Parenting a toddler (continued)

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”

 

We’ve had some frustrating moments with W lately.  I posted about it yesterday.

 

And then I got home from work yesterday and all was right with the world. J  W was awesome.  He started saying “more” in the cutest little voice and pointing to what it was he wanted more of (which was always chips or pretzels, BUT that’s beside the point).  He walked over to the dog and started petting her!!!  He hardly threw anything… just pushed a few magazines off the table and knocked his cup off his tray at dinner.  No big deal.  We read books and played trucks together.  We had a blast.  It was wonderful.  I think I heard angels singing.  Ok, not really, but after some trying times, this was a welcome change.  A nice reminder that these tough times will pass… and then we’ll have other obstacles to tackle. ;)

Parenting a toddler

This is a hard post to write…  Being a mom has been challenging lately.  I feel like I rocked the baby years, but toddlerhood… it’s a whole new ballgame and I’ve got a lot to learn.

W has been hitting the dog and throwing things lately.  He seems to hit the dog most often when he’s angry or frustrated.  I’ll tell him no or take something away and he’ll run over to the dog and smack her on the head.  It.is.so.incredibly.frustrating.  He’s had several time outs, I’ve yanked him away from the dog, I’ve yelled at him.  I feel incredibly guilty about it and nothing has worked.  And honestly, I feel really bad for the dog, but she just puts up with it.

Then there’s the throwing.  And I can’t even come up with a pattern to this.  I think W is confused that he can throw a ball or dog toy, but nothing else.  Yesterday he threw a book at my glass candle centerpiece (and his aim is scary good).  He also throws cups and objects at the dog and then laughs.

As if that weren’t bad enough, we had a doctor’s appointment over the weekend and I expressed concern that W wasn’t talking more.  The pediatrician agreed and recommended speech therapy if W doesn’t increase his word count significantly in the next 3 months.

I feel like a failure.  In my heart, I know that we read to him constantly, talk to him, and look at flash cards.  We go on walks, go to the Farmer’s Market on Friday, attend swim lessons and music class, etc.  He’s a happy boy with a very full life.  I don’t think there is anything we could’ve done differently, but I still feel like I failed him somehow. L

Parenting a toddler has not been easy.  I think this is just a phase and we’ll get through it.  But right now, uggh.

I did have someone at church approach me on Sunday and tell me that W is always so well behaved.  So there's that.  Maybe he knows God is watching. ;)  I probably just jinxed Sunday mass for us.

Are the renters trying to kill us??

I got home from work yesterday, walked into the house, and I was sure I smelled natural gas.  A had been cooking – baked ham for dinner and he was boiling corn on the cob for dinner.  I thought maybe the smell was just from using the oven.  I mentioned it to A, but A has a really poor sense of smell and didn’t notice anything.  He’d also been in the house quite a while.

I was frustrated.  I didn’t know if I should be legitimately concerned or if I was being paranoid.  And the other 3 in the house were no help.  A, W, and Addie couldn’t confirm if I was actually smelling something.  A asked if I wanted him to call the gas department.  I wasn’t sure.  Should I ask a neighbor to come over and smell my house?  Not exactly the first impression you want to make on new neighbors and it looked like our next door neighbors weren’t home.  Should I call my mom and ask her to come over and smell the house?  That seemed like a huge inconvenience to her.

I told A we’d eat dinner and then go for a walk to get some fresh air and clear my head nose.  We did just that and after returning, I walked in the house and was sure I still smelled something.

A called the gas department while I continued to tell him that I felt really stupid, was worried the fire department would come and cause a scene, was worried W would be getting to bed really late, blah, blah, blah.  A kindly assured me that it was best to be safe and even told the gas department that he and his wife smelled gas.  Very sweet since I was sure I was being paranoid and everything would turn out fine.

We all played in the back yard while waiting for the gas man.  He arrived and A went into the house with him while W, Addie, and I stayed outside.  A and the gas guy were in the house FOREVER.  I actually texted him asking if he was still alive.  I should add that we were instructed to keep the lights off so the house was pretty dark and I couldn’t see or hear either the gas guy or A.  Also, the dog was going completely bonkers.  She hated that a stranger was in the house and continued to jump and bark the entire.freaking.time.  I was trying to shush her while keeping an eye on W, which was pretty much a failure.  It was stressful and I was ready to be done with the little adventure.

Anyway, when all was said and done, my suspicions were confirmed.  The dryer had a leak.  The gas man (is there a better name for him?  Gas man seems inappropriate.) was able to repair it and kindly told us it was on him.  The oven was also leaking.  Apparently typical carbon monoxide readings for ovens are 50 units and ours was getting as high as 110.  Not good.  And it may have been much higher previously since the oven had been on for quite a while cooking the ham.  We now have a disconnected oven and will have to find out if its repairable or if we need a new one.

So why do I think the renters are trying to kill us?  Well, the dryer was the one thing that belonged to them.  We purchased it from them.  And I suspect they installed it themselves (and did a poor job of it).  I find it hard to believe that the first time we use the oven, it just so happens to develop a significant leak rendering it unusable.  And finally, the renters gave us their lawnmower and it doesn't seem to work.  Hmm…

On the bright side, we’re all alive. J  Albeit very tired and cranky after a long night (at least I am).  But this situation could’ve been much worse.

W is 19 months old!

Happy 19 months, W!

Didn’t I JUST write your 18 month post?!?  And you’re now closer to 2 than 1… WHAT?!?!  Well, your dad says you’re already practically 2, so I shouldn’t worry about that.  I guess he’s referring to your stubbornness, the way you throw a tantrum and get angry when you don’t get what you want.  You also have a tendency to yell and make your dissatisfaction known.  Yes, I’m pretty sure you’re giving us a taste of the “terrible twos”.

Anyway, you had a really eventful month.  We all flew to Baltimore to visit Aunt Lori and Uncle Bob.  You were an awesome little traveler and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.  Soon after, we moved into a new house.  We’ve only been there a couple weeks, but I’m  certain you love it.  You run through each of the rooms and push your talking dog and chomping alligators from room to room.  You also love to play in the yard.  Being outside is quite possibly you’re most favorite thing ever.

Not a lot to report on the development front.  I’ve noticed you trying to repeat words we say, but you still don’t do a lot of talking.  You do seem to learn the meaning of new words every day – you just don’t have much interest in speaking them… yet.  You do surprise me every now and then by saying a word randomly that I thought you’d forgotten.  We were eating dinner outside recently and you pointed to a stick on the deck and said stick.  You haven’t said that word in a long time, which supports my theory that you can say words, but you just don’t seem to want to very often.  You started music class with dad.  It doesn’t sound like you love it, but at least it’s an activity the two of you can do together.  We’ve also gone to the farmer’s market, parks, and attended lunch in the park.  You’re still a very picky eater.  Refusing to try any food you’re unsure of.  I made you a smoothie recently, thinking it’d be a good way to have you eat more fruits and veggies.  I thought it was delicious, but you pushed it aside.  I have to admit, I was pretty disappointed.  We’ll continue to try, but I’m not sure how to expand your pallet.  Your favorite things lately are cheese pizza, bagels and cream cheese, French fries, and apple cider (Grandma G got this for you at the farmer’s market and you were obsessed).  Oh!!  My favorite thing you’ve started doing… I’ll ask for a kiss and you’ll grab my face and plant one on me.  It’s adorable. J

Grocery shopping  is never complete until someone comments on your beautiful hair.  I’m not even exaggerating.  Every single time we’re at the store, someone comes over to compliment your hair.  We’ve had people come up to us and share pictures of their red headed children.  We even had a lady ask if she could touch your hair?!?

This month was so busy, I’m sure I’m leaving several things out.  You are our everything and more, little man!

 

Quest for the Perfect Diaper Bag

Let’s talk diaper bags.

 

I’m in the market for a new bag.  I’ve used one I purchased from Pottery Barn for over a year and a half and it’s held up wonderfully.  We’re on the go A LOT and I’m super impressed that this bag has survived multiple outings and two airplane trips.  But it’s starting to look a little worn and I think it’s time for an upgrade.

 

My two stipulations for a diaper bag are: 1.  It has to be stylish.  2. It can NOT look like a diaper bag.

 

These are my three favorites (can you tell I have a thing for navy??):

 

1. Pottery Barn Kids Sausalito Bag

2. Babymel Cara Stripe Tote Bag

3. Pottery Barn Kids Navy Geo Harper Tote

 

And if money weren't an issue, I adore this bag.  But come on, $400 for a diaper bag?!?!  No way.

Kate Spade Diaper Bag

 

So which do you like?  Do you have a diaper bag you swear by?

 

 

 

Moved In

We moved into our new house over the weekend.  It was a longer and slower process than expected.  I always seem to have this vision of things going perfectly and smoothly.  The movers were great, but there were more boxes than anticipated and they had to disassemble our bed, the crib, and a day bed, which resulted in taking a lot more time than originally planned.  And that resulted in a higher cost than planned.  BUT it all worked out in the end.  And I LOVE our new house.  Love it.  I’m excited for our Christmases and family time and watching our children grow.  But before all that, there are about a million boxes to unpack, painting to be completed, and lots of decorating.  Whew.  I’m exhausted just thinking about it.  And it’s been a little frustrating to want to charge your phone, but have no idea what box your cord is in or want your favorite necklace, but have no idea where that wound up.  I’m such a creature of habit.  I know it will all come together eventually.

And W is NOT a fan of unpacking.  I try to do a little each day when I’m not at work, but W wants my full attention.  I was working on something in his room yesterday and in a short time, he sent his xylophone flying down our beautiful hard wood stair case (cringe), dumped out a box of letters, and ripped pages in his book.  While in the kitchen, he dumped out an entire jar of spices, pulled things out of the garbage, and tripped and hit his head (3 times – hard wood floors are pretty, but not toddler friendly).  Also, he can open all the doors in the house since we have handles now and not knobs.  No bueno.  So unpacking with a toddler = mission impossible.  And I should add, he’s FAST.  It’s not like I’m leaving him unsupervised for long periods of time (or ever).

Finally, I need to mention our families.  They helped us tremendously.  Packing and unpacking, cleaning, and bringing dinner.  I don’t know what we’d do without them.  And our friends stopped by with dinner last night too.  Much appreciated when you are still in need of a grill and have little space for preparing a meal seeing as the kitchen is covered in boxes.

Moving

This afternoon is our final walk through of the house and tomorrow, we close.  Very excited and a little overwhelmed, but mostly excited. J  Here’s hoping the move goes smoothly.

 

We decided to give W a “big boy room”.  No more navy/green alligator nursery.  It makes me sad.  I LOVE his nursery.  But it seemed like the right time for a new room.  I’m feeling very guilty that I haven’t ordered much for his new room and it will be incomplete for a little while.  I needed to see the layout and determine where exactly furniture would go before ordering decor.  A suggested a sports theme and I was for it since W points out every basketball hoop in the neighborhood and says “goooaal” when he sees any type of sports event on tv. J  I can’t wait until it all comes together.  He’ll have a much bigger room at the new house and I hope he loves it.

Trip Recap and a Health Update

We’re back from our trip.  It was absolutely wonderful.  So nice to get away after A’s illness and the stresses of buying a house.  It was exactly what I needed.  And it was great to see family, spend time in the pool, eat amazing meals, and visit Washington D.C.  W was also perfect.  He was great on the plane and throughout the entire trip.

 

We arrived late Monday (6/30).  My uncle had prepared a crab quiche and beer soaked bratwurst for the non-seafood eaters.  He is an amazing cook and I always look forward to his creations.  I’m not a seafood fan, but felt I had to try the crab quiche since I was in Maryland. J  It was yummy.  There were also several delicious salads.  We caught up with family and got settled in.

 

Tuesday, W, A, and I headed to Washington D.C.  D.C. is about an hour from where my aunt lives and it’s probably my favorite big city.  I love all the monuments and buildings.  It was a long car ride for W, but he did well.  We decided to check out a couple of the museums.  First stop was the Air and Space museum.  I thought W would be more impressed, but he wasn’t really into the airplanes and rockets.  For me, the museum was a bit boring. :\  Not my thing.  Then we headed over to the American History museum.  About a 15 minute walk in the heat.  I liked this museum much better.  I absolutely LOVED seeing all the dresses worn by first ladies.  After that, we headed back to my aunt’s house and enjoyed some marinated chicken my uncle prepared along with several sides… mmm.

Wednesday, W, A, my mom, and I headed to a local petting farm.  It was adorable, but that day was so freaking hot.  A had to sit in the shade while we visited the animals.  W was a sweaty mess.  We thought the morning wouldn’t be so hot.  Wrong.  We stayed for a short time – long enough to see a lamb, piglets, horses, cows, ducklings, kittens, and W played in the corn.  When we left around noon, the heat index was 103.  Holy moly.  We spent some time in the pool.  That night, my uncle made some awesome hamburgers.  These weren’t your typical burgers.  He had purchased fresh beef from a neighboring farm.  Yum.  We also had corn on the cob, fruit, and more fabulous salads.  A perfect summer meal outside.

Thursday was a bit rainy and A and I were both tired.  We had been getting emails indicating that our mortgage broker needed further documentation to complete the “clear to close” for our new house.  Extremely frustrating.  We thought we had provided all the documentation and didn’t understand why no one had asked for it sooner.  Not to mention we were in Maryland and had very limited access to the necessary documentation.  The best part was, they needed the documents by the following day or our closing could be delayed.  Somehow A was able to obtain what they needed.  We relaxed, played in the pool, and ordered several gourmet pizzas for dinner.  They were delicious.  We also had gourmet brownies for dessert.  Yup, much of the trip was about eating. ;)

Friday was the fourth of July.  A got us tickets to the Cubs/Nationals game.  I love National’s Park and the seats were awesome.  W joined us and we had so much fun.  We walked around, I ate way too expensive nachos, we cheered on our Cubs.  After that, we headed back to the house where my uncle had prepared a taco bar along with sides.  This wasn’t your ordinary taco bar.  There was marinated steak, pork, ground beef, and fish to choose from, several salsas, and toppings.  Oh my.  It was heavenly.  There were also several desserts to choose from.  We didn’t see any fireworks and that was fine by me.

 

We also took walks, played with bubbles in my aunt’s massive yard, and ate most meals outside.  It was perfect and restorative.  I had a really hard time with A’s hospital stay and illness.  I was stressed and emotional.  I was trying my best to be a great mom, wife, employee, and also prepare for our move and our trip while keeping up with cleaning, cooking, etc.  I was trying to do all that while A wasn’t feeling well.  And I felt like I was failing at everything.  It was exhausting – emotionally and physically. 

It’s such a relief to have him feeling better.  It feels like a huge weight lifted.  I really hope we don’t experience anything like that for a while – or ever again.  AND the best news… A had a doctor’s appointment this morning.  His lung function has improved greatly.  He had the highest numbers he’s had in a while. J J

Now it’s back to work and preparing for our move.  But at least I’m in a happier, refreshed state of mind. J