Adventures in Pottytraining

Well the title here pretty much sums up the fun-filled day we had at the Kopp house. Seth is home this week for Easter Break, so for some insane reason, we thought that we would give Jaxon a full day to "try" potty training. OK, sure, ....I told Seth that there was no way on GOD'S green earth that I would even attempt to do this alone . So when I woke up on Monday morning and come downstairs, I was not really surprised to see Jaxon running around in "Big boy undies" minus his diaper. OK folks, I just want to explain to you that at that very moment my blood pressure shot up about 20 points, and I felt something akin to a cross between a blackout and a stroke coming on. I just for some reason was not handling the whole idea of my son now becoming a volatile substance that would explode at any moment, and ruin my ________ (fill in the blank here: a) carpet b) couch c)handmade heirloom quilts d) All of the above)

I'm sure you can imagine that I have been dreading this time in my son's life for quite some time now. I had visions of poo and pee running out of clothing......Uuugggggg (it shudders me to the bone even now) And mind you, I have a pretty strong stomach, it wasn't the Gag factor as much as it was the Icky factor. I don't know why my husband insisted that this was a "FAILPROOF" method. And that his mom had pottytrained, him, his brother and his two nephews in one day. Oh he wooed me with visions of no longer changing big boy poopy diapers, and "oohhh honey, think of the money we will save in diapers".... I have to tell you I was hooked..... But I couldn't get away from those awful thoughts of a tidal wave of urine flooding me right out of the front door of my house......Roll up the rugs!!!!!!!!! Stay off the couch!!!!!!!!!!! Where is my life vest???????? I even called a few of my girlfriends who have older children for encouragment. They say thats pretty much what they did, but they also confirmed that when the kid is ready, they will latch right on to the idea fairly quickly. And, if they are not ready, well, then you get alot of accidents. (To Reyna and Tiff, if you guys read this, thanks for your support, but I am falling off the wagon and dragging Jaxon with me.) Needless to say I could only handle it for that one day. (I know it takes longer, but we are going to have to find another way) The poor kid peed on the floor like 4 times, and went through like 6 pairs of underwear..... My patience was waning. And of course in between each accident, he had to be bathed(a chore that he actually gets enjoyment from) So I think our approach was all wrong. I told Seth we needed to recoop and to rethink our battleplan before we had any casualties. (Namely me from exasperation) In Jaxon's defense, he did manage to pee on the potty 3 times that day. So he was kind of gettting the idea. I just couldn't handle the uncertainty of it all... Why is he making that face??? Does that mean he's gotta pee?? Jaxon do you have to pee?? Are you sure?? He just made a noise....Jaxon, don't drink so much juice!!!!!Let's go try and pee on the potty. Do you have to pee??? Stay off the couch!!! I think he's gotta pee, stay in this room, stay off the carpet.....He just peed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So to all of you that are curious, the Susie Kopp method of pottytraining may actually work for: Susie Kopp. In which case I am wondering, maybe its time for a long weekend at Grammies house......

The Koppertops

Yes, Seth and I are ADDICTED to Rock Band, and as I'm sure you have guessed it our Band is called "The Koppertops". We have gigs in our home, just about every night of the week that we're available. Our Fan base is HUGE, and we even have a couple of groupies that follow our every move, and try to include themselves in the merriment. (Posers) Evie thinks she is our backup singer, and sounds somewhere between a Raptor, and a cat whose tail has been stepped on. (I've heard better, but don't tell her I told you so) Seth is a natural on the drums, much to Jaxon's dismay, because that is "His Favorite Spot". However, he has filled in on the Mic in a pinch, and we got an approval rating above 70....proof that the singer really doesn't have to know how to sing. And of course, that leaves me with the AXE, yes, I must say that I am pretty good on the guitar, and I can even do Radiohead's "CREEP" on HARD. (I know, I know, save your applause please) But, don't get your hopes up trying to snag us for your next big event, because we are booked solid folks until 2012. (Or at least until both kids are pottytrained)

My Big St. Patty's Redneck Parade

Saturday was Dover's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, and for the first time in 3 years, we didn't walk in it. We decided that it would be easier just to sit on the sidelines this year, and actually enjoy it. (Not to mention that for some reason, Capital School District didn't enter) So I dressed the kids and myself up in our finery, and plopped ourselves on a prime location for viewing right on the curb. We saw a few old friends and chatted for a while before the parade started, and Evie even got her picture taken a few times by TWO local papers. She was on page 8 of the Delaware State News on Sunday, and Both the kids will be in the Dover Post on Wednesday. Oh, and did I mention that our local news station, WBOC, also taped her for their evening broadcast?? (I know, I am gloating just a lil bit...I just hardly can handle having such adorable children..hee hee) All in all it was a fun day, and Jaxon really enjoyed watching the parade with all of the firetrucks, and motorcycles and candy being thrown at him.

*Note* You can check out the Dover Post Picture here:

http://www.doverpost.com/pages/newsstpatspics.html

In other news, Seth and I have a new favorite show that I think everyone needs to TiVo(and you can call us and tell us how much you love it..) Its called "My Big Redneck Wedding" Ok Ok...so you want to know how in the world I stumbled upon this Gem, well it all started on lazy evening while I was managing my DVR lists, and I reminded my self that I needed to record a particularly interesting "Mythbusters" (another fine show if I might add), So as I was scrolling down the lists of programs, I saw the other. I thought, anything that has to do with weddings and trashy redneck people has to be a hoot.....Well, let me tell you was I gloriously underprepared for this show...(WARNING: You might want to put a shower curtain or some sort of protective device on your bed, couch, chair wherever you might be watching this show because you might just pee your pants from laughing so hard) It's hosted by Tom Arnold, who is hilarious anyway, and he comments on everything that happens. Lets just say that this show will encase the following, but not limited to: Bridesmaids in camoflage, Beercan wedding arches, ATV's, dead animals, lost teeth, Mud, Pig hunts, Demolition Derbys, Grooms in Camoflage, Drunk people, wedding guests wearing Camoflage, tractors, Beercan centerpieces, and Mattress Surfing...(need I say more???) I know that I have piqued your interests now, so go and watch it already, and let me know what you think!!!! You can thank me later.....

Moving On...Moving Up

I decided that my MySpace blogs were not getting the treatment that they deserved, so I have moved up into the Big Leagues. Besides, how can I deny the friends that do not have a MySpace the pleasure of reading my insanity, and basking in all of the sunshine that eminates from my life????????????
Today my brother came back to Delaware after a long and trying tour overseas. I was overjoyed to finally see him today, and Jaxon was estatic. He couldn't believe how much Evie had changed in just 7 months. Hey, I see her everyday, and I can't get over how fast she changes.
So can I tell you how funny Jaxon is? That little man is never short on laughs, and he sure is entertaining. He knows just what to say to me to bring a smile to my face, and he sure is a charmer. Right now he is a professor of the Alphabet, counts to 20, and can name the first 20 presidents in order, just by looking at a picture of their face. He recognizes all of his letters and numbers, and will happily tell you the Pledge of Allegiance. He knows most of his shapes, all of his colors, and can even tell you what kind of change you have in your pocket!! Did I mention that he LOVES to read?? This boy will take a book and practically memorize it word for word. His newest favorite, "Are You My Mother?" by P.D Eastman. You can hand him the book and he will "read" it as he turns the pages. Obviously memorizing what is said with each picture. He also loves to watch his favorite shows, Yo Gabba Gabba, Little Bill and The Backyardigans. The newest one I am turning him onto is ni hao kai-lan, It teaches Manderin Chinese. And you know I have to listen to that stuff too, so I am learning as well!! I have to say, Nick Jr. does a great job with their shows, and they are pretty educational, as well as entertaining. But the Gold Star goes to Yo Gabba Gabba!! If you really want to watch a cool kids show...say no more. I showed all the girlfriends a few months ago what it was all about, because I had them all saved on the Tivo. We have enjoyed this one from the getgo, and Jaxon never tires of hearing from all of these funky characters. It encourages imagination, and teaches things in a playful way....Who wouldn't enjoy listening to songs like "Don't, Don't, DON"T bite your FRIENDS!!!" and "There's a party in my tummy". They have special guests all of the time, like Elijah Wood, who is hilarious dancing by the way, and Tony Hawk on a skate ramp. It also encourages dancing and movement, as well as music. But, by far my favorite is "Biz's Beat of the Day", Which has Biz Markie making all kinds of noises that only he can do. It gets 2 thumbs up from the Kopp's, and watching it actually makes you want to get up and Dancy Dance! I must admit, its a welcome change from "I love you, you love me....Stab me in the head with my fork.........