Slowly gathering the pieces...

Yesterday we made a trip to an auto wrecker in Abbotsford who had RV's, hoping to salvage some parts. We were looking for a propane stove and fridge, an awning to attach to the side of the dart, table, seats, seatbelts, sink, tanks... it was a long list and we didn't find most of the things because everything was pretty picked through and thoroughly trashed. Most of the RV's were filled with garbage and the remenants of the previous owners, their clothes, shoes, (all dirty), jars of food, books, cd's, bedding... was kind of scared to go in to some of them they were so gross. I had Uma in the front carrier and she, on the other hand, loved it. Squealing and laughing in one particularly dirty RV. Not sure what she's thinking there.

We came away with a really decent looking stove. Runs on propane, 4 burners, has an oven (yes! baking on the road). 4 seatbelts that we think we'll probably just attach to the exsisting bus seat (because I decided they are actually quite comfortable), and a folding table. Plus the wrecker guys threw in a mirrow for free. Not sure where we'll attach that though, there's not a lot of wall space, since the windows are so big.

The big windows are sure awesome when you're driving though, it's like being on a tour bus! Every window slides open at the top, and each side has an emergency window that opens on a hinge from the top and will be great on hot days, propped open. We drove around with Uma just on my lap since there are no seatbelts to attach the car seat with yet, and it felt pretty weird. But I guess that's what one would do with a baby on the bus, and while I would prefer to have her in the car seat most of the time once we get that set up, it was sure nice to be able to feed her while we were driving when she needed it. She seemed to enjoy the perspective too, and was so good all day. Just sitting or sleeping on my nap, didn't fuss or cry at all!

Speaking of Uma, her potty training is going well. I'm catching her really routine poops in the bucket, which is about twice a day, right after she feeds after a big sleep. These have been consistent and she seems to understand and even enjoy it. It never takes more than 30 seconds after I put her over the bucket and when she's done she always looks up at me and laughs or smiles. I think she appreciates not having to poop in her pants. I mean, who wouldn't!!! When we go out with her it messes things up a bit because she doesn't sleep for as long of a period of time when she is out so she makes little poops throughout the day but when we are just at home, I can catch her big poops, which are the messy ones to clean up anyway... so I would say it's a pretty good start! Not bad for a 3 month old!! It makes sense to me that it would work even though I've had some people say that they think it's pretty advanced for her age. If dogs can be trained not to poop in the house, I think babies can be trained not to poop in their pants. It's just natural for them not to want to, and it's up to us to help them because they can't help themselves.

I'm sure Martine may have more to add but I will let him do that later. These are my thoughts for the last couple of days.