The Potty Monster and I had a bad day yesterday. Poor Chris came home to find both of his girls in a bad mood and ready for diaper-time and bedtime.
The fact that I've been secretly referring to my sweet darling daughter as "The Potty Monster" for the past few days might be a sign that it is time to put potty training on hold for a while. It's really not her fault. She looooooves sitting on the potty because it means I read endless stories to her. Seriously, she probably spent a good two hours total on the potty yesterday. We just can't seem to get our timing right.
Today would have marked the fourth day without wearing diapers (except for naps and nighttime), but late last night I decided that potty training is not meant to happen right now. I was defeated. My one year-old and her potty got the best of me. In my defense, they make quite a formidable pair. I may have lost this battle (as well as the will to fight and pieces of my sanity), but I am confident that I will win the war. How many kids enter 7th grade without learning to pee-pee and poo-poo in the potty? Not many. So that is my new goal.
But maybe we'll try again in a couple of weeks.....just to keep things interesting around here!
EDIT: Ok, this post makes it sound like it has been ALL bad.....we have had some successes. A few poo-poos and pee-pees, but not enough to justify the stressed-out maniac mommy I've become.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Big Boy Now!
Today was a monumental day in Scout's life. Today he ate his first "solid" food. It actually wasn't very solid at all, but you know what I mean. Not surprisingly, he took to it right away. By the fourth spoonful, he was a pro. He grabbed at the spoon, made chewing motions, and seemed to swallow most of it. Wow! He even banged his tray a few times when the food was all gone like all good boys do.
The best part of the experience was....well, wait a minute....I think there were actually two "best parts." The first was watching Flora's face while Scout was eating his first foods. "What? Scout eats food? I didn't know he was really a person!" Just wait, Flora.....just wait. It only gets more fun from here!
Also, Scout's reaction after he was done eating and we started eating our food was priceless. We left him sitting in the middle of the table in his Bumbo chair while we ate our pork chops and potatoes. He kept leaning over in his chair to stare at my plate and would look from the pork chop to me and back. Anyone who is familiar with Scout's intense STARE knows that it can be a bit unnerving. It was as if he was using the powers of his concentration to will me to give him a bite of pork. "Come on, Mom! I've had enough of the baby food---give me the real stuff!" Just wait, Scout.....just wait.
The best part of the experience was....well, wait a minute....I think there were actually two "best parts." The first was watching Flora's face while Scout was eating his first foods. "What? Scout eats food? I didn't know he was really a person!" Just wait, Flora.....just wait. It only gets more fun from here!
Also, Scout's reaction after he was done eating and we started eating our food was priceless. We left him sitting in the middle of the table in his Bumbo chair while we ate our pork chops and potatoes. He kept leaning over in his chair to stare at my plate and would look from the pork chop to me and back. Anyone who is familiar with Scout's intense STARE knows that it can be a bit unnerving. It was as if he was using the powers of his concentration to will me to give him a bite of pork. "Come on, Mom! I've had enough of the baby food---give me the real stuff!" Just wait, Scout.....just wait.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Poor Scout
The second child really does get overlooked at times. It's not that I ignore Scout, but his accomplishments just don't seem as monumental as Flora's. Make no mistake, transferring an object from one hand to the other is thrilling, but it just doesn't evoke the same celebratory response as pooing in the potty.
But here's the real reason it's a bum deal for the second child.....when FLORA transferred an object from one hand to the other it was a HUGE deal. That is just a reality that Scout will have to learn to accept. Flora will do most things first and get the biggest responses from her parents for her new accomplishments. Once he gets around to achieving the same feat, it will be old news. We will certainly act excited for him, but he knows that we've already been there, done that.
Not to say that Flora's life is all breezy. She is the first child and, as such, is responsible for teaching us how to be parents. We have a lot to learn and she is not always a patient teacher, but we're trying. It must be tough working with amateurs like us......
In conclusion, I would like to offer my apologies to Scout, Sara, Shane, Chris, and all the other non-firstborns out there. I will try to be more excited the next time I notice any of you transferring objects from one hand to the other.
But here's the real reason it's a bum deal for the second child.....when FLORA transferred an object from one hand to the other it was a HUGE deal. That is just a reality that Scout will have to learn to accept. Flora will do most things first and get the biggest responses from her parents for her new accomplishments. Once he gets around to achieving the same feat, it will be old news. We will certainly act excited for him, but he knows that we've already been there, done that.
Not to say that Flora's life is all breezy. She is the first child and, as such, is responsible for teaching us how to be parents. We have a lot to learn and she is not always a patient teacher, but we're trying. It must be tough working with amateurs like us......
In conclusion, I would like to offer my apologies to Scout, Sara, Shane, Chris, and all the other non-firstborns out there. I will try to be more excited the next time I notice any of you transferring objects from one hand to the other.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Four good things about today:
- Most of Flora's hair fit into two cute little pigtails---LOVE IT!
- Scout found the mirror on his exersaucer and spent some time talking and laughing at himself.
- Flora started referring to her friend Jack as "Jack Jack."
- When I went to get Flora up this morning, she was completely naked. It never gets old---makes me laugh every time!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bedtime
I used to rock Flora to sleep when she was younger, but at about 12 months she decided she was too big for cuddles and would point at her bed if I tried to rock her. The benefit to me was a bedtime routine that usually lasted less than 2 minutes.
Last week, Flora decided that maybe she would like to try rocking again. I got her ready for bed and turned off the light and she pointed at the rocking chair. I rocked her and enjoyed it, but didn't expect it to last more than that one night. Apparently she enjoyed it too because she has pointed to the rocker every night since then.
Bedtime takes an extra 5 minutes now that we've added rocking and snuggling to the routine, but I don't mind. After all, what's 5 minutes in the grand scheme of things? Well, according to my trusty calculator, 5 minutes a day for a year is 1,825 extra minutes of cuddles with my baby girl in the course of a year. That is over 30 hours---more than a whole day's worth of snuggles!
I realized tonight that those little moments of rocking and cuddling are the moments that I am going to miss the most when she is grown and also the moments that I can only preserve in my own memory. It's impossible to record the feeling of her soft hair on video or capture the sight of her sweet little sleeping face in the evening light with a camera.
So now I know why Mother eagerly volunteers to put Flora to bed when we visit.....and I may have to start fighting her over who gets bedtime duty! :o)
Last week, Flora decided that maybe she would like to try rocking again. I got her ready for bed and turned off the light and she pointed at the rocking chair. I rocked her and enjoyed it, but didn't expect it to last more than that one night. Apparently she enjoyed it too because she has pointed to the rocker every night since then.
Bedtime takes an extra 5 minutes now that we've added rocking and snuggling to the routine, but I don't mind. After all, what's 5 minutes in the grand scheme of things? Well, according to my trusty calculator, 5 minutes a day for a year is 1,825 extra minutes of cuddles with my baby girl in the course of a year. That is over 30 hours---more than a whole day's worth of snuggles!
I realized tonight that those little moments of rocking and cuddling are the moments that I am going to miss the most when she is grown and also the moments that I can only preserve in my own memory. It's impossible to record the feeling of her soft hair on video or capture the sight of her sweet little sleeping face in the evening light with a camera.
So now I know why Mother eagerly volunteers to put Flora to bed when we visit.....and I may have to start fighting her over who gets bedtime duty! :o)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Boys and Girls
Flora's Colorado friend, Carson, is visiting this weekend. He is four months older than Flora and we've noticed some funny differences in the way they play and interact.
For example, Carson said he wanted to go outside and Flora brought him his shoes and "told" him to put them on. When Flora picks a flower, she holds it up for me to see and smiles sweetly. Carson picks a flower and yells, "Ewww!" before throwing it down. Flora flutters around the yard chasing birds and picking the aforementioned flowers......Carson beats the tree with a big stick. They also wrestle, or cuddle, depending on who you ask. Flora giggles and squirms while Carson very seriously uses his head to push her across the floor. And he grunts.
But at the end of the day, Flora put on her little pink heart pajamas and Carson looked at her and said, "Cute." Boys will be boys....and every cute little girl needs a tough little boy to call her cute! :o)
(I should mention that Carson is one of the most well-behaved little boys I've met, but, well, he's still a boy!)
For example, Carson said he wanted to go outside and Flora brought him his shoes and "told" him to put them on. When Flora picks a flower, she holds it up for me to see and smiles sweetly. Carson picks a flower and yells, "Ewww!" before throwing it down. Flora flutters around the yard chasing birds and picking the aforementioned flowers......Carson beats the tree with a big stick. They also wrestle, or cuddle, depending on who you ask. Flora giggles and squirms while Carson very seriously uses his head to push her across the floor. And he grunts.
But at the end of the day, Flora put on her little pink heart pajamas and Carson looked at her and said, "Cute." Boys will be boys....and every cute little girl needs a tough little boy to call her cute! :o)
(I should mention that Carson is one of the most well-behaved little boys I've met, but, well, he's still a boy!)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tickle Tickle, SLAP!
Flora and Scout were stripped down to their diapers this afternoon because it was SO hot (yes, I'm complaining about the heat in April). Scout was laying on the floor where I had been tickling his belly much to his almost-amusement. Maybe the heat makes Flora a little crazy (or maybe she's just a 1 year-old), but out of no where she ran up to us and slapped Scout on the belly! I opened my mouth to scold her for hitting her brother but was interrupted by Scout's loud giggles......I guess I'm being too gentle with my tickles. Is it wrong to hit your brother when he laughs about it?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
How to Eat Corn
(according to Flora)
Step 1: Dump all of the corn out of your bowl, along with the slice of deli ham (don't forget the ham---it's important!).
Step 2: Turn the empty bowl upside down on your tray.
Step 3: Place the slice of ham on top of the overturned bowl. Be very careful about this---you want it to be perfectly centered and flat on the bottom of the bowl.
Step 4: Meticulously choose ONE kernel of corn and set it on top of the ham on top of the bowl.
Step 5: VERY CAREFULLY pick up the assembled unit and slowly bring it closer and closer to your pursed lips.
Step 6: EAT the CORN!!! You did it! Hooray for you!! Feel free to clap for yourself and look around to see if anyone noticed what you did.
Step 7: Repeat Steps 1-6 with every piece of corn but stop IMMEDIATELY if you see the camera.
Step 8: (Try this with your drink too! It's harder to balance on the bowl, but still lots of fun!)
Step 9: Once the corn is gone and the ham is no longer needed for transporting the kernels to your mouth you may eat the ham.
Step 10: Throw your empty bowl on the floor and say "DOWN!"
Step 1: Dump all of the corn out of your bowl, along with the slice of deli ham (don't forget the ham---it's important!).
Step 2: Turn the empty bowl upside down on your tray.
Step 3: Place the slice of ham on top of the overturned bowl. Be very careful about this---you want it to be perfectly centered and flat on the bottom of the bowl.
Step 4: Meticulously choose ONE kernel of corn and set it on top of the ham on top of the bowl.
Step 5: VERY CAREFULLY pick up the assembled unit and slowly bring it closer and closer to your pursed lips.
Step 6: EAT the CORN!!! You did it! Hooray for you!! Feel free to clap for yourself and look around to see if anyone noticed what you did.
Step 7: Repeat Steps 1-6 with every piece of corn but stop IMMEDIATELY if you see the camera.
Step 8: (Try this with your drink too! It's harder to balance on the bowl, but still lots of fun!)
Step 9: Once the corn is gone and the ham is no longer needed for transporting the kernels to your mouth you may eat the ham.
Step 10: Throw your empty bowl on the floor and say "DOWN!"
Monday, April 20, 2009
Scout does cute things too!
Flora is at an age where her cuteness is easy to talk about. She DOES cute things....Scout just IS cute. You have to experience his cuteness....it is hard to describe in words because, let's face it, 5 month-old babies just don't do much.
But today he DID something cute. He doesn't usually sleep in bed with me, but since Chris left at 4am to hunt I just put Scout in my bed after he ate this morning. We both fell back asleep for a while. Eventually, I woke up and cracked open one eye to see if he was still sleeping. What I saw was a huge toothless grin aimed at my sleeping face! Who knows how long he had been awake smiling at me!? Talk about waking up on the right side of the bed! It was impossible for me to have the morning grumps after waking up to such a cute, smiley face beaming my way! :o)
But today he DID something cute. He doesn't usually sleep in bed with me, but since Chris left at 4am to hunt I just put Scout in my bed after he ate this morning. We both fell back asleep for a while. Eventually, I woke up and cracked open one eye to see if he was still sleeping. What I saw was a huge toothless grin aimed at my sleeping face! Who knows how long he had been awake smiling at me!? Talk about waking up on the right side of the bed! It was impossible for me to have the morning grumps after waking up to such a cute, smiley face beaming my way! :o)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Diaper Etiquette
Flora's latest "thing" is to fall on the ground and pat her diaper when she needs to be changed. At home, she does this immediately after going pee-pee or poo-poo in her diaper. I'm used to it and actually think it is quite nice that I no longer have to wonder when she was last changed and whether she could use a fresh diaper. She gives the signal and I change her diaper.
Today was church day (the highlight of Flora's week) and when I picked Flora up from the nursery after church the nursery worker told me that she changed Flora's diaper "because she laid down on the floor and pointed at her diaper!" Oh dear! It's one thing to do this at home, but I find it very amusing that Flora assumes the diaper-changing position in public places with near strangers as well! Maybe we need to work on communicating her diaper needs verbally.....
Potty training is the answer!! I don't expect all of my problems to be solved when Flora is potty trained.....actually I expect to have to put out a little MORE effort. Rushing to the potty when Flora gives the signal....cleaning up accidents....more underwear to wash....wiping......keeping the potty chair clean, but all of these inconveniences will be balanced by the extra $40 a month that we will save by NOT buying diapers for Flora.
Get ready, Scout.....you're next!
Today was church day (the highlight of Flora's week) and when I picked Flora up from the nursery after church the nursery worker told me that she changed Flora's diaper "because she laid down on the floor and pointed at her diaper!" Oh dear! It's one thing to do this at home, but I find it very amusing that Flora assumes the diaper-changing position in public places with near strangers as well! Maybe we need to work on communicating her diaper needs verbally.....
Potty training is the answer!! I don't expect all of my problems to be solved when Flora is potty trained.....actually I expect to have to put out a little MORE effort. Rushing to the potty when Flora gives the signal....cleaning up accidents....more underwear to wash....wiping......keeping the potty chair clean, but all of these inconveniences will be balanced by the extra $40 a month that we will save by NOT buying diapers for Flora.
Get ready, Scout.....you're next!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Flora "au natural"
I've tried keeping a journal and it's just not working out for me. Writing seems so slooooow compared to typing....I wonder when that happened? Anyway, I know that I will regret it if I don't have some written record of these fun, challenging, exciting, scary years of being a *new* mom. As witty and poignant as they always are, I don't think my Facebook status updates are going to mean much to me in years to come.
Today is a good day to start a blog because a really funny thing happened this morning! I heard Flora stirring in her bed and went in to get her up for the day. I opened the door to find a completely naked little girl in place of the fully clothed, diapered little girl that I had put to bed the night before. I laughed. She giggled. We both thought, "This is going to be a good day."
Apparently, Flora thinks it is fun to be naked, because she did NOT want to put her clothes on. Well, okay. That's not a battle that I feel up to fighting before my morning caffeine. So, Flora spent the morning running around in her birthday suit and even stood in front of the front window for a while so the neighbors could see her cute little tush.
Eventually she decided it was time to get dressed. She is napping now---fully clothed the last time I checked---but we'll see how long that lasts!
Today is a good day to start a blog because a really funny thing happened this morning! I heard Flora stirring in her bed and went in to get her up for the day. I opened the door to find a completely naked little girl in place of the fully clothed, diapered little girl that I had put to bed the night before. I laughed. She giggled. We both thought, "This is going to be a good day."
Apparently, Flora thinks it is fun to be naked, because she did NOT want to put her clothes on. Well, okay. That's not a battle that I feel up to fighting before my morning caffeine. So, Flora spent the morning running around in her birthday suit and even stood in front of the front window for a while so the neighbors could see her cute little tush.
Eventually she decided it was time to get dressed. She is napping now---fully clothed the last time I checked---but we'll see how long that lasts!
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