**update** http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3508012&sportCat=nfl A great article from ESPN about who really caused this whole mess. *****
By the time I actually get this written and posted, Brett Favre will probably be a Jet, a Bucanner, or worse yet, a Viking. GASP.
When I watched Brett Favre's tearful retirement press conference, I knew in my heart that he wasn't done. Something just didn't seem right with the whole thing. He had just come off the best season of his career, with the same team back the next season and he was hanging up the cleats?
I have loved watching Brett Favre play over the years and can't imagine watching a game at Lambeau Fiedl without seeing #4 out there. (I usually watch for his cute butt!) When I first heard rumors of Brett wanting to come back, I was angry with him. Didn't he realize he was tarnishing his legacy? I felt that he had made a decision and that he should stick with it. Maybe he should coach or go into broadcasting.
As the controversy has unfolded, my opinion has changed. Although I feel badly for Aaron Rogers I think the best team should be put out on the field. I honestly believe that the best team includes Brett Favre. Sure, he is getting older and he throws some interceptions now and then, but that is because he is not afraid to take risks to get the job done. The spectacular plays that we cheer for on Sunday afternoons are the result of risk taking - and they don't happen without some interceptions. It is clear that Brett Favre is the best quarterback in the league and probably one of the best to ever play the game.
He has strung them along with retirement talk for the past few years. I think the media has created the suspense more than Brett Favre ever did. I can see the Packer's need to move on - but Brett is a legend. If he wants to and can play, put him on the field!
I remember when the Packers were the team in the league that everyone made fun of. They were terrible. It took guts and tough skin to be a Packer fan (I wasn't a fan back then!) If you look at Lambeau Field, it is a beautiful stadium with an amazing renovation that not only updated the stadium but kept its historical charm. That stadium was renovated because of Brett Favre. They would not have been able to accomplish that renovation without the support of the fans that Brett Favre brought to the game.
Whether or not you are a Brett Favre fan, you have to admit that he has always made the game fun to watch. I have some friends that are Vikings fans that have absolutely despised him. I wonder if their tune will change is Brett starts sporting a purple #4? I can't imagine seeing Brett Favre in a uniform that isn't green and gold. I would hate to see him enter the hall of fame as a Viking or a Jet or a Bucaneer.
If the Packers don't wake up soon and just put him on the field, that is exactly what could happen.
When I travel to Green Bay on September 8 for the first Monday night football game of the season, against the Vikings no less, I hope to see Brett Favre on the field, wearing a green #4.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Surprise!
On July 12, my Mom turned 50. We were lucky enough to be spending the weekend at the lake with her - so we celebrated with a bbq, cake, and a special gift that she had been wanting. You'll have to ask her about her new Cricut!
Little did she know what we had up our sleeves.
On Sunday July 20, Mom and Dad were driving home from the lake - a bit earlier than usual. Dad said he had heard the raspberries were coming in at Big Oaks and decided to stop as they drove by. When they got our of the car to go hunt for raspberries all of us were there with about 35 friends and family for a birthday surprise.
She was completely shocked and had no idea we were planning anything. Does she look surprised?
We did a simple picnic menu of ham and turkey sandwiches, potato and pasta salads, baked beans, chips, and fresh fruits and veggies. The weather was perfect for a picnic and the keg of 1919 root beer (oh yea, and some Michelob Golden Light...gosh I miss beer) washed it down perfectly!
I decorated with photo buckets featuring photos of Mom thoughout the years. I was pleased with how they turned out.
The highlight of the day, however, was finally taking a new family picture with the latest addition, Baby Evan. Of course, in about five months, this picture will be obsolete when we add another member to the family!
I had a lot of fun helping my Dad plan the party - and couldn't have pulled it off without my brothers helping to pick up the food and kegs and helping with the set-up.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Yummy Taco Salad
I LOVE taco salad. Quite often, the only way to get a good one is to pay eight bucks for one at a restaurant. You know the kind of taco salad too - the ones in the super-greasy-defeats-the-purpose-of-eating a salad crunchy bowls.
I usually only eat a few bites of the bowl because the stuff inside the bowl is what is good!
I found a great way to make the salads with a much less greasy bowl at home! realsimple.com gave me the idea and all you need is a good deep mixing bowl, flour tortillas, and fat free cooking spray!
Turn your oven on to broil
Using burito sized flour tortillas, spray both sides with the cooking spray. I used a butter flavored spray.
Using a small or medium glass mixing bowl, press the tortilla into the bowl so it takes on the shape of the bowl.
Pop the bowl and tortilla in the oven and broil until brown and crispy. Carefully turn the tortilla over inside the bowl and brown the bottom side until brown and crispy.
Add your favorite taco salad fixings!
We used ground beef with taco seasoning, bagged salad (who has time to chop lettuce???), tomatos, cheddar or taco flavored shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and sour cream. Adding mexicorn and/or black beans would be really good too!
Things I learned while making my taco salad: Use the largest flour tortillas you can find. I used regular 8 inch and they were too small. We each ended up eating two! Also, use a deep bowl. A cereal bowl won't make a good tortilla salad bowl, it's too shallow. Serve with cornbread - it makes the whole meal just a bit more filling.
Madison loved it and Mike said it was a definite "make again." So, I will be adding this to our regular meal rotation! Also - you can use the leftover ground beef and flour tortillas the next day for soft shell tacos. I love it when you get two meals out of the work!
I usually only eat a few bites of the bowl because the stuff inside the bowl is what is good!
I found a great way to make the salads with a much less greasy bowl at home! realsimple.com gave me the idea and all you need is a good deep mixing bowl, flour tortillas, and fat free cooking spray!
Turn your oven on to broil
Using burito sized flour tortillas, spray both sides with the cooking spray. I used a butter flavored spray.
Using a small or medium glass mixing bowl, press the tortilla into the bowl so it takes on the shape of the bowl.
Pop the bowl and tortilla in the oven and broil until brown and crispy. Carefully turn the tortilla over inside the bowl and brown the bottom side until brown and crispy.
Add your favorite taco salad fixings!
We used ground beef with taco seasoning, bagged salad (who has time to chop lettuce???), tomatos, cheddar or taco flavored shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and sour cream. Adding mexicorn and/or black beans would be really good too!
Things I learned while making my taco salad: Use the largest flour tortillas you can find. I used regular 8 inch and they were too small. We each ended up eating two! Also, use a deep bowl. A cereal bowl won't make a good tortilla salad bowl, it's too shallow. Serve with cornbread - it makes the whole meal just a bit more filling.
Madison loved it and Mike said it was a definite "make again." So, I will be adding this to our regular meal rotation! Also - you can use the leftover ground beef and flour tortillas the next day for soft shell tacos. I love it when you get two meals out of the work!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Time out for Mommy
Last night we were all relaxing, trying to stay cool because it was Africa hot. Mike made some comment about my big baby belly, so I playfully swatted him.
Boy, did I ever get in trouble. This is how it went:
Madison: Mommy! We DON'T hit Daddy! Go to time out.
Mommy: You're putting me in a timeout?
Madison: Put your nose on the wall, Mommy!
So, I dutifully go to the spot in the living room and put my nose on the wall. I pulled a few of Madison's normal tricks, like playing with the plant near the time out place and trying to move away from time out.
Madison: Nose on the wall!
After a few minutes of this, I was starting to think she was going to leave me there one minute for every year old....yikes! Soon Madison grew bored with telling me to put my nose on the wall and asked for something to eat.
Mommy: I'm in timeout, so I can't get you anything to eat.
Another minute later....
Madison: Sit down, Mommy. *shaking her finger* You were put in time out because you hit Daddy. We don't hit.
Mommy: I'm sorry for hitting Daddy.
Madison: No more hitting, now give me hugs and kisses.
I guess I learned my lesson.
Boy, did I ever get in trouble. This is how it went:
Madison: Mommy! We DON'T hit Daddy! Go to time out.
Mommy: You're putting me in a timeout?
Madison: Put your nose on the wall, Mommy!
So, I dutifully go to the spot in the living room and put my nose on the wall. I pulled a few of Madison's normal tricks, like playing with the plant near the time out place and trying to move away from time out.
Madison: Nose on the wall!
After a few minutes of this, I was starting to think she was going to leave me there one minute for every year old....yikes! Soon Madison grew bored with telling me to put my nose on the wall and asked for something to eat.
Mommy: I'm in timeout, so I can't get you anything to eat.
Another minute later....
Madison: Sit down, Mommy. *shaking her finger* You were put in time out because you hit Daddy. We don't hit.
Mommy: I'm sorry for hitting Daddy.
Madison: No more hitting, now give me hugs and kisses.
I guess I learned my lesson.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Updates
Maybe it's time for an update post - here goes:
1. Madison is adjusting well to her new daycare. She cried when I left on the second day and said she missed her Dianne. According to Dawn, she was laughing and playing with the dog a few minutes later. Madison does enjoy the puppy and likes to play on the many toys outside.
2. Hail damage. This is still a nightmare. We have estimates and checks for both the car and the truck. We are at about $4200 in damage between the two, but our body shop believes there is more damage than our insurance company estimated. They are scheduled for repairs at the end of August and at the end of September. Mike had my car in for a few minor repairs last week and the guy at the garage went to take down the mileage. When he came back he says to Mike, "Uh, do you know you have a lot of hail damage?" Mike was like "No kidding? I didn't notice...." Haha.
The house is proving to be a battle. Our homeowner's insurance said that the roof on the garage is a total loss but only half the roof on the house is damaged. They also say the holes in the siding can be repaired. When they sent us a check, the depreciated the value of the roof, even though we have full replacement coverage. Nice. Our contractor says the roof on the house is a total loss and the siding needs to be replaced. So, we are waiting for the insurance company and the contractor to duke it out on our behalf. Meanwhile, we have baseball sized holes in all the vents on the roof. They are currently covered in duct tape and Mike has to climb up there every time the wind blows to put new tape on. I keep praying that I don't start to see water spots on my vaulted ceilings.
There are lots of contruction companies and roofers in the neighborhood. I would say nearly every house is getting a new roof and a lot are getting siding too. It's hard to get any peace and quiet if you go home for lunch - all you hear is hammers and air guns putting new shingles on!
3. Baby. Things are going well. My belly seems to have suddenly popped! With the exception of some awful headaches (nearly every day), I feel well. I can't believe I'm already at 16 weeks, the baby is almost half done! ;) YES, we are finding out the gender and YES we will be announcing the gender. We plan to keep the name a secret until the big day on (or maybe before???) December 22. The anatomy and gender ultrasound is scheduled for Thursday August, 7. We're praying for a healthy anatomy.
4. Summer. Can you believe it's already half over? Or do we have half left? We have been on a few camping trips and went to the lake last weekend. We have only had the boat out a few times - the weather and busy schedules are making it tougher to get out this year. Since Mom and Dad have two boats at the lake, we didn't bring the old Glastron last weekend. I hope to share more stories and a few pictures from our trip to the lake in the near future.
5. MBA. I'm still working on my MBA. It's been just over a year and I will be half done at Thanksgiving. I am spreading my program out over about 3.5 years - so it doesn't feel like I'm constantly in school. The program fits perfectly in to my life and I don't feel like all I do is work and study. I am still maintaining a 4.0 GPA, which feels really really good. It wasn't a goal of mine, but now that I have that 4.0, I really hope to maintain it. I guess I won't be heartbroken if it doesn't happen though. I just started a new class last week. I have one more after that and then I'll be done for the Holidays and birth of the baby. I actually do plan to take a class while on maternity leave. I figure I should be able to get my daily studying done while the baby takes a morning nap (lets hope I don't have a crier!) and I'll read while nursing. So, I do not plan to let the birth of another child interupt my graduation plans and with this program, I don't think it will be a problem at all.
6. What's coming up? The next few weekends are busy with a cousin's bridal shower, a wedding, a Twin's game, a possible trip to the zoo with my nephews, and Mike is going to his first NASCAR race in Michigan next month. While he is in Michigan, my friend Jodi and I will take Madison and the twins to the lake for a girl's weekend.
We still have one or two open weekends left that I am sure will have to be filled with something like getting Madison's new bedroom ready and/or digging out the baby stuff!
1. Madison is adjusting well to her new daycare. She cried when I left on the second day and said she missed her Dianne. According to Dawn, she was laughing and playing with the dog a few minutes later. Madison does enjoy the puppy and likes to play on the many toys outside.
2. Hail damage. This is still a nightmare. We have estimates and checks for both the car and the truck. We are at about $4200 in damage between the two, but our body shop believes there is more damage than our insurance company estimated. They are scheduled for repairs at the end of August and at the end of September. Mike had my car in for a few minor repairs last week and the guy at the garage went to take down the mileage. When he came back he says to Mike, "Uh, do you know you have a lot of hail damage?" Mike was like "No kidding? I didn't notice...." Haha.
The house is proving to be a battle. Our homeowner's insurance said that the roof on the garage is a total loss but only half the roof on the house is damaged. They also say the holes in the siding can be repaired. When they sent us a check, the depreciated the value of the roof, even though we have full replacement coverage. Nice. Our contractor says the roof on the house is a total loss and the siding needs to be replaced. So, we are waiting for the insurance company and the contractor to duke it out on our behalf. Meanwhile, we have baseball sized holes in all the vents on the roof. They are currently covered in duct tape and Mike has to climb up there every time the wind blows to put new tape on. I keep praying that I don't start to see water spots on my vaulted ceilings.
There are lots of contruction companies and roofers in the neighborhood. I would say nearly every house is getting a new roof and a lot are getting siding too. It's hard to get any peace and quiet if you go home for lunch - all you hear is hammers and air guns putting new shingles on!
3. Baby. Things are going well. My belly seems to have suddenly popped! With the exception of some awful headaches (nearly every day), I feel well. I can't believe I'm already at 16 weeks, the baby is almost half done! ;) YES, we are finding out the gender and YES we will be announcing the gender. We plan to keep the name a secret until the big day on (or maybe before???) December 22. The anatomy and gender ultrasound is scheduled for Thursday August, 7. We're praying for a healthy anatomy.
4. Summer. Can you believe it's already half over? Or do we have half left? We have been on a few camping trips and went to the lake last weekend. We have only had the boat out a few times - the weather and busy schedules are making it tougher to get out this year. Since Mom and Dad have two boats at the lake, we didn't bring the old Glastron last weekend. I hope to share more stories and a few pictures from our trip to the lake in the near future.
5. MBA. I'm still working on my MBA. It's been just over a year and I will be half done at Thanksgiving. I am spreading my program out over about 3.5 years - so it doesn't feel like I'm constantly in school. The program fits perfectly in to my life and I don't feel like all I do is work and study. I am still maintaining a 4.0 GPA, which feels really really good. It wasn't a goal of mine, but now that I have that 4.0, I really hope to maintain it. I guess I won't be heartbroken if it doesn't happen though. I just started a new class last week. I have one more after that and then I'll be done for the Holidays and birth of the baby. I actually do plan to take a class while on maternity leave. I figure I should be able to get my daily studying done while the baby takes a morning nap (lets hope I don't have a crier!) and I'll read while nursing. So, I do not plan to let the birth of another child interupt my graduation plans and with this program, I don't think it will be a problem at all.
6. What's coming up? The next few weekends are busy with a cousin's bridal shower, a wedding, a Twin's game, a possible trip to the zoo with my nephews, and Mike is going to his first NASCAR race in Michigan next month. While he is in Michigan, my friend Jodi and I will take Madison and the twins to the lake for a girl's weekend.
We still have one or two open weekends left that I am sure will have to be filled with something like getting Madison's new bedroom ready and/or digging out the baby stuff!
Monday, July 14, 2008
A new start!
*****Update******
Around lunch time I called to check on Madison. Dawn was happy to report that Madison didn't miss a beat. She jumped right in to start playing with the kids, socializing and eating a big lunch! This really does prove that this stuff is so much more difficult on Mommy than it is on the munchkin! I never should have worried. Madison has a very outgoing personality and is very much a leader. She wouldn't let something as simple as a new daycare slow her down!
******************
Today was Madison's first day at her new daycare.
I was only a little worried about the transition - until today. After a long weekend at the lake with late nights, no naps, and a long drive - Madison was SOOOO crabby this morning. It was a battle just to get her dressed and out the door. I even had to call in Daddy for backup!
I kept thinking "Oh lord, this is not going to go well today." I even considered staying home for the day so the poor tired kid could get some sleep and deal with the transition tomorrow.
After I finally loaded her in the car, I had only 15 minutes to get her to daycare and get to the office...somewhere in there I also needed to put gas in the car. Madison calmed down and I explained that I was leaving her at the new daycare and going to work, just like I did when she went to Dianne's. Madison said she would make new friends and that she was excited.
YAY!
When we got to Dawn's, Madison started telling her right away about her trip to the lake and how she went boating and caught the biggest fish. She caught some little ones too.
I couldn't help but giggle.
Dawn quickly got Madison busy with making a name tag for her coat hook and I snuck out the door.
Thank God it went well!
Around lunch time I called to check on Madison. Dawn was happy to report that Madison didn't miss a beat. She jumped right in to start playing with the kids, socializing and eating a big lunch! This really does prove that this stuff is so much more difficult on Mommy than it is on the munchkin! I never should have worried. Madison has a very outgoing personality and is very much a leader. She wouldn't let something as simple as a new daycare slow her down!
******************
Today was Madison's first day at her new daycare.
I was only a little worried about the transition - until today. After a long weekend at the lake with late nights, no naps, and a long drive - Madison was SOOOO crabby this morning. It was a battle just to get her dressed and out the door. I even had to call in Daddy for backup!
I kept thinking "Oh lord, this is not going to go well today." I even considered staying home for the day so the poor tired kid could get some sleep and deal with the transition tomorrow.
After I finally loaded her in the car, I had only 15 minutes to get her to daycare and get to the office...somewhere in there I also needed to put gas in the car. Madison calmed down and I explained that I was leaving her at the new daycare and going to work, just like I did when she went to Dianne's. Madison said she would make new friends and that she was excited.
YAY!
When we got to Dawn's, Madison started telling her right away about her trip to the lake and how she went boating and caught the biggest fish. She caught some little ones too.
I couldn't help but giggle.
Dawn quickly got Madison busy with making a name tag for her coat hook and I snuck out the door.
Thank God it went well!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
All American
We enjoyed the long Holiday weekend this year by camping with the Dobbelaeres. We went to Bray Park in Madison Lake, MN where we all piled in Chad and Jodi's pop-up and managed to cram 4 adults, Madison, and the twins in the boat!
We were blessed with wonderful MN weather for most of the weekend. All in all, it was a perfect weekend to celebrate!
Some other friends also stopped by with their identical twin boys. They are a week younger than Kendall and Sydney - so we had FOUR six month old babies at one time. Madison got a good dose of what it will be like to be a big sister and was very helpful with all the babies.
Madison loved playing on the beach with her sand toys. She and her Daddy worked on building a sand castle.
Baby Sydney and Chad.
Baby Kendall.
Madison's favorite part of camping is roasting marshmallows around the campfire. 
Saying Goodbye
Madison has been in the same daycare since she was eight weeks old. Madison's red hair quickly made her a favorite of Dianne and her husband, Red. (apptly named for his red hair). We have been very blessed to have Dianne care for Madison and teach her so much while I am work. It is nice to know that someone we trust is taking care of her each day. Although we work on it together, Madison learned her alphabet, numbers, colors, and shapes from Dianne's hard work.
Sadly, today was Madison's last day with Dianne.
My office and Mike's office are both less than two miles from our home - but Dianne's home daycare is across town. I spend nearly an hour and a half on the road each day, driving 30 miles total and I only go to daycare and work. Originally, we had chosen Dianne because infant care in our part of town is much more expensive and hard to find. With gas hovering at $4.00 per gallon, it is getting very expensive to continue driving so far. I also realized that I was wasting precious time while on the road.
With a heavy heart - I started searching for care in our own neighborhood. It took at least eight months to find the right place. It is two minutes from our house and I could even park my car and ride my bike to work! There is a spot open for the baby and I think Madison will fit right in. Dawn has a big backyard with lots of toys to play with and a puppy dog which Madison is slightly terrified of.
Madison has been putting on a brave face telling all her friends at Dianne's that her "new Dianne's" has a puppy dog. I think it is cute.
Last week, I started talking with her in the car about saying goodbye to her old daycare friends. I said, "You'll have to make new friends at your new daycare. It's always fun to make new friends!" As if sensing my apprehension for her, Madison said "Don't worry Mommy, I'll make new friends!"
She seems very excited for the change. I hope her excitement lasts when I drop her off at the new daycare on Monday and leave her there - all alone with nobody that she knows.
Change is scary but change is good.
So today, we say goodbye to a wonderful provider. Madison brought Dianne some flowers that she picked out herself, with a thank you card and a gift card to my favorite Italian restaurant. She had to have her picture taken with Dianne on her last day. I'm sure there will be lots of hugs and tears when I pick her up at 4:45 today.
Even though I am a little nervous for the change, it did feel good this morning knowing it was the last time I would drive across town in heavy rush hour traffic, fighting stoplights, the train, and out of town clinic visitors that don't know where they are going and therefore forget how to drive.
Indeed, it felt good.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
A Scary Night!
Madison's bedroom is on a different level of the house than our's. With a good baby monitor, it never bothered me. However, now that she is more mobile at night, I'm a little worried!
Last night I woke up at about 2:30 am. It was warm in the room so I kicked the covers off and stretched out my legs. When I did that, I felt something at the end of the bed. I thought it was the cat, but she didn't move like she normally does when I kick her in my sleep. I got up and found Madison, asleep at the end of our bed. At some point between me going to bed at 11pm and waking up at 2:30, she wandered up to our room and crawled in bed.
This scares me! I didn't hear her get up, even though I had the baby monitor on. I didn't hear her come up the stairs and I didn't even feel her climb into bed - and it's quite a struggle for her to get up on our bed.
I have always been worried about her going out the front door while we're sleeping - too many kids are found frozen in snowbanks around here because they wander out at night and nobody finds them until morning. Sso a few weeks ago we installed a very simple door alarm on our front door. It has a key that allows you to arm the alarm when you want it armed. The thing makes the most awful sound if the door is opened while it is armed. It serves two purposes - it will alert us if the little monkey wanders outside and it would make any would-be intruder wish he had chosen the next door neighbor's house.
I think I will be spending some time doing even more kid-proofing in our house! I want to make sure there is nothing that Madison can get into if she should happen to start wandering the house while we're sleeping!
Last night I woke up at about 2:30 am. It was warm in the room so I kicked the covers off and stretched out my legs. When I did that, I felt something at the end of the bed. I thought it was the cat, but she didn't move like she normally does when I kick her in my sleep. I got up and found Madison, asleep at the end of our bed. At some point between me going to bed at 11pm and waking up at 2:30, she wandered up to our room and crawled in bed.
This scares me! I didn't hear her get up, even though I had the baby monitor on. I didn't hear her come up the stairs and I didn't even feel her climb into bed - and it's quite a struggle for her to get up on our bed.
I have always been worried about her going out the front door while we're sleeping - too many kids are found frozen in snowbanks around here because they wander out at night and nobody finds them until morning. Sso a few weeks ago we installed a very simple door alarm on our front door. It has a key that allows you to arm the alarm when you want it armed. The thing makes the most awful sound if the door is opened while it is armed. It serves two purposes - it will alert us if the little monkey wanders outside and it would make any would-be intruder wish he had chosen the next door neighbor's house.
I think I will be spending some time doing even more kid-proofing in our house! I want to make sure there is nothing that Madison can get into if she should happen to start wandering the house while we're sleeping!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Bedtime Battles
UGH. I need a nap.
We were lucky enough to keep Madison in her crib for a LONG time. She never climbed out, so we just kept her in there. About three weeks ago, however, she learned how to climb over the side.
The little turkey was really smart about it too. She threw her pillow down to the floor for a soft landing and put her quilt over the side for something to slide down. I have no idea how she figured that out, but it was clearly a well-planned escape!
After a few nights of her escaping, we converted her crib to a toddler bed. Now I am wondering why they don't put straps or chains on these things to keep these kids in bed. I need some sleep!
The past few weeks have been an endless bedtime battle. I put Madison in bed and before I get the door closed, she is climbing out. Super Nanny is failing me, big time. (GASP!) I have done her stay in bed trick continuously for the past three weeks. I have tried to follow it to the letter, but it gets frustrating when you have to carry a screaming and kicking two year old back to bed for the 387th time. It has only resulted in screaming, yelling, and tears. (More so from me than from Madison!)
On Sunday, to keep myself from going off the deep end after two hours of the battle, I shut off all the lights and locked myself in my room. I figured she would either burn the house down while fending for herself or eventually fall asleep. At that point, it was pretty tough to care much anymore. Thankfully - she did eventually fall asleep.
So - what are we trying now? I have asked daycare to cut down her daytime naps, to make her extra tired and try to get back on her schedule. That seemed to help a bit yesterday. I have put a baby gate up on her door, so she can't get out of her room. She is learning to climb that so I am going to put a second gate up so it is taller. I have even removed most of the fun toys from her room so she doesn't have something to play with when she gets out of bed.
I also started a new bedtime routine. We used to do bath, teeth, jammies, book, bed. The books seem to be getting her all worked up tho, so instead we are playing a lullaby CD. I tuck Madison into bed and turn on the CD. I stay in there and sing all of the songs with her and I even try to rub her back to help her relax. We have done this for two nights now. On Sunday, I felt certain it would work but Sunday was the worst night ever. I am determined to keep trying this tho. I did it again last night and it was definetely a much better night. She only got out of bed a handful of times and even though I could hear her playing in there with her blankets and lovies, she was still in her bed. So, we are replacing our book learning with an appreciation for music. It's not all terrible - we can read at other times of the day and she is getting books read to her at daycare.
Any other bed time tips are appreciated! If my music experiment fails I'll need a backup plan. Oh yea, and don't feel bad if I fall asleep in mid conversation - I need some sleep!
We were lucky enough to keep Madison in her crib for a LONG time. She never climbed out, so we just kept her in there. About three weeks ago, however, she learned how to climb over the side.
The little turkey was really smart about it too. She threw her pillow down to the floor for a soft landing and put her quilt over the side for something to slide down. I have no idea how she figured that out, but it was clearly a well-planned escape!
After a few nights of her escaping, we converted her crib to a toddler bed. Now I am wondering why they don't put straps or chains on these things to keep these kids in bed. I need some sleep!
The past few weeks have been an endless bedtime battle. I put Madison in bed and before I get the door closed, she is climbing out. Super Nanny is failing me, big time. (GASP!) I have done her stay in bed trick continuously for the past three weeks. I have tried to follow it to the letter, but it gets frustrating when you have to carry a screaming and kicking two year old back to bed for the 387th time. It has only resulted in screaming, yelling, and tears. (More so from me than from Madison!)
On Sunday, to keep myself from going off the deep end after two hours of the battle, I shut off all the lights and locked myself in my room. I figured she would either burn the house down while fending for herself or eventually fall asleep. At that point, it was pretty tough to care much anymore. Thankfully - she did eventually fall asleep.
So - what are we trying now? I have asked daycare to cut down her daytime naps, to make her extra tired and try to get back on her schedule. That seemed to help a bit yesterday. I have put a baby gate up on her door, so she can't get out of her room. She is learning to climb that so I am going to put a second gate up so it is taller. I have even removed most of the fun toys from her room so she doesn't have something to play with when she gets out of bed.
I also started a new bedtime routine. We used to do bath, teeth, jammies, book, bed. The books seem to be getting her all worked up tho, so instead we are playing a lullaby CD. I tuck Madison into bed and turn on the CD. I stay in there and sing all of the songs with her and I even try to rub her back to help her relax. We have done this for two nights now. On Sunday, I felt certain it would work but Sunday was the worst night ever. I am determined to keep trying this tho. I did it again last night and it was definetely a much better night. She only got out of bed a handful of times and even though I could hear her playing in there with her blankets and lovies, she was still in her bed. So, we are replacing our book learning with an appreciation for music. It's not all terrible - we can read at other times of the day and she is getting books read to her at daycare.
Any other bed time tips are appreciated! If my music experiment fails I'll need a backup plan. Oh yea, and don't feel bad if I fall asleep in mid conversation - I need some sleep!
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