We started the second session of swim lessons yesterday. And it is like a totally different world with the AJU's. Part of it I expected, part of it I didn't. But, at least I think I know the reason for the unexpected part.
AJU5 is doing great! Yesterday she cried twice - first when I left her (but she didn't stay upset) and then when she was done and I wasn't there yet. She was cold and having difficulty with her towel. Luckily another mom helped her, and I was walking over anyways so she finally saw me. Today there wasn't a tear at all! Well, after we got our swim suits on and to the pool that is. I was there when she got our, and she was happy in class again.
AJU6 isn't thrilled with his class. The first week (it turns out) is more structured than the second week. Week 1 they go over the holds and skills, and they expect the class to stay together in a circle. Of course, my 19.5 mo doesn't want me to hold him for 40 minutes, even if we are moving. He wants some control. Add a cold pool today, and we got out about 5 minutes early. He was shivering, and I had enough of him whining about getting down. I think the structure is making it even harder for him to progress. If he isn't happy, he isn't going to do what I ask, especially since his vocabulary isn't that huge. Things like blowing bubbles and kicking he can do, but normally it isn't on command. Tomorrow we bring toys, so we will see how that goes. I know next week will be like the week we did before (at least partly), so I think we will be okay in the long run.
Hopefully by next Friday AJU5 will be "graduating" from the preschool class and AJU6 will not be wanting to get out of the water like he is this week...
Showing posts with label Activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Activities. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Swim Lessons - Takes 2-5
Day 1 was definitely the worst. Now, that is not to say the others days were easy, but Day 1 was definitely the worst!
Day 2 started with me joining AJU5 in the circle for her class again. When it was time to get in, she was not willing. I had even bribed her, but it was a no go. So, I took her to the big pool where she had to sit on the bench while AJU6 and I swam. Well, the big pool was a little cool for the little ones, we just after AJU6 did a couple of jumps into the pool (one of his favorite things), we went to the little pool. I decided to let AJU5 in with us, hoping that watching her class AND doing many of the same things with me would help on Day 3. And since the water is at most 2.5 ft deep, it was easy to keep them both safe (AJU5 can walk the whole pool, and AJU6 can walk half of it).
Day 3 started off like the others. I got AJU5 to go into the water with her class, and AJU6 and I went to the big pool - for one jump. Then it was back to the little pool. AJU5 tried to "escape" her class once, but between the teacher and myself, we got her back to her side of the pool and she stayed. She just wasn't comfortable with putting her face in the water (no surprise to me - she HATES getting her face wet), and so she wanted away! Since she did well enough, she got an ice cream cone on the way home.
Day 4 started off okay. The little class just started outside, so AJU6 and I got in before AJU5. I had to get out to help her get in line, but everything was going well. Then they moved to the big pool. AJU5 did not like that. The teacher carried her over, and before too long a parent carried her back to me. She was afraid of sinking, and I accepted it. She swam with AJU6 and I until class was over. AJU6 figured out a new trick - going underwater and trying to swim. He walks a few steps and then pushes his feet back and goes under the water. It is oh so fun to "save" him every couple of seconds. It made it so I couldn't work with AJU5 much at all, but I did get her "dunked" a few times at least.
Day 5 was today. It started out like Day 4, with the parent/tot class just swimming outside. Again AJU5 wasn't sure about lining up with her class, but I got her to join in. They went straight to the big pool. I had to bring AJU6 and join them on the deck until she got settled. But she stayed! She didn't' get in initially like the other kids, eventually she got in even! She is slowly warming up to one of the teachers, and I think that is a huge help! That teacher is willing to push AJU5 a little, but knows that when AJU5 gets upset enough to let her calm down and just ask again later. I hope she is one of AJU5's teachers next session for sure. If she is, I think AJU5 will make big progress! I want her to at least be able to put her face in the water after 2 more weeks of lessons. If she doesn't get beyond that, I am okay.
Oh, and AJU6 kept up with his going under water today. He loves it, and he isn't taking in water at all. So, I think he is getting the idea. Now I just have to figure out how to get him to kick and/or use his arms so he can go somewhere. He is definitely more like me when it comes to water. I am guessing AJU5 is more like her daddy...
Day 2 started with me joining AJU5 in the circle for her class again. When it was time to get in, she was not willing. I had even bribed her, but it was a no go. So, I took her to the big pool where she had to sit on the bench while AJU6 and I swam. Well, the big pool was a little cool for the little ones, we just after AJU6 did a couple of jumps into the pool (one of his favorite things), we went to the little pool. I decided to let AJU5 in with us, hoping that watching her class AND doing many of the same things with me would help on Day 3. And since the water is at most 2.5 ft deep, it was easy to keep them both safe (AJU5 can walk the whole pool, and AJU6 can walk half of it).
Day 3 started off like the others. I got AJU5 to go into the water with her class, and AJU6 and I went to the big pool - for one jump. Then it was back to the little pool. AJU5 tried to "escape" her class once, but between the teacher and myself, we got her back to her side of the pool and she stayed. She just wasn't comfortable with putting her face in the water (no surprise to me - she HATES getting her face wet), and so she wanted away! Since she did well enough, she got an ice cream cone on the way home.
Day 4 started off okay. The little class just started outside, so AJU6 and I got in before AJU5. I had to get out to help her get in line, but everything was going well. Then they moved to the big pool. AJU5 did not like that. The teacher carried her over, and before too long a parent carried her back to me. She was afraid of sinking, and I accepted it. She swam with AJU6 and I until class was over. AJU6 figured out a new trick - going underwater and trying to swim. He walks a few steps and then pushes his feet back and goes under the water. It is oh so fun to "save" him every couple of seconds. It made it so I couldn't work with AJU5 much at all, but I did get her "dunked" a few times at least.
Day 5 was today. It started out like Day 4, with the parent/tot class just swimming outside. Again AJU5 wasn't sure about lining up with her class, but I got her to join in. They went straight to the big pool. I had to bring AJU6 and join them on the deck until she got settled. But she stayed! She didn't' get in initially like the other kids, eventually she got in even! She is slowly warming up to one of the teachers, and I think that is a huge help! That teacher is willing to push AJU5 a little, but knows that when AJU5 gets upset enough to let her calm down and just ask again later. I hope she is one of AJU5's teachers next session for sure. If she is, I think AJU5 will make big progress! I want her to at least be able to put her face in the water after 2 more weeks of lessons. If she doesn't get beyond that, I am okay.
Oh, and AJU6 kept up with his going under water today. He loves it, and he isn't taking in water at all. So, I think he is getting the idea. Now I just have to figure out how to get him to kick and/or use his arms so he can go somewhere. He is definitely more like me when it comes to water. I am guessing AJU5 is more like her daddy...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Swim Lessons - Take 1
So, AJU5 is feeling 100% other than not having all of her energy back (i.e. she needs a nap for sure each day and often sleeps a little more at night, both of which I don't mind in the least). The fever went away Friday/Saturday, her nose isn't running any more, and she has been eating like normal (if not a little extra). So, we went to church yesterday and tried to tackle swim lessons today.
I have her signed up for the preschool class and AJU6 and I signed up for the parent/tot class. I thought they would have everyone in the big pool, but it turns out they have the preschoolers in the kiddie pool. The biggest issue with this is that she can't see us and I can't see her. Normally (when the pool is open for the public) they have the doors open so you can see the kiddie pool fromt he big pool. But, they have them closed during lessons for some unknown reason. I finally thought I had gotten her settled in her class (after they took role, went over the safety rules, got a little wet on teh side of the pool and then eventually got in the pool, but before too long one of the lifeguards brought her too me. So, I got to try to hold on to both kids int eh parent/tot class.
AJU6 is big into "Ready, Set, Go" and loved to jump into the pool (that is all he wanted to do actually). But, after one jump AJU5 was done with jumping in, probably because I let her go under some. But, she loved climbing in and out on the ladder, so it wasn't too bad. But, it is hard to work with them on floating and kicking when holding on to both at the same time...
Hopefully tomorrow will be better... I want to get AJU5 to stay with her class. We have another two week session in July, and I really want to be "normal" participants in lessons by then at least. If the rest of this week is spent getting her comfortable with her class, I am okay with that. I just have to corral AJU6, as he wants in the pool too (I had to grab him at least a handful of times as I tried to get our towels out and shoes on so we could go home as he toddled to the edge of the pool). He even tried to climb in a few times with AJU5's class in the little pool. If only he would follow instructions - I would just put them both in the preschool class! But he isn't verbally ready for that just yet (maybe next summer)...
So here is to praying tomorrow goes better. At least I now know the routine and everything so I can prepare AJU5 a little more. If only her baby doll was water safe - then maybe she would be okay (but then trying to participate with a toy might not be that easy)...
I have her signed up for the preschool class and AJU6 and I signed up for the parent/tot class. I thought they would have everyone in the big pool, but it turns out they have the preschoolers in the kiddie pool. The biggest issue with this is that she can't see us and I can't see her. Normally (when the pool is open for the public) they have the doors open so you can see the kiddie pool fromt he big pool. But, they have them closed during lessons for some unknown reason. I finally thought I had gotten her settled in her class (after they took role, went over the safety rules, got a little wet on teh side of the pool and then eventually got in the pool, but before too long one of the lifeguards brought her too me. So, I got to try to hold on to both kids int eh parent/tot class.
AJU6 is big into "Ready, Set, Go" and loved to jump into the pool (that is all he wanted to do actually). But, after one jump AJU5 was done with jumping in, probably because I let her go under some. But, she loved climbing in and out on the ladder, so it wasn't too bad. But, it is hard to work with them on floating and kicking when holding on to both at the same time...
Hopefully tomorrow will be better... I want to get AJU5 to stay with her class. We have another two week session in July, and I really want to be "normal" participants in lessons by then at least. If the rest of this week is spent getting her comfortable with her class, I am okay with that. I just have to corral AJU6, as he wants in the pool too (I had to grab him at least a handful of times as I tried to get our towels out and shoes on so we could go home as he toddled to the edge of the pool). He even tried to climb in a few times with AJU5's class in the little pool. If only he would follow instructions - I would just put them both in the preschool class! But he isn't verbally ready for that just yet (maybe next summer)...
So here is to praying tomorrow goes better. At least I now know the routine and everything so I can prepare AJU5 a little more. If only her baby doll was water safe - then maybe she would be okay (but then trying to participate with a toy might not be that easy)...
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thwart by a Bug
Also - How to Second Guess Yourself and an Apology (again)
Today was supposed to be day 1 of swim lessons for the kids, but we aren't going. AJU5 is sick :( Yesterday she woke up with a fever and complaining about her throat. I gave her some benadryl and advil, and she napped. By the end of the nap and a little TV, her fever was gone and her throat didn't hurt. But, I guessed (and was right) it was just the medicine. Her fever came back as the Advil wore off, but we waited until she wasn't comfortable to give her more. The throat wasn't bothering her, and now her complaints were her nose (which was congested/runny the whole time) and her mouth. She slept and watched TV all afternoon, and with a second dose of Advil in full swing, she was a little more herself in the evening. Her fever didn't drop completely, but she wanted to play "person game" (Chutes and Ladders), and she was up and moving at least. She had been drinking all day and even snacking a little, so I wasn't too worried. She got some more benadryl and tylenol before bed, and we were praying by morning she would be fine.
Around 3am, she cried enough for me to get out of bed (i.e. it wasn't just a dream cry). It turns out either she coughed up a little crud or her nose ran enough on her pillow to bother her. Since it was dark, I thought it was worse than it was until I got to the bathroom and just saw a little snot in a few places on her pillow. Luckily there is a second pillow on her bed, and she went back to sleep. Well, for an hour at least. Then she joined up in bed, asking for some milk. She was half awake from then until 5 I think, and then she pretty much slept until 8. Periodically I would check her temperature this morning. First it was 100. something. I was happy - I could deal with that. About 45 minutes later I checked again and it was 105. I was worried. Luckily I checked about 2 minutes later and it was down to 101. I checked again about 30 minutes later, and I got temperatures between 102 and 103. So, I knew it was time for Advil again. After with more Advil and milk in her system, she asked to be carried downstairs to watch her favorite TV show (which today appears to be Curious George). She is sitting up about 1/3 of the time and zombie-like the rest of the time. Hopefully once the Advil is in full affect, she will have a little energy....
I definitely have been second guessing myself with her and this bug. First I was afraid it might be strep, but I quick look online revealed that wasn't likely due to the congestion. And since her throat isn't bothering her anymore, I have ruled that out. Now it is the bug (virus) vs. infection debate. Is it worth going to the doctor? If it is just a virus, they won't be able to say or do much to help. But, if it is an infection, we could get medicine. I know it isn't a sinus infection (still running clear), and there is no stomach issues. So, it is just a head "disease" of some sort. Right now I am thinking virus and praying it is over by morning...
And today I realized once again I have been terrible at commenting on blogs. I gave up and closed about 10-15 tabs in Firefox, all of blogs I had opened and meant to comment on. But, when I am on the third row of tabs (and I have a wide-screen monitor), it is just too overwhelming. So, I cleared the deck and hopefully I can try to stay on top of them now!
Today was supposed to be day 1 of swim lessons for the kids, but we aren't going. AJU5 is sick :( Yesterday she woke up with a fever and complaining about her throat. I gave her some benadryl and advil, and she napped. By the end of the nap and a little TV, her fever was gone and her throat didn't hurt. But, I guessed (and was right) it was just the medicine. Her fever came back as the Advil wore off, but we waited until she wasn't comfortable to give her more. The throat wasn't bothering her, and now her complaints were her nose (which was congested/runny the whole time) and her mouth. She slept and watched TV all afternoon, and with a second dose of Advil in full swing, she was a little more herself in the evening. Her fever didn't drop completely, but she wanted to play "person game" (Chutes and Ladders), and she was up and moving at least. She had been drinking all day and even snacking a little, so I wasn't too worried. She got some more benadryl and tylenol before bed, and we were praying by morning she would be fine.
Around 3am, she cried enough for me to get out of bed (i.e. it wasn't just a dream cry). It turns out either she coughed up a little crud or her nose ran enough on her pillow to bother her. Since it was dark, I thought it was worse than it was until I got to the bathroom and just saw a little snot in a few places on her pillow. Luckily there is a second pillow on her bed, and she went back to sleep. Well, for an hour at least. Then she joined up in bed, asking for some milk. She was half awake from then until 5 I think, and then she pretty much slept until 8. Periodically I would check her temperature this morning. First it was 100. something. I was happy - I could deal with that. About 45 minutes later I checked again and it was 105. I was worried. Luckily I checked about 2 minutes later and it was down to 101. I checked again about 30 minutes later, and I got temperatures between 102 and 103. So, I knew it was time for Advil again. After with more Advil and milk in her system, she asked to be carried downstairs to watch her favorite TV show (which today appears to be Curious George). She is sitting up about 1/3 of the time and zombie-like the rest of the time. Hopefully once the Advil is in full affect, she will have a little energy....
I definitely have been second guessing myself with her and this bug. First I was afraid it might be strep, but I quick look online revealed that wasn't likely due to the congestion. And since her throat isn't bothering her anymore, I have ruled that out. Now it is the bug (virus) vs. infection debate. Is it worth going to the doctor? If it is just a virus, they won't be able to say or do much to help. But, if it is an infection, we could get medicine. I know it isn't a sinus infection (still running clear), and there is no stomach issues. So, it is just a head "disease" of some sort. Right now I am thinking virus and praying it is over by morning...
And today I realized once again I have been terrible at commenting on blogs. I gave up and closed about 10-15 tabs in Firefox, all of blogs I had opened and meant to comment on. But, when I am on the third row of tabs (and I have a wide-screen monitor), it is just too overwhelming. So, I cleared the deck and hopefully I can try to stay on top of them now!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Slacking - Again!
I can't believe it has taken me this long to blog - AGAIN! I have had posts in my head, but I havne't sat down at the computer to type them for one reason or another.
Summer is in swing around here. We bought a plastic baby pool last week, and the kids like it. AJU6 is actually more of a fan of getting in than AJU5 it seems, but I guess part of it might be he doesn't care if his clothes get wet. AJU5 on the other hand requires her swimsuit to get in, and the thought of changing out of her dress isn't always desirable. I also signed "us" up for two sessions of swim lessons this summer. AJU5 will be in a preschool class, and AJU6 will be with me in a parent/tot class. I used to teach swim lessons, and I hated the parent/tot classes! But, I know he won't be happy watching her and taking them to the pool alone is a pain, so I decided to let him have some fun too (my husband isn't a big pool fan...).
We also planted a garden, as our backyard transformation is almost done. We have sunflowers, corn, beans, radishes, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, peas, and bell peppers (I think). Most we started as seeds, and we are getting seedlings already so we are happy. Hopefully we will produce something this year!
Oh, and now I have been labeled a "cloth diaper expert." I am a page administrator for two Facebook pages about cloth diapers now. I get a little money to feed my addiction there, and it is easy work. I just have to answer questions as they are asked (and check in at least twice a day for said questions). The funny thing is 14 months ago I had very little clue about cloth diapers. I knew there were cute/colorful covers and you put things in them. Now I know most/all of the lingo and have tried out a good number of them (and want to try more but am not willing to spend the money YET).
Well, I think that is it. How is your summer going?
Monday, December 13, 2010
I Survived!
I don't know how military wives do it. DH was gone for almost a full week, and I was so ready for him to be home!
He left last Sunday from church, and he got back around 6pm on Saturday. And some how I survived the week with both kids. AJU5 asked where Daddy every day. She actually does this during the week too, but she did it a little more frequently (normally it is just when she gets up, and she will tell me where he is). Of course AJU6 can't talk much, so I don't know how much he noticed.
Luckily it was a fairly busy week. Monday I had to pick up exams and grade them. Tuesday I had to drop them back off at campus so they could be mailed to the students. Wednesday I got a call from the neighbor inviting us to a cookie exchange on Friday. We also had church that night. Thursday was our normal walk and then Cubbies at night. Friday, we went to a Christmas Corral (the Pumpkin Stand transformed), then to the cookie exchange (minus Amos who I left with a friend), and then dinner at the friends'. That was 9 hours away from home - minus a quick run to the potty and grabbing of cookies. Saturday was our church's Christmas potluck, so we were gone for about 4 or so hours as well. Between Friday and Saturday, I bakes two double batches of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and a batch of butter rolls. I also had to make to morning trips to the store as we were out of oatmeal, Crisco, and butter before it was all done. Luckily the "bribe" of cookie making made it easy to get AJU5 out of the house.
I also got one 22 page mini scrapbook album done for my MIL and got all my shopping for the niece, nephews, and husband done. Now I just have a TINY bit for the kids (AJU6 socks and AJU5 tights or leggings) left, plus my mom and sister. Not too bad!
This week will be crazy too. Tomorrow is AJU5's birthday, Thursday I am in charge of Cubbies craft and snack, Finals are this week, and Saturday is the kids' birthday party. So, if you don't hear from me - don't worry!
He left last Sunday from church, and he got back around 6pm on Saturday. And some how I survived the week with both kids. AJU5 asked where Daddy every day. She actually does this during the week too, but she did it a little more frequently (normally it is just when she gets up, and she will tell me where he is). Of course AJU6 can't talk much, so I don't know how much he noticed.
Luckily it was a fairly busy week. Monday I had to pick up exams and grade them. Tuesday I had to drop them back off at campus so they could be mailed to the students. Wednesday I got a call from the neighbor inviting us to a cookie exchange on Friday. We also had church that night. Thursday was our normal walk and then Cubbies at night. Friday, we went to a Christmas Corral (the Pumpkin Stand transformed), then to the cookie exchange (minus Amos who I left with a friend), and then dinner at the friends'. That was 9 hours away from home - minus a quick run to the potty and grabbing of cookies. Saturday was our church's Christmas potluck, so we were gone for about 4 or so hours as well. Between Friday and Saturday, I bakes two double batches of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and a batch of butter rolls. I also had to make to morning trips to the store as we were out of oatmeal, Crisco, and butter before it was all done. Luckily the "bribe" of cookie making made it easy to get AJU5 out of the house.
I also got one 22 page mini scrapbook album done for my MIL and got all my shopping for the niece, nephews, and husband done. Now I just have a TINY bit for the kids (AJU6 socks and AJU5 tights or leggings) left, plus my mom and sister. Not too bad!
This week will be crazy too. Tomorrow is AJU5's birthday, Thursday I am in charge of Cubbies craft and snack, Finals are this week, and Saturday is the kids' birthday party. So, if you don't hear from me - don't worry!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Helicopter...
Last night I realized at times I am a helicopter parent. And I am not a huge fan of it.
I am totally not a helicopter parent when we are at home or with close friends. But I am when we are not in our norm. Cubbies is one of those places - and even then it is only in certain situations.
I don't helicopter during play time. I do little to no helicoptering during craft. But, other times I am right there with her making sure she "performs" as she should. Some of it is justified - she is younger than all the others by up to 2+ years (Cubbies is for Pre-K, so a few just turned 5, but most are 3 or 4). She is shy and hasn't had a lot of "social school" time. So, if I am not there, she may not do as asked. If I am not there for a few parts of the night (story, opening, etc), she will scream and cry. So, those are times I need to be there still. Luckily, she is getting used to the way things work, and she is starting to not fight me. But, if they loose her attention, she melts...
Then there is book time when they need to say their verses. I think she is warming up to the leader a little, but he was gone last night. And she is one of two kids using a different Bible version that the rest, so I don't want them to confuse her/think she isn't saying it right. So, I helicopter. My goal, now that I have realized it, is to back away a little and see what happens. I want to wait until she doesn't respond to them to step in and help. Hopefully that will work next week...
And I think some of it is that I want to show people what she can do. She is doing the "extra credit" mainly because she is good at memorizing verses. She still has the one memorized back in August at the front of her brain (and will tell it to us all the time). So, having her recite three "old" verses isn't a problem. The second half of the extra credit is sometimes a challenge because it is putting the week's lesson into action/making it tangible. Some concepts are harder for her, but I think without even trying, she would get less than she does with our sometimes-half-completed attempts.
So, there you go. That is how Cubbies is going. The end...
I am totally not a helicopter parent when we are at home or with close friends. But I am when we are not in our norm. Cubbies is one of those places - and even then it is only in certain situations.
I don't helicopter during play time. I do little to no helicoptering during craft. But, other times I am right there with her making sure she "performs" as she should. Some of it is justified - she is younger than all the others by up to 2+ years (Cubbies is for Pre-K, so a few just turned 5, but most are 3 or 4). She is shy and hasn't had a lot of "social school" time. So, if I am not there, she may not do as asked. If I am not there for a few parts of the night (story, opening, etc), she will scream and cry. So, those are times I need to be there still. Luckily, she is getting used to the way things work, and she is starting to not fight me. But, if they loose her attention, she melts...
Then there is book time when they need to say their verses. I think she is warming up to the leader a little, but he was gone last night. And she is one of two kids using a different Bible version that the rest, so I don't want them to confuse her/think she isn't saying it right. So, I helicopter. My goal, now that I have realized it, is to back away a little and see what happens. I want to wait until she doesn't respond to them to step in and help. Hopefully that will work next week...
And I think some of it is that I want to show people what she can do. She is doing the "extra credit" mainly because she is good at memorizing verses. She still has the one memorized back in August at the front of her brain (and will tell it to us all the time). So, having her recite three "old" verses isn't a problem. The second half of the extra credit is sometimes a challenge because it is putting the week's lesson into action/making it tangible. Some concepts are harder for her, but I think without even trying, she would get less than she does with our sometimes-half-completed attempts.
So, there you go. That is how Cubbies is going. The end...
Friday, September 3, 2010
Cubbie!
She still isn't used to the format of Awana though. The group she is in starts with play time while everyone arrives. Then, they do a big group time with a puppet story, Bible story, and song. After that,t hey rotate through three stations - book/snack, craft, and game. The hardest thing for AJU5 is she doesn't always want to leave one activity - especially the play time with the play kitchen. Also, it ends right beofre her bedtime, so the closing time at the very end can be a struggle too. But, I think she is getting more and more comfortable with it. And, it doesn't hurt that her best friend is also in the class with her (and we make sure they are in the same rotation group). She was a little sad when her friends little brother (a very close second on the best friend status) didn't get to go with them this week. He is a Puggle, and he had to go to his class!
This morning the first thing she asked AJU1 for was her book and vest. She asked for them before juice, milk, and morning snack even. So, hopefully next Thursday will run even smoother for her!
Verses:
1 John 4:10 - God lvoed us and sent His Son.
Romans 3:23 - All have sinned.
Romans 5;8 - While we were sinners, Christ died for us.
Cubbies Motto; Jesus loves me.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Busy Day
So, here is how our day went:
4l30 - AJU5 comes ot my side of the bed and hands me her duck, a blanket, and her water cup. I tell her to hold on a second so I can put AJU6 back in his bed (he is out). She goes crying to her room. Moments later AJU1's alarm goes off. After one snooze (10 minutes), he is up and getting ready for work. His plan is to take our "work" truck and pick up a trencher so he can work on the backyard in the afternoon. But, he notices that the back license plate is missing (most likely fell off), so he has to take his car and go to the DMV on the way home.
6:00 - AJU6 is awake and wants to be out of bed, so I am up for the day.
7:00- AJU5 wakes for the day.
10:00 - Head to story time. Today's topic was robots, and we got to make a robot for AJU5 to wear that had "wings" (arms).
11:30 - Leave the library and head to Costco for a few things.
1ish - Get home from Costco and try to get the kids to nap. AJU6 agrees, but AJU5 stays up until 1:45
4:00ish = AJU1 gets home after spending an extended period of time at the DMV because the computer system went down. AJU5 also wakes from her nap and AJU6 is back down for his long nap.
4AJU5 and I help AJU1 in the back yard until 5;30. Then we come inside, clean up, and get ready to go.
6:00 - Leave for an evening of indoor miniature golf with our churches "youth" group. It is more the children's group, but it was a fun evening none the less.
8:30 - Head home and get AJU5 into bed.
AJU6 is still up since he napped at the golf place, although he is about ready to crash. His bottom middle teeth are about to break through, so he is having a hard time falling asleep these days.
4l30 - AJU5 comes ot my side of the bed and hands me her duck, a blanket, and her water cup. I tell her to hold on a second so I can put AJU6 back in his bed (he is out). She goes crying to her room. Moments later AJU1's alarm goes off. After one snooze (10 minutes), he is up and getting ready for work. His plan is to take our "work" truck and pick up a trencher so he can work on the backyard in the afternoon. But, he notices that the back license plate is missing (most likely fell off), so he has to take his car and go to the DMV on the way home.
6:00 - AJU6 is awake and wants to be out of bed, so I am up for the day.
7:00- AJU5 wakes for the day.
10:00 - Head to story time. Today's topic was robots, and we got to make a robot for AJU5 to wear that had "wings" (arms).
11:30 - Leave the library and head to Costco for a few things.
1ish - Get home from Costco and try to get the kids to nap. AJU6 agrees, but AJU5 stays up until 1:45
4:00ish = AJU1 gets home after spending an extended period of time at the DMV because the computer system went down. AJU5 also wakes from her nap and AJU6 is back down for his long nap.
4AJU5 and I help AJU1 in the back yard until 5;30. Then we come inside, clean up, and get ready to go.
6:00 - Leave for an evening of indoor miniature golf with our churches "youth" group. It is more the children's group, but it was a fun evening none the less.
8:30 - Head home and get AJU5 into bed.
AJU6 is still up since he napped at the golf place, although he is about ready to crash. His bottom middle teeth are about to break through, so he is having a hard time falling asleep these days.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wait, Where Did She Go?
AJU5 has changed a lot in the past few weeks. She went from a little girl who didn't want to socialize much at all and slept like a champ to one who does great at the library and won't go to bed at night.
A few weeks ago, after she refused to sit for story time and threw a big tantrum at the library, I decided to let her have a voice in what we do. I didn't expect her to want to go to story time or do much of anything except play outside or stay in the house. The next week she chose to go to story time two days in a row. Both days she sat with me and somewhat listened to everything. Then, this week she has even been happy to stay after story time is over and the instruments are put away. Yesterday we stayed for almost an hour, and she played with three other two year-olds most of the time. Today we only stayed for a little bit, but she happily read a book or two by herself and then played in the snow. She followed some big kids in the snow. Now, she is just as content to be by herself, but she isn't nearly as shy and reserved in public as she was just 3-4 weeks ago.
As for going to bed at night - it is a nightmare! She stays up until about 9 each night, when we finally give up and just put her in the crib. She will lay down 1-3 times before than in her big girl bed, but she gets up after about 15-30 minutes. Closing her door may work, but when I tried that for naps a month or two ago, she screamed the moment the door was shut. So, we haven't done that just yet. But, we are definitely missing our quiet evenings! AJU6 has been going to sleep around 7 or 8 each night, so if she would sleep we would be able to get in a couple of TV shows before our normal 9pm bedtime. Instead, we have been staying up until almost 10, watching the shows in little bits when she is up in bed.
I feel like i talk almost exclusively about AJU5 these days. I think that is because AJU6 is so laid back and not up to too much. He sleeps fairly well, so I don't have that to complain about. He isn't hitting any major milestones, so nothing to write about there either. But, he is such a great little guy! He giggles and coos and smiles are us. He wants to be where we are, so we have put the high chair in the reclining position so he can sit at the table with us. But, I can't think of anything that is "worthy" of a blog post for him just yet. But, I know in a few months he will be the "center" of attention...
A few weeks ago, after she refused to sit for story time and threw a big tantrum at the library, I decided to let her have a voice in what we do. I didn't expect her to want to go to story time or do much of anything except play outside or stay in the house. The next week she chose to go to story time two days in a row. Both days she sat with me and somewhat listened to everything. Then, this week she has even been happy to stay after story time is over and the instruments are put away. Yesterday we stayed for almost an hour, and she played with three other two year-olds most of the time. Today we only stayed for a little bit, but she happily read a book or two by herself and then played in the snow. She followed some big kids in the snow. Now, she is just as content to be by herself, but she isn't nearly as shy and reserved in public as she was just 3-4 weeks ago.
As for going to bed at night - it is a nightmare! She stays up until about 9 each night, when we finally give up and just put her in the crib. She will lay down 1-3 times before than in her big girl bed, but she gets up after about 15-30 minutes. Closing her door may work, but when I tried that for naps a month or two ago, she screamed the moment the door was shut. So, we haven't done that just yet. But, we are definitely missing our quiet evenings! AJU6 has been going to sleep around 7 or 8 each night, so if she would sleep we would be able to get in a couple of TV shows before our normal 9pm bedtime. Instead, we have been staying up until almost 10, watching the shows in little bits when she is up in bed.
I feel like i talk almost exclusively about AJU5 these days. I think that is because AJU6 is so laid back and not up to too much. He sleeps fairly well, so I don't have that to complain about. He isn't hitting any major milestones, so nothing to write about there either. But, he is such a great little guy! He giggles and coos and smiles are us. He wants to be where we are, so we have put the high chair in the reclining position so he can sit at the table with us. But, I can't think of anything that is "worthy" of a blog post for him just yet. But, I know in a few months he will be the "center" of attention...
Saturday, March 6, 2010
ZZZZ...
I have had about 2.5 hours of sleep in the last, um, let me do the math, 31 hours? But, it was my fault and worth it!
Yesterday around 5:30pm AJU6 and I arrived at church for a night of scrapbooking. AJU1 had AJU5 for the night (and survived luckily). I started laying things out and slowly figuring out how I wanted to get started. By 6:45ish there were 12 of us ladies there, and we had some dinner (pizza and salad with soda and dessert). Then it was time for some scrapbooking! As the night wore on, the crowd diminished.
By about 1am, there were four of us left, and we were staying the night. None of us are night owls, so as the night progressed we kept commenting on how surprised we each were that we were still going. AJU6 of course gave me a distraction every 3-4 hours, but other than that I was getting pages done. By about 5am, we were all getting tired. Three of use decided to lay down and rest. I was down for a little over a half hour. Another lady was down for about an hour, and the last was down for about 2 hours.
Around 7:30 am, I had finished the kids' books (as much as I could of course), and decided to just start organizing all of my mess. I knew I had to leave by 9:45 (as I said I would be home by 10), and we had breakfast coming around 8. Three ladies returned for breakfast (cooked by a very nice man in our church), and we had a good time of fellowship before the morning began. As I was getting ready to leave, two ladies I didn't know showed up to crop for the day (we opened to the public at 8am), and others might have come after I left.
Once home, I was good for about an hour. Then AJU5 laid down in bed. I laid down with her and began to dose off. Then AJU6 was hungry (and was in our bed napping), so I laid down to feed him. Two hours later, I woke up. After a shower, I am feeling a little awake now. The plan is to stay up until 9pm (or a little later). Hopefully I will make it...
A few of the collages I scrapbooked - AJU5's 19-21 month collage and AJU6's 3month colleague.
Yesterday around 5:30pm AJU6 and I arrived at church for a night of scrapbooking. AJU1 had AJU5 for the night (and survived luckily). I started laying things out and slowly figuring out how I wanted to get started. By 6:45ish there were 12 of us ladies there, and we had some dinner (pizza and salad with soda and dessert). Then it was time for some scrapbooking! As the night wore on, the crowd diminished.
By about 1am, there were four of us left, and we were staying the night. None of us are night owls, so as the night progressed we kept commenting on how surprised we each were that we were still going. AJU6 of course gave me a distraction every 3-4 hours, but other than that I was getting pages done. By about 5am, we were all getting tired. Three of use decided to lay down and rest. I was down for a little over a half hour. Another lady was down for about an hour, and the last was down for about 2 hours.
Around 7:30 am, I had finished the kids' books (as much as I could of course), and decided to just start organizing all of my mess. I knew I had to leave by 9:45 (as I said I would be home by 10), and we had breakfast coming around 8. Three ladies returned for breakfast (cooked by a very nice man in our church), and we had a good time of fellowship before the morning began. As I was getting ready to leave, two ladies I didn't know showed up to crop for the day (we opened to the public at 8am), and others might have come after I left.
Once home, I was good for about an hour. Then AJU5 laid down in bed. I laid down with her and began to dose off. Then AJU6 was hungry (and was in our bed napping), so I laid down to feed him. Two hours later, I woke up. After a shower, I am feeling a little awake now. The plan is to stay up until 9pm (or a little later). Hopefully I will make it...
A few of the collages I scrapbooked - AJU5's 19-21 month collage and AJU6's 3month colleague.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Frustrated
So, we didn't make it to story time today. I let AJU5 decide if we were going, and she wanted to stay home. I wish toddler activities were spread out throughout the day. Everything I have found has either been morning or evening. There is nothing in the afternoon. And guess what - afternoons are the best time for AJU5. She is more willing to do things then. Yeah, I know most toddlers nap in the afternoon. I get that. But, I am "stuck" with one that naps around lunch time. So, activities starting at 10 or later are almost doomed from the start. She is getting tired and cranky by then most days, and doing anything out of the ordinary around those times is just not a good idea!
Add to that her new whiny-ness, and you have a recipe for a frustrated mommy. I have been having to "give" her a bath every afternoon just to keep my sanity. She will play for an hour or more each time, and I get a chance to breathe. I have used that time to grade, do laundry, and just relax.
Going for a walk on Wednesday was nice, but unfortunately it wasn't so pretty outside yesterday. It snowed a little bit and was breezy all day - not a good mix for trying to take kids outside for sure. Today we have to make it to Costco for a few things, but I am hoping for either another bath or a trip to the park.
I think half of my battle is crazy hormones. I just get to a boiling point with AJU5 some times. I have to leave the room so I don't snap at her. I am really looking forward to next Friday night when I get a Ladies' Night. We are doing another scrapbooking night at church. I haven't done any real scrapbooking since last year, so I am really looking forawrd to getting caught up. Plus, a night with a bunch of ladies I love with only AJU6 sounds like heaven. Hopefully it will be...
Okay, enough of "Debbie Downer"... AJU6 is three months old today, and I need to be in a good mood when I "help" him write his letter to the our friends and family.
Add to that her new whiny-ness, and you have a recipe for a frustrated mommy. I have been having to "give" her a bath every afternoon just to keep my sanity. She will play for an hour or more each time, and I get a chance to breathe. I have used that time to grade, do laundry, and just relax.
Going for a walk on Wednesday was nice, but unfortunately it wasn't so pretty outside yesterday. It snowed a little bit and was breezy all day - not a good mix for trying to take kids outside for sure. Today we have to make it to Costco for a few things, but I am hoping for either another bath or a trip to the park.
I think half of my battle is crazy hormones. I just get to a boiling point with AJU5 some times. I have to leave the room so I don't snap at her. I am really looking forward to next Friday night when I get a Ladies' Night. We are doing another scrapbooking night at church. I haven't done any real scrapbooking since last year, so I am really looking forawrd to getting caught up. Plus, a night with a bunch of ladies I love with only AJU6 sounds like heaven. Hopefully it will be...
Okay, enough of "Debbie Downer"... AJU6 is three months old today, and I need to be in a good mood when I "help" him write his letter to the our friends and family.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Whine and Storytime...
I am about "over" this whiny stage AJU5 is in these days. Anytime she doesn't get her way she goes crying uncontrollably through the house. This started on Monday, so I think it may be something she "figured out" while we were traveling. Needless to say it is not something I want to encourage.
So, for today's story...
About 10 minutes before we were "scheduled" to leave for storytime, AJU5 got a hold of my camera. Because she LOVES to push all of the buttons and ends up smugging the lens, I took it away. I went downstairs to grab a quick snack. Well, she took that opportunity to climb up on my desk and get the camera! But, I decided not to fight it because I just wanted to get out of the house. On the way to the library, I noticed a couple of flashes. At first, I thought it was coming from the bus next to us. Then, after we were no longer next to the bus, I figured it out! I told her to stop. But, unfortunately the one time I would have liked a red light we didn't hit any! Finally, after she had taken about 10 photos, I had had enough. The flash was very distracting, so I pulled over and took the camera away from her. Of course, she started to whine like crazy. But, we made it to the library. As I pulled into a parking spot, I asked her if she wanted to go to storytime or go home. She said storytime, as we went in. Things seemed to be going okay. She was upset I wasn't taking the diaper bag in (because I never get stuff out of it anyways), but she didn't cry. She even sat down with me for a while. Then, she grabbed a piece of paper off of a table set up for the kids to color. Not a problem. Then she brought the crayons over to the storytime area. I tried to explain to her that the crayons needed to stay on the table. I was willing to let her keep one crayon with us, but she was not going to monopolize the whole drawer of crayons. She of course threw a tantrum at this and ran around the library. She stopped at the water fountain and calmed down because she wanted to drink. After 3-4 drinking periods, I said it was time to either go home or go back to the storytime area. She chose to go home. But, along the way back to get our jackets, she noticed the computers. I had to drag her away from them and take her to a corner and remind her of the rules. Then we got our jackets on and AJU6 back in his car seat. She wasn't 100% sure about leaving I think. Then, she made her final decision to leave, but wanted to be carried. In order to avoid even more of a scene, I carried her out of the library. But, once we got outside I put her down. And again, the whining ensued. She eventually calmed down and was willing to walk to the car. Then, about 1 mile from the library she wanted to go back to storytime. Of course, we didn't. Maybe tomorrow...
We normally ignore the tantrums at home. Sometimes we ask why she is upset, but that is it. Almost all of the time they are because she is not getting her way, and there is no reason for her to have her way (like with the camera). I hope she outgrows this stage soon... I miss my happy-go-lucky little girl!
So, for today's story...
About 10 minutes before we were "scheduled" to leave for storytime, AJU5 got a hold of my camera. Because she LOVES to push all of the buttons and ends up smugging the lens, I took it away. I went downstairs to grab a quick snack. Well, she took that opportunity to climb up on my desk and get the camera! But, I decided not to fight it because I just wanted to get out of the house. On the way to the library, I noticed a couple of flashes. At first, I thought it was coming from the bus next to us. Then, after we were no longer next to the bus, I figured it out! I told her to stop. But, unfortunately the one time I would have liked a red light we didn't hit any! Finally, after she had taken about 10 photos, I had had enough. The flash was very distracting, so I pulled over and took the camera away from her. Of course, she started to whine like crazy. But, we made it to the library. As I pulled into a parking spot, I asked her if she wanted to go to storytime or go home. She said storytime, as we went in. Things seemed to be going okay. She was upset I wasn't taking the diaper bag in (because I never get stuff out of it anyways), but she didn't cry. She even sat down with me for a while. Then, she grabbed a piece of paper off of a table set up for the kids to color. Not a problem. Then she brought the crayons over to the storytime area. I tried to explain to her that the crayons needed to stay on the table. I was willing to let her keep one crayon with us, but she was not going to monopolize the whole drawer of crayons. She of course threw a tantrum at this and ran around the library. She stopped at the water fountain and calmed down because she wanted to drink. After 3-4 drinking periods, I said it was time to either go home or go back to the storytime area. She chose to go home. But, along the way back to get our jackets, she noticed the computers. I had to drag her away from them and take her to a corner and remind her of the rules. Then we got our jackets on and AJU6 back in his car seat. She wasn't 100% sure about leaving I think. Then, she made her final decision to leave, but wanted to be carried. In order to avoid even more of a scene, I carried her out of the library. But, once we got outside I put her down. And again, the whining ensued. She eventually calmed down and was willing to walk to the car. Then, about 1 mile from the library she wanted to go back to storytime. Of course, we didn't. Maybe tomorrow...
We normally ignore the tantrums at home. Sometimes we ask why she is upset, but that is it. Almost all of the time they are because she is not getting her way, and there is no reason for her to have her way (like with the camera). I hope she outgrows this stage soon... I miss my happy-go-lucky little girl!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Rant... Maybe... I Don't Know...
Today we went to the big story time at the library a little farther away from our house. The library just down the street from us is closing for renovations, so I thought we would try the music one again. Results - MIXED!!!
The story time had changed in the roughly 4 months since we had last gone to it. There is a new librarian and a new format. The format is just fine - I have no issues with it. But, it wasn't what I expected, so I wasn't able to fully prepare AJU5. It started off with the librarian walking around and letting everyone ring the bell to start "class." Then, there was a welcome song. After the welcome song, everyone got a wand. There were actions to do with the wand - like make circles and hearts in the air. AJU5 had a lot of fun playing with the wand. But, then they had to be put back... As one might expect, AJU5 did not like this. She melted down when a nice little boy took hers to give back to the librarian. She laid on the floor and kept crying "Not yours" - her normal response when we take things away (probably from me telling her things are not hers). She was quieting down but still laying on her stomach when a grandma tried to talk to her. The grandma was well-intentioned, but she just made AJU5 more upset. Then, the librarian told me I could take her out of the room and bring her back later. Umm... this would just cause more of a scene because I would have to get AJU6 into his car seat (in the stroller) and then pick up AJU5 and carry her out. Luckily, AJU5 started to calm down some more. Eventually she was willing to sit and look around. This was all during a book reading. Next came the instruments, the part AJU5 always liked. And, like before, she was willing to participate. She went and got two instruments on her own and sat down next to me playing with them while the music was on. She even put them back without a fight, maybe because she had done that before.
I don't want to teach AJU5 that crying gets her out of things. She already cries and tries to get us to put her in her bed when she is upset (because she didn't get her way). So, I didn't just want to leave because she was upset. And, when everyone left her alone, she wasn't being disruptive. Yes, a few of the kids were wondering why she was laying on the ground, but it wasn't because she was loud. Hopefully next week I can prepare AJU5 for having to give back the wand so there is no melt down...
The story time had changed in the roughly 4 months since we had last gone to it. There is a new librarian and a new format. The format is just fine - I have no issues with it. But, it wasn't what I expected, so I wasn't able to fully prepare AJU5. It started off with the librarian walking around and letting everyone ring the bell to start "class." Then, there was a welcome song. After the welcome song, everyone got a wand. There were actions to do with the wand - like make circles and hearts in the air. AJU5 had a lot of fun playing with the wand. But, then they had to be put back... As one might expect, AJU5 did not like this. She melted down when a nice little boy took hers to give back to the librarian. She laid on the floor and kept crying "Not yours" - her normal response when we take things away (probably from me telling her things are not hers). She was quieting down but still laying on her stomach when a grandma tried to talk to her. The grandma was well-intentioned, but she just made AJU5 more upset. Then, the librarian told me I could take her out of the room and bring her back later. Umm... this would just cause more of a scene because I would have to get AJU6 into his car seat (in the stroller) and then pick up AJU5 and carry her out. Luckily, AJU5 started to calm down some more. Eventually she was willing to sit and look around. This was all during a book reading. Next came the instruments, the part AJU5 always liked. And, like before, she was willing to participate. She went and got two instruments on her own and sat down next to me playing with them while the music was on. She even put them back without a fight, maybe because she had done that before.
I don't want to teach AJU5 that crying gets her out of things. She already cries and tries to get us to put her in her bed when she is upset (because she didn't get her way). So, I didn't just want to leave because she was upset. And, when everyone left her alone, she wasn't being disruptive. Yes, a few of the kids were wondering why she was laying on the ground, but it wasn't because she was loud. Hopefully next week I can prepare AJU5 for having to give back the wand so there is no melt down...
Monday, February 8, 2010
Good and Bad
Bad: AJU5 woke up at 6am yesterday
Good: AJU1 got her out of bed, giving me at least 15 more minutes in bed
Bad: Spilling an entire cup of apple juice on the floor as we were getting ready to eat breakfast.
Bad: AJU5 taking me telling her to stay out of the juice badly (read tantrum ensued)
Good: Both kids resting before church, giving AJU1 and I time to clean the family room.
Good: AJU1 sitting with us at church, allowing us to get both kids asleep for most of the service!
Bad: AJU5 napping during church meant she didn't want to nap when we got home (so no naps for us).
Bad: AJU1 and AJU5 having a stand off over cleaning up a large mess she made in the family room.
Good: After AJU5 finally gave up and was willing to help pick up the mess, she was ready for a nap!
Bad: On the way into evening church service, AJU5 spotted a ball outside she wanted to play with. Being told no led to a 10 minute scream-fest in the playroom at church.
Good: We had popcorn for the third night in a row. It is so cute to watch AJU5 sit in her little chair and eat popcorn!
Bad: AJU6 had some belly issues and had a hard falling asleep. It meant multiple runs up and down the stairs to get him down.
Good: Running up and down the stairs was good exercise.
And that was our day yesterday...
Good: AJU1 got her out of bed, giving me at least 15 more minutes in bed
Bad: Spilling an entire cup of apple juice on the floor as we were getting ready to eat breakfast.
Bad: AJU5 taking me telling her to stay out of the juice badly (read tantrum ensued)
Good: Both kids resting before church, giving AJU1 and I time to clean the family room.
Good: AJU1 sitting with us at church, allowing us to get both kids asleep for most of the service!
Bad: AJU5 napping during church meant she didn't want to nap when we got home (so no naps for us).
Bad: AJU1 and AJU5 having a stand off over cleaning up a large mess she made in the family room.
Good: After AJU5 finally gave up and was willing to help pick up the mess, she was ready for a nap!
Bad: On the way into evening church service, AJU5 spotted a ball outside she wanted to play with. Being told no led to a 10 minute scream-fest in the playroom at church.
Good: We had popcorn for the third night in a row. It is so cute to watch AJU5 sit in her little chair and eat popcorn!
Bad: AJU6 had some belly issues and had a hard falling asleep. It meant multiple runs up and down the stairs to get him down.
Good: Running up and down the stairs was good exercise.
And that was our day yesterday...
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Baby Shower
So, my friends from church through AJU6 and I a baby shower. They offered to throw one before he was born, but I decided it would be more fun for all to wait until January. Since we didn't know the gender, there really wasn't much we wanted/needed before he was born! We had fun eating, fellowshipping, and opening presents. And of course, many of hte ladies got a chance to hold the guest of honor, which they loved! So, here are some pictures from Saturday!
AJU5 with a present from little E (in the pink dress) which big friend E helped open.
The guest of honor not sure what is going on.
< 
Me opening presents - not the flabby belly that I so hope goes away!
Me opening presents - not the flabby belly that I so hope goes away!
AJU5 with a present from little E (in the pink dress) which big friend E helped open.
The guest of honor not sure what is going on.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Delurking Day!
Well, it is delurking day! So, if you are reading this, please leave a comment introducing yourself (unless you are a regular commenter - then you can just say hi :) ).In other news, things are going well here. I took the kiddos to the library today for storytime. AJU6 slept the whole time in the sling carrier whilc AJU5 behaved fairly well. It was only girls today, and all are fairly close in age (other than AJU6 of course), so they had fun running around the kids section of the library after the storytime while us moms got to talk. Then we came home for naps and lunch. After that we headed to a friend's house for the afternoon. I had my 6 wk post partum appointment (at 7 weeks because my doctor takes the beginning of January off each year), so AJU5 got to play with her friends while AJU6 and I took care of that. So, we had a busy day!
As for the post partum appointment, I have lost 24 pounds so far. I was hoping for closer to 30, but I am not going to complain too much. Hopefully the remaining 20 pounds will come up in the next few months! I have plans for more trips to the park and hopefully walks in the near future, so that should help. Oh, and maybe I will eat a little better - 3 bowls of cereal in one day is a little much I think :) Oh, and my body is still healing. I ended up with a third degree tear/episiotomy because there was such a rush to get AJU6 out (his heart rate was half of what it should have been). I knew it wasn't completely healed yet, but I was nice to hear my doctor said it is almost healed and should be 100% in the next few weeks.
Tomorrow I may be adventurous and take the kids to a meeting at work. If we go, we will leave as soon as AJU5 starts acting up. I don't have to attend because I am a part-timer, but I like to hear what is going on... So stay tuned to hear how it goes!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Ahhh!!!
That is what I felt like doing yesterday at church. AJU1 has been our church's AV guy, which means he sits in the little room upstairs running everything instead of downstairs with us. There have been Sundays where AJU5 has been somewhat of a handful, but it has been fairly easy to deal with really. Yesterday was not he case. First, she was going back and forth from the nursery to our pew. She was come and suck on her pacifier and drink a little and then head to the nursery. This wouldn't be too bad if she was tall enough to open the nursery door. Instead, she had to stand in front of the door and yell (because, well, she has no volume control it seems) open and then Mommy if they didn't open the door fast enough. Then, she came and sat down for a while. She wanted a hymnal, which I was happy to give her. But then she started to yell the letter she saw. Again, she has no volume control, so she was quite loud. I tried to tell her to whisper, to be quiet, to close her mouth. I tried the pacifier; I tried gently holding her mouth shut; I tried putting my hand over her mouth. Nothing worked. "Luckily" she gave up after a while and went back towards the nursery. Unfortunately, she did not go to the nursery. She went to the water fountain and yelled for me again. So, I went and got her and took her outside (we have a very small church, and there was no good place to take her inside - luckily it wasn't that cold out and she still had her jacket on). She creid to get back in. A friend offered to hold JAU6 for me, but since AJU5 was just crying and AJU6 was asleep in my arms, I kept him. At the point she was heading back in, AJU1 came out. He tried to get AJU5 to calm down, but there was no success there. So, he went back in. Eventually she did calm down, so we walked in. But, as soon as we were inside she started balling again. So, I rushed her into the small room opposite the nursery and tried to talk to her. Before too long the husband of the friend that had offered to hold AJU6 came to take over for AJU1 (he has been the back-up guy). So, AJU1 came and AJU5 calmed down again. We were able to go sit in the pew for the last song and announcements. Now, AJU5 didn't cry for two reasons at that point - eating and the sleeping! I knew half of the issue was she was tired. But, it is impossible to get her to nap unless she is totally exhausted or in her bed...
At the end of service (during announcements), my husband asked for volunteers to help with the AV things so he can be with us more weeks. The back-up man already had told him he was up for helping again (since his kids were older now so he wasn't as needed in the pew to contain them). After service, another man and two women in the church offered to learn how to help as well. So, hopefully, within the next month, we will get to the point where AJU1 will be with us most weeks (they are going to rotate working upstairs). This should make it so we can train AJU5 since there will be two of us! I won't have to juggle both kids most weeks, and both of us will be there to enforce the rules.
The hard thing for me has been the running back and forth. The nursery isn't too insulated, so letting her cry to come out isn't an option. But, trying to keep her in the pew normally resulted in crying as well. But, with two of us we should be able to contain her easier... We will see!
At the end of service (during announcements), my husband asked for volunteers to help with the AV things so he can be with us more weeks. The back-up man already had told him he was up for helping again (since his kids were older now so he wasn't as needed in the pew to contain them). After service, another man and two women in the church offered to learn how to help as well. So, hopefully, within the next month, we will get to the point where AJU1 will be with us most weeks (they are going to rotate working upstairs). This should make it so we can train AJU5 since there will be two of us! I won't have to juggle both kids most weeks, and both of us will be there to enforce the rules.
The hard thing for me has been the running back and forth. The nursery isn't too insulated, so letting her cry to come out isn't an option. But, trying to keep her in the pew normally resulted in crying as well. But, with two of us we should be able to contain her easier... We will see!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Crafts
So, I think AJU5 is ready to start doing some more crafts around the house. She loves when their are crafts at things we go to, although there is only a 50% chance I get to take them home in one piece... So, we might be hitting Hobby Lobby today in hopes of buying some things to keep us occupied for the next few weeks. I am thinking fun foam sticker projects, glues stick projects, and possibly a paper mache project if I am ambitious...
Two weeks ago she got to make a leaf/glue stick picture at story time. Then, at home she wanted to do more but we didn't have any normal glue 9just the expensive photo glue). Luckily, I remembered that I had some clear contact paper and a bunch of small scraps from scrapbooking. She spent a good amount of time putting the pieces on the contact paper (and pealing them off and putting them back on...).
Have you tried any crafts with toddlers? Any suggestions?
Two weeks ago she got to make a leaf/glue stick picture at story time. Then, at home she wanted to do more but we didn't have any normal glue 9just the expensive photo glue). Luckily, I remembered that I had some clear contact paper and a bunch of small scraps from scrapbooking. She spent a good amount of time putting the pieces on the contact paper (and pealing them off and putting them back on...).
Have you tried any crafts with toddlers? Any suggestions?
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