Day #2 of potty training and it was deja vu all over again. I've cleaned 2 cushions and the rug several times. It appears he doesn't realize when he has to go still. At least he's telling us right after he's pooped. A baby step I guess. He did hold it again this afternoon. I'm not sure what the difference is - why he can hold it in the late afternoon only. Everyone keeps saying it will click on the 3rd day. I hope so because I can't take any more time off and I am not sure daycare wants me sending 5 pairs of pants with him. I think I may have the neighbors bring their son over tomorrow and see if that helps. I was thinking of having him come in the afternoon but maybe I'll have him come over in the morning and show my son the ropes.
As I sit here typing this I realize there is a towel lying next to me on the couch. Each time the kid has held it, he's been sitting on that towel. Hmmm....
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Potty Training Take 2
We are approximately 5 hours into this and we've slowed to 4 pairs of underwear. He's now eating lunch. Here's hoping something happens on the potty before we through a pull up on him for nap time. We've cleaned one couch cushion so far and that's it. The tarp I threw down is still dry.
John was sitting on the couch. Little Man climbed up behind him and sat on his shoulders. Granted he had just changed Little Man out of pair #3 and #4 but I can't decide if he is incredibly brave and trusting or a masochist.
John was sitting on the couch. Little Man climbed up behind him and sat on his shoulders. Granted he had just changed Little Man out of pair #3 and #4 but I can't decide if he is incredibly brave and trusting or a masochist.
Potty Training Day One
7:50 AM: Little Man is out of his pull up. He's wearing his big boy underwear. He chose Thomas of course. After a brief explanation of what was expected of him today (no peeing or pooping in your underwear but accidents happen and today was to be a learning experience for all of us) we moved onto breakfast.
He's munching on a cereal bar. I'm making coffee and loading the dishwasher. John is doing his usual - bouncing between taking orders from me and from Little Man. Little Man turns whiny on us which is never pleasant first thing in the morning.
"I hurt daddy. I hurt".
How did you hurt yourself?
"I hurt".
You're not hurt honey. You're wet. You peed.
We haven't been awake for a full hour and we are already through our first pair of underwear and PJs. We've moved on to sweat pants of which the kid only owns 2. Once he's through those, I'll convince him that he doesn't want to wear pants today. A shirt and underwear is just fine.
Not even an hour into our day but he hit his first goal - he didn't freak out as I was expecting.
At least I thought to bring the laundry basket downstairs with us. I have a feeling I'll be doing at least one load today....
He's munching on a cereal bar. I'm making coffee and loading the dishwasher. John is doing his usual - bouncing between taking orders from me and from Little Man. Little Man turns whiny on us which is never pleasant first thing in the morning.
"I hurt daddy. I hurt".
How did you hurt yourself?
"I hurt".
You're not hurt honey. You're wet. You peed.
We haven't been awake for a full hour and we are already through our first pair of underwear and PJs. We've moved on to sweat pants of which the kid only owns 2. Once he's through those, I'll convince him that he doesn't want to wear pants today. A shirt and underwear is just fine.
Not even an hour into our day but he hit his first goal - he didn't freak out as I was expecting.
At least I thought to bring the laundry basket downstairs with us. I have a feeling I'll be doing at least one load today....
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas at the Browns
Ah Christmas. I look forward to it every year. It was always a time of great joy as a child. It wasn't just the presents. It was the food and the family. Everyone came to our house. One side of the family would come for dinner. The other half would come later for second dinner and desert. Adults talking. Kids running and playing. I loved the craziness of it all. Family gatherings were wonderful.
But nothing last forever and our annual tradition ended a bit abruptly. In a blink we were left to build a new tradition. It took a bit to recover from the shock but we did build a new tradition; a quieter celebration in the White Mountains and I treasure those memories just as much as those of our lost tradition.
But children grow and start families of their own. Eventually the White Mountains faded from the tradition. By that time we had learned to adapt and change. Then Dad died and the joy of Christmas was gone. I did not think it would return. John tried on our first Christmas. He introduced me to Black Velvets and the tradition stuck. It was hard those first years without Dad. I spent a good portion of the day fighting tears and the rest giving into it. It wasn't the same without Dad.
Then Little Man entered our lives and I knew things would improve. As I prepare each year I regret that he is growing up so far from his cousins as my cousins were such an integral part of my childhood. I yearn to go back to the good ole days of the whole family gathering at one house; adults talking; children wreaking havoc.
His first two Christmases were more for me than for him as he was too young to understand but this year was different. This year I thought he would start to grasp it. I introduced him to Santa through the Night Before Christmas. I introduced him to the Grinch, The Polar Express, and Frosty. He was in love. He was excited.
A week or so before Christmas we made the mistake of referencing his birthday. He jumped on the bandwagon and has been clinging to it with all his might since. Forget Christmas. He wants his birthday cake (even though he has never actually eaten his cake. He just likes the idea of his cake).
We put him to bed Christmas Eve attempting to induce dreams of Santa and all his reindeer. He only wants to talk about his Birthday. 6 AM Christmas morning he crawls into bed with us but decides it is no longer sleepy time. "Mommy, I go downstairs. You come with me?". John and I both snap awake.
Do you think Santa came? I asked.
"No. Santa no come".
Well let's go downstairs and see.
Oh crap, we left the snack out for Santa. We didn't make cookies this year so we asked Little Man what snack he thought Santa would like. "GOLDFISH!" So I helped him put a bowl of Gold Fish out for Santa after we sprinkled oats on the front lawn for the reindeer. Little Man decided the fish were for him and Santa wanted soup (applesauce) instead. John had to excuse himself from our room to go down some blueberry applesauce. Upon his return, we convinced Little Man we should go check for signs that Santa had been here.
The living room is across from the stairs so he was able to see all the presents around the tree. It didn't register with him. So we tell him we'll go check the stockings which were hung on the mantle, over the fireplace which is in the dining room. It didn't register.
I didn't wrap the stocking stuffers. Hey, you try wrapping toy airplanes and helicopters that aren't packaged and see how well you do. That turned out to be wise and he dove in. He sat in front of the fireplace flying his planes and helicopters. I asked if he wanted to check out the presents under the tree. He ignored me. I took advantage and prepped the roast for the crock pot.
Some how, we convinced him to move to the living room and made the horrible mistake of having him open a couple of books first. He wasn't in the mood for reading so he stopped with the presents. After much cajoling, I convinced him to open one I knew was a toy.
"What is it Mommy? Open it Mommy! I play Mommy!"
And play he did. With that one present. It took hours. Actually, it took two days. He finally opened the last present the day after Christmas. The poor child was overwhelmed and exhausted. So overwhelmed in fact that he didn't jump back on the birthday wagon until today. Actually he jumped on the birthday cake wagon. When I mentioned presents his face went blank.
Last year his favorite present was a plasma car courtesy of my sister. When my sister's presents arrived for him this year I was thrilled and cursing her out at the same time. I was thrilled because I couldn't wait to play with them - magnetic building shapes and magnetic truck pieces. I was cursing her out because for a second year in a row she was going to outdo his parents. Its one thing to buy the cool present one year. It is a whole other thing to do it two years in a row.
Then the presents from the sister-in-law arrived. Tonka stunt tracks. So now I'm cursing out both of them. How dare they both gang up on me like that with no warning? How dare they try to outdo me? How DARE they?
Each year John and I make a list 8-10 presents that we will buy for Little Man and split between his birthday and Christmas. I did a pretty good job of sticking to it. Unfortunately we didn't discuss stocking stuffers and in my multiple shopping expeditions I kept forgetting how many planes and helicopters I had already purchased. Nothing budget breaking though.
On one excursion I saw something called HexBugs. The box said 3+ so I checked it out. I didn't think there was any way a 3 year old would be interested but our neighbor insisted they were awesome and he would love them. So that was my one splurge. Little did I realize my little splurge would be my saving grace.
He LOVES them. Yeah the blocks and trucks are cool and he enjoys playing with them. Yes he giggles in glee watching the dump truck and fire engine do their stunts but he LOVES his hexbugs. I should have bought spare batteries because at this rate, I'll need them by this weekend. He's even discovered they will work on the train track just not as much fin to watch.
I DID it! I WIN! I'm still COOL!
And incredibly immature.
But nothing last forever and our annual tradition ended a bit abruptly. In a blink we were left to build a new tradition. It took a bit to recover from the shock but we did build a new tradition; a quieter celebration in the White Mountains and I treasure those memories just as much as those of our lost tradition.
But children grow and start families of their own. Eventually the White Mountains faded from the tradition. By that time we had learned to adapt and change. Then Dad died and the joy of Christmas was gone. I did not think it would return. John tried on our first Christmas. He introduced me to Black Velvets and the tradition stuck. It was hard those first years without Dad. I spent a good portion of the day fighting tears and the rest giving into it. It wasn't the same without Dad.
Then Little Man entered our lives and I knew things would improve. As I prepare each year I regret that he is growing up so far from his cousins as my cousins were such an integral part of my childhood. I yearn to go back to the good ole days of the whole family gathering at one house; adults talking; children wreaking havoc.
His first two Christmases were more for me than for him as he was too young to understand but this year was different. This year I thought he would start to grasp it. I introduced him to Santa through the Night Before Christmas. I introduced him to the Grinch, The Polar Express, and Frosty. He was in love. He was excited.
A week or so before Christmas we made the mistake of referencing his birthday. He jumped on the bandwagon and has been clinging to it with all his might since. Forget Christmas. He wants his birthday cake (even though he has never actually eaten his cake. He just likes the idea of his cake).
We put him to bed Christmas Eve attempting to induce dreams of Santa and all his reindeer. He only wants to talk about his Birthday. 6 AM Christmas morning he crawls into bed with us but decides it is no longer sleepy time. "Mommy, I go downstairs. You come with me?". John and I both snap awake.
Do you think Santa came? I asked.
"No. Santa no come".
Well let's go downstairs and see.
Oh crap, we left the snack out for Santa. We didn't make cookies this year so we asked Little Man what snack he thought Santa would like. "GOLDFISH!" So I helped him put a bowl of Gold Fish out for Santa after we sprinkled oats on the front lawn for the reindeer. Little Man decided the fish were for him and Santa wanted soup (applesauce) instead. John had to excuse himself from our room to go down some blueberry applesauce. Upon his return, we convinced Little Man we should go check for signs that Santa had been here.
The living room is across from the stairs so he was able to see all the presents around the tree. It didn't register with him. So we tell him we'll go check the stockings which were hung on the mantle, over the fireplace which is in the dining room. It didn't register.
I didn't wrap the stocking stuffers. Hey, you try wrapping toy airplanes and helicopters that aren't packaged and see how well you do. That turned out to be wise and he dove in. He sat in front of the fireplace flying his planes and helicopters. I asked if he wanted to check out the presents under the tree. He ignored me. I took advantage and prepped the roast for the crock pot.
Some how, we convinced him to move to the living room and made the horrible mistake of having him open a couple of books first. He wasn't in the mood for reading so he stopped with the presents. After much cajoling, I convinced him to open one I knew was a toy.
"What is it Mommy? Open it Mommy! I play Mommy!"
And play he did. With that one present. It took hours. Actually, it took two days. He finally opened the last present the day after Christmas. The poor child was overwhelmed and exhausted. So overwhelmed in fact that he didn't jump back on the birthday wagon until today. Actually he jumped on the birthday cake wagon. When I mentioned presents his face went blank.
Last year his favorite present was a plasma car courtesy of my sister. When my sister's presents arrived for him this year I was thrilled and cursing her out at the same time. I was thrilled because I couldn't wait to play with them - magnetic building shapes and magnetic truck pieces. I was cursing her out because for a second year in a row she was going to outdo his parents. Its one thing to buy the cool present one year. It is a whole other thing to do it two years in a row.
Then the presents from the sister-in-law arrived. Tonka stunt tracks. So now I'm cursing out both of them. How dare they both gang up on me like that with no warning? How dare they try to outdo me? How DARE they?
Each year John and I make a list 8-10 presents that we will buy for Little Man and split between his birthday and Christmas. I did a pretty good job of sticking to it. Unfortunately we didn't discuss stocking stuffers and in my multiple shopping expeditions I kept forgetting how many planes and helicopters I had already purchased. Nothing budget breaking though.
On one excursion I saw something called HexBugs. The box said 3+ so I checked it out. I didn't think there was any way a 3 year old would be interested but our neighbor insisted they were awesome and he would love them. So that was my one splurge. Little did I realize my little splurge would be my saving grace.
He LOVES them. Yeah the blocks and trucks are cool and he enjoys playing with them. Yes he giggles in glee watching the dump truck and fire engine do their stunts but he LOVES his hexbugs. I should have bought spare batteries because at this rate, I'll need them by this weekend. He's even discovered they will work on the train track just not as much fin to watch.
I DID it! I WIN! I'm still COOL!
And incredibly immature.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Mommy Not Listening
The countdown has begun. We are at -2 days before full blown potty training begins. Prep work started today. I bought 21 - yes 21 pairs of underwear. I wanted 2-3 packs of plain white underwear and one pack of character underwear. Apparently they don't like to sell plain white underwear for his age. Apparently they market towards kids' desires rather than parents' desires. I want to be able to use the character underwear as a bribe. Have the manufacturers of toddler underwear never bribed their own kids? Are their kids that freaking wonderful that they've never had to resort to such measures? What is wrong with these people?
At least the makers of Resolve are a little more understanding. I was able to buy the super size of the High Traffic Resolve and the spot cleaner. I am convinced Resolve was invented by the parent of a toddler during potty training.
As for the person who decided wall-to-wall carpeting was ever a great idea also never had toddlers requiring potty training. That or his child reached the potty training stage during the warmer months and just kept the kid outside all day. I am seriously kicking myself for not putting down hardwood the second we moved in. Please don't tell me to keep Little Man in the kitchen the entire time. Trust me - it isn't big enough.
We do have a tarp though. My mother-in-law had the foresight to get us a tarp designed for toddlers. It saved the carpet in my dining room several times (yes, someone with a toddler thought wall-to-wall carpeting in the dining room was a bright idea. I'm thinking they put it down shortly before selling and made the kid eat on the kitchen floor until after they moved). So the tarp will be coming out to cover any area this kid feels like standing in. It, unlike my carpet, is machine washable.
My neighbors do have a steam cleaner. I will be borrowing it. Either that or I'll call the whole thing a wash and take the money set aside to landscape the front yard next spring to replace the carpet. That's one way to get me off my lazy butt and put in my much desired hardwood.
After picking up the underwear today we stopped at Barnes & Noble for some potty books. The one we have hasn't caught Little Man's attention. I was on a mission. I was going to find an Elmo potty book. Yes. Elmo. I bought an Elmo book. That damn red monster - my arch nemesis and yet I need to call him in; need to work out a truce to get me through this weekend. He responds to that annoying little creature. What book do I find? One with sounds. So not only do I have that damn creature in my house but I have his voice in my house. Because my son will listen to him. I HATE Elmo.
I also found a book called the Potty Train. Little Man also responds to trains. If I am really lucky he'll decide that is the cooler book but I'm not holding my breath.
I showed him the underwear tonight. I told him they were big boy underwear. "I no like big boy underwear" and he walked away.
But they have Thomas, and James, and Percy...
I hate being ignored almost as much as I hate Elmo. For a split second I contemplated digging out the Spiderman underwear but decided to change tactics. I showed him the books. He got all excited until he discovered each one revolved around the potty. Ignored again.
Fast forward a few minutes and he's being unceremoniously carried upstairs by his father and dumped in his room for kicking and hitting his father. We let him scream his fool head off for several minutes before bringing puppy, Grinch, and books upstairs as it was close to bedtime anyway.
I get him calmed down enough where he can apologize to his father. Then have to calm him again as he doesn't want to go to bed before I can get him in his PJs. I tell him to choose a book. That calms him completely. He curls up in my lap and proceeds to thoroughly enjoy Elmo. He even sits through the potty train but he still won't go potty. I think I should have started this a year ago. At this rate, he will be in pull ups until Kindergarten.
So as I sit on the floor of his room ruing that I will be spending the last few days of my vacation cleaning up all sorts of nastiness from rugs and upholstery (because you know I won't be able to keep him off the couch and chairs entirely) and clothes he turns to me and says: "Mommy, I call Amah. You not listening to me".
He proceeds to dial his hand phone. "Hi Amah. Mommy not listening to me. OK. Bye".
A sign of things to come.
At least the makers of Resolve are a little more understanding. I was able to buy the super size of the High Traffic Resolve and the spot cleaner. I am convinced Resolve was invented by the parent of a toddler during potty training.
As for the person who decided wall-to-wall carpeting was ever a great idea also never had toddlers requiring potty training. That or his child reached the potty training stage during the warmer months and just kept the kid outside all day. I am seriously kicking myself for not putting down hardwood the second we moved in. Please don't tell me to keep Little Man in the kitchen the entire time. Trust me - it isn't big enough.
We do have a tarp though. My mother-in-law had the foresight to get us a tarp designed for toddlers. It saved the carpet in my dining room several times (yes, someone with a toddler thought wall-to-wall carpeting in the dining room was a bright idea. I'm thinking they put it down shortly before selling and made the kid eat on the kitchen floor until after they moved). So the tarp will be coming out to cover any area this kid feels like standing in. It, unlike my carpet, is machine washable.
My neighbors do have a steam cleaner. I will be borrowing it. Either that or I'll call the whole thing a wash and take the money set aside to landscape the front yard next spring to replace the carpet. That's one way to get me off my lazy butt and put in my much desired hardwood.
After picking up the underwear today we stopped at Barnes & Noble for some potty books. The one we have hasn't caught Little Man's attention. I was on a mission. I was going to find an Elmo potty book. Yes. Elmo. I bought an Elmo book. That damn red monster - my arch nemesis and yet I need to call him in; need to work out a truce to get me through this weekend. He responds to that annoying little creature. What book do I find? One with sounds. So not only do I have that damn creature in my house but I have his voice in my house. Because my son will listen to him. I HATE Elmo.
I also found a book called the Potty Train. Little Man also responds to trains. If I am really lucky he'll decide that is the cooler book but I'm not holding my breath.
I showed him the underwear tonight. I told him they were big boy underwear. "I no like big boy underwear" and he walked away.
But they have Thomas, and James, and Percy...
I hate being ignored almost as much as I hate Elmo. For a split second I contemplated digging out the Spiderman underwear but decided to change tactics. I showed him the books. He got all excited until he discovered each one revolved around the potty. Ignored again.
Fast forward a few minutes and he's being unceremoniously carried upstairs by his father and dumped in his room for kicking and hitting his father. We let him scream his fool head off for several minutes before bringing puppy, Grinch, and books upstairs as it was close to bedtime anyway.
I get him calmed down enough where he can apologize to his father. Then have to calm him again as he doesn't want to go to bed before I can get him in his PJs. I tell him to choose a book. That calms him completely. He curls up in my lap and proceeds to thoroughly enjoy Elmo. He even sits through the potty train but he still won't go potty. I think I should have started this a year ago. At this rate, he will be in pull ups until Kindergarten.
So as I sit on the floor of his room ruing that I will be spending the last few days of my vacation cleaning up all sorts of nastiness from rugs and upholstery (because you know I won't be able to keep him off the couch and chairs entirely) and clothes he turns to me and says: "Mommy, I call Amah. You not listening to me".
He proceeds to dial his hand phone. "Hi Amah. Mommy not listening to me. OK. Bye".
A sign of things to come.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas vs Birthday
The tree is up and decorated. The village and mantle are set. The presents are wrapped. Cranberry bread is baked. So besides the dozens of cranberry muffins I will be baking the day before and distributing along with the cranberry bread to friends and neighbors we are all done.
Little Man's present from my mom arrived last night. Included was the traditional Christmas ornament she buys for each grandchild every year. This year's batch came from her trip to New Mexico. Due to the fact that it was a hand-crafted star made from metal, it wasn't wrapped unless you count the bubble wrap. I think that was more to protect the other wrapped presents. The edges are a tad sharp. Due to the sharpness, we nixed the idea of letting Little Man open it. Instead we placed it directly on the tree.
I showed him the ornament this evening when we returned home as I completely forgot about it during the morning rush. Normally, this would be something of extreme excitement for him. His ornament. He loves his ornaments. I told him it was from Amah. That should have created even more excitement. He loves his Amah.
Nope.
"MY BIRTHDAY IS COMING!"
The kid has completely bypass Christmas; a holiday involving presents which occurs in 3 days for his birthday; a "holiday" involving presents which occurs in 11 days.
Maybe it is time to introduce this kid to a calendar.
Little Man's present from my mom arrived last night. Included was the traditional Christmas ornament she buys for each grandchild every year. This year's batch came from her trip to New Mexico. Due to the fact that it was a hand-crafted star made from metal, it wasn't wrapped unless you count the bubble wrap. I think that was more to protect the other wrapped presents. The edges are a tad sharp. Due to the sharpness, we nixed the idea of letting Little Man open it. Instead we placed it directly on the tree.
I showed him the ornament this evening when we returned home as I completely forgot about it during the morning rush. Normally, this would be something of extreme excitement for him. His ornament. He loves his ornaments. I told him it was from Amah. That should have created even more excitement. He loves his Amah.
Nope.
"MY BIRTHDAY IS COMING!"
The kid has completely bypass Christmas; a holiday involving presents which occurs in 3 days for his birthday; a "holiday" involving presents which occurs in 11 days.
Maybe it is time to introduce this kid to a calendar.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
My Christmas
I’ve held off on the Picture with Santa. Little Man is not fond of strangers. While he doesn’t always attempt to burrow into me, he is still painfully shy around strangers. It has put a slight damper on trying to teach him what to do if we should ever become separated in public but we’ll get there. So for now I keep a hand on him at all times and if that isn’t possible, he knows he must not leave my line of sight. Again, his fear of strangers comes in handy as he doesn’t stray from my side when in public.
I was never overly fond of Santa in person as a child either. I preferred the idea of Santa and his elves living the good life in the North Pole making toys, drinking cider and eating candy canes all day long. That was the life as far as I was concerned and I thought it was beyond cool that he didn’t have to get in a car and sit in traffic. He had a cool sled and flying reindeer. Each Christmas Eve I would sneak out of bed and run to the window to catch a glimpse of him and then one year… there it was; a tiny red light off in the distance. RUDOLPH! I was so excited my whole family came running. OOPS! Busted! I didn’t care. I saw Rudolph! He was right there up in the sky. My favorite reindeer of all was there. Santa was coming.
Mom reminded me that Santa would not come to our house until I was asleep and he would know if I wasn’t so I crawled back into bed and tried oh so hard to fall asleep but my heart was racing and all I could think of was I finally had my chance to play with Rudolph. Oh the fun we would have. He was going to be my new best friend. I did eventually fall asleep so Santa was able to make his visit.
It wasn’t until years later when my bedtime moved further out that I realized the only visible part of an airplane at night was the red light. That made me think and then I remembered the look on my parents’ and siblings’ faces and was finally able to judge the look with an adult’s eye. Give them credit for keeping a straight face as I have not yet fully mastered that one yet.
Little Man is starting to show signs of excitement for Santa. He shrieked with glee at the mall last weekend when he saw him from a distance. Frosty, The Grinch and The Night Before Christmas are fast becoming favorite reads. The magic is starting to take root.
Along with the magic comes a parent’s favorite threat. Santa only delivers toys to good little boys and girls. We’ve used that one a lot of late; perhaps a little too much. I awoke last night a little before 1 AM to Little Man crying pretty hard. I rush into his room to find him half asleep, tears streaming down his face rocking in bed. I gather him into my lap and ask what’s wrong.
“My Christmas! Don’t take my Christmas!”
I almost started crying with him except I was stifling laughter. I tried to get out of him who was taking his Christmas but he was too upset and still half asleep so I gave into my guilt and brought him into our bed. My guilt was short-lived. I was talking to John on my drive to the office this morning and I told him we may want to back off that threat a little bit. He was very nice in pointing out that I had already used it at least once first thing this morning.
Scar #2 Little Man will be blaming me for.
I was never overly fond of Santa in person as a child either. I preferred the idea of Santa and his elves living the good life in the North Pole making toys, drinking cider and eating candy canes all day long. That was the life as far as I was concerned and I thought it was beyond cool that he didn’t have to get in a car and sit in traffic. He had a cool sled and flying reindeer. Each Christmas Eve I would sneak out of bed and run to the window to catch a glimpse of him and then one year… there it was; a tiny red light off in the distance. RUDOLPH! I was so excited my whole family came running. OOPS! Busted! I didn’t care. I saw Rudolph! He was right there up in the sky. My favorite reindeer of all was there. Santa was coming.
Mom reminded me that Santa would not come to our house until I was asleep and he would know if I wasn’t so I crawled back into bed and tried oh so hard to fall asleep but my heart was racing and all I could think of was I finally had my chance to play with Rudolph. Oh the fun we would have. He was going to be my new best friend. I did eventually fall asleep so Santa was able to make his visit.
It wasn’t until years later when my bedtime moved further out that I realized the only visible part of an airplane at night was the red light. That made me think and then I remembered the look on my parents’ and siblings’ faces and was finally able to judge the look with an adult’s eye. Give them credit for keeping a straight face as I have not yet fully mastered that one yet.
Little Man is starting to show signs of excitement for Santa. He shrieked with glee at the mall last weekend when he saw him from a distance. Frosty, The Grinch and The Night Before Christmas are fast becoming favorite reads. The magic is starting to take root.
Along with the magic comes a parent’s favorite threat. Santa only delivers toys to good little boys and girls. We’ve used that one a lot of late; perhaps a little too much. I awoke last night a little before 1 AM to Little Man crying pretty hard. I rush into his room to find him half asleep, tears streaming down his face rocking in bed. I gather him into my lap and ask what’s wrong.
“My Christmas! Don’t take my Christmas!”
I almost started crying with him except I was stifling laughter. I tried to get out of him who was taking his Christmas but he was too upset and still half asleep so I gave into my guilt and brought him into our bed. My guilt was short-lived. I was talking to John on my drive to the office this morning and I told him we may want to back off that threat a little bit. He was very nice in pointing out that I had already used it at least once first thing this morning.
Scar #2 Little Man will be blaming me for.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Buying Christmas
Little Man woke me this morning by pulling the blankets off me. Then he grabbed my arm and tried pulling me out of bed.
"Time to get up Mommy".
Go talk to your father.
"No! I no talk to Daddy! Daddy not feeling well. Daddy ex-hoss-ed. He need sleep!"
That is almost verbatim what John has been telling Little Man about me the past few days. Apparently I've had enough of a reprieve and it was John's turn. Since when does he conspire with his father against me?
I look at the clock. 8:58 AM. This kid let us sleep in? How is it possible that the Universe is smiling at me this morning? I spent last night laughing at my poor husband who is losing his voice. I fully expected Karma to aim her sites at my big ole booty and launch me into the stratosphere. I still have my voice albeit scratchy and hoarser than usual and I get to sleep in until 9? Just what exactly does she have planned for me?
I somehow manage to get Little Man back on my side and he gives John the same wake-up treatment of removing all covers. I ask him if he has bought Daddy a Christmas present.
"Oh no. I have to go to the store to buy Christmas". So much for the 50 million viewings of the Grinch sinking in. The poor kid. He doesn't grasp the concept of Christmas as an adjective. We have to turn the Christmas on (plug in the tree). He grasps birthday present but for some reason Christmas present is beyond him We have to go to the store to buy Christmas. Or maybe he just doesn't fully grasp it when talking about his father.
Have you bought Mommy a Christmas present yet?
"Oh yes Mommy. I get you a car!"
That is the exact attitude to have at Christmas child. Keep it up andI'll you'll do ok. By the time you have the money to swap out the matchbox you are about to give me for the real thing, I'll be ready to trade in my SUV for a corvette..... black..... convertible....
"Time to get up Mommy".
Go talk to your father.
"No! I no talk to Daddy! Daddy not feeling well. Daddy ex-hoss-ed. He need sleep!"
That is almost verbatim what John has been telling Little Man about me the past few days. Apparently I've had enough of a reprieve and it was John's turn. Since when does he conspire with his father against me?
I look at the clock. 8:58 AM. This kid let us sleep in? How is it possible that the Universe is smiling at me this morning? I spent last night laughing at my poor husband who is losing his voice. I fully expected Karma to aim her sites at my big ole booty and launch me into the stratosphere. I still have my voice albeit scratchy and hoarser than usual and I get to sleep in until 9? Just what exactly does she have planned for me?
I somehow manage to get Little Man back on my side and he gives John the same wake-up treatment of removing all covers. I ask him if he has bought Daddy a Christmas present.
"Oh no. I have to go to the store to buy Christmas". So much for the 50 million viewings of the Grinch sinking in. The poor kid. He doesn't grasp the concept of Christmas as an adjective. We have to turn the Christmas on (plug in the tree). He grasps birthday present but for some reason Christmas present is beyond him We have to go to the store to buy Christmas. Or maybe he just doesn't fully grasp it when talking about his father.
Have you bought Mommy a Christmas present yet?
"Oh yes Mommy. I get you a car!"
That is the exact attitude to have at Christmas child. Keep it up and
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Holiday Prep
I fell off the face of the earth for awhile. I needed a certification for work. Many things suffered during the time I spent studying. Little Man's potty training seemed to fall into the nether world of a black hole. John spent most of his time taking care of Little Man while I spent the majority of my time attached to my laptop studying, googling, and studying some more. I was lucky though. Little Man still knows who I am.
It all paid off. I passed my test. Yay me. One down. 2 more to go. I'll spend the next couple of weeks prepping for and then enjoying the holidays before I start my crash course on my next certification.
I did manage to squeeze in some Christmas shopping. I'm almost done. Of course I still need to ship a few presents. I love the Post Office. I love their rates. I do not; however, like their lines this time of year. Every year I say I won't wait until the last minute to buy and ship presents. Every year I think I can do all my shopping on line. Every year I crack myself up.
I had a list for the nieces and nephews. Michael's still doesn't have on-line shopping. So of course the one perfect present for 2 of my nieces could only be found there. The line was long but I've seen longer and they moved it fast.
I even ventured to TRU. Anyone who willingly goes to TRU during the Christmas season is a masochist. I was dreading it. Fortunately the parking lot was not completely full. We went in with a list and grabbed everything quickly with the exception of a present for one of my nieces. All I got out of my mom was Barbie accessories. I found the Barbie aisle and told John to stay off to the side of another aisle with Little Man because of course it was jammed. There was no pushing or grabbing. Instead there was a lot of hemming and hawing. Apparently I wasn't the only one who was a little overwhelmed at the selection. One couple had a list consisting of almost all Barbie accessories. Do you know that Barbie now has a jet. A JET! Available at the great low price of $89.95. My niece is not getting a Barbie jet. At least not from me. I made my selection in record time (based solely on the scientific fact that I entered the aisle last but left first).
From there we headed to the checkout line. Sweet Mother. I looked in the cart and pulled out my phone. I hit their web site to see if everything we were purchasing was available on line. I was going to scratch the checkout line, head home and hit the laptop instead but I couldn't find everything on line. They didn't have it. They didn't even show the items. WHAT? Who does that?
Ah yes. If you shop on line you are less apt to make impulsive buys. Restrict your on line selection during the holiday season pushes everyone back into the stores and increases your sales. Sorry to disappoint TRU. This year, I held firm. I will give you kudos though. I've only seen one other corporation manage lines like that. Walt would have been proud of you.
So the insanity of Holiday prep work is almost over and I'm able to enjoy myself. Little Man runs into the house each night to "turn on the Christmas" (tree) and the village. His presents are wrapped and hidden with the exception of the train set his grandparents bought him. That will be set up Christmas Eve (it isn't Christmas until you are up all night assembling something).
He's fascinated with Frosty. All the snowman stocking hooks are Frosty and we spend many moments discussing their actions, clothing, and singing the song. He's slowly getting excited about Santa coming. Well actually he's excited about getting presents. When I told him Santa would not only leave him presents while he was asleep but would do it by coming down the chimney he seemed a tad concerned. I've caught him staring at the fireplace with his head cocked several times. Then he shakes his head and walks away.
He'll adapt. He's very good at that. I introduced him to the Nightmare in My Closet book. Now daddy is always the Monster. Each night he races upstairs, dragging me with him. He runs into his room yelling "we hide mommy, we hide. Quick un'er the covers mommy!". Tonight he placed puppy under a blanket and said "Don't worry Puppy. I shoot the monster." He ran into our room where John was putting away laundry and "Pyew! Pyew!" Apparently he needs to work on his aim as the monster chased him back into his room and right into the safety of Mommy's lap.
It all paid off. I passed my test. Yay me. One down. 2 more to go. I'll spend the next couple of weeks prepping for and then enjoying the holidays before I start my crash course on my next certification.
I did manage to squeeze in some Christmas shopping. I'm almost done. Of course I still need to ship a few presents. I love the Post Office. I love their rates. I do not; however, like their lines this time of year. Every year I say I won't wait until the last minute to buy and ship presents. Every year I think I can do all my shopping on line. Every year I crack myself up.
I had a list for the nieces and nephews. Michael's still doesn't have on-line shopping. So of course the one perfect present for 2 of my nieces could only be found there. The line was long but I've seen longer and they moved it fast.
I even ventured to TRU. Anyone who willingly goes to TRU during the Christmas season is a masochist. I was dreading it. Fortunately the parking lot was not completely full. We went in with a list and grabbed everything quickly with the exception of a present for one of my nieces. All I got out of my mom was Barbie accessories. I found the Barbie aisle and told John to stay off to the side of another aisle with Little Man because of course it was jammed. There was no pushing or grabbing. Instead there was a lot of hemming and hawing. Apparently I wasn't the only one who was a little overwhelmed at the selection. One couple had a list consisting of almost all Barbie accessories. Do you know that Barbie now has a jet. A JET! Available at the great low price of $89.95. My niece is not getting a Barbie jet. At least not from me. I made my selection in record time (based solely on the scientific fact that I entered the aisle last but left first).
From there we headed to the checkout line. Sweet Mother. I looked in the cart and pulled out my phone. I hit their web site to see if everything we were purchasing was available on line. I was going to scratch the checkout line, head home and hit the laptop instead but I couldn't find everything on line. They didn't have it. They didn't even show the items. WHAT? Who does that?
Ah yes. If you shop on line you are less apt to make impulsive buys. Restrict your on line selection during the holiday season pushes everyone back into the stores and increases your sales. Sorry to disappoint TRU. This year, I held firm. I will give you kudos though. I've only seen one other corporation manage lines like that. Walt would have been proud of you.
So the insanity of Holiday prep work is almost over and I'm able to enjoy myself. Little Man runs into the house each night to "turn on the Christmas" (tree) and the village. His presents are wrapped and hidden with the exception of the train set his grandparents bought him. That will be set up Christmas Eve (it isn't Christmas until you are up all night assembling something).
He's fascinated with Frosty. All the snowman stocking hooks are Frosty and we spend many moments discussing their actions, clothing, and singing the song. He's slowly getting excited about Santa coming. Well actually he's excited about getting presents. When I told him Santa would not only leave him presents while he was asleep but would do it by coming down the chimney he seemed a tad concerned. I've caught him staring at the fireplace with his head cocked several times. Then he shakes his head and walks away.
He'll adapt. He's very good at that. I introduced him to the Nightmare in My Closet book. Now daddy is always the Monster. Each night he races upstairs, dragging me with him. He runs into his room yelling "we hide mommy, we hide. Quick un'er the covers mommy!". Tonight he placed puppy under a blanket and said "Don't worry Puppy. I shoot the monster." He ran into our room where John was putting away laundry and "Pyew! Pyew!" Apparently he needs to work on his aim as the monster chased him back into his room and right into the safety of Mommy's lap.
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