We have been doing pretty well with potty training, though Ainsley is an expert at control/mind games. Potty charts with different levels of stickers for different toilet behavior, princess pajamas, and m & m's. Some days she is a Dr. Sears' poster child; other days, she's a Depends commercial. Today, while out to lunch to celebrate Grandpa Van Howe's 60th birthday, Ainsley exclaims, "I have to go poo poo and pee pee." Letting us know when she has to go is HUGE right now....so I'm eager but try to play it cool. Upon entering the restroom, she tells me, "I got it momma." With a little help to get onto the full sized potty, she starts grunting, and oohing and ahhing...pretty loudly...I don't want to diminish her enthusiasm...but it's pretty loud grunting...so I say, "Ainsley, honey, let's be a little quieter." And she responds, "Is someone sleeping?" Anyway, big success at her favorite lunch spot -- Blue Max -- and then out to tell the whole crowd in the dining room what she did.
Yesterday, Scott and I were working on getting her out of a tight space between computer cords, and she goes rag doll on us. Scott and I both quote Knuffle Bunny and ask her to not go "boneless". Somehow comparing her to cartoon infant from a story of hers offends her..and she starts crying, but at the time, we are not sure if she hit her head on the computer desk. So I ask, "Are you hurt?" She replies, "My feelings are hurt."
Lately, with our close friends and family members having to make trips to the ER or see the doctor (everyone is alright), Ainsley has become mystified by hospitals. Thus, her imaginary friends have been pretty violent lately, landing one or the other in the "hopsibal." Petty and Doo Doo have been hitting each other in the face a lot and ending up needing medical attention -- it hasn't been pretty. After we watched Charlotte's Web the other day and she understood that Charlotte was sick and died, we saw a neighbor who told us that his wife was sick. Ainsley starts crying, concerned that the neighbor will die. Poor thing! We assured her that Laverne was just sick and going to be alright -- but that look on her face! She is putting things together like never before.
She's also got the knack for distancing herself from mom and dad. We're happy about this and realize this is on par with 2 year old development, asserting her independence, testing boundaries, exploring on her own. "No," and "Go away," and "(L)eave me alone" are pretty constant in our house. Today, she took it to a new level. While wrapped in outdoor hosing, she tells me, "I want to be alone forever and ever and ever." Then she asks for a "wittle help" with the hose.
Of course, the sweet and caring side appears as well. Asking us how we are, asking about friends, saying "please" and "thank you" like a champ. Telling us, "I had a great day," or "thanks for taking me to the p(l)ay zoo. You are my friend." Or, "I just want to cudd(l)e." She loves being with her friends and regularly says, "I miss my cousins." Or becomes concerned when one part of a family isn't present for an outing. We visited with Connors and Wesolowski kids at Lockwood Park in Rockford -- so precious. They really get a long so well together -- just like their mommies! And Ainsley adores those kids, calling for Evvie and checking in on Lydia. Being silly with Millie and hugging Eva.
We have had a great time with various fall activities, from pumpkin patch outings with friends, to block parties, time with the van Howe's of Davenport, grandpa and grandma and making Halloween decorations. Ainsley has been asking me, "Is it Halloween time yet? Almost?" She has a pig outfit that she was less than keen on while ago. Luckily, some friends suggested she be a piggy princess (as princesses are cool right now) and she is now a pig with a glowing wand. Thanks, Amelie and Baptiste~ She also enjoys wearing the crocodile costume grandma bought her and roaring to everyone. She will tell you that, "I'm not afraid of dinosaurs" and "The crocodile will chomp you."
Scott and I are well, and his traveling has eased as the year comes to an end. We made it to Wrigley to see our friend Kristen play softball -- so awesome. And we have made December plans to visit the Avers in Henderson and look forward to seeing Barb and the kids too. We are hopeful that Mayo Clinic will help get my mother closer to a diagnosis and treatment associated with her episodes of tachycardia. I'm hoping to join her for an assessment in November. On the whole, we are doing well and reflecting on a fantastic 2010, already considering our personal, work and family goals for the coming year.
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