They're Practically Ready to Move Out!

Well, not exactly, but these two are growing up way too fast for this Momma. Big things happening in the Van Ryn house.

This picture makes me tear up. He is just so sweet in every way.
Can I bottle up just a tiny bit, God? Please? 

Our big boy took this walker all around the park in the grass!!!

 Evan was just turning 10 months old when we were back in Illinois and he started taking his first steps, just a couple weeks later, he is walking all over the place. He is so proud and darling too. It's that stumbley, drunken walk and he has a great big smile every time!! We are ALL so proud of him!

Lawrence is officially potty trained. He still wears diapers for nap and bedtime, but is full fledged in underpants all day. Even, when we leave the house (yikes!!)

Now, I would be lying if I said we haven't had any accidents, last Sunday was pretty epic and we lost one of the good ones...RIP Lighting McQueen undies....but overall he's been rockin' it!! Also, "I get by with a little help from my friends"  I have some piotty training essentials in the bathroom and on the road with me to make the transitions little smoother....works for L :)

Here are some item musts that  help along the way.....

1. Potty Chair:  this is actually part of the singing potty/toddler potty thingy, but Lawrence prefers this guy. He stands for #1 and like this for #2 ;)   I prefer it too, think I've earned my "clean out toddler potty" badge after all my daycare experience! ...Amy is sending us a travel one for the car! A few months back I saw some I could use at the dollar store and wish I would have grabbed some....I'll check again!

yep, that's our toilet

2. Treats: I am not above bribing when it comes to the potty, especially when we are out!. It works for L!

3. Stools: This one is super cute, tall enough to reach sink, and has a perfect compartment to keep things on hand!

4. Disposal Stuff:   Another pinterest idea. Plastic bags in an old disinfectant wipe. Like to have this by our changing station and in the bathroom. Just easier to have the bags right there for messes!

5. Hand Sanitizer, Disinfectant wipes:   self- explanatory......

Here's, unfortunately what our bathroom looks like after a potty break....10 month old booking it towards the potty and all! 

Which brings me to the "Advise From a Rookie" portion:

A. If you can help it at all, try to potty train before a younger sibling can crawl well.....I have some pretty awesome maneuvers I have learned along the way....like accidental yoga positions that enable me to keep a two year old on the potty/sink stool, while keeping the babe away form the toilet!! This is not ideal, but I think God likes to challenge us a little long the way ;) 

B. Keep the guard on the seat (for boys of course) and if you forget, don't sit on the floor in front of him.....

C. Keep all said things above in bathroom...when you leave him alone for even a second...things get gross, fast!!

D. Extra EVERYTHING mentioned above in the car, plus a towel.....probably won't need the stools

Ahhh potty training.......I have a feeling that I will look over at him in pure satisfaction when he's like 17, he'll excuse himself (oh so politely ofcourse) to the restroom , and I'll sigh with a smile and think...yep I did that! ;)