We think AJU5 is starting to realize things are about to change. She is becoming very attached to me these days. AJU1 got her up from a nap yesterday (I was napping on the couch at that point), and she just cried "Mommy" until she saw me. That one we are blaming partly on an unhappy belly (she went back down shortly there after to drink and rest before she was happy), but she is definitely wanting Mommy a lot more often! Luckily AJU1 is good at taking her away when I ask or he realizes I am busy. But, I wonder how she will do when I am in the hospital... She has never been away from me for more than 8-9 hours. I don't think she has ever gotten up in the morning and not seen me. I have been gone at bed time before, and that hasn't been a problem. Actually, normally AJU1 is the one that puts her in bed. I get her changed, but he puts her down and prays with her.
She will be going to a friend's house during my doctor's appointments from now on, so hopefully that might help with the Mommy needs. The going to a friend's house isn't by choice just yet though! It is mandated by the doctor's office. They aren't allowing kids during flu season... I had planned on taking her until the "longer" appointments near the end. I understand that they want to keep their patients healthy, but I also wonder if they are banning other guests as well. I know kids get a bad rap for causing the spread of germs, but I know many adults who are probably just as bad! I guess I will just have to wait and see who is in the waiting room at my next few appointments (although at some there aren't any guests as it is!).
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Product Review Friday - Shopping Carts
This week we have been to three stores - Target, WalMart, and Costco. Each of these stores has shopping carts for at least two.
Target (and Lowe's) have the ones with chairs facing each other in a separate compartment. The view from said chairs is not good, and I don't really know how well they would work with two kids because the area is just so small.
WalMart has ones that face away from you, but again they are separate from the cart. These seem to work a lot better! First, they still allow for a smaller child in the cart seat (unlike the Target ones). Second, the kids have a view! Finally, they aren't fighting for space really. They are sitting next to each other, but there is ample leg room, etc.
Costco has more traditional carts, but they are wider so the seat is big enough for two. The big advantage here is that it is easier to drive/steer! You don't have an extra long cart with an extra set of wheels to try and maneuver around the store. The kids still have a view, but are facing you with these carts.
So, which do I prefer? WalMart and Costco are pretty even. If you have three smaller kids, the WalMart ones are probably best. But, they are harder to maneuver, especially when you are looking at clothes (aisles aren't too bad).
Have you tried these shopping carts? Which ones do you like?
Target (and Lowe's) have the ones with chairs facing each other in a separate compartment. The view from said chairs is not good, and I don't really know how well they would work with two kids because the area is just so small.
WalMart has ones that face away from you, but again they are separate from the cart. These seem to work a lot better! First, they still allow for a smaller child in the cart seat (unlike the Target ones). Second, the kids have a view! Finally, they aren't fighting for space really. They are sitting next to each other, but there is ample leg room, etc.
Costco has more traditional carts, but they are wider so the seat is big enough for two. The big advantage here is that it is easier to drive/steer! You don't have an extra long cart with an extra set of wheels to try and maneuver around the store. The kids still have a view, but are facing you with these carts.
So, which do I prefer? WalMart and Costco are pretty even. If you have three smaller kids, the WalMart ones are probably best. But, they are harder to maneuver, especially when you are looking at clothes (aisles aren't too bad).
Have you tried these shopping carts? Which ones do you like?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Working Schedule?
So, last week, we might have found a schedule that works for AJU5. A schedule that means she sleeps through the night (or at least doesn't include me getting her). And, it is a schedule I can work with, although I don't think it is a typical toddler schedule! So, here it is:
Wake up between 5:30 and 6:00
Watch an episode of Curious George
Eat breakfast and watch another episode of TV (Curious George or Word World).
Play for a while
Nap (down before 8am)
Between nap and dinner time - lunch, play, run errands, etc. Some times there is an additional nap as well depending on the length of the first nap and the previous night's bed time.
Eat dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 (depending on when AJU1 gets home, etc).
Bed time sometime between 6:30 and 8:30. After dinner activities are up to her. Some times there is a bath. Some times there is another show. Some times we just play. We let her pick what she wants to do most night (i.e. when we don't have church or something else).
She did wake twice last night though. The first I think was a bad dream because she was very upset but crashed within second of me putting her on the futon. She crashed so fast I didn't even have to lay down! Then, three hours or so later I find her crawling into bed with us (no cries or anthing before that). I snuggled her for a few minutes until she was out and then moved her back to her crib where she slept for 4.5 more hours. I bet if she was in her crib, the second waking wouldn't have happened (although there may have been a few short cries instead - which means I would have been awaken either way).
The other tricks to our success:
Wake up between 5:30 and 6:00
Watch an episode of Curious George
Eat breakfast and watch another episode of TV (Curious George or Word World).
Play for a while
Nap (down before 8am)
Between nap and dinner time - lunch, play, run errands, etc. Some times there is an additional nap as well depending on the length of the first nap and the previous night's bed time.
Eat dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 (depending on when AJU1 gets home, etc).
Bed time sometime between 6:30 and 8:30. After dinner activities are up to her. Some times there is a bath. Some times there is another show. Some times we just play. We let her pick what she wants to do most night (i.e. when we don't have church or something else).
She did wake twice last night though. The first I think was a bad dream because she was very upset but crashed within second of me putting her on the futon. She crashed so fast I didn't even have to lay down! Then, three hours or so later I find her crawling into bed with us (no cries or anthing before that). I snuggled her for a few minutes until she was out and then moved her back to her crib where she slept for 4.5 more hours. I bet if she was in her crib, the second waking wouldn't have happened (although there may have been a few short cries instead - which means I would have been awaken either way).
The other tricks to our success:
- Leaving her door cracked when we put her down. This gives her a little more light in her room, as we keep the laundry room light on over night.
- Only giving her water to drink at night. She will sip the water when she is thirsty, but she doesn't finish the cup - ever! If we give her milk or watered down juice, she will go through up to 3 cups a night!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Product Review Friday - Winter Clothes
Yesterday AJU5 and I went to Ross and Burlington Coat Factory to try and finish up her fall/winter wardrobe. We have hand-me-downs already as well as a few leftovers from last year that still fit and some jeans I bought already. But, making outfits was proving to be a challenge because the tops and bottoms didn't necessarily go together. So, I though Ross or BCF might have some inexpensive separates (I did buy one shirt at Target earlier this week too).
End Result - One long sleeve shirt, one jacket, and one package of 24 month Carter onsies (that I had looked for since early summer). I was definitely hoping for more success!
My big issue is that so much is sold as outfits! AJU5 wears a 24 month top and an 18 month bottom. So, outfits just don't work (unless I buy the shirts small and her belly shows or the pants so big her feet are completely covered). Well, Carter 18M outifts barely fit on top right now, and I am not going to spend money on something she will outgrow by December for sure. So I am stuck!
I wish there were more options! I might head back to Target next week and see if I can find any more Circo tops that go with the pants she has. I might also hit JcPenney because Okie Dokie brand items are normally separates too. But, those are the only brands I have found so far that sell the majority of their items as separates!
So, how is Fall clothes shopping going for you? Have you faced any of these challenges?
End Result - One long sleeve shirt, one jacket, and one package of 24 month Carter onsies (that I had looked for since early summer). I was definitely hoping for more success!
My big issue is that so much is sold as outfits! AJU5 wears a 24 month top and an 18 month bottom. So, outfits just don't work (unless I buy the shirts small and her belly shows or the pants so big her feet are completely covered). Well, Carter 18M outifts barely fit on top right now, and I am not going to spend money on something she will outgrow by December for sure. So I am stuck!
I wish there were more options! I might head back to Target next week and see if I can find any more Circo tops that go with the pants she has. I might also hit JcPenney because Okie Dokie brand items are normally separates too. But, those are the only brands I have found so far that sell the majority of their items as separates!
So, how is Fall clothes shopping going for you? Have you faced any of these challenges?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Move Ahead...
AJU1 and I decided last night to sell the futon and get AJU5 her bunk beds. We think she might be ready for the big girl bed... My original plan was to get the beds for her for her birthday, but a little thing called a possible c-section made me have second thoughts! I won't be able to lift her, so I wouldn't be able to be home alone in the morning, at nap time, or in the evening. That basically means there is no way for me to be home alone at any scheduled time because nap time can come anytime between 10:30 and 3.
Plus, she sleeps just fine on the futon with me. She does move over to snuggle with me sometimes, but other times she just stays on her side and sleeps until morning. So, I know she will be fine in a big girl bed. The biggest thing will be getting her to want to sleep on the big girl bed alone and not in her crib. We have offered the futon to her some times because she will crawl up on it and lay down at nap or bed time. But, she won't fall asleep on her own there. She just uses the futon as a delay tactic at this moment we think...
Any suggestions on how to transition her?
Oh, and as for the c-section, it is all scheduled. November 30th is the latest Junior #3 will arrive. We have to be at the hospital at 5:30 that morning if he/she has not shown up yet.
Plus, she sleeps just fine on the futon with me. She does move over to snuggle with me sometimes, but other times she just stays on her side and sleeps until morning. So, I know she will be fine in a big girl bed. The biggest thing will be getting her to want to sleep on the big girl bed alone and not in her crib. We have offered the futon to her some times because she will crawl up on it and lay down at nap or bed time. But, she won't fall asleep on her own there. She just uses the futon as a delay tactic at this moment we think...
Any suggestions on how to transition her?
Oh, and as for the c-section, it is all scheduled. November 30th is the latest Junior #3 will arrive. We have to be at the hospital at 5:30 that morning if he/she has not shown up yet.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Last 24 Hours
Yesterday, AJU5 got to go to Sunday School at our church for the first time. Supposedly she did fairly well. She wanted Mommy a few times, but her teacher was able to redirect her and get her to color like her friend fairly easily. Having her in Sunday School seems to be a HUGE blessing. Not only did I get to listen to AJU1 teach Sunday School without an almost constant interruption, I also got to listen to more of the sermon! AJU5 and her friend played in the nursery most of service happily because they had not played themselves out during Sunday School. I did have to sit int he ahll near the door to the nursery (so she could see me), but I could listen!
After church was family nap time. We each found our own place and CRASHED. It took a little bit to convince AJU5 she needed to crash, but once she was in her bed, she was out. I think it is because we had to keep her awake the last mile or so on the way home and it wound her up!. Of course AJU5 naps longer than we do, so we also got some quiet time to read, etc until she was done with her nap.
The rest of the afternoon was spent just hanging out and eating. Then, we headed to church. AJU5's friends weren't there, so she was a little silly. She carried out a few toys to the main room where we are until her daddy stopped her. We aren't talking little toys here. We are talking the Little Tikes play area toys that are almost as big as her! After church, we headed home and tried to get her to sleep. We put her down around 7:30, but at 8:15 she was still awake and calling for us. So, we let her out and watched an episode of Mythbusters as a family. Then it was definitely bedtime for all!
At 2:15 she cried, but she went back to sleep on her own. At 3:15, she cried again and didn't give up. So, I slept ont he futon with her. Around 5 AJU1 got up. By 5:30, AJU5 had heard her daddy and was up for the morning. So, we went downstairs (just after AJU1 left for work) and watched an episode of Curious George and an episode of Word World. I dozed during these because we had seen each one at least two times in the last two days! Then I turned off the TV and gave AJU5 the choices of eating, playing, or sleeping. Since she refused the eating and playing, it was to bed! She did nap though (just woke up - so she napped for about 1.5 hours). And she needed it. I did the math, and she probably slept for about 8.5 hours. Where did her 12 hour nights go? It is just now fair! Luckily, during her nap I was able to get my work done! Now I just have my homework to do today (read 6 chapters of Exodus). So, we might make it out of the house :)
How was your last 24 hours?
After church was family nap time. We each found our own place and CRASHED. It took a little bit to convince AJU5 she needed to crash, but once she was in her bed, she was out. I think it is because we had to keep her awake the last mile or so on the way home and it wound her up!. Of course AJU5 naps longer than we do, so we also got some quiet time to read, etc until she was done with her nap.
The rest of the afternoon was spent just hanging out and eating. Then, we headed to church. AJU5's friends weren't there, so she was a little silly. She carried out a few toys to the main room where we are until her daddy stopped her. We aren't talking little toys here. We are talking the Little Tikes play area toys that are almost as big as her! After church, we headed home and tried to get her to sleep. We put her down around 7:30, but at 8:15 she was still awake and calling for us. So, we let her out and watched an episode of Mythbusters as a family. Then it was definitely bedtime for all!
At 2:15 she cried, but she went back to sleep on her own. At 3:15, she cried again and didn't give up. So, I slept ont he futon with her. Around 5 AJU1 got up. By 5:30, AJU5 had heard her daddy and was up for the morning. So, we went downstairs (just after AJU1 left for work) and watched an episode of Curious George and an episode of Word World. I dozed during these because we had seen each one at least two times in the last two days! Then I turned off the TV and gave AJU5 the choices of eating, playing, or sleeping. Since she refused the eating and playing, it was to bed! She did nap though (just woke up - so she napped for about 1.5 hours). And she needed it. I did the math, and she probably slept for about 8.5 hours. Where did her 12 hour nights go? It is just now fair! Luckily, during her nap I was able to get my work done! Now I just have my homework to do today (read 6 chapters of Exodus). So, we might make it out of the house :)
How was your last 24 hours?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Watch Out!
AJU5 is a climber. And boy is she a climber! Her waist is only to office chair height, but she still manages to climb up. And today - she climbed up on the shelf around our stairs... Problem with said shelf - non-stair side is about 5 feet off the ground! And the very edge of the ground below is tile - and a step at that! Luckily, I think she was only trying to copy me. I had stepped up there to dust the railing while she made her way down. She had picked up the clothe and just made it up when I turned around...
Her other adventure - the car! She now likes to play in the car. I let her stay in if I have to get things out of the trunk. Today, I brought the bags in and put the few things in the fridge. By the time I got back to the garage (about two minutes later), she was in the driver seat and pushing the button to open the garage! I had also gathered a bag of garbage, so I had to take that out of the garage to the trash can. But, i was afraid she would "lock" me out! Luckily, I realized I still had my keys to the house, etc in my back pocket! She luckily did not press it once I was at the garbage can and was willing to give it over to me when I got back. But, the adventures are beginning for sure!
Her other adventure - the car! She now likes to play in the car. I let her stay in if I have to get things out of the trunk. Today, I brought the bags in and put the few things in the fridge. By the time I got back to the garage (about two minutes later), she was in the driver seat and pushing the button to open the garage! I had also gathered a bag of garbage, so I had to take that out of the garage to the trash can. But, i was afraid she would "lock" me out! Luckily, I realized I still had my keys to the house, etc in my back pocket! She luckily did not press it once I was at the garbage can and was willing to give it over to me when I got back. But, the adventures are beginning for sure!
Why - Oh Why?
AJU5 isn't sleeping great at night AGAIN. The worst part - she only wants mommy! Two nights this week AJU1 has gotten up to see if he can calm her down. Both times she has come running to our bed to find me. She wants to snuggle - and that is really all she wants/needs. So, I have been sleeping with her a lot. Putting her back in bed isn't an option - she wakes within 30 minutes and cries again. So, it has been futon for us... Wednesday night she did stay in bed the whole night, so I thought we might be over it. But, no... last night I had to sleep with her again. At least is was over 2 hours later than Monday and Tuesday night... She has been napping just fine on her own. She goes down just fine on her own. So, I don't know what we can do to get her through this other than just to let time tell. We have let her cry for about 15 minutes, but it just gets louder (it starts as periodic cries and goes to a constant cry that we can only take about 2-3 minutes of). We may see if she will sleep with Daddy some tonight, but I don't know.
Saving grace - she takes good naps! I have been napping each afternoon as well, so I am not dead! But, mornings can be a little slow around her. She is getting a little more TV time than normal as a result too. I just don't have the energy to distract her before about 8:30 :)
So, here is praying that she will start sleeping through the nights again ASAP!
Saving grace - she takes good naps! I have been napping each afternoon as well, so I am not dead! But, mornings can be a little slow around her. She is getting a little more TV time than normal as a result too. I just don't have the energy to distract her before about 8:30 :)
So, here is praying that she will start sleeping through the nights again ASAP!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Survived!
We survived the trip fairly easily. Yes, take off and landing were a pain, but the rest went fairly smoothly. AJU5 was really well behaved this weekend. She had her moments where she didn't want to be where we were (like dinner), but that is to be expected!
So, here are a few highlights:
So, here are a few highlights:
- AJU5 got to play with my cousin's daughter Z Saturday night. We were at my aunt and uncle's for dinner (mom's side), and they had a lot of fun. There were the normal toddler issues of sharing the sand toys and trikes, but they got along well.
- Sunday at 5:15 local time, AJU5 crawled off the bed. I heard her sit up, and I said "Hi AJU5." Then I heard her crawl to the other side of the bed and I told her to be careful. Then I heard a thunk followed by cries. Luckily, it was just a little bump on the head and she was perfectly fine! I think she was still mostly asleep. She may have been trying to find Daddy, as she crawled to his side of the bed...
- Sunday morning was the service. There were laughs and tears, but I think it was just perfect. AJU5 did well during it - playing with the other kids or just hanging out in her stroller. After the service we went to brunch at an extend family member's house. It was a great time together as family! AJU5 had fun playing with more cousins as well as exploring the yard with any adult!
- Sunday evening we went to dinner with my aunt and uncle and their family (dad's side). We were all staying at the same hotel, so it was natural :) AJU5 of course hated all of the waiting! And there was a lot of it when you have a table for 15! Luckily the restaurant was in a mall, and we were able to go walk around while we waited. At the end, she had had enough though - which isn't surprising because it was past her bed time...
- Monday most of the family left. One sister, her son, one cousin, and her family were all that remained. The cousin and her family flew out at about the same time as AJU5 and I (5:00ish), and my sister didn't leave until early this morning. So, we all headed back to the mall. It is a big mall! We spent about 3 hours there just walking around and checking out a few stores. We could have spent all day there if we wanted to (although none of us a huge shoppers, so we didn't). There are rides in this mall, but 95% of them have height requirements that AJU5 doesn't meet. She was not happy about this at all! But, she survived :)
- AJU1 met us at the airport. AJU5 kind of shunned him... I think she was mad that he left us at the airport on Saturday! But, this morning she didn't shun him. She got in the habit of waking at 5am our time for some reason. So, she was up for about 45 minutes while Daddy got ready for work. Then she slept for another 1.5-2 hours. And she is already down for a nap. This is good because she is behind on sleep a little bit! And I have time to get things done!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Ready or Not...
AJU5 and I will be leaving on a jet plane early tomorrow morning to attend my grandmother's memorial service. If you remember, she died back in February, but the family decided to wait until now to do the service because there was no rush (cremated) and more of us could attend this way. We will be gone for just over 48 hours, so it shouldn't kill me too much :) The only time I am really "worried" about is the plane ride. Our flight time is just under 3 hours, and I don't have anyone to tag team with this time... Luckily, it is a non-stop flight so half of our battles will be gone! There won't be so many times she can't play with the tray table. There won't be so much time she had to sit on my lap (vs. stand up). But, it will probably still be a challenge! Luckily, our flight tomorrow is during her "calm" time of day. Mornings are normally when we run errands and she watches tv (about 30-45 minutes most mornings). So, I should be able to contain her hopefully...
Monday we will be flying back in the afternoon. I hope to wear her out so she isn't so active on that flight. But, evenings are her bad-attitude times of day. It is when she is most likely to get mad and cry. It is when she really wants her way. Hopefully, with all the attention she will get over the two days she will be too tired to fight me though...
I will give you a report when we get back!
Monday we will be flying back in the afternoon. I hope to wear her out so she isn't so active on that flight. But, evenings are her bad-attitude times of day. It is when she is most likely to get mad and cry. It is when she really wants her way. Hopefully, with all the attention she will get over the two days she will be too tired to fight me though...
I will give you a report when we get back!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Hair Cut
So, I cut AJU5's hair tonight. There are no pictures of the cut in progress. unfortunately. First, the camera was upstairs (and the hair cut took place outside/downstairs). Second, it took lots of work on the part of my husband and I to get her to stay still long enough to make a snip!
As for the results, I need to fix the bangs a little still. The rest doesn't look any worse than it did before for sure! It might even look better. All in all, it was a pretty good first hair cut.
Now, do I like the cut? Well, I am not a fan of bangs, but her hair was BAD in the front. The back grew out a lot earlier and faster (she was born with male pattern baldness we say). The front section was just at the annoying length - in her eyes all the time, etc. It was getting to be a pain to keep clips in (she pulls them out), so I went with a really thin layer of bangs that one day I will just let grow out. They did end up slightly shorter than I wanted, but they aren't bad at all. As for the rest, I was dealing with about 4-5 different lengths (visible). So, I got it down to 2-3. That means that even if it all isn't the same length, it looks more kept!
Pictures to come at some point of the post-cut look...
As for the results, I need to fix the bangs a little still. The rest doesn't look any worse than it did before for sure! It might even look better. All in all, it was a pretty good first hair cut.
Now, do I like the cut? Well, I am not a fan of bangs, but her hair was BAD in the front. The back grew out a lot earlier and faster (she was born with male pattern baldness we say). The front section was just at the annoying length - in her eyes all the time, etc. It was getting to be a pain to keep clips in (she pulls them out), so I went with a really thin layer of bangs that one day I will just let grow out. They did end up slightly shorter than I wanted, but they aren't bad at all. As for the rest, I was dealing with about 4-5 different lengths (visible). So, I got it down to 2-3. That means that even if it all isn't the same length, it looks more kept!
Pictures to come at some point of the post-cut look...
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