This morning started out very normally. Cy was awake at 5:30am and wanted to play. Of course. Its only a Saturday...why would a toddler want to sleep in? I was able to get him to lay in bed with us until 6, but then I heard this " I want a waffle, and juice, and a vitamin". Um, okay...sleeping time is obviously over.
We're still dealing with the daily Pooping in the Pants. Since he didn't poop yesterday (bonus for me), I knew there would be something coming today. We were going to a friend's house for playgroup, so I gave him this decision:
1- Wear pullups and poop as needed. No repercussions.
2- Wear underwear and poop on the toilet. If poop happens in the pants, the trains would be dismantled for the entire day.
He decided underwear. Great.
And then he pooped on the toilet DURING playgroup. What? Okay. I'll take it. But, strange. This is the ultimatum I should have started with a month ago!
Skip to grocery shopping. I started shopping quite normally. I was on a semi-tight time budget since I had a haircut scheduled for 4pm. Half way through shopping, I was looking for the perfect apple, and some lady walked off with my cart. No problem....this kind of thing happens all of the time, right? Well, I said, "Excuse me, I think you have my cart", and psycho shopper lady says (quite straight faced), "No, this is mine".
Now, the darned cart was halfway filled with groceries that I had already picked out. It contained my reuseable bags. It had MY handwritten list. MY LIST. MY handwriting. I tried again, and said I was pretty sure that it was mine. Nope, she looked at me like I was crazy, and walked away. AND SHE CONTINUED SHOPPING USING MY LIST. What?!?!?!
I didn't want to further confront this obviously crazy person, so I got another cart and started to re-shop. Without a list. OMG. What a disaster.
But, I made it home in time to unpack the groceries and go to get my haircut. Cool. I was anticipating that this would be the best part of my day. NOPE.
My stylist totally skipped the 10 minute chair massage that they are supposed to start with. Bummer. She totally acts like she doesn't recognize me. She barely makes any conversation. OK. Fine, we all have off days. Then, she cuts a chunk of hair on the front/side of my face that makes it look bad. I asked her to fix it, and SHE MADE IT SHORTER. Oh my. This made it look worse. Now its totally weird looking, and I'm not happy.
She says, "Oh, I see what part you don't like, and I totally agree...but that's just how your hair lays".
WHAT? SERIOUSLY?
I think I'm on the planet Weirdo today. I'm hoping a good night's sleep will help me to start tomorrow with a fresh perspective and keep the weirdos away from me.
Or maybe its me? Yikes.
AJ
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
VOTE!
I love to vote. The first thing I did when the day I turned 18 was to register to vote. This didn't help me to win any popularity contests, but it was really important to me.
I like the idea that we elect public officials to REPRESENT us. Seems like lately, politicians have lost sight of this, and I'm not sure why. They are supposed to work for us. I think the only real time they try to act like they remember this is during election time.
Voting Day certainly does shake things up and open a few eyes, and this year it should be a doozy. Mid-term elections haven't been this exciting in a while....and I know I'm going to be up late eagerly awaiting the results. I even bought popcorn. Yes, I'm that much of a dork. And I love it!
So, quit your complaining, and go DO something. Let your voice be heard.
VOTE.
I like the idea that we elect public officials to REPRESENT us. Seems like lately, politicians have lost sight of this, and I'm not sure why. They are supposed to work for us. I think the only real time they try to act like they remember this is during election time.
Voting Day certainly does shake things up and open a few eyes, and this year it should be a doozy. Mid-term elections haven't been this exciting in a while....and I know I'm going to be up late eagerly awaiting the results. I even bought popcorn. Yes, I'm that much of a dork. And I love it!
So, quit your complaining, and go DO something. Let your voice be heard.
VOTE.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Potty Training Regression
The title of this post is my latest Google search. UGH.
Why is this process proving to be so difficult? Here are my theories:
1- I have an extremely stubborn child.
2- My child has an extremely stubborn mother.
3- My child's goal in life is clearly NOT to "make me happy".
By my calculations, he was what I would call "potty trained" about 3 months ago. However, for the past few weeks, he has decided to poops in his pants (the peeing is still in the toilet). The last straw was this weekend when he pooped NEXT TO the toilet. Really. This kid gets it. He is being willful and defiant. Awesome. Future leader, right? ;)
Anyway, starting today, he's back in the diapers. It was his choice. I told him last night that if he continued to poop in his pants, he would have to wear diapers. This morning when getting dressed, he requested a diaper, so that is what he is wearing today. Not my favorite solution, but I'm out of ideas.
I don't really know the "rules" of this parenting thing, but this whole situation has gotten me very frustrated. I know that I'm not supposed to show him that I'm frustrated, but that just seems silly.....because I AM. I'm trying to be sensitive to his needs, while at the same time acting like cleaning up poop doesn't bother me....but it does. It wouldn't bother me if I thought he was actually having accidents, but he's doing this on purpose. My husband says he is probably just going through some developmental changes, and needs us to back off and give him some space on this. Why does he always seem so level headed about these things?
Then my mind wanders to bigger picture items...like: If a 2 year old is able to frustrate me this much over pooping, what does my future as a mother of a teenager hold? Can I do this? Which battles do we really need to stick to our guns on? Why do the "hard times" seem so easy in retrospect?
Then my mind really sticks it to me, and points out crazy parenting makes me: I spend half of the time holding on tight, hugging, kissing, and snuggling the time away. Not wanting him to ever grow out of this stage. Savoring every minute. The other half of the time, I'm yearning for this phase to pass, and looking forward to an easier stretch of time. A time where I can regain some independence from him and regain some of my "old" life. (Although, I'm pretty sure that (realistically speaking) that old life is gone...probably for good.)
I guess the point of all of this is that the problems (whatever they are....pooping, eating, sleeping, tantrums....) come and go in waves. I have try to take these waves as they come and take them for what they are: temporary deviations from the norm. Then I have to realize that the norm is constantly re-adjusting. I guess it is our job as parents to help our kids through these times, and it is our job as spouses to help one another along. Easier said than done, but something to try to remember.
AJ
On an unrelated note: I think I feel like a bit of a curmudgeon lately. I was totally NOT into Halloween, and am (secretly) glad its over. Maybe I just don't like that holiday. It creeps me out, and I don't think its fun. Cy didn't seem to notice that he only went to two houses for trick or treating.
Why is this process proving to be so difficult? Here are my theories:
1- I have an extremely stubborn child.
2- My child has an extremely stubborn mother.
3- My child's goal in life is clearly NOT to "make me happy".
By my calculations, he was what I would call "potty trained" about 3 months ago. However, for the past few weeks, he has decided to poops in his pants (the peeing is still in the toilet). The last straw was this weekend when he pooped NEXT TO the toilet. Really. This kid gets it. He is being willful and defiant. Awesome. Future leader, right? ;)
Anyway, starting today, he's back in the diapers. It was his choice. I told him last night that if he continued to poop in his pants, he would have to wear diapers. This morning when getting dressed, he requested a diaper, so that is what he is wearing today. Not my favorite solution, but I'm out of ideas.
I don't really know the "rules" of this parenting thing, but this whole situation has gotten me very frustrated. I know that I'm not supposed to show him that I'm frustrated, but that just seems silly.....because I AM. I'm trying to be sensitive to his needs, while at the same time acting like cleaning up poop doesn't bother me....but it does. It wouldn't bother me if I thought he was actually having accidents, but he's doing this on purpose. My husband says he is probably just going through some developmental changes, and needs us to back off and give him some space on this. Why does he always seem so level headed about these things?
Then my mind wanders to bigger picture items...like: If a 2 year old is able to frustrate me this much over pooping, what does my future as a mother of a teenager hold? Can I do this? Which battles do we really need to stick to our guns on? Why do the "hard times" seem so easy in retrospect?
Then my mind really sticks it to me, and points out crazy parenting makes me: I spend half of the time holding on tight, hugging, kissing, and snuggling the time away. Not wanting him to ever grow out of this stage. Savoring every minute. The other half of the time, I'm yearning for this phase to pass, and looking forward to an easier stretch of time. A time where I can regain some independence from him and regain some of my "old" life. (Although, I'm pretty sure that (realistically speaking) that old life is gone...probably for good.)
I guess the point of all of this is that the problems (whatever they are....pooping, eating, sleeping, tantrums....) come and go in waves. I have try to take these waves as they come and take them for what they are: temporary deviations from the norm. Then I have to realize that the norm is constantly re-adjusting. I guess it is our job as parents to help our kids through these times, and it is our job as spouses to help one another along. Easier said than done, but something to try to remember.
AJ
On an unrelated note: I think I feel like a bit of a curmudgeon lately. I was totally NOT into Halloween, and am (secretly) glad its over. Maybe I just don't like that holiday. It creeps me out, and I don't think its fun. Cy didn't seem to notice that he only went to two houses for trick or treating.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Its been awhile
I have not dropped off the face of the earth. I haven't been blogging...I've been living. Living well, I might add!
The Summer was busy, and fun! I soaked it in and enjoyed every minute of it. I will try to remember those days when we are covered in snow.
My son finally found his "groove", so to speak. All of the aggressive behaviors (biting, hitting, etc) that we endured for 6 months seemed to go away when he turned two. Odd? Not sure on this one, but I will take it. Once he turned two, he seemed to mellow. Whew. Big sigh of relief. (OK, he's still a two year old....and definitely has his moments) I really love this age. He is a handful, but so much fun.
We spent the summer together riding bikes, swimming, running, jumping, and throwing balls into trees (he thinks its really funny when they get stuck). Can someone tell me when he turned into a little boy? Its amazing how fast time flies.
Now that the Fall has crept in, we are slowing down. Its nice. I love this time of year. The crispness in the air makes me smile. I love an excuse to throw on a sweater! Cozy.
Cy has turned his attentions to trains. He loves toot them along the tracks and move the "freight cars". I am hoping this hobby keeps his attention long enough to help us make it through the long days of "inside weather" that the winter will bring. (I'm dreading winter, again, as usual!).
So, maybe I will try to get back to regular writing again. Thanks for reading.
(Thanks for the reminder, Paula!)
Be well.
AJ
The Summer was busy, and fun! I soaked it in and enjoyed every minute of it. I will try to remember those days when we are covered in snow.
My son finally found his "groove", so to speak. All of the aggressive behaviors (biting, hitting, etc) that we endured for 6 months seemed to go away when he turned two. Odd? Not sure on this one, but I will take it. Once he turned two, he seemed to mellow. Whew. Big sigh of relief. (OK, he's still a two year old....and definitely has his moments) I really love this age. He is a handful, but so much fun.
We spent the summer together riding bikes, swimming, running, jumping, and throwing balls into trees (he thinks its really funny when they get stuck). Can someone tell me when he turned into a little boy? Its amazing how fast time flies.
Now that the Fall has crept in, we are slowing down. Its nice. I love this time of year. The crispness in the air makes me smile. I love an excuse to throw on a sweater! Cozy.
Cy has turned his attentions to trains. He loves toot them along the tracks and move the "freight cars". I am hoping this hobby keeps his attention long enough to help us make it through the long days of "inside weather" that the winter will bring. (I'm dreading winter, again, as usual!).
So, maybe I will try to get back to regular writing again. Thanks for reading.
(Thanks for the reminder, Paula!)
Be well.
AJ
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Living in the moment
I've been reading a lot of blogs...inspirational blogs of people that have overcome turmoil (or worse) in their lives, blogs of people that have a LOT of stuff going on. This makes me realize that I'm kinda boring. I think I like it that way. In the grand scheme of life, there hasn't been too much going on here this past week, and that's fine by me.
Matt has been away at a conference, so it's just been me and little buddy since early Saturday morning. I really dread when Matt is away because I know I'm not cut out to be a single mom. I get stressed out at the prospect of no breaks during the day. Sometimes I really just need that "me" time, you know? Anyway, I scheduled lots of things to keep us busy during the weekend, and it turned out great. We had a fabulous time together....no huge issues, no lost tempers, no tantrums! (Did I switch kids? no!). We laughed and played together and HAD FUN. It was really amazing.
I've had ONE big issue the entire time, though. He won't go to bed for me. I can't get that little bugger to go to bed at night. Matt took over "putting to bed" duties right after the accident, and I haven't done it since then. Apparently I suck. Cause he won't go to sleep, and screams when I leave the room. And I'm weak, and can't stand to let him cry, so I let him stay up with me, and then sleep in the bed with me. This has ultimately been frustrating for me, but kind of fun at the same time. I'm not going to win a parent of the year award on this one, but for the past few nights, its also been fun to let him stay up later and cuddle with me. He looks up with his tired eyes, smiles wide, and says, "Hi, mama". How could I not love that? When I put him into bed with me, its nice to be able to wake up and see him there with that sweet face. I'm not sleeping soundly or well, but its temporary, and somehow its okay.
Anyway, last night was my last night of sleeping with him, and instead of being frustrated by my lack of skillz, I just rolled with it and enjoyed our time together. When he fell asleep, I just smelled him (I smell him alot, and can't help it!!) and felt the weight of him against me. When I laid him down, I just stared into that round face of his and let myself be mesmerized for a bit. I thought about the fact that we "made" him. I find this entirely incomprehensible. Man, I love that kid.
The lesson I'm trying to take away from these days is that I need to be a little more relaxed at times (who doesn't). I get very caught up in trying to "keep to the schedule" and doing things the same way all the time. I have NOT changed my opinion that structure is very important for children, but am starting to appreciate that changing things around sometimes is fun and not detrimental to "the rules".
I'm going to miss our "mommy and cy" time tonight, but I'm really looking forward to having daddy back! (And he WILL be successful and getting him to sleep, and I WILL get a good night's sleep!). YIPPEE!
Matt has been away at a conference, so it's just been me and little buddy since early Saturday morning. I really dread when Matt is away because I know I'm not cut out to be a single mom. I get stressed out at the prospect of no breaks during the day. Sometimes I really just need that "me" time, you know? Anyway, I scheduled lots of things to keep us busy during the weekend, and it turned out great. We had a fabulous time together....no huge issues, no lost tempers, no tantrums! (Did I switch kids? no!). We laughed and played together and HAD FUN. It was really amazing.
I've had ONE big issue the entire time, though. He won't go to bed for me. I can't get that little bugger to go to bed at night. Matt took over "putting to bed" duties right after the accident, and I haven't done it since then. Apparently I suck. Cause he won't go to sleep, and screams when I leave the room. And I'm weak, and can't stand to let him cry, so I let him stay up with me, and then sleep in the bed with me. This has ultimately been frustrating for me, but kind of fun at the same time. I'm not going to win a parent of the year award on this one, but for the past few nights, its also been fun to let him stay up later and cuddle with me. He looks up with his tired eyes, smiles wide, and says, "Hi, mama". How could I not love that? When I put him into bed with me, its nice to be able to wake up and see him there with that sweet face. I'm not sleeping soundly or well, but its temporary, and somehow its okay.
Anyway, last night was my last night of sleeping with him, and instead of being frustrated by my lack of skillz, I just rolled with it and enjoyed our time together. When he fell asleep, I just smelled him (I smell him alot, and can't help it!!) and felt the weight of him against me. When I laid him down, I just stared into that round face of his and let myself be mesmerized for a bit. I thought about the fact that we "made" him. I find this entirely incomprehensible. Man, I love that kid.
The lesson I'm trying to take away from these days is that I need to be a little more relaxed at times (who doesn't). I get very caught up in trying to "keep to the schedule" and doing things the same way all the time. I have NOT changed my opinion that structure is very important for children, but am starting to appreciate that changing things around sometimes is fun and not detrimental to "the rules".
I'm going to miss our "mommy and cy" time tonight, but I'm really looking forward to having daddy back! (And he WILL be successful and getting him to sleep, and I WILL get a good night's sleep!). YIPPEE!
I how can you NOT just want to give him lots of kisses!?
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