The other week (last week maybe? I don't remember?) I went to Target and bought Lily a little potty. I just wanted to have it in the bathroom for her to see and get used to. It doubles as a little step stool, which makes teeth brushing much easier. Anyway, she has been digging the potty, sitting on it fully clothed. I have sat her on it bare bummed a couple times, but she isn't really into that, usually jumping right up. Tonight, while getting her ready for bed, I thought I would put her on it, just to see what she did. What she did was sit on it bare bummed for a minute (accomplishment!) and then jump up and peed on the floor...and my pants leg.
Well, if she isn't getting the whole going potty on the potty thing yet, at least her little potty is a means of great amusement. The other day I went to let the dogs out before going to the gym. I called "Eli, Lucy, wanna go outside to go potty?" After letting them out, I rounded the corner to see Lily carrying her little potty down the hall. At least she knows what the potty is. That's a start, right?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Perfect Mom
Before Lily was born, right up until they wheeled me into the OR for my highly unanticipated C-section, I was the perfect mom. And I don't think I am alone. I have heard many moms, both friends and strangers alike, quip how they were perfect moms before they had kids. My visions of perfection in my motherhood unraveled quickly. For starters, my un-medicated natural birth was out the door. And then I was never going to send my new baby to the nursery for a couple hours of sleep. Oh no, not me! Except, when the chips are down, and you have just had major abdominal surgery and you are really irritable because you forgot to eat the whole day while you were in labor because, um, that horrendous pain in your back was the ONLY thought in your mind, and now they won't let you eat for another six hours because of the aforementioned surgery, maybe getting a couple zzz's isn't such a bad idea. So you tell the nurses its okay for them to whisk your little bundle to the nursery for a couple hours. Not that I got much sleep anyway. It would be a year before I knew what restful sleep was again.
I was never going to let my child sleep in our bed. Nope. I was going to nip any battles to get a toddler out of our bed right in the bud. I was never going to start letting a baby sleep in bed, so I wouldn't have to break that habit later. Well, I broke my own rule within 12 hours of being home. Because when you are a human pacifier, sometimes you just do these things. And you know what, even though Lily slept in bed with us for the better part of six months (not usually the whole night, but parts of most nights!) we now blissfully have the bed all to ourselves. We have for about six months, and I miss snuggling up to my little baby. She is a wild sleeper now and usually wants no part of snuggling.
My children were never going to get pacifiers because I didn't want to do battle when they were off to kindergarten. I could envision it, the first day of school, walking up to the teacher, explaining that my child really is well adjusted, she just needs her pacifier and if they will just let her have it, things will be easier for everyone. But when the nurse gave her a pacifier after bringing her back from a vitals check - the one the doctor had popped in her mouth to check her ability to suck since she had a tight frenulum (tongue tied) - Matt and I looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders and said eh. I am sure this battle is yet to come, as at 17 months she still loves her pacifier. In fact, she uses it more than ever now since she can run to her room and grab it out of her crib.
Fast food and TV. Forget it. Not my children. Only home made baby food. Books and educational toys. Sadly Lily has had more Happy Meals than I care to admit. I know the PBS schedule by heart. I have seen re-runs of many, many episodes of Martha Speaks and Curious George. We have a playroom full of toys that probably hold very little educational value. But you know what, I decided I don't need to beat myself up. Lily still mostly eats nutritious meals and snacks. And while there are days she wants to eat nothing but goldfish, she will often choose blues (blueberries) over anything else. And if she is tired, she will definitely veg in front of the TV in her little Elmo chair - a TV which she now can turn on by herself. But she will also grab book after book and bring them to me, looking up with her adorable blue eyes and question "book?"
There are many more of my self imposed mommy rules that have been thrown to the curb. I am sure there are many more to come. And while I may not be the perfect mom, I think I am the perfect mommy for my little girl!
I was never going to let my child sleep in our bed. Nope. I was going to nip any battles to get a toddler out of our bed right in the bud. I was never going to start letting a baby sleep in bed, so I wouldn't have to break that habit later. Well, I broke my own rule within 12 hours of being home. Because when you are a human pacifier, sometimes you just do these things. And you know what, even though Lily slept in bed with us for the better part of six months (not usually the whole night, but parts of most nights!) we now blissfully have the bed all to ourselves. We have for about six months, and I miss snuggling up to my little baby. She is a wild sleeper now and usually wants no part of snuggling.
My children were never going to get pacifiers because I didn't want to do battle when they were off to kindergarten. I could envision it, the first day of school, walking up to the teacher, explaining that my child really is well adjusted, she just needs her pacifier and if they will just let her have it, things will be easier for everyone. But when the nurse gave her a pacifier after bringing her back from a vitals check - the one the doctor had popped in her mouth to check her ability to suck since she had a tight frenulum (tongue tied) - Matt and I looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders and said eh. I am sure this battle is yet to come, as at 17 months she still loves her pacifier. In fact, she uses it more than ever now since she can run to her room and grab it out of her crib.
Fast food and TV. Forget it. Not my children. Only home made baby food. Books and educational toys. Sadly Lily has had more Happy Meals than I care to admit. I know the PBS schedule by heart. I have seen re-runs of many, many episodes of Martha Speaks and Curious George. We have a playroom full of toys that probably hold very little educational value. But you know what, I decided I don't need to beat myself up. Lily still mostly eats nutritious meals and snacks. And while there are days she wants to eat nothing but goldfish, she will often choose blues (blueberries) over anything else. And if she is tired, she will definitely veg in front of the TV in her little Elmo chair - a TV which she now can turn on by herself. But she will also grab book after book and bring them to me, looking up with her adorable blue eyes and question "book?"
There are many more of my self imposed mommy rules that have been thrown to the curb. I am sure there are many more to come. And while I may not be the perfect mom, I think I am the perfect mommy for my little girl!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
My Grandparent's Trailer
For as long as I have been around, my grandparent's have had a summer trailer up in Wisconsin. Really, truly for as long as I have been around. This weekend we were up to celebrate 30 years of summers hanging out, having fun. I remember endless summer days spent in the pool, fishing in the little pond, looking for shells in the Rock River, driving the golf cart and running amok with my cousins and sisters. Sadly, I hadn't been up there in probably at least ten years. Needless to say Matt and Lily had never been there. Saturday was quite the shindig! There was a pig roast, tons of food, and hours upon hours of watching Lily just be Lily. Unfortunately it was too cold for any swimming, but that didn't stop us from having tons of fun!
Pickles!
A couple months ago, my mom called and said to mark my calendar for August 16. We were going to be making pickles. I did as instructed and didn't really think anything of it. I had never made pickles before but had been reading about canning and pickling a bit, so it sounded like fun. Man was I in for a surprise! It was a whole family event, including my aunt and uncle and grandparents. It included a bushel of pickling cucumbers (I guess they are just called pickles) and 4 dozen quart sized wide mouth canning jars. A little garlic, some dill, a little of this and a little of that and we were ready to go.
With 8 adults, there was plenty of help for the many jobs, including wrangling a rambunctious toddler. There were pickles to be scrubbed and garlic to be peeled. We were able to do this outside, before the rain moved in. We had a great little assembly line going with me taking the sanitized jars out of the dishwasher and adding the dill and garlic. My grandma was in charge of adding the pepper, hot dried red pepper and alum. My uncle and Matt were the jar fillers. My mom added the brine, while Aunt Beth added the lids. My dad put on the rings and grandpa was the counter. Steph helped out a little of everywhere, as well as watched Lily, and Jackie was in charge of running to the store for more vinegar and canning jars. Everything went smoothly and it was so much fun! Now, in five short weeks we will be able to enjoy the fruits of our labors! I have my bakers dozen quarts of pickles doing their thing in my parents basement. I can't wait to give them a try. I think we are going to make this an annual tradition. And I think next year Lily will be perfect for adding a couple cloves of garlic to each jar.
Sorry, no pictures! We were busy! I think Jackie may have taken a few. If so, I will get those uploaded!
With 8 adults, there was plenty of help for the many jobs, including wrangling a rambunctious toddler. There were pickles to be scrubbed and garlic to be peeled. We were able to do this outside, before the rain moved in. We had a great little assembly line going with me taking the sanitized jars out of the dishwasher and adding the dill and garlic. My grandma was in charge of adding the pepper, hot dried red pepper and alum. My uncle and Matt were the jar fillers. My mom added the brine, while Aunt Beth added the lids. My dad put on the rings and grandpa was the counter. Steph helped out a little of everywhere, as well as watched Lily, and Jackie was in charge of running to the store for more vinegar and canning jars. Everything went smoothly and it was so much fun! Now, in five short weeks we will be able to enjoy the fruits of our labors! I have my bakers dozen quarts of pickles doing their thing in my parents basement. I can't wait to give them a try. I think we are going to make this an annual tradition. And I think next year Lily will be perfect for adding a couple cloves of garlic to each jar.
Sorry, no pictures! We were busy! I think Jackie may have taken a few. If so, I will get those uploaded!
The Wisconsin State Fair
We (my family) have been going to the Wisconsin State Fair for about a million years. In the almost 30 years of my life, I think I can count the number of times we have NOT gone on one hand. Last year, we introduced Lily (you can read about it here). We went again this year, minus Aunt Nee Nee who couldn't make it. And let me tell you, the fair with a toddler is a blast! Our first stop was the animals. Lily had a great time looking at the goats, pigs, horses, and especially the moos. That is cows for those who don't speak toddler. She also enjoyed looking at the baby ducks and chicks.
We hit the convention center where all the vendors were, which also happens to be nice and air conditioned, just in time for an afternoon nap. It worked out perfectly - she slept the entire time we were in it. After spending the better part of the day in the stroller though, my little girl needed to stretch her legs. We headed over to the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) exhibit and Lily was able to run around and stretch her legs. Unfortunately we missed the t-shirt painting by a mere half hour. I was devastated - no joke!
Our last must do of the day was the big slide. We always always always used to go down the slide. And in a time before cell phones, if we got separated, the slide was where we would meet. Now that I think about it, I am not sure if that ever
happened...
Lily was rather unimpressed, but I still had a blast. And while so many things at the fair are different from when I was younger, a ride down the slide still only costs $2!
We had a great time and I can't wait until next year!
We hit the convention center where all the vendors were, which also happens to be nice and air conditioned, just in time for an afternoon nap. It worked out perfectly - she slept the entire time we were in it. After spending the better part of the day in the stroller though, my little girl needed to stretch her legs. We headed over to the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) exhibit and Lily was able to run around and stretch her legs. Unfortunately we missed the t-shirt painting by a mere half hour. I was devastated - no joke!
Our last must do of the day was the big slide. We always always always used to go down the slide. And in a time before cell phones, if we got separated, the slide was where we would meet. Now that I think about it, I am not sure if that ever
happened...
Lily was rather unimpressed, but I still had a blast. And while so many things at the fair are different from when I was younger, a ride down the slide still only costs $2!
We had a great time and I can't wait until next year!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Busy Busy Busy
August has been a super busy month! We have been out and about most of the past two weekends and just loving spending time as a family and with family. I have tons to share, but haven't had much time to upload pictures and put my thoughts together in a coherent fashion. I mean the laundry has to get done and my bath tub has been neglected for so long that it got not one but two scrubbings today! So soon, I promise, I will have tales of our latest adventures. Until then, I leave you with these:
My baby is growing up WAY.TOO.FAST for me. I can't take it!
Be still my heart!
Heaven help me!
This girl is wild!
And finally, I think my dad has found a new love.
Something tells me my mom won't mind!
My baby is growing up WAY.TOO.FAST for me. I can't take it!
Be still my heart!
Heaven help me!
This girl is wild!
And finally, I think my dad has found a new love.
Something tells me my mom won't mind!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
A Little of This, A Little of That
This post is probably gonna be all over the place. Consider yourself warned.
I have a cold. I don't typically like to whine about being sick. I hate when people whine about being sick...like normal sick (you know, colds, the flu, icky stomach bugs). I am more of the mind frame "suck it up, this too shall pass." Compassion doesn't even come close to high on my list of attributes. But I am getting better. Like so many other areas of my life, this is someplace I have grown immensely since becoming a mommy. I can feel God working in me, molding me into a more compassionate person. It is kinda hard not to feel that way when you have a child. And, strangely, I really like feeling like a work in progress. Bizarre, I know. Consider me clay.
But I have a cold and I don't think I realized the full oompf this thing had until about 7:45. And of course while I desire nothing more than sleep right now, my nasal passages have other ideas. I can't breathe lying down. I can breathe moderately better sitting up. I can breathe with the most ease (of a person totally congested) while standing, but seeing as it is almost midnight and I am achy enough to have taken some Advil (I am sooo not a pill popper!) sitting is the best I can do. Breathing be damned! Ha! I told it!
I suppose I should have been tipped off that this was coming. Chickie had a cold on Friday. Big honkin' boogers, cough, sneezes, the works. But in true amazing Chickie healing fashion she was good as new within 36 hours. I am praying for the same good fortune. And while I can't be sure that Chickie wasn't just being particularly, um...toddlerish, this afternoon, she sure had me wiped by bedtime.
I haven't posted in a while. I am lazy like that. I am the laziest person I know. We haven't been doing much. Lily is talking up a storm and has new words every day. I actually have to watch my sailor mouth now because soon she will be repeating that which I don't specifically intend her to. Like "MaMu". Matt calls me MaMu, he is Dadu and Chickie is sometimes also known as Babu. Now, however, I am not longer Mommy. I am Mamu. That husband of mine swears he didn't coach her into calling me such, but I don't believe him. And I had just started to enjoy actually being referred to as Mommy, and not just when she was hollerin' to get out of bed in the morning. It took her forever to actually call me Mommy, and now it has been undone. Occasionally we chill in the pool. We go on walks sometimes. Oh yeah. I have been going to the gym in the morning. Lily does the childcare thing, I do the work on my blubber thing. It is good for both of us. Now that it finally feels like summer (humid, high 80s or 90s) I am more inclined to do nothing. This summer weather is for the, I don't know, some hot weather animal. Or for my friends who have been lamenting the lack of summer thus far. Personally, I have no problem with 65 degree days in July. That is my kind of weather.
On Friday night one of my bestest friends came down and we went out to dinner. And then picked up some wine. And then put it in the fridge to chill while we went to McDonald's for coffee. And then came home and drank wine on the deck and chatted the evening away. Jen is the greatest. We have been friends for a million years. Or like 20-something. She has four amazing kiddos and makes mothering look easy. I struggle with one kid. Don't know how she does it, but she is my idol! (Love you Jen!) It was great to get out - to go out to eat and not worry about someone throwing food on the floor or screaming or getting fussy.
Okay, that is enough rambling. I will leave you with a few pictures of Chickie, since I know that is why ya'll tune in anyway. Forgive my southern-ness. I did spend a good number of years south of I-80. Might as well be the deep south down there compared to Chicago. It won't happen again. Probably.
Toodles.
I have a cold. I don't typically like to whine about being sick. I hate when people whine about being sick...like normal sick (you know, colds, the flu, icky stomach bugs). I am more of the mind frame "suck it up, this too shall pass." Compassion doesn't even come close to high on my list of attributes. But I am getting better. Like so many other areas of my life, this is someplace I have grown immensely since becoming a mommy. I can feel God working in me, molding me into a more compassionate person. It is kinda hard not to feel that way when you have a child. And, strangely, I really like feeling like a work in progress. Bizarre, I know. Consider me clay.
But I have a cold and I don't think I realized the full oompf this thing had until about 7:45. And of course while I desire nothing more than sleep right now, my nasal passages have other ideas. I can't breathe lying down. I can breathe moderately better sitting up. I can breathe with the most ease (of a person totally congested) while standing, but seeing as it is almost midnight and I am achy enough to have taken some Advil (I am sooo not a pill popper!) sitting is the best I can do. Breathing be damned! Ha! I told it!
I suppose I should have been tipped off that this was coming. Chickie had a cold on Friday. Big honkin' boogers, cough, sneezes, the works. But in true amazing Chickie healing fashion she was good as new within 36 hours. I am praying for the same good fortune. And while I can't be sure that Chickie wasn't just being particularly, um...toddlerish, this afternoon, she sure had me wiped by bedtime.
I haven't posted in a while. I am lazy like that. I am the laziest person I know. We haven't been doing much. Lily is talking up a storm and has new words every day. I actually have to watch my sailor mouth now because soon she will be repeating that which I don't specifically intend her to. Like "MaMu". Matt calls me MaMu, he is Dadu and Chickie is sometimes also known as Babu. Now, however, I am not longer Mommy. I am Mamu. That husband of mine swears he didn't coach her into calling me such, but I don't believe him. And I had just started to enjoy actually being referred to as Mommy, and not just when she was hollerin' to get out of bed in the morning. It took her forever to actually call me Mommy, and now it has been undone. Occasionally we chill in the pool. We go on walks sometimes. Oh yeah. I have been going to the gym in the morning. Lily does the childcare thing, I do the work on my blubber thing. It is good for both of us. Now that it finally feels like summer (humid, high 80s or 90s) I am more inclined to do nothing. This summer weather is for the, I don't know, some hot weather animal. Or for my friends who have been lamenting the lack of summer thus far. Personally, I have no problem with 65 degree days in July. That is my kind of weather.
On Friday night one of my bestest friends came down and we went out to dinner. And then picked up some wine. And then put it in the fridge to chill while we went to McDonald's for coffee. And then came home and drank wine on the deck and chatted the evening away. Jen is the greatest. We have been friends for a million years. Or like 20-something. She has four amazing kiddos and makes mothering look easy. I struggle with one kid. Don't know how she does it, but she is my idol! (Love you Jen!) It was great to get out - to go out to eat and not worry about someone throwing food on the floor or screaming or getting fussy.
Okay, that is enough rambling. I will leave you with a few pictures of Chickie, since I know that is why ya'll tune in anyway. Forgive my southern-ness. I did spend a good number of years south of I-80. Might as well be the deep south down there compared to Chicago. It won't happen again. Probably.
Toodles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)