Adding Layers

Winter is coming. No, that's not a Game of Thrones reference (even though that's a wonderful show) - but the temperatures are dropping. This week I realized I had to say goodbye to open-toed shoes, and pull out my scarves, boots and coats. We even saw a few flurries. Eek! 

With these cooler temps, I did learn something about our sassy 22 month old. Not only does Harper hate socks and shoes - but we can add coats and hats to that list as well. With the thermometer displaying chilly 30 degree temps, that meant introducing Harper to winter clothing. Let me give you a glimpse of our conversations:

Me: "Harper, we have to put on socks and shoes. No Crocs, it's too cold outside."

Harper: "NO!! NO!! Not nice!"(flailing on the ground)

After battling her to cover her icy toes with socks, and lace up her tennis shoes - we have this conversation:

Me: "Harper, let's get your coat on. Remember, it's super cold outside. Brrr."

Harper: "NO!! All done!"(still flailing)

Me: "Okay, now your hat."

Harper: (crying)

As the week goes on, she's getting comfortable in her layers. She was so warm and cozy one morning this week, she almost fell asleep on the stairs. Mitch texted me the photo in the morning of her sleepy eyes, and I literally laughed out loud. It's hilarious. She looks totally adorable all bundled up in her winter coat and hat/scarf combo. Who knows how she'll react to snow boots once that time comes. I'll just take everything one step at a time. 

Unfortunately with the colder temperatures, Harper's caught a little cold bug. She's been battling it for nearly a week now, which would explain her crabbiness. The first few days it was only a fever and she could barely stay awake. Luckily by last Saturday we had kicked the fever. I thought we were in the clear, but not so much. The runny nose and cough started soon after the fever stopped. She's been a trooper taking medicine - she doesn't like it, but she usually cooperates. It's hard seeing her feel so crappy, she's just not her spunky self. We're hoping with a little rest this week, and just hanging low she's on the road to recovery. 

We're also starting to take this whole potty training a little more serious. Harper only has a slight interest when it comes to the potty chair, and saying "a slight interest" is probably generous. She'll tell us "Diaper off" so we'll run to the bathroom and strip down. As soon as we get that little booty on the potty chair, she screams "ALL DONE! OFF!" We've bribed with M&M's and even bought special bathroom books for her. So far, no success. It's probably not very smart of us to start this the week she's crabby and sick - but people who have been through this... please tell me it gets easier. If anyone has advice or tricks to make this process more effective or dare I say, easier - I'd love to hear it. We've been watching a lot of Finding Nemo lately, so in the back of my head I hear Dory singing "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming." So that's what we'll do - keep trying. Eventually it has to click, right? I'm just going to keep telling myself that. :)

Until next time...

The Helleen's