Charlie is pouring his drinking milk into his cereal...
Mommy: Charles Patrick, stop that right now. You know you are not allowed to pour things!
Charlie: Whimper... Charlie strains to pout, but ends up looking more like a marionette doll
Mommy: Charlie, that will not work. Pouting is not going to get you your way. You are smarter than that.
Charlie: But... He manages to get his lower lip out into a real pout for a second.
Mommy: Copying the pouty face. Buddy, honestly, would this face change your mind and make you give me anything I wanted?
Charlie: Straight-faced. That's not going to work. I'm done.
Charlie pushes back from the table to go play and Mommy laughs.
Swamp
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Have a Safe Day!
7 AM, The Kitchen; Charlie is eating oatmeal, Mommy is making coffee and Daddy is preparing to leave
Daddy: Have a good day, buddy. I'll see you tonight.
Charlie: Have a safe day, Daddy!
Daddy: Have a safe day...
Mommy: Buddy, I'll be right back. I'm going to go get the mail.
Charlie: Daddy! Be careful! Don't run into Mommy with your truck!
Daddy: What?! Ok, Charlie, I'll be careful...
Daddy: Have a good day, buddy. I'll see you tonight.
Charlie: Have a safe day, Daddy!
Daddy: Have a safe day...
Mommy: Buddy, I'll be right back. I'm going to go get the mail.
Charlie: Daddy! Be careful! Don't run into Mommy with your truck!
Daddy: What?! Ok, Charlie, I'll be careful...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
First Fear?
Oh, if only Charlie were enjoying Fire Safety week as much as I am.
Yesterday they learned to stop, drop and roll if there is fire on their clothes, and now he's petrified that the fire is going to "get [him]". He even had two accidents yesterday, and while I don't know that they're related, I have to wonder. Then last night after prayers he asked Jason to protect him from the fire.
The crazy part is that in all my excitement about the fire trucks and the activities, I'd forgotten my own terror at 6 years old when we watched a Fire Safety movie at school. In the movie a family's house catches on fire in the night and they all have to escape, using the rope ladders, etc. that they had conveniently installed earlier that day. I can still picture the little blonde girl sitting terrified in her bed and clutching her mom (or dad...not sure) out in the street later as flames shoot from their house.
Even more vividly, I remember laying in my little twin bed in the downstairs bedroom on Long Street crying because I thought our house was going to catch on fire in the night -- specifically, I thought that lightning would strike the vaulted ceiling in the living room. I remember Mom coming in to reassure me but I think this fear lasted for quite some time, and I actually recall looking at the living room ceiling in the mornings to make sure there wasn't a jagged hole.
I definitely don't fault Charlie's daycare for introducing fire safety and all, but I guess I'm having a hard time accepting that it's time for him to discover that "bad" things can happen. Up until now he's believed that a fire truck racing by with sirens blaring is on the way to rescue a kitty from a tree, and I think the only reason he stays out of the street is to avoid a spanking. This is most likely his first taste of legitimate fear, and while I know it's important developmentally, it's breaking my heart.
Yesterday they learned to stop, drop and roll if there is fire on their clothes, and now he's petrified that the fire is going to "get [him]". He even had two accidents yesterday, and while I don't know that they're related, I have to wonder. Then last night after prayers he asked Jason to protect him from the fire.
The crazy part is that in all my excitement about the fire trucks and the activities, I'd forgotten my own terror at 6 years old when we watched a Fire Safety movie at school. In the movie a family's house catches on fire in the night and they all have to escape, using the rope ladders, etc. that they had conveniently installed earlier that day. I can still picture the little blonde girl sitting terrified in her bed and clutching her mom (or dad...not sure) out in the street later as flames shoot from their house.
Even more vividly, I remember laying in my little twin bed in the downstairs bedroom on Long Street crying because I thought our house was going to catch on fire in the night -- specifically, I thought that lightning would strike the vaulted ceiling in the living room. I remember Mom coming in to reassure me but I think this fear lasted for quite some time, and I actually recall looking at the living room ceiling in the mornings to make sure there wasn't a jagged hole.
I definitely don't fault Charlie's daycare for introducing fire safety and all, but I guess I'm having a hard time accepting that it's time for him to discover that "bad" things can happen. Up until now he's believed that a fire truck racing by with sirens blaring is on the way to rescue a kitty from a tree, and I think the only reason he stays out of the street is to avoid a spanking. This is most likely his first taste of legitimate fear, and while I know it's important developmentally, it's breaking my heart.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Get A Life!
Hmmmm...how bad is it to live vicariously through a 2 year old?
It's not as if I don't have a perfectly wonderful life of my own, but I have to say I tend to get more excited about Charlie's triumphs and more concerned about his challenges than I do about anything happening in my 34 year old days. Is that bad?
For example, it's Fire Safety Week at school! How cool is that?! And what perfect timing! Yesterday they learned what to do if there is fire in their house: run outside (and I of course informed Mrs. Kita that if Charlie ran out the front door when Jason started a fire in the fireplace this winter, I would blame her), and also what do do if they see smoke: crawl (and yes, I will try to take pictures if I burn dinner some evening and Charlie hits the deck).
But believe it or not, it gets even better. Today they are learning to Stop, Drop and Roll! I still have vivid memories of my kindergarten class rolling around on the carpet some 29 years ago. I can't wait to see Charlie demonstrate.
And as if that weren't enough for the week, tomorrow they are learning about Fire Trucks (I'm hoping that maybe the local station will drop by) and Thursday they're learning about the Fire Station, itself, (I'm still completely in the dark on this one, since I have not seen or signed a permission slip...I'm sure it will be creative and fun, though).
Of course, the highlight of this whole curriculum is that Charlie is going to be a fireman for Halloween in just another couple weeks. How perfect is that!? And Sully's mom and I are planning to take the boys to visit the Fire Station in full gear on the 30th.
And while I in no way mean to suggest that my life is boring, it's no Fire Safety Week.
Of course, higher highs can also mean lower lows. Yesterday I found out that Micah, Bryce and Hayden have all started the transition to the Older Twos room -- without Charlie. He's ready (i.e. of age and potty trained), but they only have three openings right now, so Charlie's three best buddies will be joining Miles, Vivie, Carly, Sully and Landon full time next week.
To be clear, I am in absolutely no hurry for Charlie to grow up and I am going to seriously miss Miss Brittany, Miss Brittany, Mrs. Kita and Mrs. Linda (just like I do Mrs. Jo-Jo, Miss Amanda and Mrs. Brenda), but I can't bear to think of him being left behind -- or having to spend all day without his buddies.
Granted, did he fall apart when Miles moved up? No. Vivie? No. Carly? No. Sully? No. Landon? No...but still... It reminds me of that Christmas in college when Matt & Amon got real jobs and Rebekah went to Europe...I cried all the way home from the shoe store. Of course, I did end up making another batch of fabulous friends, but it was heart-breaking at the time.
Who's going to run to the door when we arrive every morning shouting, "Chawlie, Chawlie, Chawlie"? I'm really going to miss that...
It's not as if I don't have a perfectly wonderful life of my own, but I have to say I tend to get more excited about Charlie's triumphs and more concerned about his challenges than I do about anything happening in my 34 year old days. Is that bad?
For example, it's Fire Safety Week at school! How cool is that?! And what perfect timing! Yesterday they learned what to do if there is fire in their house: run outside (and I of course informed Mrs. Kita that if Charlie ran out the front door when Jason started a fire in the fireplace this winter, I would blame her), and also what do do if they see smoke: crawl (and yes, I will try to take pictures if I burn dinner some evening and Charlie hits the deck).
But believe it or not, it gets even better. Today they are learning to Stop, Drop and Roll! I still have vivid memories of my kindergarten class rolling around on the carpet some 29 years ago. I can't wait to see Charlie demonstrate.
And as if that weren't enough for the week, tomorrow they are learning about Fire Trucks (I'm hoping that maybe the local station will drop by) and Thursday they're learning about the Fire Station, itself, (I'm still completely in the dark on this one, since I have not seen or signed a permission slip...I'm sure it will be creative and fun, though).
Of course, the highlight of this whole curriculum is that Charlie is going to be a fireman for Halloween in just another couple weeks. How perfect is that!? And Sully's mom and I are planning to take the boys to visit the Fire Station in full gear on the 30th.
And while I in no way mean to suggest that my life is boring, it's no Fire Safety Week.
Of course, higher highs can also mean lower lows. Yesterday I found out that Micah, Bryce and Hayden have all started the transition to the Older Twos room -- without Charlie. He's ready (i.e. of age and potty trained), but they only have three openings right now, so Charlie's three best buddies will be joining Miles, Vivie, Carly, Sully and Landon full time next week.
To be clear, I am in absolutely no hurry for Charlie to grow up and I am going to seriously miss Miss Brittany, Miss Brittany, Mrs. Kita and Mrs. Linda (just like I do Mrs. Jo-Jo, Miss Amanda and Mrs. Brenda), but I can't bear to think of him being left behind -- or having to spend all day without his buddies.
Granted, did he fall apart when Miles moved up? No. Vivie? No. Carly? No. Sully? No. Landon? No...but still... It reminds me of that Christmas in college when Matt & Amon got real jobs and Rebekah went to Europe...I cried all the way home from the shoe store. Of course, I did end up making another batch of fabulous friends, but it was heart-breaking at the time.
Who's going to run to the door when we arrive every morning shouting, "Chawlie, Chawlie, Chawlie"? I'm really going to miss that...
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Kindred Spirits
Ah yes, this post is dedicated in part to all of those fellow Anne of Green Gables fans out there...but, imagine my surprise when I found that same term in the Bible!
Yes, in the NASB translation, Paul refers to Timothy as being "of kindred spirit" in Philippians 2:20. Translated elsewhere as "like-minded", it's actually a compound of two Greek words that mean "equal" and "soul" or "mind".
Why, you may be asking yourself, did Jenny feel the need to dive into a crash course in Koine Greek? Well, partly just for fun, but mostly because I've been thinking a lot about friendship lately. When we take a moment to pay attention, Jason and I are overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of friendships we have made in our five short years in South Carolina. For two Midwest natives with no intention of ever leaving the KC Metro, pulling up stakes for Summerville was a big risk, but one that has been rewarded tremendously with an abundance of new friends.
The amazing part, though, is that our "old" friends have stuck by us through our great adventure and while we see them much less frequently, I feel like some of our relationships are even closer than when we left -- I suppose that what's lacking in quantity of time we've made up for with quality.
Just this summer I've had two of my closest girlfriends come for visits, along with my very closest of all, my mom, and while the Four Amigos weren't able to put together a trip this year, there is no doubt they'll be playing Huck Finn again in the near future...maybe eventually with their doppelgangers in tow...
I suppose that the impetus for all of my frienship musings has been watching Charlie start to build relationships of his own, and to not only tag along to playdates and school, but to get excited about seeing his buddies and talking about their adventures. My little boy has friends!
Clearly, it's too early to call any of them "kindred spirits", after all, most two year olds I know are pretty like minded, focused on fast toys, yummy candy and belly laughs, but I believe the ones that will last will be the ones whose similarities go beyond the mind to an "equalness of soul" -- that deeper connection that overcomes time, distance, likes, dislikes, even personality, to form the bonds that last a lifetime.
Who knows, in 30 years, Charlie may count among his kindred spirits
A few of our best buddies...
Yes, in the NASB translation, Paul refers to Timothy as being "of kindred spirit" in Philippians 2:20. Translated elsewhere as "like-minded", it's actually a compound of two Greek words that mean "equal" and "soul" or "mind".
Why, you may be asking yourself, did Jenny feel the need to dive into a crash course in Koine Greek? Well, partly just for fun, but mostly because I've been thinking a lot about friendship lately. When we take a moment to pay attention, Jason and I are overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of friendships we have made in our five short years in South Carolina. For two Midwest natives with no intention of ever leaving the KC Metro, pulling up stakes for Summerville was a big risk, but one that has been rewarded tremendously with an abundance of new friends.
The amazing part, though, is that our "old" friends have stuck by us through our great adventure and while we see them much less frequently, I feel like some of our relationships are even closer than when we left -- I suppose that what's lacking in quantity of time we've made up for with quality.
Just this summer I've had two of my closest girlfriends come for visits, along with my very closest of all, my mom, and while the Four Amigos weren't able to put together a trip this year, there is no doubt they'll be playing Huck Finn again in the near future...maybe eventually with their doppelgangers in tow...
I suppose that the impetus for all of my frienship musings has been watching Charlie start to build relationships of his own, and to not only tag along to playdates and school, but to get excited about seeing his buddies and talking about their adventures. My little boy has friends!
Clearly, it's too early to call any of them "kindred spirits", after all, most two year olds I know are pretty like minded, focused on fast toys, yummy candy and belly laughs, but I believe the ones that will last will be the ones whose similarities go beyond the mind to an "equalness of soul" -- that deeper connection that overcomes time, distance, likes, dislikes, even personality, to form the bonds that last a lifetime.
Who knows, in 30 years, Charlie may count among his kindred spirits
- his wife who adores him, encourages him to be the very best Charlie he can be and makes him laugh at least once a day
- his best friend since third grade with whom he has nothing in common on the surface, but who couldn't be more like him deep inside
- his coworker and classmate from college who shares his faith and sense of humor, even though they never seem to be at the same life stage at the same time
- his friend that he came to know well only right before he left town, but with whom he can share even his most vulnerable moments (with or without wine) and with whom he is sure he will share a zipcode again someday, somehow
- his new friend that he met through church, but became friendly because of their kids, but who he can talk endlessly with...even if one of them was supposed to be home almost an hour ago and the kids are getting cranky
- a couple that he and his wife seem to be perfectly matched with, to the point that they're more like family than friends
- or (my dearest hope!), his mom, who he can call as often as twice a day or as little as once a week, but is always thrilled to hear from him, ready to laugh at his jokes, and looking forward to their next visit.
A few of our best buddies...
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Coffee Talk
Mommy: So, Buddy, did you have any dreams last night?
Charlie: Yeah!
Mommy: What did you dream about?
Charlie: BaBa and PaPa
Mommy: BaBa and PaPa? What were they doing?
Charlie: Thinking about Jesus!
Mommy: Thinking about Jesus? Well, that's great.
Charlie: Yeah. BaBa and PaPa thinking about Jesus and Cheez-its.
Charlie: Yeah!
Mommy: What did you dream about?
Charlie: BaBa and PaPa
Mommy: BaBa and PaPa? What were they doing?
Charlie: Thinking about Jesus!
Mommy: Thinking about Jesus? Well, that's great.
Charlie: Yeah. BaBa and PaPa thinking about Jesus and Cheez-its.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Milestone!
Charlie earned his "blue present" last night. We've been struggling a bit with anything more than peeing on the potty, but last night in the midst of a Facetime chat with BaBa and PaPa he announced that he had to potty, raced into the bathroom and did his business.
Thankfully, the blue present more than lived up to his expectations...who would have thought that an umbrella would be the best gift EVER?!?
I may be biting my tongue in a few days, but I think we've reached the stage where we can call potty training an unqualified success! Yay!
Thankfully, the blue present more than lived up to his expectations...who would have thought that an umbrella would be the best gift EVER?!?
I may be biting my tongue in a few days, but I think we've reached the stage where we can call potty training an unqualified success! Yay!
Watch Out!
Keeping Daddy Dry
Monday, September 19, 2011
Hakuna Matata
So, what do you do if your 2 1/2 year old who only has the attention span for a 30 second Orange Juice ad (Good Mornin', Good Mornin'...) sees a Lion King commercial and begs for "more aminals"?
Why take him to a 90 minute, 3-D movie, of course!
From the first time he saw the preview a couple weeks ago, Charlie has been entranced by the stampeding cartoon characters. Thrilled at the prospect of another "first" (they're kind of few and far between these days), I decided that we should absolutely, positively take him to The Lion King. Jason, on the other hand, took some convincing, feeling the need to point out that sitting still, being quiet and paying attention to anything movie/tv related were not exactly our son's strengths.
Knowing that the facts were on his side, I chose to just look at him with shock and dismay, as if wondering how he could even consider depriving our son of this once in a lifetime opportunity (it is only in theaters for 2 weeks, after all...). Then when Jason totally busted me and I broke down into laughter, I just begged, and assured him that we would have candy and popcorn to keep Charlie in his seat, everyone is loud at kid movies, and I had absolutely zero expectation of making it through the whole movie.
A bit bemused by the whole idea, Jason agreed and even suggested we go a few days earlier than I'd planned, so we all piled into the truck last night and spent the 25 minute drive to the half-price movie theater on Ladson reminding Charlie how much he wanted to see the movie and explaining to him exactly what a theater is...to be honest, he was more excited about the fact that he got to wear his hooded sweatshirt, but he just didn't know what was coming...
Intent on giving Charlie the complete movie theater experience for this too-early-to-remember-in-the future outing, he and I played Space Invaders and Grand Prix while Daddy spent as much money on the popcorn, sodas and sour patch kids as we'd spent on the tickets!
As soon as we settled into our pre-stadium seating era seats, Jason immediately kicked over our large popcorn and I wandered off to track down a booster. As we waited through the previews, I managed to pour half of our free-refill popcorn into my purse, while Charlie stuffed ice cubes, smarties and popcorn into his container of grapes.
But finally, the movie started and Charlie was enthralled...for about 5 minutes. Of course, the double-vision he was experiencing due to his refusal to wear his 3-D glasses could have been part of the problem...Jason is half-convinced he had a headache.
Just as the hyenas began to taunt Simba and Nala, Charlie loudly demanded to go play with his toys, so we shuffled through the popcorn and out of the theater. As we "recycled" our 3-D glasses in the big box in the lobby, Jason and I discussed the fact that 30 minutes of movie (plus about 15 of previews and commercials) was really pretty good. All in all, we were impressed by the evening.
Well, a manager overheard us and suggested that we return to the box office and get a refund, telling us that they do it all the time with "little ones" who don't make it through their first movie. Feeling a bit guilty since we never expected to make it longer than 30 minutes, Jason and I did just that, and recouped our $21. So not only do we (Jason and I, that is) have a fabulous memory of Charlie's first movie, it only cost us the $20 for "dinner" and the ensuing stomach aches. Hakuna Matata!
Why take him to a 90 minute, 3-D movie, of course!
From the first time he saw the preview a couple weeks ago, Charlie has been entranced by the stampeding cartoon characters. Thrilled at the prospect of another "first" (they're kind of few and far between these days), I decided that we should absolutely, positively take him to The Lion King. Jason, on the other hand, took some convincing, feeling the need to point out that sitting still, being quiet and paying attention to anything movie/tv related were not exactly our son's strengths.
Knowing that the facts were on his side, I chose to just look at him with shock and dismay, as if wondering how he could even consider depriving our son of this once in a lifetime opportunity (it is only in theaters for 2 weeks, after all...). Then when Jason totally busted me and I broke down into laughter, I just begged, and assured him that we would have candy and popcorn to keep Charlie in his seat, everyone is loud at kid movies, and I had absolutely zero expectation of making it through the whole movie.
A bit bemused by the whole idea, Jason agreed and even suggested we go a few days earlier than I'd planned, so we all piled into the truck last night and spent the 25 minute drive to the half-price movie theater on Ladson reminding Charlie how much he wanted to see the movie and explaining to him exactly what a theater is...to be honest, he was more excited about the fact that he got to wear his hooded sweatshirt, but he just didn't know what was coming...
Intent on giving Charlie the complete movie theater experience for this too-early-to-remember-in-the future outing, he and I played Space Invaders and Grand Prix while Daddy spent as much money on the popcorn, sodas and sour patch kids as we'd spent on the tickets!
As soon as we settled into our pre-stadium seating era seats, Jason immediately kicked over our large popcorn and I wandered off to track down a booster. As we waited through the previews, I managed to pour half of our free-refill popcorn into my purse, while Charlie stuffed ice cubes, smarties and popcorn into his container of grapes.
But finally, the movie started and Charlie was enthralled...for about 5 minutes. Of course, the double-vision he was experiencing due to his refusal to wear his 3-D glasses could have been part of the problem...Jason is half-convinced he had a headache.
Just as the hyenas began to taunt Simba and Nala, Charlie loudly demanded to go play with his toys, so we shuffled through the popcorn and out of the theater. As we "recycled" our 3-D glasses in the big box in the lobby, Jason and I discussed the fact that 30 minutes of movie (plus about 15 of previews and commercials) was really pretty good. All in all, we were impressed by the evening.
Well, a manager overheard us and suggested that we return to the box office and get a refund, telling us that they do it all the time with "little ones" who don't make it through their first movie. Feeling a bit guilty since we never expected to make it longer than 30 minutes, Jason and I did just that, and recouped our $21. So not only do we (Jason and I, that is) have a fabulous memory of Charlie's first movie, it only cost us the $20 for "dinner" and the ensuing stomach aches. Hakuna Matata!
Ready for the Show
Zoom-zoom...
Just too cute!
My boys!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
We Made It!
Ok, I can't claim that we are fully "potty-trained" (though Charlie loves to do so to just about anyone who will listen), but we have made it over a pretty significant hump...Charlie wore underwear to school yesterday morning and was still wearing all of the same items of clothing when I picked him up yesterday afternoon.
Sounds like unequivocable success, right? Well...with Charlie there always seems to be a bit of a catch, and this time, like so many others, it's his iron will. In fact, I'm starting to wonder if the will and the bladder don't develop at the same time and if perhaps I didn't miss a single day of pre-natal vitamins that week, because Charlie's bladder appears to be just as strong as his will...he didn't use the bathroom ALL DAY yesterday, other than when they put his pull-up on for nap.
Yes, my 2 1/2 year old son went from 8:30 to 4:00 and only used the bathroom one time!
Obviously, I was more than a bit concerned about buckling that stretched-to-the-max bladder into the carseat, but Charlie assured me he didn't have to potty. Nevertheless, while he was stick-hunting en route to the car, he began to grab certain body parts, so despite violent kicking and screaming, I hauled him back into school and perched him on the potty.
As soon as he stopped fighting, he started going...and going...and going. Wow -- the child definitely has a healthy sized bladder. Thanks to our efforts, we completed our first "accident free" day and Charlie got to open his present of boxer briefs that look just like Daddy's (he's currently wearing training pants, which are really nothing more than thick, baggy underwear).
Charlie is still hesitant to do anything more than "pee-pee" in the potty, but we had a successful effort last night, leading Jason and I to believe that we were near the goal. Unfortunately, this morning we've had a minor setback in the form of a stomach bug. In fact, I briefly entertained the notion of scrapping the whole effort -- with Charlie throwing up I just couldn't fathom dealing with other messes as well or with forcing a miserable little man to sit on the potty, but with Jason's encouragement I decided to press on.
As of almost 1:00 we've only had one accident, kept our lunch down and are peacefully napping...we just might survive this after all!
Clearly we didn't get to this point without our fair share of tears, bribery, M&Ms, laundry and laughter, but to be honest the whole weekend is kind of a blur of beeps of the potty watch, reading stories on the powder room floor, and extreme relief when Jason arrived home to take over. Surprisingly, the hours of one-on-one time with Charlie more than made up for the stress of the weekend...who knows, in a few more days it might even be a fond memory (assuming, of course, that we work through a couple more issues...).
Sounds like unequivocable success, right? Well...with Charlie there always seems to be a bit of a catch, and this time, like so many others, it's his iron will. In fact, I'm starting to wonder if the will and the bladder don't develop at the same time and if perhaps I didn't miss a single day of pre-natal vitamins that week, because Charlie's bladder appears to be just as strong as his will...he didn't use the bathroom ALL DAY yesterday, other than when they put his pull-up on for nap.
Yes, my 2 1/2 year old son went from 8:30 to 4:00 and only used the bathroom one time!
Obviously, I was more than a bit concerned about buckling that stretched-to-the-max bladder into the carseat, but Charlie assured me he didn't have to potty. Nevertheless, while he was stick-hunting en route to the car, he began to grab certain body parts, so despite violent kicking and screaming, I hauled him back into school and perched him on the potty.
As soon as he stopped fighting, he started going...and going...and going. Wow -- the child definitely has a healthy sized bladder. Thanks to our efforts, we completed our first "accident free" day and Charlie got to open his present of boxer briefs that look just like Daddy's (he's currently wearing training pants, which are really nothing more than thick, baggy underwear).
Charlie is still hesitant to do anything more than "pee-pee" in the potty, but we had a successful effort last night, leading Jason and I to believe that we were near the goal. Unfortunately, this morning we've had a minor setback in the form of a stomach bug. In fact, I briefly entertained the notion of scrapping the whole effort -- with Charlie throwing up I just couldn't fathom dealing with other messes as well or with forcing a miserable little man to sit on the potty, but with Jason's encouragement I decided to press on.
As of almost 1:00 we've only had one accident, kept our lunch down and are peacefully napping...we just might survive this after all!
Clearly we didn't get to this point without our fair share of tears, bribery, M&Ms, laundry and laughter, but to be honest the whole weekend is kind of a blur of beeps of the potty watch, reading stories on the powder room floor, and extreme relief when Jason arrived home to take over. Surprisingly, the hours of one-on-one time with Charlie more than made up for the stress of the weekend...who knows, in a few more days it might even be a fond memory (assuming, of course, that we work through a couple more issues...).
So excited about the big day!
Underwear? As a present?
You want me to wear them?!
Scout wears them!
Teaching Scout to use the potty
Washing our hands
Down to Business
Multi-tasking
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Calm Before the Storm
I've read the books. I've gathered the supplies. I've readied the troops. I've taken the day off.
I am in no way, shape or form ready for this, but what it comes down to is that I think Charlie is...I think.
So why is it that I'm more intimidated by potty training than I was by giving birth? Granted, I read a lot more, prepared a lot longer and heard a lot more stories, but seriously, it was giving birth. I have been giving it a lot of thought this evening, and I think that several key factors make potty training loom more horribly than childbirth:
1 - There is no epidural...no matter how much screaming there is, I can't deaden the pain.
2 - The after might actually be worse than the before...have you entered a gas station restroom recently?
3 - It's a head to head match. While Jason will be here to relieve me come evening, we've decided that the process will be best done 1:1 in our household...no coach, no doulah, no nurse, no doctor, nothing, but me, the potty book and God. (hmmm...odds really are still in my favor, though, aren't they?)
3 - There is no guarantee...when I went into labor, I was assured that at the end of the process I would get a baby, but as I dread tomorrow, I have absolutely no guarantees that Charlie will be out of diapers anytime soon...all of the pain and suffering might be for naught...
Nevertheless, we're committed. We've been practicing with Scout this evening. We've told our friends. We've sampled the Raspberry Crystal Light that I will be forcing into him in record quantities. We've dangled the big boy pants, enimens (better known as M&Ms) and super-special-surprise present in front of the 2 year old. Pray for us!!!
I am in no way, shape or form ready for this, but what it comes down to is that I think Charlie is...I think.
So why is it that I'm more intimidated by potty training than I was by giving birth? Granted, I read a lot more, prepared a lot longer and heard a lot more stories, but seriously, it was giving birth. I have been giving it a lot of thought this evening, and I think that several key factors make potty training loom more horribly than childbirth:
1 - There is no epidural...no matter how much screaming there is, I can't deaden the pain.
2 - The after might actually be worse than the before...have you entered a gas station restroom recently?
3 - It's a head to head match. While Jason will be here to relieve me come evening, we've decided that the process will be best done 1:1 in our household...no coach, no doulah, no nurse, no doctor, nothing, but me, the potty book and God. (hmmm...odds really are still in my favor, though, aren't they?)
3 - There is no guarantee...when I went into labor, I was assured that at the end of the process I would get a baby, but as I dread tomorrow, I have absolutely no guarantees that Charlie will be out of diapers anytime soon...all of the pain and suffering might be for naught...
Nevertheless, we're committed. We've been practicing with Scout this evening. We've told our friends. We've sampled the Raspberry Crystal Light that I will be forcing into him in record quantities. We've dangled the big boy pants, enimens (better known as M&Ms) and super-special-surprise present in front of the 2 year old. Pray for us!!!
The Armory
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Small Talk
Breakfast table. Charlie is eating his peanutbutter toast and Mommy is drinking her coffee. Charlie takes a big bite out of the middle of his sandwich.
Charlie: It's a submarine!
Charlie takes another bite and a corner of his toast tears.
Charlie: Now it's a flats boat. It has a flat tire!
Charlie and Mommy dissolve into laughter, then Charlie opens his sandwhich and starts licking off the peanutbutter.
Charlie: No more flat tire!
Mommy: Buddy, you are fabulous!
Charlie: I'm not fablus. (pause) I'm a pickle!
This kid could have his own show!
Charlie: It's a submarine!
Charlie takes another bite and a corner of his toast tears.
Charlie: Now it's a flats boat. It has a flat tire!
Charlie and Mommy dissolve into laughter, then Charlie opens his sandwhich and starts licking off the peanutbutter.
Charlie: No more flat tire!
Mommy: Buddy, you are fabulous!
Charlie: I'm not fablus. (pause) I'm a pickle!
This kid could have his own show!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Everybody's doing it...except Charlie
It's no secret that potty training is on the horizon here for Charlie. I've put it off for months using one extremely convincing reason or another, but next week we're going at it with a vengeance.
I'm even taking Friday off work so we have three straight days to focus, reward, sit, pray, cry, etc -- whatever it takes! That said, I'm not completely convinced that we are going to embark upon September 12 fully trained, but I am hopeful.
I had already committed myself to next weekend a few weeks ago, but the fact that Charlie's little friend, Trey, who just moved up to the two year old room this week is already using the potty, convinced me. It's definitely time.
I realize that all kids are different and do things at different times, and it's possible that the part of Charlie's brain that is intended for potty training is busy hanging out with the verbal part of his brain because the kids can definitely talk, but I'm beginning to realize that there just might be more to this.
See, way back when Charlie started school at 15 months, I was thrilled to hear that once he moved into the 2 year old room, they would start potting training him for me. I thought that with the repetition and the influence of all his other little friends who were using the potty, Charlie would pick it up in no time with no effort on my part. It was going to be great.
I failed to take into consideration one minor factor, though...it appears that my son is completely indifferent to peer pressure. Take this morning for example. Today is "pajama day" at school. Charlie's teachers, Jason and I have been raving all week about the fact that he'll get to wear his beloved pajamas to school -- any pair he wants.
Last night after much dithering, he decided he would wear his dinosaurs to bed and his bicycles to school today, so this morning when I got him up and asked him if he was ready to change into his other jammies, what did he say? "I wear clothes to school."
So I reminded him that last night he'd decided to wear his bicycle jammies, and he responded, "I changed my mind."
Clearly this isn't a battle worth fighting, so I let Charlie pick out his "game shirt" (Gamecocks polo), and we went about our morning, but I stashed his jammies in his backpack, thinking that once he got to school he would feel left out.
In fact, when we walked into his classroom, I went so far as to point out that Hayden and Bryce were wearing Mickey Mouse jammies and Wyatt looked just like Buzz Lightyear. Again, I asked Charlie if he'd like me to help him change, so he could be "just like his friends."
He looked at me like I was completely crazy, said "No," and ran off to read a book. Sigh...
Deep down somewhere I am proud that Charlie knows his own mind and doesn't feel like he has to be just like everyone else, but it sure would have been nice for potty training. Now my weapons of choice for next weekend are raspberry lemonade, stickers, M&Ms and a shiny new umbrella -- his current heart's desire. Hmmm...maybe he's even smarter than I thought...
Update: So, after bragging about my independent little boy in the blog, I picked him up at school this afternoon to find him happily see-sawing away in his jammies...seems he was convinced to change after I left. Never fear though, now I'm just proud of him for being flexible!
I'm even taking Friday off work so we have three straight days to focus, reward, sit, pray, cry, etc -- whatever it takes! That said, I'm not completely convinced that we are going to embark upon September 12 fully trained, but I am hopeful.
I had already committed myself to next weekend a few weeks ago, but the fact that Charlie's little friend, Trey, who just moved up to the two year old room this week is already using the potty, convinced me. It's definitely time.
I realize that all kids are different and do things at different times, and it's possible that the part of Charlie's brain that is intended for potty training is busy hanging out with the verbal part of his brain because the kids can definitely talk, but I'm beginning to realize that there just might be more to this.
See, way back when Charlie started school at 15 months, I was thrilled to hear that once he moved into the 2 year old room, they would start potting training him for me. I thought that with the repetition and the influence of all his other little friends who were using the potty, Charlie would pick it up in no time with no effort on my part. It was going to be great.
I failed to take into consideration one minor factor, though...it appears that my son is completely indifferent to peer pressure. Take this morning for example. Today is "pajama day" at school. Charlie's teachers, Jason and I have been raving all week about the fact that he'll get to wear his beloved pajamas to school -- any pair he wants.
Last night after much dithering, he decided he would wear his dinosaurs to bed and his bicycles to school today, so this morning when I got him up and asked him if he was ready to change into his other jammies, what did he say? "I wear clothes to school."
So I reminded him that last night he'd decided to wear his bicycle jammies, and he responded, "I changed my mind."
Clearly this isn't a battle worth fighting, so I let Charlie pick out his "game shirt" (Gamecocks polo), and we went about our morning, but I stashed his jammies in his backpack, thinking that once he got to school he would feel left out.
In fact, when we walked into his classroom, I went so far as to point out that Hayden and Bryce were wearing Mickey Mouse jammies and Wyatt looked just like Buzz Lightyear. Again, I asked Charlie if he'd like me to help him change, so he could be "just like his friends."
He looked at me like I was completely crazy, said "No," and ran off to read a book. Sigh...
Deep down somewhere I am proud that Charlie knows his own mind and doesn't feel like he has to be just like everyone else, but it sure would have been nice for potty training. Now my weapons of choice for next weekend are raspberry lemonade, stickers, M&Ms and a shiny new umbrella -- his current heart's desire. Hmmm...maybe he's even smarter than I thought...
Update: So, after bragging about my independent little boy in the blog, I picked him up at school this afternoon to find him happily see-sawing away in his jammies...seems he was convinced to change after I left. Never fear though, now I'm just proud of him for being flexible!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Traditions
Mom's visit has definitely put me in a "Grandma" state of mind. So much so, that I even had a dream last week that my own Grandma was still alive, and we were hanging out in her assisted living apartment watching a movie (something we never did, by the way, her "stories", yes, but never any movies).
Now, I think I've mentioned before that my Grandma wasn't your sweet, little doting old lady. She had a difficult life, clung to some bitterness and could be downright difficult when she wanted to, but I adored her. She was one of the strongest, hardest working , most determined and most constant people I will ever know, and I like to think that I inherited some of those qualities.
Despite the fact that she wasn't the doting type, I believe she would have adored Charlie. For one thing, like me she thought Jason hung the moon, but I think their bond would have gone beyond the DNA, because they truly have a lot in common.
They both love yardwork: Grandma her gardening, Charlie his weed-eating. They both love fiction: Grandma her "stories", Charlie his books. They both love puzzles: Grandma completing them, Charlie dumping them all over the floor...not to mention the fact that Grandma was my primary supplier for sausage, macaroni & cheese, and icecream, Charlie's all-time favorite foods.
Perhaps it was the fact that we shared a macaroni & cheese dinner, just the two of us last night, like I did so many times with Grandma, but I had the idea to initiate Charlie into one of my very favorite traditions that I shared with her -- Strawberries & Powdered Sugar.
You see, this is more than just a snack, but a whole process, because despite the fact that toddlers and powdered sugar are quite possibly the two messiest things in the world, you have to let them dip their own strawberries. Then you laughingly pat their back when they cough on the powdered sugar and pretend to be stern when they blow it across the table, just like Grandma did.
I'm definitely sorry that Charlie will never know my Grandma, but so grateful that I can pass on her love for me to him through time and traditions and laughter, until he meets her someday in heaven.
Now, I think I've mentioned before that my Grandma wasn't your sweet, little doting old lady. She had a difficult life, clung to some bitterness and could be downright difficult when she wanted to, but I adored her. She was one of the strongest, hardest working , most determined and most constant people I will ever know, and I like to think that I inherited some of those qualities.
Despite the fact that she wasn't the doting type, I believe she would have adored Charlie. For one thing, like me she thought Jason hung the moon, but I think their bond would have gone beyond the DNA, because they truly have a lot in common.
They both love yardwork: Grandma her gardening, Charlie his weed-eating. They both love fiction: Grandma her "stories", Charlie his books. They both love puzzles: Grandma completing them, Charlie dumping them all over the floor...not to mention the fact that Grandma was my primary supplier for sausage, macaroni & cheese, and icecream, Charlie's all-time favorite foods.
Perhaps it was the fact that we shared a macaroni & cheese dinner, just the two of us last night, like I did so many times with Grandma, but I had the idea to initiate Charlie into one of my very favorite traditions that I shared with her -- Strawberries & Powdered Sugar.
You see, this is more than just a snack, but a whole process, because despite the fact that toddlers and powdered sugar are quite possibly the two messiest things in the world, you have to let them dip their own strawberries. Then you laughingly pat their back when they cough on the powdered sugar and pretend to be stern when they blow it across the table, just like Grandma did.
I'm definitely sorry that Charlie will never know my Grandma, but so grateful that I can pass on her love for me to him through time and traditions and laughter, until he meets her someday in heaven.
Last One
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
As it should be
Charlie, Mommy and Grandma are sprawled in the bow of the boat, cruising down the Cooper River towards the harbor, wind blowing in our hair, Charlie grinning from ear to ear.
Mommy: Charlie-bear, you are awesome.
Charlie: (Grin gets even bigger) Just like my Daddy.
Mommy, Charlie and Grandma all break into belly laughs, while Daddy obliviously captains the boat.
Despite the fact that I know better, I climb back to the helm and recount the story... Biggest grin of the day.
Mommy: Charlie-bear, you are awesome.
Charlie: (Grin gets even bigger) Just like my Daddy.
Mommy, Charlie and Grandma all break into belly laughs, while Daddy obliviously captains the boat.
Despite the fact that I know better, I climb back to the helm and recount the story... Biggest grin of the day.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Family
It's amazing how easy it is to take for granted a loving, caring, fun extended family -- even when you've seen your fair share of reality shows and news stories. I am fully aware that Jason's and my families are a tremendous blessing to us, but I definitely don't appreciate them as much as I should.
This weekend we capped off a summer of family fun with a visit from Grandma. Any distance or unfamiliarity Charlie may have felt when Mom and I picked him up from school Wednesday, was completely erased by the time we pulled into the driveway. He quickly claimed Grandma as his visitor for the weekend and whisked her off to read and play and build and run and laugh and eat popsicles and just enjoy everything about being Charlie. Needless to say, Grandma had a ball, and Charlie was thrilled to have a captive audience who doted on his every word, gesture and smile.
And despite Charlie's belief that Grandma came purely to see him, she and I managed to slip away a couple times for some good, old-fashioned Mother-Daughter fun at Accent on Wine in Summerville on Friday night, then perusing the shops in Downtown Charleston Saturday afternoon. Of course, Charlie having Daddy all to himself during our outings, didn't hurt.
Then Charlie had the chance to take Grandma to his favorite beach and give her a dolphin tour through the Harbor (with a little help from Captain Daddy) on Sunday afternoon. It was an ideal weekend, despite the threat of Hurricane Irene.
In fact, Charlie was so thrilled with Grandma over the weekend, that I was pretty nervous when I picked him up from school Monday, especially when he told me he wanted to "go get Grandma" as soon as he climbed into the car, and didn't even acknowledge my explanation that she had flown home to Texas to see Grandpa...uh-oh...
But that's where the rest of our family comes in! Just imagine Charlie's delight and my relief when we open the mailbox to find both a letter and a package addressed to him! Sweet cousin Ellie colored him a picture of dolphins and crabs and fish, and Uncle Chris, Aunt Chrissy, Carter, Cole, Cade and Camden sent him a new Boston Terrier t-shirt (just in time, as his old one has been washed so many times it's fraying!). So not only, did we have wonderful surprises, but excuses to call our cousins on the phone and say thank you...I can't tell you how far that went in getting us over the "where's Grandma" hump.
So today, we are grateful for our wonderful, extended family...and their absolutely perfect timing!
This weekend we capped off a summer of family fun with a visit from Grandma. Any distance or unfamiliarity Charlie may have felt when Mom and I picked him up from school Wednesday, was completely erased by the time we pulled into the driveway. He quickly claimed Grandma as his visitor for the weekend and whisked her off to read and play and build and run and laugh and eat popsicles and just enjoy everything about being Charlie. Needless to say, Grandma had a ball, and Charlie was thrilled to have a captive audience who doted on his every word, gesture and smile.
And despite Charlie's belief that Grandma came purely to see him, she and I managed to slip away a couple times for some good, old-fashioned Mother-Daughter fun at Accent on Wine in Summerville on Friday night, then perusing the shops in Downtown Charleston Saturday afternoon. Of course, Charlie having Daddy all to himself during our outings, didn't hurt.
Then Charlie had the chance to take Grandma to his favorite beach and give her a dolphin tour through the Harbor (with a little help from Captain Daddy) on Sunday afternoon. It was an ideal weekend, despite the threat of Hurricane Irene.
In fact, Charlie was so thrilled with Grandma over the weekend, that I was pretty nervous when I picked him up from school Monday, especially when he told me he wanted to "go get Grandma" as soon as he climbed into the car, and didn't even acknowledge my explanation that she had flown home to Texas to see Grandpa...uh-oh...
But that's where the rest of our family comes in! Just imagine Charlie's delight and my relief when we open the mailbox to find both a letter and a package addressed to him! Sweet cousin Ellie colored him a picture of dolphins and crabs and fish, and Uncle Chris, Aunt Chrissy, Carter, Cole, Cade and Camden sent him a new Boston Terrier t-shirt (just in time, as his old one has been washed so many times it's fraying!). So not only, did we have wonderful surprises, but excuses to call our cousins on the phone and say thank you...I can't tell you how far that went in getting us over the "where's Grandma" hump.
So today, we are grateful for our wonderful, extended family...and their absolutely perfect timing!
Making Jigglers
Jigglers!
Grandma helping with chores
A man's work is never done...
Shower Time
Movie Night
Browsing...
Our Little Dolphin Whisperer
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
First Fish
August 23, 2011 will go down in the history books. Charlie caught his first fish with the help of Daddy and Mr. Bob. Amazingly, Miss Donna and I both wandered out of our kitchens just in time to see them reel it in.
After some futile attempts in the past few weeks, it is clear that worms are the bait of choice for our resident Blue Gill, the boys had 2 catches in less than 5 minutes, but the second one got away.
As I type this, Charlie should be giving a play-by-play of his adventure (complete with pictures) to his friends during Circle Time at school. Is it odd that we're even more excited about this than we were his first step???
After some futile attempts in the past few weeks, it is clear that worms are the bait of choice for our resident Blue Gill, the boys had 2 catches in less than 5 minutes, but the second one got away.
As I type this, Charlie should be giving a play-by-play of his adventure (complete with pictures) to his friends during Circle Time at school. Is it odd that we're even more excited about this than we were his first step???
Getting the feel for his rod and reel
About to hold his fish for the first time
Ewwww! (a bit like Mama, after all...)
Coerced into touching it again
Showing Miss Donna "how big" it was
Ready for another
Reaction to the fact that it's bedtime
Begging Daddy for "just couple more minutes!"
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Thin Line
This parenting stuff is hard! I know, I know, everyone told me it would be, but I have to admit, I didn't really appreciate the insight. After all, everyone tells you how hard the sleepless nights, self-sacrifice, lack of free time, first days of kindergarten, college, etc, are...no one tells you how hard it is to make a simple decision.
Take discipline for example...half the time I feel like we let Charlie get away with murder; the other half the time I feel like our expectations are way too high for a two year old. Unsure what to do, Jason and I decided that maybe this means we're striking a happy medium and are right on track...maybe?
Then you have the life and death decisions that we suffered through yesterday:
1 - What do you do when your 2 year old needs to be soothed to sleep for the 4th time at 3:30 in the morning?
- Sleep deprived decision: Scoop him up and bring him into your bed without consulting your sleeping husband, resulting in three lost hours of sleep, but the bliss of cuddling in bed with your favorite boys
- Verdict: So-so decision, no real decision making process to speak of
2 - What do you do when your 2 year old has no temperature but just isn't himself?
- Selfish decision: Check your calendar, realize that your Monday is meeting-free and you finished your reports on Friday, so keep him home for the day -- during which he barely leaves the couch and spikes a fever in the evening...
- Verdict: Right decision; seriously questionable decision making process
3 - What do you do when your 2 year old who never has a fever spikes a fever of 103 at 7:00 in the evening?
- Lack of decision: Consult the internet which tells you that at 103 you should call the doctor if the child is exhibiting any other strange symptoms (i.e. coughing, nausea, diarrhea, lack of appetite). Consult the Daddy to determine whether sleepiness at almost bedtime on a sick day is "strange" and whether or not refusal to eat dinner is "strange" or merely a result of too many orange slice candies... Agree to see if he'll eat anything else and take his temperature in 30 minutes, at which time it is down a full degree (likely due to the additional orange slices he agreed to eat).
- Verdict: Right decision; lucky decision making process (because had it been the wrong decision his fever could have continued going up causing brain damage or worse...yes, I spent too much time on the internet on this particular topic...)
4 - What do you do when your 2 year old who was very sick Monday greets Tuesday morning by jumping up and down in his crib and telling you that he wants to stay home and "rest" while chasing Louie up and down the sofa?
- Self-preservation decision: Send him to school to burn off some energy while you complete a little bit of house, church and work-work, but let the teachers know they can call you if he takes a turn for the worse. Five hours later: flower beds are weeded, sheets are in the dryer, Ladies Event communication is out, competitive report is started and naps are in full swing at school.
- Verdict: Right decision; decision making process? who knows...
So, overall I have determined that more often than not Jason and I seem to luck and/or default into the right decision, but while our overall decision making process may not be perfect, we definitley do our best, and to date, Charlie seems none the worse for wear.
Take discipline for example...half the time I feel like we let Charlie get away with murder; the other half the time I feel like our expectations are way too high for a two year old. Unsure what to do, Jason and I decided that maybe this means we're striking a happy medium and are right on track...maybe?
Then you have the life and death decisions that we suffered through yesterday:
1 - What do you do when your 2 year old needs to be soothed to sleep for the 4th time at 3:30 in the morning?
- Sleep deprived decision: Scoop him up and bring him into your bed without consulting your sleeping husband, resulting in three lost hours of sleep, but the bliss of cuddling in bed with your favorite boys
- Verdict: So-so decision, no real decision making process to speak of
2 - What do you do when your 2 year old has no temperature but just isn't himself?
- Selfish decision: Check your calendar, realize that your Monday is meeting-free and you finished your reports on Friday, so keep him home for the day -- during which he barely leaves the couch and spikes a fever in the evening...
- Verdict: Right decision; seriously questionable decision making process
3 - What do you do when your 2 year old who never has a fever spikes a fever of 103 at 7:00 in the evening?
- Lack of decision: Consult the internet which tells you that at 103 you should call the doctor if the child is exhibiting any other strange symptoms (i.e. coughing, nausea, diarrhea, lack of appetite). Consult the Daddy to determine whether sleepiness at almost bedtime on a sick day is "strange" and whether or not refusal to eat dinner is "strange" or merely a result of too many orange slice candies... Agree to see if he'll eat anything else and take his temperature in 30 minutes, at which time it is down a full degree (likely due to the additional orange slices he agreed to eat).
- Verdict: Right decision; lucky decision making process (because had it been the wrong decision his fever could have continued going up causing brain damage or worse...yes, I spent too much time on the internet on this particular topic...)
4 - What do you do when your 2 year old who was very sick Monday greets Tuesday morning by jumping up and down in his crib and telling you that he wants to stay home and "rest" while chasing Louie up and down the sofa?
- Self-preservation decision: Send him to school to burn off some energy while you complete a little bit of house, church and work-work, but let the teachers know they can call you if he takes a turn for the worse. Five hours later: flower beds are weeded, sheets are in the dryer, Ladies Event communication is out, competitive report is started and naps are in full swing at school.
- Verdict: Right decision; decision making process? who knows...
So, overall I have determined that more often than not Jason and I seem to luck and/or default into the right decision, but while our overall decision making process may not be perfect, we definitley do our best, and to date, Charlie seems none the worse for wear.
Feeling Crummy...
Daddy makes everything better!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Such a Helper
Setting: In car en route to town for a haircut, passing Summerville Baptist Church.
Charlie: What that, Mommy?
Mommy: That's a church, Buddy.
Charlie: No. It a barn.
Mommy: No, Sweetie, it's Summerville Baptist Church.
Charlie: No. It a barn. It had a tractor.
Mommy: Oh, I see.
Charlie: What color the tractor, Mommy?
Mommy: I'm not sure, Buddy. I didn't see it.
Charlie: (in a whisper) Say "Blue", Mommy. Say "Blue".
Mommy: Blue?
Charlie: Yay, Mommy! You got it!
So, is he helping me cheat or wanting to see me succeed....hmmmm????
Charlie: What that, Mommy?
Mommy: That's a church, Buddy.
Charlie: No. It a barn.
Mommy: No, Sweetie, it's Summerville Baptist Church.
Charlie: No. It a barn. It had a tractor.
Mommy: Oh, I see.
Charlie: What color the tractor, Mommy?
Mommy: I'm not sure, Buddy. I didn't see it.
Charlie: (in a whisper) Say "Blue", Mommy. Say "Blue".
Mommy: Blue?
Charlie: Yay, Mommy! You got it!
So, is he helping me cheat or wanting to see me succeed....hmmmm????
Friday, August 12, 2011
To Train or not To Train...
Since Charlie was approximately two weeks old and really got the hang of nursing, the biggest anxiety in my life has been the knowledge that someday I would have to potty train him. While nearly everyone I know over the age of 5 is an unequivocable success story, the thought of it terrified me.
So, I was thrilled when I realized that his daycare would start having him sit on the potty every couple of hours in the midst of all his friends, believing that repetition, peer pressure and his desire to be a big boy would do the trick and Voila! Charlie would be potty trained with little or no effort on my part.
I was wrong. Charlie happily sits on the potty many times a day at school, and is thrilled to receive high-fives and praise when he tells people he used it. He can't wait to get to flush the potty himself and loves the idea of wearing the little boxer briefs I got him that look just like Daddy's. He even enjoys reading books about other kids potty training (quick aside...there are many better options out there than Once Upon a Potty which is way too graphic and downright weird in my opinion).
But, despite the fact that Charlie is a poster child for the "Ready to Potty" set, he sees absolutely no reason to actually use the potty. The kids loves his diapers, and I believe would be quite content to wear Pull-Ups through college.
Never one to back down from a challenge (at least one I can't justifiably ignore), I decided it was time. This weekend would be Potty Training Weekend at the House. All of the signs pointed to it being perfect:
1 - I have nursery at church on Sunday, so I wouldn't be asking some other poor soul to run him to the bathroom 4 times in 90 minutes.
2 - A lady at church recommended a great book by the BabyWise guy that she used to train her son in 2 days.
3 - Walmart had the special Pull-Ups with the potty watch on sale!
Clearly, we were meant to potty train this weekend, so I ordered the book, stocked up on supplies and even informed his teachers of our grand plans. Then, I got to thinking about it and realized that assuming it worked, as of Monday I would have to be interrupt virtually every activity for the rest of my life to find a potty... ummm....
Well, and you see, then I remembered that we have a playdate on Saturday morning, a birthday party on Sunday afternoon, another birthday party (this one at a Jump place!) next weekend, and that Grandma is coming in less than 2 weeks, then my friend Rebekah just a week later.... Plus, despite the free 2 day shipping, our book isn't here yet. Clearly, I was wrong about all the signs. This would be a horrible weekend to potty train!
So...the current plan is to block off the second weekend in September (my next nursery weekend) for intense potty training...unless of course something important comes up...
So, I was thrilled when I realized that his daycare would start having him sit on the potty every couple of hours in the midst of all his friends, believing that repetition, peer pressure and his desire to be a big boy would do the trick and Voila! Charlie would be potty trained with little or no effort on my part.
I was wrong. Charlie happily sits on the potty many times a day at school, and is thrilled to receive high-fives and praise when he tells people he used it. He can't wait to get to flush the potty himself and loves the idea of wearing the little boxer briefs I got him that look just like Daddy's. He even enjoys reading books about other kids potty training (quick aside...there are many better options out there than Once Upon a Potty which is way too graphic and downright weird in my opinion).
But, despite the fact that Charlie is a poster child for the "Ready to Potty" set, he sees absolutely no reason to actually use the potty. The kids loves his diapers, and I believe would be quite content to wear Pull-Ups through college.
Never one to back down from a challenge (at least one I can't justifiably ignore), I decided it was time. This weekend would be Potty Training Weekend at the House. All of the signs pointed to it being perfect:
1 - I have nursery at church on Sunday, so I wouldn't be asking some other poor soul to run him to the bathroom 4 times in 90 minutes.
2 - A lady at church recommended a great book by the BabyWise guy that she used to train her son in 2 days.
3 - Walmart had the special Pull-Ups with the potty watch on sale!
Clearly, we were meant to potty train this weekend, so I ordered the book, stocked up on supplies and even informed his teachers of our grand plans. Then, I got to thinking about it and realized that assuming it worked, as of Monday I would have to be interrupt virtually every activity for the rest of my life to find a potty... ummm....
Well, and you see, then I remembered that we have a playdate on Saturday morning, a birthday party on Sunday afternoon, another birthday party (this one at a Jump place!) next weekend, and that Grandma is coming in less than 2 weeks, then my friend Rebekah just a week later.... Plus, despite the free 2 day shipping, our book isn't here yet. Clearly, I was wrong about all the signs. This would be a horrible weekend to potty train!
So...the current plan is to block off the second weekend in September (my next nursery weekend) for intense potty training...unless of course something important comes up...
Monday, August 8, 2011
Lesson Learned
First of all, feel free to roll your eyes at my thoroughly negligent parenting...but honestly I do have fairly valid reasons, if not viable excuses.
You see, Charlie is a library fanatic. Wait three weeks to return our first bounty of books? Heavens, no! We shuttled back across town Saturday morning for Story Time and a new book hunt, much to his delight.
I'd give Story Time itself about a C. Charlie was super excited, but really struggled to sit still. I was somewhat surprised, because he does so well at Circle Time at school. I honestly think it might have been because I was there, so I'm considering hiding in the stacks next time. Anyway, Charlie only made it through introductions and one story before I felt like he was a bit too disruptive and convinced him it was time for our book hunt.
Thankfully, he agreed, and we slipped away (somewhat quietly) in search of books about fish. This is where the problem started. We have been encouraging Charlie to select a topic for at least some of the books we pick each week, but I have failed to figure out the library computer system and the only authors/books I'm familiar with are the ones we have at home (surprisingly enough, virtually the same ones I had as a kid....hmmmm....).
So, the effort of trying to reign in 30 lbs of slightly hungry, slightly sleepy, far too noisy 2 year old while frantically scanning the covers of the display books had me sweating.
Determined to track down at least one fish book, I was a bit distracted when Charlie handed me the book Changes, so I just read the first page which said, "When I was born, my family looked like this. I was the biggest thing in my mom and dad's life."
While I found the illustrations a bit odd and ugly, I assumed the book was about a second child coming into a family, and while it's not imminent in our house, we do still hope that it will happen someday, so I added it to the stack.
Eventually we tracked down Rainbow Fish, checked out our books and headed back home for lunch and nap. Thanks to a stormy afternoon, we then settled onto the couch to read our books and Charlie handed me Changes.
Imagine my shock when I turned to the second page and read, "Then things changed! My mom and dad got a divorce..." Ummmm....oops? Sadly, I know that Charlie will learn about divorce long before 9 years old, which is when my first friend's parents split up, but I definitely see no need to introduce the topic now. So I immediately, closed the book, told Charlie it "wasn't entertaining" (really?!?) and moved on.
Thankfully, he believed me, even telling Daddy "We don't like this book" when he got home later that evening. If only Charlie was always so agreeable...
Anyway, I guess I really do need to preview all the books, along with the TV shows and movies that Charlie picks out and be prepared to address and/or veto any questionable or premature topics. While it sounds pretty obvious, I have to admit I didn't realize it would start so soon... Lesson learned.
You see, Charlie is a library fanatic. Wait three weeks to return our first bounty of books? Heavens, no! We shuttled back across town Saturday morning for Story Time and a new book hunt, much to his delight.
I'd give Story Time itself about a C. Charlie was super excited, but really struggled to sit still. I was somewhat surprised, because he does so well at Circle Time at school. I honestly think it might have been because I was there, so I'm considering hiding in the stacks next time. Anyway, Charlie only made it through introductions and one story before I felt like he was a bit too disruptive and convinced him it was time for our book hunt.
Thankfully, he agreed, and we slipped away (somewhat quietly) in search of books about fish. This is where the problem started. We have been encouraging Charlie to select a topic for at least some of the books we pick each week, but I have failed to figure out the library computer system and the only authors/books I'm familiar with are the ones we have at home (surprisingly enough, virtually the same ones I had as a kid....hmmmm....).
So, the effort of trying to reign in 30 lbs of slightly hungry, slightly sleepy, far too noisy 2 year old while frantically scanning the covers of the display books had me sweating.
Determined to track down at least one fish book, I was a bit distracted when Charlie handed me the book Changes, so I just read the first page which said, "When I was born, my family looked like this. I was the biggest thing in my mom and dad's life."
While I found the illustrations a bit odd and ugly, I assumed the book was about a second child coming into a family, and while it's not imminent in our house, we do still hope that it will happen someday, so I added it to the stack.
Eventually we tracked down Rainbow Fish, checked out our books and headed back home for lunch and nap. Thanks to a stormy afternoon, we then settled onto the couch to read our books and Charlie handed me Changes.
Imagine my shock when I turned to the second page and read, "Then things changed! My mom and dad got a divorce..." Ummmm....oops? Sadly, I know that Charlie will learn about divorce long before 9 years old, which is when my first friend's parents split up, but I definitely see no need to introduce the topic now. So I immediately, closed the book, told Charlie it "wasn't entertaining" (really?!?) and moved on.
Thankfully, he believed me, even telling Daddy "We don't like this book" when he got home later that evening. If only Charlie was always so agreeable...
Anyway, I guess I really do need to preview all the books, along with the TV shows and movies that Charlie picks out and be prepared to address and/or veto any questionable or premature topics. While it sounds pretty obvious, I have to admit I didn't realize it would start so soon... Lesson learned.
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