Transitions

We have been anticipating the day when we would officially begin "sleep training" for Josiah and his transition to his own room and his crib.  Priya held firm to "her bed" when we moved to this apartment during the summer and we decided to let her stay in what would eventually become Josiah's room.  We've tried several times to casually transition her to her "big girl room" but were always met with a great deal of resistance.  We struggled back and forth for quite a while - should we force the move so that she didn't feel put out later or should we simply allow her to retain this one comfortable thing in the midst of a lot of change in her life already?

We've been waiting for Spring Break when the students wouldn't be around (and be affected by a lot of potential crying and screaming).  Yesterday was the first day of Spring Break and we didn't waste a minute!  Dad helped to transition the bed back into a crib and we made a big production of pulling out new Disney Princess sheets for Priya's real big girl bed.  We also talked about throwing her a party once she successfully transitioned.  I am happy to report that we haven't faced any protest whatsoever!!!  She has now taken 2 naps and slept one full night in her "big girl room" without a single problem!  We are so proud of her!!

 

Today it was Josiah's turn.  He's been teething like mad these last several days and has been uncharacteristically fussy.  So we didn't want to start sleep training when he was already miserable.  But today he seems to be doing quite a bit better.  He's been sleeping in a swing and has been used to a lot of motion these past 4 months.  But so far today he's had 2 naps in his crib and fell asleep very easily - without any motion whatsoever and without even the tiniest fuss - both times!  I'm sure we've got some work to do as I'm sure it won't all be a walk in the park.  But one can hope, right?  ;)

More to come...

Josiah does do other things besides hanging out in his bouncy chair, but it's so much easier to capture him on video or in photos.  :)  I can't get enough of his smiles, happy babbling and his giggles.

 

This one is a special shout out to Uncle Harv & Aunt Bettie.  In the background of this video below, Ashish is telling me about how Priya had been asking him if she could invite Uncle Harv & Aunt Bettie to her birthday party.  Granted, her birthday isn't until September 19, but you can't fault her for planning ahead.  :)  Her brief time with Uncle Harv & Aunt Bettie recently made quite the impression on her!

First Tooth!

Josiah's first tooth began to make it's way through on Wednesday!  Yep, it's true!  He's been teething like crazy and a little pearly white made an appearance (his bottom middle tooth on the left side)!  It's decided to go undercover once again (Priya's did the same) but I'm sure we'll see it again very soon!  Hard to believe he's already at this stage!  He's not quite 4 months yet and already getting his first tooth!  Before we know it he'll be in college!  Yikes! 

Our kiddos

Our hard drive is still maxed out on our computer so opportunities to upload photos take a bit more effort these days until we get some much needed upgrades.  But here's a glimpse into the joys of having 2 kids.

Josiah continues to be a sweet, easy going baby.  He loves to babble, talk and sing.  I wonder if he just might give Priya a run for her money in the verbal department.  He is quite the little communicator these days!  Tonight Priya was playing a Chipmunks song on the CD player and was singing and dancing along to the music.  Josiah was smiling away and then started "singing" along!  It was a sight to behold (and hear)!  But of course once I turned the camera on it all came to a screeching halt.  Priya abruptly turned off the music and Josiah started fussing.  Oh well.

Priya is back to her old self and we are happy to have her back!  She was a shadow of her former self for about 2 months and it was hard to see.  Much of that time she was fighting being sick and was going through the significant transition of adding a baby to our household and the change of going to school.  But I'm happy to report that she is back on track.  She is much healthier, happier, displaying less jealousy issues, and loves school again.  We are still challenged by her stubborn and difficult behavior at times, but Ashish and I are learning and growing as a team each day. 

Here are a few pics of what we've been up to lately when I'm home from work:

Josiah enjoys his bouncy chair and flashes his "dashing" smile.  Priya loves to say how "dashing" Josiah is (a word she learned from the Chipmunk Valentine episode).

We play together in Priya's room.  Priya was intrigued by this little car and how it would follow the path of the hoola-hoop.

Priya gives Josiah some sibling love.

And Josiah returns the sentiment while enjoying a little tummy time on my lap.  He noticeably loves his big sister.  He lights up when she's around, laughs and talks up a storm.  She loves to sing to him, play with him (sometimes a bit roughly), and entertain him with her fun antics.

Priya and I have been having some special dates, just the two of us.  In this photo we are at McDonalds playing with a video game.  They also have a play house and an air hockey table that Priya and I tried out together.  We have also been enjoying several of my lunch breaks each throughout the week together in the dining hall.  She's doing SO much better at sitting still through a meal and is eating better too!

Mommy gets to get Josiah all decked out for an outing to visit friends (dressing boys isn't quite as fun as dressing girls, but I still manage to find some great bargains and fun finds). :)

We enjoy time with family.  What a blessing it has been to have Ami and Phil here in Redding!  Ami is absolutely fantastic with the kids and has been a huge help to us since I've been back at work.  Phil is equally adored by his niece and nephew.

Getting ready for bed and wanting some snuggle time with baby brother.

And here are a few fun videos of our precious kiddos as well: