Last night I had one of those nights that I think I will cherish the memory of forever. You know how every now and then, you have the perfect combination of people and atmosphere and food, and the night seems sparkly? That was last night.
Un and her husband Matt (and thier kids) joined Alan and me at Michelle's house. Burnell cooked the most fabulous dinner, complete with appetizers and salad. We had wine and champagne, and I made (okay, bought) chocolate and caramel fondues for dessert.
We talked and laughed. The guys were all great with the kids. (It's wonderful to be around a bunch of daddies who are all 100% involved with their kids.) I never wanted to night to end, and I think I was still grinning when we good home. I just had the best time I've had in forever. There's something about the people that you are destined to me friends for life with, and spending the rare time when get together with them.
Etcetera.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Oh, Oh, Mommy Taught Me To Skip School
Ander had a playdate at 2 p.m. I skipped lunch so I could leave work early, and brought him. He loved Chuck E. Cheese, and he's a cheap date since he doesn't actually like to make the rides move by putting money in them yet. But when we left, he threw a fit. He didn't want to leave, obviously. He screamed and punched me and kicked. By then, we were running late for swim class, and I forgot to pack our swimsuits so we had to go home anyway, and finally I just gave up. So we skipped swim class.
Lots of people called me for divorces today. What is in the air?
Etcetera.
Lots of people called me for divorces today. What is in the air?
Etcetera.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Feeling Much Better
I don't know what was up yesterday, but I really thought I was coming down with the flu or something. I felt so bad, but nothing specific. Sleepy, mild headache, heavy chest, and sore muscles (but without exercising). But today, I feel fine. Really good, actually. Alan let me gets lots of rest yesterday, so maybe that's just what I needed.
I was used as an example to day in Strollerfit. I used proper form doing squats on the balance ball. He he. No one should copy me as an example of how to exercise.
A lady came to Strollerfit today, and I was busy standing in the back, being judgmental of her. {blushing} I know I shouldn't have, but the thoughts went through my mind anyway. She let her two year old get out of the stroller, roam around, and play wiht exercise balls during the aerobic portion of the class. Finally, when she had enough of it, she left class early. I just kept thinking, "put her in her stroller and if she cries, well, she cries. She'll learn to like the music and movement, but not if you don't give her the chance. You're the adult, after all." Sigh. But no. The two year old told mommy how it would be, and mommy jumped at her command. So both mommy and the two year old ended up miserable.
Ander has moved on from playing with the babies in Strollerfit (in the middle of a mat on the floor) to following the bigger kids around. Watch out world!
Etcetera.
I was used as an example to day in Strollerfit. I used proper form doing squats on the balance ball. He he. No one should copy me as an example of how to exercise.
A lady came to Strollerfit today, and I was busy standing in the back, being judgmental of her. {blushing} I know I shouldn't have, but the thoughts went through my mind anyway. She let her two year old get out of the stroller, roam around, and play wiht exercise balls during the aerobic portion of the class. Finally, when she had enough of it, she left class early. I just kept thinking, "put her in her stroller and if she cries, well, she cries. She'll learn to like the music and movement, but not if you don't give her the chance. You're the adult, after all." Sigh. But no. The two year old told mommy how it would be, and mommy jumped at her command. So both mommy and the two year old ended up miserable.
Ander has moved on from playing with the babies in Strollerfit (in the middle of a mat on the floor) to following the bigger kids around. Watch out world!
Etcetera.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Ugh!!!
Last night, after I cut the grass, I felt like I was having an asthma attack. I've had them before after cutting grass or being around cats, but now I know what they feel like so I can recognize them for what they are. So I used my inhaler, and felt moderately better.
But I slept poorly, and this morning my chest still feels congested. Even though I got ready and even put on extra makeup (because I have an opposing party coming into the office), I look awful. My mom even commented about the dark circles under my eyes. Honestly, I dreamed all night that my staff was refusing to do work and I was yelling at them. Sigh. I need to keep reminding myself that was a dream and be careful not to take my crankiness out on them this morning.
Well, off to get some work done. I have tons to do.
Etcetera.
But I slept poorly, and this morning my chest still feels congested. Even though I got ready and even put on extra makeup (because I have an opposing party coming into the office), I look awful. My mom even commented about the dark circles under my eyes. Honestly, I dreamed all night that my staff was refusing to do work and I was yelling at them. Sigh. I need to keep reminding myself that was a dream and be careful not to take my crankiness out on them this morning.
Well, off to get some work done. I have tons to do.
Etcetera.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
For Froggy - My Cleaning System
Keep in mind that Alan does most of the laundry (except that I put my own already folded clothes away and I sometimes help with Ander's clothes) and deep cleans everything every fourth month or so, when his mom visits. Alan also cleans other things on a whim - vacuums the carpets/rug, sweeps, or wipes things down. But when I actually do my entire weekly schedule, the house stays decent (as in a person could actually clean it for company in about fifteen minutes, and for inspection in about an hour).
My schedule:
Sunday: grocery shop, cut grass, refill my medicine container, save my laundry
Once per week (no time limit, but I decide on Sunday what needs it most and pick based on the busiest of my week): DEEP CLEAN one category, like the floors, or the bathrooms, or all the windows, or something like that.
Once per week: PAIN IN THE BUTT/ORGANIZING CHORE, like taking the box to Goodwill, sorting through the junk drawer, throwing out the ink pens that don't work, or redoing the files
4 times per week: 15 minute quick clean (Order of priority: 1. must do chores like dishes and laundry; 2. clean areas that are seen by people, like wiping down the island or kitchen table or picking up toys or sweeping the floor/carpet; 3. quickly clean areas that take upkeep, like the toilets, sweep floors, or wipe down the tubs; and 4. everything else)
Daily: keep island clean and try to erase the evidence of whatever I do as I go. This means that if I cook dinner, I try to clean up immediately (wipe down stove, rinse dishes and pans and put in dishwasher, store leftovers, and clear and wipe down table). If I get ready in the morning, makeup goes back in the drawer, the sink gets swished after I brush my teeth, the q-tip goes in the trash, I swish the toilet brush through the toilet (doesn't clean it at all, but stops grossness from building up until I hit it in a quick clean or deep clean), my robes gets hung up, etc. The ERASING THE EVIDENCE really the key, because the quick clean just picks up the missed stuff and the slack.
Etcetera.
My schedule:
Sunday: grocery shop, cut grass, refill my medicine container, save my laundry
Once per week (no time limit, but I decide on Sunday what needs it most and pick based on the busiest of my week): DEEP CLEAN one category, like the floors, or the bathrooms, or all the windows, or something like that.
Once per week: PAIN IN THE BUTT/ORGANIZING CHORE, like taking the box to Goodwill, sorting through the junk drawer, throwing out the ink pens that don't work, or redoing the files
4 times per week: 15 minute quick clean (Order of priority: 1. must do chores like dishes and laundry; 2. clean areas that are seen by people, like wiping down the island or kitchen table or picking up toys or sweeping the floor/carpet; 3. quickly clean areas that take upkeep, like the toilets, sweep floors, or wipe down the tubs; and 4. everything else)
Daily: keep island clean and try to erase the evidence of whatever I do as I go. This means that if I cook dinner, I try to clean up immediately (wipe down stove, rinse dishes and pans and put in dishwasher, store leftovers, and clear and wipe down table). If I get ready in the morning, makeup goes back in the drawer, the sink gets swished after I brush my teeth, the q-tip goes in the trash, I swish the toilet brush through the toilet (doesn't clean it at all, but stops grossness from building up until I hit it in a quick clean or deep clean), my robes gets hung up, etc. The ERASING THE EVIDENCE really the key, because the quick clean just picks up the missed stuff and the slack.
Etcetera.
Does Everyone Always Feel Like They Are Running
So it's early Sunday morning. I'm alread thinking about all the stuff I have to do. I have to cut the grass (or get Brendan to cut it), do laundry, clean up, and get ready for the week. I have work that I ought to go do today at a coffeeshop. Oh, and I need to relax. But I just can't seem to do that. Sigh. It's like I live on overdrive. I look around, and other people relax just fine. Take Alan, for instance, sitting on the couch playing the xbox. I'm so jealous.
Etcetera.
Etcetera.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Why Am I so Afraid?
It get so wimpy when it comes to possibly hurting someone's feelings. Mostly, this is a good thing. After all, you shouldn't go around hurting people's feelings. But sometimes, something needs to be said, and I'm too chicken to say it.
I thought about this because someone I know took her kid (Ander's age) to the doctor. The nurse insisted on weighing him on the baby scale and he screamed the whole time. Now, clearly, the adult scale would have been a better idea. Not as precise, certainly, but precision isn't that important once an otherwise healthy baby is a toddler. Instead of insisting that the nurse was wrong, the lady let her son cry. After all, and somewhat understandably (as I probably would have done the same thing), nurses should know what they are doing, KWIM?
But that mom should have insisted on a change, even if it hurt the nurses feelings.
I face the same dilemma in my life all the time. I need to work on speaking up.
Etcetera.
I thought about this because someone I know took her kid (Ander's age) to the doctor. The nurse insisted on weighing him on the baby scale and he screamed the whole time. Now, clearly, the adult scale would have been a better idea. Not as precise, certainly, but precision isn't that important once an otherwise healthy baby is a toddler. Instead of insisting that the nurse was wrong, the lady let her son cry. After all, and somewhat understandably (as I probably would have done the same thing), nurses should know what they are doing, KWIM?
But that mom should have insisted on a change, even if it hurt the nurses feelings.
I face the same dilemma in my life all the time. I need to work on speaking up.
Etcetera.
The Little Things
I've really been trying to keep my island in my kitchen clean. All the time, not just sometimes. It a handy surface for cooking, folding clothes, and eating. It gives you a place to unpack and sort groceries after shopping. It is very visually pleasing to have it clean. So it seemed an appropriate place to focus on as my one daily cleaning goal.
I woke up this morning and looked over at the clean island, and I felt energetic and happy. Isn't that silly? But it really works.
I've also been on a "quickclean" schedule of 15 minute cleans four times a week, and my house looks much better.
Now, if I could just get some work done at the office!
Etcetera.
I woke up this morning and looked over at the clean island, and I felt energetic and happy. Isn't that silly? But it really works.
I've also been on a "quickclean" schedule of 15 minute cleans four times a week, and my house looks much better.
Now, if I could just get some work done at the office!
Etcetera.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Playing SAHM
So yesterday I didn't go to the office, and I didn't get any lawyer work done at home or at a coffee shop. That was the plan, but I usually fit something in. (Well, I did get one work phone call in, but that is it.)
But I did plan to do other things, like get an oil change for the car and grab some stuff at the store, and I simply ran out of time. I did get the floor sewpt and mopped while Ander played with (but refused to actually eat) his supper. I had to, because my husband taught Ander that sprinkles for cupcakes are actually maracas, and my darling shoke them until the blue sprinkles exploded and it appears that cookie monster had throw up all over my floor. I also did the dishes, btu since that's normally Alan's job, he got all confused and stuff.
Sadly, I'm looking forward to going to the office today. I love playing with Ander. But I need a break from the constant disciplining and teaching so that I can still be good at it. It's clear to me that if I am with him all day, he gets clingy and whiney and wants nothing else except to be held. It's also apparent that I am not as patient and calm and really have to work at getting down to his level, speaking firmly, giving him lots of hugs and kisses, showing and telling instead of just telling - all the important parts of toddler discipline. They are just exhausting!
Etcetera.
But I did plan to do other things, like get an oil change for the car and grab some stuff at the store, and I simply ran out of time. I did get the floor sewpt and mopped while Ander played with (but refused to actually eat) his supper. I had to, because my husband taught Ander that sprinkles for cupcakes are actually maracas, and my darling shoke them until the blue sprinkles exploded and it appears that cookie monster had throw up all over my floor. I also did the dishes, btu since that's normally Alan's job, he got all confused and stuff.
Sadly, I'm looking forward to going to the office today. I love playing with Ander. But I need a break from the constant disciplining and teaching so that I can still be good at it. It's clear to me that if I am with him all day, he gets clingy and whiney and wants nothing else except to be held. It's also apparent that I am not as patient and calm and really have to work at getting down to his level, speaking firmly, giving him lots of hugs and kisses, showing and telling instead of just telling - all the important parts of toddler discipline. They are just exhausting!
Etcetera.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Ander Can Read!!!
Well, no, not really. But he was, all by himself, looking through his five little monkeys book and pointing to the monkeys and saying, "no no." I asked him if he was telling those monkeys no jumping on the bed and he laugh and pointed to them and said, "no no!"
Etcetera.
Etcetera.
Bad Timing
Ander slept through his playdate and woke right after it! Sigh. I thought about cancelling his playdate today, actually, because I have so much work to do at the office. But my mom had already scheduled to leave town since she didn't have to watch Ander, and I didn't have a sitter. Now, as I type this, I realize my sister is a school teacher and home all summer, but that just occurred to me. {slaps self in the head} Guess I won't be getting any work done. Ander is cool with mommy playing on the computer, but not so much with me doing actual work.
Etcetera.
Etcetera.
Life Gets Easier, Right?
This week has been so hectic! I actually did not even check my e-mail one day. On Monday, I got a lot of work done at the office, but not enough. Ander also started swim lessons.
It was horrible! In addition to having to pack swim clothes for him and myself, we arrived a few minutes late because I got a little lost. Then we went to change, and the outdoor bathroom appears to have no light. I asked the lady four times how to turn on the light, but she was clearly ignoring the latecomers in honor of the on-timers (even though I apologized profusely and explained that I didn't understand her - aside: poorly written - directions), so Ander and I changed in the pitch dark. He screamed the whole time. Then, she has big tropical birds by the pool. Ander's favorite. He refused to get in the pool, not out of fear of water, but because, as he explained, "irds, irds, irds. Ma ma, irds."
Once he was in the water, the lady keep barking at me to turn him around. Um, he won't turn around. The birds are the other way, you see. "Make him blow bubbles." "Sure, I'll just wave my magic f-ing wand." Okay, I didn't say that. I wanted to, though.
To top things off, it poured down rain! Poured!!! On the babies and kids. But there wasn't any lightening, so crazy lady told all the screaming mommies and babies to stay in the pool. We got out after a bit, but only after arguing with her. Of course, I had signed a no refund agreement. Idiot me.
Tuesday I had court, just enough hours at work to get nothing accomplished, and swim lessons. It went horrible again. After work, I went mall walking with EBeth. The rain poured and the electricity went out, but it was nice. Of course, I had made plans because my husband was supposed to work late, but he didn't. The same thing happened yesterday. So I feel like I've barely seen Alan at all, when he's actually been home.
Yesterday, I had to work in a coffee shop, go to Strollerfit, take my office manager to lunch for her birthday, meet with a client, and spend a whole 20 minutes in the office (when what I needed was 20 hours) before going to swim class.
At least swim class went much better. We practiced going under the water and swimming through the hoop. He didn't love it, but he liked it okay. Sigh.
Did I mention swim lady has cats? I have to use my inhaler and allergy medicine each time, and still feel like I'm drowning and my entire face is swollen and itchy.
Etcetera.
Finally, yesterday
It was horrible! In addition to having to pack swim clothes for him and myself, we arrived a few minutes late because I got a little lost. Then we went to change, and the outdoor bathroom appears to have no light. I asked the lady four times how to turn on the light, but she was clearly ignoring the latecomers in honor of the on-timers (even though I apologized profusely and explained that I didn't understand her - aside: poorly written - directions), so Ander and I changed in the pitch dark. He screamed the whole time. Then, she has big tropical birds by the pool. Ander's favorite. He refused to get in the pool, not out of fear of water, but because, as he explained, "irds, irds, irds. Ma ma, irds."
Once he was in the water, the lady keep barking at me to turn him around. Um, he won't turn around. The birds are the other way, you see. "Make him blow bubbles." "Sure, I'll just wave my magic f-ing wand." Okay, I didn't say that. I wanted to, though.
To top things off, it poured down rain! Poured!!! On the babies and kids. But there wasn't any lightening, so crazy lady told all the screaming mommies and babies to stay in the pool. We got out after a bit, but only after arguing with her. Of course, I had signed a no refund agreement. Idiot me.
Tuesday I had court, just enough hours at work to get nothing accomplished, and swim lessons. It went horrible again. After work, I went mall walking with EBeth. The rain poured and the electricity went out, but it was nice. Of course, I had made plans because my husband was supposed to work late, but he didn't. The same thing happened yesterday. So I feel like I've barely seen Alan at all, when he's actually been home.
Yesterday, I had to work in a coffee shop, go to Strollerfit, take my office manager to lunch for her birthday, meet with a client, and spend a whole 20 minutes in the office (when what I needed was 20 hours) before going to swim class.
At least swim class went much better. We practiced going under the water and swimming through the hoop. He didn't love it, but he liked it okay. Sigh.
Did I mention swim lady has cats? I have to use my inhaler and allergy medicine each time, and still feel like I'm drowning and my entire face is swollen and itchy.
Etcetera.
Finally, yesterday
Monday, June 18, 2007
For Stac Cole
1. Were you named after anyone? No. I was supposed to be named Ivy, but my mom had a bad dream the night before I was born and named me Kristy instead.
2. When was the last time you cried? Night before last. But it was a good cry, not a sad one. :)
3. Do you like your handwriting? It's very nice.
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Turkey? But I really don't liek lunchmeat.
5. Do you have kids? one boy
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? I tend not to like people who are too much like me, but I tend to be friendly with anyone who wants to be friends...so, yes, but I might secretly be annoyed by them. ;)
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yes. I'm trying to use it less, but c'est la vie.
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.
9. Do you bungee jump? Only crazy people bungee jump.
10. What is your favorite cereal? Hmmm...probably Honey Smacks. But Alan hates the way they smell, so I rarely eat them.
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? I'm trying to remember to, but usually I don't. {blushing}
12. Do you think you are strong? I am surprised at how strong I am now that I work out regularly.
13. What is your favorite ice cream? BlueBell Mint Chocolate Chip
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Their clothes?
15. Red or pink? Deep, Dark Red
16. What is the least favorite thing about yourself? My inability to cope with rejection.
17. Who do you miss the most? Doris - we never keep in touch enough and she has so much wisdom and wit
18. Do you want everyone to send this back to you? Comments = love
19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Black with red and pink pinstripes (it's very subtle, you judgmental people!) and black with silver buckles
20. What was the last thing you ate? A McD's hashbrown
21. What are you listening to right now? The wrrrrr of the computer fan
22. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Brick Red
23. Favorite smells? Coconut and Ander after a bath and Alan's hair
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Rach B. - she's running late (or, to quote her "even later than usual" ;) for work this morning)
25. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Stac Cole is one of my all-time favorite people. Which is weird, since you don't get to pick your family. She does what she wants when she wants, and although I don't have the nerve to do that, it's fun watching her do it.
26. Favorite sports to watch? Gymnastics and LSU football
27. Hair color? Brown, but getting bits of gray.
28. Eye Color? Brown
29.. Do you wear contacts? No.
30. Favorite food? Hmmm...perfect french fries.
31. Scary movies or happy endings? Happy endings.
32. Last movie you watched? Maid in Manhattan (MIL was in town this weekend)
33. What color shirt are you wearing? Burgundy
34. Summer or winter? Winter.
35. Hugs or kisses? Hugs.
36. Favorite dessert? Chocolate cake.
37. Most likely to respond? E
38. Least likely to respond? Trip or John
39. What book are you reading now? Some silly romance set in Scotland in 1873.
40. What is on your mouse pad? A picture of Ander and Mommy
41. What did you watch on T.V. last night? Last Comic Standing
42. Favorite sound? Bubble wrap
43. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Rolling Stones
44. What is the farthest you have been from home? Carribean
45. Do you have a special talent? Public speaking?
46. Where were you born? Lutcher
47. Whose answers are you looking forward to getting back? Box
48. What time is it now? 9:08 a.m. (guess I need to get back to work)
Etcetera.
2. When was the last time you cried? Night before last. But it was a good cry, not a sad one. :)
3. Do you like your handwriting? It's very nice.
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Turkey? But I really don't liek lunchmeat.
5. Do you have kids? one boy
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? I tend not to like people who are too much like me, but I tend to be friendly with anyone who wants to be friends...so, yes, but I might secretly be annoyed by them. ;)
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yes. I'm trying to use it less, but c'est la vie.
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.
9. Do you bungee jump? Only crazy people bungee jump.
10. What is your favorite cereal? Hmmm...probably Honey Smacks. But Alan hates the way they smell, so I rarely eat them.
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? I'm trying to remember to, but usually I don't. {blushing}
12. Do you think you are strong? I am surprised at how strong I am now that I work out regularly.
13. What is your favorite ice cream? BlueBell Mint Chocolate Chip
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Their clothes?
15. Red or pink? Deep, Dark Red
16. What is the least favorite thing about yourself? My inability to cope with rejection.
17. Who do you miss the most? Doris - we never keep in touch enough and she has so much wisdom and wit
18. Do you want everyone to send this back to you? Comments = love
19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Black with red and pink pinstripes (it's very subtle, you judgmental people!) and black with silver buckles
20. What was the last thing you ate? A McD's hashbrown
21. What are you listening to right now? The wrrrrr of the computer fan
22. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Brick Red
23. Favorite smells? Coconut and Ander after a bath and Alan's hair
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Rach B. - she's running late (or, to quote her "even later than usual" ;) for work this morning)
25. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Stac Cole is one of my all-time favorite people. Which is weird, since you don't get to pick your family. She does what she wants when she wants, and although I don't have the nerve to do that, it's fun watching her do it.
26. Favorite sports to watch? Gymnastics and LSU football
27. Hair color? Brown, but getting bits of gray.
28. Eye Color? Brown
29.. Do you wear contacts? No.
30. Favorite food? Hmmm...perfect french fries.
31. Scary movies or happy endings? Happy endings.
32. Last movie you watched? Maid in Manhattan (MIL was in town this weekend)
33. What color shirt are you wearing? Burgundy
34. Summer or winter? Winter.
35. Hugs or kisses? Hugs.
36. Favorite dessert? Chocolate cake.
37. Most likely to respond? E
38. Least likely to respond? Trip or John
39. What book are you reading now? Some silly romance set in Scotland in 1873.
40. What is on your mouse pad? A picture of Ander and Mommy
41. What did you watch on T.V. last night? Last Comic Standing
42. Favorite sound? Bubble wrap
43. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Rolling Stones
44. What is the farthest you have been from home? Carribean
45. Do you have a special talent? Public speaking?
46. Where were you born? Lutcher
47. Whose answers are you looking forward to getting back? Box
48. What time is it now? 9:08 a.m. (guess I need to get back to work)
Etcetera.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Flylady
I really don't like the Flylady. Which is weird, because I am secretly (okay, obviously) obsessed with organizing.
What I don't like is the whole wear shoes/makeup (hello, I could use that time to do twenty other things), clean the kitchen sink (where I store my dishes until they go in the dishwasher - something that happens quite regularly, thank you very much), and the constant e-mails. I even read her book this weekend, and frankly, it's silly.
Having said that, I think I did learn a lot from her. I use her 15 minute pick-up four days a week, I have a morning and an evening routine (complete with a dry-erase checklist on my fridge), and I clean off the island in my kitchen much as she would clean the kitchen sink (but much more practical, IMHO).
Now, if I only had a personal assistant to do these things for me.
Etcetera.
What I don't like is the whole wear shoes/makeup (hello, I could use that time to do twenty other things), clean the kitchen sink (where I store my dishes until they go in the dishwasher - something that happens quite regularly, thank you very much), and the constant e-mails. I even read her book this weekend, and frankly, it's silly.
Having said that, I think I did learn a lot from her. I use her 15 minute pick-up four days a week, I have a morning and an evening routine (complete with a dry-erase checklist on my fridge), and I clean off the island in my kitchen much as she would clean the kitchen sink (but much more practical, IMHO).
Now, if I only had a personal assistant to do these things for me.
Etcetera.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Can You Say Rebellion?
Ugh. It's only 7:30 a.m. and already, Ander has been in timeout. And MIL isn't even here yet.
Last night, Ander coughed and sniffled. Finally, at midnight, he was totally crying every two or three minutes. I kept going to check on him, and when I would almost get to his room, he would already be back asleep. He was choking, in his sleep, so bad that I went and got him out of the crib. Let me take this opportunity to say that we have totally stopped bringing him to our bed at night, but he was really suffering. I took him out and held him for a while. Finnaly, he looked at me sadly and whispered, "Momma." I put him down and took his hand, and he lead me to my bed. Sigh. I'm glad I got to watch him all night, because the fever and coughing were awful, but I am really scared that he will think that if he cries, he gets to sleep with us. I don't mind letting him cry (well, I did last night, but that was a real "it hurts" cry and not just a "mommy, I want out of bed" cry), but MIL will be sleeping in the next room. Ah, well, that what happens when you stay with parents of a young child, right?
This morning, Ander walked around the living room and touched all the "no nos." He touched the night light. He picked up the remote and changed the channel, and refused to give it back to me, so the remote went in timeout. He was specifically warned, as he approached the carbon monoxide detector, not to touch it or he would go in timeout. He touched it anyway. So I put him in timeout. After five seconds (he gets fifteen in timeout), he left timeout and went for the remote!!! (It was out of reach, but he tried.) I put him back. This time he stayed, and then hugged me sorry, and then behaved, but I'm exhausted and the day hasn't started yet.
I really think he is still tired, but he won't lie still, so I put him in his crib. He's been crying for three minutes, but he keeps taking longer and longer breaks from crying, so hopefully he will go to sleep soon. He is sooooo tired. But he is probably confused, because we never put him in his crib awake during the day. But lying with me he's pulling my hair and beating me in the face, so crib it is.
Ugh.
Tantrums and rebellions get less annoying, right?
Etcetera.
Last night, Ander coughed and sniffled. Finally, at midnight, he was totally crying every two or three minutes. I kept going to check on him, and when I would almost get to his room, he would already be back asleep. He was choking, in his sleep, so bad that I went and got him out of the crib. Let me take this opportunity to say that we have totally stopped bringing him to our bed at night, but he was really suffering. I took him out and held him for a while. Finnaly, he looked at me sadly and whispered, "Momma." I put him down and took his hand, and he lead me to my bed. Sigh. I'm glad I got to watch him all night, because the fever and coughing were awful, but I am really scared that he will think that if he cries, he gets to sleep with us. I don't mind letting him cry (well, I did last night, but that was a real "it hurts" cry and not just a "mommy, I want out of bed" cry), but MIL will be sleeping in the next room. Ah, well, that what happens when you stay with parents of a young child, right?
This morning, Ander walked around the living room and touched all the "no nos." He touched the night light. He picked up the remote and changed the channel, and refused to give it back to me, so the remote went in timeout. He was specifically warned, as he approached the carbon monoxide detector, not to touch it or he would go in timeout. He touched it anyway. So I put him in timeout. After five seconds (he gets fifteen in timeout), he left timeout and went for the remote!!! (It was out of reach, but he tried.) I put him back. This time he stayed, and then hugged me sorry, and then behaved, but I'm exhausted and the day hasn't started yet.
I really think he is still tired, but he won't lie still, so I put him in his crib. He's been crying for three minutes, but he keeps taking longer and longer breaks from crying, so hopefully he will go to sleep soon. He is sooooo tired. But he is probably confused, because we never put him in his crib awake during the day. But lying with me he's pulling my hair and beating me in the face, so crib it is.
Ugh.
Tantrums and rebellions get less annoying, right?
Etcetera.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Fruit
Ander won't eat fruit. It's the strangest thing. I serve fruit almost everytime I serve him breakfast, I send fruit everyday with his lunch, and I eat fruit in front of him all the time. He'll ask for it, and put it in his mouth, but as soon as he tastes it, he throws it away.
I could understand veggies, or meat. But fruit is sweet and tasty. Things he won't eat include peaches, pears, apples, bananas (a new addition to the list), blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, watermelon, and oranges. In fact, I can't think of a fruit that I've tried that he eats. And I offer fruit all the time, so shouldn't he be getting over this pickiness?
Maybe if I offered the fruit INSIDE OF A SHOE. Hmmm.
Etcetera.
I could understand veggies, or meat. But fruit is sweet and tasty. Things he won't eat include peaches, pears, apples, bananas (a new addition to the list), blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, watermelon, and oranges. In fact, I can't think of a fruit that I've tried that he eats. And I offer fruit all the time, so shouldn't he be getting over this pickiness?
Maybe if I offered the fruit INSIDE OF A SHOE. Hmmm.
Etcetera.
Monday, June 11, 2007
It's A Bird, It's A Plane
I'm driving down the street, and suddenly, a shoe clubs me upside the head!
I told Ander no no. I said shoes go on your feet. I said you don't throw shoes at mommy. I put the shoe in timeout.
Ander laughed.
:(
On the plus side, my mom told him to stick his tongue out at me, and I said no no, that's not nice, and you could see him struggle with it, but he obeyed me.
Etcetera.
I told Ander no no. I said shoes go on your feet. I said you don't throw shoes at mommy. I put the shoe in timeout.
Ander laughed.
:(
On the plus side, my mom told him to stick his tongue out at me, and I said no no, that's not nice, and you could see him struggle with it, but he obeyed me.
Etcetera.
Friday, June 8, 2007
What Just Went Down At My House
A bug flew into the house and attacked our kitchen light.
Alan grabbed a flyswatter.
"Ander, Daddy is about to kill one of God's creatures. I need you to step back," says Alan.
Swats at creature.
Creature flies away.
Mommy says, "Ander, God has smited Daddy."
Ander laughs.
The end.
Etcetera.
Alan grabbed a flyswatter.
"Ander, Daddy is about to kill one of God's creatures. I need you to step back," says Alan.
Swats at creature.
Creature flies away.
Mommy says, "Ander, God has smited Daddy."
Ander laughs.
The end.
Etcetera.
Ode To Beth V.
Every now and then, a person comes into your life who you really hope to stay close to, even at first, when you barely know them. These are the people who are "worth the effort." Even if they move out of town. :( Even if they are busy. :( Even if you don't see them nearly enough. :( When you do see them, your troubles seem lighter and your spirits seems higher. :)
Happy Birthday, Beth Anne. You are definitely worth the effort!
Etcetera.
Happy Birthday, Beth Anne. You are definitely worth the effort!
Etcetera.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Not Normal But Awesome
A couple of months ago, when Ander was 13 months old, I posted about how he wouldn't sleep. He would stay up until 11 p.m., and wake at 3 a.m. and cry until and unless we brought him to our bed. We had tried CIO (in a very mild form, where we sat on the floor by his crib and soothed him every few minutes) when he was about 10 months old, and it worked, but he got sick after that, and during his coughing fits we would bring him to our bed in desparation, and we had spoiled him.
So Alan and I tried something different. About 6 weeks ago, we started a nightly routine. Bath, Book, and soft lighting while watching the "Good Night Show" (on PBS Sprout) with Daddy. At 9 p.m., we say night night and prayer and have kisses, and tuck Ander in with Tigger. Then we decided that we would just let him cry, unless we thought he sounded hurt, in which case we would check on him, but not take him out of the crib and not talk to him - just tuck him back in. We also would not get up with him until after sunrise in the morning.
I thought it would be horrible, but with none of us sleeping, we had to do something.
Night one he cried about 10 minutes at 9 p.m. and a bit (less than 10 minutes each) at 3 and 5 a.m.
Night two he cried less.
By night three, he would just go to sleep and get up after sunrise.
But tonight, all our hard work really paid off. Because tonight, my dear child walked up to me, took my hand, looked at his daddy - at 3 minutes to 9 p.m. when the "Good Night Show" started to say "good night," and said, "nigh nigh." We walked with him to his room, where HE gave us kisses and HE laid down by himself and HE grabbed Tigger and HE smiled as we said "night night" and prayer. HE DID IT ON HIS OWN. And then we turned out the lights and walked out the room, and he went to sleep.
And then Alan gave me a high five and we grinned like crazy people, and Alan said, "that's just not normal."
Etcetera.
So Alan and I tried something different. About 6 weeks ago, we started a nightly routine. Bath, Book, and soft lighting while watching the "Good Night Show" (on PBS Sprout) with Daddy. At 9 p.m., we say night night and prayer and have kisses, and tuck Ander in with Tigger. Then we decided that we would just let him cry, unless we thought he sounded hurt, in which case we would check on him, but not take him out of the crib and not talk to him - just tuck him back in. We also would not get up with him until after sunrise in the morning.
I thought it would be horrible, but with none of us sleeping, we had to do something.
Night one he cried about 10 minutes at 9 p.m. and a bit (less than 10 minutes each) at 3 and 5 a.m.
Night two he cried less.
By night three, he would just go to sleep and get up after sunrise.
But tonight, all our hard work really paid off. Because tonight, my dear child walked up to me, took my hand, looked at his daddy - at 3 minutes to 9 p.m. when the "Good Night Show" started to say "good night," and said, "nigh nigh." We walked with him to his room, where HE gave us kisses and HE laid down by himself and HE grabbed Tigger and HE smiled as we said "night night" and prayer. HE DID IT ON HIS OWN. And then we turned out the lights and walked out the room, and he went to sleep.
And then Alan gave me a high five and we grinned like crazy people, and Alan said, "that's just not normal."
Etcetera.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
My Husband Either Loves Me...
...or he loves Halo. And no, I'm not taking a poll here. :/ I'm just saying. :)
He moved the computer table and computer to the living room so that I don't have to sit around in a dark room to play on the computer. Yippee. And, as an added bonus for him, he gets more Halo.
Etcetera.
He moved the computer table and computer to the living room so that I don't have to sit around in a dark room to play on the computer. Yippee. And, as an added bonus for him, he gets more Halo.
Etcetera.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Ippy
Ander just walked up to me, tugged on my leg, pointed to the kitchen, and said "ippy." Stupid me didn't understand. "Pee pee?" I asked. "No, no {insert vigorous annoyed head-shaking here}! Ippy!!!" And Ander toddled over to his friend's empty sippy cup, held it up to me, and said, "ippy." Ah, sippy! He was very pleased when his dumb mommy finally figured it out.
Etcetera.
Etcetera.