Good lord. I've only trying to write about this child's second bday party for over a week. And instead I get a sick kid who spikes a fever the night of his bday, throws up all over me and him right before cake is served, and then proceeds to have the worst cold we've ever had- snot (plenty of it), a terrible cough that leads to uncontrollable coughing which leads to puking four times in five days, and a complete loss of appetite. It's been really fun in our house for the past two weeks. Oh, and did I mention he got an ear infection in the ear that the tube fell out of? Fun.
Anyway, Sunday brought back the appetite and snot seemed to also decrease greatly. The cough and need to nebulize ended on Monday night. And we are back to our normal cheerful and crazed selves. Check out below for what else we've been up to.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Potty time
We have made some giant steps towards potty usage the past two weeks. Big guy has started to selectively use the potty. I'm going at his pace and there have certainly been less accidents.
When we went to his two year appt, the DR was confident that we could get this whole potty training thing done quickly, if I could figure it all out. So, I made up a potty song, there are stickers, and thomas books. But what I've figured out is that essentially until he does it by himself without prompting, I am going to spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Lots of talking about pee pee and using the potty. Here is how we've been doing so far.
On friday, big guy was home sick with hubs. Hubs and big guy were sitting in our bed chatting and reading books. Big guy looks at hubs and says, "I pee." He hops off the bed and hubs hears the toilet seating hitting the back of the toilet. Hubs yells, " be careful" as he's running to the bathroom. There is my little monkey sitting on the potty peeing all by himself- the big potty. Hubs helped him down as he almost fell in and then they proceeded to do the pee pee dance while yelling "I pee." and then they flushed. Hmmm, how come he won't do that for me.
Fast forward to sunday. big guy is feeling better. he ate a great lunch- which got things moving. He grabs himself, says, "I pee." We walk to the bathroom and talk for a couple minutes about sitting on the potty. Finally, big guy steps on the stool and sits briefly on the potty. He hops down and does a nice little dance. Then starts to pee. I pick him up and he finishes the pee and drops some poop, score! He gets down, we cheer and dance and flush! After dinner, same thing! Today, big guy really had to go. He hadn't gone poop for two days. He refused to sit on the potty- sobbing hysterically. He eventually drops trough and pees/poops on the floor- it's like having a puppy.
WE clean up do a nice pep talk. big guy is feeling good- playing quietly. I'm cooking dinner and big guy walks over to the stove to check himself out in the reflection. He lifts of his shirt and checks out his belly and groin region. He looks at me, says, "I pee." He walks away and I hear the toilet seat lift up. I walk to the bathroom and there is big guy leaning against the toilet. I lift him onto the toilet and he pees in the toilet. Totally calm. He finishes and I put him on the floor and start cheering, clapping, yelling/praising joyfully at what a big boy he is and how awesome the peeing in the potty was. Then he starts doing the pee pee dance and screaming with joy. yes! Seems like I just have to keep in mind that I need to go at his pace.
When we went to his two year appt, the DR was confident that we could get this whole potty training thing done quickly, if I could figure it all out. So, I made up a potty song, there are stickers, and thomas books. But what I've figured out is that essentially until he does it by himself without prompting, I am going to spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Lots of talking about pee pee and using the potty. Here is how we've been doing so far.
On friday, big guy was home sick with hubs. Hubs and big guy were sitting in our bed chatting and reading books. Big guy looks at hubs and says, "I pee." He hops off the bed and hubs hears the toilet seating hitting the back of the toilet. Hubs yells, " be careful" as he's running to the bathroom. There is my little monkey sitting on the potty peeing all by himself- the big potty. Hubs helped him down as he almost fell in and then they proceeded to do the pee pee dance while yelling "I pee." and then they flushed. Hmmm, how come he won't do that for me.
Fast forward to sunday. big guy is feeling better. he ate a great lunch- which got things moving. He grabs himself, says, "I pee." We walk to the bathroom and talk for a couple minutes about sitting on the potty. Finally, big guy steps on the stool and sits briefly on the potty. He hops down and does a nice little dance. Then starts to pee. I pick him up and he finishes the pee and drops some poop, score! He gets down, we cheer and dance and flush! After dinner, same thing! Today, big guy really had to go. He hadn't gone poop for two days. He refused to sit on the potty- sobbing hysterically. He eventually drops trough and pees/poops on the floor- it's like having a puppy.
WE clean up do a nice pep talk. big guy is feeling good- playing quietly. I'm cooking dinner and big guy walks over to the stove to check himself out in the reflection. He lifts of his shirt and checks out his belly and groin region. He looks at me, says, "I pee." He walks away and I hear the toilet seat lift up. I walk to the bathroom and there is big guy leaning against the toilet. I lift him onto the toilet and he pees in the toilet. Totally calm. He finishes and I put him on the floor and start cheering, clapping, yelling/praising joyfully at what a big boy he is and how awesome the peeing in the potty was. Then he starts doing the pee pee dance and screaming with joy. yes! Seems like I just have to keep in mind that I need to go at his pace.
Sippy cup no more
Yesterday when I picked big guy up from school, he had a certificate in his cubby. It is official, no more sippy cup at school. Big guy is officially only drinking from a cup at school. Of course I told them weeks ago that he knows how to do it, he took his time showing off his skills at school. Now, I just have to get on board and start letting him drink only from cups at home!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Bday par-tay
The bday party was on saturday and was quite the success! The only low note was that big guy was horribly ill. So, we couldn't go to Gymboree to burn off some energy. But did go to the car wash, then to pick up balloons, cake, and other miscellaneous food items for the party, which gave hubs some time to super clean the house. We made it home and ate some lunch. Then big guy and I went for a walk, we lucked out in the weather department- it was beautiful outside. Big guy promptly fell asleep and I strolled to the duck pond.
Nap time ended rather abruptly when gmom Dino came in the house yelling hello. Big guy was not pleased. It would be another forty minutes before he would let either of us put him down. Big guy socialized with family members, showed off his toys, but mostly stayed close. Following a delicious dinner of pizza and onion rings, our dear Brazilian friends from down the street came with their little girl S who is now a year a d a half. Big guy was over the moon- just so excited for a playmate. And they played so well together- sharing toys and food. It was really very cute.
Followings dinner, big guy was having a tickle fight with aunt K which of course sparked a coughing fit which lead to big guy throwing up all over us both. Hubs was freaking out, while I was just stripping us down. All of his bday cake and singing pics he is just in a diaper, but he didn't seem to mind. Simultaneously while we are stripping down, our families are searching the downstairs for a lighter to light the candle. All dangerously my mom and uncle E are trying to light a paper towel off our electric stove- fun fun. Big guy loved his cake (choo choo themed) but was not interested in eating it. In fact when he accidentally put his hand in it, he showed it to me and said "ew!"
Following cake, we opened presents. Could the child get any more presents? Art easel and supplies from gmom Dino. Thomas train toy, foam blocks, clothes from gmom J and aunt B. Thomas books and clothes from aunt K and uncle E. and a cozy coach from gmom C and granpa J. The cozy coach is a really cute car that we can ous big guy in or when he's ready he can Fred flintstone around in. Big guy loved all of e presents and was playing with the blocks the rest of the night. Glad I picked them! Overall, only one bout of vomit and a little clinginess- I deem the party a success!
Car wash
The morning of big guy's bday party, big guy and I had to waste time so hubs would have more time to clean the house. We didn't go to Gymboree bc big guy is of course inflicted with some horrific cough with lots of snot. I think there is something cosmic about kids getting sick on their bdays. Anyway, we decided to go to our local car wash. Ok- confession time. This is the third car we have leased and I've never washed any of them, in six years!
Anywho, we head over to the car wash, it's packed, apparently other people wash their cars a bit more often. The weather was nice, so we sat with the windows down and big guy read his truck book while we waited. We got the deluxe, it includes tires. Hubs suggested I get my tires done, too. I felt like quite the princess getting my car washed. We pulled up and big guy let out an "ohhhhh!" he continued to make this noise throughout the whole wash. I think his favorite part was when there were bubbles all over tha car and he could repeatedly tell me, "bubble." and we talked about how the car was getting a bath, just like how he gets a bath. And the really cool thing is that he understood. Or at least I think he did, because he was very interested in the whole operation. My only complaint is that it was very quick and we were dumped unceremoniously into the back of the IHOP parking lot.
Anywho, we head over to the car wash, it's packed, apparently other people wash their cars a bit more often. The weather was nice, so we sat with the windows down and big guy read his truck book while we waited. We got the deluxe, it includes tires. Hubs suggested I get my tires done, too. I felt like quite the princess getting my car washed. We pulled up and big guy let out an "ohhhhh!" he continued to make this noise throughout the whole wash. I think his favorite part was when there were bubbles all over tha car and he could repeatedly tell me, "bubble." and we talked about how the car was getting a bath, just like how he gets a bath. And the really cool thing is that he understood. Or at least I think he did, because he was very interested in the whole operation. My only complaint is that it was very quick and we were dumped unceremoniously into the back of the IHOP parking lot.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Butt tap
One day last week we were running late. Usually when this happens we all end up in the bathroom in various states of dress and undress. This particular day I was apparently taking up too much space because hubs walked in and gave me a tap on the bottom as if saying, scoot over! I move over, but what do I feel next. A little hand give me a butt tap as well. I turn around to find big guy looking at me, probably thinking, am I going to get away with this? Then all three of us burst into laughter!
Two years
Two years ago today big guy was born and I became a mommy. Hard to believe. Some things I've gleaned so far. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding and yet simultaneously exhausting/demanding/difficult things to do in the world. But seeing big guy grow up and watching him develop more and more into the awesome person he is- its really amazing. Oh, and I've learned that he just keeps getting better and better. For instance, tomorrow is big guy's bday party. I've got all the Thomas train decorations, picking up balloons, and cake before nap time. Then we are having people over at three for pizza and fun. And I'm ordering the pizza during the party. Oh, and eveRyone has already been given their food to bring. That's right- I've planned ahead. Last year, I was entirely incapable of planning this party. My mom brought all the food. I was a mess. Big guy is getting better and I'm getting more functional.
The only thing working against us this year is that big guy is horribly ill. Runny nose. Horrific cough. And tonight, the night before the party, he spiked a fever. But he's been nebulized and choked down some fever reducer- really choked down- we had to wrestle him to get anything in his mouth. Who knows how much he got.
Today we also fortuitously had big guys two year appt. dr W wasn't too concerned about the cold being anything more than a cold. But she said to keep nebulizing. She said if the cough lasts longer than four weeks to call because it might be asthma related and would need stronger medicine. Oh dear! Other than that, he passed with flying colors. He's 3 feet 1.5 inches. 32 and a half pounds. The size of an average three year old- which we knew because he already wears 3T. She thought his speaking was great- right on track. And everything else developmentally was good to go. We talked about the pooping/potty issues and she was really listening. And unlike every other person I tell my dilemma too, she agreed with me that this was a good opportunity to really get him on the potty. Things I need to work on- making sitting on the potty fun, getting a better potty, and continuing with the miralax. All things I can work on. I've made up a potty song- "let's go to the potty and have ourselves a pee." and there are stickers once we are in there. I'm also in the market for a new potty, one that looks like a real one. And besides thinking big guy is fabulous, at the end of the appt, dr W gave me a pat on the back and said, "you're doing great mom." ah, validation!
The only thing working against us this year is that big guy is horribly ill. Runny nose. Horrific cough. And tonight, the night before the party, he spiked a fever. But he's been nebulized and choked down some fever reducer- really choked down- we had to wrestle him to get anything in his mouth. Who knows how much he got.
Today we also fortuitously had big guys two year appt. dr W wasn't too concerned about the cold being anything more than a cold. But she said to keep nebulizing. She said if the cough lasts longer than four weeks to call because it might be asthma related and would need stronger medicine. Oh dear! Other than that, he passed with flying colors. He's 3 feet 1.5 inches. 32 and a half pounds. The size of an average three year old- which we knew because he already wears 3T. She thought his speaking was great- right on track. And everything else developmentally was good to go. We talked about the pooping/potty issues and she was really listening. And unlike every other person I tell my dilemma too, she agreed with me that this was a good opportunity to really get him on the potty. Things I need to work on- making sitting on the potty fun, getting a better potty, and continuing with the miralax. All things I can work on. I've made up a potty song- "let's go to the potty and have ourselves a pee." and there are stickers once we are in there. I'm also in the market for a new potty, one that looks like a real one. And besides thinking big guy is fabulous, at the end of the appt, dr W gave me a pat on the back and said, "you're doing great mom." ah, validation!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
What a big boy!
I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately. Big guy has just been a really, well, big boy! For instance, big guy has been really excited about the potty. I mean, not going in the potty- that would be a lot to ask! But more like whenever anyone goes in the potty- flushing the toilet, clapping, waving bye bye to the toilet paper. Besides the potty, big guy has shown real big boy-ness with clothing, too. Big guy knows how to take off his coat and hang it on the hanger at school. All we have to do is unzip and he does the rest. It looks kind of like a loose armed shimmy shake until it falls on the floor. Super cute. And he's been so helpful recently- really wanting more responsibility. So he helps me put away the laundry. He will take it out of the basket for me and out it on the bed so I can fold and put away. The other day he emptied two baskets for me, looked at me and said, "I help you!" with such pride. And I beamed back equally and said, " yes, you do!"
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Toddler fight club
The first rule of toddler fight club- don't talk about toddler fight club. (pretty easy since toddlers don't talk in full sentences yet!)
Big guy is in some toddler fight club at school. A core group of three boys that run around and rough house. Usually consisting of tackling each other and piling on top until someone eventually cries. It's a boy thing. And it's hilarious! Big guy isn't the leader. Thank goodness, but I'm not sure how I feel about him being in the group of three. Admittedly, big guy and I wrestle all the time at home, but not in a rough way, just in a get out your energy way. And I know that at Gymboree, he does seem more likely to tackle someone and try to smother them with hugs and kisses. We say "be gentle" a lot. Anyway, both at school and at home, we'll hav to keep working on it. And need to come up with some more rules for toddler fight club. How about, don't be on the bottom of the pile?
Big guy is in some toddler fight club at school. A core group of three boys that run around and rough house. Usually consisting of tackling each other and piling on top until someone eventually cries. It's a boy thing. And it's hilarious! Big guy isn't the leader. Thank goodness, but I'm not sure how I feel about him being in the group of three. Admittedly, big guy and I wrestle all the time at home, but not in a rough way, just in a get out your energy way. And I know that at Gymboree, he does seem more likely to tackle someone and try to smother them with hugs and kisses. We say "be gentle" a lot. Anyway, both at school and at home, we'll hav to keep working on it. And need to come up with some more rules for toddler fight club. How about, don't be on the bottom of the pile?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Talking up a storm
Big guy has been talking up a storm recently. Which is totally awesome for multiple reasons. Obviously, being able to express some stuff he's been holding in, better comprehension on my part of what we are talking about, and further reassurance that he is rig on track developmentally. (which was totally going ok in my head until hubs said big guy should be talking more according to the CDC). Thanks hubs.
Anyway, as soon as I started freaking out, as in talking to every mother I know about my fears, writing a list of words big guy says, and getting my speech together of what to say to the dr at his two year appointment- big guy decides to bust out a major jump in language!
We want to the supermarket on Saturday- he busts out all kinds new words. Cracker after picking up a box of crackers. Cup when he wanted his drink. Blueberry which we snacked on throughout the trip. Later that night big guy was doing his naked sprints upstairs before bath time. Inevitably, he makes a pee pee puddle. He jumps up and down saying, "I pee!". Then he does a super cute dance move. We go to get some toilet paper to clean it up. Hubs asks where the pee pee is, big guy points at the grund and yells, "right there!"
And now he is saying, "I ..." to everything. I go, I pee, etc. big gy will say bye to the kitty, the choo-choos, dada! And the topper was on Monday when he was done brushing his teeth, hubs out it away. Big guy looked at hubs and said, "where did it go?" about his toothbrush. Whoa- big leap. There is still a lot of babbling of funny words together but they seem very serious now- like he's figuring it all out!
Anyway, as soon as I started freaking out, as in talking to every mother I know about my fears, writing a list of words big guy says, and getting my speech together of what to say to the dr at his two year appointment- big guy decides to bust out a major jump in language!
We want to the supermarket on Saturday- he busts out all kinds new words. Cracker after picking up a box of crackers. Cup when he wanted his drink. Blueberry which we snacked on throughout the trip. Later that night big guy was doing his naked sprints upstairs before bath time. Inevitably, he makes a pee pee puddle. He jumps up and down saying, "I pee!". Then he does a super cute dance move. We go to get some toilet paper to clean it up. Hubs asks where the pee pee is, big guy points at the grund and yells, "right there!"
And now he is saying, "I ..." to everything. I go, I pee, etc. big gy will say bye to the kitty, the choo-choos, dada! And the topper was on Monday when he was done brushing his teeth, hubs out it away. Big guy looked at hubs and said, "where did it go?" about his toothbrush. Whoa- big leap. There is still a lot of babbling of funny words together but they seem very serious now- like he's figuring it all out!
M&m's
Big guy is obsessed with m&m's. Obsessed. See, it's a big deal in our house b/c big guy doesn't like sweets. Besides the m&m's and one particular cookie from the hope's cookies, he's not interested. Case and point- we went to reading terminal market over winter break to see their model train set up. We get the most delicious ice cream, I pick up a spoonful and put it near big guy, "No, no, no." While stretching his head away from me as far as he can get while me still holding him. Then the sobbing. Geez, the poor thing, being offered ice cream, like I was shoving bamboo up his finger nails.
Anyway, he's become obsessed. He loves to get little handfuls of m&m's and take them to his trains. He fills up his trains, then moves them to his trucks, then moves them to the couch, you get the idea. In the midst, he either eats them or melts them in his hands to make the colors run. Not to say that when he's eating the colors don't run. In fact, when he's eating the m&m's, the colors run all over his chin, cheeks, neck, and chest. making it look like he's some wolverine who caught a deer in the woods and ate it. It's actually really funny looking and incredibly messy.
so, here is the obsessed part- he wants them at all hours of the day. He knows where they are kept in the cupboard, so he'll walk to in front of the cupboard and start jumping, reaching his hands up, saying mama, and whining until you go over and get some. I've started saying to him that he can't have them until he says, M&M's. WHich he will say the M so far. At least he's learning a new word!
Anyway, he's become obsessed. He loves to get little handfuls of m&m's and take them to his trains. He fills up his trains, then moves them to his trucks, then moves them to the couch, you get the idea. In the midst, he either eats them or melts them in his hands to make the colors run. Not to say that when he's eating the colors don't run. In fact, when he's eating the m&m's, the colors run all over his chin, cheeks, neck, and chest. making it look like he's some wolverine who caught a deer in the woods and ate it. It's actually really funny looking and incredibly messy.
so, here is the obsessed part- he wants them at all hours of the day. He knows where they are kept in the cupboard, so he'll walk to in front of the cupboard and start jumping, reaching his hands up, saying mama, and whining until you go over and get some. I've started saying to him that he can't have them until he says, M&M's. WHich he will say the M so far. At least he's learning a new word!
I go
Big guy has been talking up a storm recently. Not all of it English, at least in an adult way, I"m sure other toddlers understand every word. But he has started making some mini-sentences. The first that I really noticed the other day, "I Go!" He kept yelling it when we were on a walk with gmom Dino to one of our local playgrounds. He has also started saying, "Don't Go!" It's so cute and super fun to hear him figuring it all out!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Art class
Gmom C and big guy are taking three art classes this spring. The January class was themed winter wonderland. February is valentines day. And march is celebrating spring. Last week they had their first class. It went well- and I wish gmom C could tell the story b/c it's hilarious. Anyway, we per-signed up but it also has the potential for walk ins. Turns out they were the only ones! S they got some serious individualized attention. Big guy wanted to sprint and explore- which was only ok as long as he wasn't making a mess. But toddler exploration most often includes making a mess. But they did get several wonderful pieces of art completed. Lots of blue paint and paper b/c the teacher kept asking big guy what color he wanted to use. "boo" for blue was his response. And they made a mobile that is a bit jacked up! And the favorite one that they made is a snowman- I mean I think it looks like a creepy blob but big guy apparently was fascinated with making it. A white sock filled with sand where he very intently filled the song with sand. Overall a great experience and with a little bit of tweaking- I think the next class will be just as good.
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