It's that time of year again - the well-child visit to the pediatrician.
Dr. Barton, once again confirmed that Madison is perfect in every way.
Really? Are you sure she doesn't have a hearing problem, cuz she sure doesn't listen!!!
Dr. Barton said that is because she is a bright child and bright children have trouble listening. She said to just keep muddling through it - I guess muddle is the only word for what I'm doing with the listening. I've tried everything to make her listen - getting down on her level, talking, taking away favorite toys, timeout, counting to three, yelling, spanking, ignoring...I haven't found one thing that works yet! Back to the well child visit....
Madison is 3 feet 1 inch tall and she has FINALLY gained a few pounds! She is now 31 pounds. Which is good, because she has been 29 pounds for almost a year. She is right at the 50th percentile for height, weight, and overal growth.
There weren't any immunizations this time - except the mean Mommy made them give her a flu shot.
We left with instructions to call the school district to set up a kindergarten screening. I can't believe its already time to start thinking about kindergarten! It's still three years off - as her fifth birthday is after the September 1 cut-off date.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Daddy's Girl or Mommy's Girl?
After reading Jodi's blog posting http://dobbelaerefamilymoments.blogspot.com/2008/10/mommys-girldaddys-girl.html, I started thinking about whether or not Madison is a Daddy's girl or a Mommy's girl.
I've decided it depends on what her needs are.
I don't think it was always that way. I think when she was younger she was definetely a Mommy's girl. She went through a stage where she would cry if Daddy tried to hold her instead of Mommy. Now she has learned who she will have the best luck with.
For instance, if she wants pop, she knows to ask her Dad.
If she wants a cookie, Mom is the way to go.
A few weeks ago, I was watching Mike and Madison rough housing and playing around. He had her giggling endlessly. (A sound I love to hear!) I was feeling kind of sad, because Madison and I don't have that kind of playful relationship. I tend to get the "work" part of it. The nuturing, the bathing, clothing, the mom I want some cereal kind of work. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that I get a lot more of those sweet moments. They are just buried in the work and you have to stop and look for them. I'm the one that gets to smell her clean hair after a bath and I get the sticky kisses after a bowl of cereal or a glass of milk. I get to snuggle close when we read a story. I get to hear "Mommy, *fake cough* I'm sick *fake cough* do you want to cuddle me while I fall asleep?" I'm the one that she comes clean to when she gets a timeout at daycare or if she doesn't quite make it to the potty in time.
I love how she has learned to be a Daddy's girl or Mommy's girl, depending on what suits her best. If she wants something out of her Dad, she can be easily persuaded to say "Daddy, you're the best!" She also will try to gain her daddy's approval by making fun of Mommy by saying "Mommy, your tummy is chubby."
Uh...thanks. That's a BABY in there. (no, it isn't cookies or chocolate shakes....ok, maybe a little of it is!)
She will also pit us against one another. (I thought you had to be outnumbered for the kids to outsmart you????) Madison will say "Daddy, I want a cookie."
Daddy will say "no cookies, its almost dinner time."
Madison comes back with: "but Mommy said..." in the cutest three year old whine you have ever heard.
So - is she a Daddy's girl or a Mommy's girl? It depends on the day.
I've decided it depends on what her needs are.
I don't think it was always that way. I think when she was younger she was definetely a Mommy's girl. She went through a stage where she would cry if Daddy tried to hold her instead of Mommy. Now she has learned who she will have the best luck with.
For instance, if she wants pop, she knows to ask her Dad.
If she wants a cookie, Mom is the way to go.
A few weeks ago, I was watching Mike and Madison rough housing and playing around. He had her giggling endlessly. (A sound I love to hear!) I was feeling kind of sad, because Madison and I don't have that kind of playful relationship. I tend to get the "work" part of it. The nuturing, the bathing, clothing, the mom I want some cereal kind of work. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that I get a lot more of those sweet moments. They are just buried in the work and you have to stop and look for them. I'm the one that gets to smell her clean hair after a bath and I get the sticky kisses after a bowl of cereal or a glass of milk. I get to snuggle close when we read a story. I get to hear "Mommy, *fake cough* I'm sick *fake cough* do you want to cuddle me while I fall asleep?" I'm the one that she comes clean to when she gets a timeout at daycare or if she doesn't quite make it to the potty in time.
I love how she has learned to be a Daddy's girl or Mommy's girl, depending on what suits her best. If she wants something out of her Dad, she can be easily persuaded to say "Daddy, you're the best!" She also will try to gain her daddy's approval by making fun of Mommy by saying "Mommy, your tummy is chubby."
Uh...thanks. That's a BABY in there. (no, it isn't cookies or chocolate shakes....ok, maybe a little of it is!)
She will also pit us against one another. (I thought you had to be outnumbered for the kids to outsmart you????) Madison will say "Daddy, I want a cookie."
Daddy will say "no cookies, its almost dinner time."
Madison comes back with: "but Mommy said..." in the cutest three year old whine you have ever heard.
So - is she a Daddy's girl or a Mommy's girl? It depends on the day.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
More than just frost on that Pumpkin
Last weekend, my Mom, Amanda, and I took the kids to a local apple orchard to pick out their pumpkins.
It was a gorgeous day, out in the sunshine with the beautiful fall leaves.
The kids saw animals, sat on a tractor, and went on a wagon ride through the orchard. Madison had been asking if she could have a pumpkin for a few weeks. We had been so busy that I felt really bad for not getting her out there sooner and even thought I might have to resort to buying a pumpkin from Wal-mart or the grocery store!
It's a good thing we didn't wait any longer.
It's 5pm on Sunday - and it has been snowing and blowing since 11am. It is even starting to accumulate in a few places.
Yes - winter has arrived in Minnesota.
Oh - and poor Madison looks exhausted in the picture with her pumpkin! She was on day two without a nap and had just come down with a bad cold - so the poor kid was bordering on misery!
It was a gorgeous day, out in the sunshine with the beautiful fall leaves.
The kids saw animals, sat on a tractor, and went on a wagon ride through the orchard. Madison had been asking if she could have a pumpkin for a few weeks. We had been so busy that I felt really bad for not getting her out there sooner and even thought I might have to resort to buying a pumpkin from Wal-mart or the grocery store!
It's a good thing we didn't wait any longer.
It's 5pm on Sunday - and it has been snowing and blowing since 11am. It is even starting to accumulate in a few places.
Yes - winter has arrived in Minnesota.
Oh - and poor Madison looks exhausted in the picture with her pumpkin! She was on day two without a nap and had just come down with a bad cold - so the poor kid was bordering on misery!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Like Mother, Like Daughter
To start out this story, a little background....When I was little, my Grandmother would always try to weasal out of me what she was getting for Christmas. I think I was two when I told her that one of her Christmas gifts was an ornament of a little boy, fishing from the moon.
Daycare closed early yesterday - so Mike picked up Madison and went to work from home for a few hours. Shortly before I got home from work, he and Madison decided to go buy my birthday present.
Mike always wants to give presents early He can't ever wait! I like the anticipation and the fun of getting presents on my actual birthday. Shortly after they got home, we were all just waiting for dinner to cook and talking about our day in the living room. Out of the blue, Madison says "Mommy, we bought you a radio."
Yep - she is just like me. The only difference? She freely gives up the information, it doesn't take any weaseling!
Oh yea, and it wasn't just any radio. It was an iHome dock with an AM/FM tuner for my iPod. I've been wanting one for my office - but I like it so much, I just might keep it at home. For an alarm clock, this thing puts out a pretty powerful sound! We tested it out last night with the Josh Grobin Christmas Album and we were pretty impressed at the sound quality. We could seriously get rid of the bulky home stereo system and just use this.
Daycare closed early yesterday - so Mike picked up Madison and went to work from home for a few hours. Shortly before I got home from work, he and Madison decided to go buy my birthday present.
Mike always wants to give presents early He can't ever wait! I like the anticipation and the fun of getting presents on my actual birthday. Shortly after they got home, we were all just waiting for dinner to cook and talking about our day in the living room. Out of the blue, Madison says "Mommy, we bought you a radio."
Yep - she is just like me. The only difference? She freely gives up the information, it doesn't take any weaseling!
Oh yea, and it wasn't just any radio. It was an iHome dock with an AM/FM tuner for my iPod. I've been wanting one for my office - but I like it so much, I just might keep it at home. For an alarm clock, this thing puts out a pretty powerful sound! We tested it out last night with the Josh Grobin Christmas Album and we were pretty impressed at the sound quality. We could seriously get rid of the bulky home stereo system and just use this.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Stick a fork in her, she's done!
You know how some pregnant women are super cute, all baby belly and thats it?
Yea, I hate them.
I am not the cute pregnant woman. I get HUGE. My butt and thighs grow to immense proportions, my belly sticks out, my hair is unmanageable and my skin breaks out like crazy. Add to that the sausage fingers, the cankles, and the SWEAT. UGH. Below freezing temperatures are very much welcome right now!
The things we go through for our children.
Thank God there is always breast feeding, diet, and exercise to help me return to my pre-baby state. (let's hope it works as well as it did last time!)
My belly button has popped - just like a timer on a Butterball turkey. It is showing through all of my shirts! Very funny. I was feeling self concious about it (and about my wide @$$!) so I stuck a bandaid on it, thinking the band aid would help to keep it from showing through my shirt. Yea, that didn't work - it just looked like I stuck a band aid on my belly button!
I have given up on finding panties that don't show a panty line through my maternity pants. If the package says "No panty line promise," it's a lie!!!! I will continue to commit this fashion faux pas for the next nine weeks, at least.
Another fashion faux pas that I have been committing?? I'm wearing knee high hose with skirts. I thought only old and fat ladies did that. I'm eight months pregnant, there is no way I'm going to try to pull on full nylons, or even thigh-highs. Not a chance.
I bet my colleagues are getting pretty tired of my black pants and black suit jacket too. At Mayo, we wear business formal all the time. Since I work off-campus I am able to get away with dressing a little more casual during my pregnancy wardrobe crisis. However, I have been presenting on-campus a lot lately and everyone knows that professional looking maternity clothes are hard to come by and are expensive. I have two maternity suits, one looks like a tent on me - so I wear the black one on days that I have to make a presentation. I'm starting to feel like I wear it everyday!
On a positive note,I was walking through the Peace Plaza downtown yesterday. I was on my way back to my office after a presentation and some lady stopped me. She exclaimed that I looked all cute and pregnant!
Once I picked my jaw up off the sidewalk, I told her she had made my day because I really felt fat and miserable.
I'll take cute and pregnant any day.
Yea, I hate them.
I am not the cute pregnant woman. I get HUGE. My butt and thighs grow to immense proportions, my belly sticks out, my hair is unmanageable and my skin breaks out like crazy. Add to that the sausage fingers, the cankles, and the SWEAT. UGH. Below freezing temperatures are very much welcome right now!
The things we go through for our children.
Thank God there is always breast feeding, diet, and exercise to help me return to my pre-baby state. (let's hope it works as well as it did last time!)
My belly button has popped - just like a timer on a Butterball turkey. It is showing through all of my shirts! Very funny. I was feeling self concious about it (and about my wide @$$!) so I stuck a bandaid on it, thinking the band aid would help to keep it from showing through my shirt. Yea, that didn't work - it just looked like I stuck a band aid on my belly button!
I have given up on finding panties that don't show a panty line through my maternity pants. If the package says "No panty line promise," it's a lie!!!! I will continue to commit this fashion faux pas for the next nine weeks, at least.
Another fashion faux pas that I have been committing?? I'm wearing knee high hose with skirts. I thought only old and fat ladies did that. I'm eight months pregnant, there is no way I'm going to try to pull on full nylons, or even thigh-highs. Not a chance.
I bet my colleagues are getting pretty tired of my black pants and black suit jacket too. At Mayo, we wear business formal all the time. Since I work off-campus I am able to get away with dressing a little more casual during my pregnancy wardrobe crisis. However, I have been presenting on-campus a lot lately and everyone knows that professional looking maternity clothes are hard to come by and are expensive. I have two maternity suits, one looks like a tent on me - so I wear the black one on days that I have to make a presentation. I'm starting to feel like I wear it everyday!
On a positive note,I was walking through the Peace Plaza downtown yesterday. I was on my way back to my office after a presentation and some lady stopped me. She exclaimed that I looked all cute and pregnant!
Once I picked my jaw up off the sidewalk, I told her she had made my day because I really felt fat and miserable.
I'll take cute and pregnant any day.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Dear Birthday Girl
Dear Princess Madison;
Three years ago today, I was lying, exhausted, in a hospital bed. After having pushed for three hours, the doctors told me that they were going to have to go get you. I said no. I had pushed for so long and worked so hard, they weren't going to add insult to injury and cut me open too. Your Grandmothers had to come in the room and convince me that surgery was the only way you would be born.
It's funny how those scary moments can be completely erased as soon as someone puts your precious baby in your arms. Its amazing how quickly a mom would sign up to do it all over again.
Despite your tumultuous entrance into the world, you bring laughter and joy to me every single day. Some days, I wish I could trap time in a bottle and keep you the way you are right now but I also find so much joy in all the new things you learn and do. You certainly keep Daddy and I on our toes!!
Your third year has been filled with many changes. You started a new daycare. I was so scared for you and felt so terrible for leaving you at a strange place where you didn't know anyone. You adapted so well, took the change in stride and quickly fit right in! The change has been good for you. You have learned to listen better, are helpful, and seem more calm.
You have become such a girly girl! You love dresses and having your hair and nails done. I was never this way as a child, so it is new territory for me. Although, I love it when you want to do Mommy's hair. There is nothing better than sitting on the floor while my sweet girl brushes my hair and says "you look bootiiiful Mommy!" You truly believe that you are a princess and beautiful dresses and pampering are what you are destined for. I hope you always take that time to pamper yourself and feel beautiful.
I love how honest you are. Even if Dawn doesn't tell me about a timeout in the day, you always tell me about it in the car. I love that you are so open when you do something wrong because it gives us the opportunity to talk about it, outside the heat of the moment and learn from it. I hope you never lose this quality. You also always throw your daddy under the bus when he gives you pop. I was always taught that drinking pop is okay, in moderation (just like everything else in life!) At your young age, I want you to learn that drinking milk and water with the occasional juice should be your go-to drinks. Even chocolate milk is ok, because it at least has some nutritional value. There is nothing in pop that is good for you - and diet pop is even worse. (dont' get me started on aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.) Daddy likes to sneak you diet 7-up from time to time and if you weren't so honest, I would probably think its just water. I love how you sell Daddy out, even if it means that Mommy might be a little bit mad.
I love how you say your prayers every night and if Mommy is in a hurry and forgets, you get so upset! It is so cute how you bless everyone, including your pooh bear, tigger, Baby Brother, and Old Grandma in Heaven.
You are a definite leader, Miss Madison. You know what you want and you don't let anything stop you. Althought this is a challenge now, I know this quality will take you far. I am proud of all that you have learned and the sweet little person that you are.
Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! Even if you truly do not have royal blood, you are the princess in my world.
Love,
Mommy
Three years ago today, I was lying, exhausted, in a hospital bed. After having pushed for three hours, the doctors told me that they were going to have to go get you. I said no. I had pushed for so long and worked so hard, they weren't going to add insult to injury and cut me open too. Your Grandmothers had to come in the room and convince me that surgery was the only way you would be born.
It's funny how those scary moments can be completely erased as soon as someone puts your precious baby in your arms. Its amazing how quickly a mom would sign up to do it all over again.
Despite your tumultuous entrance into the world, you bring laughter and joy to me every single day. Some days, I wish I could trap time in a bottle and keep you the way you are right now but I also find so much joy in all the new things you learn and do. You certainly keep Daddy and I on our toes!!
Your third year has been filled with many changes. You started a new daycare. I was so scared for you and felt so terrible for leaving you at a strange place where you didn't know anyone. You adapted so well, took the change in stride and quickly fit right in! The change has been good for you. You have learned to listen better, are helpful, and seem more calm.
You have become such a girly girl! You love dresses and having your hair and nails done. I was never this way as a child, so it is new territory for me. Although, I love it when you want to do Mommy's hair. There is nothing better than sitting on the floor while my sweet girl brushes my hair and says "you look bootiiiful Mommy!" You truly believe that you are a princess and beautiful dresses and pampering are what you are destined for. I hope you always take that time to pamper yourself and feel beautiful.
I love how honest you are. Even if Dawn doesn't tell me about a timeout in the day, you always tell me about it in the car. I love that you are so open when you do something wrong because it gives us the opportunity to talk about it, outside the heat of the moment and learn from it. I hope you never lose this quality. You also always throw your daddy under the bus when he gives you pop. I was always taught that drinking pop is okay, in moderation (just like everything else in life!) At your young age, I want you to learn that drinking milk and water with the occasional juice should be your go-to drinks. Even chocolate milk is ok, because it at least has some nutritional value. There is nothing in pop that is good for you - and diet pop is even worse. (dont' get me started on aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.) Daddy likes to sneak you diet 7-up from time to time and if you weren't so honest, I would probably think its just water. I love how you sell Daddy out, even if it means that Mommy might be a little bit mad.
I love how you say your prayers every night and if Mommy is in a hurry and forgets, you get so upset! It is so cute how you bless everyone, including your pooh bear, tigger, Baby Brother, and Old Grandma in Heaven.
You are a definite leader, Miss Madison. You know what you want and you don't let anything stop you. Althought this is a challenge now, I know this quality will take you far. I am proud of all that you have learned and the sweet little person that you are.
Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! Even if you truly do not have royal blood, you are the princess in my world.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, October 16, 2008
I passed!
I had my 1-hour blood glucose test last week to check for gestational diabetes.
I failed.
UGH. I know a lot of people fail it and have to go on to the 3-hour test. I knew when I went to take it that odds were I didn't have GD, but at the same time, I'm resigned to the fact that life hasn't gone as planned lately - so I was a bit worried that I would test positive and end up giving birth to a toddler sized baby.
I took the 3 hour test yesterday. I feel like a pincushion. I was told I would receive a call with my results by noon today. No call. I had meetings most of the afternoon, so I didn't have an opportunity to check in with my doctor until about 3:30.
I just got off the phone with his nurse and I passed with flying colors! All four of my blood draws were within normal blood sugar ranges.
YIPPEE! Finally - something is going as it should!
I failed.
UGH. I know a lot of people fail it and have to go on to the 3-hour test. I knew when I went to take it that odds were I didn't have GD, but at the same time, I'm resigned to the fact that life hasn't gone as planned lately - so I was a bit worried that I would test positive and end up giving birth to a toddler sized baby.
I took the 3 hour test yesterday. I feel like a pincushion. I was told I would receive a call with my results by noon today. No call. I had meetings most of the afternoon, so I didn't have an opportunity to check in with my doctor until about 3:30.
I just got off the phone with his nurse and I passed with flying colors! All four of my blood draws were within normal blood sugar ranges.
YIPPEE! Finally - something is going as it should!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Business Trip
Mike was headed out this morning on a short business trip today. It's only a day long trip to their location in LaCrosse - not a big deal. He was leaving early and will probably get home late. So, he went to give Madison a hug and to tell her he'll see her late tonight or tomorrow.
She wasn't quite awake yet and didn't appreciate being woken up. She pushed him away and said she wanted to sleep.
He apologized and said he was going on a short trip and just wanted to tell her that he loved her.
A little while later, Madison came upstairs and asked where Daddy was. I said, he left for work already, remember he gave you a hug?
She got a sad look on her face and said "he went on a business trip to Disney World and didn't take me."
I have no idea where she came up with Disney World. LaCrosse Wisconsin, although it is a fun college town and is very beautiful in the fall, is a far cry from Disney World!
Heaven forbid one of us ever has to go to a business conference in Florida - I don't think we would ever get away with going and not bringing Madison!
She wasn't quite awake yet and didn't appreciate being woken up. She pushed him away and said she wanted to sleep.
He apologized and said he was going on a short trip and just wanted to tell her that he loved her.
A little while later, Madison came upstairs and asked where Daddy was. I said, he left for work already, remember he gave you a hug?
She got a sad look on her face and said "he went on a business trip to Disney World and didn't take me."
I have no idea where she came up with Disney World. LaCrosse Wisconsin, although it is a fun college town and is very beautiful in the fall, is a far cry from Disney World!
Heaven forbid one of us ever has to go to a business conference in Florida - I don't think we would ever get away with going and not bringing Madison!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Bad Mommy Moments
Do you ever have those days where it is just so hard being a mom? Last Saturday was that day for me. UGH. As all moms know, when you are expecting, you might feel great one day and really crummy the next. Last Saturday, I had a list of things to do that was a mile long but I was exhausted and not feeling that great. I was just trying to get through it all the best that I could.
Madison can zero in on that in a second.
This kid has a sixth sense that tells her when I am too tired to be the active and patient parent that I try to be. She capitalizes on it!
When I have a lot to do I either try to involve Madison or find her something to keep her occupied. Saturday, I tried a little of both. It didn't work. She would not listen to me for anything and I was just too tired for patience. I found myself having one of those days where I felt like I was constantly snapping at her, losing my patience, and cleaning up messes that were NOT part of my plan. (I HATE when I have to do things that are not part of my plan, ask anyone that knows me about my Franklin planner.)
Since Mike and I were headed to Green Bay for Sunday's game, I dropped Madison off at her Grandparents on Saturday night. I walked out feeling like I desperately needed a day off from being a mom. Funny how when you get that day, all you do is think about your kids!
The events of the previous day nagged at me the entire time we were in Green Bay. I knew they probably bothered me far more than they bothered or even affected Madison, but they bothered me the same.
We got home late that night but Madison was still up waiting for us. Mike and I always argue over who gets the first hug. Although I wanted and probably needed the first hug, I thought for sure Mike was getting it this time. Much to my surprise, Madison squirmed away from her dad when he tried to hug her and came straight to me.
Ahhh...just what a tired mom needs!
After spending a little time sharing cupcakes with Madison, I helped her get ready for bed. I still wasn't over the events of the previous day.
So we had the following conversation:
Mommy: Madison, we had a tough day yesterday, didn't we?
Madison: What do you mean?
Mommy: I mean, I was really crabby and you weren't listening very well. So, we just had a bad day.
Madison: Mommy, we both did it!
Mommy: I'm sorry I was crabby and yelled at you
Madison: I sowwy too, Mommy
Ahhhh. I still really have no idea if she understood that I felt bad for not being in the best of moods the day before, but the way she said "We both did it!" just warmed my heart. Does she truly understand that we all have bad days from time to time and that it doesn't mean we love each other any less?
I know there will probably be more days like this in the future. The best thing we can do after a day like that is evaluate how we reacted and just go back to the basics. Say you're sorry and try harder the next time.
I am happy to say that this week has been awesome after such a hard Saturday!
Madison can zero in on that in a second.
This kid has a sixth sense that tells her when I am too tired to be the active and patient parent that I try to be. She capitalizes on it!
When I have a lot to do I either try to involve Madison or find her something to keep her occupied. Saturday, I tried a little of both. It didn't work. She would not listen to me for anything and I was just too tired for patience. I found myself having one of those days where I felt like I was constantly snapping at her, losing my patience, and cleaning up messes that were NOT part of my plan. (I HATE when I have to do things that are not part of my plan, ask anyone that knows me about my Franklin planner.)
Since Mike and I were headed to Green Bay for Sunday's game, I dropped Madison off at her Grandparents on Saturday night. I walked out feeling like I desperately needed a day off from being a mom. Funny how when you get that day, all you do is think about your kids!
The events of the previous day nagged at me the entire time we were in Green Bay. I knew they probably bothered me far more than they bothered or even affected Madison, but they bothered me the same.
We got home late that night but Madison was still up waiting for us. Mike and I always argue over who gets the first hug. Although I wanted and probably needed the first hug, I thought for sure Mike was getting it this time. Much to my surprise, Madison squirmed away from her dad when he tried to hug her and came straight to me.
Ahhh...just what a tired mom needs!
After spending a little time sharing cupcakes with Madison, I helped her get ready for bed. I still wasn't over the events of the previous day.
So we had the following conversation:
Mommy: Madison, we had a tough day yesterday, didn't we?
Madison: What do you mean?
Mommy: I mean, I was really crabby and you weren't listening very well. So, we just had a bad day.
Madison: Mommy, we both did it!
Mommy: I'm sorry I was crabby and yelled at you
Madison: I sowwy too, Mommy
Ahhhh. I still really have no idea if she understood that I felt bad for not being in the best of moods the day before, but the way she said "We both did it!" just warmed my heart. Does she truly understand that we all have bad days from time to time and that it doesn't mean we love each other any less?
I know there will probably be more days like this in the future. The best thing we can do after a day like that is evaluate how we reacted and just go back to the basics. Say you're sorry and try harder the next time.
I am happy to say that this week has been awesome after such a hard Saturday!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
How do you respond?
Imagine a beautiful MN fall day. The temperature is a comfy 70 degrees. You can hear neighbor kids playing, lawnmowers mowing, there are a few neighbors trading BS out on the sidewalk.
Your spouse is outside soaking in the sunshine or working in the garage. You are inside getting something ready to throw on the grill. The windows are open and it is a perfect Sunday evening.
Your almost three year old, who has struggled a bit with the potty, just had a big success. You are praising her and say "Go tell Daddy how well you did!"
Is the scene set? Do you have that in your head?
Fast forward 30 seconds to your almost three year old shouting at the top of her lungs, across the lawn to Daddy in the garage.
"DADDY! I went POOPIE in the Potty and it was a BIG one!" Picture her holding out her arms like she is telling the world's largest fish tale.
The sounds of the perfect MN Sunday evening screech to a halt like a record player that has just been bumped. No more lawn mowers, the neighborhood kids are silent, the neighbors trading BS turn and stare. Then, you start to hear chuckles coming from all around you.
What do you do?
Your spouse is outside soaking in the sunshine or working in the garage. You are inside getting something ready to throw on the grill. The windows are open and it is a perfect Sunday evening.
Your almost three year old, who has struggled a bit with the potty, just had a big success. You are praising her and say "Go tell Daddy how well you did!"
Is the scene set? Do you have that in your head?
Fast forward 30 seconds to your almost three year old shouting at the top of her lungs, across the lawn to Daddy in the garage.
"DADDY! I went POOPIE in the Potty and it was a BIG one!" Picture her holding out her arms like she is telling the world's largest fish tale.
The sounds of the perfect MN Sunday evening screech to a halt like a record player that has just been bumped. No more lawn mowers, the neighborhood kids are silent, the neighbors trading BS turn and stare. Then, you start to hear chuckles coming from all around you.
What do you do?
Thursday, October 02, 2008
She gets it from her Grandpa
For as long as I can remember, my dad has been addicted to flashlights. It's a strange addiction - one that we have grown used to. He has no fewer than four flashlights on his nightstand. If we ever spend the weekend, he is always asking if we need a flashlight. Little does he know, I snuck around that house in the dark more times than I can count. I don't need a flashlight!
Anyway, back to the story! My Dad gave Madison a flashlight awhile back. She has pulled it out from time to time to play with it - but suddenly she has become quite attached to it. She has to go to bed with it every night. We've even had to start using rechargable batteries in it because she would fall asleep with it on and burn through batteries! Thank goodness for 15-minute rapid chargers!
It looks like the flashlight gene skips a generation and I have to live sandwiched in between two flashlight addicts!
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