace trimmed socks do help me play soccer better"!

Gretchen received two Fancy Nancy books, as a baby shower gift, and I have since bought her one more, but one day, I plan to extend her collection of these fabulous books!

I think that a Fancy Nancy themed party would be wonderful for a 4, 5, or 6 year old! If you read, just one of these books, you'll find so many wonderful ideas for a fancy birthday party!

Nancy loves to eat at The King's Crown. You could serve pizza and parfaits at your party!
You could also have all of the guests dress in their fanciest attire, and decorate crowns for everyone to wear!

These items will also get your fancy party off to a fabulous start! Of course, they were all found on Etsy!
These are fabulous invitations, but they could be fancied up with a bit of glitter!

And, I love these fancy marshmallow suckers! You can purchase these from Etsy, or make them yourself! I'm sure the birthday girl would love to help! You can purchase the sucker sticks from Hobby Lobby or from another craft/baking store. Place 3 marshmallows on top, and dip into chocolate, then add the sprinkles!

You can also purchase these candy bar holders, and place in your favorite chocolate bar!

These bookmarks would make a fancy party favor!

Or, you could give a fancy coloring book! This coloring book could be paired with glittered markers, or fun crayons!

And, to make your birthday girl the fanciest of all.......

Fancy up her party hat with a feather boa, and

put her in this adorable fancy outfit!

A Fancy Nancy themed tutu would also be adorable!

If you choose this theme, you're guaranteed to have the fanciest party of all!

*While you're here, go register for this weeks giveaway!!!

Giveaway: Bow holder

Give away 2 for the month of January is this adorable purple and pink polk-a-dot hair bow holder!!!

Bow holders are heat sealed on both ends to prevent fraying, and come on a gold loop, which easily hangs on a decorative hook or nail. I have a towel rack over Gretchen's bathroom door with 3 bow holders, and she's soon to need a 4th!

I sell bow holders for only $3.50. You can choose your ribbon print or color! (On Monday they are on sale for $2.00!)

But, this week, you'll have a chance to WIN this one!

Here's how:

1. Become a follower of the blog (1 entry) and leave a comment telling me that you follow.

2. Grab my button (2 entries).

3. Blog about the birthday extravaganza on your blog with a link to my blog (4 entries).

4. Tell me how many hair bows your little honey has! (1 entry)

5. Post about this giveaway on your blog or on twitter and leave me a link (2 entries).

6. Vote in the poll at the top of the side bar and tell me that you voted (1 entry). If you've already voted, go ahead and let me know!

Please post a comment for each entry. Winner will be chosen by random.org, and will be announced on Friday January 15th!

The Birthday Bow Winner is.....

ABBY!!!!!

Congratulations Abby! Here's how you were chosen:

I forgot to ask that each entry be completed in a seperate comment, so I assigned each entry a # in the order that it was left.
1. Sydney
2-4 Mellie
5-7 Abby
8-10- Melissa K. Land
11- Melissa T

Utilizing Random.org, #6 was chosen, leaving Abby to win the birthday hair bow!!!!

Abby's little girl, won't be able to use this bow for her 2nd birthday this month, but only because it won't match the adorable tutu that I'm making for her!

Congratulations Abby!

Abby Cadabby Birthday

If you're little girl is a friend of Abby Cadabby, then you have a perfect theme for a party! This would be adorable for a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd birthday!

I would use the colors of purple and turqouise with touches of pink. Place balloons everywhere; maybe flanking your fireplace or on the cake table. Purchase purple plates, turquoise napkins, and pink cups.... mix and match these colors as much as possible, so you don't go overboard with the "cartoony" theme.

I have found some wonderful items on Etsy; just search for "Abby Cadabby birthday" and you'll find all of these and so many more! Above: An Abby Cadabby candle! This would be adorable on top of purple and turquoise striped cake!

Or, if you prefer cupcakes, iced in purple, turquoise, and pink, add these cute cupcake toppers!

Purchase or, if you're feeling crafty, make this Abby Cadabby themed birthday banner!

For your "thank you" favors, purchase this Abby Cadabby coloring book and add a small package of crayons!

Abby Cadabby loves to rhyme! If you need a game, write rhyming words, or print out pictures side by side onto long strips of cardstock paper. Cut a zig zag between the words, so they'll fit together as a puzzle piece. Have your party guests match as many rhyming words as they can!

With, all of these adorable items, what little girl wouldn't want an Abby Cadabby themed party? But, what is the birthday girl to wear???

How about a pink shirt, and a purple and turquoise tutu skirt!

Top it off with this birthday hat:

or, with this adorable headband and removable korker bows! (oh, how I wish I made these!)

So, there you have it, an absolutely precious birthday theme for your little girl!

Hair Bow Giveaway!

Friday at noon will be the last day to enter the hair bow giveaway!

Go HERE to enter!

I will announce the winner Friday evening and contact them by email!

Birthday Etiquette

When planning a party, it's always important to keep etiquette guidelines within the back of your mind. I tend to think, that you should do what you feel is best, but there are a few guidelines that you may want to consider and follow.

Invitation Etiquette:

Rule of Thumb: Child's age +1. So if your child is 2 years old, you should invite 3 children. If your child is 8 years old, you should invite 9, and so on.
Remember, this is just a guideline, only you know your limits. You can adjust this equation to more or less kids as needed.

Parties for younger children, usually include family members. But, as your child gets older and enters preschool and elementary school, you probalby want to invite a few of his/her close playmates.

Games:

Avoid tears, by selecting a few games that everyone succeeds. No one wants to go home or be a looser, especially the birthday child! Try to choose a cooperative game: if you are planning a pirate party, then have the guests follow a treasure map for a shared prize, or their goody bags!

RSVP:

This is obviously, an etiquette area that many people are lacking. If someone forgets to RSVP, go ahead and call them! Get the information that you need to know, and leave it at that.

Thank you Notes:

Thank you notes are absolutely necessary. You teach your child a great example of responsibility and politeness, by starting early. The thank you should thank the guests for coming and for their gift. If your child can't write, have them scribble their name or a picture. You can also purchase fill-in thank you notes that match your theme.

Don't forget to register for the give away, and take a moment to answer the poll question on the right side of the page!

Birthday banners

I just love these banners found on Etsy. I'm dying to make one for Gretchen's birthday party! The prices that I've found are from 20-40.00. Any little girl (or boy) would be thrilled to have one of these at their party! If you aren't using a "theme", then just go with simple colors, as shown above!

Or, for multiple uses, just have your child's name on a banner! This can be used at a baby shower, in their nursery, at birthday parties, etc.

Or, go all out and match the parties theme with monkeys and fun bright colors!

You can also layer the banners! Order one that says "Happy Birthday" and order a second with your child's name! Place the name banner under the "happy birthday" banner.

If you are crafty, creative, and have the time, you can follow these instructions at Brown Paper Packages to make your own.

I also think this rag garland is adorable! This would be easy to make, and you could use scrap fabric or fabric in tons of fun colors!

Potty Training: The Hits and The Misses! (prt 4)

Today was Gretchen's 1st day back at daycare, and my 1st day back to work after our 2 week Christmas break. Today was also day 14 of potty training!

I took Gretchen to Mrs. Michelle in her big girl undies this morning, with plenty of undies, some extra clothes, socks, and pullups. I was shocked when I went to pick her up and she was in the exact same clothes!!!!

Gretchen went potty every time today that Mrs. Michelle took her! I was so proud of her!

We headed to the Y, so I could get in a quick work out. I was so excited because the Y in our area of town has finally opened and is only 5 or so minutes from the house. Gretchen wasn't as thrilled, as it was a new place to her and she did not want to be left. I told the child care watch provider, that she was being potty trained and that she was in panties. Which sparked a ton of questions from the provider.... "will she tell me when she has to go, how will I know that she has to go, etc. ?" My answers were "no, she won't tell you, and you'll know that she has to go or has gone because there will be pee on the floor!" Don't worry, I also told her that if Gretchen had an accident to come and get me because I would clean her up and take care of it. Well, 10 minutes later she did have an accident!

I managed to finish my workout, and we headed home. DJ cooked dinner (I love my husband!) while I watched Gretchen and encouraged her to use the potty. She sat 3 times, but did not go once tonight! She did want candy for sitting; which I put away after she went to bed, because I refuse to give her m&m after m&m just for sitting on the potty. And, I did introduce a sticker chart to her..... now if I can just keep her from playing w/ the stickers!