Today is Aaron's birthday. It doesn't seem like I should be old enough to have an 8 year old. Time is turning too fast. It is also the 1st day of Fall, and appropriately enough, our weather has started to turn, too. (We woke up to rain and didn't get much above 50 degrees.)
In honor of the birthday boy, I dedicate this post to"all things Aaron". Here goes...
Aaron is my tenderhearted worrier. He tends to worry about just about everything and everybody. Sometimes I don't think it is healthy for a little guy to take the weight of the world on his shoulders, but his sensitivity is also what makes him so compassionate and loving towards others, so I guess it's really a blessing, too.
Aaron is doing very well in 2nd grade. He is above grade level in his reading, and can frequently be found cuddled up with a book.
Aaron still loves Thomas the Tank Engine. I have heard other moms say that their kids have already outgrown it, but Aaron still really loves his trains.
Aaron does not like to watch any scary movies. As a young child we used to watch Monsters Inc. about a dozen times a day, but now poor Mike Wazowski and Sulley scare the eeebeegeebees out of him.
Aaron loves his dog Sally, and every time he feeds her he gently places a dog biscuit on the top of her food. He does this so Sally will know that he loves her and thinks she is a good dog. (so sweet!)
Aaron loves to try sports, but sometimes gets frustrated with his... um... lack of coordination. We have been so proud of him though, because he rarely gives up and he keeps on trying, even after other members of his team have thrown in the towel.
Aaron loves his 16 cousins and frequently wants to know when we can go see them again. (I think maybe... just maybe it doesn't hurt that his 2 aunts in Utah always have A LOT of yummy goodies and fun projects to work on...) (not that they'd encourage affection with cookies or anything..) :)
Aaron loves spaghetti the most, but is branching out to other foods too. This summer he discovered the joys of eating steak. He seemed genuinely shocked that he liked it and even said in a bewildered tone, "You were right Mom... I should try new foods because I might find out that I actually like them! This steak is great!" (I know... it's just SHOCKING that I might actually know something!)
Aaron is a such sweet son and a great big brother. I am so honored to be his mother, and am so glad to have him in my life. I Love You, Aaron!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Adjusting...
It seems like every time I figure out a routine for our family or I finally feel like our household is starting to run smoothly, something BIG comes up in our lives and I have to start over again and adjust to the new "normal". In this case, our BIG adjustment is actually pretty small... just over 8 lbs to be exact.
Levi is such a blessing to us. I am so grateful to the Lord for sending me all my children, and Levi fits right into that mix. I have had a lot of time to sit and reflect as I have sat and fed and cuddled the newest little man in my life. I vaguely remember life before kids... and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. I truly am very blessed to have the husband and children I have. Not to say that it is not exhausting taking care of all of them- it is! We just all compliment each others strengths and faults and we really do complete each other.
Someone recently asked me if "we were through." I had to laugh. There is absolutely no way I can answer that right now. My focus for the time being is on taking care of the family I currently have and it is WAY too soon to start contemplating more additions. I love our kids and can't imagine life without any of them, and yet the more kids I have the more I realize that there IS a limit to what I can do, both physically and emotionally. In time we'll see.
Levi is adjusting fairly well. He needs to learn to be a bit more demanding at meal times... but I can't really complain. He is such a good sleeper! I say that he needs to be more demanding because he is not gaining weight like the doctors say he should. We think the problem has been that he is TOO content. He nurses frequently, but eats just enough to be content and sustain himself, but not enough to gain. He likes to drift off to sleep while eating and it takes A LOT of effort to wake him up enough to get him to keep on eating.
I take him back in this afternoon for another weight check. Hopefully he is gaining. If not, the doctor wants to run more lab work, and check his thyroid, just to make sure that is okay. Needless to say... it will probably be another busy week.
The other 3 are adjusting well too. They love their little brother and have been so gentle with him. I am amazed at how loving and concerned they are for him. They are so sweet. I truly am very blessed...
Levi is such a blessing to us. I am so grateful to the Lord for sending me all my children, and Levi fits right into that mix. I have had a lot of time to sit and reflect as I have sat and fed and cuddled the newest little man in my life. I vaguely remember life before kids... and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. I truly am very blessed to have the husband and children I have. Not to say that it is not exhausting taking care of all of them- it is! We just all compliment each others strengths and faults and we really do complete each other.
Someone recently asked me if "we were through." I had to laugh. There is absolutely no way I can answer that right now. My focus for the time being is on taking care of the family I currently have and it is WAY too soon to start contemplating more additions. I love our kids and can't imagine life without any of them, and yet the more kids I have the more I realize that there IS a limit to what I can do, both physically and emotionally. In time we'll see.
Levi is adjusting fairly well. He needs to learn to be a bit more demanding at meal times... but I can't really complain. He is such a good sleeper! I say that he needs to be more demanding because he is not gaining weight like the doctors say he should. We think the problem has been that he is TOO content. He nurses frequently, but eats just enough to be content and sustain himself, but not enough to gain. He likes to drift off to sleep while eating and it takes A LOT of effort to wake him up enough to get him to keep on eating.
I take him back in this afternoon for another weight check. Hopefully he is gaining. If not, the doctor wants to run more lab work, and check his thyroid, just to make sure that is okay. Needless to say... it will probably be another busy week.
The other 3 are adjusting well too. They love their little brother and have been so gentle with him. I am amazed at how loving and concerned they are for him. They are so sweet. I truly am very blessed...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
First Week of LEVI
Pictures say it best...
Here's the 1st week of Levi in photos...
Here's the 1st week of Levi in photos...
Levi one week old today!
Snoozing at the hospital.
Getting ready to go home!
Aaron and Levi
Kellie's a BIG sister!
Caleb and Levi
Saturday, September 5, 2009
CALEB IS 5
CALEB AT BIRTH, 5 YEARS AGOCaleb turned 5 today. It sure has been a busy week. We've been adjusting to having a new baby in the house, and remembering all about babies. It has been a great week for reminiscing. Here's a few "CALEB-ISMS" in honor of his birthday...
CALEB loves Preschool. He is in the afternoon class and every morning after we drop Aaron off at school Caleb askes if we can have lunch (at 8:30!) so he can go to HIS school.
CALEB loves monkeys. We have monkey t-shirts, monkey movies, monkey stuffed animals and of course an assortment of Curious George movies and books.
CALEB's favorite food right now is turkey sandwiches.
CALEB is a really good sleeper. Even as a small baby, he preferred to go to bed than be rocked or snuggled to sleep. It wasn't until about 6 months ago that he had even spent the night with us in our bed- and that was only because he was sick!
CALEB has a great sense of humor and loves to tease!
CALEB loves his family and looks forward to people visiting. (When I stayed at the hospital this week, he was more concerned about Grandma not spending another night with him than he was about me coming home!)
I love my little Caleb and am so happy to be his mother. WE LOVE YOU CALEB!
CALEB loves Preschool. He is in the afternoon class and every morning after we drop Aaron off at school Caleb askes if we can have lunch (at 8:30!) so he can go to HIS school.
CALEB loves monkeys. We have monkey t-shirts, monkey movies, monkey stuffed animals and of course an assortment of Curious George movies and books.
CALEB's favorite food right now is turkey sandwiches.
CALEB is a really good sleeper. Even as a small baby, he preferred to go to bed than be rocked or snuggled to sleep. It wasn't until about 6 months ago that he had even spent the night with us in our bed- and that was only because he was sick!
CALEB has a great sense of humor and loves to tease!
CALEB loves his family and looks forward to people visiting. (When I stayed at the hospital this week, he was more concerned about Grandma not spending another night with him than he was about me coming home!)
I love my little Caleb and am so happy to be his mother. WE LOVE YOU CALEB!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Welcome, Levi!
We are so happy that Levi Morgan Christiansen has joined our family! He was born on September 1, 2009, at 5:22 PM. He weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long - a small baby given our history.
We love you Levi!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Today!
I heard from the doctor and they have scheduled me to go in to the hospital some time this afternoon to be induced! Hopefully we don't run into any more road blocks... Wish me luck!
Baby update...
The midwife was very sympathetic yesterday, and was supposed to talk to the doctor last night. She will call me sometime today and let me know how we are to proceed. With any luck we'll get me in this week...
Monday, August 31, 2009
It's a Rough Day...
So I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment at 9 am this morning. AND we were supposed to set a date to induce so we could get this baby here this week. Unfortunately I got a phone call this morning and my doctor has the flu and is most likely out all this week. So where does that leave me?
The truth... I DON'T KNOW.
They tried to reschedule my appointment for Friday or next week some time, but once I explained the situation, I was told that the best they could do was get me in to see one of the midwives who works with his office, and see what she said.
So this afternoon I go in to meet a woman I have never met and hope that she sees fit to help induce me this week.
If not...
well...
I typically don't start labor on my own and I would most likely have to wait until after Labor Day for my doctor to help me.
As you can imagine, my emotions are all over the place. We had such a bad experience when Aaron was born. He was 12 days late and was sick almost immediately following the birth. Even though Aaron was a big baby, (9lbs 4 oz) he was dehydrated at birth (probably from being inside too long) and ran a fever. We brought him home just to rush him back to the hospital for three more days while they ran tests and put him on IV fluids and antibiotics to help him feel better. There is nothing so heart-wrenching as seeing your little baby hooked up to all the monitors and IV lines. I hope to never repeat that experience.
Caleb was 8 days late and Kellie was 7, weighing 9lbs 4 oz and 8 lbs 14 oz. Both had to be induced since I was showing no signs of starting labor on my own.
Which brings me to today. I am now officially overdue with no sign of relief in sight. I just sit here- knowing this baby will come out eventually... and hoping it's sooner rather than later.
I am trying to stay optimistic... and am not too sure I'm succeeding. Hopefully I have better news to report after my appointment this afternoon... (sigh)
The truth... I DON'T KNOW.
They tried to reschedule my appointment for Friday or next week some time, but once I explained the situation, I was told that the best they could do was get me in to see one of the midwives who works with his office, and see what she said.
So this afternoon I go in to meet a woman I have never met and hope that she sees fit to help induce me this week.
If not...
well...
I typically don't start labor on my own and I would most likely have to wait until after Labor Day for my doctor to help me.
As you can imagine, my emotions are all over the place. We had such a bad experience when Aaron was born. He was 12 days late and was sick almost immediately following the birth. Even though Aaron was a big baby, (9lbs 4 oz) he was dehydrated at birth (probably from being inside too long) and ran a fever. We brought him home just to rush him back to the hospital for three more days while they ran tests and put him on IV fluids and antibiotics to help him feel better. There is nothing so heart-wrenching as seeing your little baby hooked up to all the monitors and IV lines. I hope to never repeat that experience.
Caleb was 8 days late and Kellie was 7, weighing 9lbs 4 oz and 8 lbs 14 oz. Both had to be induced since I was showing no signs of starting labor on my own.
Which brings me to today. I am now officially overdue with no sign of relief in sight. I just sit here- knowing this baby will come out eventually... and hoping it's sooner rather than later.
I am trying to stay optimistic... and am not too sure I'm succeeding. Hopefully I have better news to report after my appointment this afternoon... (sigh)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Caleb's in Preschool!
"Can we have lunch so we can leave already?"
"I want to go now!"
"When can we go?"
Caleb started Preschool today and was so excited he could barely contain himself.I have been listening to these comments all morning. I guess he just couldn't wait to get out the door!
We got to the school, and after checking him in and helping him find his name tag, the kids were supposed to find a carpet square, pick out a book and read for a few minutes.I was all prepared to stay with him until asked to leave, but he gave Kellie and me a hug and said "Bye, Mom!", so I left. What could I do? I figured that I would rather have him dismiss me, than wonder why I was hanging around and make him nervous. In the parking lot, another mom told me Caleb wasn't too sure about me being gone and started to sniffle after I left, but the teacher went and sat by him and he was fine within just a minute or two. He's growing up so fast...
"I want to go now!"
"When can we go?"
Caleb started Preschool today and was so excited he could barely contain himself.I have been listening to these comments all morning. I guess he just couldn't wait to get out the door!
We got to the school, and after checking him in and helping him find his name tag, the kids were supposed to find a carpet square, pick out a book and read for a few minutes.I was all prepared to stay with him until asked to leave, but he gave Kellie and me a hug and said "Bye, Mom!", so I left. What could I do? I figured that I would rather have him dismiss me, than wonder why I was hanging around and make him nervous. In the parking lot, another mom told me Caleb wasn't too sure about me being gone and started to sniffle after I left, but the teacher went and sat by him and he was fine within just a minute or two. He's growing up so fast...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Baby Countdown
Well, I'm in the final lap. Six days until Junior's due date. Less than a week! I am more than ready to be done and hope he chooses to cooperate soon. Eviction notices have been sent!
Wish us luck and watch for photos... (hopefully this week?) I'll have Matt put some photos up as soon as we have them!
Wish us luck and watch for photos... (hopefully this week?) I'll have Matt put some photos up as soon as we have them!
Friday, August 14, 2009
10 years...
Wow. It's been a decade. I have been married for 1/3 of my life. In some ways it's hard to remember what life was like before I met Matt, and in other ways it seems like we should still be considered newlyweds.
Where did the time go?
In 10 years we have:
lived in 2 states, 4 cities, and 8 "houses"
had at least 9 jobs between us
became parents; adding 3 (almost 4!) kids to our family
acquired 3 fish and a dog
had 3 surgeries
2 sets of stitches
visited 7 states as a family
"gone through" 3 computers
switched to digital cameras
watched our kids do the things we swore our kids would never do :)
cooked 1 Thanksgiving turkey on our own
attended 1 funeral of a family member
walked a thousand miles, consoling crabby babies
perfected the art of homemade brownies (actually- that's all Matt...)
had 4 "First Day of Schools"
and been happier than I ever could have hoped for
Here's to 10 years and eternity to look forward to...
(Love you, sweetheart.)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
2nd Grade!
Aaron starts 2nd grade today. He was up, dressed, ate breakfast and had his shoes and backpack on by 7:30! We made him wait a few minutes before we left, though. He has been very nervous about a few things all summer. He was worried about the new school uniforms required this year. ( yellow, gray or white shirts...black, navy or tan pants...)He was also worried that nobody would recognize him in his new glasses. He soon found out today that everyone was in a uniform so that wasn't a big deal, and as his friends recognized him, he was less worried about the glasses, too.
His teacher's name is Miss Williford, and she seems really nice. She even remembered him and greeted him by name. (She's only met him once!)
When we got to his classroom this morning, I was all set to stay with him until class started, but after a minute, he turned to me and told me he was fine and I could go. I guess it's not cool to have your mom hanging around! Here's hoping he has a great first day, followed by an awesome year!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Checked your water lately?
About 2 1/2 years ago I was asked to serve in our Ward at church as the Canning/Emergency Preparedness Specialist. I laughed. I am definitely NOT a specialist... but I set about to learn everything I could about Emergency Food Storage and how to properly store everything. One of the most important things we NEED to have on hand is water. It is recommended to have atleast a 2 week supply. So for months I saved our discarded juice bottles; cleaned, treated and refilled them.
As we were cleaning out the garage this weekend (We had mice! Eeeew!) I saw these bottles and realized that I had not rotated them. You are supposed to rotate and refill about twice a year. I hadn't touched them since I filled them 2 years earlier. (The picture above only shows about 1/2 of the bottles!)
So, as Matt cleaned the garage. I got the kids to help me dump the bottles, and put them into laundry baskets to bring into the house to refill. The kids had a blast! I am SO glad I had help. Here's to being prepared for whatever may come!
Aaron's Last Game
Aaron in the outfield
Aaron as catcher
Aaron had his last Baseball game today. We have been so pleased with his team this year. his coaches were so patient with these kids and were genuinely supportive of ALL the kids, no matter what their skill level. They were really good about rotating the kids through the various positions, too, so they got a taste of all of them. In the last game Aaron played 2nd base, catcher and outfield. He did great! At the end of the game they got trophies!
Hmmmm.... be careful what you pray for!
So I was sitting in church yesterday, and I have to admit I was only partially listening to the lesson. It's not that the lesson was boring, I've just had a lot on my mind lately, especially since last week was crazy and frustrating, to say the least. Well, I had a moment where a thought popped into my head and my first reaction was "Surely, not! The Lord wouldn't DO that to me!" But as I sat there and listened, I became pretty sure that I was right. Let me explain.
I have been incredibly worried about our baby. Not many people are aware of this, but I miscarried last fall, just a few months before I got pregnant with this baby. I was not very far along, but I think after losing one, I have been more nervous with this pregnancy than with the others. I have been hesitant to believe everything is really okay, even though logically I know this baby is progressing normally, especially since all the tests show that he is fine. Two weeks ago I went in and was told our baby is breech. SCARED ME TO DEATH. There is still a chance he will turn on his own, and the doctor can try to turn him if he is still breech this week, but if we can't get him turned around I am looking at the possibility of a breech delivery (which is a bit more risky) or a C-section.
Neither option sounds all that appealing, to tell you the truth. I don't want to take unnecessary risks with this baby, but the thought of a C-section is terrifying. (I am MORE than a bit squeamish about the thought of major surgery, especially while being awake. I know I wouldn't be able to SEE anything, but I really don't want to HEAR it either! I am that squeamish...) I have been praying for everything to turn out fine and to not be so nervous.
Then the events of last week transpired. Just about everything that could go wrong did. Car problems... kids misbehaving... refrigerator leaking... new floors possibly damaged... mice in the garage (we've caught 5 so far... EEEEW!) you name it... it happened.
As I was sitting there at church, it occurred to me that my prayers had been answered. I have not had time to sit around and obsess and worry about this baby. Our life was kept full and busy and as I sat there thinking about it, I couldn't help but smile. I am pretty sure I never would have asked for all the chaos, but there is no doubt that it was effective in keeping my mind off the troubles at hand!
It really is funny how our prayers are answered sometimes. I'm not sure if I should be grateful for the diversions or not... but I am grateful that I am able to smile about it. Maybe my sense of humor is starting to come back... :)
I have been incredibly worried about our baby. Not many people are aware of this, but I miscarried last fall, just a few months before I got pregnant with this baby. I was not very far along, but I think after losing one, I have been more nervous with this pregnancy than with the others. I have been hesitant to believe everything is really okay, even though logically I know this baby is progressing normally, especially since all the tests show that he is fine. Two weeks ago I went in and was told our baby is breech. SCARED ME TO DEATH. There is still a chance he will turn on his own, and the doctor can try to turn him if he is still breech this week, but if we can't get him turned around I am looking at the possibility of a breech delivery (which is a bit more risky) or a C-section.
Neither option sounds all that appealing, to tell you the truth. I don't want to take unnecessary risks with this baby, but the thought of a C-section is terrifying. (I am MORE than a bit squeamish about the thought of major surgery, especially while being awake. I know I wouldn't be able to SEE anything, but I really don't want to HEAR it either! I am that squeamish...) I have been praying for everything to turn out fine and to not be so nervous.
Then the events of last week transpired. Just about everything that could go wrong did. Car problems... kids misbehaving... refrigerator leaking... new floors possibly damaged... mice in the garage (we've caught 5 so far... EEEEW!) you name it... it happened.
As I was sitting there at church, it occurred to me that my prayers had been answered. I have not had time to sit around and obsess and worry about this baby. Our life was kept full and busy and as I sat there thinking about it, I couldn't help but smile. I am pretty sure I never would have asked for all the chaos, but there is no doubt that it was effective in keeping my mind off the troubles at hand!
It really is funny how our prayers are answered sometimes. I'm not sure if I should be grateful for the diversions or not... but I am grateful that I am able to smile about it. Maybe my sense of humor is starting to come back... :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Anyone have a tissue?... Anyone?
To say it has been a trying couple of weeks would be putting it mildly. This week alone has brought us...
SUNDAY: Extra Crabby kids. 1:00pm Church= no naptimes=crabby kids (Guess who was gone in meetings all day... and guess who had the joy of dealing with the tired, unreasonable kiddos?)
MONDAY: Full Day meetings (going past the dinner hour) at Matt's work. Kellie refuses to nap and is quite unpleasant all afternoon. Matt does not arrive home until VERY late. Kids still crabby from previous day and only want their Daddy come bedtime. I feel like crying and screaming at the same time... Caleb stays up until almost 11pm crying for Matt... who is not home! (SIDE NOTE: HUSBANDS SHOULD REALLY CALLTHEIR WIVES WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO BE MORE THAN 2 HOURS LATE GETTING HOME SO THEY DON"T WORRY!)
TUESDAY: Matt's car dies for no apparent reason after arriving home. Will not restart. No idea what's wrong with it!(grrrrr)
Up at 1:30am with crazy hail/rain/lightning/wind mixture pounding at the house. 1:45am: Aaron is up, frantic because of the noisy storm. (He ends up spending rest of the night bed with me...) 2:00am-3:30am: Julie awake listening to Aaron grind his teeth while having extremely painful contractions.
WEDNESDAY: Me and the kids are homebound since Matt has the car. I am very tired from being up all night the night before, and "morning" sickness returns for the day. Children refuse to nap. I want to cry.
THURSDAY: Again, we are homebound since Matt has my car. 10:00am: we realize that Kellie is completely out of diapers/pullups and has wet through all of her underwear- and I have no way to get to the store to buy more. 10:15am: frantic call to Matt because I feel like crying. (10:16am: receive very unsympathetic response...) 10:20am: Call my mom and blubber like a baby. 12 noon: welcome parents in the door because they realize I am losing it and have come to help. BLESS THEM... 6:30pm replace battery in car. ($$) (It runs!) Later in the evening: refrigerator leaking... water seeping up my walls... water under my brand new hardwood floor... husband who is convinced he knows enough about refrigerators to be a repairman and sets about looking up part numbers to order... (we don't even know for sure which part is busted) and me... I feel like crying. Again.
Add in the joys of potty training a stubborn 2 year old, separating 2 bickering brothers while being an emotional, slightly irrational pregnant lady of 8 months and I think you get the idea.
I think somewhere along the way I've begun to lose my sense of humor. If you find it... I think I could really use it back.
SUNDAY: Extra Crabby kids. 1:00pm Church= no naptimes=crabby kids (Guess who was gone in meetings all day... and guess who had the joy of dealing with the tired, unreasonable kiddos?)
MONDAY: Full Day meetings (going past the dinner hour) at Matt's work. Kellie refuses to nap and is quite unpleasant all afternoon. Matt does not arrive home until VERY late. Kids still crabby from previous day and only want their Daddy come bedtime. I feel like crying and screaming at the same time... Caleb stays up until almost 11pm crying for Matt... who is not home! (SIDE NOTE: HUSBANDS SHOULD REALLY CALLTHEIR WIVES WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO BE MORE THAN 2 HOURS LATE GETTING HOME SO THEY DON"T WORRY!)
TUESDAY: Matt's car dies for no apparent reason after arriving home. Will not restart. No idea what's wrong with it!(grrrrr)
Up at 1:30am with crazy hail/rain/lightning/wind mixture pounding at the house. 1:45am: Aaron is up, frantic because of the noisy storm. (He ends up spending rest of the night bed with me...) 2:00am-3:30am: Julie awake listening to Aaron grind his teeth while having extremely painful contractions.
WEDNESDAY: Me and the kids are homebound since Matt has the car. I am very tired from being up all night the night before, and "morning" sickness returns for the day. Children refuse to nap. I want to cry.
THURSDAY: Again, we are homebound since Matt has my car. 10:00am: we realize that Kellie is completely out of diapers/pullups and has wet through all of her underwear- and I have no way to get to the store to buy more. 10:15am: frantic call to Matt because I feel like crying. (10:16am: receive very unsympathetic response...) 10:20am: Call my mom and blubber like a baby. 12 noon: welcome parents in the door because they realize I am losing it and have come to help. BLESS THEM... 6:30pm replace battery in car. ($$) (It runs!) Later in the evening: refrigerator leaking... water seeping up my walls... water under my brand new hardwood floor... husband who is convinced he knows enough about refrigerators to be a repairman and sets about looking up part numbers to order... (we don't even know for sure which part is busted) and me... I feel like crying. Again.
Add in the joys of potty training a stubborn 2 year old, separating 2 bickering brothers while being an emotional, slightly irrational pregnant lady of 8 months and I think you get the idea.
I think somewhere along the way I've begun to lose my sense of humor. If you find it... I think I could really use it back.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Confession of a Tired Mommy...
(I hesitate to admit this, but in some ways it is kind of funny, so I decided to write it down so I don't forget...)
I have been trying for several weeks to potty train Kellie. I was hoping to have her out of diapers before the baby came, but the process has been a bit difficult. She has not been especially cooperative. I could get her to go once, but when I'd try to take her back the second time an hour or so later, she would refuse because she was too busy playing and couldn't be bothered. Being 8 months pregnant it is too hard to physically carry her and force her to go, and no amount of bribery was helping.
Extremely frustrated, I threw the job at Matt when he is home. I told him he needed to work with her on the weekends when he's home and at night after work. I figured if we could get her used to the idea, things would be easier for me during the day.
Why I never forced my husband to take over Potty Training before is beyond me. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DELEGATING THIS UNPLEASANT TASK! It has worked wonderfully. He sets the timer and takes her and she actually goes for him, instead of fighting. (Anything to please Daddy, her favorite person!) Now that she understands what she is supposed to do, she has been telling me when she needs to go.
Here's my "TIRED MOMMY CONFESSION": I am slow. REALLY slow. Kellie will yell to me that she needs to go so I tell her to run quick and get there. It takes me a few moments to get up and follow her and heaven knows I am not running any marathons with this huge tummy. By the time I get to the bathroom, she is already done and flushing. Problem is, I didn't see if she actually went much or not, and occasionally she needs help climbing on. Solution to my slowness? I have been sending her 7 year old brother in to help. He can run quick and has been a great help.
I feel a little bit like a horrible mother in that her older brother has "taken over" the job of potty training his little sister. However, the practical side of me says to be grateful she's finally cooperating and that he's willing to stand in for me until I can get there. (Sigh.)
Thanks to my MEN for helping my baby girl grow up a bit... and for helping a really SLOW Mommy's day go a little bit easier...
I have been trying for several weeks to potty train Kellie. I was hoping to have her out of diapers before the baby came, but the process has been a bit difficult. She has not been especially cooperative. I could get her to go once, but when I'd try to take her back the second time an hour or so later, she would refuse because she was too busy playing and couldn't be bothered. Being 8 months pregnant it is too hard to physically carry her and force her to go, and no amount of bribery was helping.
Extremely frustrated, I threw the job at Matt when he is home. I told him he needed to work with her on the weekends when he's home and at night after work. I figured if we could get her used to the idea, things would be easier for me during the day.
Why I never forced my husband to take over Potty Training before is beyond me. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DELEGATING THIS UNPLEASANT TASK! It has worked wonderfully. He sets the timer and takes her and she actually goes for him, instead of fighting. (Anything to please Daddy, her favorite person!) Now that she understands what she is supposed to do, she has been telling me when she needs to go.
Here's my "TIRED MOMMY CONFESSION": I am slow. REALLY slow. Kellie will yell to me that she needs to go so I tell her to run quick and get there. It takes me a few moments to get up and follow her and heaven knows I am not running any marathons with this huge tummy. By the time I get to the bathroom, she is already done and flushing. Problem is, I didn't see if she actually went much or not, and occasionally she needs help climbing on. Solution to my slowness? I have been sending her 7 year old brother in to help. He can run quick and has been a great help.
I feel a little bit like a horrible mother in that her older brother has "taken over" the job of potty training his little sister. However, the practical side of me says to be grateful she's finally cooperating and that he's willing to stand in for me until I can get there. (Sigh.)
Thanks to my MEN for helping my baby girl grow up a bit... and for helping a really SLOW Mommy's day go a little bit easier...
Monday, July 20, 2009
"Super" Kids!
A few weeks ago Caleb decided he was going to be a Super Hero when he grew up. Not Superman... or Batman... or any well known hero. Caleb was going to be simply SUPER CALEB! (just what Super Caleb's do, I'm not really sure...) He told me he needed a cape.
I told my mom this story and, being a"Much-Loved and Adored Grandma", who would NEVER spoil any of her grandchildren, she went to work right away. She created some of the cutest Super capes I've seen and the kids absolutely love them! We have enjoyed a summer of super heroes running around the house, arms outstretched like an airplane! Here's some pictures... (Great job, Grandma!)
Aaron's Glasses
Considering that Matt and I both had glasses fairly young, we were not too surprised to find out that Aaron needed them too. I think he looks pretty good, and he has done really well adjusting to wearing them all the time. The first day he complained about them resting on his nose, but he soon got used to it.
I guess he's going to be ready to start 2nd grade looking very smart, indeed!
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