Warning... a potty training post

My Tiny Princess has been using the potty. Finally. No, she's not perfect. Yes, we have accidents. But she's, like, majorly proud of herself. And we celebrate that like crazy in this house.
Now, since I know there will be flames from some out there, here's my philosophy on potty training: it doesn't need to be a fight. True, she's 3, and I would have loved to have her trained at 2. But she just didn't care.  And to me, I would so much rather not have the experience be traumatic for both of us. Yes, you know it's traumatic for you to have to beg your child to use the potty, force then to wear big kid undies, then throw those undies that you paid good money for into the trash because they were pooped in anyway.  And I'm not a fan of washing out poopy undies.  So we waited until she was confident that she could hold it and tell me when she had to go.  That's when we broke out the big girl panties (she flat out refused to give up her pull ups when I offered panties to get before). Sure, she pooped in them once (so far), but this is her choice now to wear them, which, I think, makes her want to do good at this way more than if I had forced it.  And of course, I diligently inspect every bit of poop and pee that goes in the potty, then we high five, fist bump, hug, and sometimes even call daddy.  Oh, and her brother celebrates with her, too.
So, for us, we're way proud!  And way less stressed about it, too.

Moms Cry, Too

I spend so much time trying to help my children learn and grow, and hoping they'll catch on to life soon, that sometimes I forget to just watch them. And then I run into a day like today where I can't help but cry a little and wonder when my babies grew up.
Two weeks ago, Davin started Kindergarten. He's been doing fabulous, by the way. Here's hoping it stays that way, but I think his teacher is a much better fit for him (and all around teacher) than his preschool teacher was.
I've been hanging out with Charis a lot more since her brother is in school, and let me tell you, she's a pretty cool little chick. Her personality just shines and she really has matured a bit even in just her two weeks of exclusive mommy time.
Yesterday, Davin had the first practice of his second (SECOND!) season of soccer, while Charis went to her very first dance class. They both did great. Amazing. Conducted themselves well.
What the heck happened here? When did they decide to grow up on me?  When did they turn into the coolest kids ever?
So, that's why this mom had to shed a few tears today. Hormones? Maybe. I don't know. But I know I'll be paying much closer attention from now on.