Life Through Pictures

After months of putting it off, we finally started potty training.  Quinn seemed ready back in April, but with the move we decided it wouldn't be the best time.  Then I started working full-time and we put it off again.  Finally, in August it was time to get serious.  Although the first few days were rough (lots of accidents and yelling about not wanting to sit on the potty), we pushed through. 
We decided not to do incentives and rewards and instead went with lots of praises and clapping, etc.  So far, we are 3 weeks in and she is really doing great.  She is using public bathrooms (portable potty seats are the best invention ever!), she has been going at school, and we have had multiple days with no accidents. 
The best part of potty training came last week though.  Every time she uses the potty, we tell her how proud we are.  Well, last week we were at a restaurant and she went tot he bathroom with me.  After I used the restroom, Quinn proceeded to clap and yell, "Mommy used the potty!  So proud of you Mommy.  Yay!"  It was absolutely hilarious.

It is a common color combo in our household.  Georgia football is a major part of our fall.  Going to Athens was one of the things we were most excited about when we decided to move back here.  Five seasons later that still holds true.  We absolutely love it.  Whether we take the time to tailgate or just drive up and go straight to the game, we always have a good time.  We both truly love the sport and follow it with a passion (we listen to the audio of the press conferences....yea completely crazy, I know).

A quick look through my cell phone provided a glimpse of Georgia football so far this fall:

Up from her nap and ready to cheer on the Dawgs.  9/1/11

Pre-game at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, 9/1/11.

In the Dome (Courtney's birthday weekend)- 9/1/11

UGA vs MSU, 10/1/2011

Celebratory purchase in Athens after the Mississippi State game.  At the farm - 10/2/2011

Before Quinn arrived, we heard lots of people's opinions about how our view of our dog would change.  Some people said she would become a hassle, but others raved about how much their children adored their pets.  While Scout can be a bit hyper at times, she is absolutely wonderful with Quinn and I cannot imagine life without our 2 favorite girls.   I posted pictures of them together a few months ago, but now that Quinn is walking around it is even more fun to watch them together.  Scout lets Quinn climb all over her, ride her on a horse, and on more than one occasion I've had to stop Quinn from trying to stand on top of her.

I really need to get video of the two of them together because Quinn just laughs and screams the whole time she hugs Scout.

I was trying to take a few solo shots of Scout, but Quinn decided she really wanted to be in the pictures too.

Yes, The Rachel Zoe Project is one of my many Bravo weaknesses, so I keep saying the title of this post in her voice.  Better than "I die!" I think.

Moving on...  A few weeks ago, we were out for a walk and I saw a little girl Quinn's age eating a whole banana while sitting in her stroller.  I immediately knew I had to try this trick with our little monkey.  She loves bananas, but cutting them in tiny pieces was getting old (and a bit messy since she now finds it fun to smash her sippy cup into her food).

She we tried it out.  She loved it and ate the entire thing.

Super excited to hold the whole thing.

Analyzing the banana after getting it all the way out of the peel.

All finished!

Last month we started branching out and trying some unusual foods like tofu.  Although I am not a fan of it, it appears my daughter is.  Below are pictures of her eating plan tofu chopped up in pieces.  We've since gotten creative and made tofu meatballs and a few other items.

Quinn and I met up with a few friends from my monthly Bunco game at the park a few weeks ago.  How cute are these little ones?

Josephine

Maggie

Beckett

Quinn's first tooth started to come through while we were on vacation in May (10.5 months).  Since then, 2 others have made an appearance and a fourth is trying to pop through.  Her teeth seem to take forever to cut through.  (At least they decided to show up before her first birthday unlike her Mommy's teeth.)

I set out to try and capture pictures of them.  Waayyyy tougher than I thought.  Below is the best of what I could get (well the first three show her teeth and I just through the rest were cute). 

we decided to do her favorite things: the park, the pool, and a lunch date.  We both took the day off and did all things Quinn.

We thought it was hilarious that she wanted to swing with her feet tucked up.

I think this is my new favorite picture.

Our friend (and amazing photographer) Jeff took awesome pictures for us.  Here is a link to his blog post.  It was really nice to not have to worry about taking pictures at her party.  I think I would have made myself crazy trying to get shots of everything and watching Quinn and chatting with guests and getting the food out and...well, you get the picture! 

More birthday stuff soon....

http://jeffroffmanphotography.com/blog/quinns-1st-birthday/

Every night after her Dad gets her ready for bed, he lets her look out the windows above her changing table.

My favorite