So much better!

It's amazing what a little bit of time (less than 3 hours) away from my normal routine does for my spirit. Don't get me wrong. I love my life. I love my Eli's sweet voice as he chatters to me all day - even when he calls, "Mama" 5 times in less than 90 seconds. I love rattling around in our house with every one here - Eli, Ritchie, and Grandma - and yes, even the dog I can't seem to bond to as much as I'd like. And about 80% of the time, we are all here. It's a bit unconventional, but it works for us amazingly well. But sometimes, I just need to be either alone or away. To get lost in thought, without anybody making any requests of me for longer than 5 minutes at a time.

So, the blues set in yesterday - and my intuitive mate picked up on them right away. He asked what was wrong, which prompted me to figure out just what was wrong. As always, he understood, and quickly encouraged me to plan an escape. It helps so much just to know he understands me, doesn't take offense to me needing my space now and then, and then makes me get off of my butt and do something about the situation.

I laid out my clothes last night, and set my alarm for 7:30. I woke up at 6:40 because I was so excited about my little time away. I laid in bed and tried to figure out if any place I would want to go would be open at 7. I kept drawing blanks, so I laid in bed until about 7:20. I was out the door by 7:45. Just moments after our sweet boy climbed in bed with Daddy. I was hoping Eli would sleep in until 8:30 or so, so that Ritchie would get to as well. I always feel guilty when Ritchie has taken over morning duty for me and Eli gets up earlier than usual. I offered to stay home for a little while longer, but Ritchie shooed me out the door. I'm glad.

I went to Chick-fil-A for breakfast. It was pouring down rain, but I went inside instead of waiting in the drive-thru line. My time was too precious to squander, and besides, I could run in and out by myself with such ease! I would never want to be misunderstood - I adore having my little sidekick with me. I treasure that he loves to run errands with me, and is so darn easy going most of the time. I treasure it so much that I feel like a nut for ever "needing" time out and about alone or with just Ritchie. But that need remains, in spite of my overwhelming love for Eli and his companionship.

After CFA was Target. That was pretty pleasant, for sure. I couldn't find what I needed for Eli's costume, which was a minor flaw in my little field trip, but that was ok. I went on to Micheal's, and then to K-Mart before heading home.

I was home at 10:15. I have felt calm and centered all day. More patient with Grandma. I've smiled inside and out all day long. Everything has felt just a little sweeter. Eli and I ran errands together tonight, and found the rest of the dog costume components.

On top of all of that, today was a big day for all of us. Ritchie and I had a little surprise party for Eli today . . . a "No more diapers for Eli" party! We had cake, special plates and napkins, a decorated chair for the guest of honor, big boy underwear hanging from the dining room chandelier, and even presents! After the party, we sent Eli off to go potty. He washed his hands with his new soap, put on a pair of underwear, and announced, "No more diapers for Eli!". He got an M & M every time he went potty today. I asked him if he wanted me to set the timer for him to remind him to go, or if wanted to remember on his own. He said he wanted to do it on his own. About an hour after he went potty the first time, he said, "I think I can go make some pee pee now", and off he went to the bathroom. He did that again an hour later - stopping in the middle of playing with play-doh. Then Savannah came over to play for a little while. I encouraged a couple of potty breaks. He would deny the need to go, but Savannah would jump in and say, "Let's go tee-tee" together, Eli!" and off they would go. I wanted to break down and put a pull up on him while we ran errands, but kept myself in check. He did great. I asked him after we had been out for a while if he needed to go, and he said yes. So we found the restroom in Ross. He wanted to back out after we got in there, and I didn't blame him. It wasn't the cleanest of facilities! But, he went. I gave him 2 pieces of candy when we got home for that one. It was a 100% successful day. Before his bath, he took off the same pair of underwear he had started in. So, I'm left to wonder . . . should we have thrown a party a year ago, or is he just finally ready? Guess I'll never know. That's okay. I think we are finally there. With plenty of time to get this completely down before Aaron gets here, I hope! I would love to avoid any potty habit regression this Spring!