California Day 5

Today I felt like the children's sleep was starting to be more normal. They woke at 5:40 a.m., had a four-hour nap at noon (wow!), then went to sleep around 8:30 p.m. Last night Mary stayed dry all night, waking me at four o'clock for a potty run, then going back to sleep, making it about 24 hours that she had no accidents!

Our morning was spent outdoors with me pruning and them playing. There was snack time, quiet Play-doh play, more outdoor time, then that glorious nap. They needed the sleep so badly!

After napping, we promptly hopped in the car and met my dad for dinner, which was fun. John told Grandpa all about polar bears, the North pole, dinosaurs, and Doodle Pads. And Mary discovered that she really likes eating raw red onions. John said something cute: As we were getting ready to meet my dad, he chose his shoes to wear and said, "I am choosing my blue shoes because Grandpa R----- said the other day that he loves these shoes." And Mary also said something cute at dinner: When John was playing with the chain on the window blinds, I corrected him (gently), and Mary said sternly to her brother, "Don't do that!"

Miss Mary asked to be taken to the potty four times while we were at the restaurant and bookstore afterward. I seem to recall this phase with John too, although he was more than a year old going through it. There is something exciting for a little child to realize that she can get Mama to pause whatever she is doing by asking to visit the bathroom. Plus, sometimes they do need to go very often during this potty training phase! Anyway, I think she had only one accident all today. This morning I ordered her some trainer underwear (these, as recommended by an acquaintance): I was talking to John, not imagining that Mary would pay attention to what I was saying, when I said, "Mary has been staying dry so much lately that I just ordered her some big girl underwear!" Mary instantly began jumping up and down and shrieking with joy! That sure surprised me.

After dinner we walked around downtown and visited a wonderful independent book shop that has been there since I was a child. Dad and I both remarked that we don't know how the book shop remains viable, but we sure do enjoy it. I bought the children some delightful small books of Beatrix Potter stories, just small enough for little hands, but sturdy hardcovers, and with exquisite illustrations.