Michael: First Day of K

The end of the day...pictures are in reverse order.

When you got off the bus in the afternoon, I could already see there was something different about you.  You looked older, wiser, a little bit removed from me.

Heading into school in the morning...
and below, getting off the bus

Of course, I was so proud.  I was wishing and hoping and praying  that your first day of kindergarten would be great.  I grilled you with questions to try and figure out if you liked your day.  That's the most important thing to me right now- that you are eager to go to school, that you enjoy being part of a class and making new friends.  Because you having a good first impression is going to set the stage for all the learning you will do this year.

I didn't shed a tear at the bus stop in the morning.  You lined up and hopped on with all the other neighborhood kids.  No tears from you either, although I knew that you felt a little nervous.  I jumped in the car with Grammy & beat the bus, just so I could see you get off the bus and head into school (and catch it with my camera, of course).  I felt better seeing you walk into the building, knowing you had reached your destination, safe and sound.  I can't do this every day but on that first day, I was so glad that I did.

Waiting to board...

It wasn't hard to let you begin this new adventure...but wow, it's so strange not having you in the house all day.  Liam and Chloe are feeling it too.  We are trying to adjust and fill the time and figure out the new dynamic...until you are back at home and everything returns to "normal".

It's strange to think that you are off doing your own thing.  I have no idea what you are doing from one moment to the next.  I felt this way when I worked full time- the difference now is that I am not right there in the same building, I can't just drop by to see you and I don't have the distraction of a job to keep my thoughts from drifting to you.  It's a sense of separation that I am not yet comfortable with.

Don't get me wrong, it's kind of nice to have just 2 at home.  Everything seems easier somehow...  Liam definitely misses his #1 playmate but he is figuring it out and maybe even enjoying being the top dog for a while.

School day #2 happened today and here I was feeling very confident about you...feeling that you were adjusting pretty well to this new school...feeling like it was pretty positive for you.  Just marveling at how much older and more assured you seemed.

Then I got a phone call from your teacher tonight.  She told me you became so upset during the post-lunch/recess bathroom break this afternoon.  She said you wouldn't tell her why.  You refused to come out of the bathroom, cried & screamed.  Finally you came into the classroom and then sat off to yourself and sobbed.  The teacher told me that she just wanted to let me know- it wasn't a big deal at this point.  I felt sick to my stomach anyway while she was telling me everything.

The worst part for me is, when I asked you about your day, you never mentioned it.  Even when I asked if there was any part of the day that you didn't like...you said nothing to me.  I've seen the type of tantrum she described...I've seen you do it quite often. 

When I asked you about what happened, you told me it was because you felt sad and you missed me all day.  I tried to reassure you...to give you some ideas about what you could do next time...I have no idea if any of that sunk in.  I hugged you extra at bedtime and am hoping that you won't fight going to school in the morning.









I am trying not to over think this--trying to believe that this is just adjustment to a new place and new routine and a FULL DAY of school.  Keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow will be a better day.

See, he just LOOKS so much younger here...

August 2011 Updates- Michael Edition

Michael is a mixed bag on any day of the week.

He can demonstrate cooperation, empathy and ring-leadership.  He can also scream, argue, cry, whine, resist and cause general chaos.  He is the one most often sent to a time out on the stairs or in his room.  He takes up ALOT of my time, to be perfectly honest.

(I'm interested to see if our days smooth out a bit once he is in school all day OR if one of his siblings steps up to fill his tantrummy shoes.)

Despite his flair for the dramatic, Michael really is a great little guy.  He just needs to get his emotions in check and not let them get the best of him.  Under non-tantrum conditions, he is so much fun.  I love that we can have a real deal conversation.  I love hearing his ideas, the way his mind puts things together and processes.  I love hearing him recount a story to me or tell me about his dream.

I can't believe he is on the brink of starting kindergarten (in four days!).  I feel nervous, hoping that I've prepared him well enough.  Sometimes when I hear what other kids his age or younger can do, I feel that I've let him down because I haven't practiced certain skills with him.  I hope I haven't done him too much of a disservice.

I know he is ready to do this school thing.  Michael loves structure and schedule and being expected to do things independently.  He also loves tasks and activities.  I think he will love being part of a class- if preschool is any indication.  I think he will miss having so much time with his best playmate Liam but I think that everyone will adjust to the new normal. 

[BTW, Liam is clearly upset with this pending change- worried face, asking lots of questions, a bit mopey.  But I have a feeling once he realizes that we get to have buddy time, it will ease the transition for him.  He also resumes speech therapy and gets to meet his preschool teacher- she comes to our house!- this Tuesday so that will definitely help as well.]

Michael has been a bit overreactive this past week (even by his standards).  I wonder if this is his way of venting some nervous feelings about school.  We've talked it up, have a countdown calendar, got a mailing from his teacher...he knows it's getting close.  There is an orientation this Friday and I think it will help us all feel a little less nervous about that first official day.

It's hard for me to write about Michael outside of kindergarten right now.  I should quickly mention that he did great with swim lessons over the summer, is about ready to try his bike without training wheels and is signed up for t-ball for the first time.  So right now, there is so much anticipation about what is to come.  A new chapter is just beginning...

Standing on the picnic table because....well, why not?

What's Going On?

I suppose I should join the ranks of those playing catch up in my little circle of bloggers...

*Birthday photos that had been lost (by me deleting them ALL from the camera in error) have been retrieved and burned to a CD for a mere $30...worth every penny because they were important birthday moments and we have some nice little traditions that I like having snapshots of.

*On the morning of June 15th, Chloe told Mike "Pee" and proceeded to pee on the potty first thing in the morning.  She occasionally likes to repeat that trick. She says "Pee!!! Pee!!!!", she runs to the potty chair, trying to take off her shorts and diaper like a lunatic.  She has been dry overnight and generally pees on the potty 1-3 times each day.  She also pooped on the floor following her bath last week...with no announcement.  I happened to see what was happening and caught the "item" with a wipe before it hit the carpet.  It was interesting and luckily not too gross.  Then Chloe got the #2 in the right spot on Monday...where did this child come from? 

*Related to the above...I'm totally not ready to manage taking another child to a public bathroom but am happy she is so interested and that she gets the basic idea.  If the trend continues, she might be out of dipes far earlier than her brothers.  We'll see, I'm in no rush but I don't want to discourage her either.

*Michael and Liam have been going to Vacation Bible School since Sunday.  In the evening from 6-8pm.  It's pretty cool.  They are learning different bible stories and the timing couldn't be better. It's a nice change of pace for them and a really nice break for us!

*The boys have also been doing swim lessons since late April.  Chloe did one round of "mommy and me" lessons but I opted to skip this session and just practice with her on our own.  I think I will pick up with her again at the end of summer when she is a little older and is more agreeable to the situation.  She LOVES the water but not so much the lesson setting.

*We took the boys to their very first movie theater experience on Monday...we saw Cars 2.  It was definitely entertaining but some of the stuff wasn't so great for 4 and 5 year olds (in my humble opinion). I'm not super-strict about what the kids view but this movie had a bond-like quality to it and there were lots of guns/gadgets and some violence. I don't think any permanent damage was done but I'll be looking at our movie choices a little more carefully for theater experiences.  I know my kids are going to see violence at some point but I wish it wasn't so prominent in the context of a movie that is supposed to be for kids...or is it?  If you're FB friends with me, you saw my review/rant. Lesson learned for me!

*OH wait...and the biggest news of the week is THIS: Mike got a full time job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He starts on Tuesday and we are so excited/relieved/thankful that a great opportunity has finally come through.  Now I've got to work on getting a part time job that will gel with his schedule but at least one of us is back on track & we are hoping that means things are looking up on the financial front for us :)

That's it for now...I am reading "Under the Banner of Heaven" about the history of the Mormon faith...it's a very interesting book, albeit a tough read for me who can cruise through most books in no time. I'm totally sucked into it but it requires my complete attention so I can't sneak in a chapter with the kids around.

Memory Lane 2006

I'm on a roll here...Some of my favorite (early) shots of my little Michael Peter...
Camera quality=POOR so just bear with me!

My absolute favorite pic taken at the hospital right after he was born!

Our new little family!

I was so weepy going home- look at my face!

Bath, sometime around the 3 month mark

Little pumpkin...

One of my favorite pictures-taken by SEARS believe it or not!

My work trip to D.C.- the boys came along. Michael wanted to see the
president but schedules did not align...

I included this in our Christmas card that year and it was a hit.
I love his expression so much!

Now he approaching FIVE....how the heck did that happen?!

Cinderella (Shotgun Wedding?)

Liam's favorite story right now is Cinderella.  He requests it almost every night.  He snuggles up next to me & doesn't move a muscle.  Michael pretends to be uninterested but the part where the mice mend her dress sucks him in every time.

At the end of tonight's dramatic reading (by yours truly), Michael asked, "Why does Cinderella marry that guy?"  Feeling perhaps a bit cynical, I replied, "I don't know- hopefully she liked him.  Maybe they should have dated a while before getting married."

(In my mind, I am thinking, "Why did I just say that to my 3 and 4 year old? This is just a fairy tale and I have plenty of time to worry about reinforcing stereotypical gender roles, unrealistic expectations, the notion that women are helpless & men need to save them, blah, blah, blah)

Michael thinks for just a moment.  I can see the rat running on the wheel inside his head.
Then he says, "Maybe she wanted to have a baby"

I was kind of relieved--mostly because I thought he was going to say that maybe she was already PREGNANT.  Even though I'm not sure he knows that exact term- I thought he might suggest that in his own words.

So I just let that slide for a minute and he went onto say, "Well, you had babies". Then the conversation turned to our family and how much I love my babies and I was off the hook.

But while I was folding some laundry, I got to thinking- Did Cinderella have a shotgun wedding?* And how am I going to explain more complex issues to my kids? Because while I want them to understand our values/beliefs, children have been born "out of wedlock" within our families so I don't want them to be judgmental.  Let's hope we can ease into these discussions...

Maybe I do need to get a job--and speaking of that, I haven't heard ANYTHING after that interview even though I followed up.  I guess I will cross that prospect off my list (which means that I no longer have a prospect list).

*I don't think Cinderella had a shotgun wedding.  The two of them danced all night in plain view of everyone at the ball & she had that damned curfew.  And let's face it, the prince already loved her and if you were Cinderella, anything would be better than living with those 3 beeyotchy women.  Even if you had nice little mouse friends.  And yes, I am accepting suggestions for what type of hobby I can pick up- because I am clearly in need of one ;)

3 tidbits

Quick, before I fall asleep!!!

*During the past few days, Chloe has decided to clap her hands and roll over (not at the same time). She has been waving for about a month which is so cute- she does the princess wave- I've got to try and catch some of that on video!

*We went through a phase a couple of months ago where Kelly Clarkson was #1 on our weekly top 40 requested car songs. Specifically, 'My life would suck without you'. Yeah, I probably shouldn't have them listen to this but by the time I thought of it, Michael and Liam were singing the entire song. Anyways...there is one part that says "I know that I've got issues but you're pretty messed up too". One day out of nowhere, Michael asks me, "Mommy, why are her tissues all messed up?"

*A couple of days ago, Michael was in the bathroom, doing his business (#2) and I'm not sure how this happened but Liam ended up in the bathroom too. I don't object to this as long as Michael is okay with it--I am hoping that Liam will realize that he too can go on the potty. Michael still needs some help with wiping but it took me a minute to get to him b/c I was in the midst of changing Chloe. Through the door I hear Michael say, "It's okay Mommy, Liam is wiping me". Sure enough, I opened the door and Liam had a potty wipe and was wiping Michael's backside. I couldn't hold back my laughter. But seriously, Liam can effectively assist his brother with the toilet but he can't get on board himself??

Weights and Measures- June 2010

Liam had his THREE year well visit on Tuesday.

Everything checked out great and he didn't need any vaccines so it was an easy appointment.
Here are the stats:
Height- 40.25 inches
Weight- 36.8 lbs
For reference, these fall in the 96th and 90th percentile


Oh and have you met his (almost) Irish twin Michael?
Michael had his FOUR year well visit on the 11th of this month
His stats:
Height- 40.5 inches
Weight- 36.6lbs
(57th & 55th percentiles)

I marvel at Liam's physical size almost daily. If he realized the power that he has, Michael would be toast. As it stands, Liam acknowledges Michael as the bigger brother & is very sensitive if Michael takes things a bit to far. God help Michael the day Liam realizes he can crush him.

Liam's doctor has mentioned that he will probably be over 6 feet tall...and apparently, there is a theory that if you double a child's height at 3 years, you get an approximation of their final height. So that puts Liam somewhere in the 6'3" area. If that's true then WOW! I am just shy of 5'7" and Mike is 5'11". But my mom's father (who I never met) was rather tall so maybe that is where this comes from? Which would be kind of cool since Liam's middle name 'Paul' was my grandfather's name.

Above all, I am happy that the kids are healthy and happy. I just find it really interesting to see how they are growing and imagine what they will be like as adults!

FOUR

My Dearest Michael,

You are FOUR years old today!! It is so cliche but it really does seem like yesterday that you were born. You seemed so tiny and helpless at the time and all I wanted to do was stare at you all day long. It's incredible to think about how much you have grown.

You are really coming into your own these days. Sure, we still need to work on your tendency to overreact to small matters and your insistence on doing things your way alll the time. But I can see the beginnings of logic kicking in and helping you navigate your emotional side. You are growing in every way and I love seeing you blossom.

You are headstrong and you challenge me every single day. I need to remember that this is an age-appropriate job for you and try to guide that independence without squelching your spirit. Some days, you can really give me a run for my money. My hope is that your stubborn side will be your secret weapon that you can pull out when you need to face life's challenges.

You love learning something new...you are eager to read on your own. You love to help and feel as though you are in charge. And sometimes, you kind of ARE in charge. Your younger brother and sister ADORE you. Your flair for pretend play is helping Liam to develop that skill early-on. Despite the normal arguments, you are Liam's favorite playmate (and you return that feeling). As for Chloe, your insistence on her involvement in everything brings about a smile she saves just for you. You are old enough to understand that she is little & needs to be handled with care but you still want her to be part of the gang. I think that my favorite part of being a mom is watching the relationships that you, Liam & Chloe are forming with each other. It's priceless really.

My first baby, I sometimes worry that you don't get enough time from me these days. But then you remind me of the amazing bond you have with your Daddy and I. And I see all the love you are surrounded by. And I realize that you have everything you need and so much more.

You have a particularly close relationship with my Dad--that's Poppy to you. Poppy was there the moment you were born & I am sure that this was the catalyst for your early status as his buddy. You are also old enough to understand that you share your name with Daddy, Grandpa and Great Grandpa...and this helps you feel close to Grandpa and Great Grandpa...even though we don't live close to them.

So Happy Fourth Birthday Michael Peter!!! I hope that you enjoy your birthday waffles today and your party this weekend!! I always say this but I really can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us!!!!!

I love you bug!

Love,

Mommy

Tired...

I am tired and frustrated with a variety of things in life. Rather than bore you with those details, I will share some fun stuff.

This is a little evening trip we took to get some ice cream. Notice Chloe's clenched fist- she is going to beat up those boys for a taste of the good stuff ;)

Chloe's two bottom teeth FINALLY broke through this past week. She is so proud! And I am sure she is relieved to have some pain relief for the moment. She also mastered the art of picking up a puff and navigating it into her mouth. I love, love, love watching those little fingers at work. Liam and Michael are her biggest cheerleaders when she accomplishes a new task. Anytime she does something new, they are quick to notice & are so excited for her. I love that they are so interested in what she is up to. I know it won't always be that way but I am enjoying it right now!

We have some fun plans for the weekend including a parade and a birthday BBQ swim party. So I am looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow followed by some Memorial Day fun :)

Top: Forget all that rolling over/crawling stuff, Chloe just wants to walk!

Bottom: Raspberries, just for fun :)

Getting all the words out...

In his quest to talk about everything, Michael has developed a bit of a stutter. It's not always present but it crops up often enough to be concerning.

Consulting with some reliable people, it seems that a true stutter will also include other things like stamping your foot or facial expressions (like a grimace). We have not observed any of this as yet.

Michael was 3 in June- is this a developmental phase? How long would you let it go on before you sought a professional speech evaluation?

It's only been about a month so I am not at a heightened level of concern. But it does occur often enough that it is on my radar--it is on Mike's too which means it is definitely noticeable.

Any thoughts friends?

3

I am day late on this but I was just too exhausted last night...

Dearest Michael,

How is it possible that you are already THREE years old?? It seems like just yesterday you were a newborn in my arms...my "littlest man". Even though you look older, in many ways your face is the same as it was when I first saw it. And I will always remember your little chicken legs...you seemed so small. But my, how you have grown!

From your friendly nature to your sweetness to your ability to be VERY stubborn, I love all the qualities that make you who you are. I am proud of you on every level. Your recent potty-training accomplishment was so smooth that I still can't believe it (I owe you big for that by the way). For all the things you might resist- like going to bed at night- that one came easily, without struggle. You are also becoming quite the conversationalist-- you astound me with your words sometimes. I love how everything is in "firty (30) minutes" or how you'll "be right back".

You are about to become an official "preschooler" and I would feel sad about it- but you are so ready for it! Your little brother is going to miss being with you all day but luckily, you will still see each other & know that the other isn't too far away. Daycare- which we call "school"- has been rough on all of us but you have learned SO much & truly seem to enjoy it- that at least is some small comfort.

As you grow, I am sure we will have trials and triumphs...and through it all, your daddy and I will love you with everything that we have & will do our best for you. I love being your mommy and have so much fun with you each day.

I love you Michael, with all of my heart. I always tell you "You are the one who made mommy a mommy!". You will always be my baby, no matter how old you are & I will always be here for you, no matter what.

Love you bug,
Mommy

Random Friday Updates

Wow- I am so out of touch with SO many people, it's unreal.

So let me at least get a little bit caught up in the bloggy world...

*Potty-training & Michael: Continuing on a good path...a few accidents, nothing major. Using pull-ups at nap/night...other than that, underwear all the way. He even got out of their little pool today to pee. Michael is AMAZING--I give him full credit for sticking with it & taking the lead. I am so proud of him!!

*Other Michael-stuff: He seems so much older to me in the past month. Aside from the potty progress, he is using different words, speaking more complete thoughts, sharing his ideas. We have hit a new level & it is WONDERFUL to see his curiosity & love of learning new things. I got a great compliment today from one of his teachers about his "pre-reading skills". I am not over-focused on this type of thing for his age but it's still nice to know that he is on a good path. He has always been very into books and I have noticed the increased interest in letters/words/ numbers & desire to read.

*Then there is my LIAM: my little comedian, he is coming into his own, asserting his opinion, taking control. Yes, you can imagine the power struggle between him and his brother. But it's all good- I am happy to see him blossoming & realizing that he is his own person. His language is also blowing my mind. He can't say everything clearly but I usually get the gist. On our morning drive, I get to hear all about the skoool bus, 'ment mixer, uh-oh cows!, motorcycle man, big truck, police car man or whatever else we happen to see along the way.

*Michael and Liam are starting to have their own little chats--very entertaining. I asked Michael to repeat what he said the other day and he told "I wasn't talkin' to you Mommy, I was talkin' to LEEEam." Well, excuse the intrusion!! It's so great to see their relationship forming.

*Pregnancy: Going well. My only complaint at this point is nausea which is the norm for me. The fact that I have only gotten sick 2 mornings in the past 10 weeks is nothing short of a miracle. The past 2 pregnancies found me sick every day for about 2-3 months. So this is much easier to manage.

*Mike has been working his butt off- doing side work with a friend which has been awesome for our bank account but hard on our family time. He is also doing weight watchers and has lost over 7 lbs. I am very proud of his efforts. He is such a good husband!!

*Work is perking along with not too much to report there. I have finally stopped torturing myself about leaving my boys & have realized how much they enjoy their "school". Not sure how this is going to feel when #3 makes his/her appearance.

*Along those lines, since we only have a 3 bedroom house, I will be asking advice on what to do with our sleeping arrangements for the kids. More on that in another post!

So those are my updates for now--I am sure I have more to include but my brain is tired & it is WELL past any reasonable bed time.

Hope you enjoy the weekend...I am happy to have an extra day off & a wedding to attend tomorrow. Mike and I totally count that as a date :)

It's Potty Time

First of all, thank you to everyone who shared recipes- both here and on FB (Giselle!)...
I feel bad- like I may have insulted someone by implying that no one cooks anymore--it was meant only in good humor! Obviously, I'm no Betty Crocker since I was asking for help to begin with...

On to the topic at hand: As of Friday, we are totally on the potty training bandwagon with Michael. He spent Friday in underwear--with no accidents-- while at school. He proceeded to have 3 accidents at our friend's house on Friday late afternoon/evening. I think he was just too distracted/excited & we weren't tuned in. Luckily, I did not let this change our course.

We started again this morning and the day went VERY well overall. He peed and pooped on the potty. He did go once in a pull-up that we put on while coming home from another friend's house. I only put it on him because he hadn't peed the entire time we were there & the thought of pee in car seat is just EW!. Other than that, he stayed dry in his big boy underwear.

I don't have a great structure (as usual) but some things that seem to be helping are:
1. Reminding/prompting but not being overly forceful- letting Michael feel some sense of control
2. Mini marshmallows as the reward- 2 for pee, 4 for poop
3. Underwear NOT pull-ups except for nap/bed
4. Keeping up the praise, high-5's, etc. & reassuring him that he can control his pee.

Note about #3: After he got up from his nap today, he did not initially want to sit on the potty. In about 5 minutes, he actually told me he had to pee, was able to hold it until we got to the potty and so his pullup was completely dry. I was both surprised and proud about this!

Something clicked with him this week where he was starting to tell me when he peed in his diaper...he has also been holding himself so even I know when he is peeing-even if he doesn't say anything. The pull-ups we have supposedly get cold when you pee, so that might have had something to do with increasing his awareness-or it could just be him. So we were talking more about the idea of the potty and how you need to get there before you pee. I take no credit- the lightbulb just went on in his head. I took underwear, pull ups and extra pants to school and they put them to use.

I am relieved to be off to a good start--even though this may be a bit of a process-- the more positive experiences we have, the better (for me!)...and like other kids, he will get there. Now, I just need to adjust my brain to be alert to all bathrooms wherever we are and be ready to get him there ASAP.

Worshipping the porcelain god

Um, no- not like you did in college!

So we jumped (actually just fell) into the potty bowl today...I mean, after months of circling around the idea, we are potty training Michael (officially). There has been an increased interest in using the potty at daycare AND the idea of being a "big boy" so we are going to give it a go and see what happens.

I don't have a very well-defined strategy but it seems to me that once your child "gets" the gist of what the potty is for, it's basically alot of nagging--I mean ENCOURAGING and PROMPTING Michael to use the potty. And hopefully helping them make the connection to withhold the pee/poop until your little bottom is on a potty. We missed a pee opportunity but scored with a poop (we did not start first thing this morning).

So what are we doing/using? We only have one bathroom on the second floor so I think it makes the most sense to start with a potty chair downstairs until we know Michael can hold it...We also started with pull-ups today although I want to incorporate training pants into the mix too so that Michael is more uncomfortable when wet. The pull-ups we have happen to create a cold sensation when he wets but that's just luck because I had a coupon and there was a sale. And who knows if he will care?

I will let you know what happens! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

RECAP

WARNING: This is a long one and I may ramble a bit but here it is...

I started a post on Monday night and couldn't even finish it because I was falling asleep. I was just THAT tired. Let's see if I can recap this crazy week before I get too sleepy tonight...

SUNDAY INTO MONDAY: Michael woke up in the middle of the night to get into our bed. Then around 4:30am, he woke up to vomit- by some miracle, none of it ended up in our bed. So began our sickly, stressful, laundry-laden week.

MONDAY
Mike had off thankfully and while my office was technically closed, I had opted to attend a meeting at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (known around here as "CHOP"). It was an advisory board meeting related to their autism research. I am now a member of the advisory board! They are doing some amazing studies. I was worried the whole time about Michael but he was in good hands and overall I am glad I went. ALSO, in the afternoon I had a mammogram- hello 35, this is what I get for crossing over the mid-30s threshold. Now, to fill you in, I have had some benign cysts in the past but have always had ultrasounds. Now that I am 35, it's time to bring in the breast compressor.
I was SERIOUSLY nervous about this test. I was wondering if I have "enough" for them to even DO a mammogram. Well, I had the test, the technician was so sweet and it was really no big deal. Very minimal discomfort, didn't take too long. I got the results today (Saturday) that everything "appears normal"--how's that for careful wording? Anyway...

TUESDAY
I stayed home from work to take care of Michael. Liam also skipped school. While I enjoyed being home with the boys, I wish it were for a different reason. Michael was very sleepy and still puking. I just tried to keep him comfortable and keep Liam from getting bored. I also attempted to take Michael to the doctors because I was concerned that he had strep throat. Attempt #1 was for a 3:40 appointment. Michael threw up ALL OVER both of us on the way out to the car. I had to knock on my neighbor's door & ask her to get Liam out of the car for me. He was crying and I knew he would be hysterical if I went inside to change before getting him. It was a MESS but we got it all cleaned up. Attempt #2 was for a 6:20 appointment which was successful and his test was negative for strep.

WEDNESDAY
Liam was fine so I brought him to daycare and I worked. My mom and Mike were able to coordinate things to be home with Michael.

THURSDAY
Liam started with diarrhea. Michael started to keep solids down and also started with diarrhea. I had to take a half day to be home in the afternoon due to Mike's work schedule. That meeting on Monday turned out to have the added benefit of some flex time that I used to cover part of my missed hours.

FRIDAY
Both boys with some really nice (explosive) diarrhea...Mike was home with them all day so I didn't have to use up any more sick time. ALSO, my good friend Emily has been in town this week with her daughter. While we couldn't get the kids together for obvious reasons, the two of us did get to go out for a couple of beers last night (with Mike's blessing). Although I was tired, it did me a world of good to just go out and think about something other than the stress from the week.

SATURDAY
While the runny diapers persist, appetites are improving and the boys both seem to be feeling better. I was SO worried about Michael. This virus really wiped him out but because he got alot of sleep yesterday and today, I think he is feeling stronger. Liam is not really affected other than being very tired. He is still pleasant as ever. While I am trying to feed them both foods that fall under that whole BRAT diet, they are asking for different things and I am very happy to know they are starting to get some more calories in the mix.

I pray that NONE OF YOU have to deal with this any time soon because it is THE WORST. I want to Lysol and Clorox wipe my entire house right now. I wish they had some sort of sanitizer "bomb"--like a bug bomb that exterminators use. Just clean it all in one shot.

ANYWAY, let's see what else can I add to this already lengthy post?
While I have been reading my usual favorite blogs, I just feel so out of touch when I don't post regularly.

Thursday-- Two people were arrested in relation to the recent arsons that have plagued this area. I knew something was going on when we went almost 2 weeks with no fires. I wasn't sure if it was good or bad--but this is definite progress.

Today I went to church with my mom. My church has a 4:15 service which is pretty convenient. I hate rushing around Sunday morning so the evening mass works well for me. I do go to church regularly but am not always the most focused person while I am there. For whatever reason, today I felt very much at peace--maybe because the music was uplifting or maybe because it is the only quiet time I have had this week. There was one hymn that it seemed like everyone was singing and it was just such a spiritual moment. I don't always experience that these days and it was just really good and something that my spirit was in desperate need of. I might as well tell you that I am still struggling to adjust to life as a working mom...and this week was particularly awful for me. So that chat with Emily last night and this nice, peaceful church time this afternoon were just what I needed to let some of that stress go and realize that not all weeks will be this crazy.

If the diaper blow-outs settle down, I'd like to take the boys SOMEWHERE tomorrow. We'll see...

A Bedtime Story

Please note the late hour and the fact that I am still awake even though I have to work tomorrow and have been overwhelmed and exhausted...but I had to get this out of my system.

My dearest Michael- who HATES going to bed/sleep in his own bed- decided to occupy himself with a bottle of baby lotion this evening. I don't usually leave those things within his reach but I was a bit unfocused tonight. I went upstairs to check on him about an hour ago (because I just knew he was up to something) and HOLY LOTION! He had managed to use about 70% of a new bottle on various parts of himself and the room.

Now, I realize there are worse things than lotion but have you ever tried to clean this stuff up? It is so GREASY. I was upset to the point of tears. Michael has never done anything quite like that before. Luckily, most of it appears to have been rubbed onto his pj's or into the carpet. His carpet is in good condition but not perfect- so if there are any stains, I am sure we will deal with them just fine. I also had to wash his bedding and the fabric part of his clothes hamper.

I was PISSED! It could have been so much worse but it was still a chore. Michael didn't like the fact that I was crying. And I think he understood that I was upset by the mess he created. And I am hoping that will be a deterrant.

Michael has been VERY defiant for almost a week...I can't figure out what his deal is. But he is in one of those phases where EVERYTHING is a problem. And as he is getting older, he's a bit more aggressive and quite a bit harder to persuade. He really could care less about a time out or revoking a privilege or whatEVER. I have no leverage...and apparently, no authority...sigh.

I am all out of behavior modification ideas...I need a new game plan. Because next time, he could make a mess with something far worse than lotion. And I can't really even think about that one...

On the positive side: his skin is as soft as it was on the day he was born...

PSA & Photo Phun

First, please note off to your right there, an update to my two cents on Early Intervention. I talk to many parents (personally and professionally) who have concerns about their child's development. Even if it is a hard thing to think about- don't delay reaching out for help because in the event that your child is struggling-EARLY Intervention is key.

These services start at birth and typically go up to age 5--at which point your local school district would begin to provide any services your child might need (example: speech therapy). And if your pediatrician tells you to "wait and see"- take it upon yourself to access Early Intervention services. Not to sound like an alarmist but in this case, the only thing I ever hear a parent express regret about is not getting help SOONER. Okay, so that's my public service announcement. Hope it wasn't too preachy!

Now for something a little more fun- PHOTOS and MOVIE SHORTS:
(Blogger was being really funky so bear with me!)

Michael (blue sleeves) and Liam in Michael's new bed:







Ready for sleep? Yeah right!




JANUARY 19th- our first real snow!
Michael has a green jacket



Earlier Tonight
Liam is in the green striped sweater






Sorry this one is so dark but I liked our little chat!!

Sweet Dreams...

Runny noses, coughs, fevers & a BIRTHDAY

First, my poor little boys- they have had a rough week!

Michael: spiked a 103.2 degree fever late on Tuesday afternoon ...he looked so out of it. I actually took his real temp (yeah, the rectal-ugh). Luckily it resolved by Wednesday night with Motrin and a Tylenol bump. He got to call out sick from school on Wednesday and make a quick visit to the doc (due to a rash that accompanied the fever). Yesterday he was fine but now today he is clearly run down and has a very croupy sounding cough plus a runny nose. He is a trooper though.

Liam: did pretty well this week until this morning. He woke up seeming very tired and just wanted to snuggle with someone. He was still pleasant though and his runny nose didn't really kick in until this afternoon. He also felt especially warm when he got up from his nap. That along with his behavior told me that he was running at least a low grade fever. He was walking around whining and wanted me to hold him. So I gave up my idea of making dinner early and sat down with him to cuddle. Sure enough, he fell asleep on me for about 45 minutes.

Luckily, the boys were only at school (daycare but we call it school) for a few hours this morning. I was very happy that I had a planned day off. The appointment that I took the day off to attend ended up being MUCH shorter than anticipated & I was thinking I had really wasted a vacation day. But given that they were both feeling so badly, I was happy that they got to be in the comfort of their own home and that I got to take care of them when they were feeling like crud. It was actually a really nice afternoon and evening in spite of all the coughing, sneezing and snot. We also took them for haircuts before we went home for lunch- boy did they both need it! I will try to post some pictures of them soon.

Mike and I have also both been congested/stuffy feeling but it's been manageable.

Okay, enough sickness. TOMORROW is a very special day as it is my mom's birthday :) She will be 72 and I have to tell you, she is an amazing woman and you would not guess her to be 72. She is an intricate part of our lives (in a good way) & is always supportive of us in every way possible. I will definitely need to dedicate tomorrow's post to her and I can tell you a little more about her then.

Crib or Bed?

First, a question:

How old was your child when you moved him/her from a crib to a bed
OR
If you haven't gotten to that yet, what's your plan?
Will you use a toddler bed or just go right to the real thing?

We have been talking about moving Michael to a bed for some time now. The only thing that has held us back is lack of an actual bed/funds for a bed. We now have the opportunity to inherit a toddler bed. So if that pans out, I think we will take the plunge. He is so ready!!

I don't think this will be a big transition for him but I could be wrong. Michael is also giving us signs that he is really ready to attempt potty training and so I think we need to make some changes to support that effort. Even though I am so intimidated by it and I can't even really explain to you why. Michael has already gone on the potty (regular and "pottychair"). I would gladly wait until he is closer to 3 but his interest level and awareness are there so I think we are going to give it a try and see how it goes...

Stats & A "Post-Card"

SANTA'S COMING??!! CRAP, I should have dialed down that last tantrum!

Michael & Liam have both had well visits with the pediatrician within the past week.

If you read this, you know that they are VERY close in size.

Here's how close...

Michael

Height-36.5in

Weight-31.8 lbs

Melon-19.75in

Liam

Height-35.25 in

Weight-31.2 lbs

Melon-20 in

Liam's doctor commented that Liam is going to be over 6ft tall...my little Liam is not so little!

In comparison, Michael at 18 months was 33/28.10/19.