Last Year and Another Note

***update at the bottom of this post

I am remembering today, much like I was last year.

This year is a little different in that I even better understand the truth I wrote one year ago today: "...even in the midst of loss and uncertainty, God is always good and always right and loves us deeper than we will ever know.  "

I didn't know then what I know now- that just a few weeks later I would become pregnant with a precious baby girl whom I'd have to say goodbye to only seven (way-too) short months later.  But the truth is, my experience with Jubilee makes that truth I wrote about this time last year all the sweeter- because now I really know. I've been to the pit and back, and I know God is always good and always right and that He does love us deeper than we'll ever know.  

So I'm remembering today- both September 11 and the truth of God's goodness despite circumstances.  

An enormous thank you to the police men and women, firefighters, service men and women, and others who give so much each day for us and our country.  Thank you thank you thank you from my heart and my home team.

******

On another note, potty training.  

I know, not exactly compatible with this post, but I've gotta document things in real time from this side of the insanity because right now I'm not convinced I'll ever get to the other side.  The diaper-free, accident-free, "I'm a big boy now" side, and if I do, I want to know where we came from, man.  

Because right now, all I want to do is line my house with tarps, curl up in the fetal position, and send his daddy an SOS.  

Potty training is INTENSE.  The timer set for every half hour, continual refills on the apple juice, and a panic-stricken mama any time the well is dry after the timer goes off because hello, TICKING TIME BOMB.  

So far, no accidents, but I'm going to need some chocolate.  Its entirely possible that Mommy ends up giving herself more than one "potty treat" by the time bedtime rolls around tonight because this is some seriously hard work!  I've resolved to stick to it for today and tomorrow and then if we're still fighting the craziness, we'll probably throw in the towel, declare it too soon, and try again in a couple months.  Because honestly more than two or three days of this level of commitment and I'm going to go bonkers.

But we are set up for success. We went all out on the accessories.  Let him pick his own underwear?  Check.  Pixar it is. Buy a couple super-padded training pants to hide under said underwear so I don't have to actually line my house in tarps?  Check.  Potty chart? Check. (Thanks, Trudy.  I'm inspired by the fact that both your girls are potty trained and used the chart- I'm hoping there's some magic left in it. [fingers crossed]) Pep talk from the Hubs declaring everybody gets potty-trained at some point and somehow, some way, you're gonna make it, kid?  Check.  Thanks, Hubs.  

So we're all hands on deck over here today, folks.  Its GAME TIME.

(Everything is more successful in a Buzz Lightyear shirt, duh.)

And a very happy Tuesday to you!

***UPDATE: I feel like I'd be living a lie if I didn't update tonight and tell you that potty training was a MASSIVE FLOP.  [insert gasp(!) here] Turns out I should have checked into the "When is your toddler ready to potty train?" list before jumping on the bandwagon at the first sign of interest in the big boy potty.  Wah wah waaaaah. Major mom fail.  We're missing a few key "readiness signs" so we're going to take it nice and easy and put the all-or-nothing plan on hold after a stressful day and try again in another couple of months.  Even the Buzz Lightyear shirt couldn't save us, folks.  I really jumped the gun on this one.  That's what I get for blogging in real time!  Shoulda waited 'til tomorrow to spill the beans on the potty training and spared myself the walk of shame back to the blog to confess my premature enthusiasm!  =)