I don't normally post two blog entries in one day but I really want to make sure the following story gets documented and I didn't think it was appropriate to post it in this post.
You might be aware that we have been struggling for awhile now to get Rachel potty trained. In fact, she first showed interest over a year ago and we have been working with her on and off (mostly off) ever since then.
I'll stop now and issue a friendly warning... the following story might contain TMI but it will fit nicely into my next printed blog book so I must continue.
The hardest part about potty training a child is, by far, getting them to figure out the timing issues. Like, they have to learn that if they wait until they feel like they can no longer walk, the chances are pretty good that they will fill their pants. The other issue is, of course, getting them to realize that sometimes they actually have to stop playing and take a potty break.
Rachel has been successful at learning both of these lessons, and follows them when she wants to.
And so, I was completely overjoyed last night when she put down her toy and announced that she needed to go to the bathroom. Once we got there she asked me to leave so she could take care of some business. Success!
She got excited. I got excited. Daddy got excited.
Then she asked if she could call grandpa so that he too could be excited.
Here is how their conversation went:
Ring Ring Ring...Grandpa picks up the phone to hear a tiny little voice on the other end.
Rachel: "Grandpa, I went poop in the potty!!!!!"
Grandpa: "Well Good for You!"
Rachel: "Yeah, I was pushing and then it just dropped right out!!!!"
Grandpa: "Wow!"
And now the story is documented. Although, I feel like this is one story that grandpa will probably never forget. Ever.
February 27, 2013
An oldie but goodie...
This song has been stuck in my head for about a month.
And now, hopefully it will also be stuck in your head. You're welcome.
And now, hopefully it will also be stuck in your head. You're welcome.
February 26, 2013
Testing, one, two, three...
I know this might be hard to believe but I do, gasp, have a life outside of potty training and baby eczema. In fact, I have been making a conscience effort lately to remind myself that I am not only a mother but also a working professional person of sorts; and I am still good at what I do, even If I am exhausted....all day every day.
After waiting for what has seemed like FOREVER, I have finally put in enough time to begin my quest to become a certified Professional in Human Resources. Yesterday I completed my application, checked the box next to "I have at least 2 years of professional experience working in human resources," and sent in my additional paperwork to justify that even though my official title isn't on their official list of officially approved titles, I should still be allowed to sit for the exam.
And so now I wait. This will be a true test of my "marketing" skills, or as some might call them, my "power of persuasion" skills. But, I like to refer to it as my heightened ability to beg and plead until I get what I want.
Once the national organization that oversees all of this sends me my approval (they will) I can register for the test. I have even already bought my study guide. I use the words "study guide" quite loosely though as the book is the size of a college chemistry textbook and includes things like a full list of court cases that have shaped employment law (which I'm required to memorize) and a 150 question pre-test/assessment "quiz"...and just looking at the thing makes my head spin.
But still, I hope to trudge on through this. I need a little something to distract me from my every-day life and the stress of taking, and passing, this test (which comes with a $400 registration fee that my employer has agreed to pay, so no pressure there) is just what I seem to be looking for.
So, when I pass this thing, the cherry on top will be the three little letters behind my name in my new official signature. Neat, huh?
After waiting for what has seemed like FOREVER, I have finally put in enough time to begin my quest to become a certified Professional in Human Resources. Yesterday I completed my application, checked the box next to "I have at least 2 years of professional experience working in human resources," and sent in my additional paperwork to justify that even though my official title isn't on their official list of officially approved titles, I should still be allowed to sit for the exam.
And so now I wait. This will be a true test of my "marketing" skills, or as some might call them, my "power of persuasion" skills. But, I like to refer to it as my heightened ability to beg and plead until I get what I want.
Once the national organization that oversees all of this sends me my approval (they will) I can register for the test. I have even already bought my study guide. I use the words "study guide" quite loosely though as the book is the size of a college chemistry textbook and includes things like a full list of court cases that have shaped employment law (which I'm required to memorize) and a 150 question pre-test/assessment "quiz"...and just looking at the thing makes my head spin.
But still, I hope to trudge on through this. I need a little something to distract me from my every-day life and the stress of taking, and passing, this test (which comes with a $400 registration fee that my employer has agreed to pay, so no pressure there) is just what I seem to be looking for.
So, when I pass this thing, the cherry on top will be the three little letters behind my name in my new official signature. Neat, huh?
February 21, 2013
The itchy and scratchy show...
This morning I cried, again.
Surprise. Surprise. Right?
We have been waiting for over two long months to get Ryan in to see a Dermatologist and this morning was finally the big day. We are supposed to receive like a gazillion inches of snow today but that didn't stop me from wrapping an extra blanket around my little guy, strapping him into the back seat of Grandpa's big pickup truck, and hauling him off to the doctor.
After all, hell hath no fury like a woman (or very tired and frustrated mother) scorned.
The resident and the med student listened intently to every word I spoke. They looked at a picture that we took of Ryan two weeks ago when his eczema was at its worst. Then, they left to go get the doctor.
When the doctor came in he too listened to me as if we were his only patients scheduled this week. He even smiled when I admitted that I was in his office looking for a miracle. Then, he made a few small tears collect in the corner of my eyes when he said, "Let me just say this first of all, you are doing everything right." Next, he confirmed that it is okay to be frustrated and tired and concerned for the health and comfort of our little baby boy.
Finally, he gave me some prescriptions for some new medicine. He gave me no promises but he did give me hope.
Hope that Ryan will stop scratching his head enough that the missing patches of hair can grow back in.
Hope that he will wake up some morning without new blood on his sheets.
Hope that he will stop attacking his tummy and thighs and ears whenever given the chance to scratch them.
Hope that he will no longer be kept awake at night by pain and irritation.
Hope that he will sleep better at night.
Hope that we will sleep better at night.
When I went to pick up Ryan's medications I had to meet with a pharmacist. And you know me, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut when he warned me that one of the medicines will cause drowsiness I, without hesitation, responded, "Awesome." The word had not even finished leaving my lips before I corrected myself by sheepishly mumbling, "umm..okay, thanks."
And now, bring on the next irritation...Ryan's first tooth, which is already on the way.
Of course it is.
Surprise. Surprise. Right?
We have been waiting for over two long months to get Ryan in to see a Dermatologist and this morning was finally the big day. We are supposed to receive like a gazillion inches of snow today but that didn't stop me from wrapping an extra blanket around my little guy, strapping him into the back seat of Grandpa's big pickup truck, and hauling him off to the doctor.
After all, hell hath no fury like a woman (or very tired and frustrated mother) scorned.
The resident and the med student listened intently to every word I spoke. They looked at a picture that we took of Ryan two weeks ago when his eczema was at its worst. Then, they left to go get the doctor.
When the doctor came in he too listened to me as if we were his only patients scheduled this week. He even smiled when I admitted that I was in his office looking for a miracle. Then, he made a few small tears collect in the corner of my eyes when he said, "Let me just say this first of all, you are doing everything right." Next, he confirmed that it is okay to be frustrated and tired and concerned for the health and comfort of our little baby boy.
Finally, he gave me some prescriptions for some new medicine. He gave me no promises but he did give me hope.
Hope that Ryan will stop scratching his head enough that the missing patches of hair can grow back in.
Hope that he will wake up some morning without new blood on his sheets.
Hope that he will stop attacking his tummy and thighs and ears whenever given the chance to scratch them.
Hope that he will no longer be kept awake at night by pain and irritation.
Hope that he will sleep better at night.
Hope that we will sleep better at night.
When I went to pick up Ryan's medications I had to meet with a pharmacist. And you know me, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut when he warned me that one of the medicines will cause drowsiness I, without hesitation, responded, "Awesome." The word had not even finished leaving my lips before I corrected myself by sheepishly mumbling, "umm..okay, thanks."
And now, bring on the next irritation...Ryan's first tooth, which is already on the way.
Of course it is.
February 11, 2013
Change, it needs to happen...
I have not written a list on my blog for quite some time (okay, so I haven't written a lot of things on my blog for awhile but oh well).
I figure that it is about time for me to list a few things, so I give you...
My List of Reasons for For Why I Want Our Current "Normal" to Change- Even Though I know I Should Learn to Embrace the Now:
1. It feels like my entire life is consumed with potty training mishaps and treatments for baby eczema. I need a break from the washing of hands, the frustrations that go along with these issues, and the monotonous pattern of crying (from both children) that we have found ourselves in.
2. Sometimes at work I feel like I have been given a shovel and told to dig my own grave. Okay, so maybe that is a bit over-dramatic but still....it is really hard to keep a positive attitude (and to make myself stay on schedule) when I'm the person in charge of renovating myself right out of my very own office- especially since my office is my sanctuary. I look forward to coming to work so I can retreat to my own quiet, professional work space and it is kind of sad to note that in less than a month I will still be sleep deprived and exhausted but I will no longer have my own personal space to seek solitude and comfort in.
3. I cherish the small amounts of sleep and relaxation time that I get at home. And because of that I still have at least 50 pounds of baby weight to shed. I just cannot seem to find the energy or the will (or the time) to exercise. Today I'm going to walk over my lunch break and I'm quite proud to say that. Too bad no amount of leisurely strolling is going to make my pants fit better.
4. I hate winter. I hate the cold and the snow and the mud and the wind and the grey landscape. I need spring to get here.
5. My adorable baby boy hates to snuggle and I hate that. He's so darn stinkin cute- even though he exhausts me I still think he's the cutest little boy EVER- and it is so unfun to not be able to snuggle up to that little guy. But, he likes his space and doesn't want it to be invaded. I guess he figures that he spends enough time with us in the middle of the night and doesn't want to be held during normal day-light hours. Such a shame.
6. Having only one income is crappy. Since Jake is doing his student teaching right now he can't work, which is really hard on my "I want this.." list. This is especially frustrating because I feel fat and when I feel fat I often feel the need to go shopping. You know, so my clothes will fit. Is that really too much to ask for?
7. I wish Rachel would learn to watch something a bit more "grown up" than Jake and the Never Land Pirates or Dora the Explorer. We have about 50,000 of those shows in our DVR right now and we all have every single episode pretty much memorized. We also have about 50,000 children's movies recorded but we can never seem to talk her into watching any of them. Oh well, it could be worse, she could be into the Backyardagains, those things have been banned from our home.
And there you have it. A few things that I would like to see change. In fact, I'm looking forward to them changing. But, in the meantime, I continue to remind myself just how blessed I am. And, I will continue to try to snuggle with my baby boy while watching Dora with my beautiful little girl. Because, I'm sure that some day I will look back on this time and miss it...maybe.
I figure that it is about time for me to list a few things, so I give you...
My List of Reasons for For Why I Want Our Current "Normal" to Change- Even Though I know I Should Learn to Embrace the Now:
1. It feels like my entire life is consumed with potty training mishaps and treatments for baby eczema. I need a break from the washing of hands, the frustrations that go along with these issues, and the monotonous pattern of crying (from both children) that we have found ourselves in.
2. Sometimes at work I feel like I have been given a shovel and told to dig my own grave. Okay, so maybe that is a bit over-dramatic but still....it is really hard to keep a positive attitude (and to make myself stay on schedule) when I'm the person in charge of renovating myself right out of my very own office- especially since my office is my sanctuary. I look forward to coming to work so I can retreat to my own quiet, professional work space and it is kind of sad to note that in less than a month I will still be sleep deprived and exhausted but I will no longer have my own personal space to seek solitude and comfort in.
3. I cherish the small amounts of sleep and relaxation time that I get at home. And because of that I still have at least 50 pounds of baby weight to shed. I just cannot seem to find the energy or the will (or the time) to exercise. Today I'm going to walk over my lunch break and I'm quite proud to say that. Too bad no amount of leisurely strolling is going to make my pants fit better.
4. I hate winter. I hate the cold and the snow and the mud and the wind and the grey landscape. I need spring to get here.
5. My adorable baby boy hates to snuggle and I hate that. He's so darn stinkin cute- even though he exhausts me I still think he's the cutest little boy EVER- and it is so unfun to not be able to snuggle up to that little guy. But, he likes his space and doesn't want it to be invaded. I guess he figures that he spends enough time with us in the middle of the night and doesn't want to be held during normal day-light hours. Such a shame.
6. Having only one income is crappy. Since Jake is doing his student teaching right now he can't work, which is really hard on my "I want this.." list. This is especially frustrating because I feel fat and when I feel fat I often feel the need to go shopping. You know, so my clothes will fit. Is that really too much to ask for?
7. I wish Rachel would learn to watch something a bit more "grown up" than Jake and the Never Land Pirates or Dora the Explorer. We have about 50,000 of those shows in our DVR right now and we all have every single episode pretty much memorized. We also have about 50,000 children's movies recorded but we can never seem to talk her into watching any of them. Oh well, it could be worse, she could be into the Backyardagains, those things have been banned from our home.
And there you have it. A few things that I would like to see change. In fact, I'm looking forward to them changing. But, in the meantime, I continue to remind myself just how blessed I am. And, I will continue to try to snuggle with my baby boy while watching Dora with my beautiful little girl. Because, I'm sure that some day I will look back on this time and miss it...maybe.
February 4, 2013
For mick and julie...
For Mick and Julie....
It has been a year and I still miss you.
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
It has been a year and I still miss you.
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)