Fears

If you've been reading here for long, you know about Katy's bizarre fears and all the drama that has presented to us over the past year and a half. Her most severe anxiety is related to strangers, especially if they a) are men, b) are different looking (in her mind), c) surprise her (i.e. enter a room unexpectedly), or d) touch her (like if she falls and they try to help her up).

I was just thinking last week about how much progress she has made. We haven't had a meltdown in a few months, and she has been able to talk herself out of most "scary" situations. All of this I've attributed to her newest level of maturity. We haven't needed to hesitate to go anywhere, and she's been comfortable even with people who come to the house.

Until yesterday. I was taking the trash out after dinner and a group of students got out of their car as asked if they could see the place for summer rental. (We have 3 groups trying to get their stuff together, but still no one has signed) So I said sure, come to the front door and I'll let you in. So here they come, in the house with no warning, there were 3 of them, and one was a guy with big hair (seriously, this is the kind of thing that scares her). So Katy picked up this hard plastic ball, throws it at one of the girls, and climbs up into my arms and starts to bawl. I was shocked! She hasn't done that in so long! We had to go outside and calm down while they looked around inside the house. (not to mention how embarrassed I was that she pelted this girl!) But even still, she was able to talk herself through it, and she kept saying, "I want them to go bye-bye. I want those other girls to come over." (The last set of girls who came to look at the place were really playful with Katy and she loved them). So by the time the group left, she was able to say goodbye and be reasonable, which is progress.

So it's better, and I do see light at the end of the tunnel. If anything, I think that incident reminded me of how much progress we have made, because 6 months ago, that kind of thing was happening on a daily basis. We couldn't go out sometimes because of it. So progress is good. Katy has been really interested in playing "Dr. Mommy" lately ever since I cleaned a cut and put a band aid on it for her. So we've been talking and pretending about going to the doctor. My goal is that by the time we go for her well visit in June, it won't be a traumatic experience. That will be the ultimate test.

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I was also thinking about a problem that I'm having with David lately, and I decided to check my archives and see if Katy ever did anything similar. And lo and behold, at the exact same age, there it was. Just substitute David's name for Katy, and that he weighs 23 pounds instead of 19. So there's another reason to blog - you can comfort yourself with your own archives.

More cousins...

Back in February, my cousin Abby added a new member to the family, Nathaneal Ethan. We went to see Abby and her family and their new house last weekend. Katy is always completely thrilled to play with the big brother Gabe, and David is now big enough to get in on the action. Abby and Stan also recently added 4 chickens to their clan, and Katy had a blast feeding them by hand.

All of this is to say that I have some pictures to show you.

Random updates

Blogging: Brian and I both do "side work" from home in the evenings/weekends. Lately there's been a LOT of it. Sometimes we are both clacking away on our laptops next to each other on the couch. I'm thankful for the extra work and money as we prepare to move, but it's making me somewhat sad. And I haven't been able to blog as much as I'd like.

Potty: Two steps forward, one step back. In some ways, we're making a lot of progress on the potty. We had an (inadvertant) dry outing earlier this week (totally forgot to put a diaper on her before we left), but we continue to have many accidents as home. At least she is sometimes telling me she has to go and then going to sit on it. Other times she stands up and proudly announces, "I hadda assident!"

Moving: Two weeks until closing. All is in order as far as moving forward with the sale. We think we might have even found summer renters (though they haven't signed on the dotted line just yet). I'm thinking about paint colors and trying to figure out if there's any possible way we can get new living room furniture for the new place.

(Almost) Toddler: Still no stepping yet, except while holding hands. But he decided to go ahead and throw fits like a toddler, if it's all the same to you. (see video below where I wouldn't let him have the camera) He eats more than Katy, I'm not even kidding. The other day, we got McDonald's for lunch and he ate an ENTIRE fruit and yogurt parfait and 3/4 of a cheeseburger. That's more than Katy has ever eaten from McDonald's.

Spring: Ok, it's 70, sunny, and it's late-April - do you think it's safe to put away the down parka now?

Facebook: I finally joined, and that stuff is crazy. I haven't even had time yet to go look at everyone's profiles and say hi, but it is so so great to be "in touch" with all these people with whom I haven't spoken in so long! And then also the people I see everyday - how funny! Do you guys link to your blog from your Facebook page?

Preschooler: Katy is one month away from turning 3, and she has really blossomed in the past month. She's just so mature compared to before. Not that she doesn't still have plenty of irritating behaviors, but I just can't believe how interesting it is to watch her grow. Here she is singing on her favorites, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.