In this entire potty training--or the new phrase is potty learning. Which I hate--it makes me feel like my child must be stupid if she can't learn to use the toilet. But, boy that's kind of off topic, so I'll try again.
In this entire potty training process with CD, I've had a mantra. I'd repeat it every time I was feeling frustrated, which pretty much meant I was repeating it daily, most times many times per day. What's this wonderful, calm-inducing mantra you ask? "How many 21 year olds do you see wearing diapers?" Lately, it's dawning on me that my 4 year old may become one of them.
We are having daily accidents--of both varieties. It's a good thing we have so many pairs of panties, because we sure go through them fast. It's not unusual to see her in 3+ outfits a day--because when the bottom gets wet, the top needs to be changed too--in her opinion at least.
My theory? I think she's trying to withhold pooping again. Despite the fact that she's on a daily dose of MiraLax. I think she's withholding and in the process, is wetting as well. Because let's face it, you can't hold that back forever.
And I suppose there's the added pressure of 4K coming up in the fall. I struggle with the thought of my kid being the pants wetter in the class--or even worse, the pants messer. Though why this bothers me, I'm not sure. LE has already had 2 accidents in kindergarten this year. I know that in 4K they want a spare set of clothes going back and forth in the back pack, but right now I can only imagine that CD will be coming home wearing different clothes than she goes to school in--every day!
Of course, there's the feeling that I'm failing her somehow. I mean, she's four for goodness sakes. TO was daytime trained by 2 and LE was daytime trained by 2.5. The nighttime wetness wouldn't even bother me so much if she didn't poop in her pull-ups also.
I'm not just struggling with her over the potty training though. It's everything. It's the attitude, the not listening and did I mention the attitude? I know that it's going to be a up-mountain battle with her over everything. I know that it'll be easier if I start now instead of starting later. I know this, and yet I can't bring myself to do it. Could I be more of a mothering-wuss?
So I need a new mantra for dealing with her--potty training-wise and general-wise.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
diaper hindsight
I'm dealing with a bit of diaper remorse right now. Omega had a really bad diaper rash--we actually ended up buying a box of disposables once it progressed into some open sores. And I discovered that I hate, hate, hate disposable diapers--the smell, the crinkly-ness, the smell. Not to mention the squishy feeling they get when they are soaked--or the way I leave them on for longer than I should, so I can get the most for my money. But with cloth diapers, I couldn't use my normal remedy of butt paste. And I needed something for the poor, little guy right now--not in 3-4 days. Arg.
So, after a full week of disposables (I'm sure my mom thanked me), he's finally healed up. No more open sores--patches that are obviously new skin, but no more open sores. And I'm soooo glad to have him back in cloth.
But, I'm a little mad too. When I first started diapering, I was using prefolds and covers and there was nothing going wrong. Then I decided to switch things up and started using pocket diapers. And I passed on all my covers and prefolds. Now I'm wishing that I had them back--everything was so much simpler then. I've even gone so far as to look into getting some more prefolds and covers--just the bare minimum. But I'd be looking at about $20 per dozen prefolds and $13 per cover.
I think the hard part is that in my head I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person. I want to be all pockets or all prefolds/covers. And on some level I feel like I've already done the prefolds/covers and moved away from them--what's to keep me from moving away from them again? Arg. I hate my indecisiveness.
So, after a full week of disposables (I'm sure my mom thanked me), he's finally healed up. No more open sores--patches that are obviously new skin, but no more open sores. And I'm soooo glad to have him back in cloth.
But, I'm a little mad too. When I first started diapering, I was using prefolds and covers and there was nothing going wrong. Then I decided to switch things up and started using pocket diapers. And I passed on all my covers and prefolds. Now I'm wishing that I had them back--everything was so much simpler then. I've even gone so far as to look into getting some more prefolds and covers--just the bare minimum. But I'd be looking at about $20 per dozen prefolds and $13 per cover.
I think the hard part is that in my head I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person. I want to be all pockets or all prefolds/covers. And on some level I feel like I've already done the prefolds/covers and moved away from them--what's to keep me from moving away from them again? Arg. I hate my indecisiveness.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bum Genius 4.0 with aplix--a review
Every place I looked, I only heard good about bumGenius! 4.0 One Size Pocket Diaper. There were never any used postings for them on my favorite diaper sites, so I figured they had to be good or people would be returning them. I was excited to try them. I finally broke down and bought 2 hook and loop versions (in twilight). I took them out of the packaging, and thought 'hmm--what's all the fuss about?'
But after using them, they quickly became my go-to diaper for going out and bedtimes. The leg openings fit snugly without leaving any of the inner suedecloth exposed (I've had issues with this in other pocket diaper fits). The hook and loop allows for a very customizable fit around the waist. I have not had any leaking or blowouts with these diapers!
I did not start out with these on a newborn. Omega was about 9 months when we started (19 pounds, 28 inches--a little on the skinny side). But, even now at 11 months, he is still in the smallest rise setting. Just for laughs one day, my 4.5 year old asked to try them on--and they fit great, even with 3 large inserts stuffed in! I have no doubt that these diapers will be with us up until the end of diapering Omega.
Perhaps my favorite feature is the 1-2" strip of outer waterproof material that is at the top of the inside front of the diaper--I believe they call this feature an 'insert stopper.' It's great for keeping waistbands from touching the inner suedecloth. No more wet tummies if the insert gets too wet.
And speaking of the insert, the adjustable one-size insert that the diaper comes with holds a ton! One insert can go through the whole night with Omega--although I like to add a second one as a booster, just in case. I don't use the newborn size insert (it comes with both the one-size and a newborn size) except occasionally for extra absorbency at nap time or bed time.
There are two things that I would change about this diaper. 1. I would add another rise setting--a few of the other pocket diapers I have tried have 4 rise settings, instead of just 3. But as evidenced by my 4.5 year old, they do have a wide range of fit. 2. I would like to see these with some brighter colors and/or more prints. But that's just cosmetics.
Overall, I would highly recommend these diapers--I've joined the bandwagon and you won't be seeing mine on any used diaper posting.
But after using them, they quickly became my go-to diaper for going out and bedtimes. The leg openings fit snugly without leaving any of the inner suedecloth exposed (I've had issues with this in other pocket diaper fits). The hook and loop allows for a very customizable fit around the waist. I have not had any leaking or blowouts with these diapers!
I did not start out with these on a newborn. Omega was about 9 months when we started (19 pounds, 28 inches--a little on the skinny side). But, even now at 11 months, he is still in the smallest rise setting. Just for laughs one day, my 4.5 year old asked to try them on--and they fit great, even with 3 large inserts stuffed in! I have no doubt that these diapers will be with us up until the end of diapering Omega.
Perhaps my favorite feature is the 1-2" strip of outer waterproof material that is at the top of the inside front of the diaper--I believe they call this feature an 'insert stopper.' It's great for keeping waistbands from touching the inner suedecloth. No more wet tummies if the insert gets too wet.
And speaking of the insert, the adjustable one-size insert that the diaper comes with holds a ton! One insert can go through the whole night with Omega--although I like to add a second one as a booster, just in case. I don't use the newborn size insert (it comes with both the one-size and a newborn size) except occasionally for extra absorbency at nap time or bed time.
There are two things that I would change about this diaper. 1. I would add another rise setting--a few of the other pocket diapers I have tried have 4 rise settings, instead of just 3. But as evidenced by my 4.5 year old, they do have a wide range of fit. 2. I would like to see these with some brighter colors and/or more prints. But that's just cosmetics.
Overall, I would highly recommend these diapers--I've joined the bandwagon and you won't be seeing mine on any used diaper posting.
my favorite load
As I was folding my diapers today, I realized that I absolutely love doing diaper laundry. It's the only load that I can't wait to get folded. Most of my other loads sit around in their baskets for a day or two before I get around to folding them, but not the diapers. There's something calming about getting everything put together and seeing everything stacked up and ready to go. It makes me smile--until Omega decides to pull everything out.
See, doesn't it just make you smile? Well, okay, so it probably only makes me smile, but still...
Sunday, January 2, 2011
I thought we'd given him enough time.
LE got a check from his godparents for Christmas this year--and being the beginning reader that he is, he recognized his name and asked what it was for. We explained that after Christmas we would let him pick something out with the money. And I assumed he would forget.
A few days ago, he reminded me that he wanted to go shopping, so I presented him with his first choice--actual in-the-store shopping or online shopping. He chose online so that he could get packages in the mail--his absolute favorite thing to get!
So we talked a bit about what he might like to get with his Christmas money. And at the top of his list was more things for his Thomas & Friends Trackmaster set. LE and I did a bit of browsing last night, and again this morning and decided on 2 different sets (plus I added a pack of switch tracks out of my own pocket). I ended up ordering off of 2 sites--amazon.com had the cheapest prices on 2 of the items and had free shipping. toysrus.com had a cheaper price on the 3rd item--even with the shipping figured in it was cheaper. So the lucky boy is getting 2 packages! Yay!
Not 2 hours after I clicked the 'submit order' buttons, LE comes to me and says he decided to switch to Batman stuff for Christmas. Boy, did I have a sad boy when I explained that we can't just switch the orders. And that I won't be sending them back. I told him he has a whole week to get excited about the train sets. I mentioned that he could look for Batman toys for his birthday. Now he's begging to do some more browsing for his birthday list--his birthday is 4 months away yet. I think we'll be holding off on the browsing for a bit yet.
A few days ago, he reminded me that he wanted to go shopping, so I presented him with his first choice--actual in-the-store shopping or online shopping. He chose online so that he could get packages in the mail--his absolute favorite thing to get!
So we talked a bit about what he might like to get with his Christmas money. And at the top of his list was more things for his Thomas & Friends Trackmaster set. LE and I did a bit of browsing last night, and again this morning and decided on 2 different sets (plus I added a pack of switch tracks out of my own pocket). I ended up ordering off of 2 sites--amazon.com had the cheapest prices on 2 of the items and had free shipping. toysrus.com had a cheaper price on the 3rd item--even with the shipping figured in it was cheaper. So the lucky boy is getting 2 packages! Yay!
Not 2 hours after I clicked the 'submit order' buttons, LE comes to me and says he decided to switch to Batman stuff for Christmas. Boy, did I have a sad boy when I explained that we can't just switch the orders. And that I won't be sending them back. I told him he has a whole week to get excited about the train sets. I mentioned that he could look for Batman toys for his birthday. Now he's begging to do some more browsing for his birthday list--his birthday is 4 months away yet. I think we'll be holding off on the browsing for a bit yet.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
I need to stop
I need to stop--or at least be more selective--of the blog on cloth diapering that I read. I subscribe to a few different blogs of the main stores/sites that I purchase the cloth diapers from. And both, but especially the one, does a lot of posts on natural parenting. Which is fine--really fine. But, when I read posts about how the c-section doesn't need to be done, or the wrongness of pacifiers, or how if you don't breastfeed your child until they're 5...It just makes me feel like a really crappy mom. Even though I'm completely done with those stages in our children's lives, I still feel like I failed them somehow.
So here's my New Year's resolution--less parenting blogs, more Toddlers & Tiaras (because that show makes me feel like an excellent parent).
So here's my New Year's resolution--less parenting blogs, more Toddlers & Tiaras (because that show makes me feel like an excellent parent).
Monday, December 27, 2010
itching
One of my favorite cloth diapering sites has been having a 20% off sale ending tonight at midnight. And I'm itching to order something. The kicker is, I don't really need anything. Omega has more diapers than he needs right now, and the ones that I want to order aren't even my favorites. I just really like the new patterns that they came out with. So I find myself inventing reasons to order something. Sigh. Only a few more hours to go until the sale is done and the temptation won't be as huge.
On another shopping note, I ordered a Kindle yesterday and am very excited for it to come in the mail. In my head, I'm telling myself that I'm not going to buy any books, that I'll just download the free books that are available. However, I know in reality I will buy books. So maybe what I need to do is come up with a plan for how I'm going to save that money from a different part of our life. Oooooohh, so excited!
On another shopping note, I ordered a Kindle yesterday and am very excited for it to come in the mail. In my head, I'm telling myself that I'm not going to buy any books, that I'll just download the free books that are available. However, I know in reality I will buy books. So maybe what I need to do is come up with a plan for how I'm going to save that money from a different part of our life. Oooooohh, so excited!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
she's doing good
When we took TO into her oncology appointment on the 15th, her oncologist commented that "she's doing well with her height and weight." I kind of forgot about the comment, having both CD and Omega with me that day, TO had gone off with the aide to have her vitals taken so I didn't know the exact measurements.
Then, while doing laundry a few days later, I realized TO had holes in a few of her yoga pants. That left her with 3 pairs of pants. So after talking with TO I realized that she didn't really like the yoga pants. She preferred dresses or skirts--or blue jeans if she had to wear pants. Since it's winter time, pants just work better with snow pants--not to mention it's getting harder and harder to find skirts and dresses that I think are long enough for her. So I headed for the big box store and came home with 2 pairs of jeans--a 10 1/2 and a 12 1/2. I had her try on the 12 1/2 first--and it was HUGE. The 10 1/2 was big too. Granted they had adjustable waists, but I really think it would have been pulling in too much. I'm going to return both pairs and try the regular 10 and maybe an 8 as well. Today I noticed even her yoga pants are fitting loosely.
She's been walking away from the dinner table when she's feeling full, and even eating a few more fruits than she used too. Yay for TO! She really is doing well.
Then, while doing laundry a few days later, I realized TO had holes in a few of her yoga pants. That left her with 3 pairs of pants. So after talking with TO I realized that she didn't really like the yoga pants. She preferred dresses or skirts--or blue jeans if she had to wear pants. Since it's winter time, pants just work better with snow pants--not to mention it's getting harder and harder to find skirts and dresses that I think are long enough for her. So I headed for the big box store and came home with 2 pairs of jeans--a 10 1/2 and a 12 1/2. I had her try on the 12 1/2 first--and it was HUGE. The 10 1/2 was big too. Granted they had adjustable waists, but I really think it would have been pulling in too much. I'm going to return both pairs and try the regular 10 and maybe an 8 as well. Today I noticed even her yoga pants are fitting loosely.
She's been walking away from the dinner table when she's feeling full, and even eating a few more fruits than she used too. Yay for TO! She really is doing well.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
cradle cap...
So, all of my older kids have had cradle cap at one point in time. Although none of them has ever had it as a baby. I'm not sure why it didn't dawn on me to check CD's hair earlier, but the a while back I noticed that her pretty much her whole scalp was covered in scaly scales. Ick. I've been wanting to take care of it, but due to the oily look of the hair right afterwards, I wanted a good chunk of time (days) that we could spend at home. This afternoon was the day. Poor girl. A good dosing of baby oil, 2 shampoos and multiple combings later and her scalp looks raw in places. I would say 3/4s of the scales are gone, but I'm afraid I may have to oil her head up again--something I've not had to do with the other 2. I'm not sure she's going to stand for another oiling. It took all I could do to get her to sit through this first one. Sigh. At least we're on the way to a healthier scalp for her.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
a day...
Today TO had an appointment with her psychologist for the needle phobia and had blood work afterwards. I am amazed at how well she did with the psychologist. Dr. Kelly brought a butterfly needle into the room and by the end of the session, TO had held it, and had let Dr. Kelly hold it at various places on her hand and arm. Definite progress! But the best news is that there's no homework for us to do--other than the relaxation techniques.
After TO's blood work, they always let her pick from the treasure box, or sometimes they pick for her. This appointment, being so close to Christmas, they gave her a bigger toy. She got an American Girl doll! One of the customized dolls. Of course it's an African American doll, but I'm astounded that they have had gifts like that donated. TO is absolutely in love with it and I know that CD is looking forward to TO leaving for school tomorrow so she (CD) can play with it.
And while TO had a good day (her blood work was no better or worse than usual), I did not have a very good day. Things have just been off for me lately. P has been getting longer chunks of time off in the afternoons, which is nice. But, I'm definitely feeling the need to get out of the house--and there just doesn't seem to be time to do that. Not like there's anything to do in this rinky-dink little town if I were to get out of the house sans kids. P's parents are coming into town on Friday, and I'm hoping that they'll agree to stay with the kids one night so P and I can go out to supper. We haven't been out alone together since we moved down here. And, I'm thinking it might be time for a date night.
I know that a lot of my emotional status is stemming from the holiday season. As excited as I am for the kids, I'm really missing being around family. And the Christmas cards just aren't coming in like they used to. And I'm kind of dreading P's folks coming down. 2 days of letting the kids do whatever they want and giving them whatever they want. "McD's for the 3rd time? Sure, why not?" Arg. I'm hoping things will be getting better after they head back north.
TO's class has monthly reward parties for all the kids that have met the requirements. The requirements, you ask. Not have more that one math homework turned in late and have completed 4 reading counts tests. Well, the reward party this month is on the 22nd--they're heading over to the high school to watch the Polar Express on a big screen. And she should be turning the last of her homework in tomorrow--just on time. And as far as I know she only has one reading counts done. And the rest need to be done by Wednesday. Should be interesting to see if she gets it all done or not.
After TO's blood work, they always let her pick from the treasure box, or sometimes they pick for her. This appointment, being so close to Christmas, they gave her a bigger toy. She got an American Girl doll! One of the customized dolls. Of course it's an African American doll, but I'm astounded that they have had gifts like that donated. TO is absolutely in love with it and I know that CD is looking forward to TO leaving for school tomorrow so she (CD) can play with it.
And while TO had a good day (her blood work was no better or worse than usual), I did not have a very good day. Things have just been off for me lately. P has been getting longer chunks of time off in the afternoons, which is nice. But, I'm definitely feeling the need to get out of the house--and there just doesn't seem to be time to do that. Not like there's anything to do in this rinky-dink little town if I were to get out of the house sans kids. P's parents are coming into town on Friday, and I'm hoping that they'll agree to stay with the kids one night so P and I can go out to supper. We haven't been out alone together since we moved down here. And, I'm thinking it might be time for a date night.
I know that a lot of my emotional status is stemming from the holiday season. As excited as I am for the kids, I'm really missing being around family. And the Christmas cards just aren't coming in like they used to. And I'm kind of dreading P's folks coming down. 2 days of letting the kids do whatever they want and giving them whatever they want. "McD's for the 3rd time? Sure, why not?" Arg. I'm hoping things will be getting better after they head back north.
TO's class has monthly reward parties for all the kids that have met the requirements. The requirements, you ask. Not have more that one math homework turned in late and have completed 4 reading counts tests. Well, the reward party this month is on the 22nd--they're heading over to the high school to watch the Polar Express on a big screen. And she should be turning the last of her homework in tomorrow--just on time. And as far as I know she only has one reading counts done. And the rest need to be done by Wednesday. Should be interesting to see if she gets it all done or not.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
snow=boredom
So, we've had a lot of freezing rain and gusting winds--but not much actual snow, just lots of snow drifts. And as a result, we spent the day indoors--well, it's not like I don't do that everyday anyway. But today was very boring--which is funny because what can be boring about 4 kids and husband hanging around the house all day, right?
I'm in the middle of a knitting project for Omega--probably 20 minutes from being able to felt it, and I just haven't gotten up and done it, but I probably will now. Gotta go...finally some ambition.
I'm in the middle of a knitting project for Omega--probably 20 minutes from being able to felt it, and I just haven't gotten up and done it, but I probably will now. Gotta go...finally some ambition.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
lessons learned...learning...to learn
The past week has been very chaotic for me. I've come down with a bad sore throat (I'm actually pretty sure it might be strep--of course that statement didn't seem very sure, did it?) just after I finished up a week long dose of nasal congestion. This one has been bad enough that I was hardly able to eat or drink anything for 3-4 days. I'm not getting much sleep at all, due to the pain and to the fact that just as I drift off to sleep, I start snoring and wake myself up again. Needless to say, I am not functioning on a full tank at all.
Monday was my day to register for my tech classes. Registration started at 8am and I was feeling like I was getting something accomplished at 8:40 when I logged on--only to find that the class I needed to take was already full. I couldn't believe it, although P said the same thing has happened to him--wish he would have told me that sooner. So, after quite a bit of talking, we've decided to put it off until next semester--and try it again then. But I'm kind of realizing I don't want to go back to school. I like my life the way it is right now. I like being able to stay home with the kids. I think I would hate going back to school, I don't think I'd like nursing...
This afternoon when P was home for lunch we were talking about it a bit. And I realize I need to get a job to bring extra $ into the household. Last year at this time I was working part time, and we're starting to miss that extra $ now. Why not just get a job you ask? Because at this point in time, daycare is too expensive for us to swing. Full time for 2 kids. So we would need to work opposite shifts. The problem being that Pat doesn't really work shifts. He's over to the farm by 6:30-7am and many nights isn't home until after 10pm. So, I'm not really sure how I would find a job that would work into those few hours. Before Omega was born, they had given him every other weekend mornings off so he could be home until I got done with work. But when we chose for me to stay home, that time off ended--not to mention his boss's wife got a different job, and I'm not sure how I could find a job that coincided with hers (she milks when P doesn't).
I also decided it was time to make the kids help out around the house (okay, I know I've decided this before, but we're trying it again). Which means the kids are staying up later in order for TO to have time to get her homework and chores done. It's all been a lot of extra stress for me, but I know that it needs to be done.
After the kids' first visit to the dentist, I needed to take some action to get the kids brushing. So now, I'm making sure that they're teeth are brushed morning and night, flossed and night. However, it's definitely turned into some I'm-getting-special-attention-from-mom time. Problem is, since I never bothered with brushing before, they're just learning this--so they need someone going behind them and re-brushing. But I'm sure getting tired of the amount of time and...
Okay, enough venting and grumbling. I'm going to go have a cup of hot chocolate and curl up and watch my shows and try to forget about my life for a few minutes.
See what happens when I don't have any library books in the house? And that was a choice I made.
Monday was my day to register for my tech classes. Registration started at 8am and I was feeling like I was getting something accomplished at 8:40 when I logged on--only to find that the class I needed to take was already full. I couldn't believe it, although P said the same thing has happened to him--wish he would have told me that sooner. So, after quite a bit of talking, we've decided to put it off until next semester--and try it again then. But I'm kind of realizing I don't want to go back to school. I like my life the way it is right now. I like being able to stay home with the kids. I think I would hate going back to school, I don't think I'd like nursing...
This afternoon when P was home for lunch we were talking about it a bit. And I realize I need to get a job to bring extra $ into the household. Last year at this time I was working part time, and we're starting to miss that extra $ now. Why not just get a job you ask? Because at this point in time, daycare is too expensive for us to swing. Full time for 2 kids. So we would need to work opposite shifts. The problem being that Pat doesn't really work shifts. He's over to the farm by 6:30-7am and many nights isn't home until after 10pm. So, I'm not really sure how I would find a job that would work into those few hours. Before Omega was born, they had given him every other weekend mornings off so he could be home until I got done with work. But when we chose for me to stay home, that time off ended--not to mention his boss's wife got a different job, and I'm not sure how I could find a job that coincided with hers (she milks when P doesn't).
I also decided it was time to make the kids help out around the house (okay, I know I've decided this before, but we're trying it again). Which means the kids are staying up later in order for TO to have time to get her homework and chores done. It's all been a lot of extra stress for me, but I know that it needs to be done.
After the kids' first visit to the dentist, I needed to take some action to get the kids brushing. So now, I'm making sure that they're teeth are brushed morning and night, flossed and night. However, it's definitely turned into some I'm-getting-special-attention-from-mom time. Problem is, since I never bothered with brushing before, they're just learning this--so they need someone going behind them and re-brushing. But I'm sure getting tired of the amount of time and...
Okay, enough venting and grumbling. I'm going to go have a cup of hot chocolate and curl up and watch my shows and try to forget about my life for a few minutes.
See what happens when I don't have any library books in the house? And that was a choice I made.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
opening a can of worms
It's becoming apparent that I needed to start talking with TO about puberty. I had always pictured her approaching me with questions--this is how it worked when I was younger, at least this is how I remember it working. But we are starting to deal with some body odor issues with her now, and it's becoming clear that she has no idea what's ahead of her.
Her oncologist warned us that puberty might come early for her, but still, 2nd grade seems extremely young--although thinking back, I did know a classmate who got her first period when she was 9. So, now I get to broach the subject with her, and I'm wondering just what kind of questions I'm going to have to deal with. In addition to the body odor, it's becoming very apparent that I've been lax in the whole teaching her proper hygiene. I picked up a copy of the Care & Keeping of You last night and read through it. It really does a good job of touching on all aspects of puberty, not just getting your period--although it does cover this too.
I sent LE and CD to bed at their normal time tonight a talked to TO a bit about what puberty was and then we read some of the book together--the first few chapters talked about hair, ears, eyes and mouth. She took the book to bed with her tonight, so it should be interesting to see what kind of questions she has in the morning.
So far, she seems very excited about the whole prospect. I described puberty a girl's body changing to that of a woman's--a woman's body being one that was able to have a baby. Obviously we didn't get to any of the chapters about periods, and I think that will be the stuff that freaks her out a bit.
I wish I had a bit more support on this whole topic. P has specifically told me that he doesn't want to know anything about TO and puberty. He doesn't want to know when I'm talking to her, any questions she has, etc. He's told me he will take care of talking to the boys--which I really think probably means he will let them learn from their friends. Now I need to decide if I'll need to step in or not. But I guess I don't even need to read the label for that can of worms for a few more years--thank goodness.
Her oncologist warned us that puberty might come early for her, but still, 2nd grade seems extremely young--although thinking back, I did know a classmate who got her first period when she was 9. So, now I get to broach the subject with her, and I'm wondering just what kind of questions I'm going to have to deal with. In addition to the body odor, it's becoming very apparent that I've been lax in the whole teaching her proper hygiene. I picked up a copy of the Care & Keeping of You last night and read through it. It really does a good job of touching on all aspects of puberty, not just getting your period--although it does cover this too.
I sent LE and CD to bed at their normal time tonight a talked to TO a bit about what puberty was and then we read some of the book together--the first few chapters talked about hair, ears, eyes and mouth. She took the book to bed with her tonight, so it should be interesting to see what kind of questions she has in the morning.
So far, she seems very excited about the whole prospect. I described puberty a girl's body changing to that of a woman's--a woman's body being one that was able to have a baby. Obviously we didn't get to any of the chapters about periods, and I think that will be the stuff that freaks her out a bit.
I wish I had a bit more support on this whole topic. P has specifically told me that he doesn't want to know anything about TO and puberty. He doesn't want to know when I'm talking to her, any questions she has, etc. He's told me he will take care of talking to the boys--which I really think probably means he will let them learn from their friends. Now I need to decide if I'll need to step in or not. But I guess I don't even need to read the label for that can of worms for a few more years--thank goodness.
Monday, November 22, 2010
a weekend done
We headed up north this weekend to spend some time with the families before winter sets finally sets in. It just so happens that this weekend was Grandma's Slumber Party Weekend. The plan for the weekend was to spend Saturday with my mom and then P's mom was watching the kids on Saturday evening, while we went out with friends. Then Sunday would be spent at P's mom's house also. Mom asked if the older 3 kids could spend the night at her house. P and I decided that they could because we never spend the night there when we're in town--mainly due to my stepdad. P called his mom on Friday and let her know the change in plans.
We were able to get on the road by 6am Saturday morning. By the time we got into town, Mom and the crew were leaving for Red Lobster in 30 minutes, so we decided to head over to P's mom's while we waited for Mom to finish at Red Lobster. When the kids asked P's mom V if she had anything for lunch, her response was "if I had known that you were coming, I would have had something." So during the 2 hours that we were there--over lunch time--the kids were given suckers, fruit snacks and popsicles and I heard the same phrase at least 10 times. I was so frustrated. There is always an abundance of food at her house. But, she was obviously in a pissy mood over the kids spending time with my mom. We got her to agree to watch Omega while we went out, but she made it clear that she felt she was being cheated out of time with the older kids. I'm getting so frustrated about the whole thing. My mom hardly ever gets to spend more than an hour or two with them. I don't see how V expected us to spend both of our 2 days with her. She has to realize that my mom lives 3 miles away!
We had a really good time with our friends--we went to Red Lobster for supper and then went back to their house and played Settlers of Catan.
It rained overnight, and we woke up to icy roads on Sunday morning. My plan had been to get the kids from my mom's right away so they could have their all-important time with V. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to pick them up until noon. Oh well, I'm sure V will survive.
Either way, I'm glad I'm home now. And, although I'll miss celebrating Christmas with my mom, I'm glad that we won't be heading back north until spring.
We were able to get on the road by 6am Saturday morning. By the time we got into town, Mom and the crew were leaving for Red Lobster in 30 minutes, so we decided to head over to P's mom's while we waited for Mom to finish at Red Lobster. When the kids asked P's mom V if she had anything for lunch, her response was "if I had known that you were coming, I would have had something." So during the 2 hours that we were there--over lunch time--the kids were given suckers, fruit snacks and popsicles and I heard the same phrase at least 10 times. I was so frustrated. There is always an abundance of food at her house. But, she was obviously in a pissy mood over the kids spending time with my mom. We got her to agree to watch Omega while we went out, but she made it clear that she felt she was being cheated out of time with the older kids. I'm getting so frustrated about the whole thing. My mom hardly ever gets to spend more than an hour or two with them. I don't see how V expected us to spend both of our 2 days with her. She has to realize that my mom lives 3 miles away!
We had a really good time with our friends--we went to Red Lobster for supper and then went back to their house and played Settlers of Catan.
It rained overnight, and we woke up to icy roads on Sunday morning. My plan had been to get the kids from my mom's right away so they could have their all-important time with V. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to pick them up until noon. Oh well, I'm sure V will survive.
Either way, I'm glad I'm home now. And, although I'll miss celebrating Christmas with my mom, I'm glad that we won't be heading back north until spring.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
a snow plow in the engine?
So, I'm noticing today, on my way to meet Aunt J, that any time I brake it sounds a bit like a snow plow going by. Yeah, I'm guessing a last minute trip to the auto mechanic is probably in order. So, yay for sitting in the dingy, dirty little waiting room for hours with two kids waiting for it to be done. Oh, and don't forget that I also have to take TO, LE, and CD to their dentist tomorrow morning at 10am--nothing like an appointment smack-dab in the middle of the morning to throw a wrench in the whole situation. After I take the oldest 2 back to school, I'll have to take the van in for repairs and pray that I can be home by 4pm to get the kids off the bus. So much for spending the remainder of the day at home cleaning before our weekend trip. Why is it that whenever I plan for a trip it ends up seeming a lot like work? Arg.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
adorable mice?
So, out of boredom, I was just wondering around and came across this blog, http://mouseshouses.blogspot.com/ Here's a few samples.
Knitting
Coin Purse
Hot Tub
I could just keep posting pictures, but you should just check it out yourself.
Knitting
Coin Purse
Hot Tub
I could just keep posting pictures, but you should just check it out yourself.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
P's dilemmas
P has been looking for a new job since Oct. and dreaming of a new job since June. He's been working with the same placement company that got him his first spraying job down here (the one he got laid off from 4 months later). So far, he's filled out 4 applications and today he had his first interview with a fertilizer plant 10 minutes south of us.
One of the applications he has out is for a vet tech job with the university. And currently this is his dream job. Large animal, surgery, excellent pay, even more excellant benefit package. However, he sent his resume and application in the end of Sept. and although it has gotten through the first two stages, we don't know how many more stages it will have to go through. His sister, who is also a university employee, said it took her 6 months to get through the hiring process, but she figures the university will want to fill the position before the end of the year.
So, P's dilemma stems from the fact that he doesn't want to accept another job and then get a call from the university and have to choose between the vet tech job and quitting a job shortly after being hired--or turning down a job and having to stay where he's at because the university never calls.
After his interview, P came home very excited. He liked the guy that he interviewed with and felt very comfortable. P said the only downside the guy mentioned was that P didn't have any row sprayer experience. The guy is going to be interviewing 2 more candidates and is hoping to fill the position within 2 weeks.
It should be interesting to see what is going to play out. I have so many different opinions running through my head over the whole mess--too many to write down. I just hope that whatever choice he finally ends up making is one that works out well for us.
One of the applications he has out is for a vet tech job with the university. And currently this is his dream job. Large animal, surgery, excellent pay, even more excellant benefit package. However, he sent his resume and application in the end of Sept. and although it has gotten through the first two stages, we don't know how many more stages it will have to go through. His sister, who is also a university employee, said it took her 6 months to get through the hiring process, but she figures the university will want to fill the position before the end of the year.
So, P's dilemma stems from the fact that he doesn't want to accept another job and then get a call from the university and have to choose between the vet tech job and quitting a job shortly after being hired--or turning down a job and having to stay where he's at because the university never calls.
After his interview, P came home very excited. He liked the guy that he interviewed with and felt very comfortable. P said the only downside the guy mentioned was that P didn't have any row sprayer experience. The guy is going to be interviewing 2 more candidates and is hoping to fill the position within 2 weeks.
It should be interesting to see what is going to play out. I have so many different opinions running through my head over the whole mess--too many to write down. I just hope that whatever choice he finally ends up making is one that works out well for us.
Monday, November 15, 2010
memory planning
The kids and I have started looking forward to Christmas time--as we see November dwindling away on the calendar. TO asked if we still had the Advent calendar that we had last year--a small tag board card-sized one. Which got me to thinking about a calendar for this year. Then I remembered how we used to use our Nativity set as a calendar of sorts. When we were getting out the Christmas decorations at home, someone would wrap the Nativity pieces up into 25 little packages. And each day we would open one package and set up the Nativity. Some of the packages only had one figure in them, others had two or three animals. But on Christmas day, we would open the final package--the one that had baby Jesus in it.
So, I went online looking for a kid friendly Advent calendar or Nativity set. I wanted something that the kids could touch, feel, play with. Something that wouldn't leave me cringing every time I left the room. And after exploring on Amazon.com, I eventually ended up at fisher-price.com. I found a cloth Advent calendar (seen here)--a pocket for each day and a cloth figure to add to the Nativity scene at the top of the calendar each day.
I also ran across a Little People Nativity set . Now, I probably should state that when TO was around 2, I actually bought the Little People Nativity set, but after 2 moves, I'm not sure if we even have all the pieces or not. So, I ordered the whole thing--it's actually made up of 3 sets--the Nativity, the 3 kings set and the inn set. I'm not sure how or if I will be wrapping everything up into little packages or if it will be left out for them to play with during the month of December.
I admit to hesitating a moment or two when I thought about ordering it--with TO being 8, I worried that she might be a bit too old for Little People. But I also figure I'll get a good 3-4 years of Christmases out of the Nativity sets before Omega would be ready for something a bit more fragile. And in the mean time, I won't have to worry if he wanders off with one of the figures. In the mean time, I'm pretty sure 'Thou shall not gnaw on the baby Jesus' is not one of the commandments.
So, I went online looking for a kid friendly Advent calendar or Nativity set. I wanted something that the kids could touch, feel, play with. Something that wouldn't leave me cringing every time I left the room. And after exploring on Amazon.com, I eventually ended up at fisher-price.com. I found a cloth Advent calendar (seen here)--a pocket for each day and a cloth figure to add to the Nativity scene at the top of the calendar each day.
I also ran across a Little People Nativity set . Now, I probably should state that when TO was around 2, I actually bought the Little People Nativity set, but after 2 moves, I'm not sure if we even have all the pieces or not. So, I ordered the whole thing--it's actually made up of 3 sets--the Nativity, the 3 kings set and the inn set. I'm not sure how or if I will be wrapping everything up into little packages or if it will be left out for them to play with during the month of December.
I admit to hesitating a moment or two when I thought about ordering it--with TO being 8, I worried that she might be a bit too old for Little People. But I also figure I'll get a good 3-4 years of Christmases out of the Nativity sets before Omega would be ready for something a bit more fragile. And in the mean time, I won't have to worry if he wanders off with one of the figures. In the mean time, I'm pretty sure 'Thou shall not gnaw on the baby Jesus' is not one of the commandments.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
mail order brides
So, I have to admit to a recent fascination of mine. Mail order brides and arranged marriages. Not in modern, real-life terms, but in romance books. I don't remember which book set it off exactly, but I have a list of books on hold at the library--all centering around the topic. Half of them are inspirational romances, half of them are not. Either way, there's something intriguing about the concept for me.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
unreasonably terrified
That's right. I'm terrified--have been since Monday. But, perhaps I need to go a bit further back in my life to explain. P and I have been struggling with money issues for our family of 6 for many years now (probably since it was a family of 4). And we've realized that the only way for us to get more $ for the family is to get better paying jobs. And obviously the easiest way--or at least the easiest, most legal way--to do that is for me to get an education that will allow me to get a better paying job. So, I started on my path to a nursing career back in 2008. I finished my nursing assistant courses and started with additional requirements to start classes in the fall of 2009.
Then a move, followed shortly by an unexpected--or should I say unplanned--pregnancy but the plans on hold. We started back on the path again earlier in September, and just before our trip to Disney World, I heard that I had been accepted to the nursing program here at our local technical college. After we got back from our trip, I scheduled an appointment with one of the counselors--this had to be done before I could do anything else in the process. My appointment was on Monday.
As I sat in the counselor's office, I realized I was just plain and simply scared about going to school. I actually started crying--in the counselor's office. I'm rolling my eyes at myself. We mapped out a basic plan of attack for me. I will have 2-3 years before I'm accepted into the core classes of the nursing program. In the mean time I'll be taking some of the generals and electives. If all goes as planned, I should be done with school in 4-5 years.
I've spent the days since then paralyzed with fear anytime I think about school. It's really hard to pin point the reason (s) why, but here are some of them.
1. What if I can't manage it all--all the extra work on top of everything I should be doing now--note I said everything "I should" be doing--not "am doing." So many days I feel overwhelmed, I can't imagine school making it any easier.
2. What if I can't pull the grades--I was a good student in high school--up until my last semester. What if I can't be a good student again?
3. How am I going to have the time to spend with the kids?
4. Where is the money for the baby-sitter/day care going to come from?
5. What if I just don't like it?
6. What if P gets a new job and it doesn't work out for school?
7. What if I get all the way through the school, and get my license and then just don't like being a nurse? What if I hate it? What if I'm no good at it?
I suppose I feel a bit better for getting that all out of my system. But really, where's my adventuresome spirit when I need it? I know that this needs to be done, I know I need to suck it up and do it, but when am I going to feel ready?
Then a move, followed shortly by an unexpected--or should I say unplanned--pregnancy but the plans on hold. We started back on the path again earlier in September, and just before our trip to Disney World, I heard that I had been accepted to the nursing program here at our local technical college. After we got back from our trip, I scheduled an appointment with one of the counselors--this had to be done before I could do anything else in the process. My appointment was on Monday.
As I sat in the counselor's office, I realized I was just plain and simply scared about going to school. I actually started crying--in the counselor's office. I'm rolling my eyes at myself. We mapped out a basic plan of attack for me. I will have 2-3 years before I'm accepted into the core classes of the nursing program. In the mean time I'll be taking some of the generals and electives. If all goes as planned, I should be done with school in 4-5 years.
I've spent the days since then paralyzed with fear anytime I think about school. It's really hard to pin point the reason (s) why, but here are some of them.
1. What if I can't manage it all--all the extra work on top of everything I should be doing now--note I said everything "I should" be doing--not "am doing." So many days I feel overwhelmed, I can't imagine school making it any easier.
2. What if I can't pull the grades--I was a good student in high school--up until my last semester. What if I can't be a good student again?
3. How am I going to have the time to spend with the kids?
4. Where is the money for the baby-sitter/day care going to come from?
5. What if I just don't like it?
6. What if P gets a new job and it doesn't work out for school?
7. What if I get all the way through the school, and get my license and then just don't like being a nurse? What if I hate it? What if I'm no good at it?
I suppose I feel a bit better for getting that all out of my system. But really, where's my adventuresome spirit when I need it? I know that this needs to be done, I know I need to suck it up and do it, but when am I going to feel ready?
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