I dry!

Yesterday was a huge day at my house, my son wore underwear to the babysitters and was able to stay dry the entire day! Underwear! Not a pull up - underwear! I was so thrilled! I have been working on this moment for what seems forever, he always seems to do really well and then regresses... no matter how far we would get though, he would always do poorly for the sitter.

He would just refuse to even sit on the toilet, but not this week, he has been sitting and in fact she said that he has even told her a hand full of times that he had to go! This is some serious progress! and I'm seriously EXCITED! 

But as my excitement grew it didn't take me long to realize my sons had grown at a far faster rate, he was soo thrilled that he shrieked and squealed all throughout the house last night, running around bouncing off the walls... I did it - I did it... I dry!

 

drink yogurt

Apparently the first thing I need to learn as a mom of a toddler is that they never forget - never. My son has more recently become obsessed with the - you said.... and then repeats word for word what I had said a time before. A great example of that would be the other week when I took him to the store and he had asked if he could get cookies and I said no... and he said... you said next time mom... next time. So yes, I may of said that but what I meant is "no - please stop asking" - ooops secret is out. 

Well last night was another one of those nights, when nothing seems to go right, we started off on a good foot, he had actually finished the entire meal and asked for seconds. Which was good - no complaining or wining, success. But then after meal he was upset because he couldn't find a certain "digger" a truck basically. Then he was unable to find his small "woody" the figure from toy story 3, he could find buzz but not woody. One crying fit after the next. Finally we suggested maybe it was time for a bath. Well - go figure I used the wrong bubbles. Tears there as well. After a drug out screaming cleaning match. He was clean, dry and in his PJ's - ready for snack. 

Snack is a pretty valuable word in our house. Usually you can get him to do just about anything for a snack... but last night was a different story. He had decided that he needed to pick what he was having for snack. I agreed and opened the pantry. He looked around up and down the shelves for what seemed for ever. All thirty pounds of him rested securely on my hip has he just stared. He seemed as though he would never make up his mind. I then said come on Gavin, I don't have all night and I just grabbed a packet of fruit snacks. Well the last thing you ever want to do is rush a two year old apparently because that was a mistake to make. I had thought he would be thrilled with the thought of fruit snacks, but no - not this time. He wanted to "do it" - meaning he would be picking it out this evening. 

I mentioned that maybe we pick something form the fridge then. Maybe string cheese, yogurt.. and he stops and says... ya yogurt. So I put him in his chair and he immediately begins screaming - mind you I have not even got the yogurt out of the fridge. I tell him to chill out I am getting it. and he squeals.. no mommy "drink yogurt" (oh the drinkable - they are such wonders right now... it's a kids best friend - a favorable yogurt liquid drink.) However at this time we of coarse have none. I tell him that I'm sorry we have none. They are all gone. And this is when the fit truly began. 

Before I knew it he was screaming and spinning around on the ground on the kitchen floor. Surprised and upset with his behavior I mentioned that maybe he was so upset and crying because he was tired. "tired" wow. never say that to a two year old either. How I have forgotten the forbidden word. By this time he was crying so hard that he would occasionally gag. UGH - make it stop. I remember thinking - what can I do - he is totally beyond a freaking out point. He has lost it. 

I brought him into his bedroom and set him on his bed. Went down to his level and firmly said. We have no drink yogurt right now. I am sorry but you can not have any. Maybe if you go ask your dad, next time he goes to the store he can buy you some. 

"he will...." you hear amongst the sobs. 

"yes... maybe... if you are good and ask him nicely"

Soon he is trailing his little body down the hall way into the living room and to the side of daddy's chair. Kevin looks down at him and makes mention of him being a big boy and not crying anymore and Gavin proudly slows his breathing enough to studder/say -

"when.. when... you go to store and get bread can you get drink yogurt... "

Kevin looks at him and then looks at me and says to our little man "of coarse" 

Gavin then responds "thanks daddy... puh weeze (please)..." and picks up greeny and makes his way back to his room and lays down in bed. ask for a hug and kiss from me.

When I checked on him a couple minutes later he was out - no snack. He had forgotten all about it, and had worn himself out with the drama over the drink yogurt. Well you would think it would end then. 

This morning I was getting ready for work in the bathroom and my husband had already left for the day - when little Gavin comes wondering into the bathroom. "morning mom - wheres daddy... " (he asks this every morning, he knows exactly what I'm going to say - at work... but today i decide to change it a little)

"I dont' know Gavin, do you know where he is?? " I asked in a concerned voice, and you would not believe the answer I got from my 2 year old!

"He's at store mom... he get Gavin drink yogurt!"

sour

My little girl is growing up quickly she is almost six months old and we started cereal a while ago but she is starting to need a little bit more. I decided to introduce her to bananas last week. It was just the cutest thing, she wrinkled her nosed and squint her eyes... she made the biggest pucker face I have ever seen, over bananas. Oh baby Olivia, bananas are not sour boy does she have a lot to experience yet when it comes to flavors. 

She makes all those sour faces and then looks up at me and smiles and opens her mouth - as if to say "more please." I guess that means she liked it. So we did the bananas to three days and on the third day I decided to mix it with her cereal and that worked the best. It was a texture she was used to and the flavor that she was beginning to love. 

So the other day I decided to introduce her to her first veggie. Sweet Potatoes. Now you would assume this would be a favorite of hers... but oh the faces, and she began to gag and and squint her little eyes and puckered her face. She thought it was sour again! Don't worry we got it all on our video camera. She was just the funniest thing. But just as she did with the bananas after all of it had been swallowed she would look up at me, smile really big and open up again as if to say "I like it" - "more please." 

Oh how I love my princess "o" she knows all the right faces to make at me just to make my heart melt and every day she seems to add another expression to the list of her favorites. However her newest and most used expression - Sour.
 

greeny

Bedtime always seemed to be an easy time of the night for my son. We kept a routine and he always knew what to expect. Even as a baby he would always sleep through the night and had continued to do so up until now - If he was up something was wrong. Teeth, Sick, or even a nightmare or two. 

The routine started out easier with a bath every other night and then PJ's and cuddle time along with a story maybe two at most. We would lay him down in bed awake, but tired with his small green blanket and soon he would be fast asleep. Then as he began to grow during the past spring and during this summer it went a little more like bath every night (dirty little man from being outside) a quick sippy cup of milk and a snack while watching a sing a long song DVD. After the DVD was over it was over to mom or dad's lap and we would have to read him at least three story books. Then off to bed and he would lay with his green blanket and a new blanket from grandma mescher with sports balls all over it. 

By the beginning of this winter we had gone to bath (every other night), PJ's, Milk and snack, 5 books, potty time, off to bed... now he has to bring "greeny" his same little green blanket that he has now named, ball blanket (as he calls it) and a new blanket a toy story snuggy must also be kept with him in his little car bed. Now this use to be enough but more recently he has needed to include three rather large stuffed animals - a bunny, a puppy, and a bear. We have also needed to leave the closet light on and also he thinks he needs to have a drink with him. AND needs to be read two books while laying in bed. 

After he falls asleep I must then make sure he has not been suffocated by one of his three animals or three blankets, and find the drink and put it back in the fridge.


This routine has turned into an hour long drug out thing. Kevin and I have recently removed the books from his bedroom and told him we will read two books before bed on the couch in the living room. Next - I am getting the sippy away from him NEXT .... and slowly I would like it to go back down to a little more normal... but my husband and I both know... one thing he will never be with out is his dear old - greeny.

that baby roll

When it comes to my daughter Olivia "that baby roll" can me hundreds of things. It could be the cute little roll that appears under her chin when she is grinning ear to ear. Or perhaps it is the one that greets the base of her neck all the way around that chubby little face. You could however be refering to the roll that appears at the crease of her hand and wrist or anckle and foot. Or perhaps my favorite her little rolls that line her legs up and down. Whatever roll you are refering to - it doesn't much matter because every single one of them are prefect, and as Olivia's mother, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

However the title of this blog is not refering to any of those rolls, I am however refering to the new skill my daughter has recently become obsessed with. She now feels she can reach and play with any toy seeming to be with in her reach. She will watch Gavin run from one side of the house to the other. However her favorite activity is to roll. It is by far the cutest moment - when she flips over from her back to her belly - that smile. That look of "look mom i did it." She is so proud of herself and as her mommy, I am proud also. It's amazing to be able to share in all of their first, and by far even more amazing to watch their reaction. As they all seem to wear their emotions straight on their sleeve. I can't wait to see her tonight and watch her play on the floor and of coarse - that baby roll.

my little valentine

My little valentine, Gavin, had a special treat this year. Kevin, Gavin and I spent all day Saturday together. Just the three of us. The morning started with Kevin working and I getting the kids all ready and packed for the day ahead of me. - of coarse I may not get the credit for this but getting both kids up and bathed and dressed and fed and packed is well, I'm going to just say it, work as well. Anyways. I then ran to my mom's (the kids grandma) and dropped Olivia off there for the day. My mom would be watching her while we (Kevin and I) had our day out with Gavin. 


We had decided since his new obsession with trains had been clear and he had been doing so well with potty training for Kevin and I that we would treat him by taking him to the worlds largest train museum, the EnterTRAINment Junction. Clearly more of a kids fun house then a museum but it was definitely going to be worth the trip. After dropping Olivia off Gavin and I went back home to meet up with Kevin, the three of us had a quick lunch and then we hit the road. It was just under a two hour drive and luckily Gavin slept the entire way! 

No more than we walked through the front doors his jaw hit the floor. "Choo Choo Train house! - mom look... daddy.... wwoooooke" He was beside himself and could not stop grinning. I loved to watch his little face reactions at he looked around at all the kids and trains. We made our way through the museum and he was able to push red buttons and listen to train noises and watch them race across the tracks. 

Then we came to an area that was 1200 sq feet of fun! It was a play area for the small children. Climbing, building, riding, he was beside himself with joy. He was exploring and growing into quiet the inquisitive little boy. Asking questions about everything and soaking up everything we had to say. Following the play time we then continued along the path and enjoyed more of the museum until reaching the "train ride" it was the Thomas the Train and the kids were allowed to ride it over and over and it was included in the initial cost. Oh did he love this. 

He road it and waved at Kevin and I as he took it in a circle round and round. Just when I had thought the day couldn't get any better it did. 

It was five o'clock and we left the train house and left in search of a quick place to eat with our little man. We ran into a restaurant called "Five Guys" I had never ate there before. But it was really worth the stop! Kevin and I engrossed ourselves into rather large burgers and Gavin was given the largest hot dog he had ever seen, and lets face it - that makes a two year old's meal complete. 

Following all of this excitement my husband surprised me by now informing me that the Cincinnati outlet malls are only a five minute drive away and he would like to take Gavin and I there to get a little something for Valentines Day! Hip Hip Hooray! Amazing. 

We spent a few hours at the mall and then made the two hour trip home to get our gorgeous little girl. She had been busy playing and giggling and having fun all day with her Grandma and Aunt Melanie. Although she was thrilled to see me, I knew the day needed to be spent with just Gavin, he needed special time with his daddy and mommy - my little valentine.

the flu

It has probably been over a week since I have blogged about my kids, my husband, or my life. Last week was a real circus. Monday I took off a few hours in the afternoon and brought my daughter "O" back in to see the Doctor. It was decided that we should run some blood work and my hubby meant me at the hospital to help out with that. 

It was a traumatizing experience they poked my little girl 7 times! Then came Tuesday and Wednesday things were starting to look a little better. Wednesday - afternoon my headache came on. I thought it was the ice storm and being stuck inside with the kids all day (level three) but no.. I was coming down with the flu! By Thursday morning I was running over a 103 temp. NOT GOOD... 

When I say not good, I mean I felt awful! I was basically bed ridden until two that afternoon when I got out of bed and onto the couch and waiting for Kevin to come home and bring me to the doctor. Turns out I have the influenza too! Thanks Miss Olivia.... wink. 

My fever persisted though Saturday! and on Saturday my daughter started back up with a fever and a deeper cough. (the never ending flu) I decided yesterday that I should just bring her to urgent care and get it over with. Here her flu virus has turned into a secondary infection. She now has bronchitis and is on an antibiotic. 

I sent her to the sitter this morning - I need to be at work. I have missed enough days in the past two weeks. Time for me to get caught up around there! It shouldn't be this hard to keep up on housework and laundry however... nothing is possible during the flu.

an ice day

After several days of high fever and stomach problems for Miss Olivia.

Yesterday we had to bring Miss Olivia back into the doctor. She still just wasn't herself with a low grade fever and not keeping liquids down. She just would puke or have a number 2 diaper following every feeding. After visiting the doctor it was to Dr Kucks best interest that we would send Olivia on to get blood work done over at the hospital. She wanted to run a CBC and a dehydration drawl as well. 

This was an absolute mothers nightmare. Because of her dehydration the nurses were unable to get a vein as easily as they would have liked after poking her five times... Olivia just gave up. She stopped breathing. I looked up at her face.. and I screamed for them to stop. I picked her up and she finally took a big breathe. She was a blueish color by this point and basically was hyperventilating. It was so sad. The nurses felt awful and they called for someone to come down from the OB floor. They pricked her again, with no luck. At this point Kevin had showed up to meet me, and I quickly met him in the waiting room and told him to come in and hold Olivia down, because I could not do that to my daughter any longer. 


They tried one more time, and poked way deep and it was a success, they got the blood they needed, only an hour and fifteen minutes later. I was to return to work and await a phone call from the doc office and Kevin took the afternoon off to stay home with Olivia. 


I got a call an hour later and just as I had suspected/hoped everything was fine. She is slightly dehydrated, but nothing she needs to be hospitalized for at this time. The CBC came back good, meaning that she has a virus not a bacterial infection. All these results are good, but a mothers heart it also makes you think, great I just made her get poked 7 times and tortured for and hour and fifteen minutes for nothing! But I guess if the doctor is happy I am happy. 


As for today. Olivia and Gavin are at the sitters. And the storms a brewing outside. The babysitters Kids are home (no school) and Gavin is thrilled this means he has more kids to play with!

The news reporters just keep chatting away, there are warnings in the bottom of every TV station, the blizzard of 2011 is on it's way. According to the station we will be getting 5-10 inches of snow and several hours of ice to follow. By the looks of it tomorrow may be no work or school but instead of a snow day - an ice day.

sick baby

There is nothing worse than having a sick child and one that is running a fever. While Aunt Melanie was in the hospital, I was busy at home with Miss Olivia running over 102 temp. She was such a sweetie though and a trouper at that. She tried to stay on top of an eating schedule and slept a lot. However she puked and had blow outs to follow most every meal. 

It all started on Wednesday after work and I took her to the doctor on Thursday - and they ran a RSV test done and thank goodness that came back negative, on the down side there i nothing the doctor can do to help we just need to push fluids and keep an eye on Olivia's fever. 

As a mother a fever is scary enough, but a fever that continues to go up even after Tylenol, is a flat out nightmare.We made it through though and we are on day four of it and I can finally say we are headed in the right direction. She is still sleeping a lot, and wants to be held a lot but at least she is starting to eat a little better when it comes to her formula intake. she is still a sick little girl.

As far as update on my sister, the kids Aunt Melanie she is home for now. she received a 2 pint blood transfusion and still needs to recoup and get over the mono. The doctor said that as far as reasoning for the low blood level, he thinks she has a blood iron anemia disorder. All I really know right now is that she is still a sick baby too.

aunt melanie

Last night my sister Melanie was admitted into the hospital. It is a very scary time for our entire family. She has shingles and mono and her blood count is down to a 7.9 when it should range from (10-14). This afternoon they began a blood transfusion and she is going to be getting at least 2 pints of blood throughout today. For now they are giving her O- although her blood type is A- until they can get her type in. I hear that this is a normal procedure to follow as O- can be used for any blood type. 

My brother Andy and I went to the hospital last night to visit our little Sis. Kevin stayed home with the kids, as we don't need them getting one of her highly contagious diseases. Melanie seemed to be in high spirits and is finally getting some color back to her - as the fluids run in (she was very dehydrated).

I came home last night and told Gavin that his Aunt Melanie was a very sick little girl and that the doctors are running test to find out what is wrong with her. Immediately he ran to his toy box and began shuffling through the toys. I figured eck he doesn't understand and doesn't care... it's fine he is too young. Nope.. he comes flying back with his doctor kit and hands it to me.... "here mom, make Melanie better" 

Awe... my heart melted... he doesn't know how but in his own little way he is trying to help. It was precious. Melanie's Birthday is tomorrow she will be 17! looks like she will be in the hospital for her birthday - poor Aunt Melanie.

sleepy heads

This morning neither one of the little squirts wanted to get out of bed. In fact I woke Olivia up at 7:15 changed her clothes and tried to get her to eat her bottle and she wanted nothing to do with it. I packed her up in the car and then went in and got Mr Gavin. He was still sound asleep lights on in the bedroom and everything. Nothing could disturb his restful slumber.

I put his coat on and carried him out to the van, he still didn't wake. Then on the way to the babysitters he startles away and not to my surprise he asked 'where's daddy'. That boys life revolves around his daddy. Everything he and I do together he is constantly wanting to know where his daddy is and what his daddy is doing. This morning he told me "I go to work with dad" I played along with a "really you are going with daddy" and he says clear as a whistle "Yup. I take the ool bus to work." Haha... I think little man has his events mixed up. All he really knows is EVERYONE... seems to leave him in the morning.

The other morning he was crying on the way to the babysitters telling me how Daddy go to work, Mommy go to work, Jason go to work (my babysitters husband) , Tyler Trent Megan go to work... etc... he just kept going and going... listing off everyone he knew i swear. and then ended with. Me and Livy go to Ree's (meaning Marie's) and I just always say... Yes... you are one lucky little boy... Mommy and Daddy love you soo much that you get to go to Marie's all day! and all you have to do is PLAY! and he will get a big ole grin on his face and say "Play at Marie's!!!!" and I say yes! you and your baby sister Olivia... and He responds... Me and Livy. 


They are pals anymore, they do everything together, whether they are home or at play they are completely in sink, my little sleepy heads.

cereal

For my little girl everything bring a smile and a giggle to her face. Just a simple glance from her brother can send her into a giggling frenzy. She is almost five months old but has got the biggest personality! She is so laid back and easy going. Happy with everything. 

Her favorite would have to be the excer-saucer right now, she will sit in there for an hour. She would probably stay in there longer if I would let her. She has the biggest blue eyes and she just stares at all the toys surrounding her. 

Laying on the floor (belly time) and watching her brother run around her and bring her toys... is another favorite of hers. But by all means I'd have to say her favorite past time is the bath. She loves to splash her hands and feet and wiggle her little toes. It's the funniest thing I can just watch those little toes as she smiles staring herself. I don't know what it is - the water, the warmth, the baby lotion massage to follow, or the individual attention that she loves the most. But princess "o" just loves bath time.

And as much as she loves bath time she can have a love greater than that by far. And that love is the love for cereal! No more than I walk in the door in the evening and she sees me she expects me to pick her up give her a big ole hug and then hold her for a bit, not long though.. just enough to please her mommy fix. Then she wants to be put right in her high chair... soon to follow she needs that spoon of cereal to be heading towards her mouth. It works out nicely because we are all literally eating at the same time then. As we all sit down for supper. But she sits there and gobbles it all down. After it's gone, she's fine with it. She is happy and content and can just sit in there and play with a toy as the rest of us finish our meal. I couldn't ask for a happier baby...

The love that they show is amazing... the love for mom, dad, brother and cereal.

the sucker

Potty training has turned into such the ordeal in my house, I don't know if it is like this for everyone but it can quickly turn into a 24-hour job. I didn't want it to be. So I decided to let my little man some independence the only thing I vowed to do was to bring him to the bathroom every time he told me he needed to go or if he was clearly holding himself. Other than that - underwear all the time when he is at home. 

Last weekend we worked on it while he was at home and by the end of the weekend he was accident free and on his way. All week last week every time he got home from the sitters my husband would put on his underwear and from then till bed he would tell us if he had to pee. It was working great, he was telling us he wanted to go and other than the sitters he was doing great. His treat was stickers... Christmas ones that Santa had given him along with a laminated Christmas tree that I made and Santa brought as well. So every time he went potty he could put a sticker on the Christmas tree... and it is a beautiful tree let me tell you! 

The tree is full now, and the stickers are gone, I have tried to resort to other stickers but now he persist that it's candy he wants. We used marshmallows (the colored ones) for a while and he was fooled and loved his 'candy' treats... however every time he goes to the babysitters it is as if we have not started the potty training at all. He has not peed on the potty there at all! Not even ONCE! How can he go from being completely potty trained at home, to nothing? and using his diaper? UGH... 


Then this weekend, he did great for us - all day Saturday and Sunday he was accident free... and requesting a dum dum sucker... or smarties... after completion of using the potty. So now I send him to the sitters today - pull ups and diapers included and can't help but wonder, will he use the potty today? Or am I the sucker and the dum dum for thinking he is potty trained. 


Suggestions are welcome, how do you get your child to pee for anyone but you? - signed the sucker.
 

the pacifier

This morning started off like any other morning with my alarm clock sounding off a little before six. I checked on both my babies and they both were sound to sleep so I decided it best to hop in the shower quickly before they wake up. 

Now you mothers out there no what this experience is like, it is not refreshing or relaxing it is however a great way to wake up quickly. Your nerves are on high alert and ears ready for any squeak. Quickly getting the hair bubbles out and stepping out of the shower and then a mothers worse fear came true. 

I could hear Olivia screaming at the top of her lungs. Quickly wrap the towel around my head and grab the robe and out the door... Frozen but on my way... "Olivia - shhhh your okay... " as I find her laying in her crib worked up in a sweat from crying. I tried to pick her up and she wanted nothing to do with that. Whipping her upper body back and whaling even louder. Now at four month old I couldn't believe the power and strength coming out of her little body.

I lay her back down and search for her pacifier throughout the crib. At last I find it squished of coarse behind the crib. The furthest possible place for me to reach (isn't that how it always works). I place the paci in her mouth and silence. Not only silence but she is out sleeping almost instantly. The power of the pacifier never ceases to amaze me.

My question to all of you out there. How do you get ready in the morning? I have a four month old and a 2 year old and I have to be walking out my door at 7:30. I get up at 5:30-5:45 at the latest and still find it hard to get my morning to go smoothly. Help! Tips welcome.... and yes... tomorrow morning before I hop in the shower... i will make sure Miss Olivia has - the pacifier.

the hair cut

I don't know what it is about a hair cut - but apparently it scares my son to death. I feel like I have tried everything. We started by bringing him to a professional beauty salon, and well that took a turn for the worst. He was just seventeen months old at the time, and thought of a stranger coming towards him with a sharp object, well it was just horrifying. 

We changed pace and had him sit on my lap while she had tried to cut his hair, and we barely got the bottom trimmed up - and we certainly never even touched above the ears. 

Following that visit my husband told me I was crazy to pay for something like that and that I should just buzz Gavin's head like I do his. This is not the exact look I was going for - and I didn't want my son to look like a clown. But we gave it a shot. it was the beginning of summer, whats the worst that could happen. Well - it was short, and definitely a hack job. but we got it done... he sat on Kevin's lap and we had hair EVERYWHERE.... we would do a little of Kevin's head and then a little of Gavin's back and forth. 

The following time, we tried the sucker - someone had mentioned giving him a sucker to help him sit.... ugh.. that was the wrong idea with my son at the time, the sucker was in and out of his mouth a hundred times within the first five minutes it was covered in hair and he was bawling. This haircut did not go well either. 

Next I held him and just buzz cut as much as I could. He screamed bloody murder, this was by far the worst hair cut I have ever given/experienced. And I am surprised the cops where not called on me by the neighbors... he screamed and screamed how badly it hurt and how his 'hair' was crying and mommy mean  - the whole works... by the end he was close to hyperventilating and I was crying and Olivia had gotten worked up and was crying as well... 

I swore I would NEVER cut his hair again. and that was just the end of that, he can have long hair, some boys do... and they are cute. we will just have to wait till he is old enough to understand a little better what is going on. 

Well it has been about three months since the last instance, and well Kevin wanted a hair cut last night. I got out all the clippers and stuff and we put Olivia in the swing and Gavin watched form afar what was going on. Kevin asked him if he wanted his hair cut and he immediately cried "NO" - screamed really. After Kevin's hair was complete he asked Gavin if he wanted to stand on the chair and eat a sucker and have his turn. 

And to my surprise he agreed. We told him we were going to make him pretty - yes pretty - like daddy. And he was sold he stood there and let me cut it! :) AMAZING. He kept the sucker in his mouth, and squirmed a little when I went around the ears, but all in all - it went great! Following his hair cut, it was straight to the tub... but it was a success and we had finally done it and talked him into, the hair cut.

buddies

Just lately my son Gavin and my daughter Olivia have really started to grow a strong liking to each other. Gavin can make Olivia smile or even giggle at just the drop of a dime. She absolutely adores him. She will watch him run around the room dancing or playing and can be entertain for hours.

He is all about princess "O" though as well. Such a big helper. He wants to feed her - burp her - help change her - give her blankey/pacifier. Really he is just all about her. And also they each always want to know what the other is up to. Just the other night while Gavin was taking his bath, Olivia had fallen asleep for the night and I had placed her in her crib. Well no more than Gavin was out of the tub and in the living room ready for snack when he quickly realized Olivia was no where to be seen.

"where livy mommy" "MOMMY WHERE BABY LIVY!" not even waiting for the answer he had begun searching all the normal locations. On the floor under her play area, in the exersauser, the bouncy seat he runs into the kitchen to check the swing and then back into the living room and putting his hands out and tilting his head to the side he asked again "where livy" and I said Olivia is in her crib. 

He got a sad look on his face and said, "oh no... livy tired? livy go to bed?" and I said yes. And then he said it for the first time "livy no play" That was it, he is now playing with our little four month old Olivia. brought a smile to my face, it is getting clearer now.. that they will be buddies before we know it.

to sit or stand?

My two year old has taken a liking to a new habit - the potty! As the mother, I am without words at this point. I have seen and heard more things this weekend then most mothers probably want to experience, however it probably comes with the job.

It all started on Friday when my little guy looked at me straight in the eyes Friday morning and said "I have to pee, mommy" In complete shock I picked him up and ran to the bathroom. We had tried this before, however it was always me constantly asking if he had to go and him constantly telling me that he didn't even right up to the peeing in the diaper while telling me no. So for him to tell me he had to go - YES - this was a huge step.

I got to the restroom and pulled down his little pants and ripped off the diaper and sat him on the toilet. NO.... he yelled, I pee like daddy, I stand like daddy - oh wonderful.... where will this lead. So I get the little stool out and put it in front of the potty - at this point I will try anything. No more than I had him up on there and lifting the toilet seat his little stream was making it's way to the toilet, the sound of splashing water startled him, and I'll be honest it scared me a little too! I couldnt' believe he had actually done it! and he had! and he was proud... oh boy was he proud... smiling ear to ear and demanding a sticker immediately. I quickly washed his hands and the toilet seat and we made our way into the kitchen to get him a sticker.

That was just the beginning, the following days were nothing short of a miracle.... He was doing it, telling me he had to go and wearing ' big boy underwear.' Although the fountain of urine made its way everywhere around the toilet, on his hands, on the bathroom wall and toilet seat, and every where else. Still I can't explain how exciting this is to a mother of two - changing two sets of butts everyday - this is plain amazing..... here other than inside the toilet. He was doing it - peeing, and trying. He has grown to love the underwear and as did I until yesterday - the poop.

OH my... the nightmare of cleaning stool out of your child's underwear. I didn't even know where to begin or how to even get it off without making a mess up and down his legs. There really was no way - it was just gross! and a HUGE MESS! and Gavin didn't quite crying the entire time and kept saying over and over "mommy- u sad? u sad mommy? mommy you sad?"  I had to be honest - I was sad, I was more than sad, I could of cried at that moment. But I sucked it up and cleaned him up and we used pull ups the rest of the day! - he kept them clean but still! I was just nervous.
 
So this leads me to my question, when potty training a little boy, it's all fun when they stand and pee and they think it is neat, but then how do you teach them to poop? So when potty training a two year old? should they sit or stand?

Vacation Day!

Although today is Friday, I was able to spend the majority of my day with my children. A wonderful vacation day, we didn't sleep in, but we accomplished a lot together. Seeing the world through their little eyes truly is amazing.

Today Gavin, my son, was in a peculiarly good mood, he new today was just for him. We played toys and the he peed on the potty for me all day! Wearing his little "choo choo train" underwear, which were really Thomas the Train.

Every time he would go on the potty he would run to our fridge and put a little sticker on the laminated tree from Santa. And then with out being told look up and say thank you Santa. I like stickers. What a little man. He has such a fun y understanding of it all.

He knows, in his mind if he goes pee he gets a sticker, from Santa. And a hug and high five from mom and dad. However every accident he looks straight at me and say, "mommy sad, cause Gavin was bad."

He knows I love him, just disappointed, and as a two year old he wants to verbalize everything. And I mean everything. He walked around our place today sharing his every move through words. He amazes me with his vocabulary and understanding. He is twenty six months old, okay so two. But with his personality and olivia's smile I had the best vacation day!

This evening the fun continued, as Gavin broke the pantry door, road his bike through the kitchen and played with our counter top convection oven. Following all that fun was bath time, and tonight he decided that he was taking his bath until he was cold. Which means, he intended to stay in there until the water turned cold. Kids?!? Anyone up for a cold bath? Not me!

Finally after bath we had some serious cuddle time which was followed by, I have to pee!

Oh the sound of that was music to my ears, he had never really told me before, it was always I asking him, and him saying no, and then I sitting him on the toilet anyways. This was a step, a big step, in the right direction. At this moment I didn't realize how big of a moment it would be. He decided that this time he would not sit, but he was standing. He says he is a big boy like daddy. Ha, we'll see about that.

I figured this moment to be a disaster and probably be followed by another bath. However my little man succeeded in his mission and a smile of pride was worn by him for at least the next fifteen minutes - and probably me too!

running late

Before I had children, I was usually the one you could rely on being early. My father had always taught me that to be early is to be on time and to be on time is to be late and to be late - well that just wasn't acceptable. Well here I am a mere 26 years of age with two little tikes to take care of and almost always seem to be running late. And by late - I mean "unacceptable." Usually this happens during the morning when my 2 hour long routine gets messed with, however it can happen almost any time of the day - when I need to be almost anywhere. 

Sometimes, okay usually it's my fault but I just can't seem to get into the swing of things. I just love my kids to much. This morning I was running late, why you wonder. Well it isn't because either of my kids woke up early or because either of them were sick or cranky. Instead it was the complete opposite. 

Instead they were both sleeping so soundly I just kept thinking I could wait just a little longer before waking them up. Until it seems I waited to long and had to wake them up. I began with Olivia as she needed a bottle before leaving in the morning. 

She was all smiles when I woke her and just kept cooing and cooing, I loved it so much I found it hard to just shove a bottle in her mouth so she would eat. But as soon as I did, of coarse she was hungry and ate the whole thing. Following the feeding we went into the bedroom and turned on the light and I began changing Olivia for the day as Gavin slowly rolled around and began waking up. 

I set Olivia down and went to get Gavin when I hear " mommy - way with meee... peeeze" - which of coarse means my 2 year old son is asking for a hug and for mommy to crawl in bed with him and cuddle for a bit before beginning his day - now tell me what mom can say no to this.... so of coarse I pipe up.... of coarse.... mommy will lay with you... and i say. just for a little bit. well it was a little bit, but it seems all my little bits turn into - running late.

choo choo train house

Saturday my husband Kevin and I decided to make a last minute shopping trip to Dayton. We had several returns/switches to make from Christmas Gifts. The children's clothes needed to be exchanged for a larger size. We also thought being the end of the winter 'clothing' season in the stores, that we may be able to get some good bargains. 

It was a great drive down, the kids both fell sound to sleep - Olivia has learned a new noise she now zerberts - spits - constantly. She is very proud every time she does it - it's usually followed with a big ole smile. So she does this until falling asleep and Gavin soon follows. 

We make it to elderbeerman and we make our trades/returns and buy a ton of clothes for the two little ones, good deals - steals really. Then over to the men's department  - and as Kevin is trying on some clothes - I have both kids, and I decide that if we keep walking throughout the store that Gavin will keep busy and not get into any trouble - well it isn't long and he demands that I hold him (we have only a single stroller and Olivia is seated inside) So there I am carrying one on my hip and pushing the other - and of coarse by this time we are on the other side of the department store.. when I realize I can come up with a game. 

I tell Gavin that we are going to march - he loves to march - so quickly he gets down and stands on the ground I said - he has to march right next to the stroller - if i stop so does he... so there we are and he is shouting "March. March. March. March... do the March March March" and then suddenly I would stop the stroller and yell stop.... and he stops... then I'd start back up and he would start back up. slow down speed up. you get the point... this worked wonderfully. I knew where he was at. and he was excited to "play" 

a few ladies standing in the women's department began to giggle and tell me how precious he is... and I look down and suddenly i stop in my tracks - red faced I realize he has pealed the pants stickers off of my pants and Kevin's and has stuck one across his forehead and one across his chest - with out even knowing it - he has been marching around the entire store... with my size stamped all over his body... wow... what a MOM moment.

following this store we then decide we need to go somewhere to let him burn some energy off before heading home. We drove around, for what seemed forever, in circles looking for Chucky Cheese - we had never gone before but thought it would be nice, Gavin could run around a bit and we could get Olivia out of her car seat and she would just enjoy looking around at all the kids and lights and such. 

Well we found it - and no more than we pull in the parking lot - we both look towards each other, it was clear we would not be walking into that place. It was a Saturday night at 5:30, bad planning on our part - the place was packed. Kevin makes the suggestion that we go to mall and let him run around in the kids play area. Excellent idea I thought - he can burn some energy off, we can go to the food court and get a quick supper and the play area is free. 

Well we got there - and of coarse the store we parked in front of was on the wrong end of the mall for the play area - so we got our exercise in and began walking to the other end of it. Gavin clenched onto Kevin as he carried him and I pushed Olivia in the stroller - I asked Gavin what was wrong. He answered quickly - " I scared mommy" and buried his head in Kevin's shoulder. 

Poor little guy - we finally reached the play area and Kevin told me to just leave the kids with him and go up stairs and get us some steak escape subs. So I headed on up and as I looked back Gavin was just getting his shoes off. 
 .....
Heading back down the escalator I noticed that Gavin is still sitting in the exact same position he was when I went up - here Kevin quickly explains that Gavin no longer thinks the play area is fun - he now finds all the new kids and strangers - scary.... 

oh..... he is two.. and learning.... Kevin let me know that Gavin would not leave his lap. I said, well since he isn't playing do you want to go back upstairs in the food area and sit at a table and eat. Kevin agreed and we gathered the socks and shoes - coats, diaper bag, stroller, food, and drink and headed up the elevator. 

If someone would of told me that this would of been the wisest move ever I wouldn't of believed them, but it was amazing... 

the time in the food court is unforgettable. First of all the subs were amazing and we sat next to all the quarter machine rides and Gavin was at the perfect age that he just climbed and played on them for a half hour at least. NO QUARTERS NEEDED..... what made the adventure that much better on the second floor there was a choo choo train, large enough that a man drove it and pulled a little string that made a aloud choo chooo sound and smoke exited the large smoke stack in the front. following his cart was three little carry cabooses... that kids could pay three dollars to ride on. 



by seven thirty we realized it was time to go and we had wanted to stop at Once Upon a Child before heading home, we hurried up cleaned up our mess - hit the bathrooms and headed for our long walk across the mall back to our van. 

As we were leaving the mall parking lot my son says... "mum... i excited" i said awe whys that hunny and he says " I like the choo choo train house" 

apparently - to a two year old - that's exactly what the mall is... a giant choo choo house!

cold day

This morning while rushing around the house getting ready I walked past the living room to see in the corner of my eye my two year old sitting on top of his toy box just gazing out side the window. I decided to slow down a bit and see what was going on in that little mind of his, I walk over and say "what are you doing" and he says... snow mom? as if he wasn't quite sure. I answered with a yes! (A lot of it actually, the schools are delayed and there is at least 4-5 inches out there.) Do you like snow Gavin?

No! Snow Cold! - that's my boy! I continued on my way and finished gathering all the things for today at the sitters - and he has started to take of his jammies and say - I need clothes mom - it's cold! .... so for the first time today he took off his jammies on his own and got a shirt on! I helped with the pants.. but he was proud. Then after that socks and shoes and finally a coat. We started loading the van. All ready just about to back out of the driveway... and  MOM----- COLD!!!!!!! I NEED MY SNOW STUFF.

I didn't know what he was talking about at first until it hit me, that he wanted me to grab the bag of snow gear - boots and all from the laundry room. I ran in quick and grabbed it. Who knows the babysitters kids may be home all day today - SNOW DAY.... COLD DAY.

the email

the phone call - the dreaded phone call, you pick up the call longing to talk to the person on the other line just as your two year old is longing to be held "hold me mom" and then followed by " i talk" " i say hi" Gavin LOVES PHONES! He must take after his mother - loves to communicate. Well if I clearly state that I am going to be talking on the phone now Gavin you go play with your toys. He will leave me and the phone alone - but that is worse.

In leaving me alone he has found a new way to entertain himself - and it's not with his toys. This is the time when their imagination roams free. The book shelf becomes a mountain - at which he thinks he must climb. Outlets a chance to get mom's attention and a jump and run of me towards him. The kitchen cupboards - bowls now drums. DVD's seem to something fun to throw throughout the living room. Shoes and Clothes scattered all throughout the living room - drug out from his bedroom.

My 10 minute phone call has now caused me a 30 minute clean up session. And the sad thing is, I don't remember 7 minutes of my phone call as they were interrupted with - hold on I got to get Gavin, hold on Olivia is fussing, and be right back I have to stop Gavin he is trying to climb. 

I have come to realize that the phone call should just turn into - the email.

the drop off

As every mother knows (whether working or stay at home mom) the dreaded drop off is usually something new every day - or in my case every morning. The time isn't even the same sometimes I get there on time 7:30 am - others I am a few minutes ahead, but in most cases in the morning i am flying up her driveway at roughly 7:42. 

The trip of a long 3 minutes is long enough for Gavin to realize just where he is heading and that mom will not be staying with him when he reaches the sitters house. Olivia is sometimes screaming at the top of her lungs because I have not gotten the last burp out correctly and the bumpiness of the van ride has caused it to make her little belly upset. However there are the other mornings, some mornings the kids remain calm, Gavin singing some tune softly that has been stuck in his head while Olivia doses off to sleep. Today not one of those days.

Today was a sad day - the morning that makes a mother well up with tears in her eyes, the little man hung to my leg as I told the sitter what time Olivia had last ate, and got out her bottles for today and Gavin's breakfast - "hold me mommy" "hold me" 

I pick him up and he lays his head down on my shoulder and gives me a hug - wow. The hug only a mother knows... Those two year old hugs are amazing! They just carry so much love, more than their little bodies can hold. I tried to occupy him with the toy train set, breakfast, Olivia, until finally it was time I had to go. 


Handed him off to the sitter and headed for the door afraid to turn around as I heard my little man screaming for his mommy. 


You and I - we both know he will be fine, and within 2 minutes he was playing and had forgotten all about the traumatic event, playing with the exact train I had been trying to occupy him with earlier and enjoying his morning waffles however. For me - the traumatic event will not be forgotten until at least noon today - as a working mother, I never forget my child's cry and the drop off.




 

sunday nap

Those of you who are mothers or fathers out there no what I am going to be talking about when I title my blog the Sunday Nap. It's a time of the weekend I as a mother always look forward to - it is the one time that I can sit down and relax without spec of sound and not feel guilty about it. 

Sunday Morning - the rush - up and get all diapers changed, bottles fed, milk and breakfast and then starts in the showers all to be done in time for church. Home from mass and we follow the same welcomed routines. Breakfast by daddy - an amazing brunch - as mom gets everyone out of church clothes and into Sunday lounge. 

Brunch is ate and enjoyed - every last drop of it and then the tired eyes set in - not for one, but for all four. Olivia is hungry - it's bottle time, and the battle begins with our son Gavin. He usually lays down well for nap, but by this point he is beyond exhausted and bucks a little. He then ask if he takes a nap when he wakes up - can he go see grandpa? My husband answers yes! - well a curse and a blessing, now Gavin is eagerly awaiting bed and is sitting strait up in his car bed, however the excitement going on in that little body of his is busting at the seems and I don't see how sleep can be anywhere in the near future. 

Several songs later - some sang by mommy and others by daddy - mostly ABC's, 123's and a little Twinkle Twinkle and the little guy is out like a light.

Now for Olivia - she is a dull she just laid right down and stared at her mobile as it went round and round and eventually closes her sweet little eyes and rest of to bed. 

Now is the time! the wonderful time! it's a time of pure confusion, do we watch football, scrub the kitchen floor, work on scrap booking, cars in the garage, nap ourselves or enjoy a Sunday afternoon movie. 

Well today it's a movie - Salt (with Angelina) - and then after the kids are up from nap, I guess we will be keeping that promise to Mr Gavin and visiting my mom and dads.

to be two - a milk melt down

To be two - the joys and the hardships my son Gavin must go through everyday. Sometimes watching him brings a smile to my face - as his little eyes just light up with learning something new, or sharing a story from the day at the sitters. However other times, his frustration - well it can cause me frustration as well. 

In just trying to post this first blog, I no more than sat down to begin typing and I hear MUMMMM MUM MUM Mommy! MUM - i answer with a nice - what do you need Gavin. He is in the kitchen and I probably know the answer to the question before he even speaks - but of coarse it is a clear " MILK " and he needs it precisely now. Of coarse, I get up and go into the kitchen and open the refrigerator door and grab his milk off the top shelf and hand it to him, and begin to walk into the living room - when I begin to hear a squeaky like cry. What?! I ask as I turn around. " I GET IT" - of coarse you do... I am just about to tell him no when I realize this battle is not worth fighting this time in the morning with him. So of coarse I open the fridge and let him set it on the shelf and grab it down and I shut the door and begin to walk back into the living room. 


Now this would of been the end of it a couple months ago he would of been happy for the next fifteen minutes - gleaming ear from ear. However not today - as the squeak like cry began to come - first a squeaky whimper and before he can scream and wake up my four month old daughter - i ask - WHAT! - okay your right I have lost my patience by this time, I turn around and he says " I CLOSE IT " - of coarse you do. Wow, who would of thought now he needs to 'close' the refrigerator door as well. I can't imagine where this journey will turn to next - the whole milk thing just keeps progressing. 

Some of you may be curious as to why he couldn't just open the door and get his milk himself and join us all back in the living room, well that would just make sense. However we had purchased a simple refrigerator lock for the fridge at least a year ago. It was necessary at the time, as he thought we needed butter-cheese-milk-left overs - lettuce - beer, whatever he could reach at anytime of the day.  He just loves to bring things to us. So we got a lock to keep the refrigerator closed and the mess down. Besides - what does a 1 year old really need in a fridge. Well now he is two - but still not ready for this responsibility. So the Milk Melt downs will continue. JOY!