POTTY TRAINED!

It's true, it's true! Elena is potty trained (except for some night time training pants) and we are thrilled! She said she would do it when she turned three and wouldn't you know, she was right. The first time she 'pooped' in the potty, I wasn't home, but when I cheered for her over the phone, she said, "Mommy, Mommy - it was AMAZING!" That's our girl.

We've been busy as of late and with Daddy gone for two weeks, it was a bit trying. We missed him so, but welcomed him back on Friday (Hooray!) He'll leave again this weekend, but for only five days this time.

Other than that? Soccer, birthday parties and good old-fashioned playing have kept us hopping and we're sure looking forward to Halloween next week. Elena is totally briefed on the process and is ready to go to each door saying, "Trick or Treater." Well, she's almost got it.

Elena is pictured here at soccer practice and on a train for a neighborhood birthday party.

Three!

That's right, our girl is three and she enjoyed a day of surprises, princesses and big girl panties. The day started at 5:30 with Elena in our bed (as a 'special treat' for her birthday and so we could get her big girl bed ready). Walking into her new room was as big a surprise as she's ever known and the day continued on with lots of present-unwrapping, birthday visits and

phone calls, cupcakes with the neighbors (in lieu of a party this year. We do those every other year), and on to a my cousin's wedding. I think Elena liked the wedding most of all with the 'princess' (bride) being her favorite part.

Oh and the biggest news of all? We left diapers behind that day and she's been doing pretty well with the potty since. Pee-pee is getting easier, but the poops aren't quite so yet. We'll get there.

We love you, baby. Happy Birthday.