Planning a bday party

I'm getting really excited for big guy's second bday party. Whoa- he's turning two!!! Anyway- I've decided to do a Thomas the train theme since he's so obsessed right now with anything train. I was going to resist but then the other day at the genuardis I decided on a whim to peruse the cake decorating book in the bakery section. My deal was if they had a train cake, I would go for it. And they did! The cake is super cute and has a real Thomas train toy that once the icing is licked off can be played with. So fun.

After Gymboree on Saturday we stopped by the party city near by and went to the Thomas section. It was pretty lame, though admittedly the store is pretty lame. I think I'll go to the big party city near my work. But the did have a number of different balloons to choose from, one the even choo-choos! Yes, big guy is going to freak out when he wakes up from a nap and the whole house has Thomas on it. C'mon February.

just poop already

we are having poop issues. it had been so long since we have had any issues, that I forgot how frustrating it is, only more so now b/c he's so much more annoyed by it! it started last week when he was sick in an undefined way- like no running nose, cough, or fever, but big guy was grouchy, tired, and lost his appetite. So, naturally the poop slowed down, like way down. after a few days I got nervous. big guy was grabbing his crotch a lot- a true indicator that he either had to pee or poop. We talked a lot about pee and poop, attempted to sit on the potty- which led to big guy running and screaming from the potty.

OMG, I've already traumatized him with potty training!

Ok, not really, but I did have some thoughts since he would run from the potty. Finally he pooped after a bath. In the bathtub. I was just grateful he went and he quietly stood with me in the bathroom as I cleaned out the tub. Another couple of days passed and still nothing. Then he went while he was playing in his crib. EW! WE cleaned and moved on. And then another couple of days. What the hell?

I called the dr's office b/c he was grabbing himself and starting to cry out in pain. I was sure it was the poop, but couldn't rule out that he had something more serious or that I had made some huge potty training error and had scarred him. The nurse said she thought it was the poop. Whew! She said lots of fiber (duh) and that it was ok to have a half a cap of miralax. Now we are talking.

I bought some miralax and headed to get big guy from school. I walk in and the teacher says he is in the bathroom. I hear sobbing. Oh dear, this is going to be fun. I walk in the bathroom and it's actually someone else crying- big guy is happily standing, though concerned about his friend. Ms. M lets me know the big guy pooped three times! YAY! My big guy was back in action- totally happy, playing, joyful, and eating up a storm. Of course, he's back to grabbing at himself which makes me think there is more poop. We miralaxed this morning and got a little out, but I'm confident it'll kick in tomorrow. It had better be epic!

gymboree

Following our dismal performance at soccer class, big guy and I ventured to the gymboree for a free class. We originally signed up for the friday we took off together, but big guy had other plans- like falling asleep on me for three hours as we were getting ready for class. We rescheduled for the saturday after- which of course was the saturday hubs was out of town and the huge snow storm hit and we were both sick. good timing, right?

Anyway, after shoveling our way out, we made it with a few other desperate parents to class. We loved it from the start. Now, my judgement might have been skewed b/c I had taken an alka seltzer with cold medicine, so I was a bit loopy. But the whole experience was so much better than soccer class- it was a judgement free zone. We could run around like crazy people making a mess or join in the class activities, either was fine and no one gave me a dirty look. The parents were definitely not as well dressed/put together. A few of them knew each other, so that made it kind of weird. But I think I have just gathered that I don't want to be friends with any more people, I know that sounds terrible, but it's just how I feel at this time.

We signed up for saturday classes through April, and got all kinds of awesome coupons and deals through the sign up time. Like there is open gym time where we can go and big guy can just run and burn energy- what's up awesome! Anyway, we went again today and big guy had another great time, even better than last week. And the only dirty look I got was when big guy accidentally whapped a dad in the head with a stuffed animal and he took a couple of minutes to fix his hair. Oh well! The best part of gymboree? Big guy is always thoroughly exhausted and passes out after for a few hours- score!

Soccer class

I may have mentioned that big guy and I signed up for a soccer class. Well, the class is at the nest- a hip ( ok, I didn't realize how hip) place in center city. It was advertised as a class for 2-3 years olds. Well. Big guy has some inherent soccer kicking skills so I thought we would join. Out first day was the Saturday after new years. We arrive just in time to go to class. Big guy had fallen asleep in the car, so he was very groggy and mostly clung to me the first ten mins. But we he was handed his very own soccer ball he Definitely pepped up!

So, most of the kids were running around like crazy people, except I did notice that everyone else seemed pretty tall and more on the three year old side. And you know, three year olds can follow directions and express themselves in full sentences, two skills that big guy is still working on. It was all going fine until big guy was laying on the floor and got hit ( I use the term loosely as I had time to say to big guy, you better move or that is going to hit you in the face). Then big guy started to sob and then continued to sob for the next half hour intermittently. Clearly, not the most fun we've had recently. We head home and I played it up as ok, not really fun, but it was our first class- it can only get better- right?

The next week I aske hubs to go with me just to ensure that it was really as bad as I thought or if I was just being sensitive. We got there early this time and ate lunch while big guy played with the trains in the hang out zone. That's when I noticed the skinny, hair blown out moms- not good for my self esteem. anyway- we head up to class and we are ten mins early. Everyone again is running around having a good time. Then the teacher calls everyone together and starts chatting about class. He asks everyone how last class went since he wasn't there. Some jerk parent has the audacity to say it was a bit unstructured. To which the teacher says its going to be ore ore structured now that he is there.

Dread. Clear dread on my face. More structure, I need less structure. He asks all the kids and parents to stand on one wall and we are going to do sprints. Everyone listens except for- ding ding ding- big guy who is still sprinting with joy throughout the room screaming like a mad man. Whew- tough crowd- I got a lot of nasty looks. So hubs and I spend the next ten minutes chasing big guy around the room trying to get him to participate in some kind of reasonable way to the activity. No such luck. We were both sweating. Hubs at one point looks at me and says, this is hell.

The last straw came when we were expected to have big guy stand on one circle while we stood on another a few feet away. Ok, we were done. We left the room with big guy sobbing hysterically. Needless to say, we put our account on hold until summer. Epic fail!

Drinking from a cup

Very cutely- big guy has figured out how to drink from a cup without dumping it all over himself. We've been practicing for quite a while but always with me holding the cup also. But this weekend when we were all alone- I left a cup of water on hubs's night stand while I went to use the restroom. I hear big guy walking towards me and he's holding the cup. I warily remind him to be careful because it's a glass cup. He holds it up takes a swig and hugs it to his chest. Then he takes another big drink and hands me the cup. And by hands I mean practically drops it and it's lucky my hand was there. And ever since he's been showing off his new skill. Very cool. And very not wet!

Of course

Of course...
It's the weekend and it snows
It's the weekend and it snows and I have a cold
It's the weekend and it snows and I have a cold and big guy is sick
It's the weekend and it snows and I have a cold and big guy is sick and hubs is on a conference until Monday
Of course...

Monster trucks

Ok, I have a new obsession. Monster trucks on Sunday afternoons. Hubs and I pretend to put it on bc we've hit the three in the afternoon grouchies on Sunday. Big guy will look over occasionally while he plays with trucks or sits on our laps and snuggles. But really it's hubs and I who love the giant trucks crushing cars and caravans. Doing awesome flips. Crash landing and breaking apart. It's awesome! I love having a son. It allows my inner nerd to come out- trains, cars, trucks, construction materials, star wars- um, ok that one is clearly a few years off. Anyway- I'm thinking we can go to moster trucks when big guy understands that he has to keep ear protection on. Yes!

Learning Chinese

Our nighttime routine includes watching the fresh beat band and ni-Hao Kai LAN! The first is a music show where big guy jumps and dances when they burst into song which is pretty often. The second is a show about learning Chinese and Chinese culture. Ni-Hao means hello in Chinese. Pretty cool, huh? I've been writing down the words we learn so we can practice. Very cutely big guy always waves and says hi when we say ni-Hao. Anyway- tonight we were watching and learning the word for snow- shh-yeah. I looked at hubs and said, "I wonder why so many Chinese words have "shhh" in them." he looks me right in the eye and says, " because they want you to be quiet." ooh- burn!

The nest

big guy and I signed up for a soccer class at the nest- a hip place in center city that has indoor play areas for kids. They have a lot of classes for all ages. Pretty cool and actually pretty close to where hubs and I lived when we were in college. Anywho, we've been there twice (more on that later). Today when we went early to hang out and eat some lunch before class. Since last time we ran in and went to class, this time I got to check the place out a bit, it's nice and clean. But what I mostly checked out was the other moms. Who were all white, all skinny as twigs with blown out hair and skinny jeans. And apparently all pregnant with number two. And they are probably all six months pregnant but look how I did when I was like two weeks pregnant. Damn it, these women are going to give me a complex! During our trip to the starbucks after for some peppermint hot chocolates, hubs let me know that I'll never be a nest mom if I keep drinking hot cocoa, thanks hubs for keeping it real!

Bite

big guy got bit this week. I know, I know, not again! The assistant director called me and said he got bit and that the bite may have broken the skin. Oh great. I called the Dr and they said if it broke the skin, they had to see him. damn, we had gone so long without having to go there.

Anyway, I'm driving to get big guy and getting myself all worked up. By the time I get there, I've got the whole conversation in my head how I want it to go. Big guy got bit b/c he reached for someone else's cup.

What I wanted to happen- I go in, tell them that big guy and this other kid need to be separated at meal times, they obviously agree and swear they will keep a better eye on my son.

OK, here is what actually happened:

I got storming into the room and the assistant director sees me and follows me in the room. I look at the teacher and start my tirade.
Me: "Big guy and this kid can't sit near each other during meal times. It's not acceptable that he got bit... TEacher cuts me off."
Ms. M: "Actually, big guy was on his cot and got up, walked across the room and took the kid's cup!"
Me: "Oh, oh. I didn't realize that big guy got up off the cot."
In my head, "Oh crap, I'm a crazy person!"

Then I spent the next ten minutes chatting b/c I didn't want to leave on a crazy note. Following the smoothing out, we went over to the dr's office. big guy's arm was fine, the dr said he gets to keep it! And she checked his tubes for me, still pretty and green and in place. She also weighed him- 34 delicious pounds! And now I have to set up big guy's two year appt!

car seat

Big guy is officially facing forward in the car and loving life. We decided that over winter break was the perfect time to make the switch in both cars. The first time big guy drove facing forward might be the funniest thing he's done in a while, and he's pretty funny. He started screaming very seriously with joy when we drove- "WHOA!!!" Then he started telling me everything he saw, "cars! Bus! trees!" It was so cute to hear him be so excited about such a small move. The world definitely looks different to him and he's still so jazzed when we get into the car. How fun!

back to school

Tuesday marked big guy's first official day in the big toddler room! yay, I was so excited, finally away from that horrid woman from the fall. The first week back was ok, big guy was having a tough time transitioning back into the room. Especially since hubs was at a conference so the first two days I had to drop him off- clearly a big mistake. he's with the teachers I love- they always have such nice things to say about big guy when I do pick up. And he's clearly stimulated and active while he's there- ms. L told me the other day he's very good at smaller pieces of paper onto big paper. I mean, that could turn into a lucrative career, right?

The only little hiccup we've had (ok, the other one gets it's own post) is that big guy is having a tough time transitioning from one activity to the next. An example- big guy is doing a fun art activity when it turns time to circle time for some songs and books, big guy will burst into tears. I notice this at home, too, but I figured it was a toddler things, apparently it's a big guy thing. I was pretty upset the next time big guy was in school, but then ms. M (who is so fabulous) said that she thought it was good that he got so upset, because it means that he is really enjoying himself and really focused on what he's doing. What??? Big guy apparently sits quietly and works on his activities and is very focused! Yeah!!! My baby doesn't have ADHD- but is just really busy, unless he's focused on his activities. What a great way to think about the transition concerns. If ms. M is ok with it, then so am I.

the closet

In our hall closet is pretty much everything- paper towels, toilet paper, extra plastic bags, tools, and of course, presents that I hide from big guy that I've purchased but am not ready to give to him. A cute easter basket, a crocodile bookbag, a cool mat with a street on it, and a CARS! bowling set. All have been bought on discount with coupons over the past few months. Since big guy has figured out how to open door handles, pretty much everything is on limits. The other day he got into the hall closet. I heard it open and walked over to see what he was looking at. Every present is on the highest shelf except for the bowling set, which was too bulky. What do I see but big guy ripping the plastic off and yelling, "car!" over and over. well, happy early b-day big guy!

Yeah! pee pee!

big guy peed in his toilet this morning! amazing! we've been dabbling slowly but surely in the- dare I say it, "potty-training." We've had the toilet for a while- it's based on the movie CARS! Which a pic of lightning mcqueen and when you "flush" it makes the sound of a car revving. very cute, big guy thinks it's hilarious to flush.

Anyway, recently big guy has started grabbing at his diaper when it's been wet or filled with poop in a -get this off of me kind of way. So, when he starts grabbing at it, I ask very casually, "do you have to pee?" And big guy will say "yeah!" So, I take off his pants and diaper and we plop on the toilet. mostly we stare down and practice pushing- with the grunting noise. Mostly, nothing happens. Except for today.

Big guy has had some serious diaper rash this week. he's been without a diaper pretty much anytime we are home. Earlier this week, he has sat on his toilet, done nothing, but then moved about five feet and peed on the floor. Which I'm always very expressive that he peed and then big guy gets a paper towel, cleans it up, and puts it in the trash. I've noticed that he really does not just pee anytime, but he will wait until I ask if he asks to pee- this must mean something in the world of potty training. is this how they practice to not pee at night? Anyway, big guy was sans diaper this morning and it had been a while, so I said, "DO you have to pee?" Yeah! Ok, I take out the toilet, he sits, tries to pee, but nothing. Oh well, I go leave him sitting on it watching some cartoon to do some laundry. Minutes later I hear, "Mamabear, mamabear!"

I yell back, what?? But get no response. I walk upstairs from the basement and see hubs rubbing big guy's head with a paper towel. I ask what happened, and hubs says, "well, you left and big guy was on his toilet and PEED in the toilet! I started clapping and then he picked up the little container and dumped it on his head with joy!" Oh! Yay!! I start clapping, too! Then big guy proceeded to pee a bunch of more times all over the house! At least we are somewhat on our way!!!

Hanukkah dinner

And to runs out our holiday festivities- we went to grandma C and grandpop J's house for the last night of Hanukkah. We opened presents first- big guy got his first box of Legos and a fun book with colors and shapes. Then we ate a nice calm dinner. And big guy proceeded to run around the house like a crazy person- wrestling his uncle I periodically. And then we got to light the candles on the menora and say the prayer in Hebrew. And uncle I said the first preacher for big guy's first time saying the prayers. A lovely evening!

Xmas at Dino's house

On Monday we went to gmom Dino's house for Xmas #3! We got there in the afternoon and quickly opened up presents whilst the dogs ran all over us. Big guy got train tracks, trains, and Hess trucks. His and I got a new comforter (yay). As well as some homemade wares from Dino. A new Xmas ornament in the shape of a train. The kitty cat got a train shaped catnip toy. And a picture frame with Thomas the train on it. Dino is very impressive.

Following a delicious Xmas dinner- or so I hear, I was still in severe belly pain, we headed over to sesame place. We really lucked out- it was in the high 40's. We got there just in time for the winter parade. Big guy was ecstatic. Cookie monster singing carols and a giant Elmo wearing winter clothes. Following the parade we picked up some kettle corn- big guys favorite- and headed to get some food. And then the meltdown happened.

You know when you are in a restaurant and there are either two ways your toddler can be. Either the normal child eating calmly and happily. Or your kid is the crazy person running around screaming, hiding under tables, writhing on the floor, and sobbing when you try to get them to eat. Yeah- big guy was the latter. After getting the dirty eyes from the other parents, we tucked our tails between our legs and ran from the restaurant. We then were bombarded in a good way by the amazing light displays all over the park. We went to a show where Elmo, Murray, and cookie monster were singing and dancing. And even though it was outside and a bit nippy- big guy was jumping up and down- screaming with joy! And cheering just as loud as we were- Definetly related to hubs and I!

Ending our trip we went to the gift shop where all a very furry Xmas products were 50% off- Dino and I picked out a super cute sweatshirt. As I was in line to purchase- big guy ran into the stockroom with hubs hot on his heels. Hubs went to go pick him up, but big guy took a swipe at hubs and hit the kettle corn bag- making it explode in a shower of kettle corn all over the floor. Dino quickly followed and gave a look of disgust! Big guy yelled a big uh-oh! Hubs comes running up to me in line and is like- take the child. I ask what happens and he tells me. I look at the cashier and say sorry, as she has heard the entire thing. She smiles and says, that's ok, they'll just get out the vacuum. I think she was probably thinking- at least it wasn't puke! Who knows the yuckiness that has happened in that storeroom!

Overall, a wonderful Xmas with gmom Dino and grumpy Grampy. The sesame street visit was way better than the summer visit. And then we got to set up the Thomas train tracks- oh boy, we are having even more fun!

poop is up 20%

And in the next installment of funny things the hubs says:

The train table big guy got for xmas is just the right height for big guy to rest his belly on and plus he's up walking around, a lot of poop ensues. The first day alone he must have pooped five times, which prompted hubs to say, "Poop is up 20% with this train table!"

It might actually be true!!!