So, like, Mama totally sucks. This is Tracy's daughter from over at The Delusional, who has some serious bragging and stuff to do.
In November I wrote a book. It's called The Surface of the Deep, and it weighed in at 87,050 words. My goal was 50K. Woot! I just rock like that. My book is about a revolution on an alien planet, and it parallels the French Revolution. The French Revolution rocks. You can read all about it at my writing blog, As the Plot Thickens, or on the "Surface of the Deep" page at my "official" (ha) website, High on Life. Go! Read! Give me more blog hits!!! Goooooo!!
Oh, yeah. Mom's putting a new playlist on the sidebar. It's our Christmas playlist. It's sort of...okay, well...it's pretty offensive. Bad language and crap like that. We think it's hilarious and totally kick-butt, but if you don't like rude Christmas carols, pause the playlist when you come to the site.
In other news, London/Paris fundraising is going great. Yay for that. I have $230-and-something-cents, and the first payment is only $215. So I'm set on that. Anything else I make between now and the due date goes to my best friend, who's also trying to go. After the first payment is made, I start putting stuff into my own account again, because the total is close to 3K. Yeah. That would be a lot. Heh.
B tried to kill the TV. He sprayed some sort of cleaning chemical (how he got it, I'm not quite sure) all over it. It fizzled out and died, but thankfully dried out and powered back up later. M also ate half an Asprin today, which was very fun -- not -- for Mama. She was freaking out majorly. I was pretty freaked, too. I swear, these boys are going to be the death of us all. No, I'm kidding -- I love 'em. But still, they're so...boyish.
Mom is sitting here telling me what to post. Everybody tell her that she's lazy.
She says that she's "tired". Uh-huh, sure. Heard that one before. Pfft.
Okay, that's all from me for now.
♥Jen
(PS -- Come visit my sites, please! I need some more hits. Be awesome. Yay!)
Showing posts with label WOM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WOM. Show all posts
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bug Bites and Potty Humor
So, Saturday, my youngest decided that ant piles are for playing in. He sat his chubby little ass down right in a huge fire ant bed. And proceeded to play. While the ants crawled all over him and into his diaper. I did not see the ant pile so was unaware that there was an issue. I think he didn't understand what was going on when they first started biting him. He did get up and start to walk to me. When I saw him crying I went running.
It was straight out of a horror flick. I started swiping at his legs to get the ants off and then pulled off his diaper. I swear, he was COVERED in fire ants. By the time I got them all off I was freaking out at all the bites. From the middle of his back to about his knees he is covered in ant bites. He has some on his neck, arms and feet but not many. His inner thighs and diaper area are the worst. I guess they went for warm, damp area and went to town.
He is doing fine with them, no signs of any allergies and he has an appointment at the doctor scheduled for tomorrow anyway so I will have him take a look at the bites to make sure all is well. But, it scared me to death. Poor baby. He doesn't seem to be bothered at all by them, though... a little itchy but he went right back to playing afterwards with no side effects.
On a lighter note.... we are working on potty training our middle child. Because of his speech problems, we are not pushing, just working at his pace. Since he cannot TELL us that he has to go, we are working slowly. But, the other night, the funniest things happened.
The Boy decided to go on the potty. While he was doing his business, the Baby decided he was going to go on the potty too. So he sat on the Boy's lap. LOL I got him off and when the boy finished, I took the babies diaper off so he could sit on the potty. The Boy was patting the potty and going "Here, Mal-Mal" (That's what he calls his brother). So, "Mal-Mal" sat on the potty and his brother proceeded to show him how to aim and then when he was done, showed him how to shake it off. I was trying my damnedest not to just laugh until I cried. They were very serious about the whole process. So, the baby hopped up and ran around for a minute. Then he came back and peed again. He did this four times! LOL He may be trained before his big brother!
Speaking of potty training......
The Boy was on the potty the other day and he was checking himself out. Must be a guy thing. Anyway, he looked at me and pointed at himself and said "Look, Mama, Bubbles!". I almost strangled myself trying not to laugh at him as I told him that they weren't bubbles but were balls. He got this weird look on his face and looked back down at himself. Then back at me. Then back at himself. And said, in a very shocked and suspicious tone, "BALLS??!!??".... LMAO. I almost had a stroke. So, I explained to him that they were really called testicles but we sometimes call them balls. I don't think he believes me. I just hope he doesn't decide to try to bounce them.
It was straight out of a horror flick. I started swiping at his legs to get the ants off and then pulled off his diaper. I swear, he was COVERED in fire ants. By the time I got them all off I was freaking out at all the bites. From the middle of his back to about his knees he is covered in ant bites. He has some on his neck, arms and feet but not many. His inner thighs and diaper area are the worst. I guess they went for warm, damp area and went to town.
He is doing fine with them, no signs of any allergies and he has an appointment at the doctor scheduled for tomorrow anyway so I will have him take a look at the bites to make sure all is well. But, it scared me to death. Poor baby. He doesn't seem to be bothered at all by them, though... a little itchy but he went right back to playing afterwards with no side effects.
On a lighter note.... we are working on potty training our middle child. Because of his speech problems, we are not pushing, just working at his pace. Since he cannot TELL us that he has to go, we are working slowly. But, the other night, the funniest things happened.
The Boy decided to go on the potty. While he was doing his business, the Baby decided he was going to go on the potty too. So he sat on the Boy's lap. LOL I got him off and when the boy finished, I took the babies diaper off so he could sit on the potty. The Boy was patting the potty and going "Here, Mal-Mal" (That's what he calls his brother). So, "Mal-Mal" sat on the potty and his brother proceeded to show him how to aim and then when he was done, showed him how to shake it off. I was trying my damnedest not to just laugh until I cried. They were very serious about the whole process. So, the baby hopped up and ran around for a minute. Then he came back and peed again. He did this four times! LOL He may be trained before his big brother!
Speaking of potty training......
The Boy was on the potty the other day and he was checking himself out. Must be a guy thing. Anyway, he looked at me and pointed at himself and said "Look, Mama, Bubbles!". I almost strangled myself trying not to laugh at him as I told him that they weren't bubbles but were balls. He got this weird look on his face and looked back down at himself. Then back at me. Then back at himself. And said, in a very shocked and suspicious tone, "BALLS??!!??".... LMAO. I almost had a stroke. So, I explained to him that they were really called testicles but we sometimes call them balls. I don't think he believes me. I just hope he doesn't decide to try to bounce them.
Monday, August 18, 2008
My Special Child
There are times when I feel like a total fraud. I talk about my son and his issues and I am so overwhelmed at times that I am just not sure how to handle everything. And then I see a child who is so much worse either behaviorally or physically and I feel like a fraud. Who am I to complain about my sons tantrums or aversions or obsessions? At least he can walk and feed himself. At least his brain functions and he is smart and will get through his issues and not be dealing with the majority of them for his entire life. A mother who is part of a playgroup with me emailed me the other day to see how I was. One of the things she said was that those of us with high needs children have to stick together and help one another. And I felt like a complete fraud. My child is not THAT BAD.
So then, that begs the question, how bad is THAT bad? When does a child become "high needs" and when is he just a spoiled brat? When do I admit that I have a special needs child? AM I in denial or is he already there? I have no clue. I do know that having someone understand why I hesitate to go on play dates or have anyone over to the house is a real help. At least I know I am not alone.
I am struggling right now with deciding whether The Boy needs a diagnosis or a label. Whether it would benefit him or hurt him in the long run. Whether he is really a special needs child in more than just speech or if he is just highly gifted with a brain that works a little different and maybe a few extra quirks to make life interesting.
There are days that all I want to do is run away. When I am absolutely positive that I cannot take another tantrum or food issue or sleepless night. When I know that someone else could handle all of this so much better than I am. When I feel that I am doing all that I can possibly do and it is still not enough.
And then there are days when I look at that sweet face and know..... that he is special in all of the most important ways. He is my special, sweet, smart, wonderful child. And whatever comes in the future.... we will handle together.
So. My "special needs" or "high needs" child is just right for me. I could not imagine life without him. Now I have to take one step at a time and find what is right for us. What is right for HIM. And make sure that I "mama bear" it into happening.....
So then, that begs the question, how bad is THAT bad? When does a child become "high needs" and when is he just a spoiled brat? When do I admit that I have a special needs child? AM I in denial or is he already there? I have no clue. I do know that having someone understand why I hesitate to go on play dates or have anyone over to the house is a real help. At least I know I am not alone.
I am struggling right now with deciding whether The Boy needs a diagnosis or a label. Whether it would benefit him or hurt him in the long run. Whether he is really a special needs child in more than just speech or if he is just highly gifted with a brain that works a little different and maybe a few extra quirks to make life interesting.
There are days that all I want to do is run away. When I am absolutely positive that I cannot take another tantrum or food issue or sleepless night. When I know that someone else could handle all of this so much better than I am. When I feel that I am doing all that I can possibly do and it is still not enough.
And then there are days when I look at that sweet face and know..... that he is special in all of the most important ways. He is my special, sweet, smart, wonderful child. And whatever comes in the future.... we will handle together.
So. My "special needs" or "high needs" child is just right for me. I could not imagine life without him. Now I have to take one step at a time and find what is right for us. What is right for HIM. And make sure that I "mama bear" it into happening.....
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Black Eyed Boy and The Insomniator
So. My Girl is settled in school quite happily this year and I have no crazy stories or stressful tales to share about her first week. Anyone who wants to see how she is doing can pop over to her blog and say hi!
As for the boys..... well. That is what this post is all about.
The past few weeks have been pretty crazy as far as the boys go. The Baby is no longer a baby. He is a toddler and hell bent on being just like his brother. Ha. He climbs on anything, jumps off of things, runs everywhere, gets into trouble specifically to see what I will do about it and generally does whatever his brother does. It is very very tiring. BUT. He is also still my snuggle bunny. He comes up and climbs in my lap and hugs and snuggles and gives one big, wet kiss after the other. And when he is done he jumps down and runs over to his brother and tackles him! LOL He is giving me about the normal amount of toddler mayhem in my day. With an extra dose of toddler love to make up for any trouble. The main issue with him lately has been the number of bumps, bruises, scratches and general boo-boos that he is covered in from day to day. he is all boy, rough and tumble and no doubt about it. He is, however, sporting a nice black eye right now, courtesy of his brother and a frying pan. We were all in the kitchen and the boys were playing with pots and pans.... then the baby started screaming and I turned around to see The Boy with a frying pan in hand. Since I did not actually SEE what happened, I am pretending it was an accident. And putting a lock on the cabinet where I keep the pots and pans. The poor baby looks like he was beaten! It is now all yellow and green as it heals. My little bruiser!
The Boy. Well.
He has his good days and his bad days. He started seeing a counselor/ therapist for his behaviors. It's a little odd for me. We go see her and talk for a half an hour or so about what he has been doing and what I should be doing with him and then she takes him to a "play room" and plays/ observes him. And then comes back and gives me goals of things to work on for the next 2 weeks. He sees her every 2 weeks right now. I like her. She has not tried to tie him down to a specific diagnosis although we discussed several. She is very open to my opinions and feelings on what is going on with him. She listens to me and respects me as his mother and the one who knows him better than anyone else. Right now we are working on trying to give him controlled play areas. To help him focus on specific things and not get distracted and then out of control. It seems to be helping to some extent. When he has specific goals and specific toys/ activities and is not just left to play with whatever.... he is fine. He stays on task and plays nicely and is happy. Instead of getting lost in toys/ activities and then getting bored and acting out. If any of that makes sense. I'm not sure if I described it well or not.
She is also encouraging me to push his doctors in Jackson into referring him for a sleep study. She feels, and I agree, that he has a sleep disorder and that most of his behavior issues stem from being overtired. Extremely overtired/ sleep deprived. The cool thing is that when he went for his appointment in Jackson they actually wrote on his checkout form that he has a sleep disorder. This should make it easier to get them to refer him.
Speaking of the appointment in Jackson. That was just about the only good thing that came out of that trip. Otherwise it was a waste of time. And then they called me yesterday and wanted to say that they needed me to bring him back for another doctor to examine him so that they could give a recommendation on a dosage for melatonin. What? The trip takes two hours one way. So, drive a total of four hours, use about $40 worth of gas, lose a days work for Steven and drag two kids through all of that.... just for a dosage recommendation? No. I told them I needed a referral to someone in the area or I needed them to just confer with his regular pediatrician. That there was no way i could make the trip again when I had just been there and they told me they would just call me with the info. grrrrrrrr.
Anyway. So, I am waiting on the dosage info for the melatonin. Still. I am waiting on a referral for a sleep study. And, meanwhile, dealing with lack of sleep and behavior problems. He has turned three now so he is no longer eligible for the speech program that he was in. Now, he has to receive his speech therapy through the school system. He got turned down for Head start because we make too much money. (Ha!) So, I will have to transport him to the school twice a week for therapy starting in about 2 weeks.
gack.
I feel like it is just never ending.
And I am sleep deprived as well!
But, he is doing better as far as his speech goes. He is also doing a little better behavior wise. So, I see a glimmer of a reflection of a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep your fingers crossed that it is not a train. Or a dragon.
As for the boys..... well. That is what this post is all about.
The past few weeks have been pretty crazy as far as the boys go. The Baby is no longer a baby. He is a toddler and hell bent on being just like his brother. Ha. He climbs on anything, jumps off of things, runs everywhere, gets into trouble specifically to see what I will do about it and generally does whatever his brother does. It is very very tiring. BUT. He is also still my snuggle bunny. He comes up and climbs in my lap and hugs and snuggles and gives one big, wet kiss after the other. And when he is done he jumps down and runs over to his brother and tackles him! LOL He is giving me about the normal amount of toddler mayhem in my day. With an extra dose of toddler love to make up for any trouble. The main issue with him lately has been the number of bumps, bruises, scratches and general boo-boos that he is covered in from day to day. he is all boy, rough and tumble and no doubt about it. He is, however, sporting a nice black eye right now, courtesy of his brother and a frying pan. We were all in the kitchen and the boys were playing with pots and pans.... then the baby started screaming and I turned around to see The Boy with a frying pan in hand. Since I did not actually SEE what happened, I am pretending it was an accident. And putting a lock on the cabinet where I keep the pots and pans. The poor baby looks like he was beaten! It is now all yellow and green as it heals. My little bruiser!
The Boy. Well.
He has his good days and his bad days. He started seeing a counselor/ therapist for his behaviors. It's a little odd for me. We go see her and talk for a half an hour or so about what he has been doing and what I should be doing with him and then she takes him to a "play room" and plays/ observes him. And then comes back and gives me goals of things to work on for the next 2 weeks. He sees her every 2 weeks right now. I like her. She has not tried to tie him down to a specific diagnosis although we discussed several. She is very open to my opinions and feelings on what is going on with him. She listens to me and respects me as his mother and the one who knows him better than anyone else. Right now we are working on trying to give him controlled play areas. To help him focus on specific things and not get distracted and then out of control. It seems to be helping to some extent. When he has specific goals and specific toys/ activities and is not just left to play with whatever.... he is fine. He stays on task and plays nicely and is happy. Instead of getting lost in toys/ activities and then getting bored and acting out. If any of that makes sense. I'm not sure if I described it well or not.
She is also encouraging me to push his doctors in Jackson into referring him for a sleep study. She feels, and I agree, that he has a sleep disorder and that most of his behavior issues stem from being overtired. Extremely overtired/ sleep deprived. The cool thing is that when he went for his appointment in Jackson they actually wrote on his checkout form that he has a sleep disorder. This should make it easier to get them to refer him.
Speaking of the appointment in Jackson. That was just about the only good thing that came out of that trip. Otherwise it was a waste of time. And then they called me yesterday and wanted to say that they needed me to bring him back for another doctor to examine him so that they could give a recommendation on a dosage for melatonin. What? The trip takes two hours one way. So, drive a total of four hours, use about $40 worth of gas, lose a days work for Steven and drag two kids through all of that.... just for a dosage recommendation? No. I told them I needed a referral to someone in the area or I needed them to just confer with his regular pediatrician. That there was no way i could make the trip again when I had just been there and they told me they would just call me with the info. grrrrrrrr.
Anyway. So, I am waiting on the dosage info for the melatonin. Still. I am waiting on a referral for a sleep study. And, meanwhile, dealing with lack of sleep and behavior problems. He has turned three now so he is no longer eligible for the speech program that he was in. Now, he has to receive his speech therapy through the school system. He got turned down for Head start because we make too much money. (Ha!) So, I will have to transport him to the school twice a week for therapy starting in about 2 weeks.
gack.
I feel like it is just never ending.
And I am sleep deprived as well!
But, he is doing better as far as his speech goes. He is also doing a little better behavior wise. So, I see a glimmer of a reflection of a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep your fingers crossed that it is not a train. Or a dragon.
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Bug Hunters
Just a quick check in with everyone. We are having a blast. I am sooooooo happy to have The Girl home. I want to share a story with you.
I live in a 40 - 50 year old house in the Deep South. That means bugs. You cannot get away from them. And I have kids. Which means crumbs. Crumbs = Bugs. Deep South = Bugs x 100. So. I have bugs. My middle child is scared of bugs. When he sees a bug he screams. It could be a roach, a gnat, a housefly, a spider.... it doesn't matter. He screams "A Bug, A Bug!" and I go running with the fly swatter to kill it. (This can be really amusing when we are outside.) I have a heavy duty bug swatter. I swear, this thing is like an inch thick and is attached to a tire iron.
Anyway. This evening (as I type this) my son is leading his sister and his grandmother on a merry chase through the house in search of bugs. When he finds one he jumps up and down and points while hollering "a bug, a bug!" at the top of his lungs. His sister then screams and his grandmother attacks the bug with the swatter. It is highly amusing. He then says Thank You to his grandmother. What can I say.... he is polite! LOL LOL LOL
So, the bug hunters are on the loose. They may have to move outside soon as I think they are running out of bugs in the house.
Maybe I should rent them out......
I live in a 40 - 50 year old house in the Deep South. That means bugs. You cannot get away from them. And I have kids. Which means crumbs. Crumbs = Bugs. Deep South = Bugs x 100. So. I have bugs. My middle child is scared of bugs. When he sees a bug he screams. It could be a roach, a gnat, a housefly, a spider.... it doesn't matter. He screams "A Bug, A Bug!" and I go running with the fly swatter to kill it. (This can be really amusing when we are outside.) I have a heavy duty bug swatter. I swear, this thing is like an inch thick and is attached to a tire iron.
Anyway. This evening (as I type this) my son is leading his sister and his grandmother on a merry chase through the house in search of bugs. When he finds one he jumps up and down and points while hollering "a bug, a bug!" at the top of his lungs. His sister then screams and his grandmother attacks the bug with the swatter. It is highly amusing. He then says Thank You to his grandmother. What can I say.... he is polite! LOL LOL LOL
So, the bug hunters are on the loose. They may have to move outside soon as I think they are running out of bugs in the house.
Maybe I should rent them out......
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wingmen of Mayhem Unite!
Actually, the title of this post might be misleading. While any post about my WOMs is usually filled with stories of, well, mayhem, this post is more about what my middlest did RIGHT today! LOL Sort of.
The middlest child, as you may remember, is the one who makes me cringe, go gray and scream to the heavens "Why me, oh lord?". After two days of, relatively, normal 3 year old behavior I am starting to wonder what is going on. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop one might say. Waiting for the WOMs to break out of their rut and truly get some mayhem going on!
The Boy has had two days of very few tantrums, sweet love and trying to be independent. Tonight he made himself a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich. Cut the bread with a pair of scissors. Tried to brush his teeth using the "toothpaste" that he got from the bathroom which was actually body wash. Learned how to wash his hands all by himself. Tried to wipe down the coffee table using spray Pam. Then used a spray bottle of water and a towel to clean it off correctly. He then proceeded to climb onto a bar stool, onto the bar and open the cabinets above the bar. He stood there and put his little hand on his chin and said "hmmm" while he tried to find a snack.
I have recently installed refrigerator locks.
Last night he made dinner with his daddy. Pictures will be posted once I get a chance.
Who is this strange child who looks like my son? Who is this masked toddler?
Could it be that he is growing up? Oh, no!
Perhaps he heard talk of family counseling, psychological testing and the possibility of hell.
Or maybe he is just waiting for me to let my guard down. Then he might just pull out all of the stops and... learn to use the potty! Gasp! (Either that or he has taught his little brother all of his tricks and is just waiting for him to get in trouble.)
Wish me luck... for tomorrow is a new day.
The middlest child, as you may remember, is the one who makes me cringe, go gray and scream to the heavens "Why me, oh lord?". After two days of, relatively, normal 3 year old behavior I am starting to wonder what is going on. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop one might say. Waiting for the WOMs to break out of their rut and truly get some mayhem going on!
The Boy has had two days of very few tantrums, sweet love and trying to be independent. Tonight he made himself a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich. Cut the bread with a pair of scissors. Tried to brush his teeth using the "toothpaste" that he got from the bathroom which was actually body wash. Learned how to wash his hands all by himself. Tried to wipe down the coffee table using spray Pam. Then used a spray bottle of water and a towel to clean it off correctly. He then proceeded to climb onto a bar stool, onto the bar and open the cabinets above the bar. He stood there and put his little hand on his chin and said "hmmm" while he tried to find a snack.
I have recently installed refrigerator locks.
Last night he made dinner with his daddy. Pictures will be posted once I get a chance.
Who is this strange child who looks like my son? Who is this masked toddler?
Could it be that he is growing up? Oh, no!
Perhaps he heard talk of family counseling, psychological testing and the possibility of hell.
Or maybe he is just waiting for me to let my guard down. Then he might just pull out all of the stops and... learn to use the potty! Gasp! (Either that or he has taught his little brother all of his tricks and is just waiting for him to get in trouble.)
Wish me luck... for tomorrow is a new day.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
My Toddler is Going To Hell
Either that or just driving me crazy as just punishment for things I have done in my past. Something like that.
Lets look at the facts, shall we?
Braeden (The Boy) is 34 1/2 months old. He will be three in early August. When he was born, he had reflux. He nursed for 12 weeks and was not toooooo bad. He went on formula and then a different one and then a different one. We finally found one that seemed to help with the worst of it. We still spent his first six months dealing with constant spit up and no sleep. He screamed. All the time. It was bad.
Then he got a little better. He only screamed part of the time. And he hated going to sleep. The boy has only slept through the night maybe ten times in the past three years. Really. He will NOT go to bed without a fight. I am talking about kicking, hitting, biting, screaming, head butting, body thrashing fights. And hours of putting him back in bed every five minutes until he finally breaks down and falls asleep. Usually in the hallway.
And then there are the night terrors. And the sleep walking.
And a total refusal to nap at all.
So, is it any wonder the boy has behavior issues? He has never, not once in three years, gotten a good night's sleep. He has so-so sleeps. He has good mornings where he is pleasant and easy to be around and cooperative and only misbehaves in normal 3 yo ways. And then... by lunchtime... he melts down. He kicked me in the face the other night and I lost it. I started crying on the phone with my MIL and telling her that if he is not crazy by this point in the sleep deprivation cycle that I probably am!
Today, we went to Walmart. Which is a whole other blog post. But, the part of this that pertains to THIS post is that... my children are embarrassing. Really. Both boys spent the entire trip whining and crying and trying to climb out of the buggy. And then I noticed that they both had dirt on their faces. So, now I look like some kind of redneck, dirty kid, cannot control their kids mom. And they probably have 12 toes too.
I know that all kids give you hassles. God knows that I had to drag The Girl out of stores more than once when she was 3 - 4 yo. But.... maybe it is just that I lack the patience to deal with this. I would almost rather become a hermit than deal with this level of.... misbehavior... in public. For lack of a better word.
And he does.not.listen.to.me. At all. I feel like the three male people who live in my house cannot seem to hear the tone of my voice. I speak. I know I am speaking. I can hear myself. But, no response. I could be speaking klingon and dancing naked for all of the attention they pay to me.
I try. Goddess knows I try. I try to teach them to pick up their toys. And not eat each others bodily excretions. And maybe not grind chocolate into the carpet. And I try to teach them not to hurt each other. And to share. And to please please please not bite mommy. And I try to get them to understand that cooperation is best. Yeah right.
Toddlers. They are going to hell.
Wait. I am in hell now, aren't I?
Lets look at the facts, shall we?
Braeden (The Boy) is 34 1/2 months old. He will be three in early August. When he was born, he had reflux. He nursed for 12 weeks and was not toooooo bad. He went on formula and then a different one and then a different one. We finally found one that seemed to help with the worst of it. We still spent his first six months dealing with constant spit up and no sleep. He screamed. All the time. It was bad.
Then he got a little better. He only screamed part of the time. And he hated going to sleep. The boy has only slept through the night maybe ten times in the past three years. Really. He will NOT go to bed without a fight. I am talking about kicking, hitting, biting, screaming, head butting, body thrashing fights. And hours of putting him back in bed every five minutes until he finally breaks down and falls asleep. Usually in the hallway.
And then there are the night terrors. And the sleep walking.
And a total refusal to nap at all.
So, is it any wonder the boy has behavior issues? He has never, not once in three years, gotten a good night's sleep. He has so-so sleeps. He has good mornings where he is pleasant and easy to be around and cooperative and only misbehaves in normal 3 yo ways. And then... by lunchtime... he melts down. He kicked me in the face the other night and I lost it. I started crying on the phone with my MIL and telling her that if he is not crazy by this point in the sleep deprivation cycle that I probably am!
Today, we went to Walmart. Which is a whole other blog post. But, the part of this that pertains to THIS post is that... my children are embarrassing. Really. Both boys spent the entire trip whining and crying and trying to climb out of the buggy. And then I noticed that they both had dirt on their faces. So, now I look like some kind of redneck, dirty kid, cannot control their kids mom. And they probably have 12 toes too.
I know that all kids give you hassles. God knows that I had to drag The Girl out of stores more than once when she was 3 - 4 yo. But.... maybe it is just that I lack the patience to deal with this. I would almost rather become a hermit than deal with this level of.... misbehavior... in public. For lack of a better word.
And he does.not.listen.to.me. At all. I feel like the three male people who live in my house cannot seem to hear the tone of my voice. I speak. I know I am speaking. I can hear myself. But, no response. I could be speaking klingon and dancing naked for all of the attention they pay to me.
I try. Goddess knows I try. I try to teach them to pick up their toys. And not eat each others bodily excretions. And maybe not grind chocolate into the carpet. And I try to teach them not to hurt each other. And to share. And to please please please not bite mommy. And I try to get them to understand that cooperation is best. Yeah right.
Toddlers. They are going to hell.
Wait. I am in hell now, aren't I?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A Long Day
Smells of soap and warm skinlavender and chamomile...
Boneless exhaustion.
Soft expression.
Scratches on the instep,
blooming bruises on the shin...
Tangled sweaty curls.
A fan of sooty lashes
brushing softly on pink skin.
Energy released.
Tension unfurled.
Slumber of innocence....
My Boys
I think they are plotting....
Belly laughs......
WOMs in water... what could be better?
My man.....
Teaching The Boy to pee on trees.... thanks Honey.
It was quite a day! LOLSaturday, June 21, 2008
The Eldest WOM
Yes. It is ink.
(Yes, he is still alive.)
I even laughed about it once I realized it was not permanant!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Wingmen
I was in our office trying to actually get it somewhat clean and unpacked and organized when I realized that the Wingmen had been awfully quite for a bit. I went out to the livingroom to discover that The Boy had dumped an ENTIRE thing of chocolate pudding on TOP of his brother's head. And rubbed it in. And The Baby was totally enjoying this new form of aromatherapy massage.
THIS is why I can never get anything accomplished in my house.
THIS is why I can never get anything accomplished in my house.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Naked Chef
The Boy loves to cook. I know I have posted pics in the past of him helping to make grilled cheese sandwiches. Tonight, I was getting him a drink and he decided it was time to make dinner. He got under the cabinet and got out the CORRECT pan and put it on the stove. He then reached into the CORRECT drawer and got out his preferred spatula. And was waiting for me to get the cheese and bread for him! All while naked as a jay bird.....
He cooked 3 sandwiches and cut them up and shared with his brother.
Pretty damn good for an almost 3 yo, huh?
He cooked 3 sandwiches and cut them up and shared with his brother.
Pretty damn good for an almost 3 yo, huh?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Still Tired
The key to language for my middlest Wingman of Mayhem appears to be stimulation and new experiences. While we were in Florida he added about 5 or 6 new words! We are very excited by this. He also is responding to questions we ask him with more than just "no" or grunts. he is now saying "yes" and also nodding when appropriate. Not just some of the time, all of the time! I can't wait for his therapy session on Tuesday to talk to his therapist about his steps forward. Hopefully he will cooperate during therapy and actually speak.
Both of the boys made me crazy all day today. It was constant. From 8 AM until just a bit ago. The Boy was overtired and mean all day. he kept antagonizing the Baby and taking his toys. The Baby got mad and was mean back. I can't even blame him. If The Boy does not sleep good tonight I might be forced to eat my young tomorrow. Ha. Oh yeah... The Baby has now discovered how to take his diaper off. He peed on the fireplace hearth today. And was scared of the pee. Very funny stuff.
I am calling their pediatrician on Monday to look into some alternative meds for The Boy's sleep issues. I have heard from several people that melatonin (sp?) is a wonder drug for kids with sleep problems. If I can get him onto a schedule then I think it will be fine. And most of his behaviors lately are because he is tired. He was doing so well for a while. Then..... it all when down the crapper a couple of months ago. No idea why.
I am still exhausted. And the horrid day with the Wingmen did not help at all. Steven is mostly better. I am ready to crash and burn. I think I am going to go to bed soon. Maybe I can get a decent night's sleep tonight.
Both of the boys made me crazy all day today. It was constant. From 8 AM until just a bit ago. The Boy was overtired and mean all day. he kept antagonizing the Baby and taking his toys. The Baby got mad and was mean back. I can't even blame him. If The Boy does not sleep good tonight I might be forced to eat my young tomorrow. Ha. Oh yeah... The Baby has now discovered how to take his diaper off. He peed on the fireplace hearth today. And was scared of the pee. Very funny stuff.
I am calling their pediatrician on Monday to look into some alternative meds for The Boy's sleep issues. I have heard from several people that melatonin (sp?) is a wonder drug for kids with sleep problems. If I can get him onto a schedule then I think it will be fine. And most of his behaviors lately are because he is tired. He was doing so well for a while. Then..... it all when down the crapper a couple of months ago. No idea why.
I am still exhausted. And the horrid day with the Wingmen did not help at all. Steven is mostly better. I am ready to crash and burn. I think I am going to go to bed soon. Maybe I can get a decent night's sleep tonight.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
New Video Camera!
Oh, yeah! We got our new video camcorder today! So exciting. Now I have to figure out how to use it! LOL We compared and checked and searched and finally.... found the exact camera we had been looking at online was on sale at Circuit City for the Memorial Day sales! So, we ended up spending about $150 less and got it with a memory card and a camera bag included. Whoopee! This particular model is shock proof (height of 4 foot) and water proof. We need that with the Wingmen of Mayhem running around here. I can't wait to tape them and be able to post video for y'all to see how crazy they are! LOL
Soon.....
Soon.....
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Boys Being Sweet, Sweet Peas and More
And now that I have the pictures off of the camera, I will show you why I need a video camera! This progression of pictures is just too cute. I wish I had video of the entire episode!
Here is The Boy "reading" to his doll.
And here he is after tucking a blanket around himself and the doll so that they will stay warm. He was showing each of the pictures in the book to the doll!
Here the boys are after The Baby climbed onto the couch and The Boy tucked him in too!
This one is a little dark but The Boy moved the doll to the other side and was playing "speech" with him! He was pointing at each picture and saying what it was and repeating it several times. Very sweet.
And now to something completely different.....
I have pea pods on my pea plants!!
And radishes! And other stuff that I do not have pics of! Yay!
The last pic for today is of a lonely little lady. My dress form. She has been sitting on my back porch for some time now. Waiting. Waiting for me to get around to adjusting her measurements and using her!
Now, what should I make on this lonely little girl?
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hi all! I am alive and kicking. I have been cleaning and gardening and wrangling babies and just have not had a spare moment to blog about any of it! Things are going fine here. I am just trying to figure out what is going on with our finances this month so I figured a break was needed.... so here I am! I have pictures to share....
First, today in the mail I received a present from my good friend Alisa in FL. She said that she came across this while she was at a garage sale and thought of me. What she said was, "I saw it and the powers that be said it was really yours - so all I'm doing is delivering it to it's rightful owner!". You can't really tell in the pic below, but it is painted on a tile and hangs on the wall. I love it! Thanks Alisa!!
Here, we have a picture of the eldest Wingman of Mayhem as he is learning to make grilled cheese sandwiches. he is very amusing when he wants a sandwich. he goes and gets the spatula and smacks me with it! While I would rather he did not hit me, at least he is letting me know what he wants!
Here are both of the WOMs sitting on bar stools and waiting for me to cook them dinner. I was a nervous wreck that one of them would fall off, but Daddy was right there and they were happy as clams to be sitting and watching me!
This next two pictures are some of my favorites. This is my darling husband teaching the boy to play guitar. He is veeeery interested and wants to play all the time. he has his own small guitar but wants to play on one of daddy's all the time!
And here we have the "plumber's" towel incident of 2008. My eldest boy loves to wrap up in a towel. And this is the result! LOL
The youngest loves to watch "I-Carly" on TV. I have no idea why. It's a cute show but who would have thought a one year old would be interested? As you can see, he loves it. He won't move for the entire show. I think he has a crush on Carly.
And.... these pics just show you how entirely exhausted we all are at the end of the day. My boys wear themselves out! (and me too)
First, today in the mail I received a present from my good friend Alisa in FL. She said that she came across this while she was at a garage sale and thought of me. What she said was, "I saw it and the powers that be said it was really yours - so all I'm doing is delivering it to it's rightful owner!". You can't really tell in the pic below, but it is painted on a tile and hangs on the wall. I love it! Thanks Alisa!!
Here, we have a picture of the eldest Wingman of Mayhem as he is learning to make grilled cheese sandwiches. he is very amusing when he wants a sandwich. he goes and gets the spatula and smacks me with it! While I would rather he did not hit me, at least he is letting me know what he wants!
Here are both of the WOMs sitting on bar stools and waiting for me to cook them dinner. I was a nervous wreck that one of them would fall off, but Daddy was right there and they were happy as clams to be sitting and watching me!This next two pictures are some of my favorites. This is my darling husband teaching the boy to play guitar. He is veeeery interested and wants to play all the time. he has his own small guitar but wants to play on one of daddy's all the time!
And here we have the "plumber's" towel incident of 2008. My eldest boy loves to wrap up in a towel. And this is the result! LOL
The youngest loves to watch "I-Carly" on TV. I have no idea why. It's a cute show but who would have thought a one year old would be interested? As you can see, he loves it. He won't move for the entire show. I think he has a crush on Carly.
And.... these pics just show you how entirely exhausted we all are at the end of the day. My boys wear themselves out! (and me too)For the rest of today I am going to be running around like a chicken with no head. I have to go get DHs check, go to the bank, pay the rent, go to Wally World, go to Curves with DD, cook dinner, finish laundry and vacuum. Among other things! I will try to be back tomorrow with something a little more interesting! LOL
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Mommy Instincts Get the Best of Blogger Fodder
The Wingmen of Mayhem were a hoot last night. Unfortunately, my mommy instincts overrode the blogger instincts and I have no pictures to show you! Wish I had waited to clean up until I snapped a couple....
#1 Funny Episode
Eldest WOM was hungry. I was cooking hot dogs on the stove. We cook our hot dogs in a frying pan with water. When the water boils away, the dogs are heated through and then brown quickly. So... I was boiling them, pushed the handle of the pan to the back and came in the office to check email real quick. Next thing I know the boy was poking me in the side with the hot dog tongs and holding out a plate! He was definitely hungry! LOL.... next thing I know he will be cooking his own dinner! I have decided that I can no longer leave him alone in the kitchen area if anything is cooking. The other day he pushed over his drum and used it to climb up to the microwave and get his food out. I also have decided I must unplug the microwave when it is not in use. Knowing him, he will try to stick a can of green beans int here to cook and blow the whole thing up!
#2 Funny Episode
OK. First, you have to understand how my kitchen is set up. When I come into the kitchen from the office/ hall area, I can look down the length of the kitchen. The bar is on my left and the stove on my right. When you walk to the end of the bar and turn the corner, you are looking the length of my sink area and into the living room. That area is blocked from sight by the bar unless you turn the corner.
Next you have to know that we get our milk from WIC. It is in cardboard cartons and is sealed. It is the kind that stays good for 6 months on the shelf without refrigeration as long as it is sealed. So I keep boxes of it in my cabinets until we need it.
Now, I was reading a blog and getting ready to comment and the eldest WOM brought me his cup and wanted some milk. I told him just a minute and he went away. The youngest WOM was playing in the living room. I was trying to finish my comment when I realized it was veeeerrrryyy quiet out there. Oh no. I typed faster and all of a sudden I heard a giggle.
I jumped up and rushed out to the kitchen where I saw the eldest WOM walking around the bar corner holding a carton of milk. I rushed to get it from him and when I turned the corner.... well. This is where, if I was being a good blogger, I should have grabbed the camera and clicked a pic. But, mommy instincts took over so you will just have to visualize it.
The eldest WOM was pouring himself a glass of milk. He did a great job. Only spilled a little as he overfilled the glass. However.... the youngest WOM was sitting on the floor...... surrounded by a puddle of milk. And two (TWO) empty cartons. He was in the process of emptying the second onto the floor as I reached him. We are talking two quarts of milk. In a puddle. Surrounding a baby who is really quite pleased with himself. And wanted to get up and get another one! I tried not to laugh. I really did. But the look on his face and the huge grin when he saw me was too much. It took three towels to soak up all of the milk. And the eldest WOM was laughing like a loon the entire time. The best I can figure is that the baby decided he wanted milk too, so he poked his little bitty fingers into the seals until he broke them open. And then decided to give himself a milk bath. His complexion is very clear today.
Hey, it's one way to mop the kitchen floor.....
#1 Funny Episode
Eldest WOM was hungry. I was cooking hot dogs on the stove. We cook our hot dogs in a frying pan with water. When the water boils away, the dogs are heated through and then brown quickly. So... I was boiling them, pushed the handle of the pan to the back and came in the office to check email real quick. Next thing I know the boy was poking me in the side with the hot dog tongs and holding out a plate! He was definitely hungry! LOL.... next thing I know he will be cooking his own dinner! I have decided that I can no longer leave him alone in the kitchen area if anything is cooking. The other day he pushed over his drum and used it to climb up to the microwave and get his food out. I also have decided I must unplug the microwave when it is not in use. Knowing him, he will try to stick a can of green beans int here to cook and blow the whole thing up!
#2 Funny Episode
OK. First, you have to understand how my kitchen is set up. When I come into the kitchen from the office/ hall area, I can look down the length of the kitchen. The bar is on my left and the stove on my right. When you walk to the end of the bar and turn the corner, you are looking the length of my sink area and into the living room. That area is blocked from sight by the bar unless you turn the corner.
Next you have to know that we get our milk from WIC. It is in cardboard cartons and is sealed. It is the kind that stays good for 6 months on the shelf without refrigeration as long as it is sealed. So I keep boxes of it in my cabinets until we need it.
Now, I was reading a blog and getting ready to comment and the eldest WOM brought me his cup and wanted some milk. I told him just a minute and he went away. The youngest WOM was playing in the living room. I was trying to finish my comment when I realized it was veeeerrrryyy quiet out there. Oh no. I typed faster and all of a sudden I heard a giggle.
I jumped up and rushed out to the kitchen where I saw the eldest WOM walking around the bar corner holding a carton of milk. I rushed to get it from him and when I turned the corner.... well. This is where, if I was being a good blogger, I should have grabbed the camera and clicked a pic. But, mommy instincts took over so you will just have to visualize it.
The eldest WOM was pouring himself a glass of milk. He did a great job. Only spilled a little as he overfilled the glass. However.... the youngest WOM was sitting on the floor...... surrounded by a puddle of milk. And two (TWO) empty cartons. He was in the process of emptying the second onto the floor as I reached him. We are talking two quarts of milk. In a puddle. Surrounding a baby who is really quite pleased with himself. And wanted to get up and get another one! I tried not to laugh. I really did. But the look on his face and the huge grin when he saw me was too much. It took three towels to soak up all of the milk. And the eldest WOM was laughing like a loon the entire time. The best I can figure is that the baby decided he wanted milk too, so he poked his little bitty fingers into the seals until he broke them open. And then decided to give himself a milk bath. His complexion is very clear today.
Hey, it's one way to mop the kitchen floor.....
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