Year 5, Day 339

We instituted another new reward system for Miles this week, giving him the chance to earn redeemable tokens for good behavior and general compliance. Tokens can be redeemed for prizes that Miles himself had a hand in picking out, so we hoped buy-in would be easier. What I don't think either of us expected was … Continue reading Year 5, Day 339 →

Year 4, Day 41

Tonight during dinner Miles proclaimed, "It's potty time!" As Jaclyn jumped up to assist him, he said, "No! I can do all myself!" He darted over to the bathroom. Although Jaclyn had returned to her seat, I still suggested we should assist. Jaclyn stopped me and said, "No, let him go. He'll ask for help … Continue reading Year 4, Day 41 →

Year 3, Day 278

We headed back home this morning after a restful Thanksgiving in Lake Lure. And after Miles got a little more bonding time with Pickles. Miles was not happy about the prospect of leaving. As we were getting packed up, he asked, "We goin' on an adventure?" "We are going on an adventure!" I confirmed, foolishly … Continue reading Year 3, Day 278 →

Year 3, Day 45

In his journey to potty autonomy, Miles has reached a phase, however unwarranted, of prideful obstinance. He's good about letting us know when he has to go to the bathroom, and his propensity for accidents is reducing day by day. It's unsurprising then that he's started insisting on pulling his pants down himself.As I went … Continue reading Year 3, Day 45 →

Year 2, Day 347

Since he started potty training, the mantra we've tried to ingrain in Miles's head is "Mommy! Daddy! Pee-pee! Poo-poo!" We've instructed Miles to utter this rallying cry any time he "feels the pee/poop coming." The length of turnaround time varies wildly from one incident to the next. Sometimes he'll say the words and manage to … Continue reading Year 2, Day 347 →

Year 2, Day 159

Miles went to his friend Zachary's first birthday party today, and while Zach had his first encounter with a full year of existence, Miles was busy having his first encounter with a bounce house. He followed this experience by going down the slide by himself, nailing the dismount, and then, no longer needing us, setting … Continue reading Year 2, Day 159 →

Year 2, Day 56

I alluded to this in a previous post, but Miles has become increasingly conditional about the circumstances under which he eats. It's gotten to the point that he won't even allow us to feed him, closing his mouth and turning his head unless he is not only holding the utensil but is also putting food … Continue reading Year 2, Day 56 →

Year 2, Day 48

Miles has, distressingly, gotten to the point that he will barely accept food that we feed him, wanting instead to snatch the fork or spoon and feed himself. While he generally delights in this process... ...he's also not particularly good at doing yet without making a mess. Cleaning a bulk of Miles's food off the … Continue reading Year 2, Day 48 →