I think I wrote a mini-novel!

Sunday, March 04, 2012

The Decision:

As Asher and Nolan’s SECOND BIRTHDAY neared, I found that they were becoming more and more interested in the potty.  So, my husband left for a two day business trip and in that moment that I dropped him off at the airport, I decided…This is it! This is the time to do it.  I will have two full days to commit to potty training without having to worry about housework, showers, extensive cooking, getting dressed etc.  I was committed. My main reason for doing this before their second birthday was because I didn’t want to be ‘caught up in potty training’ during the summer when we would want to be doing all of the fun stuff.  I was going into this with the attitude that if it works it works, if it doesn’t it doesn’t but I was going to give it a real effort.  I was actually excited about it, but anticipated that I would be exhausted mentally and physically. (And that would be proven true!)

My approach was decided.  I am an all or nothing kind of girl and I figure the same principle apply to potty training.  So we had purchased our special snacks to reward dryness, new underpants and gerber training pants.  I would put them in their underwear when they work up, take them to the potty on regular intervals (and when they wet their pants).  That sounds easy enough, right?

Monday, March 05, 2012

Potty Training – Day 1

I woke up ready to tackle the task at hand and commit myself entirely!  I had all of my kitchen timers, my paper and pens to write everything down to try to find some rhyme or reason in their internal patterns, special snacks, Clorox wipes, towels…oh…AND TARPS ON THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR!!!!

The morning was PURE CHAOS!  My 10:30 we had peed through all of the training pants and underwear….so we took a trip to Wal-Mart to re-stock.

Back home and back at it. 

Day one results…

Asher peed in the potty 7 times and in his pants 15

Nolan peed in the potty 3 times and in his pants 10

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Potty Training – Day 2

“Okay, we can do this! Yesterday went completely as expected, let’s see what day two holds”

Not quite as chaotic.  My day pretty much consisted of setting a million timers for when to use the potty and how long to stay on the potty and watching a whole lot of Elmo Potty Time on Youtube (while on the potty).  (FYI this is the MOST TV my children have EVER watched in one day – I don’t really let them watch tv, but this helped with getting them to sit on the potty for longer periods of time)

Oddly enough, Asher, Nolan and I are enjoying this time together! Life is busy, but this situation allows me to be completely committed to them without any guilt and we’re all loving this extra attention!

Day 2 Results….

Asher peed in the potty 6 times and in his pants 9 times

Nolan peed in the potty 7 times and in his pants 2 times (A far cry different than yesterday!)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Potty Training – Day 3

I’m starting to wear down…When I say that my entire being has been dedicated to potty training over the past two full days that doesn’t even begin to explain the effort….

Day 3 Results….

Asher peed in the potty 4 times and in his pants 4 times

Nolan peed in the potty 3 times and in his pants 3 times

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Potty Training – Day 4

The tarps have been removed….

My mom asked me a question today that really irritated me (at first), “Why are you doing this?  Why are you pushing for this? They are too young.”  Slightly annoyed I gave her all of my reasoning and we had a discussion about it and that was that…..

Day 4 Results…

Asher peed in the potty 6 times and in his pants 4 times

Nolan peed in the potty 5 times and in his pants 2 times

**I would like to note that many of the times they peed in the potty were times that they told me that they had to pee and not just because of my kitchen timer, because don’t we all pee at the sound of the bell???**

I called my amazingly supportive friend Allison, who tends to share the same views as I do about just about everything involving child rearing to safety, cleanliness, discipline, nutrition etc etc etc.  She encouraged me (as usual!!) and I was determined to keep going.

But, That night when I went to bed the question was eating away at me, “Why?”

Friday, March 08, 2012

Potty Training – Day 5

I woke up crying!  I thought to myself…I just took what little baby that they had left and literally flushed it down the toilet.  I vowed to myself that I would never rush their growing up and look what I’m doing. 

Today was a busy day.

Day 5 Results

Asher peed in the potty 5 times and in his pants 2 times (when we had company)

Nolan peed in the potty 3 times and in his pants 6 times (three of which when we had company )

Feeling very torn and confused.  The conversation I had with my mom was till ringing loudly in my head and I didn’t feel as though I was all in or all out.  I went through the day a bit scattered about what direction I was heading. 

Again, I called my amazing friend Allison and she encouraged me.  She’s great like that.  And she gets me, she really gets me so she’s a great resource!

After a few more tears after the boys finally went to bed, I talked with my mom again admitting that what she had said to me really got me thinking.  As the conversation continued she helped me come to the following ideas…

This is such a special time and I really don’t want to spend it sitting on the toilet feeling isolated from everything and depriving my boys of fun adventures that little twenty- one and a half little boys should be having.  I don’t want to become overwhelmed and frustrated and take the great attitude they have about potty training and ruin it!  I want to fully enjoy this special tender age that will already be gone before I know it.  Here’s the biggest one….they just weaned last month and now I’m going to make the pee in the potty!  (What am I doing?!?!)

I was still battling though…..We are already 5 full days into this…how can I quit on them now!  I am so proud of them, they have made such huge huge strides!!!  Amazing progress…for boys (gasp) and under two (gasp!)
 

But this is what got me….It goes back to a conversation with Allison that I will remember forever!  I was speaking with her when my boys were younger about how they wouldn’t sleep through the night and everybody was telling me that they should be sleeping through the night and I was trying to ‘train’ them (to a certain extent – we are NOT talking a full on cry it out method) And she said to me something like this, “Does it bother you to get up with them and nurse them?”

I said,  “No.”

She replied with such ease, “Then keep doing it! I have a feeling you are going to miss those nights when they are no longer waking up.”

What simple logic!  I loved it!  So that’s what I did.  I got up every night and nursed my babies until they were 11 months old and THEY slept through the night on their own.

I think the same logic is applicable here.  Does it bother me to change diapers?  No, not particularly.  It actually bothers me more to think that I am missing out on precious time with my boys and precious family time because we’re sitting on the potty. 

So, here is my decision after 5 full days of potty training boot camp!  We’re not quitting we are just changing our approach.  We will go for a more casual or relaxed approach to potty training.  We will continue to talk about the potty and award dryness.  We will continue to use the potty if the need is indicated in some way.  We will wear cloth training pants (Can’t wait to get the Flip Training Pants Set) And we will enjoy our special time together! 

Yes, I am choosing what I think is best for our family and we’re not quitting…We’re just changing our approach! 

Mama Made My Day!

Mama Made My Day!

“There is no amount of money worth you sacrificing being home with those boys!” 

The decision for me to stay home with the boys was obvious, but difficult for sure.  Giving up an entire income seemed like a lot to sacrifice.  However, Nathan and I both felt that this is what the Lord had intended for us and that it would be the best thing for our entire family.  We knew that we would have to sacrifice things along the way, but decided that that it would be worth it in the end.  Although we have given up some things and changed our lifestyle along the way, I don’t know that I would go so far as to call it a ‘sacrifice.” Also, breastfeeding, cloth diapering and homemade baby food might have never been part of our lives if we didn’t decide for me to stay home.  (And there are many people who thought I wouldn’t do ANY of those things!!)  Sure, we’ve given up cable tv (just recently got rabbit ears and now have four channels J), home phone, gym memberships, dining out, shopping trips and dunkin’ donuts, but that’s nothing compared to what we’d be giving up if I were to go back to work.  J

Anyway, Not everybody in our lives agreed with and supported or encouraged our decision.  There were several people who just didn’t think it was a good idea or people who weren’t capable of seeing why this was best for our family.  My mom was one of those people.  I’m sure that she meant no harm in her disagreement, but she disagreed nonetheless.  But today she said something that I will never forget and that I will cherish forever, “There is no amount of money worth you sacrificing being home with those boys!” She went on to tell me how good of a mother I am, how wonderful our children are and how she never understood before the impact of a GOOD mother being home has on a family.  Those words are so priceless to me, just as the experience of staying home with our family. 

All of these are moments I would've never gotten if I would've been at work....So thankful for a husband who supports us!

THANK YOU MOM!!!

Ministries Among Us

Ministries Among Us

For the past few months I have been asking myself, “What are you doing for the Lord?”  This question has the potential to elicit several different responses from me.  Depending on the day it can be eye opening, shameful, rewarding, or inspirational. 

Our service in the Lord before our boys….Attended church three times a week, involved in choir, nursery work, Sunday school teaching, AWANA, women’s ministries, a short attempt at being part of the music ministry as well as enjoyable fellowship with many other members of our church.  We have been members at our church for about five years.  Please do not misunderstand my message here…I don’t think that service for the Lord is like some kind of checklist that you can have and say I did this for the Lord today, so that should be good for now.  In fact, sometimes I truly believe that one can be involved in too many ministries.  I’ve often found that if I have too much going on, I don’t really do a good job at anything because I’m spread so thin. 

Our spiritual life and service after the birth of our boys…Changed. 

It would be ridiculous to say that having two newborn babies (as first time parents) wouldn’t change your life around a little bit.  Our church attendance and service certainly did change after the birth of our children.  Having two newborns and being a first time mother I felt it was crucial that they were on a very regimented bedtime schedule for the sanity and peace of our entire family.  (They didn’t sleep through the night until they were eleven months old).  As a result, we stopped going to Sunday night and Wednesday night services.  Some may view this as using our children as an excuse not to be in church.  However, I would’ve gladly invited those people into the eleven sleepless months and a few screaming car rides home (on attempts to go to evening church) with two very tired little guys. 

We have done what we thought was best for our family. 

Now, as our children are rounding the corner to two years old (I can hardly believe that!)  I ask myself again, “What are we doing for the Lord?”  I see people doing this and doing that and am then reminded that everybody’s circumstances are different and we aren’t all able to do the same things.  I feel strongly that my first ministry for the Lord is this family that he has so generously blessed us with.  As the wife and mother of this household I feel it is my responsibility to keep a home that is filled with peace, love, respect, order, and encouragement…To be a wife that my husband adores and to be a mother that my children look up to.  My first ministry is here.  I have to remember that.  Each time I pray with my children, read the Bible with them, sing Bible songs and hymns to them and teach them…I know that I am doing the ‘work’ that the Lord has intended for me.

As our children grow older, I find it more and more important that we are involved in other ministries so that our children also have opportunities to see the blessings of doing the Lord’s work.  It’s is a trickly balancing act and I’m no juggler.  I pray that the Lord would bless us in this ministry of our home and guide us to other areas that we may serve Him together. 

Correction

I just thought of something that I'd like to correct!  In last night's post I said something about holding one of my favorite babies (other than my own)...let the record show that I have other favorite babies as well!  There are other little people in my life who I love dearly.....Hopefully the mommies of all of those little ones know how much they too are loved :D 

Rewind Please

People often ask me, "Do you want another one?" (another baby that is) and depending on the day, the answer changes.  I used to be unable to imagine myself without a little girl, but there are no guarantees there.  If we were to have another boy I would be concerned about the dynamics between that little boy and his twin brothers.  Shortly after our boys were born, I was all about having another one. (I must've still been full of extra mommy hormones, because what person in their right mind would still be getting up to to three times a night and want another baby???) 

After holding one of my favorite babies (other than my own) tonight while teeter tottering with do I want another one, do I not...Looking into his big beautiful eyes on his tiny little body I can't help but think..."Of course I do."  But it wasn't until the car ride home while talking with one of my very best friends did I realize, I don't think it's so much that I want another one...It's that I want mine to be little again. 

We've recently hit some major milestones that are quickly transforming my babies into big boys and as much as I love them, I can hardly stand it.  Though, if you've ever read my blog before you know that I'm always clinging to those babies wishing time could stand still for just a few moments....Moments when my boys look at me and say 'Mama' and wait for me to say 'baby' back to them and we start the game all over again.  Moments when they crawl into my lap, put their head on my chest and give me a big squeeze.  Moments when their laughter and squeals fill the house full of a joy I've never known before. Moments when I ask Nolan if I can have a kiss, he smiles, says 'no' and then puckers up.  Moments when Asher crawls into my lap with a book .  Moments when they anxiously wait for me to tickle them until they can hardly stand it.  Moments when I see both curiosity and success sweep across their faces.  Moments when I look into the eyes of my own baby boys and thank the Lord for the family He has blessed us with. 

These are the moments I wish I could hold onto forever...Moments that are more precious than I could've ever imagined before having children...

So, in response to that common question...I don't know!  This, however is what I know.  I LOVE being a Mommy to Asher and Nolan and wife to Nathan.  I love my family...This is what I was born to do!

 My babies continue to grow...but so does my heart and my unending love for them!



Hearts Breaking Around Me

Over the past week I have watched hearts break in the lives of people around me.  My heart has broken for them and my tears shed for them.  A young family laid their six year old son to rest after a year long battle with disease and a bone marrow transplant.  Another family - expecting a baby - found out nearly half way through the pregnancy that they had lost the baby.  And finally, a women (wife and mother) found out she has cancer.  In my eyes, all three of these things are horrific experiences.  When things around me start happening like this, it's almost as though I become 'afraid.'  It really makes me think and ponder my life.... My life as a Christian, as a wife, as a mother, as a daugther as a friend as even as a stranger. 

All three of these families have at least one thing in common - Their faith.  These are all families that I would consider "good Christians."  I know there really is no such thing as a "Good Christian," either you've asked Jesus into your heart or you haven't.  But beyond that, there is living for the Lord, living in His will and serving Him and trusting Him.  I suppose that's what I think of when I have this idea of a 'good christian.'  All three of these families are families that I would consider to be "Good Christians."  I've seen them living for the Lord and heard of their great faith.  Each of them experienced something this week that I imagine would bring my world crashing down.  However, these families have done nothing but continue to put their faith in Him and trust Him.  It simply amazes me.  I sometimes wonder if I would have that same faith under those terrible circumstances.  I pray that I would. 

Each of these stories breaks my heart, but the one that hits closest to home is the six year old little boy.  I keep imagining the parents of that little boy and my heart breaks for them.  Then, like a bucket of ice, it hits me, that could be me....In any one of those circumstances, it could be me....it could be our family.  If these people were living for the Lord and they weren't spared from these horrible events, then what does that mean for me?  (Please don't misunderstand this as me thinking living for the Lord, being saved by the Lord and being "good christian" excludes you from difficult or even unimaginable times.  I don't believe that at all.) 

My walk with the Lord is Not going to save me from tragedy in my life, as I've already seen.  However, walking closer to the Lord in my daily life will allow Him to hold my hand and help me over the paths that seem uncrossable.  I pray that I will have this kind of walk with the Lord, but also that my family will always keep close to Him that they would be comforted in times of need. 

As I was discussing this with my husband tonight, he reminded me of a story he knows about a family who lost their son/brother and how in the midst of that tragedy, two people came to know Jesus Christ as their Personal Lord and Saviour.  And the very selfish, human side of me thought for half a second, yeah, but I don't want to lose my kids just so somebody can be saved.  I know that sounds terrible, but I'm certain that most of you would also think the same thing for a moment.  However, what made me feel most guilty about feeling this thought, is that is what God did for us.  He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for OUR sins...MY sins, on the cross. 

What is it that the Lord gave me today? I should find it, cherish it and thank Him for it.

In closing, I ask that you would lift up these three families in continued prayer.

I Love My Life!

Has it really been almost an entire month since my last update?  Apparently, I have been busier than I have even realized.  It's so hard for me to belive that Christmas is just one week away.  This month has flown by.  I am happy to repart that many of my gifts were homemade this year.  (Thanks to my mom for all of her help!  There is no way I could've done it without her!!!)  I made cloth photo books, shape toys, a mommy and me apron 9and something I can't reveal yet, but because one of my readers hasn't opened up her present :-) But guess what....I didn't even take any pictures!!! What was I thinking?

This has been an interesting month for us due to some situations at Nathan's work, but we're almost on the other sideof all of that now. 

So, now onto the fun stuff!  My boys!  One month has changed them so much.  They are so grown up in the way they move, the way they act, the way they talk and even the way they play.  Let's see if I can try to sum up the changes in a nutshell. 

What's new this month?  Well, they've mastered the art of climbing.  I wish I had a picture to show you, but I've been too busy making sure they don't fall to grab my camera.  They both like to climb on top of the changing table and have recently mastered  climbing down from it.  They are getting fairly decent with feeding themselves with a spoon and fork.  I partially blame myself for that because two toddler boys, brightly colored food, a clean floor and a fork just don't always appeal to me so much :D  You understand, right?

They have gotten very funny as well.  It's as though they're starting to understand humor and silliness.  For example, Nolan has transitioned from open mouth kisses to puckered lips with a "mu-ah!" It's so sweet.  Well, the other day I was trying to get Nolan to give me a 'real kiss' so my mom could see and I said "Nolan, can you give Mommy kisses?"  He looked at me, smiled, shook his head no and started giggling.  (Don't mistake his humor for defiance.  He never outright tells me no when he's asked/told to do something.  He knew he was being funny here:)  Asher has become quite the comic as well.  A few days ago we were with my mom and he fell over and my mom started to laugh at him.  Well, apparently he realized this action got a reaction, so he did it again, and each time my mom laughed.  Needless to say, his 'falls' became more and more exaggerated! 

Oh, Asher and Nolan are also working on drinking out of real cups.  No lids, no straws - strict supervision :D  They love to drink out of REAL cups!  They think they are so grown when they do it!  

I have really enjoyed our children more so than usual this month.  I mean, I always enjoy them, but there are sometimes when they bring an extra dose of joy to our lives it almost makes me want to cry a few happy tears.  They have been such a pleasure to be around the past few weeks.  I am truly thankful for every moment I get with my little family!