That Helpful Kid

Since That Baby's arrival, That Kid has been extremely helpful. Maybe helpful isn't the right word. Some of the great things he's done...

1. Today when That Baby was crying, That Kid decided it was because he wanted "bottle food" (we told him That Baby's food comes from a bottle, he's not allowed to feed him anything. ;) ). He got me a bottle, a bag of milk, a nipple, and the cap from one of my collection bottles. So helpful!!

2. When he decides That Baby's been crying too long, That Kid puts his hand over That Baby's mouth. So helpful!!

3. Saturday, That Baby was being extra needy. I couldn't put him down. That Dad was at work, and had to stay an extra hour because the schedule was messed up and That Dad was the only person from his department at the store. He had to stay there until the next person came. I didn't get to eat until almost 3pm...and that was because I decided to let That Baby cry while I made lunch (breakfast?!?) for myself. I put him in his bassinet in the living room and kept telling myself he was safe in his bassinet while I made my food (sandwiches and chips...it should have taken me all of 5 minutes). Then I heard That Baby choking. I went running to the living room where I found That Kid with That Baby's bulb syringe shoved halfway down That Baby's throat. I yelled at That Kid, who immediately went running to his room crying, "I'm bad! I'm bad!" Then That Kid, That Baby, and That Mama were all three crying. It was lovely. But...That Kid was just being helpful. So helpful!!

All in all, we've made a nice adjustment from a family of three to a family of four. I'm still trying to find the balance in having two kids, trying to make time for That Kid (even if it's just my undivided attention at bedtime). That Baby will be a month old on Friday...I think we're doing pretty well for having a month old baby! :)

That Kid and my All Day Sickness

I am a sick Mama. I can't eat without getting sick. I'm nauseous almost all day long. It sucks.

And That Kid isn't very understanding. If he's in the bathroom when I get sick he says, "Not again, Mama! That yuuuuuuuuucky!" and yes, it is yucky. When I told him it's That Baby making me sick, he says That Baby is bad. And when I told him that when *he* lived in my tummy *he* made me sick he said, "No, I no make Mama sick!" If only he could remember...

But, a few days ago I discovered he paid a little too much attention when I get sick. That Dad told me Sunday evening while I was at Church, That Kid ate his dinner then pulled a chair over to the kitchen sink where he proceeded to pretend to get "sick like Mama".

I just hope that this ends soon. I would like to enjoy Christmas Eve dinner...it's one of the meals I look forward to all year long!! :)

I've figured it out!

Since before we got pregnant whenever people would ask That Kid if he would like a sister or a brother, he would always say yes, that he wanted a sister. Today I finally figured out why.

He thinks if he gets another sister, it will be a dog. We call That Dog sissy/sister/girl/good girl...all things he has said he wants for this new baby. He has stated that he wants to name the baby Good Girl (now he wants to name the baby Weesa, like his spiders.). I hope he's not disappointed when I go to the hospital and have a human baby and not a puppy. As cute as puppies are, I prefer to get them from the shelter, not give birth to them. :)

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo!!

What's that you hear? Oh yes! The Potty Train!!!

After trying for several months, taking a break when we moved and starting again, That Kid is finally interested in going potty on the toilet!!! I ask him a few times a day if he wants to go, and he will do it...for a price. ;) And that boy's currency is something I would have never, ever thought of. At the beginning, he got M&Ms. But, those aren't his currency. Not Cheerios, not raisins, not goldfish crackers. That Kid will do just about ANYTHING for........are you ready?? It's totally unexpected.........hearts. Candy hearts.

Thankfully I stocked up after Valentine's Day. I bought a bag that had 48 individual bags in it, a bag of large hearts, a bag of small hearts, and four large boxes (theatre candy sized) of hearts that sparkle. He also gets a CARS sticker for his chart. As of right now he has seven stickers. Last night he earned a small game for getting five stickers. I'm just glad That Dad and I stocked up on toys and games at the Bulls eye store after CHRISTmas. We're set. We even already have his BIG gift...a train table. He needs 50 stickers for that, though. It's been taunting him for about 2 months...and he keeps asking for it. At least now he knows that once he gets 50 stickers he gets it. But, he can only count to 20-10, so he doesn't know how many 50 is. :)

That Dad thinks we need a new pediatrician...

and he's probably right. That Kid had to go visit Dr. M today. He sees Dr. M once a year now. This was actually his 3 year check up. Yes, I'm well aware that my child turned 3 in October. ;) However, I had to cancel his appointment in October and this was the soonest we could get in. That alone says we should probably get a new pediatrician, huh?

So, knowing that not only it takes 4 months to get an appointment to see the doctor, but once you actually have an appointment and come to the office, it takes at LEAST 45 minutes for the doctor to come into the room, I let That Kid bring my Nintendo DS to play while we were waiting. He gets to play it when he has appointments, or when we're shopping. This way he does his own thing and is happy, and we can shop in peace and WE are happy! That was a mistake. He was in the middle of playing when she came in, and threw a huge fit when I took the game back. Then, he wouldn't look her in the eye (which isn't unusual, he never looks anyone in the eye). She thinks that we need to go to a developmental pediatrician to see if he has delays past his speech delay. She also thinks we need to take him to a pediatric ophthalmologist because he refuses to participate in eye exams, and that when he's 5 we will start discussing medicinal options for ADHD.

Needless to say, That Dad is done. He thinks our pediatrician is a nutjob. I'm going to be talking with his teacher tomorrow to set up a meeting and get not only her thoughts, but the thoughts of That Kid's occupational and speech therapists. They see him daily, they know him much better than his doctor does.

Reasons it must be so confusing to be That Kid

1) His brother is called Ramen. Ramen noodles are That Kid's new favorite food. Not only is his brother a CHRISTmas ornament, he eats his brother on a regular basis.

2) His sister That Dog is, well, a dog.

3) Some guy named Jesus lives in his heart.

This afternoon, we were reading a book about Baby Jesus called "Who is Coming to Our House"; and at the end we were talking about Jesus and where Jesus lives. I said, "Jesus lives in your heart!" and patted his chest. He got this "Whatchu talkin' bout Willis" look on his face and patted his own chest. Then he pulled the collar of his shirt away, and was looking down inside for Jesus. At least the seed is planted, and he will understand some day...even if he doesn't have a clue what I'm talking about right now!

It's amazing how quickly they grow up

Shed a tear, That Kid is grown up enough to make his own sandwich.

Last night, I babysat for Crunchy Mama's six great kids. She and Crunchy Dad recently acquired a foster baby; Baby S is about 6 weeks old or so. She weighs just over 6 pounds. Teeny tiny. She was (I think) 3 pounds 12 ounces at birth, so she's gained quite a bit. I enjoyed snuggling Baby S, and Baby E (The Crunchy bio-baby; she's 7 months), and the other three Crunchy Kids were great, too! Oh...four, if you count the 16 year old. ROFL He was a great help!

So, since I was hanging with the Crunchies last night, That Dad and That Kid stayed home and hung out. When I got home, That Dad told me what That Kid had for dinner. He started out with 1/2 a PB&J, and an apple. Then he decided he wanted an orange, so he had one of those, too. That Dad went from the kitchen into the dining room for a second, and when he came back he discovered That Kid had taken a chair and moved it over to the counter, got a knife and a two pieces of bread, then spread yogurt on the bread. Then he asked for more peanut butter and jelly, which That Dad gave him. He ate the whole thing. Apparently, it was quite tasty...he was trying to get me to let him have another one when I got home at 10:15.

2010 is starting out to be real pissy...

Last night That Kid's diaper fell off. In bed. I found out at 6AM when he peed. In my face. It's gonna be a great day!

Edward he's not...

About three weeks ago, That Kid started biting. Of course he'd bitten before; earlier in the year he left a real nice bruise on my leg where the little vampire bit me. However, now he's biting other kids.

He has bitten two kids at church, and two kids at school, and tried to bite two more kids at school. I just don't know what to do.

I don't mind being That Mama when it comes to sweets, and tantrums, and over-buying at CHRISTmas...but I'm not going to be That Mama who's kid bites. Who has parents run in the other direction when That Kid walks towards their pwecious kids. Thankfully, That Kid's school has a policy about biting...they won't tell me who That Kid bit, and they won't tell the other mother who bit their child. I wish our church had the same policy. It would make my life so much easier!

No picture with the Fat Man this year!!

Here is last year's picture.

This year's picture had the makings of something quite, quite similar. That Kid was so excited to see Santa, he waved and yelled, "HI SANTA!! HI SANTA!!!!!!" when Santa waved to him, and I said, "Do you want to go see Santa?" "Yes Mama! Yes, see Santa!"

So, That Dad, That Kid, and I all ventured into Santa's wonderland. And guess what? I picked That Kid up out of his stroller, and took him over towards Santa...and he started sobbing. Wouldn't sit on his lap, wouldn't talk to him. He did blow him kisses, though. At least he didn't do like my friend C's little boy does...when people ask him what Santa is bringing him he says, "Santa isn't coming to my house!! He's a robber!"

Maybe next year I'll get another cute picture like I did that first year!

It may just be a sign That Kid watches too much television!

This morning after school, I took That Kid grocery shopping. And he was perfect. Just sat playing with my Nintendo DS. He got a new car for being so good. :)

When we were going in the store, he saw the Subway sign across the parking lot. He yelled, "Eat fresh, Mama! Eat fresh!" Then he saw the sign for Papa Murphy's and said, "HEY! Pizza, Mama!"

He can also sing the jingle for one of the casinos here, along with the Empire Carpet jingle (800-588-2300.......Empire!!!!!!!!!!). Clearly, he watches too much television. The boy can't say his name clearly, but he can sing jingles and knows that Subway's catch phrase is Eat fresh. Fabulous.

What's your name little boy, what's your name?

We've been working with That Kid, trying to get him to say his full name in case he's ever lost. We say, "Can you say C_______ J________ N_________?" and he says, "Tintin Mehs Gergerber." Not even close. The initials aren't even the same!

That Dad says we'll be watching the news one of these nights when our favorite news anchor will say, "We have breaking news! Tintin Mehs Gergerber has been found. Anyone with information about Tintin, please call the police department so they can reunite this oddly named child with his parents!"

Return of the Ghost

That Kid hasn't talked about his ghost for a while. All of the sudden, he's talking about it (him?) again. He will creep down the hall whispering, "Come on, Mama! Come see ghost!" and will peek around the bedroom door to see the ghost.

Last night, he was walking down the hall looking for the ghost. He went into my bedroom and got up on the bed, then started talking to the ghost. He was saying, "Gramma? Gramma??!!??" not in a "Hey, it's my Gramma" way (which would be extra creepy since Gramma is still alive), but in a "Why are you talking about my Gramma?" way.

Needless to say, That Dad was freaked out. I really need to take pictures and see if something comes out on the camera like my ghost hunting friend from across the pond suggested.

I don't have a penis

That Kid is sick again. He's been complaining ever since he woke up this morning that his ears hurt, and has been generally clingy and whiny. We're going to the doctor at 11, in case it's an ear infection. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

In an attempt to get things hurried along this morning, I tossed That Kid into the tub with me. I gave him a washcloth with some of his yummy oatmeal baby wash on it, and told him to wash his penis. So he did. And then...the words every mother dreads were uttered from my baby's mouth...

"Where your penis, Mama? It goooooooooooooone!"

I told him Mama has something different, and left it at that. He didn't ask anything else. Nor will he be bathing with me again. Which sucks, because I like to give him his bath while I take mine. It's so much easier that way! Or it was, until this morning.

School days, school days...

That Kid started preschool today. He loved it. And he was perfect (so they said...)!! I still can't believe that my baby is old enough to be in preschool (and truly, if he didn't need the extra help in speech/language then he wouldn't be in preschool)!! Here is my favorite pic from this morning (I'm trying not to cry!!)...

isn't he cute, and doesn't he look so so big?!? His school is brand new, and still smells like new paint and carpet! Mmm Mmm!!!!

And here are a couple pictures from his birthday on Sunday...he had a great day. He stayed home with That Dad while I went to church (he was still sleeping when I was ready to go, and he and That Dad don't get much one on one time...), then I brought home burgers (his favorite!) and we played a little bit; then I went and picked up his dinner and cake (he got pizza, his other favorite!).

"Hi! I'm this many!!"

Cars from That Grandma and That Papa...I'd say he likes 'em a little!

"Is this whole thing for me?!?"

Eating his ice cream the way That Papa must have taught him...

How is it that we went from...

THIS...






to THIS...





in just three short years?!? It seems like just yesterday I got this...





Happy birthday, sweet kid! Mama and Daddy love you very, very much! You've brought us so much joy, and we're so proud to be able to call you our son!!

Tiny Town, and a haircut!

Today, we went to Tiny Town. It was started in 1915, by a man who lived in the hills with his family. He started the town by building doll houses for his daughter. The original buildings are all destroyed, but there are lots of newer buildings. The oldest one they have now is from the 1930's.

It was a fairly good day. That Kid only had two meltdowns...one when he wanted to ride the train, and one when he was eating ice cream and got STICKY STICKY STICKY!!!

That Kid and me in front of a tiny Thomas the Tank Engine car...I love his expression!

Favorite picture of the day! Taken inside the Tiny Town Jail, appropriately!

That Family, getting ready for the train ride. Look carefully for That Kid...he's hiding!

This is when the second meltdown started...STICKY STICKY STICKY!!!!!!!

After Tiny Town, we went for a haircut. That Kid hasn't had a professional hair cut since February. That Dad would just trim his bangs and ear hair while That Kid slept in his highchair. So, we were coming back down the hill, and That Kid fell asleep. Went to the kid's salon, there was no wait, and they were willing to cut his hair while he was sleeping. Unfortunately, he woke up. But, he's super cute now!!! And no one is going to say, "She's fast!" as he goes running by anymore!! :)

At home, after his haircut

Oh That Kid...

We've been "potty playing". Meaning, That Kid sits on the potty and plays, but won't really use it. Sure, he's gone in the potty before, and we even had a great week where he went twice a day every day. But now...well...that was months ago and still nothing.

All of that to say, That Kid just took off his diaper. Then he went to the kitchen and grabbed his apple juice out of the fridge, and grabbed the phone pretending to talk on it. :) So I said, "What are you doing? Drinking your apple juice and talking on the phone while your peenie flaps in the wind?" And, like any man he grabbed his peenie and said, "Uh huh!" and went on his way. To quote That Kid, "What am I gonna do?!?"

The most precious gift

Yesterday, That Kid brought me the most precious gift I've ever received. A thoughful gift, even!

I was sitting at the computer and he came in naked. That's his new thing. He gets naked. Usually he gets naked and pees on the floor. While I'm happy that he's figuring out not to pee in his diaper, I wish he'd figure out when he does have to pee that he needs to sit on his potty!! Any advice would be appreciated on that one! ;) So...last night, I'm sitting at the computer desk and he walks down the hall and hands me a glass. A glass full of poop. He took off his diaper, and pooped in a glass.

I had to call That Grandma and ask her, "When your kid poops in a glass and brings it to you, do you praise him or scold him?" We still aren't sure what the answer is.

So...about that big boy bed...

It has ruined my life. Really.

Night 1 - Didn't sleep in the bed. Kept getting up. I kept putting him back *in* the bed a'la Supernanny, he kept getting out. Finally, I decided I was going to sit by him until he fell asleep (again, a'la Supernanny)...except I fell asleep on the floor. That Kid took that opportunity to get out of bed and run around trying to catch "beebles" (bugs) for his bug house. That Dad came upstairs when he heard me yelling at That Kid for trying to catch a pincher bug. That Kid ended up sleeping in our bed that night. I love when he sleeps with us...That Dad and I each get about 1/8th inch of mattress while That Kid and That Dog get the rest of the queen sized bed!

Night 2 - That Kid spent his afternoon nap in the bed, so I just knew if I put him in there asleep he would sleep in his bed! I decided I would rock him to sleep. Since he had a late nap and didn't wake up until 6:30, then had a late dinner, he had a late bed time. At 10:45 I started rocking him. At 11:15, I had him almost asleep, so I went and laid him down in the bed. He got up. Took him back out to the living room and rocked him some more. Fought with him. Took off my shirt because he spit milk out of his mouth all over me (he was trying to be a fountain...funny...). Rocked him some more. Sang him his night night song ("Night night, night night, time for sleep, time for sleep! Night night, night night, close your eyes go to sleep!" Lather, rinse, repeat until child is asleep. I got it from Yo Gabba Gabba, but they sing "nap time" instead of night night.)...it didn't work. He kept sitting up to touch my eyes. Finally, at 12:40 he went to sleep. Slept until 8:30. I was thrilled.

Night 3 - Didn't take a nap, fell asleep during dinner around 7:30. I put him in his bed, and he stayed there. Until 3:30. Unfortunately That Dad is working nights for the next two weeks, covering for someone on vacation. So when That Kid came and got in bed with me, I thought he'd go right back to sleep. Nope. Not even for a minute. He turned on the "T" (TV) looking for "Goggin" and "Kinekines" (Noggin and Little Einsteins). Found some Jack Hanna animal show and watched that, then watched America's funniest videos and was laughing at all the animal videos. Then it was 5:00. He figured how to turn the channel to Noggin, and watched that for a while. At 6:00 That Dad came home from work and found That Kid on the kitchen floor playing. Put That Kid in bed with me, he screamed and threw a fit and locked the bedroom door. Then he unlocked the bedroom door and decided Noggin wasn't good enough, he wanted to watch something else, so he turned on the TV in the living room where he found "MANNY! HANNY MANNY!!!!!!!!" (Handy Manny). That Dad told me to just try to get some more rest and said he would watch That Kid. I finally had my first uninterrupted sleep since 3:30...and got to sleep until 8:30 when I would usually wake up to go to church. Decided not to go to church because...That Kid finally fell back to sleep while eating his breakfast. He's back in his big boy bed....and I'm going to go fold laundry. Yea.