4/19/201212 weeks
5/3/2012
14 weeks
19 weeks
6/7/2012
20 weeks (and my uncontrollable belly!)
6/14/2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Finally turned a corner- Potty Training
Well, we are back on the potty train, and it is going pretty smoothly. (KNOCK.ON.WOOD) Seriously, I was actually debating on whether or not I should even write something because things have really picked up and turned a corner for Elise and her using the potty. (Roughly 2 weeks before she turns 3)
Back story---I was beginning to think that she would be one of THOSE kids who was well on her way to 4 before she decided she was ready to use the potty. And believe me, she has done everything else in her own time and in her own way. This was just so frustrating for me, as a mom, I was beginning to think I wasn't doing something right because I couldn't figure out what was holding her up in this particular endeavor.
So a few weeks ago we started really talking it up. We told her she was in Pull-ups and she should tell us when she needed to go sit on the potty, or when she went to go hide in the corner we asked her to go sit on the potty. Some days it was a 'no thanks' and other days it almost turned into a full blown tantrum...just if you even asked her to sit and try. Then the other hurdle was that even when we thought we picked a good time for her to try she could literally sit there for over 30 minutes and no result. And as hindsight is 20/20, this is frustrating for both parties. Remember- You can't make anyone go to the bathroom!
Well, the talking didn't seem to phase her at all, so we stepped it up just a little and started telling her that somethings were just for kids who use the potty. Plus, I was getting really tired of changing her pull-up as if it was a diaper. (So annoying!) I stopped buying diapers a little while ago because I had a stock-pile of pull-ups and I was hoping that moving to pull-up which yes, are pretty much a glorified diaper, that it being not so saggy she would be uncomfortable and understand that if she just went to the bathroom it wouldn't be as uncomfortable.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to this week. To be honest I can't remember if it was Monday or Tuesday (serious pregnancy brain!) I think it was Tuesday, but anyway, one of those days she woke up dry from her nap, so I pulled out some tough love and made her sit on the potty until she did something because I knew she could based on what she had to drink for lunch. Well, it worked! About 30 minutes later she comes running down the hall "Mommy, mommy I peed!!" And she did, I was so proud of her and I told her and made a big deal about it. And she actually got to have a sucker because that is the point that I had come to...serious bribery. So we did that for a couple of days. I couldn't seem to catch her at any other good times to go. But she started cutting her time down from 30 minutes to about 10! She still wasn't telling me if she had to go, I just tried to make a mental note as to when the last time was that she went and have her try about 1 1/2 to 2 hours later. Since we already knew she could hold it for some time. Whatever, I'll take what I can get!
Now, yesterday was even better. We got up in the morning and she had a wet diaper, which I expected (and not expecting to change for some time because she is a heavy sleeper), and got dressed. I asked her if she wanted to try to go potty and she said no, so I didn't push and told her we could try after breakfast. So that is what we did, and you know what, she was dry until after breakfast and peed in the potty!! She was so excited and proud. She even wanted to put in a call to Grandma, which I gladly did for her, and she was excited to tell her. Then later that day she peed 2 more times. YAY!
So the major thing that I had been dreading was seeing if she would use the potty somewhere other than home. I tried this morning while we were at The Commons playground. That catch was that she needed to poop (I know way to much info), and I don't really expect her to do that right away, I know that is a hard one to overcome. So I just changed her, and she stayed dry until we got home. She didn't stay dry during her nap, but she did still go after she woke up. Then this evening we had several errands to run and she had some juice before we left so I knew at some point we would be out and she would have to go. Well, we were at Menards and I asked her if she needed to go, but she kept saying no. So I suggested we try because I had to go too. (I guess there might be one plus to having to go to the bathroom all the time.) So she agreed she would try. So I set her on a potty and she told me she wanted to go by herself, I told her I couldn't hold her and she was okay with that, so I went really quickly in the stall next to her, and I could hear her pee in the toilet! I helped her down and that was it...she went in a public toilet. I really never thought she would do it this fast. I am glad she was so excited. She was actually so excited that she went in a different bathroom/toilet that she had to try twice at Culver's.
I am so glad we have finally turned a corner and things are looking up. I keep telling myself there will be setbacks and changes, but going from changing her diaper/pull-up every few hours to her going in the potty several times in one day in just about 1 week. I am beyond thrilled. Hopefully the weekend is just as successful in every aspect!
Back story---I was beginning to think that she would be one of THOSE kids who was well on her way to 4 before she decided she was ready to use the potty. And believe me, she has done everything else in her own time and in her own way. This was just so frustrating for me, as a mom, I was beginning to think I wasn't doing something right because I couldn't figure out what was holding her up in this particular endeavor.
So a few weeks ago we started really talking it up. We told her she was in Pull-ups and she should tell us when she needed to go sit on the potty, or when she went to go hide in the corner we asked her to go sit on the potty. Some days it was a 'no thanks' and other days it almost turned into a full blown tantrum...just if you even asked her to sit and try. Then the other hurdle was that even when we thought we picked a good time for her to try she could literally sit there for over 30 minutes and no result. And as hindsight is 20/20, this is frustrating for both parties. Remember- You can't make anyone go to the bathroom!
Well, the talking didn't seem to phase her at all, so we stepped it up just a little and started telling her that somethings were just for kids who use the potty. Plus, I was getting really tired of changing her pull-up as if it was a diaper. (So annoying!) I stopped buying diapers a little while ago because I had a stock-pile of pull-ups and I was hoping that moving to pull-up which yes, are pretty much a glorified diaper, that it being not so saggy she would be uncomfortable and understand that if she just went to the bathroom it wouldn't be as uncomfortable.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to this week. To be honest I can't remember if it was Monday or Tuesday (serious pregnancy brain!) I think it was Tuesday, but anyway, one of those days she woke up dry from her nap, so I pulled out some tough love and made her sit on the potty until she did something because I knew she could based on what she had to drink for lunch. Well, it worked! About 30 minutes later she comes running down the hall "Mommy, mommy I peed!!" And she did, I was so proud of her and I told her and made a big deal about it. And she actually got to have a sucker because that is the point that I had come to...serious bribery. So we did that for a couple of days. I couldn't seem to catch her at any other good times to go. But she started cutting her time down from 30 minutes to about 10! She still wasn't telling me if she had to go, I just tried to make a mental note as to when the last time was that she went and have her try about 1 1/2 to 2 hours later. Since we already knew she could hold it for some time. Whatever, I'll take what I can get!
Now, yesterday was even better. We got up in the morning and she had a wet diaper, which I expected (and not expecting to change for some time because she is a heavy sleeper), and got dressed. I asked her if she wanted to try to go potty and she said no, so I didn't push and told her we could try after breakfast. So that is what we did, and you know what, she was dry until after breakfast and peed in the potty!! She was so excited and proud. She even wanted to put in a call to Grandma, which I gladly did for her, and she was excited to tell her. Then later that day she peed 2 more times. YAY!
So the major thing that I had been dreading was seeing if she would use the potty somewhere other than home. I tried this morning while we were at The Commons playground. That catch was that she needed to poop (I know way to much info), and I don't really expect her to do that right away, I know that is a hard one to overcome. So I just changed her, and she stayed dry until we got home. She didn't stay dry during her nap, but she did still go after she woke up. Then this evening we had several errands to run and she had some juice before we left so I knew at some point we would be out and she would have to go. Well, we were at Menards and I asked her if she needed to go, but she kept saying no. So I suggested we try because I had to go too. (I guess there might be one plus to having to go to the bathroom all the time.) So she agreed she would try. So I set her on a potty and she told me she wanted to go by herself, I told her I couldn't hold her and she was okay with that, so I went really quickly in the stall next to her, and I could hear her pee in the toilet! I helped her down and that was it...she went in a public toilet. I really never thought she would do it this fast. I am glad she was so excited. She was actually so excited that she went in a different bathroom/toilet that she had to try twice at Culver's.
I am so glad we have finally turned a corner and things are looking up. I keep telling myself there will be setbacks and changes, but going from changing her diaper/pull-up every few hours to her going in the potty several times in one day in just about 1 week. I am beyond thrilled. Hopefully the weekend is just as successful in every aspect!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter Eggs
Easter Egg Hunt
There were so many eggs that I had to empty her basket a few times!
We told her to look in other places and up high. She still had a little trouble spotting the special things that weren't just eggs. She was really into finding just the eggs.
And now, to find out what is in all the eggs!
And to take a taste.
This particular egg had goldfish in it, and her response was "I really love goldfish." And put another one in her mouth.
This one had money in it! OH!
Yep, that's right, I might be a little sneaky. :)
Hmm, what's inside??
We had a great Easter at Grandma and Papa's!!
(ps- Sorry it's been so long since I last posted.)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Valentine's Day
So, Valentine's Day we decided to make some cookies!
Elise got to put on the sprinkles. As you can tell, she took her job very seriously.
No they weren't from scratch, and yes I know sugar cookies aren't that hard anyway. But seriously, I don't like the mess (and there still was a lot of it) and I am just not that great in the kitchen. So I'll take all the help I can get. They turned out okay, but could have been better. Guess we'll just have to try again sometime.
St. Patrick's Day??
Cheese!
Okay, so the next picture was not my idea, she picked these out all by herself. Grammie was kind enough to give Elise a little bit of money in her card, and said for her to pick out a couple of things at the Dollar Spot at Target. So that is just what we did. She didn't take a nap, so we packed up and headed to Target. (Never a bad place to just walk around anyway.) She picked up these two "princess" pieces and a clicky pen with a strawberry on top. I think she really likes the wand. Since we haven't seen any 'princess movies' I'm pretty sure she is pretending to be the princess on Super Why.
Toddlers and Tiaras anyone?? lol
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Seeing Double
First let me just say, "Happy Valentine's Day."
Seeing double?? Nope, there are actually two cards...not an optical illusion. The one on the left says "love, Grandma and Papa" and the one on the right says "love, Grammie and Dad'n." That's right, both sets of grandparents bought the same card for Elise.
Seriously, I was laughing for about 5 minutes! Great minds think alike, right?
Thanks Grammie, Dad'n, Grandma, and Papa!
Love,
Elise, Laura, and Bobby
Monday, February 6, 2012
Things for the house
*note- nothing really to do with Elise.*
We are constantly adding to our list of things we want to do to our house. One of the things we have been talking about doing was finding easy ways to update the kitchen. So we decided to put new handles and hinges on the cabinets. Here is the before:
Here are the new handles...
We haven't had a chance to change the hinges. They are going to take a little more work and time, and I think it will be easier with 2 people helping. So we have to find a time when Bob and I are able to do it together, probably during one of Elise's naps. I don't think it is a dramatic difference, but at least it is not brass.
Here is our new ottoman for the family room. Each square is its own little compartment...hopefully to hide toys :) The best part is that you can turn over the lid and it becomes a tray so you can set a drink or whatever down and it is a solid surface. Having a sectional doesn't leave a lot of options for end tables so it will be nice to have a place to set our drinks.
It's the little things that make a house a home, right? One little project at a time, we may someday get the house where we want it.
We are constantly adding to our list of things we want to do to our house. One of the things we have been talking about doing was finding easy ways to update the kitchen. So we decided to put new handles and hinges on the cabinets. Here is the before:
Don't you just love the golden wheat! bleh...
Here is our new ottoman for the family room. Each square is its own little compartment...hopefully to hide toys :) The best part is that you can turn over the lid and it becomes a tray so you can set a drink or whatever down and it is a solid surface. Having a sectional doesn't leave a lot of options for end tables so it will be nice to have a place to set our drinks.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
'give them an inch...'
...They will take a mile. Or in our case 10,000 miles. Normally, I don't complain about Elise or even say that she is in her 'terrible twos.' She is such an incredible little girl. Even when people say something like 'oh isn't that tough, or gotta love those terrible twos' I usually just smile and nod because, seriously, we have had very few issues with her.
However, the last 3 (today being the 4th) days have been pure stress. I put entirely too much stress on myself anyway and the last few days have not helped. Long story short, we cut off (put them away) diapers and just jumped head first (butt first?) into potty training. Here is a recap:
Day 1 Monday
-A few (small) accidents in the morning followed by a stretch of time that she held it and actually peed in the potty! Yay! Throw a party! Call Grammie! Then we went out for a little while. I can't remember if she went before her nap or not, but she did sit on the potty. The afternoon goes quickly and she doesn't pee even though she continues to try to. BEDTIME- We have gotten in the habit of having her sit after her bath. She has never (maybe once) gone at this time, but Bob insists that her diaper is wet before she goes to sleep...which I totally believe, but you can't make someone pee. We put her to bed...two minutes later she is crying saying she has to go potty! So we strip her down and she sits...and sits...and sits. Then we cut her off and say it is time for bed, okay fine, diaper on. Two minutes later, "I HAVE TO GO POTTY!" So we sit and sit and sit. Finally, she actually pees in the potty! YAY! And off to bed we go. Thank goodness.
Day 2 Tuesday
We sit on the potty for awhile in the morning-nothing
All morning about every 15 minutes
Elise: "I have to go potty."
Me: Okay, pull your underwear down and sit on the potty. (we kept it close to us, or I took it with us in the basement while we were playing.)
This goes on all morning, and we even make it through lunch. I keep thinking she SURELY has to go, even if she hasn't had that much to drink. Definitely slow on my part, I should have been pushing that more.
So we get to nap time and it is the same thing as the night before. Sit, sit, sit, nothing. So I put a pull up on her and leave the potty in her room. I told her if she has to go, just get up, pull down the 'underwear' and sit on the potty. I leave the room, crack the door so I can still see her. Not long after I leave I notice that she is up and pulling down her pants. She doesn't quite make it onto the potty before she starts to pee so she panic s and calls for me. I go it to help her. She sits down to finish going. YAY! pee in the potty. I give her praises for her efforts and clean up the mess. Nap resumes as normal. Thank goodness.
BEDTIME- She has held it again until bedtime. And again we are playing the on/off game which she has now successfully drug out until after 9pm. Dad is coming in late from traveling, so he talks to her and sits with her because I just needed a little break. Every time we say good night and leave "I HAVE TO GO POTTY" followed by more sitting (and talking about our day, or anything she could think of). Finally we let her scream for maybe 2 minutes and then it changes to "I PEED." Finally! It was in her diaper, but by that point I really didn't care, she was already worked up and tired. So we changed her, and she finally went to bed. I'm pretty sure it was after 10pm.
Day 3 Wednesday (MOPS)
My initial plan was to send her to MOPS in a pull up just to see how it went, but she decided that she wanted to wear underwear, fine by me. Let me just say, this made me very nervous, but I definitely didn't want to discourage it. So I warned the lovely ladies at MOPS, and hoped for the best. When I arrived to pick her up they were cleaning her up because she had an accident.No surprise to me. No one made a big deal about it, we just moved on. *note to self- when packing extra clothes don't forget socks.* Ok, so she held it all morning again. Good, right?
Well, we sit before nap, but nothing. However, nap resumes as normal because MOPS wears her out. Then the afternoon went about like the other afternoons. She held it for a while then would say she had to go and nothing. The bigger problem she was having was that we were pretty sure she needed to have a bowel movement (I know TMI). So I offered her a diaper to poop in, and she agreed. So she wore a diaper for a while, but was still going back and forth. It is really not very fun taking off and putting on a diaper. All the while still holding it. I think she finally peed in her diaper, but to be honest it is all a little fuzzy...and here is why.
BEDTIME- Went as normal, and Bob did his best to make her calm and allow her to sit on the potty and put her diaper on and took it off when she asked to go. This went on for at least an hour, then he said enough is enough. We let her scream for a while, then she stopped and said she had pooped in her diaper. This was totally fine with me, and I just changed her and tried to put her back to bed. However, I could tell that she had not peed, so she continued to ask to sit on the potty...nothing. I am pretty sure this was after 10pm. Then I said enough is enough TIME FOR BED! Then she pretty much had an out of body experience. She started yelling, screaming, fighting, not staying in her bed. I kept telling her no more potty, and that it was time for bed. Oh my gosh was she ever mad. You know when they say there is no reasoning with a child when they are in a tantrum, it is true! (granted I already knew this from experience with her, but it never hurts to try, right?) She was so loud and angry, running and opening the door, more screaming at me. So I told her I wasn't going to listen to it anymore. I said goodnight one last time, and walked away. Then I proceeded to sit on the stairs and cry. Very few times in the (almost) 3 years that I have been a parent have I felt so helpless and unable to control anything. I am pretty sure she screamed for another 20-30 minutes and was finally quiet around 11pm.
For those of you who saw my Facebook status, now know what I was talking about.
The best part was that Bob came to sit with me and we went downstairs to talk about what we were going to do about this because we were not going to let this be a normal occurrence. We had decided that we were indulging her too much and that she was just looking for more attention. And since she is able to hold it, she has control over us. So during the day, the potty stays in the bathroom and potty time is not a time to play and chat...do your business and be done. Then at bedtime she gets one chance after her bath and if she asks again before lights out then she can try again, but that is it. We know that she sleeps too hard to expect any kind of control at night, so a diaper is the only option, and that is fine. After today (Thursday), and doing a little bit more reading I am pretty convinced that she still isn't quite ready to be trained. I just don't think she cares enough to want to stay dry and clean. Also, since we already know that she is somewhat of an anxious child (she definitely gets it honestly from both sides) she has some kind of anxiety toward going to the bathroom outside of the normal diaper. I think that is why she can hold it, she is almost afraid to go. We just have to figure out what is fueling the anxiety, and show her that everything is fine. Even if she doesn't walk away this month potty trained, I think the last few days have taught us all some things. Maybe it will just take her longer to get comfortable about the idea of going.
For any of you reading this that happen to be potty training veterans, please feel free to comment. I know that we are doing what is best for our family at this very moment, and we are trying to do what is best for Elise. But I am always willing to listen to what others have gone through and experienced.
So just remember, when you give children (my child in particular) an inch, they will most certainly take a mile...or more!
*Update- Thursday was kind of a wash. We started out trying, but still nothing. So we went about our day as usual, and she did her business in a diaper. She did ask to sit on the potty several times, but still nothing.*
However, the last 3 (today being the 4th) days have been pure stress. I put entirely too much stress on myself anyway and the last few days have not helped. Long story short, we cut off (put them away) diapers and just jumped head first (butt first?) into potty training. Here is a recap:
Day 1 Monday
-A few (small) accidents in the morning followed by a stretch of time that she held it and actually peed in the potty! Yay! Throw a party! Call Grammie! Then we went out for a little while. I can't remember if she went before her nap or not, but she did sit on the potty. The afternoon goes quickly and she doesn't pee even though she continues to try to. BEDTIME- We have gotten in the habit of having her sit after her bath. She has never (maybe once) gone at this time, but Bob insists that her diaper is wet before she goes to sleep...which I totally believe, but you can't make someone pee. We put her to bed...two minutes later she is crying saying she has to go potty! So we strip her down and she sits...and sits...and sits. Then we cut her off and say it is time for bed, okay fine, diaper on. Two minutes later, "I HAVE TO GO POTTY!" So we sit and sit and sit. Finally, she actually pees in the potty! YAY! And off to bed we go. Thank goodness.
Day 2 Tuesday
We sit on the potty for awhile in the morning-nothing
All morning about every 15 minutes
Elise: "I have to go potty."
Me: Okay, pull your underwear down and sit on the potty. (we kept it close to us, or I took it with us in the basement while we were playing.)
This goes on all morning, and we even make it through lunch. I keep thinking she SURELY has to go, even if she hasn't had that much to drink. Definitely slow on my part, I should have been pushing that more.
So we get to nap time and it is the same thing as the night before. Sit, sit, sit, nothing. So I put a pull up on her and leave the potty in her room. I told her if she has to go, just get up, pull down the 'underwear' and sit on the potty. I leave the room, crack the door so I can still see her. Not long after I leave I notice that she is up and pulling down her pants. She doesn't quite make it onto the potty before she starts to pee so she panic s and calls for me. I go it to help her. She sits down to finish going. YAY! pee in the potty. I give her praises for her efforts and clean up the mess. Nap resumes as normal. Thank goodness.
BEDTIME- She has held it again until bedtime. And again we are playing the on/off game which she has now successfully drug out until after 9pm. Dad is coming in late from traveling, so he talks to her and sits with her because I just needed a little break. Every time we say good night and leave "I HAVE TO GO POTTY" followed by more sitting (and talking about our day, or anything she could think of). Finally we let her scream for maybe 2 minutes and then it changes to "I PEED." Finally! It was in her diaper, but by that point I really didn't care, she was already worked up and tired. So we changed her, and she finally went to bed. I'm pretty sure it was after 10pm.
Day 3 Wednesday (MOPS)
My initial plan was to send her to MOPS in a pull up just to see how it went, but she decided that she wanted to wear underwear, fine by me. Let me just say, this made me very nervous, but I definitely didn't want to discourage it. So I warned the lovely ladies at MOPS, and hoped for the best. When I arrived to pick her up they were cleaning her up because she had an accident.No surprise to me. No one made a big deal about it, we just moved on. *note to self- when packing extra clothes don't forget socks.* Ok, so she held it all morning again. Good, right?
Well, we sit before nap, but nothing. However, nap resumes as normal because MOPS wears her out. Then the afternoon went about like the other afternoons. She held it for a while then would say she had to go and nothing. The bigger problem she was having was that we were pretty sure she needed to have a bowel movement (I know TMI). So I offered her a diaper to poop in, and she agreed. So she wore a diaper for a while, but was still going back and forth. It is really not very fun taking off and putting on a diaper. All the while still holding it. I think she finally peed in her diaper, but to be honest it is all a little fuzzy...and here is why.
BEDTIME- Went as normal, and Bob did his best to make her calm and allow her to sit on the potty and put her diaper on and took it off when she asked to go. This went on for at least an hour, then he said enough is enough. We let her scream for a while, then she stopped and said she had pooped in her diaper. This was totally fine with me, and I just changed her and tried to put her back to bed. However, I could tell that she had not peed, so she continued to ask to sit on the potty...nothing. I am pretty sure this was after 10pm. Then I said enough is enough TIME FOR BED! Then she pretty much had an out of body experience. She started yelling, screaming, fighting, not staying in her bed. I kept telling her no more potty, and that it was time for bed. Oh my gosh was she ever mad. You know when they say there is no reasoning with a child when they are in a tantrum, it is true! (granted I already knew this from experience with her, but it never hurts to try, right?) She was so loud and angry, running and opening the door, more screaming at me. So I told her I wasn't going to listen to it anymore. I said goodnight one last time, and walked away. Then I proceeded to sit on the stairs and cry. Very few times in the (almost) 3 years that I have been a parent have I felt so helpless and unable to control anything. I am pretty sure she screamed for another 20-30 minutes and was finally quiet around 11pm.
For those of you who saw my Facebook status, now know what I was talking about.
The best part was that Bob came to sit with me and we went downstairs to talk about what we were going to do about this because we were not going to let this be a normal occurrence. We had decided that we were indulging her too much and that she was just looking for more attention. And since she is able to hold it, she has control over us. So during the day, the potty stays in the bathroom and potty time is not a time to play and chat...do your business and be done. Then at bedtime she gets one chance after her bath and if she asks again before lights out then she can try again, but that is it. We know that she sleeps too hard to expect any kind of control at night, so a diaper is the only option, and that is fine. After today (Thursday), and doing a little bit more reading I am pretty convinced that she still isn't quite ready to be trained. I just don't think she cares enough to want to stay dry and clean. Also, since we already know that she is somewhat of an anxious child (she definitely gets it honestly from both sides) she has some kind of anxiety toward going to the bathroom outside of the normal diaper. I think that is why she can hold it, she is almost afraid to go. We just have to figure out what is fueling the anxiety, and show her that everything is fine. Even if she doesn't walk away this month potty trained, I think the last few days have taught us all some things. Maybe it will just take her longer to get comfortable about the idea of going.
For any of you reading this that happen to be potty training veterans, please feel free to comment. I know that we are doing what is best for our family at this very moment, and we are trying to do what is best for Elise. But I am always willing to listen to what others have gone through and experienced.
So just remember, when you give children (my child in particular) an inch, they will most certainly take a mile...or more!
*Update- Thursday was kind of a wash. We started out trying, but still nothing. So we went about our day as usual, and she did her business in a diaper. She did ask to sit on the potty several times, but still nothing.*
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