Toddler Days in the Gunnels' Home

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. It's been a nutty week. We are all fighting with either the weather or illness. But things are looking up and calming down.. so we think. We have had a substantial amount of toddler activities this week. On Tuesday, Vivian poopied on the potty for the 1st time. It was quite the event. The joy, the hope.. the anticipation. We have not did it again since, but we are having LOTS of fun sitting on the potty. On Friday, we had yet another ear infection. She has gotten really in tune with this. She told me Friday morning, EAR HURT. So, I waited and she said it again. So, I took her in and she sure did have one. Also, it was quite amazing. When the doctor came in to check her out, she jumped down and showed the doctor her ear. The doctor was truly amazed. Mommy and Daddy too. Her verbal skills are just amazing me more every day. She is picking up many of the phrases that we use. She's starting to look at things and say, cool. or WOWEE. All unbelievably cute. Today was a day that you hear many stories about, but you hope and pray it won't happen to you. Mac and I were deep into a conversation and little miss ran off into her room. We heard her flipping through books, playing. All seemed good. I happened to look into the hall and saw some lines, but really didn't think anything about them until it occurred to me, those are not suppose to be there. OH NO. PERMANENT MARKER. Mac and I popped up an ran in to see Vivian holding a permanent marker in her hand, sitting in the most expensive piece of furniture we own and yes you guessed it.. decorating it. AHHHHHHH. It's truly one of those moments when you want to scream, cry, and basically you stand with no emotion because you don't know which one to go with. Mac grabbed the marker and we talked extensively with Vivian about the bad choice she had made and she was put in time out to think for a while we continued our discourse on why this was the wrong action to take. She was very clear that we were not happy. Then went on to do research on removing permanent marker. We spent many minutes to an hour scrubbing with baby wipes and baking soda. We removed one stain and here is the picture of what is left. We are planning on calling some Dutalier stores to see what options we have. Once again, we are reminded that God truly does give you what you need to deal with every situation. I am at least pleased that she didn't color herself. I enclosed a picture for your amusement. That was our week at a glance.