Parenthood is not for Wimps!

WOW! Sorry it's been so long. I guess that since there is nothing new with our adoption, I haven't felt like posting. As the days count down to Sept. 1st, I am getting more afraid that we will not be getting our referral. All I can do is hope and pray that things will be as HE wants them to be. And I pray for the courage and strength to accept whatever HIS will is for me.

On the homefront, Natalie is completely potty-trained! Day AND Night! WOO-HOO! I never realized how nice it would be to not have to buy diapers. I can go out now with a purse instead of a diaper bag - novel idea!

She is growing up so fast. Her latest favorite saying is "I don't want to". This is her response for just about everything I ask her to do. One day, I was really, really tired. I had asked her to do something, and she responded in her cute little way. Before I knew it, I said "I didn't ask you if you WANTED to do it......just DO IT!" She blinked, and then went and did it. SCORE! I found that if I stand firm, and don't take any of her guff, she will do what I ask. Lately, Natalie has been acting like a teenager.....sassing back, refusing to do what I ask, demanding attention, and setting her own limits. I was flabbergasted. Where did my sweet, strong-willed baby go? I was at a loss. Nothing I did seemed to get through to her. Then, in a moment of frustration, I snapped and let her know that I wasn't negotiating any more. We also brought out the 'Time out Rug'. This also seems to work, she does not like time outs.

Parenthood.....it's not for wimps!