Date with Daddy

In honor of Mother's Day, Ben took Courtney on a date so I could have alone time and get my hair done. Neither of which ever happen. Courtney got to go to daddy's work, then to breakfast at Mimi's where she waved at every table she passed. They then went to Toys R Us where she got to pick out some new toys and they ended with a scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Gosh, this little girl is spoiled.

Monies in the Piggy Bank

We have finally gotten to that "perfect routine" and it feels so good and is working so well. We have always had a schedule but in the last 4 months it's had a lot of changes. Between me getting used to staying home, Holidays, being sick for 3 months and putting Courtney on a new nap schedule, there was too much extra time for her to get in trouble which resulted in too many timeouts a day. But we are finally there and I am going to enjoy it as long as it lasts. Courtney responds and behaves soo much better when there is a schedule and she can anticipate what is next. I also incorporated a new "rewards" technique for her that is helping oh so much. We call it "monies in the piggy bank". One morning, Courtney found some change on the garage floor, she was really excited about it. So for the first time, we put "monies" in her piggy bank. After watching the joy on her face, that day I made a new system fir her and she responded so well. We have different times during day that she earns monies for being good. I had a problem with her brushing her teeth. Every night was a 20 minute battle of her screaming and me holding her down on the bathroom floor while shoving the toothbrush in her mouth in hopes to get a few teeth scrubbed. I tried everything to make it better. Once I started rewarding her with monies if she let me brush her teeth, the screaming stopped. It was amazing how she responed. Aren't we so much like dogs! She looks forward to earning her money. Eventually as she understands more, I will transition her rewards to my next system. I am just so thankful for this time and can accomplish so much more in the day without so much frustration.