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.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Some Final Thoughts on My Final Maternity Leave
(Okay, so technically, I have been back at work for a couple
weeks now. I have been in a “transition” period of a couple five-hour days per
week. Until I work the hours I did before, it really doesn’t count as far as “officially”
being done with maternity leave.)
I know if I use the phrase “working mom” and only refer to
what I do outside of the home, I’m sure I could stir up a few comments. I
realize that being a mom, whether staying at home or working outside the home,
is work regardless. Over the past six-and-a-half years, I have been all across
the board. The only difference about me being a stay-at-home mom is that my
stint has been paid, otherwise known as maternity leave.
And now it’s time to leave maternity leave behind. For good.
Sigh.
Growing up, I wanted nothing more than to be a mother. I had
no lofty career goals, other than that. Yet I never considered being a
stay-at-home mom. My mom wasn’t (nor was Jake’s mom), and I (we) truly don’t
feel that we missed out on anything by her working. She and my dad had flexible
schedules, and someone was usually home with us. My grandparents lived right up
the road, so I can only remember a couple non-relative baby-sitter stints that
didn’t last very long. In retrospect, I am thankful my parents made such a
sacrifice for us. God bless their 36-year marriage!
It seems ironic that a majority of my mom friends have Bachelor
(Master’s, Doctorate) degrees and they stay-at-home, while I aspired to be a
mother, have a (useless) Associate’s degree and I have a job. It’s been a
source of some coveting in my life. I admit, I sometimes let my jealousies get
the best of me. It can even be a source of contention for Jake and I, I’m not
going to lie. Then he feels guilty that I can’t stay home… it’s a vicious
circle. So by the grace of God, I’ve come to accept that my motherhood job
comes along with an outside-of-the-home job.
I remind myself that my friends didn’t start off motherhood
single. Not that it was a part of my plan either. Of all the ways I imagined my
motherhood career beginning, being estranged from my (then) husband was never
what I pictured. EVER. I look back upon that time that seems ages ago and think
about all the crap I had to deal with on my first maternity leave: hiring an
attorney to file for custody, filing for child support, dealing with my ex who
was in a relationship with someone else and feeling ganged up on every time we
had to speak… it was like my own personal episode of “The Jerry Springer Show.”
Yet Averey brought so much joy into my life, and I am grateful to God that
amidst the mess that I remember Averey’s first three months as a wonderful time
to bond with my firstborn. Even though I had to return to work full-time, it was
all worth it. We had to have a roof over our heads somehow!
My time off work with Kelsey was much different: I had a
caring husband! The adjustment from one to two was more difficult than I
expected though, and it was during a time I really had no friends in State
College. When I returned to work, we decided I could go back part-time (up to
30 hours weekly). That’s when I got involved in a Bible study and found MOPS.
That’s when I realized it seemed like everyone stayed home. So while I found
friends, I also found that working outside the home was rarer than I thought. Back
in Harrisburg, I worked with plenty of moms, so I never thought twice about it.
Yet I reminded myself that some moms can’t cut their hours, and once upon a
time, that was me. Thirty hours may seem like a lot to some people, but to me,
it was a vacation!
And now I must say good-bye to my final maternity leave.
While I thought I would cut my hours further, I believe God made it more
apparent that I should be working with a servant’s heart (not an easy task as a
pharmacy technician), and I should work more hours so we can achieve our
financial goals of paying off our Jeep (so close), our car, and our home equity
loan since we have a fixer-upper of a home. I follow Dave Ramsey who I consider
to be financially wise, and he often comments about making sacrifices to get
debts paid off. This is just one of those times that requires sacrifice. It
also helps that my mother-in-law can watch our girls and be there to get Averey
off the bus, along with a baby-sitter we hired in the spring who comes to our
house. They are both wonderful blessings in our lives. I made a personal commitment
never to have my children in a daycare setting, and thankfully, I (we) have
been able to do that all along.
I’ve enjoyed being home this summer with my girls, but I’ll
admit, it’s kind of nice to be back to a regular schedule too.
Maybe. We’ll see what I have to say in a couple months. ;)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Check My Brain
Since delivering Jacey, I thought for sure my forgetful pregnancy brain would vanish.
Today has proven me wrong. And it's only noon.
It started with remembering to send in a response card to a wedding that was due on September first. (And people who don't RSVP are a pet peeve of mine. I guess a late RSVP is better than none at all though.)
As I walked back into the house, my mind started working. "September fifth... why does that ring a bell?" I thought. Oh, because I had to send in Averey's signed 4B pledge today. (Be Prepared. Be Responsible. Be a Good Listener. Be Kind to Yourself and Others. Both the parents and student have to sign it. It has yet to even be signed. Oops.) Sure, I made her lunch last night, and even an extra PB&J for her lunch on Friday. We got her clothes ready for this morning. But I wasn't quite on the ball like I thought.
This morning, after Kelsey burned off some energy at open gym, we had to fill up my car with gas and get Pull-Ups at Target. (Oh, how I wish Kelsey stayed dry at night like she did before Jacey was born!)
Lately, I just go out and buy the small pack of Pull-Ups, which should technically last us about three weeks. Kelsey, on the other hand, makes the pack last less than two weeks. She decides once she gets one on before bedtime that she's free to pee in it... or worse. Gag me with a spoon.
This week, Target is running a special to buy two big packs of Pull-Ups and get a $10 gift card in return. I jump on these gift card deals when it's a good buy on something we really need. And I've come to face the fact that Kelsey will need Pull-Ups for at least the rest of this year. (Fingers crossed.) I printed off two $2 coupons for a single pack of Pull-Ups, and a Target $3 coupon for two packages of Pull-Ups. Score!
We walked into the store and Kelsey quickly pointed out she wanted the BIG cart. I'd tried to avoid using the behemoth before, but in the interest of Kelsey sticking close by me, I strapped her into the seat and put Jacey's car seat in the cart seat. It seemed a bit awkward to have Kelsey under me and Jacey so far away, and not to mention the thing barely fit through the racks of clothes. (Clothes? Wasn't I just going in for Pull-Ups?)
I grabbed the Pull-Ups, pushed the girls around the store, looking for some extra cheap good deals. ($1 for a bag of Utz Cheese Curls and $1.18 for a bag of honey roasted peanuts.) We wheeled to the register, checked out, and headed to the car. As I hauled the boxes of Pull-Ups in the trunk, I suddenly realized that I didn't receive my gift card. I browsed my receipt and saw one of the boxes was $25.99, not $19.79 like the gift card deal stated. (It wasn't my fault somebody put that box where the other was. Grrr.) So back into Target we went.
I explained the transaction to the lady at the return desk over Kelsey yelling, "Get me OUT OF HERE!" (Wait a minute, weren't you the one who wanted in it in the first place?!) We went back to the diapers, I grabbed another pack. And stupid me saw that I couldn't go through the automatic doors to get right back to the returns area, so I risked exiting the store to re-enter with an unpaid purchase. Gasp! As I entered the returns area again, I felt even dumber that she had been standing out in the open area, waiting for me.
"Of course I choose to do it the difficult way!" I had to redeem myself somehow as Kelsey was shaking the cart and Jacey was making her presence known.
A full exchange was made, and back to the car we went. But as I browsed the receipt, I noted that the coupons hadn't been deducted from this transaction. Sigh. Do I choose my sanity or saving $7? I chose the $7. I explained to Kelsey that mommy doesn't have her head screwed on straight and we had to go back into Target once again. By this time, I'm sure the lady at the register was thinking I'm a complete dunce, and Jacey was crying louder than ever. I told her about the coupons. She gave me $7 out of the register. She smiled as she heard Jacey wailing and said, "Somebody must be tired!" I was thankful for her empathy and promised her we would not be back again!
Phew.
As I've gotten older, I've found that while my photographic memory is still sharp (sometimes it can be a curse), my short term memory pretty much sucks. I make myself lists and try to stick to a single task, but even a list couldn't have prevented the Target ordeal today. As annoyed as I was at myself, I've recovered. And if anything, it provides a little blogging inspiration. Another (mis)adventure under my belt.
Today has proven me wrong. And it's only noon.
It started with remembering to send in a response card to a wedding that was due on September first. (And people who don't RSVP are a pet peeve of mine. I guess a late RSVP is better than none at all though.)
As I walked back into the house, my mind started working. "September fifth... why does that ring a bell?" I thought. Oh, because I had to send in Averey's signed 4B pledge today. (Be Prepared. Be Responsible. Be a Good Listener. Be Kind to Yourself and Others. Both the parents and student have to sign it. It has yet to even be signed. Oops.) Sure, I made her lunch last night, and even an extra PB&J for her lunch on Friday. We got her clothes ready for this morning. But I wasn't quite on the ball like I thought.
This morning, after Kelsey burned off some energy at open gym, we had to fill up my car with gas and get Pull-Ups at Target. (Oh, how I wish Kelsey stayed dry at night like she did before Jacey was born!)
Lately, I just go out and buy the small pack of Pull-Ups, which should technically last us about three weeks. Kelsey, on the other hand, makes the pack last less than two weeks. She decides once she gets one on before bedtime that she's free to pee in it... or worse. Gag me with a spoon.
This week, Target is running a special to buy two big packs of Pull-Ups and get a $10 gift card in return. I jump on these gift card deals when it's a good buy on something we really need. And I've come to face the fact that Kelsey will need Pull-Ups for at least the rest of this year. (Fingers crossed.) I printed off two $2 coupons for a single pack of Pull-Ups, and a Target $3 coupon for two packages of Pull-Ups. Score!
We walked into the store and Kelsey quickly pointed out she wanted the BIG cart. I'd tried to avoid using the behemoth before, but in the interest of Kelsey sticking close by me, I strapped her into the seat and put Jacey's car seat in the cart seat. It seemed a bit awkward to have Kelsey under me and Jacey so far away, and not to mention the thing barely fit through the racks of clothes. (Clothes? Wasn't I just going in for Pull-Ups?)
I grabbed the Pull-Ups, pushed the girls around the store, looking for some extra cheap good deals. ($1 for a bag of Utz Cheese Curls and $1.18 for a bag of honey roasted peanuts.) We wheeled to the register, checked out, and headed to the car. As I hauled the boxes of Pull-Ups in the trunk, I suddenly realized that I didn't receive my gift card. I browsed my receipt and saw one of the boxes was $25.99, not $19.79 like the gift card deal stated. (It wasn't my fault somebody put that box where the other was. Grrr.) So back into Target we went.
I explained the transaction to the lady at the return desk over Kelsey yelling, "Get me OUT OF HERE!" (Wait a minute, weren't you the one who wanted in it in the first place?!) We went back to the diapers, I grabbed another pack. And stupid me saw that I couldn't go through the automatic doors to get right back to the returns area, so I risked exiting the store to re-enter with an unpaid purchase. Gasp! As I entered the returns area again, I felt even dumber that she had been standing out in the open area, waiting for me.
"Of course I choose to do it the difficult way!" I had to redeem myself somehow as Kelsey was shaking the cart and Jacey was making her presence known.
A full exchange was made, and back to the car we went. But as I browsed the receipt, I noted that the coupons hadn't been deducted from this transaction. Sigh. Do I choose my sanity or saving $7? I chose the $7. I explained to Kelsey that mommy doesn't have her head screwed on straight and we had to go back into Target once again. By this time, I'm sure the lady at the register was thinking I'm a complete dunce, and Jacey was crying louder than ever. I told her about the coupons. She gave me $7 out of the register. She smiled as she heard Jacey wailing and said, "Somebody must be tired!" I was thankful for her empathy and promised her we would not be back again!
Phew.
As I've gotten older, I've found that while my photographic memory is still sharp (sometimes it can be a curse), my short term memory pretty much sucks. I make myself lists and try to stick to a single task, but even a list couldn't have prevented the Target ordeal today. As annoyed as I was at myself, I've recovered. And if anything, it provides a little blogging inspiration. Another (mis)adventure under my belt.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Making Muffins
I enjoy baking. I have a tremendous sweet tooth. My "For My Sweet Tooth" board on Pinterest has more pins than any other board. The three are a lethal combination. Fortunately, I have some willpower, and not often enough ingredients to whip up a goodie to satisfy a sugar fix.
In this final stretch of time before I go back to work after nearly 12 weeks of glorious maternity leave, I've been trying to squeeze in little snippets of "mommy and me" time with the girls. Now that Averey's gone back to school, I've added a few extra activities for Kelsey: open gym time, a couple mornings at Millbrook Marsh, and this afternoon, some time in the kitchen making muffins for this week's breakfasts now that they gobbled down the banana bread.
For as much as I enjoy baking and would love to have the girls be more involved in the kitchen (would it help Averey overcome her pickiness?), our kitchen is just too small. You think you have a small kitchen? Trust me, you don't. I guess Jake's gram spent a lot of time in the kitchen when she lived here. I just have to wonder why she didn't say to his grandfather, "Ira! Build me a bigger kitchen!" I know we would've appreciated that.
Anyway, since the mix came from a box, I could easily transport the minimal ingredients to the dining room table and work there. I thought that something as simple as pouring water, oil, eggs and blueberries would be great to instill a little instruction for Kelsey, and some patience for me.
Not that it worked out that way. It went a little something like this...
(My back turned to her.) "Mommy! Look at me!" Kelsey had placed the glass bowl on her head like a hat.
"Nooo Kelsey! We don't put clean bowls on our heads!" (Or any bowls for that matter. But I didn't bother washing out the bowl. Her hair had just been washed. Don't judge.)
"Mmm! This tastes yummy!" (Back turned to her once again. You think I'd learn by now.) There was a nice fingerprint indent in the dry muffin mix. "We don't eat that!" (Although I would totally scoop out a spoonful of the stuff and eat it. But whatever.)
"I crack this egg, and you crack this egg!" she exclaimed, grabbing the eggs out of the carton.
"Kelsey, put the eggs back!"
"Can I eat the blueberries?"
"No Kelsey, we need them for the muffins."
And so on and so forth. I decided by that time I'd had enough and I would scoop the muffin mix into the baking cups, because I could see her three-year-old carefree demeanor spreading the goop all over the table.
Not exactly a success, but I shouldn't expect that right now. She enjoyed her time helping, even with me raising my voice, admonishing her for every little thing. But for her, I'm guessing it's the little things, like making muffins with mommy, that matter the most.
In this final stretch of time before I go back to work after nearly 12 weeks of glorious maternity leave, I've been trying to squeeze in little snippets of "mommy and me" time with the girls. Now that Averey's gone back to school, I've added a few extra activities for Kelsey: open gym time, a couple mornings at Millbrook Marsh, and this afternoon, some time in the kitchen making muffins for this week's breakfasts now that they gobbled down the banana bread.
For as much as I enjoy baking and would love to have the girls be more involved in the kitchen (would it help Averey overcome her pickiness?), our kitchen is just too small. You think you have a small kitchen? Trust me, you don't. I guess Jake's gram spent a lot of time in the kitchen when she lived here. I just have to wonder why she didn't say to his grandfather, "Ira! Build me a bigger kitchen!" I know we would've appreciated that.
Anyway, since the mix came from a box, I could easily transport the minimal ingredients to the dining room table and work there. I thought that something as simple as pouring water, oil, eggs and blueberries would be great to instill a little instruction for Kelsey, and some patience for me.
Not that it worked out that way. It went a little something like this...
(My back turned to her.) "Mommy! Look at me!" Kelsey had placed the glass bowl on her head like a hat.
"Nooo Kelsey! We don't put clean bowls on our heads!" (Or any bowls for that matter. But I didn't bother washing out the bowl. Her hair had just been washed. Don't judge.)
"Mmm! This tastes yummy!" (Back turned to her once again. You think I'd learn by now.) There was a nice fingerprint indent in the dry muffin mix. "We don't eat that!" (Although I would totally scoop out a spoonful of the stuff and eat it. But whatever.)
"I crack this egg, and you crack this egg!" she exclaimed, grabbing the eggs out of the carton.
"Kelsey, put the eggs back!"
"Can I eat the blueberries?"
"No Kelsey, we need them for the muffins."
And so on and so forth. I decided by that time I'd had enough and I would scoop the muffin mix into the baking cups, because I could see her three-year-old carefree demeanor spreading the goop all over the table.
Not exactly a success, but I shouldn't expect that right now. She enjoyed her time helping, even with me raising my voice, admonishing her for every little thing. But for her, I'm guessing it's the little things, like making muffins with mommy, that matter the most.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Kelsey's Mystery Diagnosis--One Year Later
Kelsey is our middle child for sure--a little too adventurous for her own good, a sassy attitude, and the cuteness to get away with most of it. (At least, that's what I've heard about middle children. With Jake and I both growing up in two kid families, we don't exactly have experience with a middle sibling.) So leave it to her to end up with a medical anomaly.
For those of you not aware of this situation, and because I have a sleeping baby on my chest, I'll just add a link to the note I wrote on facebook last year about discovering her Atypical Mycobacterium lesion...
http://www.facebook.com/notes/heather-polk-gummo/kelseys-mystery-diagnosis-solved/10150293374829473
Post-surgery, she recovered quickly and much to our dismay, the anesthesia didn't even keep her tired for the rest of the day! The spot was covered for a couple days, and then we had to treat it with antibiotic ointment and a Zithromax regimen.
She's had periodic visits with the doctor that confirmed the diagnosis and performed the surgery. I think she'll continue to see him (or another ENT) for a while. There's a chance they could have to go in and scrape again, but it seems unlikely as long as it continues to heal the way it does. That includes, um, oozing, shall we say? Not that we see it ooze--it's not gross by any means. Some days she wakes up and you can see the scar exactly how it was surgically cut, and other days, it looks like there's a skin scab on top of it.
Prior to removal, Kelsey never cared if we touched it. Now, she flinches and squeals, "Don't touch it!" I'm not sure if it causes her pain, or it's just the awareness that something happened in that area on her face. If you ask her how she got it, she replies, "I ate dirt." If that keeps her dirty hands out of her mouth, then so be it! But so many kids eat dirt or play in stagnant water, and as far as we know, no other cases were reported in State College. Why and how Kelsey ended up with the infection? We'll probably never really know the answer. All that matters to us is that a diagnosis was made in the nick of time before things got ugly.
What I took away from this experience is that it is really handy to have a nurse in the family! All joking aside, I learned that it really does not hurt to have a second opinion and to ask questions. While my dad's discovery in the classroom seemed to piece the puzzles together, I had to take that bold step of making a phone call to the dentist/oral surgeon's office and giving them the information that I believed to be true of Kelsey's lump. Even though they brushed it aside, I was thankful that her pediatrician listened and got the ball rolling. Sure, he didn't figure it out the first time, but then again, it was basically a non-colored lump that was in the jawline. Those type of lesions generally appear on the neck, which added another curve.
(Funny thing: the day we were at Geisinger and Kelsey was in the OR, Jake, my mom and I ate lunch in the cafe, and Jake pointed out that the dentist who saw her was in there. The prideful side of me just wanted to say, "Ha! I was right, you were wrong! Nyah Nyah!")
Now it's already been a year since, and we have much to be thankful for since it hasn't affected her health in the least. She's our spunky silly girl, a doting big sister, and will likely keep us on our toes for years to come (and her medical paperwork file the thickest in our filing cabinet)!
For those of you not aware of this situation, and because I have a sleeping baby on my chest, I'll just add a link to the note I wrote on facebook last year about discovering her Atypical Mycobacterium lesion...
http://www.facebook.com/notes/heather-polk-gummo/kelseys-mystery-diagnosis-solved/10150293374829473
Post-surgery, she recovered quickly and much to our dismay, the anesthesia didn't even keep her tired for the rest of the day! The spot was covered for a couple days, and then we had to treat it with antibiotic ointment and a Zithromax regimen.
She's had periodic visits with the doctor that confirmed the diagnosis and performed the surgery. I think she'll continue to see him (or another ENT) for a while. There's a chance they could have to go in and scrape again, but it seems unlikely as long as it continues to heal the way it does. That includes, um, oozing, shall we say? Not that we see it ooze--it's not gross by any means. Some days she wakes up and you can see the scar exactly how it was surgically cut, and other days, it looks like there's a skin scab on top of it.
Prior to removal, Kelsey never cared if we touched it. Now, she flinches and squeals, "Don't touch it!" I'm not sure if it causes her pain, or it's just the awareness that something happened in that area on her face. If you ask her how she got it, she replies, "I ate dirt." If that keeps her dirty hands out of her mouth, then so be it! But so many kids eat dirt or play in stagnant water, and as far as we know, no other cases were reported in State College. Why and how Kelsey ended up with the infection? We'll probably never really know the answer. All that matters to us is that a diagnosis was made in the nick of time before things got ugly.
What I took away from this experience is that it is really handy to have a nurse in the family! All joking aside, I learned that it really does not hurt to have a second opinion and to ask questions. While my dad's discovery in the classroom seemed to piece the puzzles together, I had to take that bold step of making a phone call to the dentist/oral surgeon's office and giving them the information that I believed to be true of Kelsey's lump. Even though they brushed it aside, I was thankful that her pediatrician listened and got the ball rolling. Sure, he didn't figure it out the first time, but then again, it was basically a non-colored lump that was in the jawline. Those type of lesions generally appear on the neck, which added another curve.
(Funny thing: the day we were at Geisinger and Kelsey was in the OR, Jake, my mom and I ate lunch in the cafe, and Jake pointed out that the dentist who saw her was in there. The prideful side of me just wanted to say, "Ha! I was right, you were wrong! Nyah Nyah!")
Now it's already been a year since, and we have much to be thankful for since it hasn't affected her health in the least. She's our spunky silly girl, a doting big sister, and will likely keep us on our toes for years to come (and her medical paperwork file the thickest in our filing cabinet)!
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