The Climber

Olivia demonstrates her ability to climb out of the crib.

Last Monday, Olivia figured out how to climb out of her crib.  Needless to say, she didn't nap.  BUT she did perfect her climbing technique.  Sarah returned her to her crib 8 times in 1.5 hours.  Olivia even used all of the perfect excuses: kiss, hug, drink, potty, rock, books.  Yup.  Don't know how she knew that!
By the end of the week, we usually returned her to her crib once before she settled in.
What to do...we ordered her twin size bed and yesterday, Grandma J helped us transition the crib to a toddler bed.  Olivia was so excited...she jumped and climbed on it and after Sarah got home from a meeting took nearly 2 hours to fall asleep.  Sarah found her on the floor this morning.  And during nap too...

Olivia had covered herself with her covers and was cuddled up on the floor with her blankies.

Jumping on her converted bed.

Olivia had her first overnight stay this past weekend.  She spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa J's and had a very good time.  They said she did well, only the grandfather clock bothered her (it went to sleep for the night and nap).  She talked about the pumpkins and Grandma and Grandpa and was exhausted, so we think she had a good time.  It was nice to have a night off and out.  Dan and Sarah went to the Lion King and did some yardwork.  The Lion King was very good and the costumes were amazing to watch.

On a potty training note, at the end of last week, Olivia decided she would rather wear her "meows" or "princesses" most of the time when we go out.  A brave step for Sarah as cleaning a pee mess up while we are out isn't my idea of a good time.  (Turns out, it's not so bad and for the sake of clean up, jeans work best because they absorb more.)  She's also had several successes of telling Sarah she needs to potty while we are out.  Target was our big one last week.  (Part of the appeal is checking out the different potties and how they flush...)  AND she's had several successes of pulling down her own pants at home and taking herself to the potty.  This morning Sarah heard, as she was finishing up her shower:  "mommy, mommy hurry, hurry".  This phrase is associated with going to the potty.  The girl had taken herself downstairs to her pink potty and taken her pants and panties off and had peed and was pleased to show off.  She even wiped.  Whoo-hoo!  We've definitely had accidents, especially when we are out but have made gains again this past week.

Fall themed rice bin--also doubles as a good place to read books.

We'll end this post with our trip to the airshow on Sunday.  We met up with Sarah and Kevin and Sarah's family for Sarah's birthday.  We made it to see the Thunderbirds.  Olivia borrowed earmuff (earphones) from Sarah's nephew and enjoyed watching the airplanes fly.  A few times they were really loud and startled her.  Her description:  "airplanes, skies, boom-boom".  

A few other fun things:  "daddy, truck, miss" is her description for Dan who is out on business this week and left the truck at home.   And cousin Adelynn--is labeled "Aunt Cassi", the two of them together can have a grand ole time!