So, how did we do?

I know you are all wondering! I am not one who usually likes to be held accountable, but I guess I set myself up for it this time.

1. Potty training DID NOT happen. I tried it for a day, but Emma obviously does not yet understand when she has to go to the potty. After three soaking wet towels (Yes, she peed on the floor three times and thankfully it was the hardwood) and my child running away from the bathroom screaming, I figured that now isn't the time.
2. We went to the beach, and it was the PERFECT DAY--78 degrees and sunny. She loved it!
3. I didn't finish my book, but I did get through two chapters. Some progress.
4. Didn't do so well on this one. I ate out twice...
5. Homemade ice cream twice in one week! I made some chocolate on Thursday for our small group, and I made some vanilla on Friday for Dan's family.

Amie, you are welcome to come over anytime and I will make some for you, too!

The best laid plans...

I usually start the week with a big list of things I hope to accomplish. This week is no different. Here are my top 5 things to accomplish for the week:

1. Get Emma potty-trained. She used the potty (successfully) for the first time today at church. Hopefully, we'll be able to capitalize on that excitement this week and have her OUT OF DIAPERS!!!
2. Take Emma to the beach. I despise going when it is crowded and hot, which rules out going any time in July or August. I only have three months of bearable beach time.
3. Finish reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Then, I will be two books away from completing the entire Chronicles of Narnia series--before the second movie is released next month.
4. Avoid eating out. I have been reading Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace, and it has gotten me thinking a lot about where all of my money is going. I got a little lazy through the first trimester exhaustion, but now that I'm feeling better I should be able to do it!
5. Make some homemade ice cream. Mmm...enough said.

Baby Cashew Progress

I guess now that I am 16 weeks along (or 15 weeks, depending on how you are measuring), I should start keeping everyone up-to-date on Mommy and Baby.

Total weight gain: -4 lbs. (the first time in my life I have lost weight without trying)
Blood pressure: 124/80 (Praise God! This is lower than it has been in a year!)
Heartbeat: mid-160s (that's for Baby, of course)
Next appointment: May 8--the anatomy ultrasound

We are so blessed that this pregnancy is going so well. That was our biggest fear with getting pregnant again...I had so many health problems the first time that we were worried this time would be a repeat. But we serve a faithful God who has been answering all of our prayers for health and wellness!

Flowers and "Fingermails"

While Lindsay was visiting with us for a few minutes on Tuesday, Emma starting picking "flowers": they were really weeds, but she doesn't understand the difference yet. I digress. Anyway, she began by picking the ugly, dying, brown ones. I didn't quite understand this. Then, I noticed her picking the full, white, "pretty" ones.

Glad that she had gone for the prettier flowers I said, "That's right, Emma. Throw those ugly old ones down and keep the pretty ones." Any guesses as to which ones she kept? Just goes to show you what is beautiful in the eyes of a child.

Later that evening, I decided it was time to remove the old polish on my toenails and paint them a different color. Of course Emma had to join in on the fun. She loves to have her "fingermails" and "toemails" painted. Sadly, though, she seems to have inherited her Mommy's hideous feet. And in case you're wondering, it goes several generations back.