Dentists, schmentists

Today was Madeline's first trip to the dentist. She didn't like it. She watched me get my teeth cleaned, for a while she was very patient, then she got a little anxious. I don't think she liked all of the tools the woman was putting in my mouth, and Madeline started to cry wondering if we would be done soon. When we were finally done, it was Madeline's turn. Well, she wasn't going to have any of that. She thought she was going to be brave, but when it came time for the dentist to actually look at her teeth, she clenched up and started crying. We were able to check out her bite, and the dentist said there didn't seem to be any ill effects of the pacifier, so that worry is gone for now. We are scheduled to go back in 6 months, so hopefully by then we will have prepared her more adequately for the appointment and it will be a much more pleasant experience.

Whew! That was fun!

We had a blast this past weekend ni Sandusky. First, we ventured to the Great Wolf Lodge for a little waterpark fun. Our "cabin" (hotel room) was decorated like a cabin and even had bunkbeds! Madeline got to sleep on the top bunk (it had a railing) and a really cool ladder. Once we were checked in, Madeline spent the afternoon in the toddler pool with the treehouse and water slide, then off to the deeper pool for a little jumping and swimming, and she even ventured to the kiddie waterslide twice! She is all about the swimming, and getting wet since her swim classes. She really had a great time playing with Grandma & PopPop and Mommy & Daddy in the different pools, and climbing up the rope ladders, and going through waterfalls, and sprayers to get to the tall waterslides. She didn't go down those, but she had just as much fun going back to down through the sprayers, and tunnels. Madeline even took a ride with Mommy & Grandma on the lazy river.

Our little JoJo got to go trick or treating at the lodge and then to the arcade for some great gaming fun. She won quite a few tickets for some great prizes, but then someone gave her a bunch more for some more great prizes! She loved it! What a great day!

That's not all... the next day we all piled into the truck for a day at Cedar Point!!! It was a blustery cold and drizzley day, but Madeline loved riding those rides. She started off with the cars in Kiddieland and went to the Hummers, the carousel (3 times), rockets, jeeps, etc. We were having quite a time until we decided to ride the giant ferris wheel! On such a cold and blustery day, this probably wasn't the best idea around. We were stopped at the top for quite a while while the guys on the ground decided what to do about shutting it down for a while due to weather! The wind was blowing, the drizzle was drizzling and it was quite unpleasant. We kept little Madeline wrapped up tight so she didn't notice too much other than that we were stopped for quite a long time. Once we got off, we headed to the arcade for some warmth. That turned things around again. Nothing better than an arcade for Madeline! She loves them! She played skiball, wack the mole, drove a few cars & motorcycles (hit many many walls, guardrails, etc.), watched everyone play the cranes, and just kept racking up the tickets! So, she ended that day with a ton of tickets and great prizes as well. If you notice from the family website, she made out like a bandit in the Care Bear department. Grandma & Daddy hit the jackpot and Madeline looked like a little thief carrying her loot when her arms were full of CareBears.

We ventured on up to Snoopy's Camp and she rode the swings, the balloons, and even the Junior Gemini! Grandma & I had gone back to the entrance to try to find cotton candy, so I wasn't aware of how big the junior gemini was until we got back. Madeline was a real trooper, she went on with Daddy, and hung in there really well until the end. She was a bit scared going down that hill, but she made it through. She then wanted to ride the swings with me, so we did. Then, the balloons. Well, I didn't hold the center wheel tight enough and the balloon started to spin. Well, that scared her and cut that ride short. At least she had a good time on that ride with Daddy.

We ended the day with another trip to the arcade and one last ride on the cars. She was plum tuckered out. So, it was a very successful day. The smile on her face when she was riding those rides was worth any cold or drizzle we had to go through. She stayed awake the whole ride home and slept solid the whole night! I think we may get her to go back again. She keeps talking about her cabin and the Goodnight Bear and Lollipop Bear are her new best friends.

The potty & the shower in one week!

Well, Madeline has mastered two of life's major activities... the potty and the shower. On Sunday, the 1st, I told Madeline I was going to take a shower. She popped right up and gave that surprised expression that she gives, and I asked her if she would like to take a shower with me (fully expecting her to say no) and she said "yes!". She followed me upstairs into the bathroom. Well, we squeezed ourselves into the shower and she had a grand time. She got her hair washed, she washed her body, and then proceeded to play in the water and finger draw on the glass door while I finished up. She hangs out in the shower while I dry off, then it's her turn. She usually wants to stay in the shower longer and just play in the water, but I always remind her there is always tomorrow, and she gives in. Madeline has taken a shower with me every day since except one - Grammie & PopPop were here for pumpkin picking.

So, yesterday, I decided it was time for Madeline to be put to the test. To see just how much control she has over her bladder. After changing her morning diaper, I stripped her of pants and set her free. She didn't mind at all running around without any pants on. I told her to let me know when she had to pee so she wouldn't get messy. She agreed. Well, a short while later she told me she had to poop. So, I told her to go to her potty. She did, and SUCCESS! We have yet to actually poop in the potty, but we have had total success with peeing. She sits down on her potty and holds your hands in hers. It's like a bonding moment. Very precious. She wears her princess pull-ups at night, and changes into underpants (Strawberry Shortcake) in the day. I think we will be shopping for some more underpants tomorrow.

So, we have had a very eventful couple of weeks. She is doing very well in gymnastics and swim class too. She has mastered the balance beam, can hang from her legs on the bar, and her tumbling is admired by all at the playgroup! Last week, she went under the water in swim class, and today she insisted on trying to swim alone. She sank, of course, but she wasn't too bothered by it. She's gone under the water multiple times now without any issues. She's getting really good at paddling and kicking and, jumping off the side is getting easier too. Her instructors are impressed, and suggest more advanced classes, but we are still inclined to keep her on the straight and narrow. There is no need to rush her, especially if she is still having so much fun at this pace.

That's all for now.