…the fact that it’s 90 degrees and it’s the middle of September. I am mourning the loss of the Chicago fall season. My favorite time of year by far, normally I would be doning a blazer or jacket or hoodie every time we leave the house. I’m also missing running down to Cafe Selmarie in my pj’s and Baylor sweatshirt to grab coffee and a treat – a tradition on Saturday mornings.

I realize that in February I will be dancing a jig and celebrating the fact that we will have a real spring and how nice that will be compared to the bitterness of the Chicago winters…but I am completely over summer and the heat and would much rather stay inside where it’s air-conditioned and comfortable. I threw on a sweatshirt this morning and Vann looked at me like I was crazy. A girl can pretend, right?

…poop. There. I said it. After 6 weeks of potty training, Charlie really is doing great with #1. We’ve had a few accidents – mostly when we both get busy doing something and I forget to keep track of when she went last.

#2 however – she has started pooping in her panties and sometimes I think she’s doing it on purpose. I’ll ask her if she needs to go – “No, I not!” – and then 5 minutes later, she’s announcing “I pooping now!” and I’m racing her into the bathroom and plugging my nose with a clothespin. I’m sorry, having poop restricted to a diaper is one thing – having to clean it off a 3 year old bottom, legs, clothing, etc. is another thing entirely. And I find it utterly disgusting. Sorry. Am I supposed to just grin and bear it? I’m not doing a very good job of it then.

I think what is the hardest for me is the smugness after the job has been done. The attitude. I don’t know if she’s doing it for attention (I know #2 takes longer to master, etc. so I’m not trying to be unsympathetic) but sometimes I swear she knows she’s about to do it and just doesn’t want to tell me. So, those are the times where I’ve turned her hiney red (as Ms. Marla would say).

…Baby Ella’s naptimes. We are a firm Babywise and Cry it Out family. We are also a firm Mommy needs a Break family. These days Baby Ella is having a very difficult time settling down for naps…so I end up checking on her (so she doesn’t stick her chubby legs through the crib slats, which she’s done a handful of times) and standing outside her door listening to her cry and ultimately either going downstairs out of earshot or turning off the monitor. I know, Bad Mommy, you’re probably thinking. Hey, Happy Mommy equals Happy Family!