Toddler Log: 2 Years and 32 Weeks Old

Before I recap this week, I have to tell you about the almost nightmare repair bill we were facing. It started when I woke up in the wee hours on Wednesday morning because nature was calling. There were no lights in the bathroom. I DO NOT pee in the dark...fear of spiders, snakes, piranha in the toilet, but I digress. There are lights working elsewhere in the house, so Damon goes outside to check the fuse box. Nothing. We have about 70% of lights and outlets working. He calls an electrician when the sun comes comes and they say to call the power company because scattered electricity is usually a problem with a power line. The power company comes out that evening and tells us they fixed the problem and to throw the circuit breaker. Nothing. At that point, it sounds like a wiring problem. A massively expensive wiring problem in our 1927 home. I am imagining holes being punched in the drywall and ceilings and a repair bill that could not come at a worst time. I wake up in the middle of the night to tracking lighting shining in my eyes. All power is back! I could not believe our good fortune. I actually got down on my knees and thanked God for his mercy. I just had to share.

This may come as a shock, but...I'm still pregnant (as of the time I posted this)! Not even one sign that the time is close. I am staring down 38 weeks and Chocolate Chip has made no moves to evacuate the oven. I'm not anxious though. (S)he can bake some more. I am in no rush to start taking care of a Tasmanian devil toddler and a newborn.

Let's see, what else is going on? Marlie started her new school schedule this week 8:30 am-2:30 pm. She has adapted well to staying longer, but nap time can be hit or miss. In other progress news, I dare say we are officially potty-trained! Sure, there are a couple of accidents here and there and we still use a cloth diaper at night because she is such a heavy wetter. But she is in panties all day and going to the bathroom on her own! She refers to herself as a princess when she goes, "See mommy? I be princess!" She also likes to say "ta-da" when she's made potty. So, which is it? Is she a princess or a magician? The picture above her potty says, "Marlie's Throne."

Every now and then my sweet tomboy does or says something to remind me that she is a girl. Like the princess references. On Friday, she asked me to put ponytails in her hair. Baby girl only has enough hair for tiny Afro puffs, but okay. She is clearly developing a self-image and becoming conscious of her appearance. I catch her looking at herself in the mirror and smiling. The child knows she is cute with that cocoa skin and big almond eyes that sport lashes a mile long. And her smile...swoon. We are in big trouble. She has developed a bad habit recently, which is biting her nails and nail beds. She even does it in her sleep. I know this tick is genetic because her daddy does it too. I actually sat in the car and watched the two of them go at their fingernails like a couple of crazed beavers. Her cuticles are all chewed and she has hangnails.I need to come up with a deterrent that does not involve spreading some chemical on her fingers or using punishments.

As for me...Marlie's new schedule has given me a new lease on life. I can actually go have lunch with friends and make afternoon appointments! One thing I did do right away was go see a chiropractor that practices around the corner from our house and was recommended by the naturopathic doctor who's been counseling me in natural childbirth. He did some energy clearing and adjustments. I left clearer minded and walking more upright which is saying a lot since I am carrying a bullet train in front.