Meet Rio

Recently, Marge, a sweet missionary to Costa Rica called River Jane "Rio". for those of you who don't know, Rio means River in Spanish.

I fell in love with it.

It's now my favorite nickname for River Jane. And even better, Taylor calls her Rio too. But it sounds more like "wio". It's adorable. Adorable I tell you.

Taylor had been calling River Jane "baby". That's cute and all but she calls every other baby "baby", including her baby dolls. Now we have something different that Taylor can say.

Did I mention that I love it?!

And just for fun, here's a pic of our sweet little Rio.

A Little Truth for Now

So, I just speed-read the book "Loving the Little Years". Loved it, but I will need to read it again. One of the many parts that hit home with me was called "no need to count".

Basically, it talks about when I'm up in the middle of the night with baby or sick toddler, why even look at the clock. I often tally my awake moments just so I can be certain about how much I gave. Poppycock. The book pointed out how I am up just when I need to be. Good to be reminded of that.

Also, this verse was like gold.

"Everyone to whom God has given wealth, and possessions, and the power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil-this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart." (Eccl. 5:19-20)

To sum it up, a quote from the book.

"The days of your life are supposed to be full of things like this. But joy is not giddy. It is not an emotional rush-it is what happens when you accept your lot and rejoice in your toil. So rejoice in your children. Look them in the eyes and give thanks. You will not even remember the work of all this planting when the harvest of joy overwhelms you."

Even after I've picked up the same toy 9 times already and answered to my name being called 34 times by my gifts of God, I will rejoice in my toil.

Big Girl Bed

Well, we did it. After months of dread and nervousness, we decided to put you in a toddler bed.

We had been planning on doing it pretty soon, so that the crib would be open for River but you wouldn't feel like she pushed you out. But we needed a bed.

I found one at kids market. You were so excited when you saw it, so we decided to just go for it that night. I didn't read up on what to do; we winged it. I'd heard the transition can be hard, so I was nervous.

You did great! You went right to sleep. You did fall out twice, but it didn't hurt. The first time, I heard you fall and watched you just lie back down on the floor instead. So funny. Daddy put you back in bed. The second time you actually climbed back in bed yourself.

Naptime was a little harder. You wanted to play more in the daylight. That's understandable. Mommy had to get on to you several times, but you finally settled in to sleep. It's hard for you to go back to sleep when you wake up too early because there's more distraction.

The next night took you longer to get to sleep. You explored your options. Climbed out of bed, but only took two corrections to fix that. Pulled stuff off the shelf, but only had to tell you once. You also played with the tub of animals that mommy had put beside the bed to block you from falling. So, we took it away. And you fell out. Hard enough to make you cry, but after mommy and daddy both ran to your rescue, you were fine.

Now on our 4th night, and you are a pro. We still put the tub of animals as a block to falling, and it's worked. You settle in well at naptime. Scout helps you by singing to you. When we put you to bed, you say "no" and pat your arm. We think you are reminding yourself to not get out of bed. Cute little rule follower. I think we are almost ready to remove the video monitor.

You made this pretty easy, little girl. Thanks for being awesome.

Mommy and Daddy had a hard time with this transition. It made you feel so grown-up. It was exciting, but at the same time so scary. We are proud of you, sweet girl.