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.