Say whut???

It's amazing the amount of imparted knowledge you forget as you raise your child. I don't know how many people told me to take a look at what I said or did in front of Kaitlyn, because one day, that was going to be parroted back to me. I remember solemnly nodding and agreeing with it. But then I got forgetful and thought, how much could a two year old POSSIBLY be able to remember and say at the appropriate time? She's still trying to learn to string sentences together. I know all you parents reading this blog are shaking your collective heads right at this very moment. Here's how your lessons have been reinforced and never ever forgotten again.

SHUT UP
Now, before you get all riled up, know that I don't say this to TIC or her daddy at all. My momma taught me it was a bad word. I do, however, say it to the dogs when they are obnoxious about say, a leaf blowing across the sidewalk. One night, TIC said something that was not nice. To show her that I didn't think it was nice, I started fake crying. Her response?? "SHUT UP, MOMMY!!! NO MORE TEARS!!" I said "TIC, that is not a very nice thing to say to mommy." "SHUT UP, MOMMY, SHUT UP!" I mean, honestly, I was impressed with her correct usage, but wow! We made up in the store after I gave her the silent treatment until she said "Sorry", but I have sincerely tried to limit that phrase around her.

REWARDS
I am happy to proclaim TIC 100% potty trained. I think it was relatively easy once she got the hang of it. We have a stockpile of glow bracelets to reward each "poop" in the potty. I still announce when I have to go to the bathroom to continue to promote success in that arena. One night, I announced I was going to the bathroom. When pressed by TIC, I admitted to needing to poop in the potty to which TIC asked "You need a glow stick, Mommy??" While I should have explained that Mommies like stuff like Prada bags and Gucci sunglasses, I instead declined the offered glow stick mostly because it would have required explanation and while I am proud of my ability to poop in the potty, I don't think everybody else needs to know. ;-)

TEACH YOU HOW TO TREAT ME
I'm not really sure why TIC asks me for things any more. I'm very lucky in that she's very respectful when I tell her she can't have something and she needs to put it back. However, if it's something she REALLY wants, the conversation goes like this:
TIC: "I have this candy, mommy?" (nodding her head)
she doesn't get the response she seeks fast enought
TIC: "I have this candy, mommy?? G'head? G'head?? Okay, mommy? Okay??"
by this time, she's hoping the subliminal messages will work and I'll say yes
Me: "Okay baby, go ahead"
TIC, with a big, beaming grin on her face "THANK YOU, MOMMY! THANK YOU!"
I swear, you'd think I starve the kid!

That's all for now folks! Huge thanks to those of you who read this and came out for Brent's birthday. He had a great time, I enjoyed seeing everyone and was happy we were able to pawn leftovers off onto almost all the guests!

Until next time, my nugget of wisdom to you: Reward yourself for going poop once in awhile. ;-)