Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Moving Forward. Moving Backward.

Lots is happening in this house over here. Somethings are progressing forward, and somethings are moving backwards. Let's start with the bad news.

You have all heard of Belle's sleep drama if you have brawn reading my blog. Otherwise, you can read all about it here. I had many people mention moving her back into a crib, which I was very adamant against. I thought that would be moving backward and I didn't want to have to do the whole drama of reintroducing her to the big bed again. I figured that if I just kept at it, then Belle would finally "get it" and stay in her bed and fall asleep on time. No such luck. We tried the Supernanny approach, which kept Belle in her bed, but still did not mean she was falling asleep. The girl would kick the wall, lean over the edge, and look out ther window. No sleep was happening. Thanks for helping me get my kid to stay in bed, Supernanny, but how do I get her to sleep?!

I finally gave in and decided to try her in a Pack 'n' Play. The results? She naps great. For awhile she was going to bed at night great too, and then she discovered the joys of jumping out. So, now I'm not so sure what to do. She jumps out and pulls everything out of her drawers. I might go get some baby proofing accessories to keep her drawers from opening. Who knows? It's kind of making me a crazy person. My poor girl is so tired and just cannot turn that brain of hers off.

Now for the things we are moving forward on....potty training! Belle is interested, and doing so great! She obviously has accidents, but asks to go on the potty. She wears her underwear, which is so cute on her little butt :). I am very excited about this endeavor, but at the same time I am nervous because I know this potty-training business can be a long-haul! It takes just as much effort on my end as Belle's end. Right now we have more successes than accidents, so I feel we are well on our way of getting rid of Belle wearing diapers. I can't even imagine!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

You Know You're A Mom When...

I posted something on Facebook today about the things we do because we are moms that are so distinct to mothers. As I wrote it I got to thinking about more things I came up with quite the list. Here is my own personal list of

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A MOM WHEN...

1. You have plans for tonight and start to get ready 8 hours before because that is when nap time is.
2. You find pacifiers in every pocket of every item of clothing you own.
3. Coupons for formula are something you would be willing to fight someone for.
4. You know what is going on in the life of Mickey Mouse, what kind of animal Diego is saving today, and you know the difference between a flathead and Philips screwdriver thanks to Handy Manny.
5. You deal with curdled milk on a daily basis.
6. Your puzzle skills are impeccable.
7. Showering and using the bathroom has now become a group activity.
8. You find yourself automatically baby proofing in places where your children aren't even present.
9. You make yourself an extra large plate of food because you know you will inevitably be sharing.
10. You can summarize any children's book in 2 minutes because they don't know you're not really reading it and you aren't in the mood for the 20 page book they chose for bedtime.
11. You trust no one can smell the baby spit up in your hair and rewashing it is just way too much work...so you spray it with some water and comb it so it doesn't get crispy.
12. You talk in third person. "Mama loves you" "What did Mama say?" "Give it to Mama". And so on......
13. You have the daily debate in your head of what to do during nap time. Sleep? Clean? Shower?
14. Each grocery trip completed successfully makes you feel exhausted and all-powerful at the same time.
15. You know you would win a gold medal if "Changing diapers in the pitch dark while in a zombie state of mind" was an Olympic event.
16. Your children are dressed better than you.
17. The yogurt on your couch, fingerprints on the walls, and marker on the table have all become part of the "decor" of your home.
18. You have counted "1...2...3..." more times in the past day than you ever did during your entire year in kindergarten.
19. Your radio stations have been overtaken by CDs like "100 Best Kid Songs"
20. You get more excited about the latest animated film than anything starring Ryan Gosling.
21. You catch yourself singing the theme song to The Wonder Pets.
22. You have amazing upper arm strength, but haven't lifted actual weights in years.
23. You think a toddler cussing is one of the funniest things you have experienced...Until it's your own. And it's in public.
24. You have more plastic in your family room than a McDonalds play place.
25. Your car used to be clean.
26. Conversations with friends somehow always end up about poop.
27. You fear if anyone unexpectedly stops by during the day because they will know you haven't brushed your hair, you have mascara under your eyes, you have yet to put a bra on, and you are still in your pjs after noon.
28. You have cussed more times at the person who rang your doorbell during nap time than you can count.
29. You use bath time more for an activity to kill time than to actually wash your kids.
30. You get more excited over a new diaper bag than a purse.
31. You can't believe that your high school self thought she was fat.
32. Going on vacation with your spouse is still amazing, but you are ready to leave and get home by the end of the week.
33. You get excited over bags of milk in your freezer...like REALLY excited.
34. You have a love/hate relationship with toys with sounds, lights, and movement.
35. You seem to always have a bag of fruit snacks in your purse.
36. You know what zulilly is.
37. You have had heated discussions regarding Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child, Babywise, and Happiest Baby on the Block.
38. You pray your doctor tells you it's an ear infection.
39. If it's an item that's $500, but helps your kid sleep it's a steal!
40. The breast pump: Best Friend and Worst Enemy
41. You have envied another woman's minivan.
42. You have pinned at least one website about activities for toddlers.
43. You think your husband is the sexiest when he is baby-wearing.
44. You forgot how good Snack Packs really are.
45. You always leave baby showers in amazement over "what will they come out with next?" and annoyed with yourself that you didn't think of it first.
46. You really just drink wine because after an entire day with kids it reminds you that you are an adult.
47. You have seriously debated whether or not you could run into buy a pop at the gas station without someone calling CPS on you for leaving your kids in the car.
48. You have new names for things in your house. For example Lucky Charms have now become "Monkey Charms"
49. You know how disappointing it is when your husband calls to say he'll be late because your creativity for new activities to entertain the kids is quickly dwindling.
50. You know how easy it is to sacrifice your own needs, wants, and desires for the sake of your kids.

Hope you enjoyed!