Learning and Growing

This week has been a big week of firsts for our kids.

Hunter learned to RIDE his bike yesterday(finally). And he hasn't stopped riding it since.
He has just lacked the confidence to do it even though he probably could have when we first
started teaching him in Ohio 2 years ago but every time he realized he was pedaling on his own and doing it he would stop pedaling and fall over. Last summer he really didn't try that much but just kept to his scooter. Well he finally got it! He loves to go to the church parking lot behind us and ride down the wheelchair ramp and all around the parking lot. Every time he talks about riding his bike he has a huge grin on his face and I am so happy for him that he has mastered this.

Ayla rides Hunter's scooter and no matter how many times she drops the the large, bulky metal thing on herself, she gets right back up again. When we got home last night I realized she had scraped her knee, which was bleeding. She is my toughest kid. She didn't ever cry, but insisted on riding more. She can only push herself a little ways before the thing tips over, half the time on her legs and then she gets back on.

Sienna asked me to teach her to TIE Daddy's shoe laces. I showed her once and then she did it on her own. She is so proud of herself and wants me to buy her some shoes with laces. She is such a big helper with Ayla and loves to put her lace up shoes on her so she can practice her new skill.

Ayla has learned to go Potty and has stayed dry for four days without any accidents and no reminders. She tells us when she needs to go and then says "help, Mommy, come." and runs off to the bathroom. She can go herself with her potty seat and stool but without it she can't get up on the toilet so she needs a boost. She has also stayed dry for 2 nights. We are so happy that she has been so easy to train. I never started out giving potty treats but we did do stickers and now she doesn't ask for them anymore.

Three big first at our house and it has been so great watching the kids as they master these milestones. They grow up so fast. Our good friends, the Elmores, had their baby boy this week and it has helped the reality sink in for us that we will have a new little, tiny one around here. It makes the other 3 seem so big. They are growing up so fast and it is fun to be a part of it.