Because I’m the Cool Parent…
…okay who am I kidding. I’m REALLY not! And I’m okay with that.
You know the Modern Family episode where Claire and Phil switch their roles (Claire is usually the “bad cop” and Phil is the “good cop”), it was disastrous after they switched roles and at the end they decide it just works better with the original way. Well, Jeremy and I totally related to that episode.
But this month, I was the cool parent!
Jeremy had two trips he was taking and since I can’t stand to be with my kids for more than a day by myself – yeah I admit it – I decided to invite myself and my kiddos to friends houses that have moved out of town. It worked out beautifully because both of my girlfriends recently had babies and I had an excuse to go see them 
!
First trip was to Knoxville to see our dear friends Bob and Crystal. Tricia and her kids decided to come along since our husbands were on a business trip together (and we were all close friends). Wow six kids 4 and under in one house. It was crazy but so much fun! We had a great time!
Our second “Field Trip” (I can call it that since we did go to a museum while we were there ) was to Virginia Beach. My childhood best friend, April, is there and it was a perfect time to throw the kids in the truck, drive 12 hours and have a mini-vacation with her and her family! It was awesome. Her 4 year old and Evan were INSTANT best friends. They played so well together which meant April and I actually got to catch up and talk.
So I think I’ve started something. The boys are already asking when we are going away again – ha! The boys did amazing in the truck! Which surprises me because they need to keep busy at home, but yet are somewhat content to sit in the car for hours upon hours! Who knew?
So for this month, I think I won the “coolest parent” award!
Scheduled and Relieved
I have realized in the last few years (since having kids and not out of the home working) that I DEFINITELY need to be on a schedule. If you have young children – you definitely know how hard it is to be on a schedule around your kids’ schedules. But finally, my boys are old enough that I don’t have to be home enforcing naps which has freed up my schedule to make a schedule for all of us…;-) Are you following me?
I have DREADED the winter months since having children. The “being stuck in the house” routine has just about put me over the edge on several occasions. I hate being stuck in the house with two boys who definitely need activities to keep them busy! But finding activities for both kids has been tough. Most activities are for older children (3+) or cost money which isn’t always the best option financially.
So, a few months ago I started planning and making a schedule for me and the boys so that I wouldn’t go crazy this winter but also would allow the boys to have learning opportunities. I even made my own calendar for the refrigerator – crafty huh?
Carter was old enough to start preschool along with Evan. I had to first decide whether to send both of them Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday. I wanted to send them on the same days so that I could get a break for myself – selfish? Sorta! I knew Evan would thrive with either schedule and I didn’t want to put Carter in for too many days. They have 12 years to go to school every day – in my opinion. So I decided to keep the Tuesday/Thursday for both kids after discussing it with friends, family and Evan’s school teachers. Evan’s school teachers actually followed him up to Pre-K and assured me that he wouldn’t miss out on anything important if he didn’t go 4 to 5 days a week. Besides he has a mom for a teacher, so I am not too concerned about him being behind ! Many of my friends urged me to do 3 days a week, for my sanity. But I just didn’t feel comfortable having them away from me that much.
Because I chose the preschool option of 2 days a week, I had to find some “extracurriculars” for the other days. I still want the boys being exposed to other learning experiences different from their classrooms. After researching and researching and agonizing, I found that the YMCA had the best options for the price! So I have enrolled both boys into an exercise class and swimming class on Mondays and Wednesdays. This is awesome for me too, since now I have NO excuse not to exercise while we are there – I do get 2 hours of free child care a day! A big thanks to my parents and Jeremy’s parents for helping out financially to allow the boys to take extra classes!
And I will be planning on “field trips” with the boys also throughout the cold months. This week, we went to the zoo. Jeremy took the day off for a family field trip! The boys had a blast and since we pretty much had the zoo to ourselves, we were able to do a little bit more educating while we were there. I love having a Museum pass – it makes for great, cheap educational trips to local museums and zoos!
There you have it! I am SUPER excited to be on a schedule! I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted and my life is getting a little bit more controllable. I am fully aware that come May, I will be yearning for a schedule free summer of playgrounds, play dates and swimming. But right now, bring on the consistency, schedule and a little “me” time as an extra bonus.
What do you do to stay sane with your kids during the cold, snowy months of winter? I would love to know so that I can add them to my arsenal 
?
Should I Admit…
…I love the new schedule with the boys in school? There I said it! To all of you who are about to tell me that, “I will look back one day and realize the time I spent raising my boys is only a small fraction of my total life and that I should relish in it as long as possible”, don’t bother. I totally know that!!!
But surprisingly, when I dropped the boys off at the first day of school on Tuesday, not one single tear fell from my eyes! I was more excited to have some free time then anything else. But for the record, when I arrived to pick my boys up, seeing Carter sitting in the circle, waiting patiently for me to arrive, I shed a few tears.
Right at that moment, I saw my baby boy and my growing-up-to-fast boy all at once. And I did get a little verklempt.
But that feeling passed and I am ready to have a few hours a week to myself. So far this week, I had coffee with my dear friend Jenny, had a great workout, and went grocery shopping. And it was heavenly!
I may be in the minority here, but I’m cool with it! Tell me: are you an emotional wreck when your babies go to school the first time or are you excited for some time “off”?
And Then There Was None!
This week marked a very important milestone in our house! Yep, you guessed it! Both boys started school: Carter in preschool and Evan in Pre-K. And that leaves me all alone for 6 hours a week to do what I want to do for once.
I saw a great idea on Pinterest about taking the boys pictures with a sign stating the date and what “grade” they were entering. I thought I would try it. I think liked it better on Pinterest but anyhoo I did it…
My big boys! I love them bunches but excited to let them go on a new adventure of learning!
And in true opposite fashion – Evan did his normal thing by finding the most quiet, less crowded spot in the room. Carter on the other hand looked for the most crowded spot and wiggled into the mix and joining into the conversation.
I’m excited to see how they grow this school year!
Are You Going to Jail Mom?
The day started off like any other day. We had to go to Evan’s yearly wellness appointment and afterwards I decided to take the boys to the park. The boys’ pediatrician office is in an area that we don’t visit often, so I decided to find a park on the GPS. I often do this, just to break up the monotony. As we pulled up to the first park, I noticed there were only 3 slides so I explained to the boys that we would go find another park. So I looked up a new park and headed that way. A few minutes down the road, I noticed that the new park would be taking me out of the way. So I again, re-entered to find a new park. The third park was too secluded. By now the boys were a little antsy. So I promised them that the next park we found, we would stop.
So I followed the GPS into an unfamiliar neighborhood. After a few moments of winding roads and many turns, I found this park. I turned onto the street and happened to glance in the review mirror before pulling over to park. And there they were. The heart stopping red and blue lights.
What did I do? I truly had no clue. I actually for a moment, thought that the cop would drive past me but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. Because seriously, how could I NOT see the police following me?
I sat there for a moment in disbelief, when Evan unstrapped his seat belt. I quickly snapped at him to “put it back on” because I could get in trouble if he didn’t have it on.
“Mom what’s going on, why aren’t we getting out of the truck, I WANT TO GO TO THE PARK!!”
“Well boys, mommy broke a traffic rule and I have to talk to the police officer when he comes up to the truck.”
“What rule did you break, Mom?”
“Well, Evan, I’m not quite sure.”
Then after sitting for a few more moments, I thought I should probably get my license and registration together. I HAD no idea what I am doing. Did I mention I haven’t been pulled over in 17 years! So without thinking, I took my seat belt off and bent down to get my wallet from the floor board.
OH CRAP! I just took my seat belt off and bent over. The cop is going to totally think I am pulling a gun out or trying to hide something.
I quickly sat up and put my seat belt back on! And encourage the boys to sit still until this ordeal was finished.
The cop walks up by my window and I look at him.
“Excuse me ma’am, do you realize that you were going 41 in a 25 mile an hour residential area, along with not using turn singles for the last 2 turns.” {holy crap, how long had he been following me, anyway! And seriously I didn’t notice?}
“No, SIr. I wasn’t aware that I was speeding.”
“Is there a reason your were going so fast? Because I usually give drivers a 15 mile an hour cushion.”
“I am so sorry sir. I was just really focused on trying to find a park for the boys and watching the GPS.”
“Hmmm, I see. I will need to see your insurance card.”
“Oh, okay” I start fumbling through all my cards, praying that I had the insurance card. I did! Whew! I squinted to see if it was the correct card, because I had to wear my glasses for several days due to an infection. And I so can’t see with my glasses on!
“I think this is the correct card.”
“Yes, ma’am this is an insurance card but it is expired, {um hello, it expired 3 MONTHS AGO} why don’t you continue looking while I step away.”
He walks back to his cruiser and I text Jeremy immediately. Because now I am REALLY FREAKING out! I just know that I am going to get arrested for having an expired insurance card.
Jeremy quickly calls me to see what is going on. I give him a few details but quickly hang up so the police officer doesn’t think I am cool enough to be on the phone. But before I hang up, Jeremy jokingly says, “at least I got the tags renewed.”
You see, Jeremy totally forgot to get the tags renewed on both vehicles before his birthday 15 days ago. He remembered on Friday! Can you imagine what kind of pickle I would be in, if he hadn’t of remembered last week!
After several painful minutes, the cop came back to the truck.
“I am going to let you off with a warning today, ma’am, since you do not have anything on your record.”
That is when I started crying. Yeah, I’ll admit it! Tears started flowing! I just couldn’t control myself.
He then started to preach about not speeding in residential areas and blah, blah blah. This was after he informed me that he wasn’t going to preach at me. He finished up and started walking away.
I reached my head out the window, and told him that my boys would like to say ‘hi’ to him. I rolled down their windows and the cop was nice enough to chit chat with them for a few moments. Come to find out, he has a 4 year old daughter and another daughter on the way. I congratulated him and he went on with his business.
“Finally Mom! Can we now go to the park?’
Yes, Evan, we can now go to the park.
And by the way – that park stunk too!
Out of the Mouth of Babes…
My kids have said some funny (and not so funny) things lately:
- Last week I met some friends at the park. The boys played for over an hour. When it was time to go, I was helping Carter into his car seat, when I felt a bulge in his pants. I asked him if he pooped his pants and he adamantly insisted, “No”. I flipped the back side of his pants up and out popped a little hard ball of poop. It fell onto the street. Fortunately it was a solid poop and not his usual mess in his pants. Shocked, Carter looked at me and asked, “Hey! How did that get in there? Who pooped in MY pants?” And yes folks he was being completely serious!
- After 7 days with Jeremy away on business Evan informed me that, “Mom, I like Daddy a lot more then you. Don’t be sad, I like you too, but I just like Daddy more.”
- Carter: “Mom I like to play with the back of your arm – it’s squishy and fun to pinch.”
- Evan asked to play the board game “Angry Birds”. Jeremy said ‘yes’ as soon as he finished his coffee and instructed Evan to put the game on the dining room table. A few moments later, Evan comes yelling into the living room, “Dad, DAD! Maya (the cat) is sh*tting on the game, Maya is s*itting on the game!” Jeremy and I jumped up out of our seats and ran into the dining room where Maya was SITTING prim and proper on top of the game with tail swinging in contentment in picking on her kid! We are still working on the “S” sound !
What funny things have your kids said?
Overheard!
It always amuses me when family or friends tell me how patient I am with the boys! HA!! If you were a fly on our wall, you would totally see how IMPATIENT I am. That is why we get out of the house as much as possible. I tend to be a little bit more patient, when I am out in public and the kids are not bouncing off the walls in our home. They seem to be much more well behaved outside of the home, which makes me look like a pretty darn good parent. But the 3 of us know better! HA!
Last week at the pool, Evan was having a major melt down. Melt downs and Evan don’t usually go together. Even though he is such a scheduled little person, he can be pretty flexible when it comes to happenings beyond my control. Usually he can go with the flow after I explain what’s going on.
But for some reason, last Thursday, he was crying over EVERYTHING at the pool! I let them stay an extra hour and when it was time to go, he started waling at the top of his lungs! Who is this child? I don’t do “waling” very well! Even though I should, considering he never does! I quietly pulled him aside, got down on his level, and informed him that his behavior was unacceptable. I explained that we stayed longer than usual and the lifeguards blew the whistle for rest time, so we couldn’t even stay in the pool anyway. This usually works and he understands. But not today, he threw a larger fit than I have seen in a long time!
So what is a sophisticated, patient mom to do?
“Evan, SHUT UP!” I said it quietly and controlled. Or at least I thought I did! When I turned around to leave, the family sitting next to us, all were looking at me!
Yep, I was so one of those classy moms! You know, the ones I enjoy judging! Although, I rarely say that to my kids, that day I was just one of the moms that can’t control my kids and yell at them in public!
And within 5 minutes of our truck ride home, Evan was cashed out! So add insult to injury, the kid was exhausted and couldn’t control himself. And I couldn’t either!
The Age of Recklessness
As I’m writing this, the boys are enjoying themselves at the park. This is my first time writing a post from my phone, but I want to capture my feelings about this moment before it slips away! We’ve been at the park for a little over 30 minutes. Upon arriving Evan found two boys to play with, then the herd eventually grew to 8 boys, all around the same age. They played tag, huddled around a pole and chit chatted a little while, ran some more, got in line for drinks at the drinking fountain, grouped around the swings with the “alpha” boys actually swinging and the others content to stand and talk with one another. I catch myself enthralled in the dynamic of what’s unfolding although I keep needing to act like I’m not watching.
Occasionally Evan will inconspicuously look my way, a quick glance to make sure I’m still nearby. But in that same glance there is a little bit of “mom, quick watching I’m trying to play”. After each look, he has a moment of shyness before refocusing on the friends at hand.
He regains his swagger and attitude. And when he doesn’t think I’m watching any longer, he breaks free from the shy, calculating, non-risk taker and does something to earn some “street” cred. I’ve watched him climb up a baby swing then get it swinging before taking flight. I’ve been stricken with instant worry as he jumps from the highest step on the jungle gym. Only for him to give me an fleeting “I’m ok mom!” glance.
I’m sitting here like a crazy emotional mom, hiding behind my sunglasses, feeling as if my little man is growing up right before my very eyes. I kinda want to stop it, tell the boys we need to go home, something to pause this progression. But I won’t. I will sit and relish the occasional glance from a boy to his mom! And also help him keep his cred, by knowing when to look away when I need to.
Letting Go: Early Lessons in the Circle of Life
A few weeks ago, my mom purchased a butterfly home and caterpillars for the boys. The boys were excited to watch the caterpillars grow larger and larger, then become chrysalises. We watched each and every day for any activity. After a week or so, the first butterfly emerged. The boys were excited to see the new life. Soon after the 4 other butterflies emerged. Carter slept through each new beginning (it so happened he took a nap that day). Evan on the other hand, was very upset of the timing of the 4 others. He was playing Mario and was quite upset that I interrupted his game so that he could watch the new butterflies emerge. Jeremy and I, on the other hand, were enthralled with the process. And sat waiting for at least 30 minutes until the very last butterfly entered the world.
We kept them in their home for a couple of days, when I finally explained to the boys that we needed to let them go. Evan, of course, did not want to let them go! After a brief explanation of why it would be better for the butterflies to be free to do what God intended, Evan agreed it was the best option.
So we headed out to our butterfly bush and unzipped the temporary home. There was one butterfly READY to escape. She had been hanging on to the zipper all morning. It didn’t take her long to get those wings fluttering and off she went. Evan, at this point, became very sad to see the butterfly go. He turned to me and asked to zip the rest of the butterflies back in the home.
I asked him how he thought that first butterfly felt as she flew away excitedly. He dropped his head and gave me the, “I know she was happy to fly away but I want them to stay.” But he knew what he needed to do and opened the zippered ceiling and rooted each butterfly to take flight, until the very last one headed off into the sky. Surprisingly, NONE of the butterflies were interested in the bush. They flitted and fluttered around the back yard all afternoon, much more interested in flying then anything else.
Carter explained, “they are now looking for their mommy and daddy so they can be happy.” Melt my heart!!
Can’t wait to do this again next year! Evan immediately asked if we could get some more caterpillars.
But the learning of new life isn’t over yet. A Robin has nested in our Rose of Sharon tree and we have watched her build her nest, lay 3 eggs and now there are 3 hairless babies she is tending too (I’ve taken a bunch a pictures since they boys can’t see inside the nest). Can’t wait to watch them grow and take their first flights.
I’m just curious…do you do anything special during the spring/summer with your kids to allow them the experience of watching new life around us? Please share your experiences !
Sleepless in Ohio
Unfortunately this is not some romantic post about how Jeremy and I fell in love! It is a post of reality. The reality of my sweet little Carter NOT sleeping though the night any longer. My sweet little boy who was sleeping through the night at like 3 months. The sweet little boy who never made a peep during the night. The sweet little boy who never climbed out of this crib let alone stand up in it.
But apparently my sweet little boy is having a hard time adjusting to life in a big boy bed. It started out slowly and sweetly. After about a week of sleeping soundly in his new bed, the first night of sleeplessness started out with a sweet little boy who tiptoed upstairs to our room and whispered that he needed to snuggle with us. He climbed up in our bed, rolled in between us and fell soundly asleep!
Not bad. I didn’t mind the extra snuggles. And he did this a few nights during the week! But after the first night of this, we did make sure to put him back in his own bed so that we wouldn’t cause a bad habit. Even though, I admit I let him stay with us a couple more times then Jeremy thought was wise ! But this week. oh man, this week is a whole other story. He has been getting up every couple of hours and asking to get into bed with us. And it’s not the point of getting in bed with us that concerns me. It is when he gets in our bed, he doesn’t fall back to sleep. He FLAILS and FLIPS around as if he is in pain. Arms smacking into our faces, feet kicking violently, tossing and turning! It is a complete nightmare. After a few minutes of getting beat up, Jeremy carries him back to his room where it takes him almost an hour each time to settle down and go back to sleep. Then within a short amount of time, he is back at our bedside fussing that he needs us. And the process begins again.
I am almost positive this isn’t a ploy to stay in our bed. He seems to be physically uncomfortable not so much wanting to stay up or play or even snuggle.
I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to be a push over but I don’t want to miss the signs of something seriously wrong either! HELP! We are sleep deprived. ALL OF US!! *Yawn*
Lier, Lier Pants on Fire
We are having issues with honesty in our household. And of course 2 extremes are happening. Remember when I posted about Evan being so honest? You don’t? Well it was over a year ago, so go check out that post, then come back here. I’ll wait !
Okay, so I just assumed that Carter would follow in his older brother’s shoes and I wouldn’t have a problem with honesty in this house. OH WAS I WRONG.
“Carter, did you turn the lights off?”
“No mom!” (as his finger is still on the switch)
“Carter did you lock all the doors, then shut them all?”
“What? No mama.” (he has a thing for locking doors and Evan informing us that he saw him do it)
“Carter did you put your toys away?”
“Uh huh!” (toys still all over the floor)
So as you can see, Carter doesn’t tell the truth very often. Can’t he learn from his big brother…
“Evan, did you hit Carter?”
“Well mom, yes, I hit Carter then threw him off the couch and then stepped on him. That is why he is crying.”
Evan is too honest, to a fault!
So of course, since they are completely opposite of each other, I don’t know why I would expect anything different.
Eek! I am in trouble!
Sometimes You Just Gotta Play
The past few weeks have been stressful. Not from just one event but from many smaller nuisances (and mostly crazy stupid ones caused by being a mom) and of course taking yourself off your anti-depressant because you don’t think it’s working ! But anyway. I had several things due by Saturday, so I decided after Saturday was over, I would make sure to spend time playing and enjoying summer with my boys. And that is exactly what I have done. You may notice that this ol’ blog is not my priority. Sometimes I wish I took better care of it, but sometimes I just don’t care if it gets neglected. This week the boys and I have played! And everything else has had to take the back burner.
We had an impromptu sleep over with one of Evan’s favorite friends, we stayed up late catching lightening bugs,
got up early (not by my choice) and rode bikes to the park.
We have gone swimming!
We have had picnics and hikes. And have eaten waaayyyy too much ice cream! And it’s only Thursday. I am writing this before dashing out the door for another pool day. So with that all said, I hope you are taking some time and enjoying your kids this week. Because if you are anything like me, getting annoyed by your kids sometimes keeps you from just enjoying them! And hey – THEY ARE KIDS! And mine are becoming independent little preschoolers who want to do things THEIR way and it has been a rough few weeks.
See ya later! And go give your kids a hug and a kiss!! It will make you feel better, I promise! Now off to get my swim on ! Happy Thursday!
Do It Yourself Chore Chart (yeah I’m getting “crafty” up in here)
As I mentioned earlier, Jeremy and I have been going back and forth about how to teach (and when to start teaching) responsibility (chores) with the boys. We obviously didn’t want it to be heavily reward driven but we wanted to make it somewhat fun so that the boys will want to get there chores done each day.
I also mentioned, we haven’t really seen a chore chart that either one of us liked. What I don’t like about the chore charts on the market is that the chores are vague. Even though some work for our family most don’t and they don’t have many extra spaces to fill in your own. So after waiting on my designer husband to get around to it thoroughly discussing and thinking through what we wanted, I designed a “prototype”. Yes, I have to call it that since Jeremy is still insisting that he wants to be in charge of the design, so I made one up the way I thought would work well (he can now make it pretty), and maybe he will get around to it sometime. Yes I am deliberately picking on him right now – love you babe! So here is what we came up with for our “prototype”. I used Numbers (which is pretty much Excel but on the Mac) for a basic chart to use. If you would like to see mine – click here.
First we discussed what chores we thought the boys could do on their own. Because if they are going to do chores, I don’t want to be constantly hovering over them helping. Doesn’t that sorta defeat the purpose? Here’s the list we came up with so far (and of course we will tweak this list when needed):
- feed the cat
- feed the dog – we separated them so each kid could have a pet and a chore for Carter’s sake.
- set the table
- clear off table and load dishwasher
- clean up toys
- pick up book nook
- brush teeth
Now the teacher in me took over. Neither one can read yet so it kinda defeats the purpose of writing them only, and having to read them over and over each time the kids needed to do there chores. So I decided to take pictures of each chore that the boys needed to do along with writing the chore. I then imported each picture into the document and sized them to fit in a cell. Then I cut them out and attached them to magnet strips which I purchased from a educational store:
We purchased a magnetic board from Ikea to display our new chore charts. I also found window clings on clearance at the educational store – Lightening McQueen for Carter (score!) and baseballs for Evan.
You may notice some other items on our chore chart. We have also started working on Evan’s behavior. Not that he is a bad child. He is actually an amazing rule follower but it is the gray areas he has a hard time with. So I tried to figure out a way to work on his behaviors through a consistent way. And a way that I can discuss each individual offense. I also was having a hard time explaining to Jeremy at the end of the day what had happened. He would ask me and I would say something like, “we had a hard day.” But at the end of the day, I can’t remember what specifically had happened. All I can remember was that I was frustrated at him “x” amount of times. I also wanted to devise a plan to show Jeremy where we were at when he gets home from work so he would know how to handle the boys. Again, Evan is a great kid but he is a typical preschooler, exploring his boundaries as most preschoolers do. And I caught myself getting very stressed and frustrated with him. So I am hoping that this will teach Evan what is behaviorally acceptable but also help my frustration level through out the day!
So like many classrooms have, I have decided to do a card system. I made cards with green, yellow and red on them, like traffic lights. And each time he does an offense he pulls a card. Just like a traffic light – green he is still safe, yellow should tell him he’s pushing his limits for the day and red is to tell him he will be disciplined when dad gets home. Also to make things more clearly for him, I have placed the three behaviors on the chore chart that we are focusing on right now, along with a brief definition (to help me out in the heat of the moment). Instead of raising my voice at him or reminding him one too many times, we go to his room, pull a card and talk about which of the three behaviors he needs to work on and talk about a better way of handling the situation. Right now we have 2 green cards, 2 green yellow cards and a red card. My plan is to drop it to one card each eventually. So far it seems to be working, in his very analytical mind.
So there you have it! Well not all of it! Tomorrow I will show some more pics on how I am implementing this new system and items I’ve come up with to make the boys a little bit more independent. So come on back. But also, I would LOVE to see your DIY chore charts. I was talking with a friend who also has been working on one and of course hers was a little different based on the needs of her kids. Which got me thinking, I’m not the only one who has done one and each family and kid is different. So I would love to see how you have implemented chores in your house! If you don’t have a blog to link up to, send me a message (click on the “contact me” button to the right) with a brief description and pics. I’ll compile them and post them!
Sleep Is Soooo Overrated (Transitioning from the Crib)
As promised yesterday, here is how Carter’s first night in his big boy bed went. Haven’t I mentioned that Carter and Evan ARE COMPLETE opposites. If I haven’t, I’m saying it now! Trust me, they don’t look the same, they don’t act the same, and they are on opposite sides of the spectrum on EVERYTHING. So since Evan did so well transitioning from his crib to his bed, I should have known that Carter would be the opposite. But I was hopeful! But he didn’t prove my theory wrong either.
All day Sunday, the boys were excitedly reminding me that that night they were sleeping in the same room together. By about 5ish, I ran it past Jeremy that we should wait a few days since both boys were dealing with a cold and were coughing a lot during the night. But when the boys heard that I was thinking about postponing the festivities, Carter looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said, “but you said I could sleep in my new bed!”
Fine! Against my better jugdement, but whatever!
So bed time came. The boys got baths and Jeremy read a story, did prayers and started to tuck them in.
Showing off his new Lightning McQueen pillow
Evan just showing off
Just hanging out like the big boys do
Trying out his new digs
At this point, the story takes a turn for the “this could be a long night”. Carter “nee-ee-ee-ded Mommy” and I came in to snuggle with him while Jeremy attended to Evan’s needs. It was a circus to say the least.
Evan asked for a drink.
Carter then asked for a drink.
I left the room to get Evan a drink, Evan jumped down from the top bunk and ran into the kitchen with me.
Carter got out of bed and followed.
Jeremy and I tucked the boys back into bed.
Carter needed to go potty.
Which meant that Evan needed to go potty.
So they both got themselves un-tucked and hung out in the bathroom for a little while.
Jeremy and I, again, tucked the boys in bed.
We said our goodnights, gave hugs and kisses, then left the room.
Ten seconds later, the door swings open.
Carter in a whisper, “I neeeed mommy!”
So off I go again to tuck him in and assure him that he was okay in his big boy bed.
I left the room and off he came again.
This time complaining of monsters in his room. Jeremy and I headed in and sure enough, he had a valid point. The night light that I put in there, has a freshner, and the freshner when lit up kinda looks like a face with a turned down mouth. I could totally see why Carter was a little freaked out!
So off I went to get another night light. And in the time it took for me to get a night light, both boys were out of bed again.
This time, we kinda laid down the law and put them back in bed.
They tried the alternating visits a few more times before we heard NOTHING! No boy came out to say something to us, no chit chat sounds coming from the room. Nothing! SILENCE!
So after about 30 minutes of silence, Jeremy and I decided to check and make sure everything was okay. This is what we found:
Evan snuck down to be with Carter and apparently both fell asleep while hanging out! Jeremy and I had our “awww our boys are just precious” moment. Then left them alone to sleep the night away.
11:30 (an hour after we took that photo) – Evan awakens as if he is in a night terror. Flailing around and screaming. We immediately took him out to the living room to help calm him down. And nothing we did soothed him. And every time we tried to take him back to bed, he would start screaming hysterically upon entering his room. Eventually, he screamed that his ear hurt, so we gave him some medicine which was fun considering his state of being, he screamed and kicked and punched while we tried to give it to him. This is NOT his typical behaviour and this was not my normal boy! It was down right scary to see him like this. But once the medicine starting working and he woke up a little bit more he became a *little* bit more negotiable with us. Around midnight, I asked him if he would go back to his bed, if I slept on the floor. He agreed and we moved him back to bed and moved in the futon matteress. Normally Jeremy would get the honor, but the next morning he had to leave earlier than usual so I took one for the team.
And boy did I ever! About every 15 minutes, one of the kids coughed. And this went on the entire night. I physically looked at the clock every 15 minutes hoping that I had fallen asleep and it had been longer than 15 minutes. But no, I was not that lucky.
Around 2:00, Carter awakened and informed me that he was going to sleep with me. He rolled out of his bed onto mine, with a thud! He then passed out on MY PILLOW and wrapped himself in MY BLANKET!
I cuddled with him for another hour or so, when I thought to myself, “I could sleep in Carter’s bed”. But I had promised Evan that I was sleeping on the floor so he could see me. And by some strange chance, I didn’t want Evan to wake up and not see me and panic all over again. So for about another hour I laid there, completely uncomfortable, debating whether I should move to the bed or not.
Finally at 4:00, I made the decision to move. The boys continued to cough and stir for another hour or so, before I finally dozed off. I had heard Jeremy crack open the door before he left for work, but was too tired to open my eyes.
I literally got no more than an hour of sleep.
The boys awakened grumpy, in part from the lack of sleep but also from being sick. We lounged around for most of the day. And once again bed time came. It was Jeremy’s turn. I went to bed and turned the monitors off so I could get a full night’s rest as he had done the previous night. But of course, after the initial 4 times out of bed routine, the boys fell asleep and stayed asleep, so Jeremy got off the hook! And Carter slept in until 9:30 the next morning. 2 and half hours after Evan got up, crawled down the ladder and slammed the door shut behind him! AND has slept in every morning this week! Apparently he enjoys his new bed !
By last night, the boys finally have got used to the new routine. We tucked them in and shut the door. And silence. Sleep!! And maybe now I can catch up on a little bit of sleep for myself. What? A mom can hope can’t she?
Time to Earn Their Keep!
Besides getting their new room together, Jeremy and I have been working on new household rules and schedules! Jeremy’s creative side wants to create a new chore chart because we DO NOT like any that we have found in the stores. And since that is what he does, I said go for it!
We kinda have Evan doing a few things, but we are not consistent with it. And Carter, well, I admit, he’s my baby boy and I don’t make him do anything yet, because in my mind, he’s my baby not a kid. But that will all change soon.
But I NEED YOUR HELP on is what chores do you have your kids do? I have Evan feed the pets and pick up his room. I need help knowing what are great chores for a 4 year old to help with and what a soon to be 3 year old can do! PLEASE! leave me a comment and help me out!
To Share or Not to Share…
That is the question, Jeremy and I have been mulling over for over a year! When it was time for Evan to move into a big boy bed, Jeremy wanted to eventually have the boys bunk together. Not necessarily because of any space issues, he just thought it would be fun (and a bonding) experience for them, since they are close in age and both boys. I can say I was pretty neutral about it at first. So we bought bunk beds that could be used together or separately.
Now the time has come for Carter to move into a big boy bed, and I am not fully on board with the situation, to be honest. I have several reservations. Amongst them, is that I don’t think Evan is quite old enough to be in the top bunk and I see Carter as my baby and I’m not quite ready to give him up, yet! And besides, I like my space! And I can’t see Evan wanting to give his up. But he gave us an enthusiastic “yes” when we asked him if he wanted to share a room with Carter.
So, in a spur of the moment decision, we painted Evan’s room with some left over paint we had and put the bunks together. And of course, I asked the question to my Facebook friends, and had an overwhelmingly positive feedback. Most of my friends said “do it”. Oh the power of social media!
And I carved out a new reading area. We ran down to Ikea to get a matching reading chair that we already had for Evan. The boys, so far, enjoy sitting in the corner reading books, listening to music or listening to stories on cds, like they are doing in this pic!
Of course, we have some decorating to do! Which Jeremy is in charge of. He’s got some ideas rolling around in his head, so we will see how this turns out!
Tomorrow, I will share how the transition went this week with moving Carter into a bed and Evan learning to share ! But for now, let me know if you bunk your kids, or if you shared a room with a sibling growing up and your thoughts on it? I’m curious to know if I’m in the minority or not!
Summer Is Tough
And I am not being facetious!
It likes pregnancy, you forget over the winter time how tough summer is on your mind and body.
We count down the days until there is no school and no schedule so that we can frolic and play at the pool and all the parks in our area.
I am sitting here in the living room right now with a sick Carter and I have to admit, I am kinda happy that we have to stay at home and rest today with the TV on!
Here are a few things I have forgotten since last summer:
- The pool is NO fun for moms of preschoolers! Last year, Jenny and I couldn’t wait until this summer when our kids would be old enough to all play together and we *could* possibly sit for a few minutes on the side of the pool and actually have a conversation and relax a bit! But as Jenny posted a few days ago, our pool, that we have been going to for 3 years, revamped over the winter and let’s just say we are not happy! The stress of running around the pool making sure your kids aren’t drowning, packing enough food for starving little ones and keeping loads of sunscreen on little wet bodies wears on a mom. I am exhausted! I know this is one of the sacrifices that we make to ensure the kids enjoy their summers and look back on their childhood with fond memories.
- It is fun to watch your almost 3 year jump in the pool over and over and over again, but your arms definitely get a work out while catching him over and over and over again! Yes, my shoulders were sore the day following an afternoon of swimming at Babci’s pool. (Which reminds me, I NEED to get the boys in swimming lessons!)
- Taking bike rides, walks and scooter rides around the neighborhood (ALL of the above) before 10 o’clock wears on these old joints of mine! ! Yep, I definitely need a lot of ibuprofen the first few weeks of summer until my body gets accustomed to all the extra activities.
- And then after the morning exercise routine we head out to the park then to pool then to playdates back to park. Which keeps my organizational skills primed.
- Carter has discovered Red Light Green Light. So in between bike rides and walks we get to play Red Light Green Light! And he enjoys it enough to play all the time while we are out side! Lucky me!
- Being outside from morning until night does my sinuses in. My allergies are often worse during the first few weeks of summer because of all the grass time we get!
- The longer days totally screw up sleeping schedules. Evan and Carter have decided it is too nice to nap during the day (I don’t blame them) but getting up at 5:45 to 6:00 is pushing it a little bit. And by the end of the day, you would think I wore them out enough to have them go to bed but OH NO!! They have been fighting me on going to bed, even before 9:00! So pretty much, they get up over an hour early and go to bed over an hour late and don’t take naps! Do I need to say anymore? The last 4 hours of each day are real fun!
- Nothing like having to wash an extra load of laundry each day because of the extra beach towels and wet clothes.
- The on going activities make for very hungry boys, so our grocery budget almost doubles during the summer months! And THEY ARE ONLY PRESCHOOLERS right now. I can’t wait until they are teenagers!
- Getting squirted in the face with water guns is fun too, right?
- Having to wear sunscreen with a layer of bug spray makes for a nice fragrance.
- Shaving EVERY DAY is so enjoyable.
Okay, fine, I will stop complaining and get off the couch and head outside for a quick bike ride and a game of Red Light Green Light! But I will leave you with one question:
When does school start again?
Come back in a week or two, and I will most likely being singing the praises of summer, but as of right now this mama is tired and WORN out! YAWN!!!! Can you pass me an extra cup of coffee, my ibuprofen and allergy meds, please and let me know what you love or hate about summer?
How I Pack for Daily Activities
Okay so yesterday I gave you some background on why I am attempting this post today! I’ll tell you what, I’ll show you how I stay sane, if you promise what items you use that I might be missing. Deal? Deal!
Yesterday I mentioned I have 3 lists I use! So let’s get started, shall we?
1. A Packed Cooler: After using a small cooler bag that I purchased at the Christmas Tree Shoppe for $4.99 several years ago, I tried this year to find a more heavy duty one that would stay colder longer. I found one that promised to stay cold for 54 hours. I am still trying to figure out how much ice need to have in it to keep things cold enough in the massive heat we are having right now in Ohio. Hoping I didn’t waste my money! Here are a few things I always make sure I pack in the cooler before leaving the house each morning and these are on top of lunches that we may pack for picnics:
- Juice Boxes (at least 2) – in the cooler months I usually purchase a pack and leave them in the truck. In the summer, I try to keep enough in the truck for at least one of my friends.
- The boys water bottles (these were featured in a post last year) and let me tell you how much I STILL LOVE these Thermos bottles! These bad boys will keep water cold most of a hot, steamy day if I add enough ice.
- Z Bars by Clif - The boys LOVE these, they are healthy and don’t need to be refrigerated (but the chocolate chip ones will melt)! So in a pinch, if we are stuck somewhere and hunger strikes I don’t mind using these as a meal or a snack!
- Apples – I love the versatility of apples. Especially now that the boys don’t insist I cut and peel them. Easy to pack, virtually no mess and good for me and the boys!
- Extra Water bottles for me
- A meal replacement bar, such as my very FAVE from Larabar or a Fiber One Bar.
2. A bag full of emergency clothes: Now before you say to yourself, I don’t have extra clothes or money to buy extra clothes. I found that KMart has cotton mix n’ match shorts and shirts for $2.88 a piece (up to 5T). Do I like them? NO! But for emergencies, wouldn’t a “not so in my clothing style” outfit beat a soaking wet or muddy “just fell in a pond” outfit? AND, I realized if I pack an outfit that is nice and comfy, I don’t have to pack separate pajamas (which I used to do). Because if worse came to worse they could always wear these outfits to bed, if necessary.
From top to bottom:
- A sturdy bag
- Emergency Medical Kit
- Wipes! (come on – what mom doesn’t need wipes all the time)
- A towel – which is a NECESSITY during the summer months with splash pads in almost every playground!
- Carter’s emergency clothes: includes a cotton outfit, underwear, pull-up AND a diaper. You never know what he will need !
- Evan’s emergency clothes: includes a cotton outfit and underwear.
- Socks: One summer morning I took the boys to a museum that had a children’s play place that REQUIRED socks. Fortunately for some reason, the boys had tennis shoes on. But normally my kids NEVER wear tennis shoes during the summer months. So as soon as I got home, I added socks to the bag!
- Swimming Trunks – again you never know when you might end up at a park with a sprayground.
3. Emergency Medical Kit: Now here is where I am a little uneasy about how much you need to really pack! I mean, I know ideally I should have ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that I would possibly ever could use in an emergency. But I don’t. I tried to think about just the things that would be helpful if we were stuck at a park and needed a band aid or one of the boys had an allergy attack, or we were going to stay outside in the sun. You know what I mean?
I just got this one at Target this week! I love it because it is soft, zippered and flexible. It was free with a purchase of 3 items that I use anyway! Each spring time, I check all the expiration dates and replenish.
From top to bottom:
- tissues
- Itch relief spray for such things as poison ivy, rashes, bug bites
- Children’s Suncreen 50
- Scissors
- Hydrocortisone cream
- bug spray
- anti-bacterial wipes
- sterile wipes
- Children’s Ibuprofen (I cut the instructions of the box and keep it in the bag also)
- Chidlren’s Tylenol (I cut the instructions of the box and keep it in the bag also)
- Children’s allergy medications (I cut the instructions of the box and keep it in the bag also)
- Adult Ibuprofen
- Neosporin
- Finger nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Various Sizes of band aids
So there we have it! My must haves to make life running around with preschoolers a little less stressful! I want my boys to enjoy exploring and spur of the moment trips without having to limit them or worry about a messy situation.
Now it’s your turn. What do you keep in your vehicle. If there is something that I am missing that would be helpful please leave me a comment!!!!
I Don’t Do Camping
Jeremy has wonderful memories of camping with his family. He can’t wait to take the boys camping, but until they are ready, the backyard will have to do.
I can’t wait either, until Jeremy takes the boys camping, because that means I get a mini-vacation while they’re gone. Notice I said while they’re gone – because I don’t do camping. I don’t like public campsite restrooms, muggy nights, mosquitos the size of baseballs, putting up the tent and then having to take the tent back down, sleeping on the ground. Okay you get me point. Although I do love cooking on an open fire – hotdogs, hamburges and smores – yes please.
After all – I had boys for a reason.
And this weekend was the first of many backyard adventures with BOTH boys. Let me just tell you how the evening went.
After a wonderful day celebrating my mom’s birthday, the boys were ready to camp out since they had been eyeing the tent that was up and ready for them. When it was time to get the fire started, we noticed that the sky was getting dark. Which was kinda “funny” since the forecast said no rain. So we decided to chance it.
It took Jeremy and I about 30 or so minutes to get the fire started, since our firewood was soaked from all the rain we got during April and May. About the time we did get the fire started, the rain started to sprinkle down. We did not let this stop us. We made smores *happily* while it spritzed. No big deal. After a few minutes, the “rain” stopped and we finished the smores.
It was getting dark outside, when I realized we had NO working flashlights. The boys insisted they needed flashlights. After a very quick run to Kroger, the boys were content with flashlights of their very own.
I kissed the boys goodnight and headed indoors – all my myself! Let my mini-vacation begin. That was until I made it to the back door.
“Mom, I need my water bottle please.”
Okay, water bottles filled up and delivered.
“Mom, I can’t find my number blankie, you know I can’t sleep without it.”
Okay, number blankie found and delivered.
After kissing them goodnight again, I entered the house and realized that Jeremy didn’t have any extra diapers or wipes in case Carter had an accident. At first I thought about heading on up to bed and ignoring the fact that since I didn’t want to make another trip out, then most likely Carter WOULD have an accident. And most likely, if Carter had an accident, I would get a phone call in the middle of the night to bring out dry clothes anyway. So off I went back outside to deliver extra clothes.
“Hey Cort, I forgot my keys, would you mind bringing them out here.”
Sure! Not at all! *heavy sarcasm*
After delivering Jeremy’s keys, I asked him if he had his phone.
He looked at me guilty.
Sure I will go FIND and deliver your phone also.
Whew!
Boys tucked in and I am finally in bed.
After about an hour, I think I hear thunder.
No, that can’t be thunder. I just checked the radar an hour earlier and there was a 10% chance of rain.
What, did I just see lightening?
About 11:00, Jeremy calls me. “Cort, did you see the radar. There is a thunderstorm heading right towards us. I think we should bring the kids in.”
I was tempted to tell him to suck it up! But I jumped up and ran outside to get a sleeping Carter. Jeremy carried Evan in. Then we both ran out to get all their sleeping equipment – pillows, blankets, pillow pets – before the rain hit!
Midnight came and now the boys are tucked in their own beds sound asleep, completely unaware that they are not sleeping in the tent any longer.
And the storm broke up and didn’t even rain over our house.
This my friends, is why I DON’T DO CAMPING!
Samson and (his mom)
Okay so I was going to go ahead and name this post Samson and Delilah but since I am going to compare Carter with Samson, comparing Delilah with myself kinda freaks me out a little since I am HIS mom NOT his girlfriend. But anyway you will understand after reading this what the heck I am talking about…
Both my boys have been BLESSED with beautiful, fast growing heads of hair. I let Evan’s go CRAZY and refused to cut it until he was one because he had curly, out of control red hair as an infant. But since Carter had a different type and head of hair I started trimming it almost immediately once it filled in. By his first birthday he had had 2 “real” haircuts. Here is the before and after for his first birthday. I decided to take him to get a haircut before his 1st birthday party so he would be picture ready.
This was the LAST real haircut he would get for almost 2 years! After it started growing out, it started curling at the end and EVERYONE ooohhh and awwed about how cute he was with longer hair. The longer it got, the more people would come up to us and tell us how darling he was. Around this time, his personality really started to blossom. He was vivacious, easy going, sweet, a comedian and the hair just seemed to fit his personality. When Evan was born, I swore up and down that no boy of mine would have long hair. But it grew on us- ha pun!
To keep his hair under control, I had to get it trimmed almost every 4 weeks. Because after all, I wanted it to look stylish not out of control. And almost every time we would take him to get it trimmed, the beautician would ask if that was his first haircut! HA! No mam, I have a Samson on my hands!
But a couple of weeks ago, Jeremy and I thought it was time to get his hair cut! As in CUT! Not very many people that are close to us agreed especially my mom! But with the summer coming we thought it was a great time to do it! And after all it would grow out if we didn’t like it? Oh the stress of it -ha! After all he is known for his hair!
Before the haircut!
So without telling anyone, even Jeremy, I took the boys to get haircuts. Carter’s usually girl who does his hair, asked it I wanted the normal trim. Oh I wanted to just say “yes” but I took the plunge and told her to cut it off but “PLEASE don’t make it look like a bowl cut”. Whew! She did it! And she cut about 2 inches off his back! Holy moly! After ward, to be honest, I wasn’t very happy with the result! Actually I hated it! It wasn’t at all like the pictures I took in. Yes I took in pictures in for my 2 year old. I know, I know!
The after
After the haircut, as if Samson himself entered Carter’s body, my sweet little baby boy became a monster. A preschool, terrible twos kinda monster. I can’t explain it but the funny thing is, is that my parents and Jeremy’s parents commented on it also.
My mother-in-law said it perfectly, “He’s like Samson but instead of losing his strength, Carter lost his charm.”
He may look like a perfect little angel, but let me tell you, if these last two weeks is any indication of what the future will hold, I AM IN TROUBLE!!!!! Send in reinforcements please!
Don't let the face fool you!
Where Did the School Year Go?
Evan is officially done with preschool? How did the year fly by and where did my baby boy go? Here is my baby on the first day of preschool. He was a little nervous but went in there with his head held high and immediately left our sides as we watched my shy little man spread his wings a little more. I had many emotions on the first day and equally as many now that his school year is over!
My shy little baby that entered those doors the first day of school, is now an outgoing KID whom I am so proud. My primary goal for the year and expectation was for Evan to become more social. I knew he would excel academically which he did. Truthfully, I don’t think he really “learned” anything new academically. But he has learned to be much more outgoing. I don’t think he will ever be the outgoing, life of the party type. At least now, he will play with other kids at the park and ask for friends to come over, which was what I was hoping for!
And of course, he has picked up on some of the “not so great” habits from his classmates! But I’ll take the bad with the good. And besides we have all summer to work those kinks out! So it may be a looonnnngggg summer. When does the pool open again? A little part of me is looking forward to having him home more and enjoying lazy, warm days by the pool and picnics at the park. I think he is ready to be on a different schedule also. The last few weeks of school, he dragged his feet while we pushed him out the door into the car. He mentioned he was “just ready to play”.
So that is what we will do! We will spend the long hot days of summer playing! Isn’t that the most important thing in a child’s life anyway?
Not Ready For the Tooth Fairy
Last Wednesday I left Carter and Evan in the living room to watch a movie while I went to take a shower. This is a norm in our house and usually they kids will “behave” for the few minutes I take a quick shower. And usually I will hear Carter fussing about this or that, after all he is my fussy one and he has filled the role of the “baby” with his little whiny voice. I swear I don’t remember Evan’s voice ever being that high and squeaky. But any way…
Last Wednesday I got out of the shower and decided since the boys were so quiet and watching the movie so intently, I would take a moment to sit and breathe before heading back into the war zone.
As I was sitting, I heard Carter whining but didn’t really think anything of it, since he whines about EVERYTHING these days. He continued to whine and cry for several minutes, but wasn’t calling for me, just fussing. I figured Evan stole something from him or was picking on him.
That was until Evan came running into my room yelling, “Mom, Carter’s bleeding, Carter’s bleeding!”
That was the fastest I think Evan ever saw me move in his life!
I ran into the living room and sure enough, there was blood all over his face!! I scooped him up and examined his face. As I was examining, I was questioning Evan what happened. Evan told me he pushed Carter off the couch. I looked around the couch and saw nothing that Carter could have fallen on.
I noticed that one of Carter’s teeth and gum around it was bloody. I carefully wiggled it to see if it was loose and it wasn’t. Thank God! When I pulled up on his lip, I realized that his tooth had gone straight through his lip. Which I assumed was the source of the blood.
Cleaning up his lip caused him to cry more than he was crying when I found him. After some snuggle time, he was back to his normal self. And I didn’t think anymore about it.
Until Monday…
I noticed when Carter smiled, he had a gap in his smile that wasn’t there before. Then later that day before I mentioned to Jeremy, he asked me if I thought there was something wrong with Carter’s teeth. He examined Carter’s mouth and sure enough his tooth had moved back and up into his gums, leaving a gap in between his teeth making him look like he was missing the tooth all together. And upon further examination Jeremy noticed that his gum behind the tooth was black.
Now I am freaking out! Call it vain, but I was horrified to think that he would lose that tooth and lose that beautiful perfect smile.
I called a pediatric dentist first thing yesterday morning. Fortunately they were able to get me right in.
The dentist examined his teeth and explained that the black was normal. It was bruised but not the root or nerve was dead! But she did notice that the tooth was loose and said he needed to be x-rayed to see if the root was broken or not.
Carter was a champ. Not that I bribed him with a Lightning McQueen or anything. He sat as still as could be for his x-ray.
Fortunately, the root of his tooth was not broken and if all goes well, the tooth will drop back down. We will need to keep an eye on it for the next 6 weeks with a follow-up visit then. Although his beautiful smile is not as it was, at least he does get to keep his tooth. And best case scenario, the tooth will eventually go back to it’s original place. Worse cake scenario, in 6 weeks we will have to have it pulled. And he will be toothless until his new tooth comes in!
Oh the mom guilt!
Irony of a Gorgeous Day
Yesterday we had an absolutely gorgeous day! If you live in Ohio, or know anyone from Ohio, or follow anyone on Twitter that lives in Ohio you probably have seen your fair share of us complaining about the weather lately. It has rained almost EVERY day for many, many weeks! It has been cold, dank and dreary since Spring arrived.
But yesterday, oh man, was beautiful, from start to finish. The sun shone through our bedroom windows to wake us up, and the temperatures were warm. So being a planner that I am and being a mom of two stir crazy boys, I had the whole day planned. We were going to get up and out of the house early and spend the whole day outside.
Our first thing on our “to-do” list was to ride our bikes to the park. Evan has decided he is big enough to ride his bike now instead of being in the hauler. And since Evan is riding his bike, Carter wants to ride his bike – which is a tricycle with a handle to push him.
We had breakfast and got dressed. Evan mentioned that his stomach hurt and he was still hungry. Which he sometime says when he is bored and wants to eat. I had him try to go potty before we left. After all, he didn’t act sick. And he does have a sensitive gag reflex so he throws up sometimes out of excitement or anxiety! So I didn’t think anything of it! Now you know where this is heading, right?
The boys rode their bikes to the pond first, where they eagerly watched the new baby ducklings and goslings and had a snack. Here are a few pics of Evan showing off for the camera:
After checking out the new life at the pond, we rode up to the park. The boys enjoyed playing at the park for about 10 minutes before Evan mentioned that his stomach hurt and that he wanted to go home.
At this point I became concerned. Because Evan never just wants to leave the park. Since I knew we had a way to ride our bikes, I quickly took that as a cue to leave. I started to convince Carter that we needed to leave because Evan wasn’t feeling well. Carter was NOT happy about this at all considering we just got there. But as I was explaining to Carter that we could come back later, Evan started crying and laid down on the playground!
OKAY, now I am freaking out.
So we headed to get our bikes and start riding home when…you guessed it…Evan started vomiting EVERYWHERE! I quickly pushed everything that we brought out of they way so throw up wouldn’t get on any of it. He threw up and threw up and threw up!
CRAP! We are about a mile from home. And I have to preschoolers and 2 bikes! How the heck I am going to get home. Evan fell on the ground and was crying that he couldn’t ride his bike and Carter is just plain pissed that Evan just threw up and he has to leave the park!
So what am I supposed to do? I quickly called Jeremy and told asked him to come get us. Fortunately he was able to leave right away from work and come pick us up! But the poor people at the park had to witness Evan throwing up several more times before Jeremy got there.
This is where I should say “SORRY” to the grounds crew that had to clean up that mess! And to the parents who had to watch all of this go down.
Jeremy came and picked us up, and I am still hopeful that Evan isn’t truly sick. That maybe he just worked too hard riding his bike! After all, the sun was out, and the day had just begun.
But no such luck. Evan had a HORRIBLE stomach bug. He threw up for about 12 hours! Fortunately my mom was able to come pick up Carter in the afternoon so at least one of us could enjoy the weather. But I could only longingly look outside the window in between clean ups!
Now all I can hope for is that Evan hasn’t passed on that gem of a bug to the rest of us! But then again, it is supposed to rain for the next several days, so most likely we will all be well!
Photo Taking With My Boys
The boys were dressed pretty darn cute yesterday, so I thought I would attempt to get ONE decent photo of them together… Knowing how this venture would go, the boys did not “disappoint”.
Here is how it went down:
Welcome to my world!
