Bilingual Bragging

Just when we finally capture her counting to 10 (in English) on video, she decides to raise the bar. She's always chatting to her self and/or singing to her self around the house, but I heard her repeating "ocho, nueve, diez" to herself over and over. I finally caught on to what I thought she was doing, so I started with "uno" and she took off through the numbers... And as much as I want to take credit for this one, I have to either credit her school or Dora the Explorer.

Carlyle Counting to 10

Carlyle Counting in Spanish

Carlyle's BIG day

Our 4th day and 4th night in the big girl nigh-night bed!

#1 Big Girl nigh-night-Bed

I was SO (so, so, so) nervous about this transition. Tuesday afternoon, I decided it was time to go for it. I am home with Carlyle during her 2-week break between Summer and Fall school and figured this could be our one-on-one time to work this out. We started talking to her about it and being very enthusiastic about "Carlyle's new nigh-night bed" (called nigh-night so as not to think it is a bouncy bed like Mom and Dad's bed) a couple of weeks ago when we started putting her new room together.

I laid her down on Tuesday around 12, she talked and sang to herself off and on for an hour. I walked back in quietly at 1 to resettle her, pat her back, and tell her night-night. She then napped/rested until 3:30! Since we were on a roll, we tried it again for bedtime, and she settled right down! What a relief! We have had the nursery door closed ever since then, trying to avoid the crib for a couple of days until we can explain that it is for "baby".

So far, so good.... however, I am counting on her reverting at some point.

#2 Big Girl Potty

On the same day that she started sleeping in her big bed, she decided to use her big girl potty. We just bought it last Saturday and set it up in the bathroom. We introduced her to it, but we didn't say much more than "this is Carlyle's potty" and told her what happens on the potty. She seemed interested at bath time on Tuesday to have a seat. Next thing I know she tinkled in the potty all on her own! Now, I realize we may have just had impeccable timing, but the fact that she connected the two things is a big step. I cheered and called Justin in to help cheer with me. We were both laughing as we were so surprised she did it. I'm not pushing potty training right now with the baby on the way... too many transitions for everyone. BUT, Carlyle and the potty have been formally introduced.

35 Weeks Down, 35 Days to Go

We can hardly believe it! 35 weeks pregnant, and 35 days to go. After entirely too many weekends on the road (all in fun, I must say), we are home until baby boy's arrival... until Christmas most likely. I can say I am officially nesting now, and it is so calming to my hyperactive pregnancy nerves and anxiety. Its so nice to settle in and wait for baby boy. The next 4-5 weeks, we will prepare as much as possible including one of my favorite things... washing his baby clothes in Dreft and folding the tiny little outfits. (inhaling the sweet baby smell as I go)

A Real Texas Shiner

We encountered several injuries, all in one week: a black eye (pictured here), a purple toenail, a busted lip, and carpet burn on our face. As hard as it is to admit it, we know the source of ALL the mishaps except for the black eye. I've been told I should just make something up, but what can I say... the girl plays hard!

Garrity Family Reunion at the Beach

July 28-31

Our first family trip together, and it was a blast! All the Garrity brothers (with families in tow) under one roof for the first time in a while! All the cousins had so much fun together.

Thank you Meme (Momo) for a fabulous weekend in Watersound. The scenery, resort and house were beautiful!

Clair and Carlyle giving each other a hug. They entertained themselves for hours running up and down this porch and giggling.

Susanna and Carlyle... two peas in a pod.

She refused to let me put her down in the sand. Maybe next year?!

And who would have thought she'd be jumping off the side of the pool before she puts a toe in the sand? Our little fish at it again!

And of course, the girls enjoying Meme's cooking.