This is one of those weeks when I admit defeat and announce I am clueless about this parenting thing.
And yes, it's only Tuesday.
Perhaps I'm being a bit dramatic. I can handle Jacey in her infancy. To me, babies are easy. (I know some of you may be growling at me for that statement.) Their needs are pretty basic. Eat, sleep, poop, repeat. Got it.
In all honesty, I didn't think preschoolers were that difficult either, because Averey was such an agreeable easygoing child. Not that Kelsey isn't; she's sweet and affectionate and can make you laugh. Unfortunately, she's at the age where she does or doesn't need a nap, depending upon the day. If she takes a nap (note: falls asleep on the couch, never in her bed), unless she wakes up before 3 p.m., she's all right. However, her falling asleep on the couch usually occurs after 3 p.m., and then one of us has the pleasure of rousing the beast from her slumber.
Sunday was a little different though. She woke up on her own and seemed to be in a pleasant mood. She asked for help to go potty, and somewhere in between pulling down her tights and lifting her up on the seat, she vehemently decided I wasn't cut out for the job and requested daddy. (Story of my life!) Surprisingly, daddy was no good for the task either, so she proceeded to pitch a fit. A loud, screaming, pathetic fit. Time out followed, and at the very moment Jacey spit up on herself, my arm and the rug, Kelsey peed all over the time out chair and it spilled onto the dining room floor. It was an ugly mess, and she didn't calm down until nearly 10 minutes later, with much coaxing from Averey (the only one left who she didn't refuse!).
Last night we suffered another meltdown because she was overtired at bedtime. It's a lose-lose situation. Thankfully, Jake was able to talk to her calmly as she was hitting him, and she soon was ready for bed.
When she's not fighting sleep or waking up grouchy from a nap, she seems to call everything and everyone "poopy" or "poopyhead." It's a bit embarrassing when you ask her to repeat something she said that was actually funny or cute, and she responds with an enthusiastic "POOPYHEAD!" Sigh.
Averey, on the other hand, seems to have nightmares at least three times a week. (Twice so far this week! I attribute it to either snacking after 7:30--which I've been trying to watch--or an overactive imagination, or Disney Channel.) She doesn't wake up screaming, but she walks into our room and says, "I had a bad dream." I grumpily tell her to go back to bed, Jake thinks that, but for the sake of not arguing allows her to climb in our bed and he goes out on the couch. (Sometimes I think he also does it because he claims I'm such a bed hog.) It's getting ridiculous to me at this point, and as I tried to share a verse from Proverbs about lying down and sleeping in peace, I goofed the whole thing up and proved to be an ineffective lesson. (I'll just have to write it down for her instead.)
At this point, I'm continually praying for wisdom. I'm trying to exercise greater patience in those difficult moments. And I might be drinking a glass of wine at dinner every night this week.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Just One of Those Days
Yesterday was a good mom day. I kept calm in nearly all situations, I cleaned my kitchen and dining room floors (and they stayed clean for a record five hours), and I didn't wear one drop of baby barf on my shoulder for the first time since Jacey was born. I felt I deserved a little pat on the back. And I call myself "anything but supermom"?! Ha!
Well, today knocked me off my high horse. And most of it was my fault.
Jake and I had a late night after seeing the Zac Brown Band in concert (again), and I had a surprisingly restful night of sleep compared to the previous two nights (although I had some bizarre dream about being in a real-life "Hunger Games"). Since I didn't have to be to work until 1 p.m., I planned my morning out accordingly.
1. Do yoga on the Wii Fit. (Ahh, feel the stretch.)
2. Throw in a load of laundry (dish towels and washcloths, and in the meantime, snatching Kelsey's lovey blanket to throw in there too).
2 1/2. Oh yeah. I didn't pack Averey's lunch last night. Crap.
3. Turn my computer on to finish loading my mp3 player.
3 1/2. Whoops. I didn't get the girls' outfits out last night either.
4. Get Averey on the bus. Get Kelsey to preschool.
5. Go to the mall (Gymboree--the only reason to go to the Nittany Mall, besides the Gap. Well, that and to get my rings cleaned at Kay's).
I completed task 1. The rest of them melded together in a mess of whining, crying girls. It all started when Averey got out of bed and couldn't find her slippers. Panic ensued. Never mind that she picked out her shirt to wear but was upset with me for not bringing up the leggings to go with it. (I try and do an "I Dream of Jeannie" "blink" in the hopes I will magically have larger closets and bedrooms. It hasn't worked yet.) I run downstairs, sort through a dresser, grumbling, and find the leggings. By this time, Kelsey is fussing over the outfit I chose for her. (Really? You're THREE!) There was no satisfying either girl. I lost my temper, threw my hands in the air and said, "I'm done!" (And then remembered I had to empty the dishwasher.)
During this cacophony of girly whining (I know, it's only going to get worse), I somehow had to coerce Kelsey into giving up lovey so I could wash the black haze that now covered her. Ew. This kid could misplace lovey on her own accord and not care, but the moment you try and take lovey from her, fuggedaboutit! More crying ensued. Surprise, surprise.
After breakfast, the girls retreated to the sun room to play with the dollhouse, which can be a source of fighting. This morning was no different. And Kelsey purposely untied her shoes, crying that they were undone.
I often wrestle with the fact that I work outside of the home, but today, I seriously couldn't wait until 1:00.
Somehow, Averey got on the bus, Kelsey got to preschool, and I had some quiet time with Jacey. We headed to the mall. While I planned to get there as it opened at 10, I didn't leave the house until then. But that left me with close to an hour-and-a-half to shop. Surely I could get my in-laws an anniversary card, get my rings cleaned, pick out clothes for the girls at Gymboree, and shop for myself at Gap.
I dropped my jewelry off and headed to Gymboree. We have planned a **surprise** family photo session for my in-laws for their 40th anniversary (in lieu of going to Sears as my mother-in-law usually plans--and no, she doesn't read my blog. Nor does she know I write one. The secret is safe here). While I could match up clothes between Averey and Kelsey, Jacey's wardrobe is very limited. Good excuse to buy some clothes... not that I need a real excuse.
In coordinating colors, finding the right sizes, I spent waaaaay too much time there. (I know Jake is rolling his eyes already.) By the time I finally got in line, the three people ahead of me took waaaaay too long. As I finally had my turn, the prices were even lower than expected (Yay! Plus a 20% off coupon I got in the mail. Double yay!), but that meant I was $8 away from earning Gymbucks. Well, if I'm that close... back to shopping. Checking my watch. Realizing I'm going to be late picking up Kelsey from preschool... because of SHOPPING. (Stop rolling your eyes, Jake!)
I picked up my jewelry (but no anniversary card), hustled out of the mall (I'm just leisurely jogging with my stroller, folks), and decided to phone a friend to let the teachers know I'd be running a couple minutes late. Thankfully, Kelsey didn't even notice. She was just excited to tell me that her teacher chose her to open the door to go the playground.
Days like these can certainly humble me. Most of it was my fault (but the ladies in front of me at Gymboree were a little at fault too. Just trust me on this one.), and it just reminds me that this mom job is no easy task, even when one of my most favorite activities (shopping) is involved. But at the end of the day, my girls are still excited to see me even after my patience ran especially thin. Thank God for their sweetness.
Although, I'm not sure it's really all that fair that Jake gets to go out and have a beer with his friends tonight.
Well, today knocked me off my high horse. And most of it was my fault.
Jake and I had a late night after seeing the Zac Brown Band in concert (again), and I had a surprisingly restful night of sleep compared to the previous two nights (although I had some bizarre dream about being in a real-life "Hunger Games"). Since I didn't have to be to work until 1 p.m., I planned my morning out accordingly.
1. Do yoga on the Wii Fit. (Ahh, feel the stretch.)
2. Throw in a load of laundry (dish towels and washcloths, and in the meantime, snatching Kelsey's lovey blanket to throw in there too).
2 1/2. Oh yeah. I didn't pack Averey's lunch last night. Crap.
3. Turn my computer on to finish loading my mp3 player.
3 1/2. Whoops. I didn't get the girls' outfits out last night either.
4. Get Averey on the bus. Get Kelsey to preschool.
5. Go to the mall (Gymboree--the only reason to go to the Nittany Mall, besides the Gap. Well, that and to get my rings cleaned at Kay's).
I completed task 1. The rest of them melded together in a mess of whining, crying girls. It all started when Averey got out of bed and couldn't find her slippers. Panic ensued. Never mind that she picked out her shirt to wear but was upset with me for not bringing up the leggings to go with it. (I try and do an "I Dream of Jeannie" "blink" in the hopes I will magically have larger closets and bedrooms. It hasn't worked yet.) I run downstairs, sort through a dresser, grumbling, and find the leggings. By this time, Kelsey is fussing over the outfit I chose for her. (Really? You're THREE!) There was no satisfying either girl. I lost my temper, threw my hands in the air and said, "I'm done!" (And then remembered I had to empty the dishwasher.)
During this cacophony of girly whining (I know, it's only going to get worse), I somehow had to coerce Kelsey into giving up lovey so I could wash the black haze that now covered her. Ew. This kid could misplace lovey on her own accord and not care, but the moment you try and take lovey from her, fuggedaboutit! More crying ensued. Surprise, surprise.
After breakfast, the girls retreated to the sun room to play with the dollhouse, which can be a source of fighting. This morning was no different. And Kelsey purposely untied her shoes, crying that they were undone.
I often wrestle with the fact that I work outside of the home, but today, I seriously couldn't wait until 1:00.
Somehow, Averey got on the bus, Kelsey got to preschool, and I had some quiet time with Jacey. We headed to the mall. While I planned to get there as it opened at 10, I didn't leave the house until then. But that left me with close to an hour-and-a-half to shop. Surely I could get my in-laws an anniversary card, get my rings cleaned, pick out clothes for the girls at Gymboree, and shop for myself at Gap.
I dropped my jewelry off and headed to Gymboree. We have planned a **surprise** family photo session for my in-laws for their 40th anniversary (in lieu of going to Sears as my mother-in-law usually plans--and no, she doesn't read my blog. Nor does she know I write one. The secret is safe here). While I could match up clothes between Averey and Kelsey, Jacey's wardrobe is very limited. Good excuse to buy some clothes... not that I need a real excuse.
In coordinating colors, finding the right sizes, I spent waaaaay too much time there. (I know Jake is rolling his eyes already.) By the time I finally got in line, the three people ahead of me took waaaaay too long. As I finally had my turn, the prices were even lower than expected (Yay! Plus a 20% off coupon I got in the mail. Double yay!), but that meant I was $8 away from earning Gymbucks. Well, if I'm that close... back to shopping. Checking my watch. Realizing I'm going to be late picking up Kelsey from preschool... because of SHOPPING. (Stop rolling your eyes, Jake!)
I picked up my jewelry (but no anniversary card), hustled out of the mall (I'm just leisurely jogging with my stroller, folks), and decided to phone a friend to let the teachers know I'd be running a couple minutes late. Thankfully, Kelsey didn't even notice. She was just excited to tell me that her teacher chose her to open the door to go the playground.
Days like these can certainly humble me. Most of it was my fault (but the ladies in front of me at Gymboree were a little at fault too. Just trust me on this one.), and it just reminds me that this mom job is no easy task, even when one of my most favorite activities (shopping) is involved. But at the end of the day, my girls are still excited to see me even after my patience ran especially thin. Thank God for their sweetness.
Although, I'm not sure it's really all that fair that Jake gets to go out and have a beer with his friends tonight.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Little Moments
This week was my first full week of work: 32 hours. But the only reason I think I'm exhausted is because we need a new mattress.
Adjusting to my regular schedule with three kids has been a challenge, but I think I'm actually doing better than I did with two! Maybe Jacey was the little kick in the butt of motivation that I needed.
Yet this week, in the midst of work, MOPS (and handling a lot of money as I'm the finance lady), school, preschool, screeching girls, gymnastics and swiffering our ever-dusty floors, I've managed to take notice of some extra special little moments this week with my girls. For as much of a journal writer as I've been for nearly 25 years of my life, I find it hard to sit down and record those funny or sweet things the girls say and do. So I'm making a point of doing it on this rainy day while the girls are quiet... for now.
The little moments I've especially treasured this week...
...Averey being totally convinced that she can fly, flapping her arms and landing face-first on our bed (and I had to give it a whirl too).
... Both Averey and Kelsey joining me in the bathroom as I'm getting ready, using my make-up brushes to apply non-existent cosmetics.
...Jacey's gummy smiles.
...Kelsey singing "Jesus Loves Me" out of the blue.
...Kelsey asking to snuggle as we waited for Averey to get off the bus.
...The 10 times that Kelsey asks to see Jacey's eyes and responds with an expressive "AWWWW!!!"
...Averey dancing along to a TV program, thrusting herself backwards on the couch, throwing her legs over head and bouncing right back (completely clueless that Jake and I were watching her, chuckling).
...Averey getting up on the stage at church to sing and dance along during the designated kid's song.
...Averey and Kelsey doting on Jacey, prompting her to coo.
...Kelsey sitting on her knees next to Jacey in her papasan chair, grabbing her little hand and praying for her.
...All five of us laying on our bed last night, being silly, getting Jacey to coo, and her sisters holding her. Jake's and my eyes met, and I still find it amazing to believe that after meeting 18 years ago, we've made it to this point in our lives. Incredible.
Like being a pharmacy technician, motherhood is another thankless job. Yet I'm ever so thankful for little moments like those, because they can be greater than any "thank you" I could receive.
Adjusting to my regular schedule with three kids has been a challenge, but I think I'm actually doing better than I did with two! Maybe Jacey was the little kick in the butt of motivation that I needed.
Yet this week, in the midst of work, MOPS (and handling a lot of money as I'm the finance lady), school, preschool, screeching girls, gymnastics and swiffering our ever-dusty floors, I've managed to take notice of some extra special little moments this week with my girls. For as much of a journal writer as I've been for nearly 25 years of my life, I find it hard to sit down and record those funny or sweet things the girls say and do. So I'm making a point of doing it on this rainy day while the girls are quiet... for now.
The little moments I've especially treasured this week...
...Averey being totally convinced that she can fly, flapping her arms and landing face-first on our bed (and I had to give it a whirl too).
... Both Averey and Kelsey joining me in the bathroom as I'm getting ready, using my make-up brushes to apply non-existent cosmetics.
...Jacey's gummy smiles.
...Kelsey singing "Jesus Loves Me" out of the blue.
...Kelsey asking to snuggle as we waited for Averey to get off the bus.
...The 10 times that Kelsey asks to see Jacey's eyes and responds with an expressive "AWWWW!!!"
...Averey dancing along to a TV program, thrusting herself backwards on the couch, throwing her legs over head and bouncing right back (completely clueless that Jake and I were watching her, chuckling).
...Averey getting up on the stage at church to sing and dance along during the designated kid's song.
...Averey and Kelsey doting on Jacey, prompting her to coo.
...Kelsey sitting on her knees next to Jacey in her papasan chair, grabbing her little hand and praying for her.
...All five of us laying on our bed last night, being silly, getting Jacey to coo, and her sisters holding her. Jake's and my eyes met, and I still find it amazing to believe that after meeting 18 years ago, we've made it to this point in our lives. Incredible.
Like being a pharmacy technician, motherhood is another thankless job. Yet I'm ever so thankful for little moments like those, because they can be greater than any "thank you" I could receive.
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