Our Little Girl is Growing Up...

Now before I start with your latest Maja update, Maja asked me to pass along this message...

HEPI BRZDEJ TETA LINDA! :)

(That's "Happy Birthday Aunt Linda" in Anglo-Cro)

So let's see what's new since I last posted - so many things! Some exciting news for us (as it seems to mean better sleeping on Maja's part) is that Maja no longer takes a bottle for her milk (it's now been almost a full three weeks since Maja has had a morning bottle and almost a week and a half since she's had one before bed). She hasn't even really asked for one either, who knew?!?

Maja has also started to pee on the potty. Yup, you read it correctly, Maja has started using the potty! Last week we took the potty out and let her play with it a bit. Then the next day we sat her down and tried to get her to pee (via pumping her with sippy cup after sippy cup of juice while watching tv and reading to her for what felt like forever). But no luck. Then on Friday, we tried again but this time we had pee! :) Then Maja used the potty again on Saturday, Monday and again yesterday. Today we almost had another success, but unfortunately while I was starting to pack things up and Maja was hanging out in her birthday suit, Maja peed on the floor - just beside the potty. Then I brought her upstairs to put on a diaper and she peed again. If only I had waited another five minutes! :) Now for all you mothers out there (or even you non-mothers), I'd like to hear from you (via posting a comment below) what your experiences have been with potty training. When did you start, how did you do it, how long did it take, what would you do differently, etc. Please... I need some advice here!

Given it was the Easter weekend, Maja was very excited to have her Daddy around the house for an extra day. Here's a shot of Maja and Marvin hanging out in front of the fire as Maja shows him just how much she loves him and hanging out with him...
In addition to making a fire for his little girl, Marvin thought it would be a great idea (Maja and I concurred) to head to the park at the top of the street as a family. There was plenty of coffee served (even some snowball muffins), plenty of sliding and plenty of "driving" with Daddy. Here's a shot of the two of them "driving" at the park... I love the smiles on both of their faces...
After playing a bit, Marvin noticed that someone had left a soccer ball at the park, so he and Maja did a couple of soccer drills. It's unfortunate that this isn't a video because right after this shot was taken, Maja fancy footed around Marvin, dribbled down the pitch, then scissor kicked in a sweet goal...

And here's a shot of the two of them after they decided to call it an afternoon...

On Saturday, we headed over to Bakica's place to celebrate Easter (thanks for a great dinner and lovely evening Bakica!). Maja, being the ever-so-thoughtful kid that she is, thought she'd help Bakica clean up a bit. Here's a shot of Maja earning her keep just before dinner...
Then on Sunday we got an early start... as my nephews, Will & Graham, had their 1st Communion that morning at church, we headed out of the house before 8am! After the service it was back to Grandma & Grandpa's house for a nice luncheon with everyone (Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Uncle Ron, Auntie, Uncle Mike, Will, Graham, Peter, Anna, Marvin, Maja and myself) - thanks guys! And of course, what better way to say thanks than giving Grandpa a nice hug on the couch...
And what better way to work off a great meal than to go to the park?!? Here's a shot of Miss Maja heading down the spiral slide all by herself (and loving it)...
After the park, we headed off to the nearby lake to pay the non-flying-south geese and ducks a visit. Maja thought the best way to get there was to walk hand in hand with two of her cousins (Graham on the left and Peter on the right)...
That brings us up to the when we got back to our place just before dinner. And lo and behold, who had been to our place while we were out? The Easter Bunny - how exciting! The Easter Bunny left Maja a cool bunny basket with a purple slinky, a purple Dora bandanna and a bunny book. Here's a shot of Maja showing off her new slinky (or bracelet depending on the outfit apparently) and bandanna...

Then when Maja headed downstairs, she realized that the EB (aka Easter Bunny) left her some eggs. It was so great to sit back and watch Maja search the basement for the eggs. I think my favourite part was after she found all the eggs, Maja then headed back around the basement and rehide the eggs pretty much in the same spot the EB left them. She cracks me up!

On Monday, Maja & I pretty much just hung out trying to recoup from all the Easter activity while Marvin went to work. On Tuesday, Grandma came by for a visit to see Maja and also so that I could head out to the gym (finally...). Here's a nice shot that Grandma took with her camera - complete with howling wolf sound, which may explain the look on Maja's face here...
Ever wake up in the morning, go to brush your teeth and notice that your toothbrush is wet? Well, apparently this is why ours are wet...
And finally that brings us to today. Seeing as Steph is heading back to work next Thursday (which sooooo sucks for her and for me too), we are trying to have as many play dates as possible before then. This morning, we headed to a local indoor playground with the kids. Although it wasn't exactly what Steph & I had in mind (I think we were both thinking more along the lines of Gymboree with things for the kids to climb all over instead of just toys to play with), the kids seemed to have a good time (as usual). Here's a shot of Steph & Dash cuddling between toys...
And a cute one of Maja & Christine pushing their "babies" around the playground...

And below is a video of Maja going down the slide from the day at the park with the family...