Changes

I've been amazed at all the changes that have happened to Connor lately. He turned 3 just over a month ago and I would have never believed how much he has changed in one month. He's had another language explosion, learned to use the potty, and has learned that he can get out of bed by himself. I have to learn to deal with the fact that my baby is no longer a baby. That is such a bitter sweet statement to me.

It amazes me at how well I can communicate with Connor. He's only 3 but he can tell me everything he wants or needs. It's so nice to know when he's hungry and what he actually wants to eat, even if it is macaroni cheese and hot dogs. He can tell me he loves me or hates me. Mostly I just love having him around to keep me entertained. I really do enjoy taking care of him even if I complain about it too. It's not easy but the rewards are more than worth it. His constant talking can get annoying but at the same time it's a blessing that he is such a "normal" kid. I feel for my friend who's 2.5 year old struggles to put two words together. The terrible twos she has encountered have been far worse than what we have experienced. I hate to think of what the 3's will be like for them.

Most shocking to me was his instant potty training. I can't tell how many times we have worked on that in the last year. Then one morning he wakes up and wants to wear underwear and he hasn't looked back since. The first few days were tricky but for the most part he stayed dry. By the end of the week he had it. Now we are working on the little things like flushing every time, calling for me when it's time to wipe, and zipping and fastening pants. It's been great not changing diapers. I haven't missed it at all!

What is strange to me is how I feel about kids that are old enough to use the potty but don't. I am actually finding it rather gross! I know they will learn to do it in their own time. I think it's because I have a sensitive nose. Smelling dirty diapers, even if they are only wet, makes my tummy turn. Once again another thing I'm glad I don't have to do any more. At the same time I have to say good bye to babyhood.

He has finally realized, with much coaching from us that he can get out of bed to use the potty at night. Before he would stay in bed and call for us to come in to attend to his needs. This worked great and I enjoyed knowing that when we put him to bed he was in bed to stay. Then when we changed his room I took out the monitor. The monitor was a huge crutch for me and gave me the piece of mind that I knew when he fell asleep or that if he needed us I could hear him and attend to him. The first night he got up 2 or 3 times to pee right after he went to bed. I knew he'd take advantage of it but I never had to say anything to him and now that the newness has worn off he isn't getting up after going to bed. I have to stay its strange to hear him get up at 2 in the morning and take care of his business all by himself.

I'm so proud of the little man my husband and I have raised. There are days where Connor annoys me and I know there will always be days like that. We are a family and I am so looking forward to enjoying our days together. I do hope that his growing up slows down a bit so I can have more time to enjoy it. Three big changes in 30 days was way to much for me.