Wuv Oooo

So with three kids, it seems like there is something to keep track of everyday.  The other day I was so excited, my son spoke to me so clearly I could understand him.   His sister was talking so fast, it seemed as though he was never going to talk.  So I was so very shocked when I picked him up out of the crib and he told me, "Morning."  Every morning when I get the kids out of bed I tell them good morning, ask if they slept well and tell them that I love them.  I want those to be the first words they hear so that its out of the way.  So I can never say they left without me saying I loved them. I was even more shocked when Ryan climbed up in my lap,  laid his head on my shoulder, and put his thumb in his mouth.  Then I said, "I love you Ryan."  and he said, "Wuv Oooo!"  My heart melted.  I think that I even shed a small tear.  I can't wait for the other one to say it. 

Patience is a Virtue

So my three year old has really been trying my patience lately.  No matter what the circumstance, she refuses to listen.  I've taken everything away from her and looking at that, she has way too much.  Not that she gets to play/use them everyday but these are things at her disposal when she wants them.  So we have taken away the TV, Movies, DS, playing outside with friends, playing her keyboard and all other toys.  She still is stomping her feet and giving me attitude.  She thought she was slick the other day and called her grandmother to see if she could spend the day with her since she was in so much trouble here at home.  Of course, grandma said yes and she had a wonderful time.  The thing she didn't realize was that when she came home, she would still have to have the punishment when she gets back.

The Many Uses of Vanilla Extract

While standing in line at the grocery store the other day, I happened to get in line behind a man who was very knowageable about the many uses of vanilla extract.  I had got it for french toast for breakfast.  He told me that if you mix vanilla extract and water you can use it for bug spray.  He also informed me that you can put it on your light bulbs and it will keep the bugs away from the light at night and also, it will make your house smell like vanilla.  I never knew you could do so much with vanilla. Try them for yourself and see how they work.

Surviving the Heat

So with three kids who really like to go outside, this week has been killing us.  The heat is so unbearable, I don't even want to go outside to do the small things like take out the trash and  checking the mail.  This morning it was so hot I didn't want to go for my morning walk, but I did.  So instead of sending them out in the extreme heat, we've been chilling out in the cold.  Our basement.  We have converted one of our rooms in the basement into a playroom for the kids.  They love it.  They can kick their balls around and watch movies.  They have a little room to run and they get to get out all of that energy that they usually expell when they are outside.  Not sure what we are going to do about this when the weather gets cooler, but its great for now.  So now their room is just for sleeping and reading.  No TV watching in there.  This will help Ryan because when it is time to go to sleep, that is what he wants to do, SLEEP.  Usually Aleesia is there watching a movie and he will cry and whine until the lights and the TV go off.  Yesterday, Aleesia fell asleep in the basement.  Savannah hasn't had too much fun down there yet.  I don't like her on the floor since its so cold.  She sits in her chair but tries to get out to play with her siblings. 

So off we go to the basement, to enjoy our hot day in the nice cool....

Carpal Tunnel

Is it possible to get carpal tunnel from changing diapers? I have this terrible pain in my left hand when I hold up my kids legs when I am changing them.  I have been changing diapers almost everyday since December 2007.   I would say in that time there were maybe two full weeks where I didn't.  Days when I didn't have the kids.  And my diapering days are not over yet.  I say I still have another good two years to change diapers.  It has really started to get bad here lately.  The older one who is in diapers, likes to move around and try to grab himself while I'm changing him.  So I find myself holding his legs and his arms at the same time.  And the little one just discovered how her body can move and it takes all that I have to keep her from rolling over while changing her.  All I know is that the lower part of my thumb is killing me and I'm not sure if I can put up with this for another two years.  I know, I know, go see the doctor about it.  I've got that planned, but wanted to know if any other mothers have experienced this problem.

Sleeping In!

Before I had kids and was a working woman.  I looked forward to the weekends and holidays when I could sleep in.  Those days, sleeping in meant that I didn't have to move from my bed until 9 or 10 or sometimes even later.  These days, sleeping in until 8 is a miracle and I feel great if I can make it to 7:30.  My how times have changed.  If I ever get the chance to sleep to 9 or 10 in the very near future, I am definitely going to cherish it.

I've Lost My Identity

So it has finally happened.  The thing I have dreaded since I became a parent.  I have lost my identity.  I used to be me, and just me.  Now the other day one of Aleesia's friends called me, "Aleesia's Mom."  OK, I know that is part of my identity, but not exactly how I want to be identified.  My mom said something to me once we all moved out that she was no longer Lorrea and Donna's mom, but back to being herself.  I see it now, I guess I have the next few years to get used to all of that.

Our First Outing

So we finally took all three kids out of the house together for something that wasn't a doctor's appointment.  I don't get out of the house too much because we have the three kids and just one car, so its easier to stay home than to feel like sardines in our car.  So we went out for brunch and to get the kids a few clothes for the new season.  Let me also mention that this is the first time we have gone out in public since Aleesia has been potty trained as well(at least where we know we would have to take her to the bathroom while we were out.) So when we got to the restaurant, I took her to the bathroom to start off the day.  Then when we were finished, she didn't have to go to the bathroom, and we were going somewhere else, so I didn't think it would be a big deal if she didn't go at that time.  We get out of the restaurant, and "Mommy, I have to go potty." So we go running back into the restaurant, where the waiting area was packed with people.  I felt reminiscent of "Home Alone" where they are running through the airport to catch the plane.  It was crazy.  So we got to the bathroom and everything worked out all right, so no problems. 

So then we go into the store to get some clothes.  Well, I need a double stroller that is for sure.  Ryan is too big to be in a stroller all the time, but he's too small to walk around as well, so that would have been helpful.  Anyway, Ryan and Aleesia are running around.  I'm trying to keep an eye on the kids along with dad, and shop for clothes, well that didn't work out too well.  So we decided to go and look at shoes instead, that should be a little easier.  There was a line at the shoe store and we had to take a number.  They were on number 20 and I think I got number 28.  So I took the time to sit down and feed Savannah since she had woken up.  After that was done and we still hadn't been called, we decided to move on.  Time to go home.  On the way back through JCPenny, I look down in the stroller and notice that there is a toy in there that doesn't belong to us.  Aleesia had picked up a gift for Savannah and I didn't even know it.  So we returned that and were on the way out the door.  Checked for the potty again, it had only been an hour since the last visit.  Again she said no, and onward we went.  We get on the elevator go downstairs and out of the store.  We are almost to the car again and , "Mommy, I have to go potty!"  Here we go again.  Running back into the store.  This time we have to wait for the elevator and go upstairs.  We get there and there is a line.  And the lady at the front of the line has no compassion at all.  I have a three year old...can we please go ahead of you, but that was not happening.  I couldn't believe that they only had one community bathroom.    In the back of my head I'm thinking, "We're never going to be doing this again." So we go and wait on the other side of the lady and notice a men's room.  So we go farther down and see that there is a ladies room as well.  HALLELUJAH!!! We rush in the bathroom and by this time, I have to go too. 
Finally, all done, head back downstairs and back home. 
So a lot of lessons were learned in this little trip and I will definitely be more prepared for the next outing.

I thought it was supposed to get easier

So the three year old is potty trained now.  The first couple of months it went great.  There was no peeing in the bed, no accidents.  Now all of a sudden, it's happening.  My prognosis, it's part of her needing attention.  Ryan, who walking and climbing and getting into everything, has to have my eyes on him all of the time.  And of course Savannah needs my attention...so how and where do you divide the time?  I try to give them all their special time, but it's difficult.  Aleesia especially wants my time when I doing something with one of the other children.  I'm praying about it and I hope that it gets better soon.

Going Backwards

Aleesia has been doing so well with going to the bathroom.  It seemed  like one day it all clicked and then she started using the bathroom.  Well, this week has been quite a challenge for me.  She is peeing in the bed, in her pants and on the bathroom floor.  I'm not sure if this is because she needs more attention because I am usually with Ryan and Savannah giving them more of my attention and daddy is at work.  I try to give her special time while the other kids are sleeping.  The part that really got me though was when she peed right on the bathroom floor.  I asked her about why she did this and she said it was because she was playing in the bathroom instead of doing what she was supposed to be doing.  This is another thing that is really a problem, getting her in and out of the bathroom instead of her going in there and playing with the soap and other things in the bathroom.  So we shall see how the next week goes to determine if she will keep this going. 

Cooking Mama!!

I have always liked to cook. Since I have been on a diet one major thing that I have cut out of my menus is processed and prepackaged foods. I have been using my cookbooks a lot more and trying out new spices. This week we have had salmon and steaks(not on the same night). Seasoned the salmon with dill and the steaks with soy sauce and mustard. Everything turned out pretty good. I look forward to creating more dishes and unique eats for my family. I would love to have a dinner party and invite all of my friends, I'll keep you posted on that one.

Changes & Challenges

So, on Monday, I will officially be a stay-at-home mom.
So now I a planning out a menu for the week and activities for the kids to stay busy. I have decided that they have to watch a little less television. It's convenient when I have to do things with Savannah and to get a few minutes for myself. But Aleesia and Ryan pay no attention when the TV is on, so off it goes. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so that I can take them outside more often.

Now, we have to get a schedule down, so that Aleesia can finish learning to write her letters and Ryan can learn his ABCs. More book reading and more trips to the library. If I'm feeling really brave when the weather gets better, we could walk to the library. It's about a mile away. I would have to get a wagon before we did that though because I am not carrying any kids along that journey.

So if you know of any place where I can get a wagon for an inexpensive price, let me know. Looking for one with a canopy.

Milestones!!

We look forward to the milestones in our children's lives. When they first smile, take their first steps, start on solid foods, go to the bathroom by themselves. After having three children, the milestones, don't seem as important with the last child as they do with the first. Of course it is still important and you are proud of your child for their accomplishment, but the fizzle seems to wear off a bit.

Every night I have the same routine, dinner, bath and bed. With Savannah the bed time varies depending on the last bottle and how much mommy time the other kids need. So the other night, I laid her in her bed with her pacifier while I read the Ryan and Aleesia a bedtime story. I was expecting to get through one book before Savannah would need my attention again. So I was surprised when after 3 books I hadn't heard her. I kissed Ryan and Aleesia and then went to check in on Savannah. She was knocked out. I was so surprised. Usually she has to be held to fall asleep. She has reached her first milestone and I'm so happy about that. It gives me a little more time with the other guys for the bedtime routine.

We've had a lot of milestones here in the past few weeks. Savannah falling asleep by herself. Ryan is walking and Aleesia is learning to dress herself. She has the pants, underwear, and socks. Now we have to get the shirt and shoe thing down. Aleesia is starting to get so independent, it's hard to help her with some of these things when we are in a rush to get out of the house.

I am so proud of my little monsters....can't wait for the next milestone.

Scheduling

I think I've finally got it down. Kids have really made me be the morning person I don't want to be. The problem I have is that I get up at the same time as them instead of before they do. I think that will come in time, once Savannah is sleeping through the night. I am trying to incorporate some learning in our daily activities to get Aleesia ready for school and get Ryan talking. He is such a sweet boy, and he really loves his sisters. I can't wait to see what kind of man he turns out to be.

Losing Weight

Trying to lose weight after having three babies is not easy. I have lost 2lbs this first week and am hoping to lose more next week. I need to get on the ball with this working out stuff. Hopefully I will be able to be down 20lbs by the spring. That is my goal anyway. If you know of any healthy recipes that are delicious and low fat, let me know.

Why Bother!!

So my cleaning schedule has become every other day instead of just maybe twice a week as it used to be. I don't know why I bother to clean it at all though because five minutes later it is all destroyed. But I have been trying something new. Since my three year old is now using the potty all by herself, I have switched to cleaning the bathroom she uses with vinegar and warm water instead of chemicals. The main reason I started doing that is because she sucks her fingers and they go in her mouth constantly. I was afraid of her to use the bathroom right after I had cleaned and accidentally ingesting 409. Also she is able to help me clean, which she is so very eager to do at this age. I don't have to worry about harsh chemicals on her hand. I have recorded her asking and doing the chores now, so that when she is 16 and says I hate cleaning the bathroom, I can show her how much she used to LOOOOOVE to clean the bathroom. Right now, I will take all the help I can get.

Hang in there

So my kids have this barn that they play with. My daughter uses it as a step stool to get those things just out of her reach. I try desparately to discourage this activity, but I don't have eyes in the room 24/7. So the other day, my S.O. and I were sitting in our room watching a movie, while the kids were doing the same in their room. My daughter stepped up on the barn to turn up the volume on the T.V. I didn't stop her since, I could see her and wasn't too concerned. I turned my head back to the movie, I was watching and then heard, "HELP"!!! I turned to find her hanging on the entertainment center. As daddy ran in to save her, I couldn't help but laugh. I wanted to yell at her because this was the very reason why I didn't want her standing on the barn, but it was so funny to see her hanging there, I couldn't help but bust out in laughter. She got upset with me for laughing at her, but the other option was to have me yell at her and I know she didn't want that. I am glad that she is taking gymnastics because if not, she may have fallen and hurt herself. I wish I had the camera so I could have taken a picture of it. But instead I will leave you with a picture of her "hanging" out at gymnastics.

Things I've Learned in 2010

So 2010 was a very fast year it seems to me. My father always told me that once you get out of high school, time flies. I can see that now. Having three kids can really make you examine the world around you and try to find the greater good. So with that in mind, here are the things that I have learned over the past year.

1. I can make a bottle in my sleep. Pour the water, measure the formula...I can do it without looking.
2. There isn't any hand soap or lotion on the face of this earth that is going to make your hands soft when you have to wash them 4 million times a day.
3. When one gets sick, we're all getting sick.
4. Staying at a hotel for a 2 year old is the greatest thing.
5. No two kids are alike no matter how you try to compare them. They may have similarities, but they are not the same.
6. Stain removers are my new best friends.
7. The laundry will never be done!
8. It's the simple things that really make life easier.
9. I'm going to have to get a minivan(not my style).
10. I finally understand why my mom calls the bathroom her library. It's the only place in the house where you can be alone and no one is really going to bother you too much. It's quiet and you can find a sense of peace there. Even if it is for just a few minutes.

So with this new year comes new ideas and new adventures. I'm going to try better with my blogging. Every night I lay down and have 100s of things to say on here, but just don't have the energy to get to the computer to put them all down. That will change. I'm going to try and post every day, we'll see how it works out!!