tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51963381181592806202024-03-12T17:04:57.890-07:00Lima Bean & The Dirt FairyAuriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-78847344431707124422015-05-30T16:43:00.000-07:002015-05-30T16:43:14.626-07:00Avengers Training CampGuys, I made a thing. It was an awesome thing and so much fun happened. So much love from friends and beauty in the day and there was happiness and joy and all of it was to celebrate my little baby boy turning 5!<br />
I can not believe he is 5 now! It sounds cliche to say, but it really seems like just yesterday I was bringing home this little guy and was so scared and looked at the world and felt like it was nowhere near good enough to have this little child in it. And now he has made the world better just by being a part of it. He has made friends and learned so much and its all still SO brand new and amazing.<br />
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Today we celebrated his day by hosting Avengers Training Camp.<br />
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For snacks we had Hulk SPLASH! Punch, Thor's Hammer Cheese on a Pretzel, Hulk colored grapes and not Avengers related, but Nana Judy's Special Birthday Cookies. She has been making these for 18 years now for 6 grand children and great nephew's and niece's birthdays. It is just a simple sugar cookie recipe, but something about it is just perfect. This year I didn't even get to eat a single one before they all got munched!!!! We also did some hot dogs on the grill but I couldn't think of an Avengers theme to those, so they were just hot dogs. <br />
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I made the cake myself. I am a big believer in home made cakes, but I want to make them awesome too, so I had to learn. I am still learning and its far from perfect, but as the kids grow so will my skills (I Hope!). He really wanted Spiderman included, so I made it work even though there was no room on top for him. <br />
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The games were Captain America's Shield Bean Bag Toss. Yes I made the bean bags, I tried gluing the stars and stripe to the red and blue parts and it was a no go so I stayed up late last night sewing the parts back on. We nailed (yes nails, they hold the plate down and come up easy enough) paper plates into the lawn with the score, but no one was keeping score for real of course!<br />
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My husband and I have been hoarding the boxes we buy milk in (2 gallons at a time so it comes in a box) and we taped the handles shut and 4 (!!!) cans of spray paint later we had bricks for the <span class="_Tgc">Mjölnir throw. It was this game that was the biggest hit, the kids seemed to really enjoy smashing down the wall of "bricks"</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc"> We also did a fun event of Hulk Smash Balloon Pop. It was fun watching the younger kids try to pop the balloons and most of the bigger kids bit theirs. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Then we had a mask making table, but the glitter glue didn't dry in time, so many masks were left behind.... I felt a bit sad about this and if I had to do it again I would use metallic sharpies instead of glitter glue. Also, these plastic masks from Michael's craft stores were pretty gross to wear because of the sweat they held against the skin.... if I had thought about it sooner I would have bought some cardboard ones online before the party. But the big bowl of shape stickers were a big hit and easy to put on the plastic mask, plus now I have a bunch of leftovers for craft projects this summer. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Of course we ended with cake and gifts and lots of thank you's. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">I had a box of sticker books and little craft projects to do that came from the bins at Target or the clearance section of Fred Meyer and some of the little dry towels crammed into a little square that you put in the bath tub to make them big. Each kiddo got to pick a couple of toys to take home with them. I don't really do the cheapo goodie bag crap, I wanted it to be something they could enjoy and it didn't have to be Avengers themed since I wanted each kiddo to feel like they got something THEY wanted, so we had everything from Avengers stationary sets to Frozen word search games to packs of mini glo sticks. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">We saved the gifts from family members who couldn't be here for Liam to open on his actual birthday so that they would have their own special time for him to enjoy them. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">All in all, it was an AWESOME day. </span>Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-38600563969008744032015-02-14T12:36:00.000-08:002015-02-14T12:36:08.087-08:00Mason Jar Cozy!!I have been loving the Melita coffee maker my husband got me for Christmas, but pouring boiling water through the coffee grounds to brew it sure does make some HOT coffee. So I've been brewing it into a quart sized mason jar so it cools faster than in an insulated cup (did I mention that I LOVE coffee), but this is a rather large vessel now filled with nearly boiling hot liquid. I was having to use a hot pad to move it to my desk so I could sit and knit and sip my super hot coffee.<br />
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I decided that I wanted to make a mason jar cozy. I wrote it up just in case anyone else felt like making themselves one. <br />
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Without further ado, here it is.<br />
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Mason Jar Cozy (fits Quart size jars)<br />
Yarn: Peaches and Cream Cotton<br />
Needles U.S. #8 (5mm) circular needles (yes you can use DPN's if you like them better)<br />
Gauge: not super important, but I did knit it pretty tight. <br />
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Cast on 36 stitches and join to work in the round, place a marker before the first stitch if you need the help remembering where the beginning is.<br />
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Round 1-3 Knit all rounds<br />
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Round 4 *K1, P1* repeat until the end of the round<br />
Round 5 *P1, K1* repeat until the end of the round<br />
Round 6 *K1, P1* repeat until the end of the round<br />
Round 7 *P1, K1* repeat until the end of the round <br />
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Round 8-13 Knit all rounds<br />
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Round 14 purl all stitches<br />
Round 15 *yo, k2tog* repeat to end of row<br />
Round 16 purl all stitches<br />
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Round 17 - 38 Knit all rounds<br />
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Round 39 *k2, k2tog* repeat to end<br />
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Round 40 Knit all stitches<br />
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Round 41 *k1, k2tog* repeat until the end<br />
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Round 42 Knit all stitches<br />
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Round 43 k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k1<br />
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Cut yarn with enough length to thread through the 5 stitches. Draw them to a close and fasten off.<br />
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Weave in your ends, and them go put your cozy on a nice big mason jar and fill it with something hot and yummy!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-6063470258976879742015-02-01T07:46:00.000-08:002015-02-01T07:46:09.690-08:00Sick of the SickI've been losing my mind. Liam is sick, what I thought was just a cold has turned into a double ear infection and pink eye in both eyes. The antibiotics have made him feel good enough that he now is feeling well enough to be bored, but not well enough to resume things like running wild or going out in public. Mostly because I am still worried about his eyes being contagious and if I saw a kid with gooey eyes at a park I would have to go home and dip my kids into a vat of Purell because NO ONE wants to get this shit. But his boredom has turned him into a little whine beast who is giving me attitude like I would expect from a 14 year old followed by a need for some massive snuggles. Of course, I don't mind all the snuggles.<br />
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T.V., my beloved standby for sick days and Mommy Needs 30 Minutes of Peace is no longer a viable option. The only shows desired right now are Transformers Rescue Bots and My Little Pony. While I love Heatwave and Twilight Sparkle, watching all the seasons of both shows in the last 5 days has left me a little weary of both shows. The kids are equally as bored of the shows but not willing to try anything new. Netflix has a show based on King Julian from Madagascar and one of Puss in Boots from Shrek that I would love to check out, but not enough to watch them on my own. Both shows have been met with "But I HATE that show!!!" followed by me trying to be calm and saying "You've never seen it, how do you know?" and their insistence of needing BowBots (Robots, translated as Rescue Bots) or "Ponies!" So I put those shows on, and in 10 minutes both kids are bored and have moved on to torturing each other, decimating a muffin and throwing the crumbs on the floor, jumping on the couch and smacking into each other, or yelling in the dogs face.<br />
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Equally as boring are books, drawing, any of the 50 million toys they have, going for a walk or doing anything that doesn't involve something that requires me to monitor them with at least 95% attention.<br />
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I wrote up a list of fun things to do with the kids, but most of these are messy and require me to actually remove the laundry pile/legos/my work from the kitchen table to give them a place to work at being messy. Add to that their uncanny ability to take anything colorful and fun and turn it into brown puddles of paint or an argument between them over who gets to use a certain color, and I am just kind of over it.<br />
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I just don't have the energy right now. I've been thinking I have a thyroid issue and need to go pester my doctor to do some more tests, or it might just be the sleep deprivation from Evie's little routine of popping up 20 times a night and then coming into the bed at 3am to toss and turn and kick me in the face for two hours and then try to get everyone up at 5am unless put back to sleep with a bottle of milk.<br />
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Sometimes, I wish my children were the kind who could do a project without getting messy in ways I didn't even consider when taking my precautions to keep the mess contained. Or were the kind who could be content playing with their toys for even a few moments. I do love them, but my children are the kind who need to be spilled out into the wilds of the back yard or let loose in the park. They are free range kids who do best when given the freedom to be a little crazy. Our house just isn't big enough for that! Our winters are so wet and cold and muddy, it almost makes me miss California. Almost.<br />
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Spring can not get here fast enough! Or the end of this cold. Whatever comes first. Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-13407644027552127702015-01-17T08:32:00.000-08:002015-01-17T08:32:58.126-08:00Dirt Fairy and the Quest for SleepEvie was three months old when the symptoms started. Tossing and turning, waking frequently, snoring, fighting sleep, needing help to get to sleep. <br /><br />At first, we thought it was just her being an infant. But by 6 months she was addicted to a bouncy chair and waking 20-25 times a night, I knew there was a problem.<br />
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Sadly, her doctor did not agree. Wait it out. Maybe she has reflux. Let her cry it out.<br />
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So we let her cry. Within 5 minutes of crying, she had vomited all over her crib, herself and the floor. Well. That sucked. Crying wasn't going to work.<br />
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Months went by, she outgrew her bouncy seat and finally accepted the
swing. She burned through three swing motors over the next year.
Partially because of lots of use, partially because Graco apparently
doesn't build motors to accommodate 14lbs. even when the manual says
that the swing is good until a child is 20lbs. But they DID send us all
of our replacements rapidly when I call them with all the fury of a
sleep deprived mother. <br />
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We finally talked our Doctor into a referral to a sleep specialist. But when I called Dr. Ji's office to set up an appointment, I found out that it would take them 6 months just to GET to our referral. After that, 3-4 months for an appointment. I could speed this up by having our doctor call them and tell them she had a more urgent problem. But of course, our doctor didn't agree that her problem was worth a phone call. Evie was 14 months old when we got the referral. She was waking 20-25 times a night, snoring, fighting sleep, tossing and turning, waking often and being hyperactive and pissy all day.<br />
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At about 1 year she started showing signs of having a sensory processing disorder. Seams and weird fabric and crunchy plastic on her crib mattress were making her angry, so we started taking measures to reduce those things. Inside out jammies, super soft fuzzy blankets, foam over her mattress to take away the sound from it.<br />
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About this time she also started with the food aversions. She wouldn't eat anything crunchy or hard. She wouldn't eat anything gooey. We had cheese, apple slices, milk, grapes, sauteed chicken and bunny crackers on the approved list. <br />
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She became hyperactive, burning more calories than she was taking in and leading our Dr. to ask for weight checks on her as she was getting taller, but not weighing any more.<br />
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Still she couldn't sleep. She would fall asleep in our arms and we would put her into her crib, she would last about an hour up there before she woke up crying so hard she was gagging, during her hour in her crib she tossed and turned and rolled and scooted. We then would put her into her now non-swinging swing and she would fall back asleep.<br />
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Soon after Easter, when she was 1.4 years old, she fell asleep on a dog bed, and it was all over from there. She would sleep on the bed, it was bigger than her crib mattress, and it was soft and fuzzy. So we washed it, we put her blankets on it, and she slept better. No more waking 15-20 times a night, we suddenly dropped to 5 times a night and we all rejoiced.<br />
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Dr. Ji's office called, they had finally processed our referral and we could set up an appointment. The soonest one was 4 months out. I scheduled it and put it on the calendar, but forgot about it as things worsened. <br />
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Then, the staying up late started. She was resisting sleep. She would keep herself up until midnight or later. We started bed time at 6:30 and from 7:30 until whenever, she would alternate between dozing off and jerking awake and then jumping on the couch. <br />
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Evie had grown attached to her dog bed. Sleeping in her own bed led to episodes of vomiting from crying too hard, waking more often, and then she started climbing out of her bed.<br />
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We wound up switching doctors around the middle of summer 2014. I had some issues and our doctor at the time was dismissive and rude to me, she had never listened about Evie and I was just DONE with them. <br />
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Evie turned 2, and we moved her and her brother into a room together, thinking that maybe she was lonely and he would be another person for her to be around. It didn't help. We made her bed into a toddler bed so that when she climbed out she wouldn't hurt herself.<br />
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In October of 2013, we went to our appointment with Dr. Ji. I almost didn't go. I was so pissed off at our doctor for ignoring all of our concerns, I was tired, sleep deprived, angry all the time and if it wasn't for pictures I wouldn't remember any of my daughter's infancy. My 4 year old son was acting out and he began to throw tantrums again. I was in despair that anyone could help me. I was not in the mood to be dismissed again.<br />
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Dr. Ji was amazing. Is amazing. She listened to me, she really heard me. She spent almost 2 hours with us and saw how Evie was being hyperactive and crazy. She believed me that something wasn't right, she ordered a sleep study. I felt like maybe there was hope after all. She started Evie on a dose of Melatonin to help her FALL asleep at a reasonable time.<br />
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Almost overnight there was improvement. We gave her 1mg of melatonin, and she slept. She fell asleep. At 7:00. Sure. she woke at 9, 11, 1, 3, 5, 6....... She rolled and tossed and snored and snorted and gagged and cried. But that was our normal now. We would spend the time getting her to sleep. My husband took the 10pm to 2am shift, he stayed up late to be there for her, because once he was asleep he was dead to the world. I got the 2-7 shift, waking up with her and helping her fall back to sleep, holding her when she cried. She was sooooo tired. she wanted to sleep so much.<br />
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We showed up at Randall Children's Hospital with a dog bed, pajamas, and melatonin in hand for our sleep study. I gave Evie her pill and we watched her get drowsy. She was hooked up to all kinds of things. She fell asleep and the study began. From the moment she fell asleep, she moved. She tossed and turned and kicked and rolled. She tangled up wires on her head and chest, she woke many times. I got NO sleep that night. I think I spent about an hour asleep total but in 15 minute segments. <br />
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We were sent home and I got to put her in the bath and scrub paste out of her hair at 6:30 in the morning before we BOTH collapsed on the couch and slept for an hour. My husband took Liam to school that day and I was so grateful for it.<br />
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A few days later we went back to see Dr. Ji. We had the results of the sleep study. Evie had roused from deep sleep 96 times in 8 hours. She had 84 episodes where her breathing became restricted, and one time where she stopped breathing for 27 seconds. She had rapid limb movements and that was waking her as well. Final diagnosis, moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Our orders were to find an ENT and see about getting her tonsils and adenoids taken out to open her airway.<br />
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She also was diagnosed with low iron, which could be a cause for her limb movements that were waking her. <br />
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So, we went to our normal doctor who gave us a referral to an ENT, no problem. This doctor loves that I do the footwork for her, I find who I want to see and she gives me the referral. We went to go see Dr. Ghaheri at The Oregon Clinic. He is a super star ENT who got rave reviews and we had lots of hope for him. He looked at Evie and said that her tonsils were not big enough to justify taking out. But to go get a second opinion from a pediatric otolarongologist.<br />
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I messaged our clinic and asked for a referral to one of those. They said they had one, I would go see him. So I set up an appointment and waited and went and we got there and we didn't even get to see the actual specialist, just someone else. But HE assured us that the guy would totally take out Evie's tonsils. I asked a lot of questions, and in the end, decided that no. This guy wasn't for us. He didn't want to do it because he saw a problem, he wanted to do it for the money. I googled him and his little assistant when I got home, and got nothing but BAD reviews. And discovered that he was NOT a pediatric otolarongologist like I had asked for, he was an ALLERGY SPECIALIST! Auuugh! Not what I wanted.<br />
<br />I called Dr. Ghaheri back and asked for help, he gave me the names of two pediatric otolarongologists, one of whom was affiliated with our main medical provider! How they didn't find him I don't know, unless the person who did the referral was just lazy.... But we got a referral to them and now I am waiting for THAT to get processed and get the phone call saying we can schedule an appointment.<br />
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Evie is now 2.25 years old. She is hyperactive, easily irritated, prone to tantrums over everything. She can not sit still long enough to learn, so she doesn't know her colors, or shapes, even when I try to make it an active game. She throws things, she hits people. If she doesn't get her way she screams until she gags. She wakes a few times a night, though this week has been good, better than last week. She snores like a lumberjacks chain saw, and she wakes up gagging and crying in distress.<br />
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If her tonsils are not enlarged and causing this, I am at a loss as to what is. I just take life one day at a time and try to find ways to keep her happy without turning her into a spoiled brat. <br />
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She still will not eat many things. She just wants milk, or soft foods like pasta (nunu's she calles it), dried fruit is ok sometimes. Granola bars are out. Scrambled eggs are ok, but toast is a big nono. Smoothies are usually a good thing though, so we're doing lots of those. <br />
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We tried her on an iron supplement for the limb movement issue, but it had her so constipated that it set us back MONTHS in potty training because now pooping hurt, and she was not having it. <br />
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I wish there was more I could do for her right now, but I just have to wait and be patient and maybe we will get an answer soon. I sure wish I could help my Evie sleep more. I wish I could sleep more. I want to find out how to help her. I want this to get better. <br />
<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-78790591697397129962015-01-07T18:57:00.001-08:002015-01-07T18:57:25.091-08:00I hate bloggingThere. I said it.<br />
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I hate the feeling that I HAVE to post anything. That if I don't post something for a week or a month or a year that somehow I have failed at blogging. <br />
So maybe I should say I hate what I thought blogging was supposed to be. <br />
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But I LOVE having a place to go more in depth than social media.<br />
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I love the idea of sharing my ideas with anyone who gives a damn.<br />
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I don't like feeling like I can not be myself for the fear of pissing someone off.<br />
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So.... I want to blog, and I am going to do it my way. Updates are when I have something to say. If I offend you, just stop reading.<br />
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And I am not about to write a summary of all the crap I have been through this last year and a half. I've lost folks who I love and I don't want to drag all those feelings up again. <br />
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The important thing I DO want to write about soon is that Yes my daughter has sleep apnea, we're all tired as hell. I've seen the darkest side of dawn and felt despair crash down on me in waves. I've been dragged through my daily life trailing sleep deprivation behind me like toilet paper stuck to my shoe. I have given up on playing nice with the doctors and I am gently but firmly pushing at them to help me fix this, to help me help my daughter get some sleep. I've cried in front of strangers, yelled at undeserving receptionists, had too much wine to drink a few times while trying to find any way to cope for just one more day. I've given in to the demands of a two year old just for the promise of 30 more minutes of sleep. I am not proud of everything I have done, but chances are I will do it all again. <br />
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I want a blog so I have a place to spill all these things that rattle about in my head out into the world and maybe somewhere down the road someone who needs my words and thoughts can find them. <br />
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So I am going to blog again, but I am not promising rainbows and sunshine. I'm promising my truth and my heart laid bare. As stated by Anna Nalick "These words are my diary screaming out loud and I know that you'll use them however you want to."<br />
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Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-19116729396421284512013-08-12T20:04:00.001-07:002013-08-12T20:04:03.797-07:00The Horrible Parents ClubA friend of mine was recently accused of being a horrible parent. In fact, I think it happened a few hours ago. He wrote a post in reply to that.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Dear World,<br />
I am a horrible father. I woke up at dawn today to get everything ready
for my 5-year-old's first day of Kindergarten. I spent the next few
hours playing with my new-born daughter, until it was time to pick up
big sister from school. I let her go play next door while little sister
napped, did some cleaning, and checked in with school. While big sister
began eating dinner, I spent some much needed “me” time trying to
socialize online. Mommy will be home in a couple hours, then it is time
for big sister to go off to bed for another exciting day of school
tomorrow. Little sister, mommy, and I will spend some time cuddling and
playing, and then I have several hours of homework to do into the wee
hours of the night. I will get a couple hours of sleep, and then do it
all again tomorrow, with a smile!<br /> I am a horrible father because I
do not currently have a job. I understand the importance of having a
parent at home for my precious children; we choose who works by current
earning potential. But, I am a horrible father.<br /> I am a horrible
father because sometimes my house isn’t spotless. I am in the middle of
12+ years of clinical and administrative medical studies, and I know
that even though it is driving me into the ground now, it will provide a
beautiful future for my angels. But, I am a horrible father.<br /> I am a
horrible father because I censor my children from ‘certain’ people.
While it is important to let my children learn all cultural aspects of
our society, I do not think it is appropriate for a 4-year-old to come
in contact with marijuana. But, I am a horrible father.<br /> I am a
horrible father because I do not advocate for illegal substance use. I
don’t spend all my time rallying for other families who have lost their
children over drug-related charges because I don’t have that time to
spare, nor would I advocate the intent. But, I am a horrible father.<br />
I am a horrible father because I let other people have time with my
children. I know, a loving auntie who treats my little girl like a
princess is such a bad thing! I have taken the time to gauge who I can
trust with my children, and who I cannot. But, I am a horrible father.<br />
I am a horrible father because I don’t keep up with everyone else’s
drama. I prioritize the time and effort I do have to make “home” a great
place for the girls; making nutritious meals, cleaning, and striving to
improve our lives every day. I know, I should keep track of extended
family drama, but my girls are more important. I love my babies, but, I
am a horrible father!<br /> So look at this horrible father and pass
judgment over me! I don’t mind at all. Take a moment and ask mom if I am
a horrible father; she’ll probably slap you. Take a moment to ask big
sissy if I am a horrible father; she’ll laugh and say, “No! I love my
daddy!” Take a moment to ask my baby if I am a horrible father; she’ll
just look at me and smile the cutest little smile! I almost feel sorry
for them, not knowing what a horrible father I am.<br /> So I promise,
world, that I will try harder every day to be a better father to my
children. Your judgments and personal agendas are far superior to those
of my family unit. So, I am sorry for being such a horrible father.</span></span></h5>
</blockquote>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> And I realized that some folks would see a jobless parent who stays home with their children as a bad parent. Someone who has set aside the drama of their childfree life in favor of worrying about the important things. </span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I am a jobless parent. I do not get paid money for the work I do, but I am working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every single day for the last 3.25 years since my son made his grand entrance to this life. I kiss boo boos, I wipe noses, I potty train, I fix broken things, do more laundry than should be humanly possible. I cook, I clean, I shop for food. I teach, I learn, I go on walks that are very very slow. I pick up the same toys 50 times in one week. </span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I have chosen to stay home. Daycare would cost about what I could make. Well, a GOOD daycare where I knew my kiddos were safe. I have chosen to be here with them day in and day out for as long as I can be. As they grow, their demands on me will be less, their time in school will be longer, and I can rejoin the workforce when this job requires less of my time.</span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some parents might call me too strict, as I expect my child to learn manners and be polite. Or some might think I am horrible because I let him explore the playground without me hovering at his back. I might be terrible because I let him get muddy in the creek, but you could call me simply awful for the times I say please do not play in the dirt right now when we are not equipped to do a clothing change on the fly and have more places to go before home. I might be horrid because I want him to eat his fruits and veggies, and some might call me wrong because I have let him have days where he has had three small bags of M&M's and later on a slice of pizza was dinner. </span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parents are judged a lot. Everything we do that someone sees is criticized. Everything our children say and do is held up and examined by other people. I have been guilty of this. A child was rude to Liam, and I mean downright MEAN. I immediately had the thought of "What on earth are his parents teaching him!" I am sure that some parents who have seen me with Liam and Evie think I might be doing things wrong. Everyone has their own way of being a parent. But unless you are hurting your child or neglecting their basic needs, maybe its time to find a way to realize that there is no One True Way. If your kids are fed, clothed, have a warm bed and a set of arms to find comfort in, maybe someone should find a way to tell you what you are doing RIGHT. All too often I see criticism from others in the parenting community, online and in person... I want to start telling others what I see that was RIGHT, not wrong. </span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am tired of parents beating each other up. Lets all just be parents together and learn from Bambi. If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nuthin' at all! </span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">But if you want to call me a horrible mama for being jobless and having rules, feel free. I will OWN that role! Welcome to the Horrible Parents Club. Pants are optional, but healthy foods are a must, and you must hold hands when crossing the street. Bed time is at 8, and yes, you have to take a bath at least once a week. </span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></h5>
Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-17235220502742560712013-06-27T19:03:00.001-07:002013-06-27T19:03:57.641-07:00What Else Can I Do?I don't know what to do anymore. I am lost. I tell Liam that it is time to sit on the potty and I get a SCREAMING tantrum from hell. He hits his sister, takes away any toy she picks up, totally ignores me when I am talking to him even when I am face to face with him. He freaks out when I give him water or any food he suddenly decides he doesn't want and dumps it on the floor and throws the cup or plate at me. I don't know what I have done wrong to get to this point with him. I talk to him on his level, simply, face to face and he will not listen. I tell him to not throw BEFORE He throws, I put him on a time out when he does something wrong. I praise him when he is good. But this is just getting worse and worse. He is a little monster sometimes and it is driving me up the wall. He NEVER does it around people, only when its just me and him and Evie. Dan has seen a small fraction of the behavior I deal with for hours on end every day. <br />Maybe he is bored I thought, but every activity I give him to do is done for 20 seconds and then discarded and he is off and running pulling the dogs hair, running over Evie, taking her toys out of her hands, shoving her off of whatever she is standing on.... He will happily sit and stare at TV for hours if you let him, turning away only to kick or push Evie if she gets near him. <br />I don't what what to do anymore. I have tried so many things and nothing seems to be working. I end each day in tears because by the time its bed time I have had to yell at him to get him to listen at least 10 times. "Do NOT hit your sister, No, put your hand down, Stop Liam, STOP! NO HIT. NO HIT NO HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I said no hit, go, time out, now" as I am trying to comfort a screaming baby who just got smacked. <br />He identifies with bad guys in TV shows, he saw Caillou being a brat to his sister, so he started talking to Evie that way. We nixed that show, We're about to have to nix Jake and the Neverland Pirates because now he steals her toys and says he is Captain Hook taking all the treasure. <br />My poor baby is covered in bruises. The more he hurts her the less time I have to spend with him because I am trying to calm her down which only makes things worse. I try to have fun time with just me and him, I play with him, I listen to him and talk with him about good things. We have good moments, but the bad moments are getting worse and worse. <br />
It is breaking my heart, I don't want him to be a bully.Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-5515808882885615892013-06-03T13:53:00.002-07:002013-06-03T13:53:53.624-07:00Liam's Third Birthday! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I am not good at sending thank you cards. I will openly admit this. I do not have the time these days to sit down and send out cards. I feel bad about this, but also hope that everyone will understand.<br />
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So, here is my thank you card. This time, right here, right now, when I am getting to sit down for 10 minutes (and then get interrupted after 5 minutes and come back 2 hours later to rush to finish up the post in 15 minutes) and write a blog post and put up some pictures for everyone. This is my thank you to everyone. To the gift givers, the trash picker-uppers, the food buyers, the yard work doers, the chair scrubbers, the guests who came to celebrate that Liam turned three. This is my thank you to you for today and every other day that you celebrate my son and my family by thinking of us and helping us and being so kind and thoughtful.<br />
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And with that said, lets show off some pictures!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yup. I made that. yup, we have leftovers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">he ate 5 slices of watermelon. 5!!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was doing really well about sharing his new toys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nym licked Dotty's elbow, she was offended. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie got to nibble on a mint leaf, it was a hit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am sad that Liam decided not to be part of this picture, but stopping play time for 10 seconds was too much to ask! </td></tr>
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-34665103578588161132013-01-30T19:49:00.002-08:002013-01-30T19:49:46.444-08:00The Good with the BadI've been thinking about writing a post for a while. SOooooOOOoooOOOOOO much has been happening. Those of you who follow <a href="http://thedailyliam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Liam</a> and <a href="http://thedailyevelyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Evelyn</a> know that my updates have been a bit sparse. <br />
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A few things have been on my mind. Bad dreams. My Non-sleeping Toddler. New Life Changes. and a few more. So I will just go down the list. I will alternate good and bad and end on a good note. Just because I can.<br />
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Bad: Bad Dreams<br />
I've been having some dreams where bad things are happening to the kids. First one was a house fire when I was 3 houses down the street and somehow running back was like jogging through molasses. The other was where Liam went under water in the bathtub and when I pulled him out he wasn't breathing, I started CPR.. and then jerked awake and had to go into his room and just hug him for a long while. This one haunts me. I can still see his hair floating out, his face all calm and peaceful like when he is sleeping. Last night it was that someone was trying to take Liam, and I pushed them down the stairs and they broke their back. I guess I am in some sort of worry mode.<br />
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Good: Big Brother Liam!<br />
Liam is turning out to be a good big brother. He shares toys, is pretty darn careful of where he is crashing and where his limbs are landing when Evie is nearby. He asks if she is ok when she cries, he brings her her toys, he offers her his food. But he isn't so good that it makes me worry he is not still thinking about himself as he should be right now.<br />
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Bad: Liam Won't Sleep<br />
Liam still has not slept through the night. In his 2 years and almost 8 months he has only slept about 15 nights without waking up at least once and/or not getting up early (like, 5:30 am early). We are in an ongoing process to figure this out. Right now we are on limiting nap times to two hours and delaying bed time another half hour later.<br />
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Good: New Life Changes<br />
I am implementing a rule for me and Liam... Dan can choose to follow it if he wants or not. But I am not feeding me or Liam any food that has a TV commercial. Other than Cheerios, the occasional mini bag of M&M's and a rare treat of delivery pizza. Already I have found that I am happier and have more energy. I am cooking more at home and finding some simple recipes that I can make even while bouncing Evie in her chair as she sits in her chair in the middle of the kitchen.<br />
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Good: Evie Is Growing!<br />
Evie is such a happy baby. She is full of smiles and giggles, she is rolling over and starting to get good at pulling things into her mouth. She is content and just goes along with the flow for the most part and really only cries when something is wrong like being hungry, really wet, super tired or being stuck on her tummy now that she can roll.<br />
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More good than bad.... Not too shabby really! <br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-19517657349530794302012-12-25T12:34:00.002-08:002012-12-25T12:34:33.887-08:00Merry Christmas!Liam is sitting in my lap helping me pic out whichpictures to use for saying thank you.<br />
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he also is helping me type this. i am holding his hand and helping him find the letters I want to use on the keyboard.<br />
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We opened the gifts from Dan's Family on Christmas Eve, and the ones from Mama and Dada and Mama's family on Christmas Morning. <br />
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So here it is, our big picture heavy THANK YOU! for everyone who made Liam's Christmas amazing!<br />
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We started out with an Early Christmas with Grumpa Dave and Grandma Kathy<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBzktd87zH4/UNoMy9xOoNI/AAAAAAAA4hc/i23yFSz9TmQ/s1600/DSC04664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBzktd87zH4/UNoMy9xOoNI/AAAAAAAA4hc/i23yFSz9TmQ/s320/DSC04664.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam was VERY excited</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He got many amazing things, like a firefly lamp for his room...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwGSs8nsntA/UNoM1FRmzLI/AAAAAAAA4hs/wKOr7kmuq2w/s1600/DSC04675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwGSs8nsntA/UNoM1FRmzLI/AAAAAAAA4hs/wKOr7kmuq2w/s320/DSC04675.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and a HUGE sticker book!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CECxN1I-Y5g/UNoM2KHVe7I/AAAAAAAA4h0/_Osepb2dxsI/s1600/DSC04679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CECxN1I-Y5g/UNoM2KHVe7I/AAAAAAAA4h0/_Osepb2dxsI/s320/DSC04679.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie got some pretty new clothes, and some books</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvggMvE1f7o/UNoM3VL7zDI/AAAAAAAA4h8/rX4TnkvOGZw/s1600/DSC04682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvggMvE1f7o/UNoM3VL7zDI/AAAAAAAA4h8/rX4TnkvOGZw/s320/DSC04682.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam played with that sticker book for DAYS!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ74ftpSeI8/UNoM4W86FGI/AAAAAAAA4iE/bY2sCm169LI/s1600/DSC04683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ74ftpSeI8/UNoM4W86FGI/AAAAAAAA4iE/bY2sCm169LI/s320/DSC04683.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie fell asleep after all the excitement.</td></tr>
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Then, we had some Christmas Eve joy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pqVNCDUQ0M/UNoEt9RQBgI/AAAAAAAA4cM/UhS1ZYS43KM/s1600/DSC04765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pqVNCDUQ0M/UNoEt9RQBgI/AAAAAAAA4cM/UhS1ZYS43KM/s320/DSC04765.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Grandma Glenda for the warm fuzzy clothes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUGWsM0UawI/UNoEvIcNZMI/AAAAAAAA4cU/gK7_Swvcfns/s1600/DSC04769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUGWsM0UawI/UNoEvIcNZMI/AAAAAAAA4cU/gK7_Swvcfns/s320/DSC04769.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the amazing Cars Puzzle and Book!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVs-2vU2yqM/UNoEwQ0ijyI/AAAAAAAA4cc/XGMKmK75g00/s1600/DSC04773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVs-2vU2yqM/UNoEwQ0ijyI/AAAAAAAA4cc/XGMKmK75g00/s320/DSC04773.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam HAD to put it together right away!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rZ6oc2qBQU/UNoExRmO3vI/AAAAAAAA4ck/zh9cXsGO29Q/s1600/DSC04780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rZ6oc2qBQU/UNoExRmO3vI/AAAAAAAA4ck/zh9cXsGO29Q/s320/DSC04780.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Aunt Mel and Uncle Kurt for the amazing wooden toys and the fun outfits!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugp5cV8svmQ/UNoEy5MN0xI/AAAAAAAA4cs/wPBhy_HfZag/s1600/DSC04783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugp5cV8svmQ/UNoEy5MN0xI/AAAAAAAA4cs/wPBhy_HfZag/s320/DSC04783.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And thank you for the outfit for Evie as well! Liam helped us open it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAmpWEusAGg/UNoE0CyKdlI/AAAAAAAA4c0/EeatUrRZkrU/s1600/DSC04784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAmpWEusAGg/UNoE0CyKdlI/AAAAAAAA4c0/EeatUrRZkrU/s320/DSC04784.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He really liked his wooden bus!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HnGP7JC17w0/UNoE1IQOinI/AAAAAAAA4c8/-oaWMYwEeT4/s1600/DSC04785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HnGP7JC17w0/UNoE1IQOinI/AAAAAAAA4c8/-oaWMYwEeT4/s320/DSC04785.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam enjoyed the gift from our neighbors too! It was a Lightning McQueen photo frame.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N66GdIwjBww/UNoE2IhK6TI/AAAAAAAA4dE/xRdD9G6y1dA/s1600/DSC04793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N66GdIwjBww/UNoE2IhK6TI/AAAAAAAA4dE/xRdD9G6y1dA/s320/DSC04793.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got a gift from an unknown source at the family breakfast, there was no name on it, but Liam ADORED the Hot Wheels inside of it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He got a watch and a puzzle from The Mess Crew...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6RsxKP9dJk/UNoE6Zn7fsI/AAAAAAAA4dk/DxMUsm_I_h8/s1600/DSC04797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6RsxKP9dJk/UNoE6Zn7fsI/AAAAAAAA4dk/DxMUsm_I_h8/s320/DSC04797.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a copy of Charlotte's Web, one of my FAVORITE movies that I can not wait to open and share with Liam!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you again to Mel and Kurt for the books! Liam will have fun reading them and Evie will really enjoy her books soon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9AR8QVZT0s/UNoE9_cx2pI/AAAAAAAA4d8/xKcjzBnVCcs/s1600/DSC04802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9AR8QVZT0s/UNoE9_cx2pI/AAAAAAAA4d8/xKcjzBnVCcs/s320/DSC04802.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie got a neat set of blocks from Great Grandma Glenda, she seems to like them already and soon enough she will be building towers out of them. </td></tr>
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And Christmas Morning was full of MORE fun! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1pQEF7iUqY/UNoE_BuxE6I/AAAAAAAA4eE/hxvU7lrb3s4/s1600/DSC04807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1pQEF7iUqY/UNoE_BuxE6I/AAAAAAAA4eE/hxvU7lrb3s4/s320/DSC04807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Christmas morning, Liam's pile of gifts was HUGE!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbKVCpGr_AA/UNoFASlmY8I/AAAAAAAA4eM/aQpa6EXgvk4/s1600/DSC04809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbKVCpGr_AA/UNoFASlmY8I/AAAAAAAA4eM/aQpa6EXgvk4/s320/DSC04809.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">he got a LOT of new Cars!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VeO7AYwFiw/UNoFCtKYeXI/AAAAAAAA4ec/0TZyLyPPBdE/s1600/DSC04811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VeO7AYwFiw/UNoFCtKYeXI/AAAAAAAA4ec/0TZyLyPPBdE/s320/DSC04811.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie loved her wrapping paper!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had a stare down with a frog...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before deciding he was pretty cool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The methods of packaging toys gave Dada a hard time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEzjGBTsfSk/UNoFIONbY7I/AAAAAAAA4fE/Otjv_cm1E9I/s1600/DSC04816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEzjGBTsfSk/UNoFIONbY7I/AAAAAAAA4fE/Otjv_cm1E9I/s320/DSC04816.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie got a soft warm new shirt from Uncle Rob and Aunt Amy! She is going to look so GOOD in it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and she got a pack of tactile balls which she already had worked on touching and licking. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam got a tool box from Uncle Rob and Aunt Amy, and he had a BLAST opening it and then measuring the box using his very own Tape Measure</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgcPq7zr2d8/UNoFOY2B7EI/AAAAAAAA4fw/NM8RY1Qva2k/s1600/IMG_3858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgcPq7zr2d8/UNoFOY2B7EI/AAAAAAAA4fw/NM8RY1Qva2k/s320/IMG_3858.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie was rather captivated by the wrapping paper all morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam waited patiently for help opening some of his toys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was so happy to see some new Cars characters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny had to come play with some bows and get his bum in a picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Liam enjoyed his stocking that Grandma Julie sent him last year, restuffed with new gifts!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D40CeEvbqSQ/UNoFZDeXWdI/AAAAAAAA4g0/nX63fP6JAAI/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D40CeEvbqSQ/UNoFZDeXWdI/AAAAAAAA4g0/nX63fP6JAAI/s320/IMG_3882.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His blanket from Grammy Wanda was an instant hit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie pondered the pointy ball for a while</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both kiddos got fun gifts from Aunt Saskia and Uncle Bob</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie loved her hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and her scarf...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and both at the same time! </td></tr>
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And to say it again, Thank you to everyone!!!!!<br />
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Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!<br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-1571677400970754132012-10-27T12:16:00.002-07:002012-10-27T12:16:59.030-07:00Telling The TruthI know I shouldn't read the news, there is nothing but horrible things in it. Nannies snapping and killing kids, people being murdered, puppies being left for dead in trash cans and now with the elections there is slander and mayhem and people being rude and... ya know, I don't even wanna get started on that route.<br />
<br />
But this caught my eye today. A title for a blog by another mom, "<a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/145788/kid_suspended_for_bringing_gun" target="_blank">Kid Suspended for Bringing Gun to School Would Have Been Better Off Hiding It</a>". I read that, and then read the <a href="http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/suspension-court-boy-who-mistakenly-brought-gun-sc/nSnsm/" target="_blank">original article</a>. <br />
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And it got me thinking.<br />
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This is why children don't tell us the truth. This is why for a lot of children it is easier to lie and pretend it didn't happen, because the punishment for telling the truth is too much. Schools have policies, yadda yadda, but this was not a case of the gun being brought to hurt someone or even just to show off, it was the case of an 8 year old being 8 YEARS OLD and forgetting where he put something. <br />
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If this boy had hidden the gun and it hadn't been seen, no harm done really. But if he had hidden it and someone saw it, he could have faced even worse punishment. But from how it looks to me, he noticed something that was wrong, he knew it was wrong and he tried to do the right thing. He is now being punished for doing the right thing.<br />
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I know that as a mom I will try to make the punishment fit the crime, and that when Liam tries to do the right thing he is rewarded for that. If that little boy was my son, I would make that 10 day suspension a vacation and give him a reward. We could go shoot that BB gun at some tin cans in an empty field, go out for ice cream, get a new toy that ISN'T a gun that he could take to school, and then I would get him a second BB gun to keep at grandpa's house so he never had to transport the gun again and not have the same thing happen again.<br />
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I hope my little boy grows up and is the kind of boy who will tell the truth no matter what, and I hope that he will never be afraid to tell me the truth. And when he is old enough and responsible enough, we'll get a BB gun and teach him how to be safe with a gun and that if he ever sees one where it isn't supposed to be, he tells an adult right away just like this little boy did. <br />
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Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-77246024765850935752012-10-26T10:52:00.001-07:002012-10-26T10:52:58.851-07:00Rainy Day AmusementIt's only been rainy here for about two weeks, but already we have run through a whole list of things to do inside. We are kind of in an awkward place with Liam, he wants to do things but loses interest fast, decides to do something else with the concept (example: fingerpainting on paper becomes fingerpainting on the floor/couch/window/dog), or is just plain not interested (like crayons... he will not color right now).<br />
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So, here are some of the things we have done, (and I am open to more ideas!)<br />
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Watched a movie and turned it into watching a movie from inside a rolling toy cart.<br />
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Used stickers and blank postcards to make Halloween post cards to send to people. (reminder, send those out today....)<br />
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Put boxes on heads.<br />
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After Liam had such a blast playing with a balloon at a friends house I thought maybe he would like one of his own. He loved it for 15 minutes and had a BLAST with it, until he bit it and ripped the edge off and all the air came out. We sure were glad we only bought him the 3.99 balloon and not the 9.99 balloon at that point.<br />
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Play with Cars. He first started with Lightning, Mater, and Finn. Not long after that I found Holley. We added Francesco, Mack, Shu, and Raule over the next 2 months. Here he is getting Nigel. These are all characters from the movies, and we still have Rod, Fillmore, Ramone, Sally, Sheriff, Professor Z, and.... someone else.... tucked away for those days when there is nothing else to do and he is going insane. Before summer comes again I expect him to have quite the cast of Cars characters in his hands! The best part (and worst in some ways...) is that he knows them all by name and wants to keep them together. This is awesome because its fun, but bad because it means if we ever lose one of them or it gets left up in the bedroom and he is downstairs it can make for a sad Liam. And yes, Liam HAS TO have ALL his Cars to go to sleep. He knows if one is missing and will not sleep until he has them all. But they bring him such JOY! It also makes me smile to see him re-enacting some scenes from the movies with his toys.<br />
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To amuse me and Evie while Liam is asleep I have been trying to get great pictures of her, but in between the really precious ones, we get the ones that I love the best... the funny looks!<br />
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And of course, we nap. Rainy days are good for naps!Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-24109809286738686302012-10-16T19:48:00.002-07:002012-10-16T19:48:49.639-07:00Lessons of the Second BabyA few things I have learned in the 6.5 weeks that Evie has been here...<br />
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***** <br />
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First baby: "No way can he wear that holiday themed pajama! It isn't [insert holiday here]"<br /><br />
Second baby: "Oh look, clean Easter pajamas, and they have fuzzy bunnies on the feet, that should keep her warm this October, SCORE!"<br />
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***** <br />
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First baby: Measuring out formula with precision and care, ONLY making 2, 4 or 6oz bottles because one scoop makes 2oz of food. Wasting a LOT of baby food.<br />
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Second baby: Its food, not rocket science. She is going to drink only 3oz, so I am not wasting that half a scoop. If its too much, oh well, if its too little, well it makes up for the times she got too much. It's close enough that it doesn't matter!<br />
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***** <br />
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First baby: I can't let him cry EVER, if he cries I failed at being a mom!<br />
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Second baby: It's ok sweetie, I'll be there in a sec, hang on, just need to finish prying your brother off the ceiling/stop him from feeding the dog something weird/get him off the high place he climbed to/get him out of the bathroom/finish putting his pajamas on/get him back inside after he let himself out... you'll be ok, just a little.....bit...... longer...... ok, Hey, what's wrong little girl? Hold on... "LIAM GET BACK HERE, and bring me a clean diaper.......no don't put baby wipes in your mouth. Ugh, I quit!" *sigh*<br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-65770918608108516932012-10-01T19:02:00.000-07:002012-10-01T19:02:46.693-07:00The Cooped Up ToddlerWith the new baby I have found that my energy level and desire to leave the house is very very small. Unfortunately, with Liam around this can have crazy results. Not letting him out of the house for three days (we were all sick, there was no way you were getting me past the front door) led to a major screaming freak out on the 4th day. <br /><br />
Leaving the house entails checking diaper supplies, making sure there is a change of clothes for the baby, a blanket to change her on, food for Liam, warm water and formula and a clean bottle for Evie, my phone, camera, keys, wallet... the debate of will I need the 2 seat stroller or should I just bring the one for Evie?<br />
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Then we have to go through the mental breakdown of my dear son as he dawns on the realization that he gets to go outside. You would think that this would be a time for him to enthusiastically put his shoes on and cheerfully run to the door to be let loose on the world. But that would be too easy! The sight of shoes and socks send Liam into a screaming fit, the only thing I can imagine is that he does not want to take the time to be shod before tearing out the door. <br />
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Once outside, we then have to wrangle him into the car if we are going somewhere. He is so excited to be in the car that he will not sit still so getting him buckled can be a real challenge. On the flip side, he wants nothing else BUT the car when we are going to go for a walk around the neighborhood. <br />
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But in the end we get outside, Evie sleeps a lot outside so its a good thing to do when she is having a cranky time, and Liam gets to go crazy outside and wear himself out.<br />
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Don't even get me started on what happens when we have to go inside and he isn't done outside yet.... I've started bribing him with mini sized chocolates when those moments arrive.<br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-88814038074085532212012-09-12T18:26:00.002-07:002012-09-12T18:26:58.734-07:00How The Baby Got Her NameOh wow, so much has happened since I last updated over here.<br />
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Liam is growing and learning in leaps and bounds. He imitates almost every word we speak and knows what most of them mean as well. He is learning how to count to 5, he knows the letter "A" and how to say pistachio and that pistachios are yummy to eat. And this is just the tiniest portion of how brilliant this boy is! <br />
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And of course, Evelyn was born.<br />
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I just sent out her birth announcements today. And on there, some people may be surprised to see, Evie has two middle names.<br />
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It was something Dan and I had talked about for a couple months before she was born and then on the next day after she was born I was filling out birth certificate information and the line was there for a second middle name....<br />
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Why My Daughter Has Two Middle Names</h3>
I left the line blank and waited for Dan to come back to the hospital. He had spent the night at home so that Liam had his Daddy there with him. When I saw him, after he got the chance to snuggle his daughter and relax a little and everyone had left to give us a few moments alone I looked at him and said, "So, about that middle name... What do you want to do?"<br />
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He gave it some thought. For a good 5 minutes he sat there, then he asked me "What do you think we should do?" to which I said "This one is your choice".<br />
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Finally, he just nodded at me, "do it" he said.<br />
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So I wrote in that second line "Julie".<br />
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Evelyn May Julie Hegwood.<br />
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I have known since I was 12 that I would name my daughter Evelyn May when I had a little girl. There was no if about it. Evelyn for my Great Grandma, Evelyn for my Aunt Evelyn Jean who is probably one of the kindest and most loving people you could hope to meet, though you might not know her by any name other than Jean. May for many names in the family and just because it sounded pretty. May is part of the name of MayDell, a beloved member of our family, May because it flowed with Evelyn... then after I married Dan I found out that HIS grandma's middle name is May, so May for Glenda May became another reason for it.<br />
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But Julie snuck up on us. Julie is Dan's mom. Normally, it seems that in both of our families you sort of skip a generation for naming. Naming babies for their great grandparents or great aunts... but not for grandparents. Only, Julie is kinda special. More than just because she is awesome, she is one of the strongest people I know. She is kind and generous, she doesn't give in easily though when she knows she is right, she chooses to be open about who she is in this world and hides nothing from anyone.<br />
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She is someone who's strength I want my daughter to have, and I think that by sharing her name with my little girl I can give her that. She can have the names of some really amazing people and hopefully as she grows and I can tell her about those people she will come to appreciate the names she has. I knew that in the end it was Dan's choice to give his mom's name to Evie, and I am so glad that he wanted to do it. I don't care how many times I have to explain that yes, my child has two middle names. I will write in both of those names on every form we fill out, on every school registration and every permission slip or anything where there is a space for a middle name.<br />
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Welcome to the world Evelyn May Julie Hegwood! <br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-9947022696999079052012-08-06T11:43:00.002-07:002012-08-06T11:43:37.027-07:00Things Only Parents Get to Say - #3Don't scream and stop spitting fish!Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-38633543153425708032012-07-31T19:10:00.001-07:002012-07-31T19:10:29.310-07:00A second chanceSo I read <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2012/pr013-12.shtml" target="_blank">this</a>, and then I read <a href="http://www.motherhoodthetruth.com/breastfeeding-sucks/" target="_blank">this</a>. <br />
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Apparently the mayor of NYC wants to basically ban formula from the maternity ward in hospitals there and anyone who wants to use it has to sign it out like it is a restricted medication.<br />
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Ok, so yea, breastfeeding is awesome and great, but its not for everyone and people deserve to make their own choices without being scolded for them. Moms use to be scolded for WANTING to breastfeed their babies. Now moms get scolded for everything. Using a crib bumper. Not carrying your baby in a carrier instead of a stroller. Not making your own baby food from organic fruits and veggies bought from your local farmers market.<br />
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I am kind of torn on this whole breastfeeding thing. I tried with Liam, it didn't work. I won't go into the gory details again, but in short it ended with me in a ball crying my heart out because I failed him as a mother the day I decided to switch to formula. The writer of the article in my second link says a lot of how I felt when Liam threw his booby boycott and refused to nurse. Her situation was different, but the feelings are the same. <br />
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Since then, I have gotten over that guilt. He is just as well adjusted, smart and has been LESS sick than most breastfed babies I know. He is FINE. I didn't fail. I made the choice to feed him and NOT wear myself to a shade trying to pump after he had a bottle and live on 45 minutes of sleep between two hour awake sessions trying to get him to nurse, giving up, giving him a bottle and then getting him to sleep before filling up the next bottle, trying to fall asleep myself and then in a few moments waking up to do it all over again.<br />
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But now, here comes Evie. It is a chance to try again. And you can bet that I plan on trying again. If it works, awesome... if it doesn't work, well, that is that. I am not going to wear myself to a thread trying to nurse her. I am going to give it an honest go and that needs to be enough.<br />
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And as far as hospitals and formula... well, I wasn't offered ANY formula at Providence Portland. No samples, no nurses suggesting it, nothing. But I bet if I asked for it I wouldn't have been treated like a drug addict seeking a shot of Demerol. In truth, if you want to formula feed from day 1, then bring formula when you go to the hospital to have your baby. If you go to a hospital and people are pushing it on you, either accept it with good graces and say thank you and tuck it into your bag to be given away to someone else, or just ask them to stop and say that you have made your choice and would like for them to respect it. <br />
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No one should be belittled or scolded for their choices in how to feed their baby. Even the La Leche League has their first rule as something like "The baby needs to be fed". <br />
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Either way, I wish the dirty looks and Mommy Wars would just stop. You are looked down upon if you whip out a bottle when your baby cries, people look at you weird when you whip out a boob when your baby cries, no matter how discreet you are. Babies need to eat, and people need to stop giving moms shit about how they feed their babies.Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-59578363715268929432012-07-30T08:02:00.001-07:002012-07-30T08:02:32.180-07:00For the love of BlankieLiam is getting more and more attached to his Blankie. He still just calls it "Blankie" though he did call it "Bew" for a week or so. It is a beautiful one made for him by his Grandma Julie and we are also lucky enough to have this cute little star shaped wash cloth made in the same yarn which is his "mini Blankie" now, so we have that one to take out in the world when he refuses to leave the house without his Blankie. The only down side to all this is that the dentist needs for him to stop sucking his thumb within the next 6 months, and part of Blankie is that he snuggles it and sucks his thumb. I guess I will just see where this all goes and take it from there. I love seeing him all snuggled up with his Blankie, and it is nice to know that we have something to help him be comfy anywhere we go. I pray the day never comes when Blankie starts to come apart! <br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-12983078768893843782012-07-17T16:48:00.000-07:002012-07-17T16:48:02.814-07:00A quick updateEvie is almost here! Just a little under 8 weeks and she will be keeping me up at night with cries instead of kicks. All in all the whole thing has progressed with minimal problems once we got past that first few scary as hell months. <br />
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Liam is still not sure what all is happening. He sees the baby swings and the baby chairs and is learning that they are not for him because he is too heavy now! He is such a big boy and these things are for little tiny babies.<br />
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He is growing up so much lately. He talks a lot more, has so many words that he says and puts them together in really interesting ways. He adds about a word a day, sometimes more, and his comprehension of concepts is stunning and rather startling at times.<br />
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We have all been busy this summer with trips and visits and fun things to do around town. We go to the farmers market a lot and we found some new parks that are pretty fun. I have been spending time with the ladies in my moms group and enjoying their company more than I thought I would.<br />
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Right now we are cleaning up the house for Dan's mom Julie to come visit and also for my mama, she will be here the same weekend. It is always nice having people come visit because it is a reason to finally DO that deep cleaning that needs to happen from time to time. You know, the kind of cleaning where you sit on the floor and scrub the edge of the bathtub with an old toothbrush to get out all the "eeew" that has gathered there since you last scrubbed it. The kind of cleaning that just can't happen all the time.<br />
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Nym, our mini Aussie, turned one this summer, on June 14th. She is a good dog and already starting to mellow out into her adult personality. She is dedicated to her baby, Liam, and loves him. Every morning she comes in his room to help me get him up and greets him with kisses. She puts up with a lot of torment from him as he learns how to be nice to his puppy.<br />
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Liam is also learning about how to behave with people as well and that some things are ok and some things are not OK. We have started doing time outs for some offenses, and his reaction to those vary from indifferent to a situation fit for screaming about.<br />
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But all in all we are doing well and helping Liam learn to grow up into a kind little boy who hopefully will someday soon stop trying to drag his cat around by the tail.<br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-84131447198511065912012-07-17T16:33:00.002-07:002012-07-17T16:33:52.558-07:00Things Only Parents Get to Say - #2"Oh, is the giraffe eating my feet? I don't mind if he eats my feet, but please don't shove his head between my toes!"Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-34552417591466353172012-07-05T10:05:00.001-07:002012-07-05T10:05:09.081-07:00Things Only Parents Get to Say - #1"That's a fork, not a doggy brush. Where did you even find a fork?"Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-4140595873598224302012-06-17T22:35:00.000-07:002012-06-17T22:35:21.638-07:00Now that you're two...Liam is 2 now and its almost like a light switch went on or off or totally haywire. I think it might have more to do with all the visitors and changes that happened about the same time as his birthday. Lots of people coming and going, the new bed, a huge party, a bunch of new toys and having his grandma Ecca around for a few days. It was a lot to take in. He loves having people here, as do I, and it is always great to see the ones you love, but it does disrupt his schedule a bit and can make for a hard time re-adjusting. It is well worth it though to get to spend time with family. <br />
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He is asserting his new independence with great results, in his mind. I am enjoying seeing him form opinions and learn how to ask for things. His vocabulary is booming, his understanding is stunning, though his listening skills have left the building. But this is all normal from what I can tell. He is toeing the line and seeing what he can get away with. He is testing how far he can get with each parent and who puts up with more from him.<br />
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I am working hard on not giving in to every whine. I have a hard time not babying my baby, but at this point I can't. He whines when he wants a cookie, or when he is put on time out. I am trying not to laugh at his defiance, his little personality asserting itself... But it is SO STINKIN' CUTE to see him put his little foot down about something. I have to keep him safe and set firm but fair boundaries for him and stick to them. This is harder than I expected it would be, the urge to give him anything at all just to comfort him is almost overwhelming at times.<br />
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We've been playing hard this summer and I have been baking a lot while I have the time and energy to do so. <br />
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Evelyn is growing well, I go in for another ultrasound in a few days, I need to remember to call them tomorrow to schedule it. But so far she is healthy as can be, wiggling all the time and giving me some pretty strong kicks.I have been getting her room ready and washing all of Liam's baby clothes and the ones we have been given by friends and family so far. <br />
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Dan has been working hard like always, taking on some extra hours at the Cafe for the summer. I have also been helping out there by taking over their Facebook page and starting to update it and try to draw in some more customers. I might also get to build them a new web site soon if all goes well.<br />
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I think once Evelyn is a few months old and we have the sleep schedule figured out I will look for some part time work. I think I need something other than playdates and trips to the grocery store to stimulate my mind. I might find a job within the scope of my degree, or I might just do something purely for fun for a little while. It would have to be at times when Dan was home with Liam and Evvie so that we do not have to pay for child care. <br />
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Nym turned one a couple days ago, she is a very good dog to have. She is still a puppy though and has much to learn. I need to get her out more this summer to get her re-socialized after the winter indoors. I think we might start doing the farmers market every Saturday with her, just to walk around with all the people and dogs.<br />
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We have all been working out ways to adjust to the upcoming changes with Evelyn getting here in just over 2 months. I have been putting thought into potty training Liam, but the truth is he just is not there right now. He is just now becoming aware of potty related things and can tell me when he has a dirty diaper. That is a pretty major step. We will work from there and take our time. No need to rush it too fast, it would just make us all miserable.<br />
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But that is where we stand right now, just trying to figure out where to go next in this adventure!Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-10967287666987298982012-06-02T21:16:00.000-07:002012-06-02T21:16:27.900-07:00Happy Birthday Mr. Liam!Liam turned 2 today. His birthday happened to fall on a Saturday so it made sense to have his party today. We had lots of friends and family come over and bring food and fun times and lots of smiles.<br />
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Here are the pictures from the party!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YSYeBa2Csw/T8rjxVFwjfI/AAAAAAAAssw/sFRPdDKLDYE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YSYeBa2Csw/T8rjxVFwjfI/AAAAAAAAssw/sFRPdDKLDYE/s320/1.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam and his cousin Dotty </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqidX-2Fegs/T8rjycL67UI/AAAAAAAAss4/BI5MXqhmlBI/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqidX-2Fegs/T8rjycL67UI/AAAAAAAAss4/BI5MXqhmlBI/s320/10.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dotty loved the bear Liam got! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJkiHuanYs0/T8rjy6hnNUI/AAAAAAAAstA/xVBvIXcrxGA/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJkiHuanYs0/T8rjy6hnNUI/AAAAAAAAstA/xVBvIXcrxGA/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys and their new toys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HN-C-wWnz0E/T8rjz5dbHKI/AAAAAAAAstI/sye_7aM7qVQ/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HN-C-wWnz0E/T8rjz5dbHKI/AAAAAAAAstI/sye_7aM7qVQ/s320/12.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam had a great time playing with the balloons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSGEJEwF12c/T8rj0da5oFI/AAAAAAAAstQ/hieNX-g3BpQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSGEJEwF12c/T8rj0da5oFI/AAAAAAAAstQ/hieNX-g3BpQ/s320/2.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone got to play in the yard a bit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6y87QiY93c/T8rj1BYym1I/AAAAAAAAstY/YQft6MANoI8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6y87QiY93c/T8rj1BYym1I/AAAAAAAAstY/YQft6MANoI8/s320/3.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam's new chair was a big hit! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkmJ8sOXE5Q/T8rj13dKaNI/AAAAAAAAstg/KcXXXOEa--U/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkmJ8sOXE5Q/T8rj13dKaNI/AAAAAAAAstg/KcXXXOEa--U/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hammock was a fun distraction and Dotty got to give Liam a kiss on the cheek!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D30saQKKZdU/T8rj2piE6BI/AAAAAAAAsto/uTzRz9Hl3qM/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D30saQKKZdU/T8rj2piE6BI/AAAAAAAAsto/uTzRz9Hl3qM/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam had lunch with his cousins, Dan cooked some nummy burgers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thGaBpV7fQc/T8rj3mbRvaI/AAAAAAAAstw/UbXl1hf_mKc/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thGaBpV7fQc/T8rj3mbRvaI/AAAAAAAAstw/UbXl1hf_mKc/s320/6.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had some confusion about candles, but no confusion about all the cake to eat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGAkEinC1nk/T8rj4mT-tyI/AAAAAAAAst4/Kfl2wrqRgLw/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGAkEinC1nk/T8rj4mT-tyI/AAAAAAAAst4/Kfl2wrqRgLw/s320/7.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presents were VERY fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UImdff44Zn8/T8rj5jYueoI/AAAAAAAAsuA/MFO9OGoyaSM/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UImdff44Zn8/T8rj5jYueoI/AAAAAAAAsuA/MFO9OGoyaSM/s320/8.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Especially the Hot Wheels holder with the spinning wheel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNva_i2Lqj4/T8rj6cA2wdI/AAAAAAAAsuI/dbRGTi2-IgY/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNva_i2Lqj4/T8rj6cA2wdI/AAAAAAAAsuI/dbRGTi2-IgY/s320/9.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam's best buddy Orrin got to check out the toys, and gave me some ideas for HIS birthday gift!</td></tr>
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-25934118743553319332012-05-03T20:15:00.001-07:002012-05-03T20:15:06.496-07:00The Mommy WarsThe judgmental comments of moms toward other moms are what keep me from sharing some of the truths about my son with other people. I don't lie, but I don't speak up either. If people could accept that parenting is a personal decision we all might be more free and able to learn from other parents without the fear of being judged and criticized for our decisions as parents. What some people see as terrible parenting may just be what works for someone else and they are doing the best they can in that moment. What more can you ask of someone? Hindsight is ever perfect, but at the time all you can do is your best. Being berated for it doesn't help.<br />
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I read <a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/toddler/136977/25_mom_confessions_to_top/100827/i_leave_my_twin_babies#slideshow" target="_blank">an article</a> today about confessions from moms, and the comments people made that the editor chose to post with the confessions are a glaring insight into that editors opinions. Some of the confessions made me cringe, but I am not that mom. I am not in their shoes and what right do I have to judge them? I have debated a few questionable things in my two years as a mom and I am sure I will debate more as my children grow up and test the boundaries of my sanity. I have done things that others might see as questionable. My husband has done things that I thought were insane and I am sure that he has held his tongue with me a few times.<br />
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If moms could just sit down and agree that we are all moms together and share what works for us there might be less of people doing truly unsafe things because instead of flying blind we would be able to have a trusted friend or two or three that we know we could be open with.<br />
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I am blessed. I have a good mommy friend who I have talked openly with. I have my cousin as well, who is my biggest inspiration as a mom. And I have my mom, who leads by example and is always there to talk to. But in my moms group, I hold my tongue. They ignore children who are not theirs, too afraid to step in, and that fear of judgement for helping has put children in danger. They won't say it out loud, but they sort of look at you funny if you say something they don't agree with. You feel like the moms are judging you.<br />
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Same with the online message boards for moms. If you say anything that the others don't agree with they all jump on you for it. Things like "I would NEVER do that..." or "If I saw that happen I would call the cops on that mom".<br />
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It makes me afraid to connect with other moms for that fear of being judged. But we all do things as moms that other moms might find weird, or wrong. Parenting is a journey, there is no one true way. If children are fed, clothed, have a safe dry place to sleep and are not being beaten or abused... why judge someone on their choices? And feeding them corn dogs for dinner is not the kind of abuse I am talking about. <br />
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I confess...<br />
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I gave my son chicken nuggets from the fast food place a few times. And fries.<br />
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He is almost two and still doesn't know how to use a fork or spoon properly. I try, but some days I don't feel like cleaning the mess so I plan meals he can eat with his hands. <br />
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I have given him a cookie or a candy just so I could have 5 minutes of peace and quiet.<br />
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I put him to bed an hour early a few times because he would not stop whining and I didn't know what else to do, so I decided he must be tired. <br />
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Unless he gets really dirty he only gets a bath once every 3 days or so. <br />
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When he was really annoying at the store I bought him a toy car so I could finish shopping in peace. <br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196338118159280620.post-88507496551656803622012-04-27T12:09:00.003-07:002012-04-27T12:09:29.376-07:00Preparing for EvelynWith just a bit over 4 months to go until Miss Evelyn makes an appearance, I am starting to think about what needs to happen to prepare Liam for this.<br />
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There are a big events for Liam coming up that need to happen a bit before Evvie gets here so that he has time to adjust to them. I want to have him off the bottle before he turns 2, or the day after that birthday it will be bye bye bottle time. This is based on the fact that with all the milk he is drinking it is meeting a lot of his food needs and he is missing out on other foods because he is having on average 10-12oz of milk every night (6oz to go to sleep on, then 4-6 when he wakes up at night. More if he wakes up multiple times). So he eats less for breakfast, lunch is a bigger meal, but he is not eating much for dinner and ends up filling up those empty spots with milk. And heaven forbid I try to limit the milk, or the cries of "MORE MORE" fill the house along with furious cries of the angry toddler.<br />
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There is also the start of potty training, but that is a whooooole 'nother can of worms. He is nowhere near ready and does not even have the words to get ready. We are working on that, with some plans for back yard naked time this summer with a watchful eye and a "hey look, you're peeing!" to see if he can make the connection. As with most things child related, I don't even know where to start on this whole thing and I am going to just try some ideas and see what happens.<br />
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Liam does well with new ideas at first, but he is stubborn and will do something once or twice and then resist doing it again until he feels he can do it without getting frustrated. I can show him until we are both blue in the face, and all it will get me is a ticked off munchkin and a loud NO shouted in my face if I push him even one iota too much. Then its almost back to square one for DAYS while he calms down about whatever it was.<br />
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He DOES sit on his potty, but only with clothes on. If I offer for him to sit on there while he has a bare bottom he resists it much more and gets upset. I am not sure where to go from there on that issue. But I think that other than getting the words down and making some time to sit on the potty every day, I am not going to push the potty issue until he adjusts after Evvie gets here. Even if I got him use to it before she comes, I will have less time once she is here until we figure out our new schedule and it would just back slide for Liam and that is not the way to do it I think. Once we get the ball rolling on potty time, I think it would be good for his way of learning if we keep it up and not have to stop or pause at all. <br />
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I also plan to get out the swing for Evelyn and need to do it before she gets here so that I have time to teach Liam NOT to climb on it. I can just see it in my head, she is swinging peacefully, half asleep, Liam comes up and tries to haul himself into the swing and they both tip over and the peace is shattered by cries from the two of them being scared, confused and possibly injured.<br />
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In my mind as well has been wondering how to teach him to be gentle with an infant. I don't think he would be rough on purpose, but he does not know his own strength and at times he will launch himself on to the dog and tackle her or sit on her. He also stomps his feet when he wears shoes, as my toes and Dan's toes know all too well. But I do not know how to show him or teach him to be gentle with a baby until there IS a baby around. He does have a baby doll and is very gentle with that doll, but he DID use the doll as a prop to learn about Eye and Nose and Ear, so he does tend to jab his little finger into those places. Maybe a new doll that all we do is be gentle with? That might be a good idea. <br />
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I know there will be some jealousy when Evelyn gets here, I am just hoping to get him as ready as I can before the BIG change comes. I have NO IDEA how to go about this whole thing, so I am making it up as I go. I am sure that Liam will be just fine in the end, it is just in the start that I worry about.<br />
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I guess like all the worrying I do, if I worry and plan for it now, I can head off the problems and decide on solutions before I need them so that if it does come up I am not struggling to figure it out at the time. I guess worry can be a good thing some times! <br />
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<br />Auriyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09724762133487977001noreply@blogger.com0