Working Update

Ok, I've been working for a while now 3 days one week and one day the next.  Some times are harder than others.  The worst part is the kids behavior has gotten worse. I'm not sure if the change is from my working or just the change in weather.  We aren't outside as much as before.  In fact we are home a lot more now, or at least the kids are.  They are home with me when daddy works and home with daddy when mommy works!  Ally is more attached to me.  When I get home I hear "MAMA" or "MOMMMY" and she runs to me.  Then I have to hold her for a while.  She is also more clingy than before. She was more of daddy's girl but now that she misses me when I'm gone she's a mama's girl.  Topher is just wild.  He is worse than before and so mean to me sometimes.  I'm not sure what to do.  Evie is ok, but I can tell sometimes she feels left out.  We are getting our nails done this weekend her reward for doing good in school all month!  Topher didn't do so good, otherwise we'd all be going for ice cream.  The worst part is I love working!  I love being at home with my kids too, and I desperately miss my hubby!  We see each other a little bit during the week otherwise we are together every other Wednesday, every other Saturday and Sunday! Plus, they make destroy the house when I'm gone. I don't mind cleaning it, but some times I feel like I'm going crazy "didn't I just clean this up 5 minutes ago!" I don't know how moms work full time and keep the house clean (oh wait their kids must be at day care during the day!) I can't complain soon they will all be in school and I will miss these days!

Cheer class

Earlier in the week I found out that cheer classes are being offered for 4 year olds at a local school. So I signed Evie up.  Registration was in the beginning of the month so she missed some classes.  That didn't seem to matter.  She did so well at her first class today.  She said, "I can't wait to be a real cheer leader!"  They actually compete in June.   It costs a lot.  Well considering that she is only 4 it is a lot.  We bought her pom poms today 16.00$.  I am going to wait and make sure she sticks with it before investing in the uniform.  I don't think that will be a problem, but I'd hate to be stuck with a hundred dollars worth of cheer clothes for nothing!  We got her new tennis shoes just for cheer (and dance)! 

Topher liked watching her.  So did daddy and I!  We are all as excited as she is.  It was so cute watching these lil kids do their cheer!  They practiced for 45 minutes, and had one water break during.  Before they were done they called the parents in to see what they had learned.  She did really good for it being her first practice!  We were almost late due to a trip to Wal-Mart, which usually does take longer than expected.  It is amazing how much time we spend in Wal-Mart!  Afterward practice we had dairy queen.  It was a fun and exhausting day! 

Sick Topher

Poor Topher he always gets the worst of everything.  I don't know if it is from being hospitalized at 2 months from RSV, or the throat condition he was born with (Laryngomalacia), or maybe some other condition we don't know about yet.  The pediatrician does think he may have reactive airway disease or possible exercise induced asthma.  I hope not if he is anything like his father he will love being in sports and  I pray nothing takes that away from him. 

Anyways the other day I posted about his cough.  It was so bad last night I called the family doctor and said I was bringing him in what time would be ok!  I was not accepting anything less.  He has an upper respiratory infection and bronchitis.  Poor kid.  The others don't seem as bad so they weren't seen.  I am keeping an eye on them, and giving them allergy medicine.  They seem to be responding well to it. 

 Before bed Tophers nose was so full of stuff I had to suction it out.  He's 3 and cannot blow his nose yet.  I'm not sure if that's normal or not, but I am not worried.  Since he is 3 I had to sit on him to hold him down.  This was not pleasant.  I felt like a monster. 

I don't use a bulb syringe thing for suction.  I bought a battery operated one from Wal-Mart.  It is the best 20.00 investment I have made.  I will buy one for every mom I know who has a baby!  They are awesome, and work so fast.  I tried it on myself.  I was worried cause the kids scream so much.  It doesn't hurt but feels so weird when it pulls snot out of your nose!  Esp if it grabs a lot.  His nose filled half the suction cup.  It was nasty.

Afterwards he was so upset, and mad at me.  I have always encouraged the kids to apologize for hurting each other. Its my attempt to raise adults who take responsibility and are not to proud to say sorry when they have made mistakes.  Anyways after I finished Topher came to me crying and said, "Say you're sorry to me!"  I asked if I had hurt him and he said "yes".  I told him I was sorry for hurting him, but I had to get the buggers out or they would hurt him to.  He didn't buy it, but my apology was sufficient.  He then added amongst tears "I still love you mommy!"

This broke my heart.  I held him till he stopped crying and told him I loved him.  I imagine he told me he still loves me because when they are naughty I always try to make sure they know I love them no matter what. 

Growing pains

Evie has gone through some major changes over the past month. First she lost her binkie. We had been telling her for a long time to leave it in her bed so she wouldn't lose it. Every time I had to search the house for it I swore it would be the last. Finally one day she lost it and we couldn't find it. So she went without. I found it a few days later, but put it up. She has been binkie free 3 or 4 weeks now. Its been a little bumpy, but not to bad.

She still asks for her binkie every once in a while, and if you ask her if she needs one she will say "yes". However, she no longer cries for it, that only lasted the first day or so. She does talk A LOT! I mean it she talks and talks and talks now. I had no idea she was such a talker. Some nights we can't fall asleep cause all you can hear is her little voice talking away!

She also started throwing tantrums. She had mini ones before, but nothing compared to these new ones. I mean she will kick, scream, cry, and yell. It is horrific. I finally just started putting her into bed every time, and I tell her she can get out when she is done. Usually she is out with in a minute or two and is her normal self. I think some of the crying is because she doesn't sleep as much as before. I think that is because she's adjusting to life without the binkie. She hardly ever takes a nap anymore either.

She has also started wanting to be a baby. She has always worn diapers at night, even though she is potty trained. However, now many times she asks to wear a diaper during the day. She used to take diapers off and use the potty when she was awake, but many times now she just goes in the diaper. She doesn't do it all the time, but when she does she says "I a baby!" She has also started a squeaky talk that she says is her baby talk. Were not giving it to much attention, but it is annoying.

If anyone has any advice on these undesired behaviors I am all ears.

Headaches keeping momma off the net!

I have not posted in forever... I have been having the worst time. I finally got rid of the nausea only to have it replaced with horrific headaches. Some days I can hardly function my head hurts so bad. Tylenol usually doesn't do much to help. It has taken all that I have lately to just take care of the kids and myself. The house that's another story! I have never seen our house this messy! The kitchen and bathrooms are the worst since the chemicals in the cleaners for those rooms makes me feel even worse.

My OB just said, "Sorry about those headaches, not much we can do though!" Thanks buddy. So I deal and for the past month we've been surviving of easy to cook meals or take out! The kids have taken advantage of it to the max. I have been very lax in discipline or enforcing rules and they are running wild! Smart little buggers! If they smell weakness your done for!

Hopefully these headaches won't last much longer I have been feeling better lately. As an added bonus the stress of the holidays is finally gone! Hubby might even be getting a raise and bonus at work! Keeping my fingers crossed on that one!

Is it Christmas time yet?

Every day for the past couple weeks I have had to come up with creative answers to this question. Then finally the town put out their Christmas decorations and poof "Yes, Evie it is Christmas time!" "Whoo Hoo!" Was the response I received. She is so excited and can't wait to put up our tree. Which I usually do Thanksgiving weekend, but we are out of town for the weekend so it will have to wait until next weekend.

However, her excitement is contagious. No one can wait to put up the tree, and even worse no one can wait for Christmas to be here. They are excited to see Santa soon, we will see how that turns out! Evie knows she has to tell Santa what she wants to get a present so I know she will sit on his lap for a second! I can't wait since I didn't get a picture of the kids with Santa last year! I plan on taking them to Bass Pro shop they have tons of free stuff for kids to do, including a free picture with Santa! It is awesome if you live near one I highly recommend it! We got the kids great Christmas outfits and plan on getting family pictures done this year too!

From the mouths of babes!

Evie is coloring and I don't want to color to! I know shame on mommy, but I would rather be online right now. So I told her "I love watching you color. You color so beautiful!"

Her response was, "Yes, I am!"

I couldn't help but laugh! What a little goober! Her personality never fails to crack me up. After working a few hours this afternoon I came home to a bunch of messes. I told her I wasn't happy, and she replied (very seriously) "I so sorry mama!" While she shook her head from side to side. I couldn't help but laugh! I tried to hide my smile, but I don't think I was successful. She knows just what to say and how to say it! I'm in trouble!

Swimming and Tumbling

I enrolled Christopher in seaweed/ tumbleweeds, a swim and tumbling combo class. He swims for a half hour with me, and then goes into the gym for a half hour to play. The class is really full I think a total of 18 kids. This is the first time he has ever been around so many kids. We took the swim portion of the class last year, but there weren't as many kids then.

The only bad thing is that both Christopher's swimming and Evie's preschool start at the same time. So we drop off Evie and head two blocks away to the YMCA. I have to be secretive because Evie loves to swim and would be jealous. I am going to see about getting her into classes for the next session. They said if she can follow directions and swim ok she can be in the 3 year old swim class. That class is without a parent. She usually doesn't let me touch her in the pool anyways! I just swim next to her so I'm there if she needs me. It will be hardest on me, watching her grow up way too soon!

When we first get into the pool Christopher clings tightly to me. Which is quite painful. Then after a bit he lets loose. I'm not allowed to let go of him yet, but we've only had 2 classes so far. The second class he wanted to face away from me more so he is getting more confident. The teacher always takes each child towards the end for a few minutes, and when she returns them to their parent she tells them to close their mouth and she puts them slightly under water. I wasn't to sure about this at first, but he didn't seem to mind to much. He doesn't like her taking him from me though!

After swimming we hurry up and get dressed to go to upstairs to the gym. The first time we walked into the gym Christopher's face lit up like Christmas morning. It was so cute. He was super excited. He did really well to. It's his first experience waiting in line, and it will take LOTS of classes before he gets it. He does not like the concept at all, but what 1 1/2 year old does?

He has been doing really well, and been nice to the other kids overall. He gets a little overwhelmed towards the end and gets kind of rough, but not to much. I think having so much open space to let loose helps him channel that energy elsewhere. He hugged a couple girls, and played with a couple little boys. Which usually consists of him sitting near them.

I am so glad I get to do this with him. He enjoys it so much, and I think it will help him alot.

Dry skin

This week I started taking Christopher to swim and tumbling class while Evie is at preschool. It is so much fun, but my skin is getting so dry. So this morning after our shower (I can never shower alone if daddy is at work, even if they are sleeping! They've got super hearing!) I tried to put lotion on myself. I no longer have any of my own lotion so I had to use the baby magic! Which wasn't to big of a deal, but I couldn't reach my back. So Evie who was already proud of herself for sharing her lotion said she would put lotion on my back.

I didn't know what she was saying so I asked, "You want to put lotion on mommy's back?"

"Sure!" was the sweet resonse I recieved.

So I figured what the heck. Well lets just say that my back won't need lotion again this year. I had to make her stop, and she was so upset because she wasn't done yet! But I had enough lotion on my back for two of me. I tried to steal some for the rest of me, but couldn't get enough off to keep my shirt from sticking to me for a while! Gotta love those little helpers though! I couldn't have reached my entire back without her!

Sensory Integration Disorder

I have to say that I am just I don't even know how to describe it. I am beside myself. Today was Christopher's first steps Evaluation. They are an early intervention program by the state to help developmental issues. I insisted the doctor set this up because I was concerned with his speech issues. He can say a word one minute then not the next. I actually thought they would come and say he is normal, and I am just neurotic. However, that was not the case.

Don't take this the wrong way. I love my son with all my heart. He is just difficult. He is extremely impatient, demanding, high strung, and difficult to communicate with (he's hard to understand). He has a lot of behavior issues. He hits, bites, kicks, and all kinds of things. He is wild, as if he has no fear, and experiences little pain. I had no idea the extent of his issues. I thought he was just a wild boy. I figured that maybe we played to rough with him. I thought that some how we had to of encouraged this type of behavior. I never imagined that he just couldn't control himself.

He is deficient by at least 25% in 3 areas. I believe it was gross and fine motor skills as well as social skills. His cognitive skills are normal. They said that he has sensory integration disorder, and until the sensory issues are solved the other issues won't really progress. He isn't mean, not that I thought he was! I knew he was a kind loving boy, but couldn't figure out why he behaved the way he does.

I always felt like a bad mother with Christopher. He has always seemed so distant and foreign to me. I just don't get him, and that breaks my heart. It is very hard to admit, and tell people that your son seems like a stranger to you. I've thought many times if I could go back to when he was a baby, and do things over again I would do a better job. Despite the fact that I have no idea what I did wrong. I've asked my husband one many occasions how did I raise one kid good, Evie, and Christopher all wrong. (Evie isn't perfect she's just not as difficult as Christopher). I kind of felt that I did him a disservice by having him so close to his sister. I thought maybe I wasn't able to give him enough attention.

I just blamed myself, and tried all the discipline things I could think of, time outs and tons of positive praise. I am so relieved to know that I did nothing wrong. I am so glad that I followed my instincts and insisted he be evaluated. Despite the doctor's thinking that all was fine. Now I can focus on helping him, and learning about what is going on so I can understand him better. I am so excited to really get to know my son finally and have the relationship with him that we've missed out on.

Once I get past all the shock of this new information I will begin researching sensory integration disorder, and get Christopher started in theray. I am completely overwhelmed right now, and almost in tears. This has made me realize some issues that I didn't see before. I've had to face some tough truths over the last hour.

Preschool Nightmare!

This isn't so bad, but nobody wants to be the mom of the "mean kid". When I picked up Evie today the teacher said that Evie pushes kids. I told her I know that she pushes her brother all the time at home. I didn't think she'd push other kids. I think it is because Christopher is so clumsy he falls on her all the time. I made a rule chart at home listing all the things the kids are not allowed to do at all. Including pushing, biting, hitting, etc.... They are getting a time out for breaking the rules, and if they continue despite time outs they go to bed. Usually we don't get that far. She said they would work on it at school as well. I was crushed.

I told Evie that if she pushed kids they wouldn't be her friends. I hope that will be enough. I feel horrible. For her and others. I don't want kids to not play with her for any reason. Granted she's only two, but what mom wants to have the "meanie"!

Preschool update!

Evie had so much fun her first day of school. When we picked her up she was all smiles. The teacher gave me her papers, and we left. She got a note from the teacher letting me know she did well. The teacher said that Evie is very outgoing and talkative. That's my girl, but uh oh were gonna have troubles with that later??? She had two pictures that she colored that day. When I asked her about her day she only said she colored! I would have liked more info, but oh well. With some prying I found out she played and sang too! She said she liked her new friends as well.

I knew she would have fun, and do well. However, I was worried since she had been sick. She also refused to eat at all before school. She was so excited to go to school that she didn't want to do anything, but "GO"! Then after school she was to tired to eat as well. When so woke up she made up for what she missed that morning!

We didn't even get out to the car before she asked for her softy, binkie, and chocolate. It was so funny. Thank goodness I had thought ahead and brought it. She was so tired. We went home and she was asleep by 12:05. School got out at 11:30! She would have slept for a long time, but Topher missed her and kept waking her up. So she didn't get a good nap.

One of the best moments of my life...squashed!

One of the best moments of my life was when my daughter squeezed my head to hug me and said, "You my best friend mommy!"

It was a great moment! That of coarse couldn't last forever because today she looked at a total stranger and said, "You my best friend lady!" Thank you very much lady for stealing my thunder!

I know she loves me and not the lady, but still. Ouch!!!!

closet mess

The kids just had a bath and were running around naked. Evie has been picking out her own clothes lately, so I told her go get your clothes. Of coarse Christopher followed, but when no one returned I went looking for them. I didn't see anyone in their room, but heard some noise. Christopher was in Evie's closet! No evie. I told him, "Get out of there!" Then I smelled the smell.

He had pooped in her closet, and was climbing out. Thankfully most of the poop was in one spot, and the pee only went on a couple of shirts!! It could have been much worse than it was, but still poop in the closet come on! I cleaned him up, and began to clean up the mess. He must have been constipated because there was tons of poo. I didn't put a diaper on him because I wanted to hurry up and clean up the mess. Big mistake. When I returned from flushing the poo there was more on the floor! What the heck! Where could all this be coming from! I cleaned him, and put a diaper on. A little too late, since all he had inside him was already out.

So I guess the moral is that if your kids hasn't pooped keep a diaper on!

Sick little guy

Christopher is sick. Poor guy has had a fever for 2 days. I'm keeping it down with ibuprofen and tylenol. He's just not happy and doesn't have much of an appetite. He ate a big lunch which made me happy and has been sleeping for 2 1/2 hours. I am hoping the sleep is just what the doctor ordered! He doesn't really have any other symptoms so I don't know whats wrong.

I do know that he only wants momma! I made the mistake of going in to work for my mom today to help get their office caught up on some paper work. They are closed on the weekends.I wasn't gone an hour when daddy called and said "Topher needs you bad momma!" Apparently he had been standing at the door since he realized I left crying! Tears snot and all! As if I didn't feel bad enough leaving! I said I'd finish up and come home. I recieved another call "I don't wanna make you feel bad, but he really needs you. Nothing I've tried is working!" said daddy! "I'm going as fast as I can" I replied!

All in all I was gone an hour and probably 20 minutes. When I got to the door sure enough Topher was standing there crying. His binkie in his mouth, and softie in hand. With in seconds he was sitting on my lap quiet as can be. Then with in a few minutes he was playing as if nothing had happened, as long as I was with in sight! I know he's sick, but I think I got played a little. Otherwise I have some great healing powers. I guess as moms we should never underestimate the power of a hug and kiss!

Smart Girl

Evie is growing so fast. Every day she surprises me with the things she says and does. She picks up everything like a little sponge. She never ceases to amaze me with the stuff she learns. She counts to 7 by herself. It was so cute the other day Christopher spilled his juice. I was frantically trying to clean it up, red Hawaiian punch! Evie started counting the spills, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7! I was so proud. She did that with out any help or encouragement from me!

Yes, You can do it!

As you may already be aware of my angel is now in her terrible twos, and she is seriously testing my patience. She wants to do everything on her own. I finally found something that she can do on her own and share with everyone. She loves to cook and help in the kitchen, but that can be dangerous. And lets face it toddlers want to do things that they just are not capable of doing.

She can make instant pudding though! I get open the package, but she pours it in a bowl. I pour the milk in the cups, and she pours it in the bowl. I give her a spoon and she stirs it. She makes a little mess, but not to bad. She has so much fun. The other day she made some and put it into little bowls and we took it to grandma and grandpa. She was so proud she made them a surprise all by herself. If you don't want a mess you can put it in a shaker and let them shake it!

It is easy and keeps them busy long enough for me to do the dishes. Then we all get to enjoy a good snack afterwards. Never mind the extra dishes we are creating! The look on her face and pride in knowing that she made something for us to eat is priceless!

I do it!

The three worst and best words in the English language. Good because finally you don't have to do everything for your child, but bad because now that you don't have to do everything for your child you realize that she is no longer your baby she's growing up way to fast! At the same time it is also so annoying because they want to do it on their own, but many times they just can't yet!

Evie is constantly telling me, "I do it, Mommy!" She can take off her shoes and put them on! I just can't wait for her to use the potty by herself. I have the worst time remembering to tell her to sit on the potty!

Evie the meanie

Lately Evie has been smacking me. Only me, and I don't know why. She is a little rough with her brother, but he is rough with her to. She halls of and smacks me periodically throughout the day. Sometimes she is really excited when we are playing and I know she doesn't mean it. However, sometimes she smacks me when she is mad. If she doesn't want me to do something or if she doesn't like what is going on. She has it me about 5 times in the past few days. Other times I stop her before she makes contact. I always put her in time out and tell her that it is not ok to hit. I never hit her so I don't know why she thinks it is ok to hit. I think she is jealous of her brother he has been getting more attention lately because his canines and molars are coming in. That is my only guess at why she is doing this. I try to give them equal attention.

Almost perfect day!

Today was almost perfect. I didn't get tons of stuff done, but that doesn't really make a day good or bad. The kids were up at 7:30am, which immediately scared me to death! I did not know how I would make it through the day! We usually start at 8:30 or even 9. I thought I wanted more sleep, but quickly woke up.

The kids played pretty good most of the day. We mostly followed my schedule perfectly. Breakfast at 8, but the kids didn't eat much. So by 10 they wanted a snack! Actually we saw a commercial for Gerber Yogurt melts, and Evie ran to the kitchen asking for a snack. She loves those! However, we didn't have any. I did have crunchies, and that is what they had. They ate about 3 servings each, 14 pieces X 3. Yes, I count them out! I am crazy, but I like to try to keep track of the kids nutrition. I don't do it with every thing.

Christopher took a nap from 11:22 to 1:30. Evie cried when I took her to bed. We laid down and watched Madagascar 2, but she fell asleep fast, and slept until 2:15! Mommy fell asleep to, but I woke up when my sister called we were all supposed to go shopping together. She is the one who just had a baby a month ago. When she went to leave the house her car wouldn't start. I felt so bad, but there was nothing I could do! She lives 20 min away, and I didn't have a car.

Both kids fell asleep before lunch so they ate lunch after they woke up. Christopher ate Gerber pasta pick up. Evie had apple and honey ham (lunch meat). I had to give Christopher some to. The meat I roll up really tight so it is like finger food. They eat it up that way! Any other way they won't touch it!

When daddy came home around 4:30 he was starving so we decided to go out to eat. We bought the kids back packs, but Evie's zipper broke so we took that back and went to a Mexican restaurant to eat. (I gotta take the new back pack back to, bad zipper again! Thanks Walmart! Do you know how hard it is to get the thing off her, let alone exchange it?

We went out to eat. The food was good, but the service not so much. It is just difficult when you have small kids, and servers don't pay attention to small things. Like refills! We saw our server 3 times, and were there for over an hour! I will complain more about this later!

After that the kids had a monthly play group at the library. They sing song, read books, make craft, and have snacks. I will talk more about this later as well. The best thing is that the kids get to play with others the same age or close! I love that! The worst thing is it is at 6:30pm to 7:30. Which means a later bed time. I aim for 8.

Christopher is asleep now, but Evie is playing around since mommy is on the computer! She already takes advantage and tries to get away with stuff. Plus, she is the master of distraction. She can change the subject in a conversation before you even know what hit ya! I'm in for a world of trouble! Well I gotta get her to bed, but I had a good day and am pleased! Tired, but going to bed happy!