Showing posts with label Taylor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taylor. Show all posts

2/10/09

Tantrums and Teeth Marks

OK, we're finally back in business! Seriously, when it rains, it pours. Cliche, I know, but oh so true! Things are finally looking up... did I mention finally? LOL

It's going to be 60 today, for starters~ yay! Windows are open, there's fresh, spring like air-complete with that rainy day smell- drifting through the house, airing it out. I hate having to be closed up through the winter. I think that no matter how you clean, light candles, etc., there's just a closed up smell that happens. Nothing beats the fresh air.

We got a new keyboard, which was a desperate need. Some of the keys were going crazy (I think someone spilled something on it... could have been coffee, maybe... but there is no proof of that, ok? Don't judge me.) and backspace was deleting paragraphs rather than letters or words.... it was a disaster. When it took me almost an hour to send an email, I was done with it. Blogging would have been ridiculous, and I'm sure I'd have used some very colorful language in the process. I have enough reason to do that, soooo... new keyboard, blogging.

Taylor is getting over a killer cold, and still cutting teeth. Molars this time. She's chewing on everything, which is a step up from chewing and snotting on everything, LOL, but she has started to chew on me. She hasn't figured out the whole biting, tantrum, bratty kid angle- she just wants to gnaw on everything. Including my arms, shoulders, neck.... the kid is a vampire. She HAS figured out the tantrum, but she's also realizing that I know the difference between the "oh my God I'm in pain/scared/sick" crying, and the "I want my way and want it NOW" wailing. Been there, done that kid, ok? Save it for someone who hasn't had two other toddlers.

I've always handled tantrums pretty much the same way. Once you can tell they aren't going to hurt themselves/someone else, I pay no attention whatsoever. I pick up a book, magazine, pretend to flip channels and watch TV... anything to show I'm not buying it. Of course, I'm watching out of the corner of my eye, but that worked wonders for Alyssa at that age. At first, it doesn't seem as if it will, because ignoring them? Reeeeaaallly pisses them off. But they do learn to calm down, which is a good thing. They do learn they won't get anywhere that way, which is better, and eventually, they no longer bother. I learned this with a LOT of trial and error, after figuring out that Alyssa did not have some exotic toddler disease that caused kicking, throwing herself around erratically and screaming as if someone had cut off a limb- she was simply pissed off. At me. Go figure...

That's only at home, though. I'm not ignoring a screaming kid in public. I'm also not pacifying my screaming child (or anyone else's, frankly) by giving in. I'm not that mom. I'm all for kids being able to express themselves and their feelings- good, bad, in between. I'm all for hearing why they disagree with me, or helping them to figure out how to handle situations, etc. I'm not for the freedom of expressing yourself by being an ass in the store. I've seen kids throwing tantrums in carts, in clothing racks, screaming, kicking, even cussing parents. And the parent gives in, gets them the toy, or whatever else the issue is about. ???? Uh.. yeah. THAT's helpful.

I know there are extreme cases, I know there are special needs kids (have one, remember?) and I've learned (the hard way) how to deal with Jake and possible outbursts in public. I've also learned to schedule trips out around things so there's less chance my kid(s) were/are going to lose their shit in the middle of the checkout or something. Don't take a hungry, tired or ill toddler out and expect them to sit serenely as you wander leisurely through aisles. Not happening.

I'm not an expert, but I always have the essentials. Never leave home without something to play with, drink, or snack on. Take a change of clothes and wipes, diapers/pull ups- the one time you don't? Your kid will projectile vomit, twice, in the middle of the Halloween display and you will want to crawl into a hole in the floor. Just a hypothetical, though.....

I think a lot of times, once they realize certain things, kids pull crap when we're visiting, on the phone, out somewhere, etc., because they honestly think we won't discipline them the same way, wanting to avoid looking like a "bad guy." I'd rather look like the bad guy than look like the parent with a spoiled brat kid, you know what I mean? I'm not threatening you with "when we get home"... dealing with it later? Pointless. Just deal with it, it won't happen as often. The kids need to see you the same wherever you are, you know what I mean? Again, learned the hard way, LOL.

It's different now that Alyssa and Jake older. Now it's more about taking away privleges than it is about "no" and slapping hands. I'm having to refresh my memory on toddlers, tantrums, all of that stuff. I'd forgotten how much I used to look forward to the afternoon naps, the bedtime routine, etc. I'd forgotten how many times you can say "no" in a day, or run to move them away from something they can't have... even though it is the ONLY thing in a room of toys they can't have, but want. I'd forgotten the way a toddler's lungs can keep going and going.. and going....

But I'd also forgotten the way it feels when they can finally hug you back, or laugh and jump around when they see you when they wake up. I'd forgotten the thrill of a new word or sound, or some other milestone that happened before you know it.

Yeah, it's busy, it's hectic and tiring. Frustrating too. I wouldn't trade it, though. This is the best right here, right now. Teeth marks and all.

11/17/08

Party Pic-a-palooza!- The Cake

Taylor definitely wasn't too sure of the cake. She did, however, make one heck of a mess!











Party Pic-a-palooza! 2

A few more b-day pics!









Party Pic-a-palooza!








Here is the first batch of party pics. I kept the cake pics for a seperate post, because seriously? they do deserve their own post. LOL


everyone had a fantastic time, especially the Birthday girl. She lasted a lot longer than I expected she would- even after cake, she was raring to go for another couple hours. She was a little baffled by the whole thing, but once she really realized all this stuff was hers, and for her? She played it up, completely. She was sweet and friendly, everyone got to hold her and play with her. She loved her presents, and was really into taking the cards out of the envelopes, for some reason. the cake, however... well, you'll have to see for yourselves! LOL

11/14/08

Sunny Day, Sweeping the Clouds Away....

It's almost party time here at Casa Diva. Tomorrow, Miss T turns the big 1. She is, of course, having a party revolving around her favorite thing of the moment. I'm a theme junkie, I can't help it. With Lyss, it was Bear in the Big Blue House. Jake was Bob the Builder. These were steady, all encompassing loves for each of them, easy to pick, easy to plan. As always, Taylor has been a different kind of kid. She has had no all powerful love, like her sister and brother before her. She was briefly attached to Dora and Deigo, then Yo Gabba Gabba (and oh my God that is the scariest kids' show I have EVER seen). She's a finicky one, my T. But she has now discovered Sesame Street, and she is more entertained and fascinated than I've ever seen her. She absolutely adores Ernie, and is delighted by his laugh, his games, his voice. She loves Big Bird and pays a little attention to Elmo. But Ernie is her main guy right now, besides her Daddy. And man, does she try to imitate him. She has learned to point her finger, to attempt mimicking his laugh (and cracking up every time I do it) and to mimic a dog panting (which sounds a little obscene phone caller at times, but is very very cute.)

So, we are giving her the Street. Prepare yourself for the absolute cuteness of the pictures to come. We're doing her party at J's mom's house, because it's easier for everyone, and large enough to hold us all, LOL. We have the Sesame cake, decorations and assorted gifts that will surely be a hit with the Birthday Girl. I can't wait to see the realization that it's all for her. That's always a priceless moment, because at this age, they don't know to look forward to a party, or to gifts.

I've started and stopped a few posts about her upcoming birthday. I've come to realize that I simply can't write a sentimental letter to her and post it on the internet. I feel that's hers alone to have. And I love reading the letters to kids from moms- I think it's terrific to be that open online. I guess I am more private. Not in my love for her, or any of my kids. That I'll shout from the rooftops. But I am private, I suppose, in the journey I have taken the last few years- especially during my pregnancy and the first year of T's life.

I have grown with her, I'll say that much. I'm not the same person I was when I carried her, or the person I was the first few months of her life. That is a good thing, for everyone. I can't take credit for it, though. Taylor came into my life at a time I needed to wake up. To a lot of things. And she has changed my life, all of our lives, in a lot of ways I would never take back. For anything, for anyone. Having her has shown me things about myself I never knew, given me a perspective that broke my heart and gave me strength at the same time. All I can really say is 29-30 is a very different mindset than early 20's, when it comes to really seeing.

Here is to my last first birthday baby. My special, special girl who makes me laugh like I haven't laughed in years. The independent girl who looks so much like her big sister it amazes me. The walking, laughing totally her own person baby who dances to her own beat (although she loves her some "Single" by her Mommy's favorite guys) .

There were a lot of times I asked myself "why", about a number of things. But now I know. All of this led me, led all of us, to this final piece in our puzzle. This perfect little person who makes all of our days better. Finally, I think we get it. And regardless of how we got her, regardless of where we go.... it was worth every mile.

10/31/08

Happy Halloween!

From the Steelers cheerleader, the ghost and the vampire, Trick or Treat!!!!!











10/21/08

Pic-a-palooza!!!

It's been awhile since I plastered the kiddos' mugs on here, and I figured it was past time. blogger is being uncooperative (has been a lot for me lately?) about posting a lot of pics in one post, so this will have to do. For now! Tomorrow there will be more, and there will be blood, gore... and Steelers cheerleaders! Wanna know? You'll have to come and see...

But for now, I give you the monsters, LOL


Taylor, enjoying her bath. she's developed the need for splash time lately, drenching everything in reach- usually me! :)


Jake, faking a smile for the ever hated camera. LOL I force him, because someday I'll want more than a random shot to look back on!

Alyssa with the ever present Barbie (they vary, but there is usually one or more in hand, or within reach.. and the drama these women live through! Good Lord!) Also present, the resident lion-cat, Dizz. LOL

Miss T, sporting her Dad's Steelers hat. This is before she took it off and tried to eat it!

One of my favorites.


Miss Lyss and the ever present Dizzle. she claimed at the time she couldn't feel her chest anymore- I don't think it looks like he cares much, huh?

This is the first of many, I'm sure. Lot of holidays and birthdays in the next few months- brace yourself for the cuteness!

8/28/08

Silence

Today is the first semi "normal" day I've had this week. Monday was prepping for the school week. Tuesday was the first day of school, which involved all the hassle of getting Jake settled. Yesterday, i got my wisdom teeth out and we had another issue with the school. I think that's finally settled though. God knows it better be.

So far, the kids are loving the back to school deal. Alyssa is happy with who her teacher is (and I was relieved.) Jake seems to be adjusting and doing well.. he even had and did homework yesterday! It's going to be ok. I keep tellig myself that- it's going to be ok.

As for me, I spoke too soon about feeling well yesterday. I've been out of it, basically, since around six last night. I have no idea how I got the kids out the door this morning, I really don't. I'm not in a lot of pain, but I'm sick to my stomach and dizzy. And exhausted. I think the last weeks have caught up with me, and adding dental crap to it has just wiped me out completely. I started throwing up around 4 this morning (no blood, the extraction sites are perfectly fine) and thought I was going to pass out this morning when I was helping Lyss with her hair.

The good thing is she's becoming so responsible about school, etc. I don't have to be after her to hurry, to get dressed, to find this or that. Everything's done when they get home. Papers signed, homework done and put back in their folders, then returned to their backpacks. Lunches (if needed, usually just for Miss Picky) prepped the night before, clothes, etc., all ready. and we get up early enough to take our time. I hate rushing around, half awake, and I think they do better through the day if they can be comfortable in the mornings getting ready. This year has been a major improvement, already, when it comes to being organized. With the shift change coming up, I am worried, though, that it will somehow get messed up.

Yeah, I said shift change. Jim's moving to 2nd shift, so we're on our own in the evenings soon. I think that will be good for all of us, for various reasons. It will be sort of weird, I guess, at first, but it'll get me into a different routine a lot faster. And if anyone needs an entire evening routine makeover, it's this house!

I'm out, for now. My plans for the day? Not much! LOL Relaxing and playing with Taylor just about covers it. That's more than enough for me today!

8/25/08

The Next Couple Weeks

This might be my last full (or coherent) post for a couple of weeks. Tomorrow is the first day of school, and though we have been practicing our early bedtime routine, it always takes time to adjust to the real deal. I predict tiredness, some whining and perhaps scattered meltdowns... and the kids may feel wacked out, too. :)

Wednesday I get my wisdom teeth out, and while I'll do my best not to subject everyone to pain-killer induced posting, I can't make any promises. September is going to be a haze for me, I think. Fall is always really busy around here, winter even more so, but this year is busier than usual, and it may very well kick my ass before it's done. I'll do my best, but I'm only one woman, folks. One tiny woman with a lot going on right now, especially concerning the kids. I've planned and organized as much as one can where kids are concerned, but the thing about kids? They take the best laid plans and somehow make them cease to exist. Or at least alter them until your original plan is unrecognizable.

As for everything else... I'm trying to organize this outing I have for seeing my boys in October, and driving myself nuts with it. Planning it means thinking about it, thinking about it means getting more and more excited. I plan better when I'm not wriggling like a small puppy with weak bladder control. But, we take what we can right? Ha. I've waited for something like this for too long (a night away from children? come on, those are RARE!) not to be excited. Reliving this is something I'm not going to pass up, and I'm going to enjoy every step of it. It's the one thing I've carried with me for over half my life, and those things are priceless. OK, the feelings are priceless. The other stuff? Those are pricEY. But so worth it, to be able to let your teeny bopper self go ape shit one more time. (Or more, if they add another Ohio show... hmmm....)

Either way, the next few weeks are going to be insane, at best. Posting will be scattered, possibly hysterical, and somewhat drug induced (prescription drugs only, no illegals promise!!) So, bear with me on those fronts.

what I **do** promise is a lot of fun stuff. We are going to have some kick ass, no holds barred fun over here in the coming months. More picture posts, holiday stuff, and plenty of tales from the various happenings of the seasons to come. So, keep coming back, keep hangin in with me.

Welcome to the all new Confessions, folks. Let's party~

8/15/08

Pic-a-palooza!!! Kids, "Kids", and Pets!

**If you're looking for the sound check vids, scroll down.**

First up, the Jake man in a RARE picture... he's decided he isn't fond of the camera. So, rather than fight him, I sneak and get an occasional pic.



My favorite of Taylor so far, i think. she's so delighted it kills me!



More melt your heart from the ruler of our house. Cheeto face and all! :)



Dizzle. I always wonder why our cats run away......



My girls, chilling in a pile of toys. LOL Note the cheeto, still, on Taylor's face. She is an addict. I am an enabler... LOL.


Miss Lyss and her cat, Patrick. We **think** it's a Patrick anyway....


Lyss in her hat... we're on a hat kick around these parts lately....


Yeah, he looks thrilled about it... I made him wear the hat. Love it.


More cowboy hat!!!


Introducing Oliver! He is brand new, a little terrier mix who will not grow large, will not howl like a jackass all hours of the night, and more than likely will not cause me to sever tendons in my foot, unlike the previous dog, who did just that. By running into a darkened room- a being renovated room, filled with junk... and with my JMM CD's... one of which entered my foot. There is so a joke there, but I will let that go......

What i got today... and yes, that IS my screensaver. Ahhhh, life is good.......

7/24/08

Pic-a-palooza (How We Have Grown)

I've posted a lot of pics of Taylor since starting this blog. she's a baby, babies are cute, and they change so much, so fast. Like today, she started drinking from a sippy cup, which I am trying NOT to call her "cuppy." That's a hard one to break.
But, anyway. It made me think, and that led me to post some pics of all 3 of my rugrats when the older two still WERE rugrats. So, here we go. In no particular order, Zee Growth of Zee Small Ones. :)






This is Alyssa at one month, celebrating her first Easter. you can't tell, but the pants she's weating have little carrots and bunnies all over them. Yes, she was only one month old. And not impressed. :)





This is my guy Jake @ 2 months. He sported a preppy look as a baby- the shorts were khakis and that shirt buttoned over the other one. Too cute.



Miss Lyss @ 7 months. Her first christmas was coming up, and she loved the camera.



Jakers @ 1 month. He was peaceful his whole first year... then he walked... LOL.








Alyssa's first birthday. Anyone remember Bear in the Big Blue House?? He's on her head. And looking at this pic, I see just how much my girls look alike.



Jaker's first birthday party. He loved tearing into all those gifts!



My oh so serious guy @8 months, chillin in his Exersaucer. This was pre-walker, and pre busted up toes for me!


My babies, he @ 1 month, she @ 23 months. Yup, they are THAT close together. And I so loved that hat.



Miss Lyss turning three. Shortly after this picture, she yanked the barrettes out of her hair and cried about it. She wanted those presents, NOW.



Mr. Basketball @18 months. Look at that gorgeous head of hair! Yes, we are a binky bunch.



Me with Lyss @ age 3, on NYE in our new house. Yes, again the binky.



My first born @3 months, with her Pooh. I have one similar to this, somewhere, of her with the Stay The Same cassette. Mr. McIntyre, even then... LOL.



Miss Taylor Madison @ not even a whole day old yet. My last born, always baby, baby.




Jake at four, in preschool. Curls no more....



Miss Lyss on her first day of kindergarten. she thought she was uber cool that day, I'll tell ya!

Jake, thuggin @5.



The toothless wonder @ 5 almost 6.



Taylor today with her brand new friend, Sippy Cup. Sippy Cup was an immediate hit, especially filled with juice. also a hit, vanilla pudding, broccoli carrot and cheese baby food, and cheese puffs. She did not notice my not so subtle crying as she chugged out of the cup while grasping a Mum Mum rice cracker. too fast, too fast, too fast they grow up.




Miss Lyss and the Jake man, today. It flies, doesn't it? You blink, and it's gone. Amazing.Absolutely amazing.