Fiscal Relief

I once read that the average child goes through $1500 worth of diapers. I'm not sure who came up with that figure, but I'm pretty sure we surpassed it long ago. And don't forget that we weren't buying diapers for her until she was 10 months old. Go figure.
I am happy to report that Mia is finally using the toilet several times a day! The tipping point seemed to come a few weeks ago, after we babysat for two girls who are ages 3 and 4. While they were at our house, they went to the powder room so frequently that I wondered if there was something interesting in there that I had failed to notice before. After their vist, Mia suddenly started showing more interest in using the bathroom, though she rarely actually made a deposit. Her parents noticed this and starting putting her on the potty a lot figuring she'd go eventually. (Despite Mia's interest in using the toilet, she often protests. Remember we're talking about a 2-year-old, and 2-year-olds ambivalent about a lot of things).
Admittedly, there are a few bugs in our process. The main issue is our incentive compensation system. For months, we've promised her a lollipop if she used the toilet. While I have to say that was not a particularly effective incentive at the beginning, we feel we have to make good on the promise we've been making for months - "Use the toilet, get a lollipop." Now that she's going all the time I'm a bit worried about the amount of sugar she is getting. I've been fairly successful at reducing the reward to a couple of M&M's, but sometimes she insists on the lolly. I usually give in - I don't want to give Mia any justification to go backwards.
I just re-read this post and concluded it is TMI (Too Much Information). I could edit this, but it's getting late, so I'll just wrap it up.
We're using so many fewer diapers, I think we're going to see a big difference in this month's Visa statement.

Swimming Progress Report

Mia just finished her latest series of 8 lessons. She is still going on Monday and Wednesday nights, and has made terrific progress. She now jumps from the edge of the pool and swims underwater more than 20 feet. She still doesn't like to put her face in the water while swimming at the surface, but she does it. She really doesn't like to float on her back. I suspect that is because floating on her back requires her to be still, and Mia is never ever still. That child doesn't stop moving all day long. Even when we're reading a book, she tends to move around, shifting positions or just plain fidgeting.
In between swimming lessons, we're able to get Mia to practice all of her skills except she will not float on her back. We'll have to work on that. Her instructor says that as soon as she can float on her back independently (meaning he doesn't have to hold her legs still), she can move up to the next level, which is normally for 4-year-olds and up. Then she will start to learn the freestyle stroke and elementary backstroke.
I'm biased, but I think Mia is a hard worker, very motivated, and quite athletic. I'd better start working out more, or she will be able to outrun me by the time she is 5.

I Did It My Way

Lately it seems that Mia expends a lot of energy finding her own ways to do things. We just never know what is coming next. At our house, Mia eats most of her meals at the kitchen island. If the three of us are together, we eat at the kitchen table. Eating in the dining room is a rare event.
The other day, I put Mia's plate at the end of the kitchen island while I fixed my own plate. When I turned around, Mia had disappeared. I caught a glimpse of her running into the dining room, plate in hand, with a self-satisfied grin on her face. She then proceeded to seat herself at the head of the table and chow down.

And I Quote...

Mia has been saying some interesting things lately. Below are a few phrases that cracked me up. I fear some of these may not translate well to the blogosphere, but I'll try to give you the context. I apologize in advance if you find yourself saying, "I guess you had to be there..."

On unwrapping her Dum Dum lollipop, given as a reward for going potty:
"Oh, me! Oh, my! I do not like coconut one bit."

On arriving at the preschool parking lot:
"Lots and lots of minivans!"

While riding in the minivan:
"Mom, I have questions. " (Note: When I ask her what her question is, she doesn't have one. She just likes to say that.)

At apparently random times:
"We really have to think about it."

After her mother raises her voice (Imagine this being said by a 2-year-old in an accusatory tone):
"Mom louded!"

Fast Friends

Mia's babysitter brought her 7-month-old daughter with her yesterday. When Mia got up from her nap, she was delighted to see "Baby L." there. Mia loves babies, but especially this one. She shared her Lambie with her and later, when she saw L. with her mother's car keys in her mouth, she took them away for safety. She can't stop talking about "Baby L." Judging from the second photo, it looks like the admiration is mutual. C. and I thought this scene was just precious.

Rock Star

Mia has been showing more interest in singing and dancing. As we ride in the minivan, she often entertains us with songs of her own invention. This makes her mother happy. It is really fun to hear her cute little voice singing about whatever is on her mind. In addition, this means she has stopped insisting that we play the Laurie Berkner "Buzz Buzz" CD every single time we get in the van. (Nothing against Laurie Berkner. It is a great CD with lots of catchy tunes, but after 9 months, I am tired of it.)
I recently dug up a "Wiggles" electric guitar that I purchased for Mia at a rummage sale 2 - 3 years ago. Up until now, she has been putting the guitar down on its back and pushing the buttons that play the songs. Jeff and I have been periodically demonstrating how to hold the guitar properly, but she wasn't interested. She just wanted to push the button that plays the song that goes, "Fruit Salad, Yummy Yummy" over and over.
Then all of a sudden one morning she picked up the guitar and started playing and dancing and jumping around the kitchen. I love this photo of her, airborne, pony tail flying.

Play Date

On Friday night, we had a picnic playdate with Mia's China playgroup. The food was no great shakes (thanks to her mother who put very little effort into it), but the company was excellent. Mia had a blast, from being chauffered in a Barbie Jeep to hanging out in the hammock with the "big girls." She even enticed me to spend some time jumping on the biggest, best trampoline I've ever seen in someone's backyard.
As for me, I enjoyed spending some time catching up with the other moms while keeping an eye out to ensure our daredevil didn't over-extend herself on the play equipment.