The Winsteads: August 2009

As I sit here typing this, I can hardly believe that Lydia's next monthly update will take us to her second birthday! WOW! It has been such a joyful journey, but I will save the sentiment for next time! :)

first attempt at "Mrs. Potato Head"

loving her cousin, Brittany!

playing with Grandmother Allred!

Helping clean Grandma's kitchen... :)

During this month, Lydia cooperated through several more changes in her daily routine and has adjusted quite well to some skills that are new to her. She gave up her crib for a toddler bed last month and she did so well with that, we decided to go ahead and let her eat at the table like a "big girl" also. She has done really well with that, as well, although the placemat seems to be a big temptation - it must just look like it wants to be picked up... :) After that, we made an unexpected trip to be with my grandmother who has recently had several strokes and took a pretty serious fall with one of the most recent episodes. Lydia and I stayed with her for several days and Lydia had fun playing with her cousin and cheering Grandmother up! When we came home, Mommy pretty much went into panic mode because the school where I am teaching part-time this year was set to begin a couple of weeks earlier than what I had thought. Sooo... Lydia had to learn to use the potty - and FAST! We basically set the next Monday as the start date, got the little potty out, some toys for the bathroom, LOTS of undies, training underware, etc. and started first thing that morning. I will not go into details, but by nap time on the first day, I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I didn't think Lydia was completely (biologically) ready for potty training and maybe we would just have to wait. After her nap on that first day, though, things went much better and have continued to improve for the most part! We've had a few accidents, and I would definitely not say that she is trained, but it is a good feeling to know that we have not had to change diapers (except after nighttime) for a few weeks now!

Also during this month, Daddy also spoke during a revival at a church in Monroe, NC, and Mommy began teaching a couple of classes, (English for 11th and 12th graders and a Writing Course), at the local Christian school in our community. Since I only teach between one and three hours each day, Mel is able to hang out with Lydia, which is good for both of them, since the nature of his occupation has him away on many nights and weekends. We are thankful that the Lord has provided us with this opportunity that will help with our finances, but will also allow me to be at home with Lydia, primarily.

Lydia seems to have transitioned really well into these new phases of her life, and we are so thankful! She continues to be a happy, loving and sometimes silly little girl with whom we are completely in love!

Well, the last few posts have pretty much covered Lydia's twenty-first month, but I will post a few additional pictures to sum up this month. Lydia and her Daddy and Mommy stayed quite busy this month! We went on vacation (to Asheville and to visit with most of Mel's family in Morganton, NC), we had Vacation Bible School at our church, and we transitioned Lydia from her crib to her "Big Girl Bed"! Lydia really enjoyed playing with her cousins while we were with them, and it makes me wish that we lived closer to family so that she could see them more often. We are thankful, though, for the times we are able to be together and we know that being where God has placed us is always best. Lydia continues to be a sweetheart and we are so thankful for a precious little girl who transitions so well in so many circumstances. As you can see in the vacation posts and from some pictures in this post, Lydia really LOVES to be outside - in the water, blowing bubbles, coloring with sidewalk chalk, etc.