Warning: Prepare for some potty talk or skip this post.
I can officially say that Morgan is completely potty trained. He goes to the potty of his own accord (even poop). No asking or reminders from me, no more rewards for going, just a happily trained big kid! So painless and wonderful!
Then there's Roxy...potty training Roxy took more than 6 months of frequent accidents and finally having to leave the door completely open all the time for her to get it! That is a crazy long time for a dog! That said, she is now 1 1/2 years old and we still leave her in her kennel whenever we leave the house. I was thinking this was a little extreme, she hasn't had an accident in a while and she doesn't really chew stuff anymore, but today I was validated (unfortunatley)! I let the dogs out 3 or 4 times this morning to run, potty and socialize with the neighbor dogs. Then I put Roxy in her kennel when we left for swimming lessons. Less than an hour later when we walked in the door from swimming lessons, I smelled an icky stench. That is right people, my idiot dog pooped in her kennel and proceeded to step in it and make a nasty dirty mess. For any of you not well versed in dog training...dogs do NOT go to the bathroom in their kennels because it plays on the instinct of a lair and they would never do that in their lair. Our crazy dog is just full on retarded about going to the bathroom! Well, I got everything cleaned up without vomiting (thanks again to the toothpaste trick Seth taught me) and gave Roxy a very vigorous bath. This is why Seth likes Roxy much more than I do...he always misses these wonderful moments with her!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Playing Together
I love that my kids play together. They can (and do) entertain each other for hours just giggling back and forth at each other.
I found Chloe on the dog bed studying up on her parenting skills the other day.
Yesterday, Morgan wanted Chloe to play Ring Around the Rosie so he tried to make her play by picking her up and dragging her. She didn't like that very much. So I suggested that he ask Chloe if she wanted to stand up and play. Immediately, Chloe stood up and they played Ring Around the Rosie for the next 15 - 20 minutes! Here they are hanging out together on the couch.
I found Chloe on the dog bed studying up on her parenting skills the other day. And Morgan has been "Accident-free" for 4 days now (nighttime training is our next challenge) and he loves the big potty! So proud to be potty trained!
We have survived 2 nights without Seth, but we are still missing him like crazy! Morgan still thinks daddy is at work (despite my explainations)...so it hasn't been nearly as traumatic for the kids as it has for me! I am also going through major withdrawals because Seth took the DSLR! Just another reason I can't wait for Saturday!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A Funny Sight
I tend to be more ambitious than I should about a lot of things (I know this is not news to most of you that read this blog or just about anyone that knows me, but it is definitely true). So last night, in true fashion, I decided to take the kids on a walk since it was 6:30 and I didn't have any ideas for entertaining them until bedtime. When I got the kids to the door, the dogs looked at me as if to say, "We're going on a walk, we're going on a walk!!!" So, I decided to take them too. Morgan wanted to ride his bike, so we had a lot to learn about bike safety along the way.
I am sure that everyone who saw us had to hold in laughter because we were a pretty funny sight. I was pushing Chloe in the umbrella stroller with the dog leashes wrapped around the stroller handles and a dog on each side, while yelling instructions to Morgan about when to stop, when to walk his bike and mostly to PAY ATTENTION!!! 3-year-olds are not very good at ignoring distractions! We smiled and nodded in response to a few, "Wow, you have quite the handful there!" comments (in other words, Are you insane?) but we made it, mostly painlessly, about halfway through our typical route, and then turned around and headed home. Morgan's pedal needed to be tightened, so it came off a couple times, but I was able to reattach it with one hand while I held onto the dogs and Chloe with the other.
But, being the crazy person I am, I decided that since we had done so well on our walk, maybe we should drop off the dogs and Morgan's bike and head to the library. Morgan wouldn't leave his bike, so we continued on without the dogs. Once we got to the busy road we needed to cross to get to the library, I realized that jaywalking with a stroller and toddler on a bike was definitely not an option, so we headed up to the cross walk. What should have been a 10 minute walk to the library turned into a 20 minute walk and me pushing a stroller and a bike most of the way. Coming home was no better...more bike pushing and very tired kids since it was now approaching 8:30.
Every time I attempt "the neighborhood walk" on my own, I make the same mental note to self...Don't attempt "the neighborhood walk" alone. Maybe writing it down it will make it stick better!
I am sure that everyone who saw us had to hold in laughter because we were a pretty funny sight. I was pushing Chloe in the umbrella stroller with the dog leashes wrapped around the stroller handles and a dog on each side, while yelling instructions to Morgan about when to stop, when to walk his bike and mostly to PAY ATTENTION!!! 3-year-olds are not very good at ignoring distractions! We smiled and nodded in response to a few, "Wow, you have quite the handful there!" comments (in other words, Are you insane?) but we made it, mostly painlessly, about halfway through our typical route, and then turned around and headed home. Morgan's pedal needed to be tightened, so it came off a couple times, but I was able to reattach it with one hand while I held onto the dogs and Chloe with the other.
But, being the crazy person I am, I decided that since we had done so well on our walk, maybe we should drop off the dogs and Morgan's bike and head to the library. Morgan wouldn't leave his bike, so we continued on without the dogs. Once we got to the busy road we needed to cross to get to the library, I realized that jaywalking with a stroller and toddler on a bike was definitely not an option, so we headed up to the cross walk. What should have been a 10 minute walk to the library turned into a 20 minute walk and me pushing a stroller and a bike most of the way. Coming home was no better...more bike pushing and very tired kids since it was now approaching 8:30.
Every time I attempt "the neighborhood walk" on my own, I make the same mental note to self...Don't attempt "the neighborhood walk" alone. Maybe writing it down it will make it stick better!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Missing Him Already...
Before Seth and I got married I made sure that he understood some very important expectations that I had for our relationship...
1) A career as a firefighter, police officer, army/navy/etc. man, or any other "dangerous job" was out of the question!!! Nursing was a fantastic choice in my book!
2) A job where traveling was frequently required was also out of the question, unless I was allowed to come every time!
3) If there were any trips longer than 2 nights, we would have to go together.
Not an unreasonable list, if you ask me, but I was dead serious and he assured me that these expectations could be met.
Well, after Morgan was born, I was the one doing all the work traveling and crying myself to sleep in my hotel room every night I was away, but I did bring them along for the long trips and some of the short ones too. So while I have gotten a little more flexible with my 2 nights away rule, I don't think we have ever been apart for more than 3 nights since we have been married (we celebrate 5 years this year).
Today marks the first day of our longest separation yet...5 nights and 6 days on a river trip for Scout Camp with no cell phone communication or anything! He left almost two hours ago and I am still teary every time I think about him being gone (not that it took 2 hours for me to feel that way: I got teary last night thinking about it, tried unsuccessfully to hold back tears all morning before he left and had a good cry after he drove away). It isn't that I can't handle being alone or that I can't take care of the kids and run the house on my own...he works 12 hour + shifts, so the kids don't usually see him longer than 15-30 minutes when he works anyway...it is just that I love my hubby. Just knowing he is in the next room, a phone call away, or lying next to me makes me happy! He is my sounding board, my entertainment and my best friend. I feel a little better knowing that he is fulfilling his calling and doing what he should be doing...but that doesn't mean that I won't be missing him every second! I know that people do this separation thing all the time and that I am just a whimp, but I have a feeling it is going to be a very long week!
1) A career as a firefighter, police officer, army/navy/etc. man, or any other "dangerous job" was out of the question!!! Nursing was a fantastic choice in my book!
2) A job where traveling was frequently required was also out of the question, unless I was allowed to come every time!
3) If there were any trips longer than 2 nights, we would have to go together.
Not an unreasonable list, if you ask me, but I was dead serious and he assured me that these expectations could be met.
Well, after Morgan was born, I was the one doing all the work traveling and crying myself to sleep in my hotel room every night I was away, but I did bring them along for the long trips and some of the short ones too. So while I have gotten a little more flexible with my 2 nights away rule, I don't think we have ever been apart for more than 3 nights since we have been married (we celebrate 5 years this year).
Today marks the first day of our longest separation yet...5 nights and 6 days on a river trip for Scout Camp with no cell phone communication or anything! He left almost two hours ago and I am still teary every time I think about him being gone (not that it took 2 hours for me to feel that way: I got teary last night thinking about it, tried unsuccessfully to hold back tears all morning before he left and had a good cry after he drove away). It isn't that I can't handle being alone or that I can't take care of the kids and run the house on my own...he works 12 hour + shifts, so the kids don't usually see him longer than 15-30 minutes when he works anyway...it is just that I love my hubby. Just knowing he is in the next room, a phone call away, or lying next to me makes me happy! He is my sounding board, my entertainment and my best friend. I feel a little better knowing that he is fulfilling his calling and doing what he should be doing...but that doesn't mean that I won't be missing him every second! I know that people do this separation thing all the time and that I am just a whimp, but I have a feeling it is going to be a very long week!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Play-Doh Persuasion
I've never been the type of Mom to knowingly give my child something to play with that would require major supervision or undoubtedly make a mess, but when we recently bought some Play-Doh for Morgan's cousin for a birthday present (after parental suggestion), Morgan has been obsessed with the idea of Play-Doh. So I caved and bought him a couple jars of the beloved doh and he was hooked. Once I realized how easy it was to clean up, I got hooked too since it could entertain Morgan and Chloe for hours while I "supervise" from the couch, feeling queazy.
Well, luckily, there are a wide variety of Play-Doh colors, tools and gadgets to persuade a kid to do just about anything, so Play-Doh persuasion has been our primary potty training technique. I am happy to say that Play-Doh persuasion combined with the one-day potty training method works! It doesn't really take just one day and then no more accidents (as our lunch date this afternoon can attest), but they do learn that going in the potty is rewarding and how to listen to their bodies!
So bring on the finger paints and the glitter...I can handle it...I think.
Well, luckily, there are a wide variety of Play-Doh colors, tools and gadgets to persuade a kid to do just about anything, so Play-Doh persuasion has been our primary potty training technique. I am happy to say that Play-Doh persuasion combined with the one-day potty training method works! It doesn't really take just one day and then no more accidents (as our lunch date this afternoon can attest), but they do learn that going in the potty is rewarding and how to listen to their bodies!
So bring on the finger paints and the glitter...I can handle it...I think.
Everyone Poops
Yep, it's true, and today for the first time Morgan pooped in the big boy potty!!! YIPPEE!!! He also peed standing up and didn't get any pee on the toilet seat...quite the accomplishment in his eyes - and mine! We are so proud of our big boy!
Passed Out
So pregnancy and I don't really get along well...at all really! I'm not the chic who throws up so much she has to be on an IV drip or the one who can't gain any weight because she can't keep anything down. I'm the type of pregnant lady who feels nauseous for 6 + months, can only eat a select and short list of foods without gagging, turns into a tactless individual who speaks her mind constantly - "Mean Jen", gets horrible headaches, gets gigantic - especially my face, and is exhausted the whole pregnancy.
This is why I must apologize to all you blog readers who find my blog funny, entertaining, and uplifting to read...for the next 6 months, it may not be so great! My dislike of pregnancy does not, however, affect my feelings on the result of pregnancy. Once they get into my arms and out of my belly, I couldn't be happier! Motherhood is challenging, but it is so much easier and more rewarding daily than pregnancy (this from a potty training mom)!!!
So, back to my story which illustrates this point... last night we got home from a BBQ at about 8 pm, I walked in the door, felt a little dizzy with fatigue and laid down on the couch. Morgan went potty in the big kid potty after a day of no accidents and I coudn't even drag myself off the couch to congratulate him. I'm sure Seth didn't really believe me when I said I couldn't move, but he, being the wonderful man he is, put the kids to bed on his own anyway. By the time he got back upstairs (about 8:30), I was asleep on the couch. I woke up long enough to realize how pathetic this was and that the wave of exhaustion wasn't going away, so I shifted into my bed and there I stayed, passed out asleep, until 8:00 this morning. Funny thing is, I still don't feel completely rested!
Six more months of this may just kill me...everyone cross your fingers that I will miraculously feel better (like a normal person) after the 1st trimester!
This is why I must apologize to all you blog readers who find my blog funny, entertaining, and uplifting to read...for the next 6 months, it may not be so great! My dislike of pregnancy does not, however, affect my feelings on the result of pregnancy. Once they get into my arms and out of my belly, I couldn't be happier! Motherhood is challenging, but it is so much easier and more rewarding daily than pregnancy (this from a potty training mom)!!!
So, back to my story which illustrates this point... last night we got home from a BBQ at about 8 pm, I walked in the door, felt a little dizzy with fatigue and laid down on the couch. Morgan went potty in the big kid potty after a day of no accidents and I coudn't even drag myself off the couch to congratulate him. I'm sure Seth didn't really believe me when I said I couldn't move, but he, being the wonderful man he is, put the kids to bed on his own anyway. By the time he got back upstairs (about 8:30), I was asleep on the couch. I woke up long enough to realize how pathetic this was and that the wave of exhaustion wasn't going away, so I shifted into my bed and there I stayed, passed out asleep, until 8:00 this morning. Funny thing is, I still don't feel completely rested!
Six more months of this may just kill me...everyone cross your fingers that I will miraculously feel better (like a normal person) after the 1st trimester!
Friday, July 11, 2008
My Little Fish and Potty Tales
Morgan is officially growing up too fast! He started swimming lessons this week and absolutely loves them! The first day he got excited about blowing bubbles with his whole face in the water, jumping from the side, floating on his back, and kicking his feet and he just loves it more every time! I might add that while we were playing in the pool down in Cedar, I tried to get him to float on his back and kick his feet, and there was no way he was going to do that for me, yet, a "teacher" tells him to do it and POOF, he does it. So annoying! Regardless, I am amazed at how much he is learning and how fast! He is my little fish!
In other news, Wednesday marked the potty training day at our house (thus my absence from blogging)! We tried the one-day Potty Party method which I was a little sceptical about, but under reccommendation from my fantastic pediatrician, we did it anyway. Lo and behold by the end of the day, Morgan was walking into the bathroom of his own accord, pulling down his pants, sitting on the potty, doing his business, and then emptying the little potty into the big, flushing it down, cleaning the little potty and washing his hands! I couldn't believe it! It is a good thing his potty makes music when he goes, or I would have totally missed him going a couple of times! That does not mean he is "potty trained" by terminology I would use, because he still has accidents, but he understands what his body is saying and he wears big kid underwear (which he loves)!
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