One step forward, two steps back.

Ah, Ryan. Why can't you just use the potty?! Why?

Steve and I took Ryan to the Wyoming County Fair today located in Pike, New York. It was a long drive, but worth it. It just opened, so if you have any interest, make the trek. I was so impressed! The workers at the fair were so nice, considerate, and respectful.

Overall, Ryan had a blast. She especially loved the animal barns where she insisted on petting every animal multiple times, especially Jasmine. Jasmine was a small pony who had an orange bow in her hair and glitter on her mane :) She will henceforth be referred to as "The Sparkly Pony" as Ryan bestowed her. The third time we tried to pet Jasmine, she wasn't having it. She kept moving her head just out of range. I said, "Ryan, she's just not in the mood anymore. She wants to be alone." Ryan replied, "I can see that she's busy." Hilarious!!

Another favorite was the pink slides. They were super high. In fact, Steve and I were thinking how old we are as the climb made our thighs burn and our lungs gasp for air. But the one time we made Ryan walk the whole way herself, she proclaimed 3/4 of the way up, "Mommy, my legs hurt!" Good! We weren't the only ones whose butt was on fire!

We spent 3.5 hours there and had a really good time. I had many moments where my daughter  made me laugh out loud. The joy on her face and in her eyes radiated through her huge grin straight to my heart. Sometimes I look at that girl and my heart just squeezes with love and pride. It happens a lot actually. I just marvel at what a miracle my child is. Any child, really.

I also marvel how, on the ride home, right about the time we hit Avon, we smelled something that resembled poo. At first, we just thought it was Avon. It often smells. No offense Avon residents, but there are a lot of farms there and sometimes there's a stank in the air :) But once we made it through Rush and hit the outskirts of Henrietta, we couldn't deny it any longer -- Ryan had pooped her pants. Of course, when we asked her, she said, "No, I didn't." Liar.

So where's the marveling there? In the fact that one second I am thinking what an angel my daughter is. She's amazing! And the next second I'm thinking, "Why can't you just use the potty?! Why?? What is wrong with you?!" (I know there's nothing wrong with her, but hot damn, could ya just use the freakin' toilet already?! You had our undivided attention all day!)

So today's title is two steps forward, one back. She's improving, and silly me for thinking it was over. It ain't over until Ryan says it's over :) In the meantime, I will just remember how precious she is. And the number of times I look at her and my heart clenches with love far outweighs the number of times I wonder what the heck is wrong with her :)