Potty Training Success!!!

Well, world....it's official.  My daughter is potty trained!!!  I haven't changed a diaper in I don't know how long.  Although I guess the diaper changing stage is coming back, ready or not!  However, with Paige, I really wanted to try to get her out of diapers before Baby #2 (who we have started to call Baby No Name because we can't agree on a name for her).  Here are my sure-fire (for me, anyway) steps to a diaper free life!

Step 1: Plan To Make No Plans

I started potty training Paige after our long weekends to Syracuse for holidays, and any other trips or distractions we may have had planned, were behind us.  My advice--give it AT LEAST a week of staying home.  That means no grocery shopping trips (make plans to go without your child), no errands, no play dates, nothing.   If you keep your child home, they will not have as many distractions or fears of going in unknown potties.  And you'll be able to devote 100% of your attention to potty training.  

Step 2: Expect Accidents

Your child is going to have accidents.  Just face that as a reality before even putting a pair of underwear on her.  Arm yourself with paper towel, stain remover (pet odor and stain remover works well for carpets) and LOTS OF PATIENCE!!!  You have to remember that this is new for your child, and they are bound to have accidents, because they don't know that going wherever they are is no longer okay.  When an accident happens, clean it up, give hugs and kisses, and MOVE ON.  It probably wasn't the first, and I can guarantee it won't be the last.  

Step 3: Ditch the Diaper, and Get Excited!

When your stock of diapers is gone, it's gone.  Resolve to not buy diapers again.  Get excited about buying "Big Girl Pants" and get your little one excited too!  Take her to the store, and let her pick them out.  A side note of this step--DITCH THE PULL-UP!  They are way too much like diapers, and will not help with the potty training.  Paige wears pull-ups only at night.  I tried to start training with pull-ups, and because they feel just like a diaper it was actually setting us back.  She would tell me AFTER she peed.  If you put your child directly in underwear, they will feel when they are wet.  

Step 4: Baby Steps

Your child is a big girl now.  Just make sure that you're still understanding of the fact that they need to be introduced into any adjustment or change gradually.  I started by getting some t-shirts that were a little big on her and letting her run around bare bottomed with just her shirt on.  I also moved the potty into our den, where she spends her time playing or reading with me, and where I would be able to see her even if I was in the kitchen cooking or cleaning up.  Find the room that your child spends the most time in, and put the potty there.  For the first day or two, set a timer and make sure she's sitting on the potty every 10-20 minutes.  If she doesn't go, praise her anyway for trying.  If she has an accident shortly before or after the timer goes off, take notice and adjust your potty trips accordingly.  (Also, refer to Step #2--Accidents will happen!)  After a day or two (or however long it takes for your child to start to understand), they will begin heading toward the potty when it's time to go.  When that happens, add ONE article of clothing on her bottom...just undies.  Continue to allow her to wear just a tshirt or sweat shirt.  This will help in learning to get the the potty in time to pull down your pants, without having too much clothing to fumble with.  Gradually add her pants, and remember ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN!  Make sure you are ready and watching for signs that she has to go.  Be ready to make a mad dash to the potty.  When this phase is complete, start moving the potty slowly back into the bathroom.  I moved it a little at a time everyday, until it was back where it belongs. 

Step 5: Plan For Successful Outings

Once you're ready to venture out into the world with your newly trained pottier, make sure you set the both of you up for success.  ALWAYS pack an extra set of clothing, from head to toe.  Socks and shoes too, because some accidents can get messy!  Before you leave, try to limit as best you can the amount of liquid she consumes.  Also, make sure she sits on the potty and goes before you leave.  When I first started traveling, I invested in underpads, and put one under her when I put her in the carseat.  I also use them when I put her down for a nap.  If you are traveling to a store or other place of business, scope out the potty locations as soon as you get there.  Ask when you walk in if they have to go, and again before you leave to minimize chances of an accident....but remember--ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN!!!  That's why you have a change of clothes.  I also make sure I have antibacterial wipes available for the questionable bathrooms I may have to enter.  

I hope these tips have helped to at least give you hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  And I hope these tips will be useful in at least outlining your plan.  Remember that every child is different, and don't get frustrated if they don't get it right away.  If you've been working with your child for a few weeks, and they haven't caught on at all, take a break for a month or more if needed, and then try again. 

Here comes Baby Girl Kenny!!!

As promised, here is my play-by-play of finding out I was pregnant.

The week that Sean, Paige and I were scheduled to head to Syracuse for Thanksgiving is the week that I was to be expecting my monthly friend.  We would have been in Syracuse that day, and I wanted to test at home, so I could tell Sean privately.  So I decided against taking a test on Tuesday before we left, and figured I'd wait until AFTER I was expected to get my visitor.  I figured another couple days wouldn't change much.

When we got there, we settled in and were expecting my brother-in-law and his wife to arrive Thursday morning.  When they did, they announced that they were expecting.  At that moment, I knew I was pregnant.  Not took a test knew, but I had this gut feeling that I was going to be having my own little bundle of joy.  Sean and I talked about it and decided if we weren't, we'd stop trying to conceive for a few months, so that our family could have their moment in the sun.....this being their first child.   So we let the subject go, although inside I was churning with about a hundred different emotions.  I wanted so badly to be pregnant, but thought for sure my family would be upset, because this was their first child and I know how much you want your child to be "in the spotlight" so to speak when it comes to their birth and first few months of life. 

When we returned home from Syracuse, off I went to the drug store to purchase my own test.  I didn't say anything to Sean, I just waited for him to leave for work Monday morning.  When he did, I jumped out of bed and took the test.  My hear soared with excitement (and fear if I'm being completely honest) when the test read pregnant.  So Paige and I went to the store and purchased a shirt that said "Big Sister".  One look at the shirt and Sean knew he was going to be a Daddy again. 

We told my parents first, when we went to cut down our Christmas tree a week later.  Sean mentioned in conversation that he was going to have to watch me like a hawk to make sure I didn't trip over stumps, and they knew right away.  When I was pregnant with Paige and we went cutting down our tree, all anyone worried about was me tripping and falling over a tree stump.  My family was elated at the thought of another little grandchild to spoil.

We went back to Syracuse to celebrate Christmas and New Year's on New Year's Eve.  We put Paige's shirt on her, and when my father-in-law saw it, he was so very excited.  My Syracuse family was elated as well, and I was so happy to share this news with them.

The only people I was actually nervous about telling were my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.   I was so worried that they were going to think that we got pregnant after they told us or something, that we put off telling them until the middle of January.   We had finally decided on a day to go down and visit them at their home to exchange Christmas presents and have dinner.  Sean made the announcement and they were shocked.  I'm still not sure if they're thrilled about it, but I am happy enough for everyone, and I know in my heart that we didn't do it to take any attention away from anyone, or because anyone else was pregnant.  In fact, we were pregnant and didn't even know it when we were all together last. 

I am so very happy to be having another child.  I did, however receive another shock when I went for my big ultrasound in March.   I was so certain that this baby was a boy.  I felt so different this time, and just had a feeling that I was having a boy.  I picked out the bedding, a name, and everything.  I was ready to order the bedding as soon as we got home from our appointment.  However, my little peanut had a different agenda for me.  I had called my in-laws, and had them on speaker phone as the technician made her announcement.  My sister and stepmom were in the room with me, alongside Sean and Paige of course.  When she said "It's a Girl!"  I burst into laughter, in complete disbelief.  I am thrilled, of course, but now Sean and I cannot agree on anything....bedding, name, middle name, color scheme, you name it. 

We've gotten some choices narrowed down, but I'm just glad we have until July 29th to make these decisions.   Because Paige was such a difficult labor that resulted in a c-section (because of her size), my doctor told me I'd only be allowed to go to 39 weeks.  If I go into labor before then, I can have a VBAC, but if not, I will have a scheduled c-section at 39 weeks.  Which means as I write this I have 16 weeks and 5 days until my baby comes.  When I look at that number I honestly get nervous, you'd think I've never done this before!

I am so happy to share this news with the world.  I hope you're all just as happy to read it, whoever you are.

2 becomes 3!!!!!!

Yes, you read that right!  Sean, Paige and I are thrilled to announce (FINALLY!!) that we are having another little girl!  Paige's little sister is due to arrive August 5th, however my doctor has informed me that I will go only as far as 39 weeks before I have another c-section. I am a little nervous about that, which is weird because I already had a c-section with Paigey.....but I think knowing the recovery that is to come is what worries me...because this time I'll be doing it with not just a newborn, but with a toddler as well.  But I also know I'll have the help of my family and friends, and I'm very much looking forward to having another girl in our house.  Sean is thrilled beyond words, he love love love LOVES having a daughter, and cannot wait to have another. 

I definitely thought this one was a boy, just from how different I feel carrying this baby.  But when the ultrasound technician told us she was a girl, I was shocked, but ecstatic.  I was blessed with two sisters, and I truly believe every girl should have a sister.....the bond I have with my sisters is like nothing I've ever experienced before. 

I am so excited to share this news with my family, friends, and readers (if you're out there).  I will do my best to write a more in depth entry soon...but for now it's off to potty training....which I've just realized I have not shared with the world yet.  Well I guess I have two new topics for entries to come soon!

Make Me Wanna SCREAM!!!!

Can someone please tell me what happened to my precious little angel that I brought home from the hospital?!?!  I know that things were by NO MEANS the picture of perfection then, but at least she didn't tell me no and throw temper tantrums!  When Paige was a newborn, she had colic, acid reflux, and a milk allergy.  She slept for 2 hours in a 24 hour period, and most times those two sleeping hours were spent on my chest.  I was lucky if I got to shower and eat 3 meals a day.  I was seriously doubting my abilities as a mother.  It was so distressing to not be able to comfort my child.  But, as most things do, it got better.  Once we realized she had a milk allergy, the doctor prescribed Nutramigen, and voila!  She was sleeping through the night, the picture of a perfect child, and everyone complimented me as to how well behaved my child was.  She was going down for a nap with no problem, going to sleep at night with no problem, and sleeping for twelve hours at a time every night.

WHERE DID THOSE DAYS GO?!?!?!

Now it's agita every single night to get her to go to bed.  (For my Non-Italian readers, agita is heartburn, pains, etc)  She SCREAMS her little head off.  I can't seem to get her to go to bed at a decent hour.  I don't know what I'm doing wrong.  Nothing has changed.  Other than she's without a binky which she's been without for quite some time now.  So I know that cannot be it.  I just can't seem to get her to go to bed.  And it doesn't help that hubby for some reason refuses to back me up when it comes to bedtime.  I think 9:00-9:30 is more than reasonable for a bedtime for her.  She naps during the day, and I will admit, I do need to be more vigilant about waking her up before she's slept most of the afternoon away.  I think we need to start calming her down earlier in the night.  She can't possibly go from 60-0 in the 2 1/2 minutes it takes to change her, give her good night kisses, and put her in her crib.  I just don't know how to convince her to settle down.  I think we need to figure out how to revise our routine to better suit little Paigey.  I'm also wondering if it has something to do with the fact that she's quickly approaching her terrible two's.  In fact, I think they may be rapidly approaching as we speak.  She tells me no, she throws temper tantrums, and I have no idea what to even think about it sometimes.  But I know, like most things, it will get better.  It's just a matter of when!

Five Things No Mommy Can Live Without......

As a first time Mommy, I can remember agonizing about my registry.  What's important?  What's a waste of money?  What will I use, and what will sit in it's box collecting dust?  Well now that my little one is quickly approaching 2 years old (God even as I write that I find it hard to believe...April 26th will be here before I can blink my eyes!), I look back at that Sunday in January when Sean and I went to Babies R Us and registered for anything and everything we thought a little girl might need.  I shake my head in disbelief at how many things we needed that we didn't register for, how many things we did that we didn't need, and how many things we never even knew existed, and proved to be our most useful gifts/purchases.  As a new blogger, I thought maybe I would share these must-haves with the world. 

Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor

When we were registering for our baby shower, Sean was pretty adamant on not needing a monitor at all.  Fast forward to the arrival of our beautiful bundle of joy, and we were both neurotic.  We were both losing ridiculous amounts of sleep waking up to check her to make sure she was still alive.  I know, it's crazy, but we're first time parents, and had serious detachment issues.  I still do.  Enter this wonderful invention.  Even next to us in her bassinet, Sean rigged this monitor up and we were able to check her without waking each other, or her.  Sleep became easier to come by, although Sean would still check her breathing, and if he couldn't physically see her breathing, he would put his hand on her chest to make sure, which would wake her up...then we'd all know she was alive and well!

Angel Care Baby Movement and Sound Monitor Deluxe

In relation to my previous gadget, this one stems from Sean's serious anxiety about her breathing.  We searched on Amazon for something, and this is what we found.  It monitors motion, temperature, and has a nightlight (which we don't use because our little one likes it dark when she sleeps).  The only difference between the one we ordered and this one is that there are two sensor pads, which I don't understand because the baby would only be in one place at a time, but perhaps it is for babies that move around a lot when the sleep or something.  I chose this link because it's the same price as the link with only one sensor pad, so even if you're only going to use one, keep the other as a backup.  Anyway, I digress.  We have been using this since Paige was about 2 months old, and to this day, it is a Godsend.  We've had a couple scares, when she's moved so far up to the top of her crib she's been out of range, but adjusting the sensitivity of the motion detector has solved that problem.  I plan on using this for years to come, because I'll know if she gets out of her "big girl bed" once she's transitioned.  If the unit does not detect motion for 20 seconds, it will start to beep both in the baby's room and in the room that the monitor units are, in our case-the living room and our bedroom.  It also helps to know the temperature in the baby's room, so you can adjust the heat or air conditioning accordingly.  We normally keep Paige's room at about 65 all year round. 

Homedics Sound Spa Relaxation Machine

When we transitioned Paige into her room, it was a definite challenge for all of us.  While the above mentioned devices were helpful in our relaxation, Paige needed something to help her.  Enter this wonderful machine.  We received it as a gift from Sean's grandmother, and while I thought it was very neat, I never saw myself actually putting it to everyday use.  Well, I couldn't have been more wrong.  This machine has three natural sounds (heartbeat, rain, and ocean) and three lullabies (Brahms, Twinkle Twinkle, and Rock-a-bye Baby) to choose from, and timer settings for running length.  It also comes with three disks of different scenes that are projected onto the baby's ceiling.  We use it every night for Paige, it runs though the night on the ocean setting.  It's a nice white noise, and with the volume adjustment levels, we make it a calming environment that allows her to drift off to sleep.  It also aids in blocking out any outside sounds, from out her window, or just Sean and I walking around the house.  She loves it, and this is another thing I can see myself using for years to come.  My brother-in-law still needs "white noise" to sleep, he uses a fan, so I think Paige will enjoy this even as she gets older.  It's not too loud, and just enough to help her to sleep. 

Evenflo Baby Go Highchair

This is another one of those must-haves I didn't know existed, didn't register for, and stumbled upon.  Sean's family lives in Syracuse, my family loves to camp, we have HUGE Sunday dinners every week, and do a lot of traveling/eating out.  This high chair is perfect for anyone who plans on going anywhere with their child for the first three years of his/her life.  My step-mom mentioned seeing this in Burlington Coat Factory sometime before Paige's first Thanksgiving holiday....which we travel every year to Syracuse to celebrate with our family there.  I mentioned it to Sean, who shrugged me off, saying we didn't really need something like that.  Being the understanding wife that I am, I went and purchased it anyway :).  When I brought it home, he still laughed thinking we'd never get good use out of it, and that it'd probably end up being a dust collector in our closet.  I packed it up and off we went to Syracuse.  Not only did it serve it's purpose, Sean told everyone how brilliant I was for getting it!  We use it to go camping so Paige has somewhere to sit, at Sunday dinners so we don't have to take up a chair for a booster seat, and even on Mother's Day, when the restaurant we were having brunch at asked that anyone who had a booster seat or highchair please bring their own to ensure enough for all its patrons.  She still fits in it (although I don't buckle her in anymore) and we still bring it everywhere we go.  It is a huge time saver, easily assembled and folds up nicely for storage at Paige's Meme's house. 

Cleanwater Tub With Thermometer

This is the ONE thing on this list of must-haves that I actually registered for.  Sean and I were looking at reviews, and decided that this one not only kept the water clean by constantly flowing,into the basin and then into the tub, it also monitored the temperature.  As a hot water LOVER I always have a hard time determining if the water is too hot or too cold for anyone else.  It's never too hot for me.  So we used this, which fits in a standard sized sink, or in the tub until Paige was too big for it.  Once she began to sit up independently and could hold herself up for an extended period of time, we graduated to a water thermometer (similar to this) which is digital and shows if the temperature is too hot by a blinking red light (the one in the above link-the turtle- is an audible alarm rather than a blinking light).  We still use the duck to monitor the temperature, and it has become one of Paige's favorite bathtime toys. 

I hope this list has helped any Moms or Moms-to-be in deciding what they need.  There are many, many, items you will need...too many to list.  These are just a few that I've come to depend on day-to-day.  They're things that I never thought I would need, and now, I can't live without.

Season's Greetings!

So, things may not be any better with the job thing...but I'm honestly giving it the best shot I can.  I am doing everything I can on my end to be patient, and kind, and supportive.  I may fall short sometimes, but I am doing my best.

We finally managed to get our Christmas pictures done...they came out blurry....but they're cute, and totally encompass the dynamic between my two legged child and my four legged child.  I didn't get a chance to send them out yet, because the address book somehow got into Sean's briefcase (I'm imagining little hands had something to do with that), so I addressed them all last night and plan on going to the post office sometime today. As I watch Paige play with all of her toys....which take up an entire half of our den, and are slowly spreading like a vine, and taking over our entire living space...I am reminded of how fun it is to play "Santa" for our daughter.  The reason for the season is in no way lost on me.  I love being reminded of the birth of our Savior, and of the gift of God's Son.  I love showing Paige the Nativity set I have, and showing her Baby Jesus.  I really need to start getting to church more, I think it might bring me a sense of peace that I'm missing in my life.  But I digress.  While I honor and respect the joy that is Christmas, I also absolutely LOVE gift giving.  Especially to Paige.  She's OBSESSED with Santa...and is always pointing him out when we see a picture, doll, or decoration. The thought of seeing her face on Christmas morning is making me just as excited as when I was a kid myself.  The best part about being a Mommy is that, in a way, I get to believe in Santa again.  I get to put out cookies and milk, and a carrot for the reindeer of course, and marvel at the fact that they're all gone in the morning.We get to be kids again.  It's a magical time of year.And I know it's only going to get better.  Regardless of what is going on in our lives, I know that the next few weeks will be spent with family, friends, loved ones, and each other.  No matter what, we're a family, and we love each other.  And there is NOTHING that can change that.  There is nothing that will take away from the magic that is the Christmas season.  And then, we get to have a clean slate, and start over with the New Year.  I know this year is going to bring us many blessings, surprises, and happiness. 

A Little Down....

So hubby started a new job.  Which is great, he's happier there, he really likes the attitudes of his co-workers, he enjoys the commute (no highways...no traffic...very scenic), and he has great benefits.  I'm very happy that he's happy.  The problem is that I'm not.  At all.  His hours are 8:30 to 5.  It's now 7:27 and he hasn't even LEFT yet.  It's so frustrating.  It's Friday night, I'm exhausted as I am sure he is, and the baby still needs a bath, I have laundry to finish, and I wanted to do our Christmas card pictures tonight.  Sigh.  I just don't know what I'm supposed to do.  I know he works hard for us to be able to afford for me to stay home.  I just want to be able to spend time with him.  And I just don't get that opportunity anymore.  I feel like we're never just spending time together.  I'm always cleaning, he's always working, and of course, the baby needs to be taken care of too!  And I love taking care of her, it's just that today was such a bummer.  I had to eat dinner alone.  I cleaned up alone.  I'm probably going to have to give the baby a bath alone.  And I won't get my Christmas pictures done tonight, which means I have to do them tomorrow, and they won't get out until Monday.  Two days later than I was hoping.  I just wish that with this holiday season, that normally brings such happiness to my heart, my husband would be home more.  I miss him so much.  I feel like I know absolutely nothing about his life anymore.  I don't know anything about his job, I don't know anything about his school, nothing.  I just miss our talks.  Our quiet time just the two of us after the baby has gone to bed.  Last night he got home so late he didn't see the baby at all.  She was asleep when he left in the morning, and asleep by the time he got home.  It just isn't fair.  I just wish there was something I could do.  Some way I could talk to him about it without it being an argument.  I wish he was here to just talk about our day.  I know I'm probably over emotional about it.  I just miss the "us" that we were.  We used to talk about everything. I just miss it.  And I know that I'm a big baby, and a brat.  But I just can't help it right now.  I cannot stop thinking about how much I hate this job.  And I have to go to his company party on Sunday and act like the doting wife who loves her husband (which I do) and supports his job (which I don't right now). UGH.  Sorry for the rant.  I know nobody really reads it...but it makes me feel better to just get this off my chest.  Hopefully it'll be better tomorrow......