Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Blame the Messenger
This morning at 5:25 LP appeared at my bedside, "Mommy, I had a dream that a car flipped over and someone got smooshed."
And then she started climbing into the bed.
"Uh-un, LP," I said, climbing out of the bed, "Let's go."
I stood at the side of the bed while she snuggled into the warm spot I had recently vacated.
"No."
I was in disbelief. Did she really just say 'no'?!
And then I realized I was tired. And didn't feel like escalating this into raised voices or tears.
So I shrugged and climbed back into bed.
Then the Hoos gave it a shot.
He got up and stood by the side of the bed, telling her he would stay in her room with her for a while, but she had to get up.
"No."
Eventually he gave up and climbed back into bed.
Later on the Hoos gave me a hard time, "Why did you tell her it was okay to get in our bed?"
If you note, I never told her it was okay. But, whatever.
For the record, AK slept through the night in her big girl bed. And when I woke her up, she looked at me, smiled, and said, "Mommy, lay with me." And I did. And I loved it.
And then she started climbing into the bed.
"Uh-un, LP," I said, climbing out of the bed, "Let's go."
I stood at the side of the bed while she snuggled into the warm spot I had recently vacated.
"No."
I was in disbelief. Did she really just say 'no'?!
And then I realized I was tired. And didn't feel like escalating this into raised voices or tears.
So I shrugged and climbed back into bed.
Then the Hoos gave it a shot.
He got up and stood by the side of the bed, telling her he would stay in her room with her for a while, but she had to get up.
"No."
Eventually he gave up and climbed back into bed.
Later on the Hoos gave me a hard time, "Why did you tell her it was okay to get in our bed?"
If you note, I never told her it was okay. But, whatever.
For the record, AK slept through the night in her big girl bed. And when I woke her up, she looked at me, smiled, and said, "Mommy, lay with me." And I did. And I loved it.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Changing Things Up
For about three months now AK has had a boo-boo on her nose. It started out as a scratch and stayed as a scratch. As soon as it would start to heal, the little *&%^@! peanut would pick at it again, reopening the wound.
The whole process physically pained me. I really wanted to just shake the heck out of her or tie her down to make her stop. Of course, it doesn't help to know that when she is a teenager with a scar on her nose she will blame us.
Between the liquid bandage and bandages on her nose, we finally got her to stop prying off the scab - most of the time. I recently discovered that the only time she would still futz with it was between the time I put her to bed and the time she actually fell asleep. For some reason, picking her boo-boo brought her comfort.
The Hoos shared my frustration and last week decided that we needed to do SOMETHING.
He proposed moving her to a bed. Logical, right?
If you recall we moved LP into a bed before she was 2 to make room for AK. Since we don't have the same time constraints, I had already decided that we should keep AK in the crib as long as possible. Mostly because I didn't really want two little girls creeping me out by giving me the evil eye at my bedside in the middle of the night.
And then, on Friday night, I found myself (with LP's "help") dragging the mattress off of the trundle bed in LP's room onto the floor in AK's room. Amazingly, she followed her same bedtime routine as usual and let me leave the room a little before 9.
"Hmm...not too bad," I thought to myself smugly....
Until I was woken up with cries of "Mommy! Mommy!" on Saturday morning at 5:50. On the bright side, she didn't leave her bed until the Hoos went into settle her down.
It was still the weekend so Saturday I gave it another shot. She again went down around 9 and this time I was able to leave while she was still awake, telling her the bedtime white lie, "I'm just going to put on my pajamas." Again, she didn't leave her room or call out after I left.
And Sunday morning was the best morning ever. And way better than LP's second or third morning in a bed.
1. The entire family slept through the night.
2. The first child out of bed was LP at 8:20.
3. LP let her room and pitter-pattered into her sister's room.
4. The next thing we heard was LP asking, "Mommy? Daddy? Can [AK] and I go downstairs by ourselves?" {Could you hear the 'Hell, yes!' at your house?}
This morning was pretty good too. We are going to give it some time and keep the crib in AK's room for a while (and be prepared to put the baby gate up at her bedroom door if need be), but I am mentally rearranging AK's bedroom furniture.
Oh, and speaking of changing, if you don't count the weekends, AK is rocking toilet training. Every day last week she wore the same clothes all day! I think she just likes to pee in her undies when I am around.
The whole process physically pained me. I really wanted to just shake the heck out of her or tie her down to make her stop. Of course, it doesn't help to know that when she is a teenager with a scar on her nose she will blame us.
Between the liquid bandage and bandages on her nose, we finally got her to stop prying off the scab - most of the time. I recently discovered that the only time she would still futz with it was between the time I put her to bed and the time she actually fell asleep. For some reason, picking her boo-boo brought her comfort.
The Hoos shared my frustration and last week decided that we needed to do SOMETHING.
He proposed moving her to a bed. Logical, right?
If you recall we moved LP into a bed before she was 2 to make room for AK. Since we don't have the same time constraints, I had already decided that we should keep AK in the crib as long as possible. Mostly because I didn't really want two little girls creeping me out by giving me the evil eye at my bedside in the middle of the night.
And then, on Friday night, I found myself (with LP's "help") dragging the mattress off of the trundle bed in LP's room onto the floor in AK's room. Amazingly, she followed her same bedtime routine as usual and let me leave the room a little before 9.
"Hmm...not too bad," I thought to myself smugly....
Until I was woken up with cries of "Mommy! Mommy!" on Saturday morning at 5:50. On the bright side, she didn't leave her bed until the Hoos went into settle her down.
It was still the weekend so Saturday I gave it another shot. She again went down around 9 and this time I was able to leave while she was still awake, telling her the bedtime white lie, "I'm just going to put on my pajamas." Again, she didn't leave her room or call out after I left.
And Sunday morning was the best morning ever. And way better than LP's second or third morning in a bed.
1. The entire family slept through the night.
2. The first child out of bed was LP at 8:20.
3. LP let her room and pitter-pattered into her sister's room.
4. The next thing we heard was LP asking, "Mommy? Daddy? Can [AK] and I go downstairs by ourselves?" {Could you hear the 'Hell, yes!' at your house?}
This morning was pretty good too. We are going to give it some time and keep the crib in AK's room for a while (and be prepared to put the baby gate up at her bedroom door if need be), but I am mentally rearranging AK's bedroom furniture.
Oh, and speaking of changing, if you don't count the weekends, AK is rocking toilet training. Every day last week she wore the same clothes all day! I think she just likes to pee in her undies when I am around.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Disturbing
Last night the Hoos came down from putting LP to bed and was very disturbed.
As they lay in bed, LP said to him, "I don't like myself. I'm not skinny enough."
He was dumbfounded.
"[AK]'s is skinny. And you're skinny. And mommy's skinny. I'm not skinny."
WHERE DOES A FOUR YEAR OLD LEARN THIS?!
This is not something we would ever say. We wouldn't use the word "skinny" to describe anyone. We call AK 'peanut' but we don't say that in relation to LP!
We are pretty sure that she didn't actually mean that she didn't like herself - that was said for effect. But the fact that she even knows the concept (although hopefully doesn't understand) of weight impacting a girl's self-confidence is shocking.
I know I can't protect her forever, but I thought I could protect her from this.
I know she didn't hear it from me or the Hoos. And I know she didn't hear it from a teacher (her teacher was quite stunned when I relayed the story this am). We don't watch any of the tweener shows on TV (Umizoomi and Sesame Street are not exactly worrisome). Maybe from a friend? But I know most of her friends - and their parents - and I don't see any of them saying anything like this either.
For now we (me, the Hoos, her teachers) are going to listen closely and focus on building confidence and reinforcing positives.
As they lay in bed, LP said to him, "I don't like myself. I'm not skinny enough."
He was dumbfounded.
"[AK]'s is skinny. And you're skinny. And mommy's skinny. I'm not skinny."
WHERE DOES A FOUR YEAR OLD LEARN THIS?!
This is not something we would ever say. We wouldn't use the word "skinny" to describe anyone. We call AK 'peanut' but we don't say that in relation to LP!
We are pretty sure that she didn't actually mean that she didn't like herself - that was said for effect. But the fact that she even knows the concept (although hopefully doesn't understand) of weight impacting a girl's self-confidence is shocking.
I know I can't protect her forever, but I thought I could protect her from this.
I know she didn't hear it from me or the Hoos. And I know she didn't hear it from a teacher (her teacher was quite stunned when I relayed the story this am). We don't watch any of the tweener shows on TV (Umizoomi and Sesame Street are not exactly worrisome). Maybe from a friend? But I know most of her friends - and their parents - and I don't see any of them saying anything like this either.
For now we (me, the Hoos, her teachers) are going to listen closely and focus on building confidence and reinforcing positives.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Misfire
Yesterday I posed the alternative of me sleeping for an extra 20 minutes and the Hoos getting up first. Then, I would shower in peace while he got the girls up and dressed.
This morning was my reality check on this scenario.
The Hoos had an early meeting so he asked if I would bring the girls to school. In return he would get up first.
At 6:20 (about 20 minutes before my alarm) AK started calling from her crib.
Around 6:55 the Hoos got out of bed and went into AK's room and whispered something. Next thing I know, AK is laying on top of me and the Hoos has slipped out of the room to shower.
So much for an extra 20 minutes of sleep.
When I tried to slip quietly from the bed and make my way into the shower, AK sat upright. And then she ended up joining me in the shower.
So much for showering in peace.
The Hoos did get LP up and dressed, which is really quite the feat, but we all ended up going downstairs together. In fact, I think I ended up going downstairs with AK first and getting everyone breakfast...
So much for option B.
This morning was my reality check on this scenario.
The Hoos had an early meeting so he asked if I would bring the girls to school. In return he would get up first.
At 6:20 (about 20 minutes before my alarm) AK started calling from her crib.
Around 6:55 the Hoos got out of bed and went into AK's room and whispered something. Next thing I know, AK is laying on top of me and the Hoos has slipped out of the room to shower.
So much for an extra 20 minutes of sleep.
When I tried to slip quietly from the bed and make my way into the shower, AK sat upright. And then she ended up joining me in the shower.
So much for showering in peace.
The Hoos did get LP up and dressed, which is really quite the feat, but we all ended up going downstairs together. In fact, I think I ended up going downstairs with AK first and getting everyone breakfast...
So much for option B.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Choice Words
This morning when I dragged myself out of bed after only one snooze, the Hoos pulled the covers over his head. When I returned to the room after showering he asked me, "How do you get out of bed in the morning?"
"I have to," I responded, "I have no choice."
He snorted and replied, "There are always choices."
Upon reflection I should have told him that the other choice was the I kick him out of bed first so I can sleep an extra few minutes while he showers. And then I can shower in peace and quiet while he gets the kids up and dressed and eating.
Speaking of getting the girls moving in the morning...
The other day, during a particularly painful wake-up call with LP, the Hoos said, "This is the difference between boys and girls."
I was confused and asked him to clarify.
"The crankiness. Boys don't have it."
In addition to pointing out that when he was in high school he used to ask his mother not to talk to him in the morning, I am asking all of you with boys to help me refute this statement. Please tell me boys can be moody.
Not that it matters. But it would be some solace.
"I have to," I responded, "I have no choice."
He snorted and replied, "There are always choices."
Upon reflection I should have told him that the other choice was the I kick him out of bed first so I can sleep an extra few minutes while he showers. And then I can shower in peace and quiet while he gets the kids up and dressed and eating.
Speaking of getting the girls moving in the morning...
The other day, during a particularly painful wake-up call with LP, the Hoos said, "This is the difference between boys and girls."
I was confused and asked him to clarify.
"The crankiness. Boys don't have it."
In addition to pointing out that when he was in high school he used to ask his mother not to talk to him in the morning, I am asking all of you with boys to help me refute this statement. Please tell me boys can be moody.
Not that it matters. But it would be some solace.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
My Squeaky Wheel
Actually, I have more than one squeaky wheel, I now have two, very adorable, but indeed quite squeaky, little wheels.
LP, when she is supposed to be in bed: I need something to snuggle with.
The Hoos: How about a cuddly friend?
LP: Something REAL.
The Hoos: You want one of our goldfish?
LP: Nooo, Daddy! Then I will just have a dead fish in my bed!
.............................................................................................................
AK, when she is supposed to be in bed: I have to pee.
Me: Okay, let's go to the bathroom.
AK: Noooo, Mommy! You wait here! In my room!
Me: Let me just turn on the light.
After I turn on the light, she walks me back to her room and returns to the bathroom.
AK toddles off again and I follow her, watching in a mirror as she climbs up onto the toilet.
She then spots me, and starts climbing back down. I retreat into my bedroom and watch as she swishes past me, pull-up and pants at her ankles.
.............................................................................................................
LP, sitting in the main part of the grocery start with AK in the basket: Mommy, you should get pregnant again.
Me: Oh yeah? Why is that?
LP: So that [AK] can sit in here with me and the baby can sit in the front part.
Because filling up the grocery cart with kids is exactly the right reason to have another child. Especially since one more child would mean there would never, ever be silence again.
LP, when she is supposed to be in bed: I need something to snuggle with.
The Hoos: How about a cuddly friend?
LP: Something REAL.
The Hoos: You want one of our goldfish?
LP: Nooo, Daddy! Then I will just have a dead fish in my bed!
.............................................................................................................
AK, when she is supposed to be in bed: I have to pee.
Me: Okay, let's go to the bathroom.
AK: Noooo, Mommy! You wait here! In my room!
Me: Let me just turn on the light.
After I turn on the light, she walks me back to her room and returns to the bathroom.
AK toddles off again and I follow her, watching in a mirror as she climbs up onto the toilet.
She then spots me, and starts climbing back down. I retreat into my bedroom and watch as she swishes past me, pull-up and pants at her ankles.
.............................................................................................................
LP, sitting in the main part of the grocery start with AK in the basket: Mommy, you should get pregnant again.
Me: Oh yeah? Why is that?
LP: So that [AK] can sit in here with me and the baby can sit in the front part.
Because filling up the grocery cart with kids is exactly the right reason to have another child. Especially since one more child would mean there would never, ever be silence again.
Monday, October 11, 2010
I'm Just Here for the Food
In our house, I am the sports fan. The Hoos is more of a sportsman than a sports fan.
I was raised cheering for the Giants, Yankees and Rangers and I am bringing up the girls in this same tradition. Granted, they get confused and cheer "Go Giants!" when we are watching baseball, but at least they have the basics down.
The Hoos (and the girls) need to be enticed to sit and watch a game with me. Typically this involves food. And it needs to be good food, because otherwise my loud cheering at an inanimate object will scare them away.
Fortunately, it doesn't take much to keep them munching. Tostitos have proven to be an effective tool. And the "Scoops" which have a contoured bowl make it easier for AK who pretty much uses the chip more as a vehicle for getting dip into her mouth.
Which means she is eating A LOT of dip. Which therefore means that I can't have her shoveling in bajillion calorie, high sodium (but delicious) Italian Seasoning and sour cream by the bowlful. As little as she is (although she is growing) I try not to put out hummus or guacamole too often either, because while it is high in protein, it is also high in fat, and I may as well rub it on my hips, because AK didn't learn how to eat massive amounts of dip from day care - she learned it by watching mama.
The folks from Frito-Lay have stepped into the void by offering up a healthy dip (and healthier chips). I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds good. I would recommend carmelizing extra onions to put on your burger, or your chicken sandwich, or just about anything - because carmelized onions are really, really good.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Serves: 12; Serving Size: 3 oz
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 small to medium onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups nonfat Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons salt-free garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sugar and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 40 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
While the onions are cooking, mix together the yogurt, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, to taste. When the onions are room temperature, add ¾ of them to the yogurt mixture, transfer to a bowl, and top with the remaining onions.
Nutrition Information (per 3-oz serving):
68 calories, 4 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g fat, 0 sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 56 mg sodium
As you have likely guessed, this is a sponsored post. BUT I didn't do it for me. I did it for one of you. Frito-Lay is offering a giveaway package for one of my readers. Fritos Scoops!, Tostitos Scoops!, and a really cute stadium chip and dip bowl.
Leave a comment, making sure I can track you back through a url or email address, with the food that brings your boys (and girls) to the yard (or television) to be entered to win.
To be clear, I don't get the cute tray for my parties, so you will have to invite me over to use it at your party. I can bring the chips though - since Frito-Lay is sending me some Tostitos in exchange for this post. But make your party soon, because AK, LP and the Hoos will need to be rooting for the Yankees with me during the AL Championship Series and it might take a lot of salty goodness to distract them.
I was raised cheering for the Giants, Yankees and Rangers and I am bringing up the girls in this same tradition. Granted, they get confused and cheer "Go Giants!" when we are watching baseball, but at least they have the basics down.
The Hoos (and the girls) need to be enticed to sit and watch a game with me. Typically this involves food. And it needs to be good food, because otherwise my loud cheering at an inanimate object will scare them away.
Fortunately, it doesn't take much to keep them munching. Tostitos have proven to be an effective tool. And the "Scoops" which have a contoured bowl make it easier for AK who pretty much uses the chip more as a vehicle for getting dip into her mouth.
Which means she is eating A LOT of dip. Which therefore means that I can't have her shoveling in bajillion calorie, high sodium (but delicious) Italian Seasoning and sour cream by the bowlful. As little as she is (although she is growing) I try not to put out hummus or guacamole too often either, because while it is high in protein, it is also high in fat, and I may as well rub it on my hips, because AK didn't learn how to eat massive amounts of dip from day care - she learned it by watching mama.
The folks from Frito-Lay have stepped into the void by offering up a healthy dip (and healthier chips). I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds good. I would recommend carmelizing extra onions to put on your burger, or your chicken sandwich, or just about anything - because carmelized onions are really, really good.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Serves: 12; Serving Size: 3 oz
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 small to medium onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups nonfat Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons salt-free garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sugar and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 40 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
While the onions are cooking, mix together the yogurt, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, to taste. When the onions are room temperature, add ¾ of them to the yogurt mixture, transfer to a bowl, and top with the remaining onions.
Nutrition Information (per 3-oz serving):
68 calories, 4 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g fat, 0 sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 56 mg sodium
As you have likely guessed, this is a sponsored post. BUT I didn't do it for me. I did it for one of you. Frito-Lay is offering a giveaway package for one of my readers. Fritos Scoops!, Tostitos Scoops!, and a really cute stadium chip and dip bowl.
Leave a comment, making sure I can track you back through a url or email address, with the food that brings your boys (and girls) to the yard (or television) to be entered to win.
To be clear, I don't get the cute tray for my parties, so you will have to invite me over to use it at your party. I can bring the chips though - since Frito-Lay is sending me some Tostitos in exchange for this post. But make your party soon, because AK, LP and the Hoos will need to be rooting for the Yankees with me during the AL Championship Series and it might take a lot of salty goodness to distract them.
Barking at the Bark
The leaves are turning red, the days are getting shorter - you know what that means...
Flu season!
Fortunately, we have not encountered this first hand. And hopefully we won't - thanks to the all-magical flu shot.
The Hoos got his at work last week and I made an appointment for the girls to get theirs on Saturday. Friday I told them they would be going to the doctor. LP immediately started freaking out, "I don't want a flu shot! No flu shot!"
AK just looked at her like she was crazy, "No crying, [LP]."
To make matters worse, my friend MLH reminded me that LP also needed to get a Hep A vaccination - a new state requirement.
Saturday we tried to ease the girls into the process by taking them to WalMart so they could see me get my flu shot. It was easy and actually quite painless. They even gave the girls stickers. I thought we were in good shape.
But then LP "cried" on the way back to the car. And into the pediatrician's waiting room. And into the exam room. And while she was getting weighed (40 lbs on the button). And while she was getting her temp taken. And while we waited for the doctor. And again while we waited for the nurse to administer her shot.
I had to physically restrain LP for her flu shot. I think the nurse (who was having a rough morning full of screaming, squirming children) was even more disappointed than LP when I reminded her that LP needed a second shot.
While the nurse went out to get the HepA vaccine, LP stopped crying, held her fingers very, very close together and told me, "It only hurt a little teeny bit," and then proceeded to go through the whole dramatization again for the second shot.
AK, meanwhile, was totally cool. She didn't like being holed up in the exam room, but otherwise, she (27.6 lbs) was very chill. When they gave her the shot, she didn't even flinch, just looked at the nurse and waited patiently for the process to be done. And then requested a shot on the other shoulder so she could have a matching bandage.
Flu season!
Fortunately, we have not encountered this first hand. And hopefully we won't - thanks to the all-magical flu shot.
The Hoos got his at work last week and I made an appointment for the girls to get theirs on Saturday. Friday I told them they would be going to the doctor. LP immediately started freaking out, "I don't want a flu shot! No flu shot!"
AK just looked at her like she was crazy, "No crying, [LP]."
To make matters worse, my friend MLH reminded me that LP also needed to get a Hep A vaccination - a new state requirement.
Saturday we tried to ease the girls into the process by taking them to WalMart so they could see me get my flu shot. It was easy and actually quite painless. They even gave the girls stickers. I thought we were in good shape.
But then LP "cried" on the way back to the car. And into the pediatrician's waiting room. And into the exam room. And while she was getting weighed (40 lbs on the button). And while she was getting her temp taken. And while we waited for the doctor. And again while we waited for the nurse to administer her shot.
I had to physically restrain LP for her flu shot. I think the nurse (who was having a rough morning full of screaming, squirming children) was even more disappointed than LP when I reminded her that LP needed a second shot.
While the nurse went out to get the HepA vaccine, LP stopped crying, held her fingers very, very close together and told me, "It only hurt a little teeny bit," and then proceeded to go through the whole dramatization again for the second shot.
AK, meanwhile, was totally cool. She didn't like being holed up in the exam room, but otherwise, she (27.6 lbs) was very chill. When they gave her the shot, she didn't even flinch, just looked at the nurse and waited patiently for the process to be done. And then requested a shot on the other shoulder so she could have a matching bandage.
This picture shows that sometimes looks can be deceiving.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Elephant in the Room
LP: Mommy, nipples are the same thing as boobies. When you have a baby in your belly, your boobies get milk.
Me: You don't get babies in your belly until after you get married.
LP: How does G-d know when you are married so you get a baby in your belly? Does it have something to do with when a mommy and a daddy smoosh together...
Me, yelling out the door: Honey! We're ready for you!
Later on the Hoos admonished me for putting the thought of smooshing into her head. Never mind that I did it SEVEN MONTHS AGO. Under extreme duress.
Seriously, why do I always get stuck having these conversations. And holding them for their flu shots (that will be this Saturday) or taking them to the dentist. Although, admittedly, taking LP to the dentist is a pleasure. We went this morning and she rocked it. No complaints, no noises, nothing. And at least she can't ask me any questions with the hygienist's hands in her mouth.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Party On, Wayne!
This weekend AK had her first birthday party.
Well, not HER first birthday party. She is two and all.
What I mean is, she got invited to celebrate someone else's birthday for the first time. Well, that's not exactly right either. She has been to other parties, but mostly as LP's little sister, not as a friend of the birthday boy or girl. And to confuse things even more, she was invited to TWO parties - one Saturday and one Sunday.
Being a glutton for punishment, I RSVP'd in the affirmative for both.
I have a hard time believing that my baby is big enough to have friends having "real" birthday parties. While it is true that she is on the young end of her class - having just turned two while a bunch of the kids are turning three and transitioning to the next room - she still does her best to keep up. And she for sure knows from parties. On Saturday as soon as she finished her slice of pizza she called out, "CAKE! I WANT CAKE!" Making mama proud.
Sunday we were a bit rushed getting to the second party. The original plan was that the Hoos would chill with LP at home or elsewhere while I took AK. Instead, as it turned out, the Hoos and LP drove AK and me to the party. And, when I went to take AK out of the car, LP unbuckled herself from her booster and dashed out of the car announcing, "I want to come to the party too!"
Oy.
I told her she could stand on the side and watch with me. That worked, right?
Fortunately, the hosting family was very gracious and encouraged LP to participate - and eat pizza and cake. We drew the line at letting her take a goodie bag.
I see this being an ongoing challenge. It was one thing when I dragged one year old AK to LP's friends' parties. She didn't eat much, she couldn't participate and she certainly did not need a goodie bag. Plus, LP's friends' parents are my friends, so I don't mind imposing on them (thanks ladies!).
Should be interesting as AK gets invited to more parties. I am still exhausted from the weekend and can't think about it anymore. Just makes me want to take a nap.
Well, not HER first birthday party. She is two and all.
What I mean is, she got invited to celebrate someone else's birthday for the first time. Well, that's not exactly right either. She has been to other parties, but mostly as LP's little sister, not as a friend of the birthday boy or girl. And to confuse things even more, she was invited to TWO parties - one Saturday and one Sunday.
Being a glutton for punishment, I RSVP'd in the affirmative for both.
I have a hard time believing that my baby is big enough to have friends having "real" birthday parties. While it is true that she is on the young end of her class - having just turned two while a bunch of the kids are turning three and transitioning to the next room - she still does her best to keep up. And she for sure knows from parties. On Saturday as soon as she finished her slice of pizza she called out, "CAKE! I WANT CAKE!" Making mama proud.
Sunday we were a bit rushed getting to the second party. The original plan was that the Hoos would chill with LP at home or elsewhere while I took AK. Instead, as it turned out, the Hoos and LP drove AK and me to the party. And, when I went to take AK out of the car, LP unbuckled herself from her booster and dashed out of the car announcing, "I want to come to the party too!"
Oy.
I told her she could stand on the side and watch with me. That worked, right?
Fortunately, the hosting family was very gracious and encouraged LP to participate - and eat pizza and cake. We drew the line at letting her take a goodie bag.
I see this being an ongoing challenge. It was one thing when I dragged one year old AK to LP's friends' parties. She didn't eat much, she couldn't participate and she certainly did not need a goodie bag. Plus, LP's friends' parents are my friends, so I don't mind imposing on them (thanks ladies!).
Should be interesting as AK gets invited to more parties. I am still exhausted from the weekend and can't think about it anymore. Just makes me want to take a nap.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Sleep Furlough
Many, many months ago I thought I had moved on from frequent, infrequent sleep. That is, nights punctuated by crying babies and whiny toddlers.
Alas, I was wrong.
First, LP took FOREVER to go to bed. She kept crying out, "Mommyyyyyy. I want companyyyy." I offered to find her a cuddly friend, or give her my pillow, but none of those options was sufficient to suppress the whining. At 9:45 she gave in and fell asleep.
At 2am, AK apparently decided that she was done resting for the night. TWO A.M.
Between two and four the Hoos and I had a grand old time.
I begged.
I shusshed.
I cajoled.
I almost cried.
I tried ambesol.
I tried giving her a sippy cup of water.
I changed her sheets and clothes after she decided to douse both with said water.
I ultimately put the pillow over my head.
The Hoos gave her tylenol and laid on the floor next to the crib until she fell asleep.
This morning is gray. And rainy. Really rainy. And boy does that ever reflect my mood.
Good thing it is Friday.
Alas, I was wrong.
First, LP took FOREVER to go to bed. She kept crying out, "Mommyyyyyy. I want companyyyy." I offered to find her a cuddly friend, or give her my pillow, but none of those options was sufficient to suppress the whining. At 9:45 she gave in and fell asleep.
At 2am, AK apparently decided that she was done resting for the night. TWO A.M.
Between two and four the Hoos and I had a grand old time.
I begged.
I shusshed.
I cajoled.
I almost cried.
I tried ambesol.
I tried giving her a sippy cup of water.
I changed her sheets and clothes after she decided to douse both with said water.
I ultimately put the pillow over my head.
The Hoos gave her tylenol and laid on the floor next to the crib until she fell asleep.
This morning is gray. And rainy. Really rainy. And boy does that ever reflect my mood.
Good thing it is Friday.
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