A Week With Catherine

I had the opportunity to spend a week alone with Catherine. Dennis took Jenna and Natalie to Long Island and I chose to stay home and p.o.t.t.y train Catherine. Not my idea of a great week, but I wanted to have this part of toddlerhood done. I actually started three days before Dennis left so he could help.

She trained much faster than I ever expected. She was always so proud of herself when she went on the p.o.t.ty. She would often say that she wanted to "sit like sisters", which meant on the big p.o.t.ty without the seat.

The frequent trips to the bathroom aside, we had a great week together. I forgot how special it is to have time with one child. She naps, so that was even better because I got 2-3 hours a day to relax, scrapbook and clean.

Catherine missed her dad and sisters alot. Everyday she'd ask where they were. She wanted to talk to them on the phone everytime they called. Hearing their conversations were so precious. They mostly consisted of Catherine telling her sisters that she used the p.o.t.ty and then there would be cheering on the other end. In fact, Catherine loves the phone and wants to talk to anyone who calls.

I learned alot about my youngest this week. I learned that she has a great imagination. I knew this already, but since the only other voice in the house was the radio, I could pay better attention to what was being said. Catherine would take her doll house people or her barbies and just sit and pretend with them...making up scenarios and stories with them.

Catherine is also very funny. She gets that from her dad. She likes to change the lyrics of songs to make herself and others laugh. We've done alot of singing this week.

The other thing, I knew, but have seen even more clearly is how strong her communication skills are. She's little but she talks like a bigger girl. It's so fun to talk to her because she understands so much and can articulate so much back.

We've missed Jenna, Natalie and Daddy alot but I wouldn't have traded this week alone with my little one for anything. Plus, we're done with diapers! Woohoo!