Sunday, May 31, 2009
Prayed and Got Better
So, that night after I was sure I was about to crash into labor, I prayed, "Please either make this labor come or make the pain go away for awhile." Next thing I knew I was waking up from a peaceful sleep. I've felt basically great for 2 days, and I've loved spending time with Avery on her visit here in Utah. It would have been nice for Avery Lynn to meet Avery McKenna if she came early, but I think it is just as cool that prayer works and God cares about me.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Help: I need some hope
I am in so much pain. I feel grouchy and angry, and I kind of want to die.
I need all the mothers out there to help me.
Please email me or comment with a story: a birth story (for good or bad), how you knew you were in labor, positive induction tales, what you did to pass the time before your "It's time" moment, how you handled the pain before an epidural, how you managed your kids while waiting for babies 2 through 5 to arrive, what you did to start labor (sex is out of the question...), happy thoughts, how you didn't through your peeing 2-year-old out a window, anything.
Please help. If I have to wait 11 days, I might die.
I hate to be dramatic... but that is kind of how God made me.
Jillfellow@gmail.com or comment here.
I need all the mothers out there to help me.
Please email me or comment with a story: a birth story (for good or bad), how you knew you were in labor, positive induction tales, what you did to pass the time before your "It's time" moment, how you handled the pain before an epidural, how you managed your kids while waiting for babies 2 through 5 to arrive, what you did to start labor (sex is out of the question...), happy thoughts, how you didn't through your peeing 2-year-old out a window, anything.
Please help. If I have to wait 11 days, I might die.
I hate to be dramatic... but that is kind of how God made me.
Jillfellow@gmail.com or comment here.
Empathy and the Lone Contraction
At 4:59 this morning, I had a contraction. This was no ordinary false labor piece of "pressure." This was a contraction. The mother of all contractions, and it hurt like hell.
I was laying in my bed after getting up to take a shower. I started to feel my regular pressure contractions. "Good," I thought. "At least these do more than just her kicking."
Next, thing I know I have his wave of pain very low. "Good," I thought. "This will do even more. Now we're talking!" But before I could finish my thought, the pain grew do bad so fast that I was huffing and puffing and about to scream. I tried to sit up, but couldn't because the pain was so bad. I waited, in complete shock and utter pain, for the contraction to end. It took about 60 seconds.
By the time it was gone, I was freaking out. The first thing that crossed my mind was, "If that happens again, I better have an IV in my back." I sat up and called Tim who was already on his way to work. I told him to drive slow because he would be turning around shortly.
I was so scared for the next one to come. I was scared to lay down. Scare to sit up. The contraction left a feeling in my stomach that made me want to barf. I got up to get a snack and watch Friends.
Nothing happen. No more contractions for the rest of the morning. WHAT? Cruel joke? Honestly, I have never been scared of labor, but I'm scared now. I never want to feel that again. EVER. Suddenly I feel like I want to get induced so I can have my Epidural before my body ever has a chance to do that to me again.
After about 30 minutes when I figured another monster was not coming, I sat and thought about all the women in my life that either never got an epidural or waited until the end of labor to beg for their drugs. I felt connected to these women in a way that made me want to barf again. Oh, the pain. I will never judge again.
A shout out to Lizza, who birthed at home with no drugs.
A shout out to Bridget, who weighted until a 6 to ask for drugs and was not fully drugged until an 8 or so.
A shout out to Lindsay, who weighted until a 9.5 until assuring that she got her drugs.
And a shout out to the Earnshaw girls, who are totally crazy and don't even thing about drugs.
I love you all, and if I ever feel that kind of pain, try not to be too close because I will probably reach out and kill you. :)
I was laying in my bed after getting up to take a shower. I started to feel my regular pressure contractions. "Good," I thought. "At least these do more than just her kicking."
Next, thing I know I have his wave of pain very low. "Good," I thought. "This will do even more. Now we're talking!" But before I could finish my thought, the pain grew do bad so fast that I was huffing and puffing and about to scream. I tried to sit up, but couldn't because the pain was so bad. I waited, in complete shock and utter pain, for the contraction to end. It took about 60 seconds.
By the time it was gone, I was freaking out. The first thing that crossed my mind was, "If that happens again, I better have an IV in my back." I sat up and called Tim who was already on his way to work. I told him to drive slow because he would be turning around shortly.
I was so scared for the next one to come. I was scared to lay down. Scare to sit up. The contraction left a feeling in my stomach that made me want to barf. I got up to get a snack and watch Friends.
Nothing happen. No more contractions for the rest of the morning. WHAT? Cruel joke? Honestly, I have never been scared of labor, but I'm scared now. I never want to feel that again. EVER. Suddenly I feel like I want to get induced so I can have my Epidural before my body ever has a chance to do that to me again.
After about 30 minutes when I figured another monster was not coming, I sat and thought about all the women in my life that either never got an epidural or waited until the end of labor to beg for their drugs. I felt connected to these women in a way that made me want to barf again. Oh, the pain. I will never judge again.
A shout out to Lizza, who birthed at home with no drugs.
A shout out to Bridget, who weighted until a 6 to ask for drugs and was not fully drugged until an 8 or so.
A shout out to Lindsay, who weighted until a 9.5 until assuring that she got her drugs.
And a shout out to the Earnshaw girls, who are totally crazy and don't even thing about drugs.
I love you all, and if I ever feel that kind of pain, try not to be too close because I will probably reach out and kill you. :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Quinn's favorite hobbies right now
Watching Little House on the Prairie, Playing Golf and Getting Ready for McKenna! Pictures!!
First, we have a family tradition of watching Little House on the Prairie on Sunday nights. It started with me, and then slowly Tim got on board. Then, we notices that Quinn takes this show very seriously. It totally hypnotizes her. She and Tim love to watch together.
As promised, here are the pictures of Quinn playing golf. What a MacAllister!
This morning as I got out the swing and mobile, Quinn found the baby seats and could not resist herself. She was very comfy and so was her doggy. As I told me sister Annie today, it was crazy to she her act like a little baby one minute and then take her daily nap in my bed today like she is 5. Where, Oh Where has my baby gone? Also, I am worried that if this baby does not get here soon, Quinn will think I have been just messing with her. She is ready.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
An Ode to Lanolin, Olive Oil and Breast Milk
I never pay much attention to the details of things like medicines, treatments or ingredients. As a kid, I was always searching the kitchen looking for ingredients that "looked" or sounded like what I needed. "Mom, can I use corn starch instead of corn meal?" "How about Karo syrup instead of oil?" I tried. And it never bothered me when things didn't work out. I guess I just liked the process and having something to do.
Also, as a kid (and now) my parents knew everything. I remember the first time I had heartburn. I called my dad, and he explained to me what it was and how to fix it. What to eat and what not to eat. Illness, process, paperwork .... I always call either my dad or my mom. Then after I got married, I expanded a few of my questions to my mother-in-law and beyond.
Now I love to get advice from people and find new solutions and new cures. I figure there is never a reason to not have the answer. In fact, some of my friends ask ME, and then I ask around until I come up with the answer.
So here are three cures that have come to me via geniuses over the last year. This is my Ode to Lanolin, Olive Oil, and Breast Milk.
Lanolin: Yup, that's right, ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about nipple cream. The first person to tell me about Lanolin was my high school best friend, Michael Westover. I was visiting him and his wife to meet their new baby. His wife ask for the Lanolin, and he threw it over to her. He told me, "This is cream that women put on to make sure their nipples don't crack because if they crack, they can't breast feed ... and then they will feel like failures as mothers." He always had a flare for the hyperbole, but I got the point. I used the magic cream in my hour of need after Quinn was born, and it worked just fine.
At the same time, my best friend Lindsay was dealing with this horrible rash on her son's face and body. The rash on his face would NOT go away. It would get worse and better, but the cause was impossible to find. Sometimes it flared up while nursing, eating, rolling on the floor, playing outside, inside, anywhere. It got horrible. She tried a hundred creams and ointments from friends, family and doctors. After a year she tried Lanolin, and the rash was never a problem again!!
My Quinny got really dry cheeks with a rash on her face this winter. I pulled out the Lanolin, and ta-da, it was gone. I could put it on her face before a nap, and she would be all cleared up by 2 p.m. It was great.
Then last night I got to my whits end with cracked heels. My balances changes when I am pregnant, and the added weight cracks my heels. They hurt so badly. I couldn't even touch my right heel yesterday. I called my dad, who is a walker with bad feet, and a genius (remember?). He said soak them and then apply some kind of oil. Sounded great. I used expensive Pure Figi oil and put on soaksm but in the morning, I was as dry as ever. At 5 a.m. I grabbed the Lanolin. I applied it a few times during the day, and now I could run a marathon. My feet feel great. All healed and soft.
Olive Oil: So most of you know that I converted to Olive Oil for all cooking needs when I started eating dirt last year. I personally think it works as a replacement for all other oils, although some people disagree. I use Olive Oil as butter, oil and sometimes as Mayonaise. I love it.
When Quinn had a rash on her tummy, my sister mentioned that the Croatians use Olive Oil for everything just like the grandpa in My Big Fat Greek Wedding used Windex. So, I gave it a try and lathered some Olive Oil on her tummy before nap. Fixed. All better. Amazing!!
Breast Milk: As with the other items, breast milk obviously has a purpose that it works great for (free food.) But when my friend Lizza's new baby got a clogged tear duct, her midwife said, before you take her to a doctor, try dabbing the infected area with some breast milk. Lizza gave Elsie a little breast milk spray, and BAM! the redness and swelling were gone.
So, I will keep looking for answers that work. I love to know what things can do, and I think there is probably always a cheaper and easier way to fix a lot of little problems.
And if you didn't know, I love beans. Kindey, Pinto, Black and all the rest. Just a side note. They are my life force. It is mental, but it works for me.
Also, as a kid (and now) my parents knew everything. I remember the first time I had heartburn. I called my dad, and he explained to me what it was and how to fix it. What to eat and what not to eat. Illness, process, paperwork .... I always call either my dad or my mom. Then after I got married, I expanded a few of my questions to my mother-in-law and beyond.
Now I love to get advice from people and find new solutions and new cures. I figure there is never a reason to not have the answer. In fact, some of my friends ask ME, and then I ask around until I come up with the answer.
So here are three cures that have come to me via geniuses over the last year. This is my Ode to Lanolin, Olive Oil, and Breast Milk.
Lanolin: Yup, that's right, ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about nipple cream. The first person to tell me about Lanolin was my high school best friend, Michael Westover. I was visiting him and his wife to meet their new baby. His wife ask for the Lanolin, and he threw it over to her. He told me, "This is cream that women put on to make sure their nipples don't crack because if they crack, they can't breast feed ... and then they will feel like failures as mothers." He always had a flare for the hyperbole, but I got the point. I used the magic cream in my hour of need after Quinn was born, and it worked just fine.
At the same time, my best friend Lindsay was dealing with this horrible rash on her son's face and body. The rash on his face would NOT go away. It would get worse and better, but the cause was impossible to find. Sometimes it flared up while nursing, eating, rolling on the floor, playing outside, inside, anywhere. It got horrible. She tried a hundred creams and ointments from friends, family and doctors. After a year she tried Lanolin, and the rash was never a problem again!!
My Quinny got really dry cheeks with a rash on her face this winter. I pulled out the Lanolin, and ta-da, it was gone. I could put it on her face before a nap, and she would be all cleared up by 2 p.m. It was great.
Then last night I got to my whits end with cracked heels. My balances changes when I am pregnant, and the added weight cracks my heels. They hurt so badly. I couldn't even touch my right heel yesterday. I called my dad, who is a walker with bad feet, and a genius (remember?). He said soak them and then apply some kind of oil. Sounded great. I used expensive Pure Figi oil and put on soaksm but in the morning, I was as dry as ever. At 5 a.m. I grabbed the Lanolin. I applied it a few times during the day, and now I could run a marathon. My feet feel great. All healed and soft.
Olive Oil: So most of you know that I converted to Olive Oil for all cooking needs when I started eating dirt last year. I personally think it works as a replacement for all other oils, although some people disagree. I use Olive Oil as butter, oil and sometimes as Mayonaise. I love it.
When Quinn had a rash on her tummy, my sister mentioned that the Croatians use Olive Oil for everything just like the grandpa in My Big Fat Greek Wedding used Windex. So, I gave it a try and lathered some Olive Oil on her tummy before nap. Fixed. All better. Amazing!!
Breast Milk: As with the other items, breast milk obviously has a purpose that it works great for (free food.) But when my friend Lizza's new baby got a clogged tear duct, her midwife said, before you take her to a doctor, try dabbing the infected area with some breast milk. Lizza gave Elsie a little breast milk spray, and BAM! the redness and swelling were gone.
So, I will keep looking for answers that work. I love to know what things can do, and I think there is probably always a cheaper and easier way to fix a lot of little problems.
And if you didn't know, I love beans. Kindey, Pinto, Black and all the rest. Just a side note. They are my life force. It is mental, but it works for me.
Tickets and Tests
Tim works really hard, and sometimes little things happen that remind me of this.
Most of the Time I am just bugging him for not doing this or that. But in reality he does his fair share and more.
I forget how hard he works when he is not at home.
He leaves the house about about 4:45 a.m. He gets to work at 5:50 a.m. and studies for the CFA level 1 test until 9 a.m. Then he works from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and gets home at about 8:20 p.m. He hangs out with me and then goes to sleep. On his days off he balances yard work and studying and playing with us AND his to-do list from me.
The CFA is a beast of three tests taken over three years with a 6 percent PASS rate. Dear me. It is also expensive to take. Most people have to take the Level 1 test a few times. Tim's first -- and hopefully only -- attempt is June 6.
Well, this morning I was enjoying a quiet morning, and I decided to print myself some tickets to the new temple open house. I thought it would be a nice activity for Quinn and I to do while Tim studies on one of his days off. I ordered 4 tickets. One for me, one for Quinn and 2 more in case a friend wants to come. It never occurred to me get one for Tim.
When I pulled the tickets to the open house out of the printer, there were already some tickets sitting there. They were Tim's admission tickets to take his big test. In that moment I could feel all his stress and pressure and worry. I could feel how close the test is and how much stress he much feel everyday.
Here I am planning a peaceful morning at the Temple, and Tim has the weight of the world.
What a guy.
Most of the Time I am just bugging him for not doing this or that. But in reality he does his fair share and more.
I forget how hard he works when he is not at home.
He leaves the house about about 4:45 a.m. He gets to work at 5:50 a.m. and studies for the CFA level 1 test until 9 a.m. Then he works from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and gets home at about 8:20 p.m. He hangs out with me and then goes to sleep. On his days off he balances yard work and studying and playing with us AND his to-do list from me.
The CFA is a beast of three tests taken over three years with a 6 percent PASS rate. Dear me. It is also expensive to take. Most people have to take the Level 1 test a few times. Tim's first -- and hopefully only -- attempt is June 6.
Well, this morning I was enjoying a quiet morning, and I decided to print myself some tickets to the new temple open house. I thought it would be a nice activity for Quinn and I to do while Tim studies on one of his days off. I ordered 4 tickets. One for me, one for Quinn and 2 more in case a friend wants to come. It never occurred to me get one for Tim.
When I pulled the tickets to the open house out of the printer, there were already some tickets sitting there. They were Tim's admission tickets to take his big test. In that moment I could feel all his stress and pressure and worry. I could feel how close the test is and how much stress he much feel everyday.
Here I am planning a peaceful morning at the Temple, and Tim has the weight of the world.
What a guy.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Redemption
No Accidents yesterday.
Not even one.
Not even at church.
Not even on the walk home from church after the car died.
Not even during nap time.
Not even when she was completely engrossed watching Little House on the Prairie.
Not even one.
Not even at church.
Not even on the walk home from church after the car died.
Not even during nap time.
Not even when she was completely engrossed watching Little House on the Prairie.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
memberoftheband.blogspot.com
So, instead of napping today I started McKenna's blog. The blog all about her.
Not sure how it will work out. I will have to play with it at first because I am sure the next several posts on this blog will be about McKenna especially after she is born. But I fully intend to write all kinds of special posts for her that can only be read at memberoftheband.blogspot.com.
Maybe give me a few weeks before you add it to your blog reader. I don't want you to get stuck with double posts. We'll see.
Remember to send McKenna your love at mckennafellow@gmail.com.
Also, if you have something to say to my Quinny, you can also email her at Quinnfellow@gmail.com.
Not sure how it will work out. I will have to play with it at first because I am sure the next several posts on this blog will be about McKenna especially after she is born. But I fully intend to write all kinds of special posts for her that can only be read at memberoftheband.blogspot.com.
Maybe give me a few weeks before you add it to your blog reader. I don't want you to get stuck with double posts. We'll see.
Remember to send McKenna your love at mckennafellow@gmail.com.
Also, if you have something to say to my Quinny, you can also email her at Quinnfellow@gmail.com.
mckennafellow@gmail.com
After reading this post, please send an email to mckennafellow@gmail.com.
A better title for this post is "Baby books and all that crap."
In my last month of pregnancy with Quinn, I spent a lot of time working on her decked-out baby book. I wanted it a certain way. I bought a basic one at the store, cut the pages out, added some of my own, and then put them all in a HUGE three ring binder. A lot got done on the book ... until she came. I have rarely touched it since. But it is still cool.
I also kept a day-by-day calendar for just about every day in her first year of life. That is cool.
But it has always been my intention to keep different keepsakes for each child. I never planned to make that same book for my next baby or buy that same calendar. I figured I could never keep up, so why try?
Instead I want to think of new ways to remember McKenna.
The first thing I have done is started her an email account: mckennafellow@gmail.com.
I have already started to send her emails with my thoughts about her and how I am getting ready. I kept a last month of pregnancy journal in Quinn's baby book, and it is cool. I wanted to record similar thoughts and events for McKenna but in a different way and continue it throughout her first few years.
YOU CAN HELP: I would LOVE for any of you to send McKenna an email over the next few weeks. It can be short and sweet. Anything will do. I just think it would be cool for her to look back when she is older and read about the people who were waiting and caring. You can send her your thoughts about me or her or updates on your life or pictures of you or your kids. Anything. It would mean a lot to me.
I am also going to invest in a fancy hand and foot print thing. I didn't do this for Quinn, and I really want to tile with a babies imprinted hand, so McKenna it is. I saw a sample at the Doctors office, and I am going for it.
My final keepsake for McKenna will be a blog ALL about her. I feel like I never hear enough about people's second child. I often forget these children exist ... even if I really love them. So her blog will be a place for me to record McKenna's stories and day to day life AND a way for people who care to keep up on her. Hint, Hint: I wish my sister would keep a blog like this for Peyton because sometimes I feel so far away.
Anyway, that is it. If you have any other suggestions, let me know. And let's get those emails flowing!! Also, any congratulation emails or emails about McKenna that you send to me, will be forwarded to McKenna's account for safe keeping.
Info about the new blog to come.
A better title for this post is "Baby books and all that crap."
In my last month of pregnancy with Quinn, I spent a lot of time working on her decked-out baby book. I wanted it a certain way. I bought a basic one at the store, cut the pages out, added some of my own, and then put them all in a HUGE three ring binder. A lot got done on the book ... until she came. I have rarely touched it since. But it is still cool.
I also kept a day-by-day calendar for just about every day in her first year of life. That is cool.
But it has always been my intention to keep different keepsakes for each child. I never planned to make that same book for my next baby or buy that same calendar. I figured I could never keep up, so why try?
Instead I want to think of new ways to remember McKenna.
The first thing I have done is started her an email account: mckennafellow@gmail.com.
I have already started to send her emails with my thoughts about her and how I am getting ready. I kept a last month of pregnancy journal in Quinn's baby book, and it is cool. I wanted to record similar thoughts and events for McKenna but in a different way and continue it throughout her first few years.
YOU CAN HELP: I would LOVE for any of you to send McKenna an email over the next few weeks. It can be short and sweet. Anything will do. I just think it would be cool for her to look back when she is older and read about the people who were waiting and caring. You can send her your thoughts about me or her or updates on your life or pictures of you or your kids. Anything. It would mean a lot to me.
I am also going to invest in a fancy hand and foot print thing. I didn't do this for Quinn, and I really want to tile with a babies imprinted hand, so McKenna it is. I saw a sample at the Doctors office, and I am going for it.
My final keepsake for McKenna will be a blog ALL about her. I feel like I never hear enough about people's second child. I often forget these children exist ... even if I really love them. So her blog will be a place for me to record McKenna's stories and day to day life AND a way for people who care to keep up on her. Hint, Hint: I wish my sister would keep a blog like this for Peyton because sometimes I feel so far away.
Anyway, that is it. If you have any other suggestions, let me know. And let's get those emails flowing!! Also, any congratulation emails or emails about McKenna that you send to me, will be forwarded to McKenna's account for safe keeping.
Info about the new blog to come.
Friday, May 22, 2009
When labor comes ...
My mom laughs and probably cries at the disorder in my life sometimes. I don't see my life as disorganized, but my mom's is perfectly timed and placed together. Everything as a routine. When she asks me what time Quinn eats lunch, and I say, "Whenever" I can see her holding back. When I feed Quinn trail mix filled with choking hazards in the car, I can see her holding back with much less success. But we talk openly about our differences, and the older I get, it is just becoming funny to both of us.
Anyway, I guarantee you by this stage in her pregnancies she had a plan. Where will the children go? Who do I call when I go into labor? Where are all the instructions that have been carefully written out for each sitter about each child? What is the fastest route to the hospital?
She was also probably packed for the hospital and have a week of meals in the freezer, reading material to pass the time in her purse, plastic sheets on the bed, breathing patterns memorized.
Also, the baby's room was perfectly ready. The clothes were all washed and put away (twice), and she had gifts and love notes ready for the kids she was leaving behind while she was at the hospital.
Now some of these things are guesses, but most of them are facts.
I, on the other hand, have no idea what I am doing. I think there is a hospital co-pay, but I am not sure. And if there is, I should probably be saving. The house where I was going to drop Quinn in an "It's time" moment is no longer an option. I don't want to be induced, so my mom can't for sure be here when it hits the fan. My other favorite friends for watching Quinn are either invited to the birth, have too many of their own children, or would not be cool with a half potty trained angel in their houses. Other people are great friends, but not "1 a.m. and It's time friends." Tricky.
Oh, the nanny!!! I just remembered the nanny. I love her. She'll help, but I guess she can't do everything for me. And she lives in Orem, so she is not an option for 50 percent of the moments this could happen.
I don't have instructions written out. This is mostly because since potty training, Quinn changes everyday, and I don't know what to tell people. I guess I could get the pack N play in the car and write out some sleeping instructions. I could write out cell phone numbers and addresses for my mom for when she gets here. I could put the Boppy in the car. I could put a blanket under my bum when I sleep. (Quinn and I could be twins!)
I also could work on the To-do list:
Start and finish painting the dresser for Quinn's new room.
Get a closet installed in Quinn's new room, so McKenna's clothes can take their right full spot.
Ask the IRS nicely to give us our 2008 money so we can actually get the new window's installed.
Sweep the house.
Scrub the tubs.
Dust my wedding album (It bothers me everyday, but I never so anything about it.)
But if you notice most of the stuff on my list is really hard or at least slightly hard physical labor. I am saving all my labor for the labor that counts, and I can't make Tim do it because he is so busy and so amazing doing all kinds of other things for me and for us.
So, I will have to settle for not as organized as my other. I am dilated to a 3 with less than 3 weeks to go, and I guess I am just fine with how things are or else I would really put my butt in gear. But just for kicks, I'll call my mom tomorrow. She has a way of making things seem doable.
Also, anyone who can be on the 911 list in case this baby starts coming when Tim is as work an hour away, and my mom is still 5 or 6 hours away by plane, let me know. I need help.
Anyway, I guarantee you by this stage in her pregnancies she had a plan. Where will the children go? Who do I call when I go into labor? Where are all the instructions that have been carefully written out for each sitter about each child? What is the fastest route to the hospital?
She was also probably packed for the hospital and have a week of meals in the freezer, reading material to pass the time in her purse, plastic sheets on the bed, breathing patterns memorized.
Also, the baby's room was perfectly ready. The clothes were all washed and put away (twice), and she had gifts and love notes ready for the kids she was leaving behind while she was at the hospital.
Now some of these things are guesses, but most of them are facts.
I, on the other hand, have no idea what I am doing. I think there is a hospital co-pay, but I am not sure. And if there is, I should probably be saving. The house where I was going to drop Quinn in an "It's time" moment is no longer an option. I don't want to be induced, so my mom can't for sure be here when it hits the fan. My other favorite friends for watching Quinn are either invited to the birth, have too many of their own children, or would not be cool with a half potty trained angel in their houses. Other people are great friends, but not "1 a.m. and It's time friends." Tricky.
Oh, the nanny!!! I just remembered the nanny. I love her. She'll help, but I guess she can't do everything for me. And she lives in Orem, so she is not an option for 50 percent of the moments this could happen.
I don't have instructions written out. This is mostly because since potty training, Quinn changes everyday, and I don't know what to tell people. I guess I could get the pack N play in the car and write out some sleeping instructions. I could write out cell phone numbers and addresses for my mom for when she gets here. I could put the Boppy in the car. I could put a blanket under my bum when I sleep. (Quinn and I could be twins!)
I also could work on the To-do list:
Start and finish painting the dresser for Quinn's new room.
Get a closet installed in Quinn's new room, so McKenna's clothes can take their right full spot.
Ask the IRS nicely to give us our 2008 money so we can actually get the new window's installed.
Sweep the house.
Scrub the tubs.
Dust my wedding album (It bothers me everyday, but I never so anything about it.)
But if you notice most of the stuff on my list is really hard or at least slightly hard physical labor. I am saving all my labor for the labor that counts, and I can't make Tim do it because he is so busy and so amazing doing all kinds of other things for me and for us.
So, I will have to settle for not as organized as my other. I am dilated to a 3 with less than 3 weeks to go, and I guess I am just fine with how things are or else I would really put my butt in gear. But just for kicks, I'll call my mom tomorrow. She has a way of making things seem doable.
Also, anyone who can be on the 911 list in case this baby starts coming when Tim is as work an hour away, and my mom is still 5 or 6 hours away by plane, let me know. I need help.
So mad at my 2 year old
I believe this Web log is about honesty. I am always as honest as I can be without completely insulting someone.
So here it is:
I am so mad at Quinn today.
When you write it down, it was a crappy day. But you know your child was really gotten to you when their pee-pee in their panties is WAY more upsetting to you than your chipped tooth and bleeding mouth. Dear me. So those were basically the two things on the list today ... broken tooth and Quinn.
I walked into the dentist after a bite of Honey Bunches of Oats gone bad thinking he would say, "You're crazy. Something feels funny? Go home and floss." Instead he started giving shots, drilling, spraying me with water (it was dribbling down my neck.... gross) and taking about 7 impressions. After the numbing went away, the pain came, and I can't really chew because I do not trust temporary crowns. Plus, I had to have X-rays, so if anything is wrong with McKenna EVER in her life, I will be able to feel a nice load of guilt.
But on top of that... the hardest part of the day was Quinn's pee and poop.
She sucked at being potty trained today!!
And I probably sucked right back.
But I am so mad!!
She peed on my carpet. She peed at the park. She half pooped in her pants, then peed in the dentist chair. Then she pooped in her pants the minute I left her at the neighbors house so I could go to my next Dr. appointment. Then she peed in her pants the minute I got there to pick her up. Then she would not pee before bed. Then she peed in her bed because she didn't want to go to bed. Maybe twice on that last one. I can't remember.
She also screamed and yelled, ignored me, ran away, hit, screamed, and threw food on the floor.
I know she is only 2, but I am so mad. I made her go to bed early. I tried to keep on my happy face, but I was more concerned about enjoying my dinner than I was about her feelings at that point. She screamed a lot. I ate my dinner.
She got quiet for awhile, and then she wasn't quiet anymore. But after my little break, I felt like I could handle going down there and starting over. I cuddled her on a chair, and decided to let her play for 10 minutes and then actually do our night time routine in hopes that we could end the day with some potty success.
No potty success, but she got her P.J.'s on and teeth brushed and went to sleep without screaming.
Poor thing was so tired. Her nap was short; I was short. And again, she is only 2. But still... I was really mad, and I just wanted to admit that for the record.
So here it is:
I am so mad at Quinn today.
When you write it down, it was a crappy day. But you know your child was really gotten to you when their pee-pee in their panties is WAY more upsetting to you than your chipped tooth and bleeding mouth. Dear me. So those were basically the two things on the list today ... broken tooth and Quinn.
I walked into the dentist after a bite of Honey Bunches of Oats gone bad thinking he would say, "You're crazy. Something feels funny? Go home and floss." Instead he started giving shots, drilling, spraying me with water (it was dribbling down my neck.... gross) and taking about 7 impressions. After the numbing went away, the pain came, and I can't really chew because I do not trust temporary crowns. Plus, I had to have X-rays, so if anything is wrong with McKenna EVER in her life, I will be able to feel a nice load of guilt.
But on top of that... the hardest part of the day was Quinn's pee and poop.
She sucked at being potty trained today!!
And I probably sucked right back.
But I am so mad!!
She peed on my carpet. She peed at the park. She half pooped in her pants, then peed in the dentist chair. Then she pooped in her pants the minute I left her at the neighbors house so I could go to my next Dr. appointment. Then she peed in her pants the minute I got there to pick her up. Then she would not pee before bed. Then she peed in her bed because she didn't want to go to bed. Maybe twice on that last one. I can't remember.
She also screamed and yelled, ignored me, ran away, hit, screamed, and threw food on the floor.
I know she is only 2, but I am so mad. I made her go to bed early. I tried to keep on my happy face, but I was more concerned about enjoying my dinner than I was about her feelings at that point. She screamed a lot. I ate my dinner.
She got quiet for awhile, and then she wasn't quiet anymore. But after my little break, I felt like I could handle going down there and starting over. I cuddled her on a chair, and decided to let her play for 10 minutes and then actually do our night time routine in hopes that we could end the day with some potty success.
No potty success, but she got her P.J.'s on and teeth brushed and went to sleep without screaming.
Poor thing was so tired. Her nap was short; I was short. And again, she is only 2. But still... I was really mad, and I just wanted to admit that for the record.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Potty Update
All in all, I feel great about Quinn's potty training success. It is a little discouraging to put every single blanket and three pairs of panties in the washer in the morning like I did today, but that is all part of it. Most of the time she jumps up during the day and tells me she has t pee-pee, and we go take care of business. We just have a few details to work out. If you care, here are some updates:
30 pair for panties: $30
Candies and rewards: $20
So much juice: $10
Detergent and dryer sheets: $5
Potty Training book: $40
- She does great during the day and mostly crappy at night, which is to be expected. Most nights she wakes up wet at 12:15 a.m. I change her, and then she wakes up dry at about 5:30 a.m. The last few nights she has had other accidents at night. I think she is testing me because she wants to get out of bed at 4:30 or 5:30, and after two or three mornings of that I about died. So, I think it is a little about the power struggle, which is a 2-year-old issue and not a potty issue. It will work its way out.
- More and more I understand the philosophy of not making your child "try" to go pee. Quinn almost never releases pee if it was my idea. This makes it tricky to leave the house because it makes more sense to have her pee and then get in the car. But so be it. My sister's daughter forgets to go pee because she is wrapped up in playing, so Kristie offers one M&M for trying and another if she gets some pee-pee in the potty. That might work. We'll see. I'll have to use fruit snacks, of course, because Quinn wakes up asking for fruit snacks (and chocolate milk.)
- So, we are official a travel bus. By travel bus, I mean we have a potty in the back of the car. When Quinn has to go, I just pull over, and she pees. She is not at all comfortable with the big potty yet, so potty chair it is. It doesn't bother me. I am just proud of her for going in the car like that at all. It sure beats a wet car seat. I just barely got the cat pee smell out of one of our car seats a few weeks ago. I'd like to keep it dry. Nice work, Quinn.
- Again, as for daytime, Quinn seems to really get it. She still has some accidents, but they are mostly just that -- accidents. For example, she was jumping up and down like a crazy lady, and she peed. Then yesterday she was playing in someone's backyard with water and she peed. Accident. She still has to learn how her body works.
- Her favorite panties are her Sesame Street panties that have Abby on them.
- Price Break down: So I figure, I will not make profit on potty training for a few months. I had to spend a lot of money to get things started:
30 pair for panties: $30
Candies and rewards: $20
So much juice: $10
Detergent and dryer sheets: $5
Potty Training book: $40
- This all adds up to at least a few months of Costco diapers, but I figure, if I waited a few months to potty train her, I would have paid for diapers for those months and eventually had to pay for all of this.
- I've always said I didn't care if Quinn was potty trained. I was planning to wait until Christmas. But it has been fun, and it worked out great.
Tweet, Tweet
When I was 10, I was in a children's theater production of "Snow White." After auditions, everyone got their parts. And after all the real parts were handed out, the 8 of us who were left were told we would be the "animals" in the forest. The other 8 children in this group were like 5 years old, and all my friends my age were cast as dwarfs and magic mirrors and witches. I went to the bathroom, probably to cry. Apparently while I was gone, some assistant director was letting the 5 year olds choose which animal they would be. When I walked in, she said something like, "And Jill, you'll be a bird?" I didn't grasp that this was a question, and so I said, "Ok, whatever."
Next thing I know it is a few months later, and I am dressed as a GIANT blue bird who stood at least a foot taller than the squirrels and moles and bears in the forest. I had one line. I said, "Hurry, let us go get the dwarfs." I knew in my heart this whole experience was mortifying, but, of course, that notion was solidified for me after the performance when my bother and sister constantly taunted me with the phrase, "Tweet, Tweet." I think they meant it lovingly, and as time went on, that phrase grew to represent my talent for working hard or something like that. In future theater programs, my family would buy ads that said things like, "Tweet, Tweet! You've come a long way. We love you."
So, today this story crossed by mind because I was sitting in the bathroom while Quinn used the potty, and I felt my entire body shake. It was coming from my belly. For a moment I got so excited. For I moment I felt like a bird. "It's shaking! It is almost time to hatch!" For a moment I wished I was the the big, fat blue bird from when I was 10. Tweet, Tweet. This baby is coming. But it doesn't work that way of course. The baby moving is not a contraction. Even when it feels like she is trying to break through your belly button, it does not mean she is any closely to breaking loose.
A shaking egg sure beats waiting in great anticipation for a bunch of pain to start. Most of the time we are trained to avoid pain. There are only three times in my life when I have wished for some serious pain:
1) Everyday in Junior High so I could get out of P.E.
2) Waiting every month to feel nauseous as a sign that I was pregnant.
3) Waiting for contractions to come and beat me to death.
These pains I welcome with pleasure.
When I am this pregnant, I get some funny signs that I want the pain to come. In the night, I get this phenomenon where I "go into labor." Not sure if I am sleeping and actually not feeling anything or if I am feeling something and dreaming that it hurts or keeps happening. With Quinn, I would wake up in the night thinking that I had been awake for the last hour feeling major contractions. I would grab the phone to see the time, and then wait for the next major pain to come because I was sure it was about time to go to the hospital. It would never come, and I would get so mad.
This started with McKenna a few nights ago. Again, I would rather just feel my egg shake, then fly away to go get my little bird some food, and then come back to the nest to find her saying, "Are you my mother?"
But, of course, for this to work I'd have to be a bird, and I have been there -- done that. Tweet, Tweet.
I'll just keep waiting for the pain.
Plus, my sister hate birds. (And Canadians ... and Twins.)
Next thing I know it is a few months later, and I am dressed as a GIANT blue bird who stood at least a foot taller than the squirrels and moles and bears in the forest. I had one line. I said, "Hurry, let us go get the dwarfs." I knew in my heart this whole experience was mortifying, but, of course, that notion was solidified for me after the performance when my bother and sister constantly taunted me with the phrase, "Tweet, Tweet." I think they meant it lovingly, and as time went on, that phrase grew to represent my talent for working hard or something like that. In future theater programs, my family would buy ads that said things like, "Tweet, Tweet! You've come a long way. We love you."
So, today this story crossed by mind because I was sitting in the bathroom while Quinn used the potty, and I felt my entire body shake. It was coming from my belly. For a moment I got so excited. For I moment I felt like a bird. "It's shaking! It is almost time to hatch!" For a moment I wished I was the the big, fat blue bird from when I was 10. Tweet, Tweet. This baby is coming. But it doesn't work that way of course. The baby moving is not a contraction. Even when it feels like she is trying to break through your belly button, it does not mean she is any closely to breaking loose.
A shaking egg sure beats waiting in great anticipation for a bunch of pain to start. Most of the time we are trained to avoid pain. There are only three times in my life when I have wished for some serious pain:
1) Everyday in Junior High so I could get out of P.E.
2) Waiting every month to feel nauseous as a sign that I was pregnant.
3) Waiting for contractions to come and beat me to death.
These pains I welcome with pleasure.
When I am this pregnant, I get some funny signs that I want the pain to come. In the night, I get this phenomenon where I "go into labor." Not sure if I am sleeping and actually not feeling anything or if I am feeling something and dreaming that it hurts or keeps happening. With Quinn, I would wake up in the night thinking that I had been awake for the last hour feeling major contractions. I would grab the phone to see the time, and then wait for the next major pain to come because I was sure it was about time to go to the hospital. It would never come, and I would get so mad.
This started with McKenna a few nights ago. Again, I would rather just feel my egg shake, then fly away to go get my little bird some food, and then come back to the nest to find her saying, "Are you my mother?"
But, of course, for this to work I'd have to be a bird, and I have been there -- done that. Tweet, Tweet.
I'll just keep waiting for the pain.
Plus, my sister hate birds. (And Canadians ... and Twins.)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Seriously people ... get your blog on
Seriously. To all my lazy blogging friends. Poop or get off the pot!
Honestly, has it ever occurred to you that you are stuck reading so many posts from me because I can't occupy my pitiful "wait for this baby" time by reading your writings because you are not writing anything. Even my formerly infertile and now pregnant buddy in Canada is slacking on her daily duties.
Please people. Give me something. Pics of your kids. Jokes. Stories. Sadness. Happiness. Something.
I have nothing to grade. No shows to watch. And I've got three weeks. Nap times are long when you are determined to spend them sitting on your butt as I have committed. So help ... or I will double my writing and thus ruin your life. He, He, He!
Don't think I can't get more detailed about poop and pee ... because I can ... for sure.
Honestly, has it ever occurred to you that you are stuck reading so many posts from me because I can't occupy my pitiful "wait for this baby" time by reading your writings because you are not writing anything. Even my formerly infertile and now pregnant buddy in Canada is slacking on her daily duties.
Please people. Give me something. Pics of your kids. Jokes. Stories. Sadness. Happiness. Something.
I have nothing to grade. No shows to watch. And I've got three weeks. Nap times are long when you are determined to spend them sitting on your butt as I have committed. So help ... or I will double my writing and thus ruin your life. He, He, He!
Don't think I can't get more detailed about poop and pee ... because I can ... for sure.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Golfing all Morning
This post won't mean anything to most of you ... but to my dad's side of the family ... everything.
I think Quinn is a Golfer!!
I bought her a $5 set of golf clubs yesterday, and she can not leave them alone. She uses all the terminology, referring to things specifically as golf balls, clubs and her golf bag. When she is done, she puts everything away and rolls her golf bag into the corner. (In case you forgot, this is not normal 2-year-old behavior.)
We practice taking turns because I told her that in golf only one person hits at a time. She loves to learn about the game. Sometimes I have to make stuff up, but she is really getting it.
Thought you guys would get a kick out of that. Pictures to follow.
And congrats to Shannon, Pat and Baby Addison. Send pictures!!
I'm next!! Wahoo!!
I think Quinn is a Golfer!!
I bought her a $5 set of golf clubs yesterday, and she can not leave them alone. She uses all the terminology, referring to things specifically as golf balls, clubs and her golf bag. When she is done, she puts everything away and rolls her golf bag into the corner. (In case you forgot, this is not normal 2-year-old behavior.)
We practice taking turns because I told her that in golf only one person hits at a time. She loves to learn about the game. Sometimes I have to make stuff up, but she is really getting it.
Thought you guys would get a kick out of that. Pictures to follow.
And congrats to Shannon, Pat and Baby Addison. Send pictures!!
I'm next!! Wahoo!!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Toll on Me
So, Quinn is a perfect little pooper and pee-er today just like the book said she would be. But I think the 3 days might have had its toll on me.
For example, I only got 4 hours of sleep last night. I ate brownies for breakfast, and worst of all, I just YELLED at Quinn for ripping my church magazine. You know, the little magazine that is supposed to make me feel closer to Jesus? What was I thinking?
Anyway, the 3 days took its toll, but at least I knew I was in the wrong. Quinn cried, and I just held her and apologized. I don't mean to excuse my bahavior, but I really didn't want that magazine ripped, and she ripped it after I told her not too. How do you ever find the balance? not sure. There should be a 3 day quick fix book for every problem. I guess we'll just have to go back to trial and error.
For example, I only got 4 hours of sleep last night. I ate brownies for breakfast, and worst of all, I just YELLED at Quinn for ripping my church magazine. You know, the little magazine that is supposed to make me feel closer to Jesus? What was I thinking?
Anyway, the 3 days took its toll, but at least I knew I was in the wrong. Quinn cried, and I just held her and apologized. I don't mean to excuse my bahavior, but I really didn't want that magazine ripped, and she ripped it after I told her not too. How do you ever find the balance? not sure. There should be a 3 day quick fix book for every problem. I guess we'll just have to go back to trial and error.
Warrior II
So, last time I was pregnant, I practiced a lot of prenatal yoga. I did the same video about twice a week and went to class in Provo every Saturday morning with Bridget and Noelle. I've mentioned before that I think this made all the different during parts of that pregnancy compared to this one when I have not been as consistent.
This time around I've been doing the best I can, but I have missed out on a lot of good days. One thing that is new to my prenatal routine, though, is Warrior II. This is a pose that I have used in regular yoga for years and never appreciated or cared about. Then I found it again in a new prenatal video. It seemed to align my hips differently and add something to my pregnant body. And since I rarely have time for a video, I use bits and pieces of routines to get me through the day. I added Warrior II to my so called "Yoga 911" series. I often do my Yoga 911 right before bed, before a long car ride or in the middle of the night when the paid is too unbearable to sleep (because I have not been taking care of my body.)
The other night I was standing in the living room in the dark at 3 a.m. I started my yoga crash course. While I was in Warrior II, I noticed that the little light on the Tivo machine behind me was creating a giant shadow of my body on the far wall. It was the biggest shadow I have ever seen. I was huge but in perfect proportion to my regular self. I looked big and strong. I starred at it for a long time. I stayed in the pose as long as I could.
It reminded me of the statue of The David in Italy. I always thought The David was life-sized. But when I turned the corner and first saw him from 500 yards away at the base of a marble rotunda I saw that he is, in fact, huge. And he is beautiful. He is perfect. He is a warrior -- and the best kind.
As I stood there in the pose, I thought about the irony of the Tivo. I normally use this prized possession to pull myself out of my true and best self by watching crap and wasting time. And yet because I chose to seek balance and peace for myself in that night, the Tivo was used to make me bigger and better and remind me of my strength and beauty and power. The yoga and the pose were better than my easy street; they were stronger than my weakness. Stronger than my pain. Stronger than my impatience. Stronger than my fears.
Warrior II makes me stronger. It fixes my body. It changes my thoughts. The pose will forever, because of this pregnancy and that little Tivo light, be different for me, and it will not go unnoticed anymore.
This time around I've been doing the best I can, but I have missed out on a lot of good days. One thing that is new to my prenatal routine, though, is Warrior II. This is a pose that I have used in regular yoga for years and never appreciated or cared about. Then I found it again in a new prenatal video. It seemed to align my hips differently and add something to my pregnant body. And since I rarely have time for a video, I use bits and pieces of routines to get me through the day. I added Warrior II to my so called "Yoga 911" series. I often do my Yoga 911 right before bed, before a long car ride or in the middle of the night when the paid is too unbearable to sleep (because I have not been taking care of my body.)The other night I was standing in the living room in the dark at 3 a.m. I started my yoga crash course. While I was in Warrior II, I noticed that the little light on the Tivo machine behind me was creating a giant shadow of my body on the far wall. It was the biggest shadow I have ever seen. I was huge but in perfect proportion to my regular self. I looked big and strong. I starred at it for a long time. I stayed in the pose as long as I could.
It reminded me of the statue of The David in Italy. I always thought The David was life-sized. But when I turned the corner and first saw him from 500 yards away at the base of a marble rotunda I saw that he is, in fact, huge. And he is beautiful. He is perfect. He is a warrior -- and the best kind.
As I stood there in the pose, I thought about the irony of the Tivo. I normally use this prized possession to pull myself out of my true and best self by watching crap and wasting time. And yet because I chose to seek balance and peace for myself in that night, the Tivo was used to make me bigger and better and remind me of my strength and beauty and power. The yoga and the pose were better than my easy street; they were stronger than my weakness. Stronger than my pain. Stronger than my impatience. Stronger than my fears.
Warrior II makes me stronger. It fixes my body. It changes my thoughts. The pose will forever, because of this pregnancy and that little Tivo light, be different for me, and it will not go unnoticed anymore.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Potty Training: Day 3
Day 3:
7:21 a.m.
Oh what a beautiful morning! After a very odd experience at 12:15 a.m., we have had perfect success today so far. Quinn woke up dry and called for me. I took her right upstairs, and she actually went pee (remember that that had not been working out last night.) She was happy to show her daddy, who is home with us today. I used the daddy card as often as possible, and she has told us about 5 times already this morning and then peed in the potty. No false alarms and no accidents. I think she is still holding in her poop because of "The big toot" from Friday, but we can work that out later. She is starting to sort of dance around or hold her bum a little when she has to go. Tim spent the early part of this way-too-early-morning reading the 3 day ebook, and he has caught on great. It makes me feel like I can breathe a little. And when I mentioned to him that "Figures it would be easy today when you are here" he perfectly noted that it was only easy today because I did all the hard work during the last two days. So, there is peace in the world ... at least for now.
As for 12:15 a.m., Quinn woke up screaming "ouchy, ouchy!!" I think it was the rash on her bum because she was really wet. Tim and I were not on the same page, which made the trauma more difficult. I was really worried when I put her back to bed that this bum thing was going to be an issue. I talked to Quinn about how it is going to hurt her bum more if she goes in her panties. That might have something to do with the big change today. Who knows? Not me.
2:26 p.m.
I'm not great at learning the first time. I put Quinn in the bath again. But I had a really good reason .... she stunk!! You can only wipe off so much pee residue, and today we have not been using wet wipes because of the screaming butt syndrome that Quinn has developed. So she was stinky, and I have been feeling like a big piece of pee the whole weekend. No matter how often I change my clothes ... I can smell pee. So we took a bath. And our routine shows that she digresses a little after a bath. I assumed she pees like a race horse in there, but today I think that she was actually holding it in bath. When we got out, we didn't make her go pee, and so next thing I knew, she was whispering, "Pee-pee, mommy." She was laying down with some blankets watching Elmo is a puddle the size of Lake Mead. Then after that she would not pee before naps. But she was so tired, that we had to put her down. I tried hard too. We were even tucked in one, and she said pee-pee, so I ran up the stairs holding her to give her one more chance. (Please remember my current state when you picture me sprinting up the stairs with 35 pounds in my loving arms. I about died to say the least.) She didn't go. So we woke up in Lake Mead again, and she didn't go when she woke up. But we've had some success and no accidents in the last hour, so again things look promising.
We are actually at the point of wondering what the next step is. When do we put her in pants or shoes? When do we take her out of the house? Tim trusts me to work it out with my magical powers, but I am scared. I think we will start with a quick trip to Lindsay's house because she is a dear friend who will let my daughter pee on her stuff if need be. Or maybe tomorrow morning we will go to the new Wal-mart, which is empty. We'll see.
I get a long break tonight to go to dinner at Aunt Sue's house and to talk to Rachel about her awesome dance recital from yesterday. Since Tim read the 3 day ebook this morning, I feel fine leaving Quinn. I can hear him right now saying all the right things while I am in the other room, "On break." "Keep your panties dry." "Quinn, don't forget to tell me if you need to go pee-pee."
8:06 p.m.
Well, the rest of the day went great. Tim and were both really tired, and I think Quinn was too because she had a lot of discipline problems. I couldn't really fix them because the 3 days are supposed to be all happy and smiles. It was hard. But even when fighting me, we could catch her pee after a dribble or two and get to the potty. I think that is huge. Again, we spent a lot of special time together. We made brownies and sandwiches and spent a long time talking to Aunt Avery on the phone. Quinn showed her how she pees in the potty, and Avery was delighted.
Tim said all went well while I was gone tonight. They laid on the floor together and watched two episodes of Little House on the Prairie, which is a family favorite. Quin LOVES it. It doesn't make sense, but it does make for a peaceful Sunday night each week. She told him a few times that she had to go, and she made it to the potty. This makes me happy because laying down has been a hard position for her in terms of accidents. AND she went in the potty several times before bed, and didn't have an accident even though we had to make her cry it out to fall asleep. I would say that things are looking good.
Debriefing:
So, I asked Tim tonight, "So, would you say Quinn is potty trained." The method claims it will happen in 3 days. I say "Yes" because I think she would be upset if I put a diaper on her tomorrow. I realize we still have some things to master including: using the big potty, going on the go, going while wearing pants and shoes, and walking into the potty and going on her own. But I think most of these things are just simple learning experiences that we can concur this week. Tim said, "Kind of" mostly because she does not go in there alone and do her business, but she did finish, pull up her panties, and come find us a few times today. She is on her way.
Again, my "final" thoughts about this method are that is it wonderful. It is not just wonderful because it basically worked, but it is wonderful because it is child centered and very loving. I have really cherished this time with Quinn to the point that I plain on sending Quinn away for a few days in two years so I can have a similar experience with McKenna. I have seen my mothering from a different perspective, and that is always helpful. I am more aware of who Quinn is and what she needs each day. I can see her happiness and sadness more easily. I am more eager to stop and really listen. I also think her language has exploded -- maybe because of the interaction or maybe because I am have been paying more attention to her words and sounds. She told me tonight during her night time protests as I sat on a chair in her room, "No Mommy, My turn sit chair." That is some serious communication. I love it ... even when it is loud as hell.
One more update to follow. I'll let you know on Friday how everything transitioned. Thanks for walking through the process with us. I feel happier and better for having stopped everything and been peed on for 3 days. :)
Get the ebook at http://www.3daypottytraining.com/
7:21 a.m.
Oh what a beautiful morning! After a very odd experience at 12:15 a.m., we have had perfect success today so far. Quinn woke up dry and called for me. I took her right upstairs, and she actually went pee (remember that that had not been working out last night.) She was happy to show her daddy, who is home with us today. I used the daddy card as often as possible, and she has told us about 5 times already this morning and then peed in the potty. No false alarms and no accidents. I think she is still holding in her poop because of "The big toot" from Friday, but we can work that out later. She is starting to sort of dance around or hold her bum a little when she has to go. Tim spent the early part of this way-too-early-morning reading the 3 day ebook, and he has caught on great. It makes me feel like I can breathe a little. And when I mentioned to him that "Figures it would be easy today when you are here" he perfectly noted that it was only easy today because I did all the hard work during the last two days. So, there is peace in the world ... at least for now.
As for 12:15 a.m., Quinn woke up screaming "ouchy, ouchy!!" I think it was the rash on her bum because she was really wet. Tim and I were not on the same page, which made the trauma more difficult. I was really worried when I put her back to bed that this bum thing was going to be an issue. I talked to Quinn about how it is going to hurt her bum more if she goes in her panties. That might have something to do with the big change today. Who knows? Not me.
2:26 p.m.
I'm not great at learning the first time. I put Quinn in the bath again. But I had a really good reason .... she stunk!! You can only wipe off so much pee residue, and today we have not been using wet wipes because of the screaming butt syndrome that Quinn has developed. So she was stinky, and I have been feeling like a big piece of pee the whole weekend. No matter how often I change my clothes ... I can smell pee. So we took a bath. And our routine shows that she digresses a little after a bath. I assumed she pees like a race horse in there, but today I think that she was actually holding it in bath. When we got out, we didn't make her go pee, and so next thing I knew, she was whispering, "Pee-pee, mommy." She was laying down with some blankets watching Elmo is a puddle the size of Lake Mead. Then after that she would not pee before naps. But she was so tired, that we had to put her down. I tried hard too. We were even tucked in one, and she said pee-pee, so I ran up the stairs holding her to give her one more chance. (Please remember my current state when you picture me sprinting up the stairs with 35 pounds in my loving arms. I about died to say the least.) She didn't go. So we woke up in Lake Mead again, and she didn't go when she woke up. But we've had some success and no accidents in the last hour, so again things look promising.
We are actually at the point of wondering what the next step is. When do we put her in pants or shoes? When do we take her out of the house? Tim trusts me to work it out with my magical powers, but I am scared. I think we will start with a quick trip to Lindsay's house because she is a dear friend who will let my daughter pee on her stuff if need be. Or maybe tomorrow morning we will go to the new Wal-mart, which is empty. We'll see.
I get a long break tonight to go to dinner at Aunt Sue's house and to talk to Rachel about her awesome dance recital from yesterday. Since Tim read the 3 day ebook this morning, I feel fine leaving Quinn. I can hear him right now saying all the right things while I am in the other room, "On break." "Keep your panties dry." "Quinn, don't forget to tell me if you need to go pee-pee."
8:06 p.m.
Well, the rest of the day went great. Tim and were both really tired, and I think Quinn was too because she had a lot of discipline problems. I couldn't really fix them because the 3 days are supposed to be all happy and smiles. It was hard. But even when fighting me, we could catch her pee after a dribble or two and get to the potty. I think that is huge. Again, we spent a lot of special time together. We made brownies and sandwiches and spent a long time talking to Aunt Avery on the phone. Quinn showed her how she pees in the potty, and Avery was delighted.
Tim said all went well while I was gone tonight. They laid on the floor together and watched two episodes of Little House on the Prairie, which is a family favorite. Quin LOVES it. It doesn't make sense, but it does make for a peaceful Sunday night each week. She told him a few times that she had to go, and she made it to the potty. This makes me happy because laying down has been a hard position for her in terms of accidents. AND she went in the potty several times before bed, and didn't have an accident even though we had to make her cry it out to fall asleep. I would say that things are looking good.
Debriefing:
So, I asked Tim tonight, "So, would you say Quinn is potty trained." The method claims it will happen in 3 days. I say "Yes" because I think she would be upset if I put a diaper on her tomorrow. I realize we still have some things to master including: using the big potty, going on the go, going while wearing pants and shoes, and walking into the potty and going on her own. But I think most of these things are just simple learning experiences that we can concur this week. Tim said, "Kind of" mostly because she does not go in there alone and do her business, but she did finish, pull up her panties, and come find us a few times today. She is on her way.
Again, my "final" thoughts about this method are that is it wonderful. It is not just wonderful because it basically worked, but it is wonderful because it is child centered and very loving. I have really cherished this time with Quinn to the point that I plain on sending Quinn away for a few days in two years so I can have a similar experience with McKenna. I have seen my mothering from a different perspective, and that is always helpful. I am more aware of who Quinn is and what she needs each day. I can see her happiness and sadness more easily. I am more eager to stop and really listen. I also think her language has exploded -- maybe because of the interaction or maybe because I am have been paying more attention to her words and sounds. She told me tonight during her night time protests as I sat on a chair in her room, "No Mommy, My turn sit chair." That is some serious communication. I love it ... even when it is loud as hell.
One more update to follow. I'll let you know on Friday how everything transitioned. Thanks for walking through the process with us. I feel happier and better for having stopped everything and been peed on for 3 days. :)
Get the ebook at http://www.3daypottytraining.com/
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Potty Training: Day 2
Day 2:
10:32 a.m.
Well, today's potty adventures started at 12:12 a.m. I was sleeping in the room next to Quinn because, if you have not been keeping up, I am all about having my own bed right now. I heard the angel stirring, and I ran to her. She was all set. We ran to the potty. Sat there. Talked to daddy, who was too tired to be helpful, and went back to bed. Nothing in the potty. But I must have sucked her dry because she woke up dry. BUT she woke up at 5:40 a.m. demanding to be awake. I went with it because the next option was fighting with her over me giving her a cup of hot milk so she could fall back asleep. I figured, "Fine, we're up. Let's get this start ASAP."
I started her on juice, and she hung out with daddy in the bed on a towel for a little bit. Then she got all mama centric and wanted me to hold her like a baby or let her sit on my lap. It made me find of sad because I've been mourning her babyhood, and I think she feels it, too. But since she was dry and didn't have that much juice in her yet, I just cherished the moment and welcomed the added weight on my giant body.
Later she had accident after accident for a long time. The text I sent to my peeps said something like, "8 a.m. -- 6 pairs of panties." But just liked yesterday it eventually clicked, and she started getting to the bathroom all dry and filling up that little white bowl. So proud. She was still freaked out about the liquid gas from yesterday, so we gave gas a new name to help her know the difference between gas and poop. She has always called gas "poo-poo." Her favorite sentences. Is (while laughing) "Mommy poo-poo, ewwww!!!" How cute, right? Anyway, we tried a few names and decided together on "toot." Now she can say that she tooted without me rushing her to the toilet. She likes that.
We had a nice morning together. We made juice, watching Elmo while laying on the floor together, and made muffins. She helped with every stage of the muffins. (Well, I did most of the eating.) She never got distracted and started playing with the silverware like she normally does. She stirred and poured and cleaned and actually helped. I loved it. Then we played Playdough, and it all went down hill from there. 
She was having so much fun with her Playdough that she would not go to the potty. Even when I knew she had to go, she would kick and scream. Fighting is not really part of the method, so her booster seat got a few showers. Finally, she had one great pee-pee session, and I decided to make that a great time for a break. NAP TIME!! Amen.
Now ... I claim to use the 3 Day Potty Training method, but I have to admit that I am totally going to break one of the big rules today. I need to go to cousin Rachel's dance recital at 2:30 p.m. It is really important to me and her. Quinn is not supposed to leave the house during training, and, in theory, Tim or I should stay with her, but I just really can't miss this event. So, Melissa is coming over at 2:15 p.m. to take over the reins for an hour. This could totally mess up Quinn, but hopefully it won't. Melissa is great, and Quinn really loves her. But, again, I admit, if the 3 Day system does not work IT IS MY FAULT. Also, I should disclose that the, "I can't stop to pee; I just want to play with Playdough" series of events happened while I was busy getting the sitter and talking to Bridget. Again, that is not part of the method. MY FAULT.
Also, today on the potty Quinn wanted to call people and tell her what she was doing. We called and left messages for Lindsay, Daddy, Grandma and Bridget. She has never done that before. It was so cute.
As for the plans for my break time: Grey's Anatomy was amazing. I finally finished watching the season finale at 3 a.m. last night when I was hungry and could not sleep. I loved it. But now I don't have much to do. Fold laundry, I guess, and wait for all hell to break loose.
7:14 p.m.
Oh my gosh. Not even sure where to start. Part of thinks this adventure will kill me, and part of me thinks it will make me the mom I have always wished I was -- more patient, kind, aware, loving, attentive, supportive.
Quinn took a long nap. I sneaked down to see her and check her panties for dryness a few times. She was dry every time. The last time I went down at about 1 p.m., her eyes were open and she was wet. Dear me. Well, I guess that is pretty good considering the amount of juice and the long nap. I can't even remember what happen next, but I don't think she had made it to the toilet before Melissa got here at 2:15 p.m. While I was gone, she went once in the potty to show Melissa and had two accidents. She may have peed for me one or two more times before bed, but mostly she had false alarms and accidents. It sucked. The last two pee-pees of the night were accidents, including one in her bed right after I took her to the bathroom for the third time and then laid her down. Positive and happy, and she is still peeing all over me. Plus, she never pooped today, so I have that to look forward to.
I tried to take her outside a little in the afternoon. That was not good. She is not wearing enough clothes to enjoy the outdoors, and I was not about to start adding peed-on shoes to the wash pile. It was a disaster, and I think sitting on the cement or the grass in a half bare bum gave her some kind of rash because she bawled the next few times I used baby wipes on her tush to clean up a wet accident.
She seems to have a lot more control over her bladder today than she did yesterday, which tells me the accidents are on purpose. She is just testing me. I was mostly even more patient today, so hopefully she will get sick on peeing on Elmo and just roll with it.
Debriefing: Really there are some amazing perks to this process. Even though she is messing with me some of the time (probably for revenge since isn't that what I am doing to her a little?), we are really close right now. We hang out all over the house together. I keep her at an arms length, and she seems to like it. We cuddle a lot, and play a lot more than we ever have before. I am normally a mom who balances a lot of other things.
And I always tell myself that Quinn is independent and does not need me to be at her beck and call. I still agree with that, but I am seeing a whole new side to my daughter and to motherhood. It is a much more selfless side. It is much more completely about the mothering and a lot less about me. I think my amazing sister mothers this way ... beautifully. I appreciate her more than ever. I see it. I get it. I want to remember potty training in this way, so that is why I have included or muffin making pictures as the official press shots for this here milestone.
Not sure what to do about the power struggle in general, but as for tonight, I might wake her up in an hour so she can clear her bladder before the (hopefully) long night's sleep.
What to do now? What does the total mother do with her free time? Not sure yet, especially when all the primetime season finales are over.
10:32 a.m.
Well, today's potty adventures started at 12:12 a.m. I was sleeping in the room next to Quinn because, if you have not been keeping up, I am all about having my own bed right now. I heard the angel stirring, and I ran to her. She was all set. We ran to the potty. Sat there. Talked to daddy, who was too tired to be helpful, and went back to bed. Nothing in the potty. But I must have sucked her dry because she woke up dry. BUT she woke up at 5:40 a.m. demanding to be awake. I went with it because the next option was fighting with her over me giving her a cup of hot milk so she could fall back asleep. I figured, "Fine, we're up. Let's get this start ASAP."
I started her on juice, and she hung out with daddy in the bed on a towel for a little bit. Then she got all mama centric and wanted me to hold her like a baby or let her sit on my lap. It made me find of sad because I've been mourning her babyhood, and I think she feels it, too. But since she was dry and didn't have that much juice in her yet, I just cherished the moment and welcomed the added weight on my giant body.
Later she had accident after accident for a long time. The text I sent to my peeps said something like, "8 a.m. -- 6 pairs of panties." But just liked yesterday it eventually clicked, and she started getting to the bathroom all dry and filling up that little white bowl. So proud. She was still freaked out about the liquid gas from yesterday, so we gave gas a new name to help her know the difference between gas and poop. She has always called gas "poo-poo." Her favorite sentences. Is (while laughing) "Mommy poo-poo, ewwww!!!" How cute, right? Anyway, we tried a few names and decided together on "toot." Now she can say that she tooted without me rushing her to the toilet. She likes that.
We had a nice morning together. We made juice, watching Elmo while laying on the floor together, and made muffins. She helped with every stage of the muffins. (Well, I did most of the eating.) She never got distracted and started playing with the silverware like she normally does. She stirred and poured and cleaned and actually helped. I loved it. Then we played Playdough, and it all went down hill from there. 
She was having so much fun with her Playdough that she would not go to the potty. Even when I knew she had to go, she would kick and scream. Fighting is not really part of the method, so her booster seat got a few showers. Finally, she had one great pee-pee session, and I decided to make that a great time for a break. NAP TIME!! Amen.Now ... I claim to use the 3 Day Potty Training method, but I have to admit that I am totally going to break one of the big rules today. I need to go to cousin Rachel's dance recital at 2:30 p.m. It is really important to me and her. Quinn is not supposed to leave the house during training, and, in theory, Tim or I should stay with her, but I just really can't miss this event. So, Melissa is coming over at 2:15 p.m. to take over the reins for an hour. This could totally mess up Quinn, but hopefully it won't. Melissa is great, and Quinn really loves her. But, again, I admit, if the 3 Day system does not work IT IS MY FAULT. Also, I should disclose that the, "I can't stop to pee; I just want to play with Playdough" series of events happened while I was busy getting the sitter and talking to Bridget. Again, that is not part of the method. MY FAULT.
Also, today on the potty Quinn wanted to call people and tell her what she was doing. We called and left messages for Lindsay, Daddy, Grandma and Bridget. She has never done that before. It was so cute.
As for the plans for my break time: Grey's Anatomy was amazing. I finally finished watching the season finale at 3 a.m. last night when I was hungry and could not sleep. I loved it. But now I don't have much to do. Fold laundry, I guess, and wait for all hell to break loose.
7:14 p.m.
Oh my gosh. Not even sure where to start. Part of thinks this adventure will kill me, and part of me thinks it will make me the mom I have always wished I was -- more patient, kind, aware, loving, attentive, supportive.
Quinn took a long nap. I sneaked down to see her and check her panties for dryness a few times. She was dry every time. The last time I went down at about 1 p.m., her eyes were open and she was wet. Dear me. Well, I guess that is pretty good considering the amount of juice and the long nap. I can't even remember what happen next, but I don't think she had made it to the toilet before Melissa got here at 2:15 p.m. While I was gone, she went once in the potty to show Melissa and had two accidents. She may have peed for me one or two more times before bed, but mostly she had false alarms and accidents. It sucked. The last two pee-pees of the night were accidents, including one in her bed right after I took her to the bathroom for the third time and then laid her down. Positive and happy, and she is still peeing all over me. Plus, she never pooped today, so I have that to look forward to.
I tried to take her outside a little in the afternoon. That was not good. She is not wearing enough clothes to enjoy the outdoors, and I was not about to start adding peed-on shoes to the wash pile. It was a disaster, and I think sitting on the cement or the grass in a half bare bum gave her some kind of rash because she bawled the next few times I used baby wipes on her tush to clean up a wet accident.
She seems to have a lot more control over her bladder today than she did yesterday, which tells me the accidents are on purpose. She is just testing me. I was mostly even more patient today, so hopefully she will get sick on peeing on Elmo and just roll with it.
Debriefing: Really there are some amazing perks to this process. Even though she is messing with me some of the time (probably for revenge since isn't that what I am doing to her a little?), we are really close right now. We hang out all over the house together. I keep her at an arms length, and she seems to like it. We cuddle a lot, and play a lot more than we ever have before. I am normally a mom who balances a lot of other things.
And I always tell myself that Quinn is independent and does not need me to be at her beck and call. I still agree with that, but I am seeing a whole new side to my daughter and to motherhood. It is a much more selfless side. It is much more completely about the mothering and a lot less about me. I think my amazing sister mothers this way ... beautifully. I appreciate her more than ever. I see it. I get it. I want to remember potty training in this way, so that is why I have included or muffin making pictures as the official press shots for this here milestone.Not sure what to do about the power struggle in general, but as for tonight, I might wake her up in an hour so she can clear her bladder before the (hopefully) long night's sleep.
What to do now? What does the total mother do with her free time? Not sure yet, especially when all the primetime season finales are over.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Potty Training
Day One:
1 p.m.
So, we got started a little late, but by 10 a.m. she had on some Elmo panties that she picked out herself. She had helped me wash and get them ready the day before. Together we threw away all the extra diapers in the house, and it was time to roll. I wanted to keep her away from the carpet at least at first, so we sat on the floor to roll a ball around. Her legs were wide open so I spotted the pee right away. We ran to the potty, got cleaned up and put on some flower panties (we had 30 pair to choose from.) She had 4 more accidents. A few times she would tell me she had to go pee-pee -- we would go to the potty, she would sit and then say, "All done" right away. I figured she didn't understand yet because 30 seconds later she would pee on the floor. After 5 accidents in an hour, she wanted to sit longer on the potty, and when she stood up it was full of pee. I didn't even have time to praise her because she ran off with the potty seat in her hand to play with it. For the next hour she peed every 5 minutes or sat on the potty for awhile. I think she gets it -- at least in theory. We are both really tired, and it was time for a nap. I took some old blankets and set up a bed for her on her floor. She was very passionate about sleeping in her room. I laid her down 15 minutes ago and have not heard from her. I put the potty chair in the corner of the basement because I don't know if I can carry a peeing child run the stairs. Now it is time to watch Grey's, but I don't expect to get very far into it.
5:15 p.m.
I got about 20 minutes of Grey's in plus a sandwich and some blogging. And at about 1:45 I heard a little voice talking about poo-poo. I ran down there ASAP. She was wet and tired. I put her on her chair, but she was cleaned out. And no poop. Amen. I changed her blankets and laid her back down. Five minutes later, she was up, and wet, and we started the whole peeing every 3 minutes thing all over again. I think she forgot the system at first because she wet on the floor twice right after her naps, but this time she could stop the pee and get the rest in the toilet. Nice. I was very proud. Then, I started smelling things, and I knew it was "that time." It could go really good or really bad. And since she only goes once a day, we had only one chance for a glimmer of hope. After a few small pee-pee accidents while she was workin' on the poop, she left me a wonderful gift in the potty chair. I was so proud. I gave her a little set of miniture dolls I was saving for that moment. THEN .... DEAR ME! The worst thing possible happen. Let me preface this by saying that Quinn has not had anything but beautiful poop since she was like 10 months old. So, today of all days her body chooses to give her (as we called it in my home growing up) the Hersey Squirts -- you know, farts that are liquid. What in the world?!! Worst day ever for that to happen. She was playing nicely with her new toy, and I heard a very quiet noise. She new it was bad. Her face showed it. "Oh, no!!" she screamed. We ran to the potty, and I saw the damage. It was not pretty. This is when I made a mistake. I asked her if she wanted to get in the bathtub. Of course she did!! I might as well of said, "Let's give up and put on diapers." Of course she did not want to get out of the tub. Who knows how much she got rid of in there. We got out of the bath about an hour and a half ago, and she has not used the potty since or . The exploiding fart might have ruined her forever. I also think she forgot how to go on the potty like this morning. We're sitting and watching Elmo right now, and she keeps saying, "Pee-pee." We run to the potty and nothing happens. She wants to play catch with her doggy while she sits there. She's not being very nice to me tonight, and I am really tired. But at least we might sleep OK. She hasn't really had liquids for several hours, so we might have limited disturbances tonight. We are both pooped ...
7:19 p.m.
AHH! I'm so tired. That was one of the hardest 2 hours of the day. I think Quinn started to catch on that I was tired and sort of done hanging out with her. She normally doesn't mind when I do my own thing every now and then during the day, but every time I picked up the computer tonight, she start screaming about pee-pee. I would rush her to the potty, and then she would start jumping and playing before and after she sat down. It was so frustrating. She kept trying to close the potty chair lid on herself or picking up the cushy seat and throwing. It was really annoying. I had a hard time staying positive with her especially since she had not gone once with the bath tub. Then I caught her watching Elmo and sort of moving around like she had to go, but she had just told me 10 times in a row and then done nothing on the potty. She kind of moved her panties out fo the way and peed! She didn't finish in the potty. Then as I tried to put her to bed, she would find the "perfect" times to jump up and say she had to pee. She would just start marching right up the stairs. What was I supposed to do? But then when we would get to the potty, it was the same story with the jumping and playing and being silly. I was not in the mood. Then, just as the night time routine is completely done, she jumps up again. I thought I was going to need to call in for help. I got a little stern with her when she sat on the potty ... making it clear with was the last time. Suddenly she peed while sitting at the very end of the potty and it nearly hit me in the face. Under normal circumstances that would have been infuriating, but I was just happy to see a lot of pee. Good night, Quinn. When we got back down stairs, she asked to sleep in her crib. So we moved the blankets from the floor to the crib, and although I know I'll have to change the sheets, at least for now she is contained. She demanded water. I made her wait a long time for it, but then finally took a cup with about 2 sips worth. I explained to her that this is all the water she gets. She drank it right away and did not complain. Again, Good Night, Quinny.
Debreifing: I am using the official 3 Day Potty Training eBook. I love it. The only reason I am training now is because I think this method can work for Quinn. Some people might ask me the obvious question: Why would you take on something so big when you are so big and tired and ready to pop? Well, it comes down to this. I am going to be tired and frustrated at the end of every day until this baby comes and probably after. I would rather work toward a goal for me and Quinn and be tired at the end of the day because we work on something important as opposed to being completely spent at the end of the day because I only kept us alive. Big goal is better for me.
As for the method, I can't give too many details because it has a serious copyright on it, but it is working. The most important things are to pay complete attention to your child for the whole three days. It is hard, but really good for us. There is also no punishing during the three days. It is not clear if this goes for problems relating to training alone or all broken house rules. I have been trying to stay positive about everything, and it is really good for me. Like Zoloft. A new approach, a chance to try it differently.
We went through about 11 pair of underwear, two blankets and several hand towels. Everything is washed and ready for tomorrow. All accidents took place on wood or tile (we have fake versions of both in our house, but you get the idea.)
Tomorrow I need to have more activities for us to do AND I need to go a little bit lighter on the fluids. It is important to fill them up with all kinds of juice. This really shortened the time it took Quinn to understand how to go in the potty because she had to go or have an accident every 5 minutes at one point. But it seems she has a bladder like mine, and I think she was uncomfortable for part of the day because there was just too much pee. It seemed that Crystal Light went through her the fastest, but it sort of leaked from her cups, and I was cleaning that up for half the day, too. She had a bite or two of a Fiber One bar. It was either this or the Grape Juice that caused the explosion. Not sure which, but I will leave them both OFF the menu tomorrow in hopes of not defacing Elmo again.
1 p.m.
So, we got started a little late, but by 10 a.m. she had on some Elmo panties that she picked out herself. She had helped me wash and get them ready the day before. Together we threw away all the extra diapers in the house, and it was time to roll. I wanted to keep her away from the carpet at least at first, so we sat on the floor to roll a ball around. Her legs were wide open so I spotted the pee right away. We ran to the potty, got cleaned up and put on some flower panties (we had 30 pair to choose from.) She had 4 more accidents. A few times she would tell me she had to go pee-pee -- we would go to the potty, she would sit and then say, "All done" right away. I figured she didn't understand yet because 30 seconds later she would pee on the floor. After 5 accidents in an hour, she wanted to sit longer on the potty, and when she stood up it was full of pee. I didn't even have time to praise her because she ran off with the potty seat in her hand to play with it. For the next hour she peed every 5 minutes or sat on the potty for awhile. I think she gets it -- at least in theory. We are both really tired, and it was time for a nap. I took some old blankets and set up a bed for her on her floor. She was very passionate about sleeping in her room. I laid her down 15 minutes ago and have not heard from her. I put the potty chair in the corner of the basement because I don't know if I can carry a peeing child run the stairs. Now it is time to watch Grey's, but I don't expect to get very far into it.
5:15 p.m.
I got about 20 minutes of Grey's in plus a sandwich and some blogging. And at about 1:45 I heard a little voice talking about poo-poo. I ran down there ASAP. She was wet and tired. I put her on her chair, but she was cleaned out. And no poop. Amen. I changed her blankets and laid her back down. Five minutes later, she was up, and wet, and we started the whole peeing every 3 minutes thing all over again. I think she forgot the system at first because she wet on the floor twice right after her naps, but this time she could stop the pee and get the rest in the toilet. Nice. I was very proud. Then, I started smelling things, and I knew it was "that time." It could go really good or really bad. And since she only goes once a day, we had only one chance for a glimmer of hope. After a few small pee-pee accidents while she was workin' on the poop, she left me a wonderful gift in the potty chair. I was so proud. I gave her a little set of miniture dolls I was saving for that moment. THEN .... DEAR ME! The worst thing possible happen. Let me preface this by saying that Quinn has not had anything but beautiful poop since she was like 10 months old. So, today of all days her body chooses to give her (as we called it in my home growing up) the Hersey Squirts -- you know, farts that are liquid. What in the world?!! Worst day ever for that to happen. She was playing nicely with her new toy, and I heard a very quiet noise. She new it was bad. Her face showed it. "Oh, no!!" she screamed. We ran to the potty, and I saw the damage. It was not pretty. This is when I made a mistake. I asked her if she wanted to get in the bathtub. Of course she did!! I might as well of said, "Let's give up and put on diapers." Of course she did not want to get out of the tub. Who knows how much she got rid of in there. We got out of the bath about an hour and a half ago, and she has not used the potty since or . The exploiding fart might have ruined her forever. I also think she forgot how to go on the potty like this morning. We're sitting and watching Elmo right now, and she keeps saying, "Pee-pee." We run to the potty and nothing happens. She wants to play catch with her doggy while she sits there. She's not being very nice to me tonight, and I am really tired. But at least we might sleep OK. She hasn't really had liquids for several hours, so we might have limited disturbances tonight. We are both pooped ...
7:19 p.m.
AHH! I'm so tired. That was one of the hardest 2 hours of the day. I think Quinn started to catch on that I was tired and sort of done hanging out with her. She normally doesn't mind when I do my own thing every now and then during the day, but every time I picked up the computer tonight, she start screaming about pee-pee. I would rush her to the potty, and then she would start jumping and playing before and after she sat down. It was so frustrating. She kept trying to close the potty chair lid on herself or picking up the cushy seat and throwing. It was really annoying. I had a hard time staying positive with her especially since she had not gone once with the bath tub. Then I caught her watching Elmo and sort of moving around like she had to go, but she had just told me 10 times in a row and then done nothing on the potty. She kind of moved her panties out fo the way and peed! She didn't finish in the potty. Then as I tried to put her to bed, she would find the "perfect" times to jump up and say she had to pee. She would just start marching right up the stairs. What was I supposed to do? But then when we would get to the potty, it was the same story with the jumping and playing and being silly. I was not in the mood. Then, just as the night time routine is completely done, she jumps up again. I thought I was going to need to call in for help. I got a little stern with her when she sat on the potty ... making it clear with was the last time. Suddenly she peed while sitting at the very end of the potty and it nearly hit me in the face. Under normal circumstances that would have been infuriating, but I was just happy to see a lot of pee. Good night, Quinn. When we got back down stairs, she asked to sleep in her crib. So we moved the blankets from the floor to the crib, and although I know I'll have to change the sheets, at least for now she is contained. She demanded water. I made her wait a long time for it, but then finally took a cup with about 2 sips worth. I explained to her that this is all the water she gets. She drank it right away and did not complain. Again, Good Night, Quinny.
Debreifing: I am using the official 3 Day Potty Training eBook. I love it. The only reason I am training now is because I think this method can work for Quinn. Some people might ask me the obvious question: Why would you take on something so big when you are so big and tired and ready to pop? Well, it comes down to this. I am going to be tired and frustrated at the end of every day until this baby comes and probably after. I would rather work toward a goal for me and Quinn and be tired at the end of the day because we work on something important as opposed to being completely spent at the end of the day because I only kept us alive. Big goal is better for me.
As for the method, I can't give too many details because it has a serious copyright on it, but it is working. The most important things are to pay complete attention to your child for the whole three days. It is hard, but really good for us. There is also no punishing during the three days. It is not clear if this goes for problems relating to training alone or all broken house rules. I have been trying to stay positive about everything, and it is really good for me. Like Zoloft. A new approach, a chance to try it differently.
We went through about 11 pair of underwear, two blankets and several hand towels. Everything is washed and ready for tomorrow. All accidents took place on wood or tile (we have fake versions of both in our house, but you get the idea.)
Tomorrow I need to have more activities for us to do AND I need to go a little bit lighter on the fluids. It is important to fill them up with all kinds of juice. This really shortened the time it took Quinn to understand how to go in the potty because she had to go or have an accident every 5 minutes at one point. But it seems she has a bladder like mine, and I think she was uncomfortable for part of the day because there was just too much pee. It seemed that Crystal Light went through her the fastest, but it sort of leaked from her cups, and I was cleaning that up for half the day, too. She had a bite or two of a Fiber One bar. It was either this or the Grape Juice that caused the explosion. Not sure which, but I will leave them both OFF the menu tomorrow in hopes of not defacing Elmo again.
2 good nights
Just in case you are following my lack of sleep, I just wanted to say that the last two nights have been much better. I went to a new chiropractor on Wednesday who was highly recommended by Lizza. She said he really takes the time to work on your muscles and get to the roots of your problems. I was there for 2 hours on Wednesday!!
Now, I realize that is a long time, but a massage for 2 hours for $20 .... I think I can handle that.
Anyway, that night (with help from Tylenol, too) I slept for much longer without waking up with major pain in my hips. Thank goodness!! Then last night, I made it for 2 stretches of about 4 hours each, which is huge. When my hips don't hurt a) they don't hurt .... b) I don't wake up c) I don't have to get out of the bed to pee because I am not awake d) I don't get all caught up in my thoughts because I am not awake. It is great.
So thanks to Dr. Richard Olsen. I have another appointment on Wednesday. My plan is to see him 2 or 3 more times before McKenna gets here. Then a few days after the birth, I am going to a local Dr. for a quick fix. I was really messed up after Quinn. Then I will see Dr. Olsen a few more times, and then put all this pain behind me .... until next time.
Now, I realize that is a long time, but a massage for 2 hours for $20 .... I think I can handle that.
Anyway, that night (with help from Tylenol, too) I slept for much longer without waking up with major pain in my hips. Thank goodness!! Then last night, I made it for 2 stretches of about 4 hours each, which is huge. When my hips don't hurt a) they don't hurt .... b) I don't wake up c) I don't have to get out of the bed to pee because I am not awake d) I don't get all caught up in my thoughts because I am not awake. It is great.
So thanks to Dr. Richard Olsen. I have another appointment on Wednesday. My plan is to see him 2 or 3 more times before McKenna gets here. Then a few days after the birth, I am going to a local Dr. for a quick fix. I was really messed up after Quinn. Then I will see Dr. Olsen a few more times, and then put all this pain behind me .... until next time.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Babymoon
So, we finally got our night away. It was great.
We apparently picked all the right people to watch Quinn because she didn't look twice when we came to the door to pick her up. She just kept playing. Also, she had salon beautiful hair because Brandon or Lindsay straightened it. So cute.
While we were gone, we watched the movie, "7 Pounds" with Will Smith. This movie is amazing, but I can not tell you what it is about because that would give the whole movie away. However, I can tell you that I figured it out dozens of scenes before Tim, which is not normal.
We had no Internet and no cell phones, so we just sat there and talked or didn't talk. We also played a 7 game tournament of Rack-o, my favorite game. Tim won.
We cooked both dinner and breakfast together, which has almost never happened. Tim cleaned the kitchen. I am a lucky girl. We also ate all our favorite junk foods: Jolly Rancher Fruit Chews, Cool Ranch Doritos, Lindt Chocolate, Breyer's Mint Chip Ice Cream, and funky flavored pretzel pieces.
We slept in separate beds , which was wonderful, because beached whales prefer to be alone at night so no one (even the person they love) can not hear them sniffing and flailing about.
We were home by noon. Refreshed and ready for McKenna. Less than a month now, folks. And the to-do list is getting shorter by the minute. Tim heads back to work tomorrow while Quinn and I watch our friend Paige on Friday and conquer the potty on Saturday. Updates to come on that adventure. The plastic sheets are packed on and ready to roll.
We apparently picked all the right people to watch Quinn because she didn't look twice when we came to the door to pick her up. She just kept playing. Also, she had salon beautiful hair because Brandon or Lindsay straightened it. So cute.
While we were gone, we watched the movie, "7 Pounds" with Will Smith. This movie is amazing, but I can not tell you what it is about because that would give the whole movie away. However, I can tell you that I figured it out dozens of scenes before Tim, which is not normal.
We had no Internet and no cell phones, so we just sat there and talked or didn't talk. We also played a 7 game tournament of Rack-o, my favorite game. Tim won.
We cooked both dinner and breakfast together, which has almost never happened. Tim cleaned the kitchen. I am a lucky girl. We also ate all our favorite junk foods: Jolly Rancher Fruit Chews, Cool Ranch Doritos, Lindt Chocolate, Breyer's Mint Chip Ice Cream, and funky flavored pretzel pieces.
We slept in separate beds , which was wonderful, because beached whales prefer to be alone at night so no one (even the person they love) can not hear them sniffing and flailing about.
We were home by noon. Refreshed and ready for McKenna. Less than a month now, folks. And the to-do list is getting shorter by the minute. Tim heads back to work tomorrow while Quinn and I watch our friend Paige on Friday and conquer the potty on Saturday. Updates to come on that adventure. The plastic sheets are packed on and ready to roll.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Grey's Anatomy: Can't quit
So, I stopped watching Grey's Anatomy because it is trashy and does not gel with my life standards, and because I loved it so much that I had a hard time focusing on anything else. Plus, it started to get all lesbian, and that is a whole other can of worms. So instead of dealing with it, I just took it off my Tivo. Then a student filled me in, I caught the end of a good episode, and the whole Issie thing started to go down. Now I am hooked again. So hooked that I dedicate Friday naptime to catching last night's episode, I ignore the lesbians, I can't fall asleep on Sunday nights if I know I haven't caught up yet because I was out of town of Friday naps, I text students about it, and I apparently blog about it. I guess I just really love Issie and feel personally invested in what happens, which is of course how the show gets the most money out of that actress leaving the show. I have completely fallen for it. Nothing I can do to stop it.
Anyway, just watched an amazing episode. The one with the wedding, and it about killed me. How is an insomniac supposed to sleep now?
So, Love it. But I still have not put it back on my Tivo ... out of principle, which makes no sense because ABC can't track what I watch on my Tivo, but they can see my Internet choices until the cows come home. It doesn't make sense, but I love it.
Anyway, just watched an amazing episode. The one with the wedding, and it about killed me. How is an insomniac supposed to sleep now?
So, Love it. But I still have not put it back on my Tivo ... out of principle, which makes no sense because ABC can't track what I watch on my Tivo, but they can see my Internet choices until the cows come home. It doesn't make sense, but I love it.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Listen
This is a picture of Quinn listening. If she hears a noise that is new to her or if I say, "Listen to that sound," she puts her hands on her cheeks like this. Sometimes she put them on her cheeks like the kid in Home Alone! In this picture she is listening to music, so she is kind of dancing too. But normally she freezes her body and really concentrates and says, "Mommy, a sound." I love it.
Too Tired for the List?
So, I'm on maternity leave! No more work until August.
But what am I supposed to do with my time?
I've got a to-do list, but I'M TOO TIRED TO DO ANYTHING ON IT!!
Well, let's see:
Ok, one day at a time.
Today:
1) Walk with Ammie
2) Nap with Quinn
3) Organize toys (at least half of the job)
4) Call the chiropractor
5) Settle the baby sitting situation for Quinn while we're away
See, Jill, that is not too hard. I think I can do it.
Can someone get Quinn dressed for our walk?
I'll just sit here.
END OF DAY UPDATE:
Well, Quinn is in bed ... I think. Well, I know she is in there, but is she sleeping? She hasn't been going to bed until after 8 p.m., and her bed time used to be 7 p.m. It is kind of the worst time possible for that to change because by 7 p.m. I am ready to walk away from motherhood. Image how I feel at 8? It is not pretty. But today I tried to be a different kind of best mom ... you know, the kind that feeds their kinds on time and does the whole bedtime routine. I think it work. She got lots of sleep, ate good food, only went to time out once (well, three quick times in a row), sat and read several books with me, didn't mix her play dough colors, said, "Ok, Mommy, when i reminded her to not push her friend, and now is apparently sleeping on time for the night. Wow. I, on the other hand, want to die. But I did take my walk with Ammie, make the Dr.'s appointment, organize all the toys (3/4 of the job, at least), hang out with a friend, and settle the babysitting situation. I also planned our vacation, did a little yoga, rearranged my appiontment schedule so I can potty train Quinn next week, and watched about 4 shows (House and Lie to Me). Anyway, I can't imagine I'll survive long on days like this. As I was telling Tim, I have all this interest in getting stuff done. I want things clean and organized and ready for the next stage of our life, but sometimes I have to settle for making a list and checking it twice AND DOING IT LATER, BECAUSE I AM TIRED.
I didn't talk to my sister today. I miss her. Oh, Kristie, where art thou? I'm so tired.
But what am I supposed to do with my time?
I've got a to-do list, but I'M TOO TIRED TO DO ANYTHING ON IT!!
Well, let's see:
- Organize every toy in the house and rearrange the front room.
- Learn to cut a whole chicken.
- Make dinner more often. (Also no money for this one.)
- Potty train Quinn.
- Move my body so it won't hurt so badly ALL THE TIME.
- Buy supplies for my dad to put molding and a door in Quinn's room.
- Buy a bed skirt for my bed and Quinn's crib.
- Buy bins and storage shelves for the hall closet. (This is part of Toy organization.)
- Visit friends.
- Go to a Chiropractor. (He is in Springville so this involves a few hours of Quinn at a sitter.)
- Bleach the stained baby clothes (without ruining any of my maternity clothes.)
- Get the Swing out (after the toy organization.)
- Hang out with my sister -- but she is too far away :(
- Convince my mom to come hang out with me :)
- Go to campus and change any of the grades that I messed up.
- Screen the phone calls of whining students.
- Teach Quinn to clean up her toys.
- Watch Paige so Bridget can buy a house (not too tired for this.)
Ok, one day at a time.
Today:
1) Walk with Ammie
2) Nap with Quinn
3) Organize toys (at least half of the job)
4) Call the chiropractor
5) Settle the baby sitting situation for Quinn while we're away
See, Jill, that is not too hard. I think I can do it.
Can someone get Quinn dressed for our walk?
I'll just sit here.
END OF DAY UPDATE:
Well, Quinn is in bed ... I think. Well, I know she is in there, but is she sleeping? She hasn't been going to bed until after 8 p.m., and her bed time used to be 7 p.m. It is kind of the worst time possible for that to change because by 7 p.m. I am ready to walk away from motherhood. Image how I feel at 8? It is not pretty. But today I tried to be a different kind of best mom ... you know, the kind that feeds their kinds on time and does the whole bedtime routine. I think it work. She got lots of sleep, ate good food, only went to time out once (well, three quick times in a row), sat and read several books with me, didn't mix her play dough colors, said, "Ok, Mommy, when i reminded her to not push her friend, and now is apparently sleeping on time for the night. Wow. I, on the other hand, want to die. But I did take my walk with Ammie, make the Dr.'s appointment, organize all the toys (3/4 of the job, at least), hang out with a friend, and settle the babysitting situation. I also planned our vacation, did a little yoga, rearranged my appiontment schedule so I can potty train Quinn next week, and watched about 4 shows (House and Lie to Me). Anyway, I can't imagine I'll survive long on days like this. As I was telling Tim, I have all this interest in getting stuff done. I want things clean and organized and ready for the next stage of our life, but sometimes I have to settle for making a list and checking it twice AND DOING IT LATER, BECAUSE I AM TIRED.
I didn't talk to my sister today. I miss her. Oh, Kristie, where art thou? I'm so tired.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Short Ode to Avery
You know we are naming McKenna "Avery McKenna," but do you know why?
Well, basically Tim and I have been blessed with really great sisters and sister-in-laws. We really are so lucky. No drama. Lots of love. No competition. Just greatness. We don't have favorites, but we have spent the most time with my sister, Krisite, and Tim's sister Avery. Quinn's full name is Kristie Quinn after my Kristie, and now we are keeping the pattern with Avery McKenna.
Avery really means everything to us. She embodies so many characteristics that I look for in friends and that I want my children to have. She is kind at the core, which is not something a lot of us are. We try. We know how to be kind. We really mean it sometimes. But most of us have been taught to be nice. Avery just came that way. Her love for others and her ability to put other people before herself is intense almost to a fault, but, hey, if you are going to have a fault (which you are) that is the one to have. A recipe for Angel.
And on top of all the things we love about her personality and her core soul, she also has tons of the same interests as me.
We're both earthy ... but love Ikea. We love homemade granola ... and candy. We do Yoga, we work out for the mind's sake, we think deeply about things, we love Quinn. The list goes on.Anyway, I might not be getting at the root of our passion for Avery Lynn Fellow, but it is there.
A passion.
In fact, I honestly believe that part of what threw off my neurotransmitters and caused the antepardum depression was that Avery had left and was so far away. It was literally too much for me to bare during this hard pregnancy.
I believe that the feeling is mutual between me, Tim AND Quinn. We all know that 2 year olds forget things, and I've been worried for some time that Quinn would forget what a constant and important force that Avery has been in her life.
Well, yesterday Avery finally got iChat, and it was like she never left. After talking to her, building block towers for her, and kissing her good night, Quinn went to bed. She asked Tim to say her prayers for her, but the whole time she kept wishpering, "Ah, Avery. Ah Avery. Ah Avery." She says it in a tone like you would if you were making a list. "I'm grateful for my mommy and my daddy and my dog-dog." But last night it was all Avery.So, hopefully our little McKenna will be a little piece of Avery in our home. We are honored to have a woman like Avery in our life to name our daughter after (and the same for Aunt Kristie.) That is our ode, and we are sticking to it.
We love and cherish you, Avery (although we never send B-day gifts), and McKenna, ... could you just get here? You're killing me, sweetheart.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Temple Birthday Cake
So, Temples are a big deal in my church. Big deal. So it is pretty cool if your 2-year-old shows an interest in them in any way. You know, Jesus is a complicated concept, but you can actually drive by a temple to see it and talk about. So your chances are a little higher that your little one will jump on the Temple train before the Jesus bandwagon.
The other night (after that CRAZY Friday with the painting and the party and my shoes falling on every time I tried to get in the car because my thighs kept bumping into my belly) Quinn and I were laying in my bed because I did not have the energy to put her to bed. So we just talked for awhile. Out of nowhere she pointed to a painting we have of the Nauvoo Temple in our room and said, "A House."
I said, "That's not really a house. It is a Temple."
"A Tempo?"
"Yeah, it's like a church but it is really big and really special. It is Jesus' house. It's a big deal."
"Tempol," she said with a ponder.
"Yeah, there is a song about it. Do you want to sing it?" I started singing the Mormon Classic, "I love to see the temple." She started singing along, which was crazy because she had never tried to sing along with any other song accept the ABC's. I just tried to cherish the moment in my Mormon heart but not take too much stock in it because ... ah ... she's 2.
Really tall ... but still only 2.
Anyway, the Temple conversations have continued. She's a big fan.
Tonight, she wanted me to draw her pictures on her mini magna doodle. I drew words, letters, flowers, people, scribbles, and then I started drawing Temples for her to color. She liked that so much that she asked daddy to do it for her when he got home. I had been drawing St. George style temples.
He drew Salt Lake.
Then he drew a Provo Temple. It is no secret that the Provo Temple resembles a birthday cake. Apparently, so did Tim's picture because when he showed it to her, she immediately started blowing at it!
We had a good laugh, and it reminded me to keep things in perspective -- Even important things like Temples ... and Birthday Cakes.
P.S. Along those lines I loved hearing a story from Heidi about how her little Mae (also 2) has misunderstood the words to "I love to see the temple." The song says, "For the Temple is a house of God. A place of love and beauty ..."
Instead she sings, "A place of sleeping beauty..." And she continues to think that the different Disney Princesses live in the different temples. Ariel apparently frequents the Salt Lake Temple, according to Mae-Mae. Perspective.
The other night (after that CRAZY Friday with the painting and the party and my shoes falling on every time I tried to get in the car because my thighs kept bumping into my belly) Quinn and I were laying in my bed because I did not have the energy to put her to bed. So we just talked for awhile. Out of nowhere she pointed to a painting we have of the Nauvoo Temple in our room and said, "A House."
I said, "That's not really a house. It is a Temple."
"A Tempo?"
"Yeah, it's like a church but it is really big and really special. It is Jesus' house. It's a big deal."
"Tempol," she said with a ponder.
"Yeah, there is a song about it. Do you want to sing it?" I started singing the Mormon Classic, "I love to see the temple." She started singing along, which was crazy because she had never tried to sing along with any other song accept the ABC's. I just tried to cherish the moment in my Mormon heart but not take too much stock in it because ... ah ... she's 2.
Really tall ... but still only 2.
Anyway, the Temple conversations have continued. She's a big fan.
Tonight, she wanted me to draw her pictures on her mini magna doodle. I drew words, letters, flowers, people, scribbles, and then I started drawing Temples for her to color. She liked that so much that she asked daddy to do it for her when he got home. I had been drawing St. George style temples.
He drew Salt Lake.
Then he drew a Provo Temple. It is no secret that the Provo Temple resembles a birthday cake. Apparently, so did Tim's picture because when he showed it to her, she immediately started blowing at it!
We had a good laugh, and it reminded me to keep things in perspective -- Even important things like Temples ... and Birthday Cakes.
P.S. Along those lines I loved hearing a story from Heidi about how her little Mae (also 2) has misunderstood the words to "I love to see the temple." The song says, "For the Temple is a house of God. A place of love and beauty ..."
Instead she sings, "A place of sleeping beauty..." And she continues to think that the different Disney Princesses live in the different temples. Ariel apparently frequents the Salt Lake Temple, according to Mae-Mae. Perspective.
Great Minds Think Alike
A few years ago, Tim and I got really into the canceled TV series "Firefly." We watched the movie and the series. We knew that Lizza's husband was working on a big documentary about the story of the show being canceled and then being turned into a movie, but we had not seen it yet because it was not finished. A few months went by, and we both forgot about the doc.
One day I was at Lizza's house, and I saw a box finished DVD's of the documentary. She gave me one, and I could not wait to surprise Tim with it that night.
I called him on my way home.
"I'm bringing home a surprise for you," I said.
"Really? I've got a surprise for you, too," he said.
"Really? That is not very common," I said. Neither of us would budge with hints or clues.
When I got home, a copy of the same documentary was sitting on the kitchen table. At first I was confused how the surprise for Tim beat me home. He had ordered the film a few days before, and it came to the house on the same day that Lizza gave me a copy. Great Minds Think Alike.
Then, today I was talking to my friend, and she offered me her cabin for a few nights. I was so excited because Tim and I could really use a night alone before the baby comes, and since I just finished work, it is perfect timing. I jumped on it and told her we would go up within the next two weeks. I even got the keys. We are ready to party.
So, I called Tim and said, "I have a surprise for you. I'm taking you on a vacation next week."
"Really? With Quinn or without Quinn," he asked.
"Without her," I said.
"Well, I was going to take you on a vacation this week without Quinn," he said. At first neither of us would budge on hints and clues again, and then we caved. He scheduled to borrow one of his friends cabin in the SAME general area the same days as I did with my friend. Again, it is nice to be on the same page.
The longer we are together, the more we think alike (on some things.) This is one reason I expect very little attention tomorrow on the big mother's day. We always talk about it and acknowledge it. I always get breakfast, but then it is over. No guilt. No frills. And it is fine with me.
Great minds. Same page.
One day I was at Lizza's house, and I saw a box finished DVD's of the documentary. She gave me one, and I could not wait to surprise Tim with it that night.
I called him on my way home.
"I'm bringing home a surprise for you," I said.
"Really? I've got a surprise for you, too," he said.
"Really? That is not very common," I said. Neither of us would budge with hints or clues.
When I got home, a copy of the same documentary was sitting on the kitchen table. At first I was confused how the surprise for Tim beat me home. He had ordered the film a few days before, and it came to the house on the same day that Lizza gave me a copy. Great Minds Think Alike.
Then, today I was talking to my friend, and she offered me her cabin for a few nights. I was so excited because Tim and I could really use a night alone before the baby comes, and since I just finished work, it is perfect timing. I jumped on it and told her we would go up within the next two weeks. I even got the keys. We are ready to party.
So, I called Tim and said, "I have a surprise for you. I'm taking you on a vacation next week."
"Really? With Quinn or without Quinn," he asked.
"Without her," I said.
"Well, I was going to take you on a vacation this week without Quinn," he said. At first neither of us would budge on hints and clues again, and then we caved. He scheduled to borrow one of his friends cabin in the SAME general area the same days as I did with my friend. Again, it is nice to be on the same page.
The longer we are together, the more we think alike (on some things.) This is one reason I expect very little attention tomorrow on the big mother's day. We always talk about it and acknowledge it. I always get breakfast, but then it is over. No guilt. No frills. And it is fine with me.
Great minds. Same page.
Pictures of St. George
Here are some pics of the trip. A few captions and lots of fun.
Downtown St. George. Playing in the water!
Large and in charge.
Where'd the wa-wa go?
Friends since the 80's.
Friends since the 2007's.
All together and ready for a wild night at the Texas Roadhouse.
I love you, ladies! Thanks for a fun vacation to keep my mind off of the countdown.
Downtown St. George. Playing in the water!
Large and in charge.
Where'd the wa-wa go?
Friends since the 80's.
Friends since the 2007's.
All together and ready for a wild night at the Texas Roadhouse.
I love you, ladies! Thanks for a fun vacation to keep my mind off of the countdown.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Warm Weather Baby?
Maybe McKenna is going to love hot weather.
Quinn and I are in St. George this weekend, and she seems to be doing everything she can to be born here. Major contractions, low and strong. Yikes. Bridget and Heidi keep reminding me to drink enough water. It's fine with me, though. As long as the contractions are doing something. But when McKenna does make her move, I do hope I am in Utah County for heaven's sake. It wouldn't be all bad, though, to have her on the road. I love an adventure. And anyone who pretends they don't love having a good story to tell ... is lying ... or just boring.
We've had a great vacation hanging out with two of my oldest friends, Bridget and Heidi. We all have 2-year-olds and one on the way. They understand the fits and fights and time outs and aches and pains and cravings, and plus we've got the love and history to back each other up. Very cool.
We've spent as much time as possible near water 'cause it be hot here, yo. Quinn's loved it, and she hasn't noticed the horrible sun burn I provided for her today... oops. I put a coat of lotion on her before we left for the splash pad, and THEN changed her into her suit without applying to the parts that were covered the first time. Again. Ooops. So she has some pretty red lines and chunks on her shoulders, bum and scalp (because all three girls had matchy, match pony tails today.) But as Heidi said, "At least you know the sun screen works." And that should motivate my efforts for the rest of the summer. I did buy water babies stick to apply sun screen to her face, and althought she hates it, I get more on her face and less in her eyes, and it seems to work really well. And I've decide to committ to Nutragina SPF 55 for the rest of her body of the summer. If she gets burned again, I will report it here, and it will be your job to scold me. Please.
On the drive down here on Thursday, the girls were great, and Heidi and I loved catching up. I was sad to not get to stop and see my good friend Melissa in Cedar City AGAIN, but I knew the little ones would not have handled a long stop well. So I hope my Melissa forgives me. By the time I see that cute baby of hers, he'll be potty trained, I swear. Instead of Cedar City we did stop in Beaver to buy my first squeaky cheese. Nothing says road trip, I guess, like cheese that literally squeaks when you chew it. Heidi warned me before my first bite, "Now, it's not for everybody." That is no cheerleading squaud to help you try something new. But luckily I really liked it.
Bridget's dad treated us to a Mother's Day dinner at Texas Roadhouse tonight, and I loved it. He was a hoot to have at dinner because he chose a place where the kids could be loud and then never cared about the crazy thing they did. I loved it. When she was driving me crazy throwing menus on the flow, he just kept giving her more until she got it out of her system. I guess I forget to do that sometimes. She's a kid. Why don't I just let her get it out of her system sometimes?
Back home tomorrow and ready to do a lot of nothing until June 9. Anyone care to join me? I'll probably be floating at the Lehi pool.
Quinn and I are in St. George this weekend, and she seems to be doing everything she can to be born here. Major contractions, low and strong. Yikes. Bridget and Heidi keep reminding me to drink enough water. It's fine with me, though. As long as the contractions are doing something. But when McKenna does make her move, I do hope I am in Utah County for heaven's sake. It wouldn't be all bad, though, to have her on the road. I love an adventure. And anyone who pretends they don't love having a good story to tell ... is lying ... or just boring.
We've had a great vacation hanging out with two of my oldest friends, Bridget and Heidi. We all have 2-year-olds and one on the way. They understand the fits and fights and time outs and aches and pains and cravings, and plus we've got the love and history to back each other up. Very cool.
We've spent as much time as possible near water 'cause it be hot here, yo. Quinn's loved it, and she hasn't noticed the horrible sun burn I provided for her today... oops. I put a coat of lotion on her before we left for the splash pad, and THEN changed her into her suit without applying to the parts that were covered the first time. Again. Ooops. So she has some pretty red lines and chunks on her shoulders, bum and scalp (because all three girls had matchy, match pony tails today.) But as Heidi said, "At least you know the sun screen works." And that should motivate my efforts for the rest of the summer. I did buy water babies stick to apply sun screen to her face, and althought she hates it, I get more on her face and less in her eyes, and it seems to work really well. And I've decide to committ to Nutragina SPF 55 for the rest of her body of the summer. If she gets burned again, I will report it here, and it will be your job to scold me. Please.
On the drive down here on Thursday, the girls were great, and Heidi and I loved catching up. I was sad to not get to stop and see my good friend Melissa in Cedar City AGAIN, but I knew the little ones would not have handled a long stop well. So I hope my Melissa forgives me. By the time I see that cute baby of hers, he'll be potty trained, I swear. Instead of Cedar City we did stop in Beaver to buy my first squeaky cheese. Nothing says road trip, I guess, like cheese that literally squeaks when you chew it. Heidi warned me before my first bite, "Now, it's not for everybody." That is no cheerleading squaud to help you try something new. But luckily I really liked it.
Bridget's dad treated us to a Mother's Day dinner at Texas Roadhouse tonight, and I loved it. He was a hoot to have at dinner because he chose a place where the kids could be loud and then never cared about the crazy thing they did. I loved it. When she was driving me crazy throwing menus on the flow, he just kept giving her more until she got it out of her system. I guess I forget to do that sometimes. She's a kid. Why don't I just let her get it out of her system sometimes?
Back home tomorrow and ready to do a lot of nothing until June 9. Anyone care to join me? I'll probably be floating at the Lehi pool.
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