Hermann Park Adventure

This week we joined some friends to explore Hermann Park in Houston. This giant park offers all the big city appeal, including no parking and plenty of free spirits roaming around aimlessly. I feel like I'm generally the type of person who is always aware of my surroundings, but put me inside of the city and my danger radar is on high alert. We stopped to play at one of the playgrounds and I quickly scanned every adult wondering which one was there to kidnap my children. I think I nearly crawled into the fetal position when all the kids started running in different directions as they were playing. Oddly, I don't get that same feeling of angst at any of the parks in my blissful bubble of suburbia. My devotion to crime television is likely to blame for my fear on that one. And as I always say, it's better to be paranoid than murdered. Actually, I've never said that before, but I think I'll start. 

note 1. It turns out all those adult creatures surrounding the playground were completely harmless. In reality we all had the same common goal of keeping track of our children. I even said "hi" to one and it said "hi" back. I think they could sense my unfamiliarity to this big city lifestyle. 

note 2. I would suck big time being a real resident of Houston. I would probably have to keep my kids on leashes, assuming we ever left our apartment. And yes, people residing in the city are only allowed to live in high-rise apartments. Don't argue.

note 3. Is my Idaho showing yet?

I will conclude that rambling session and continue writing about our afternoon now...

We had a wonderful time at the park. The weather was perfect. The kiddos rolled down giant grassy hills, found the best kinds of trees for climbing, visited the Japanese Garden, watched longingly as the paddle boats rowed by ---> begged to rent paddle boats ---> cried when denied, checked out some artsy fartsy statues and fountains, and played their little hearts out at the splash pad and playground. We also sat down for an exquisite picnic featuring ham and cheese sandwiches, only the finest for these kiddos. And I was so impressed that nobody ever complained about all the walking. 

I've drove in circles around Hermann Park several times before, but this was my first experience checking it out on foot. It was a really fun time! After we all wore ourselves out, we loaded up the car and returned home to the happy land of suburbia with a vehicle full of five tired kiddos. It was a calm drive home until Max announced he urgently needed to pee and unfortunately the bumper to bumper traffic made it impossible to exit in time. It was all down hill from there. Max may have earned himself the nickname Mr. Peebody, but a soiled car-seat wasn't enough to ruin our day!

BIG NEWS PEOPLE!

I wasn't going to announce this yet because I feel it might be too soon and I don't want to jinx it...but I'm so freaking excited! I can't hold it in any longer! If you think I'm going to say I'm pregnant, well keep dreamin' people! Max is nearly potty trained!!!!! 

Okay, but seriously. This is big news for us. The potty training thing was becoming quite the ordeal. I tried and tried and tried, convinced myself that my methods were failing because I don't know what it's like to have a penis, so Kirk tried and tried and tried. There wasn't any potty training approach in the book that was working. Poor Max was to the point that he haaaated getting his diaper changed because obviously it doesn't feel good getting a monster sized poop cleaned off your bum. The pee thing wasn't really a biggie, just annoying because he would always say "toilet" promptly after soiling his pants. He would have good days and bad days. It felt like he was so so so close, but after several weeks he wasn't making any real progress, just more gross accidents. I encouraged him daily & had no shame in using bribes, but he rejected everything. The only explanation could be he just wasn't ready yet. I decided to lay off the pressure and try again in a few weeks, realistically I was mentally preparing myself for 6+ more months of diaper madness. I mean geez, he is only two.

Alright, so I was no longer even mentioning the toilet to Max anymore and he wakes up on Monday suddenly asking to use the toilet. It happened once and I thought it was cool, but most likely a fluke. Then it happened again and again and again. FOUR times he asked to use the toilet. He would be running around the house like a mad man then stop dead in his tracks, grab his unit, and look me right in the eye every time with the most surprised look on his face. It was hilarious. He pooped too. He was content sitting on the toilet for nearly half an hour. Like father like son... Lol. 

I am so excited because it means he is finally recognizing the sensation & maybe, just maybe, the end of diapers is near. He woke up on Tuesday asking to use the toilet all over again. I guess all we needed was for it to be his own idea, of course. How could I forget that simple two year old logic? 

Anyway, he really must be feeling like a big kid because he's also wanted to sleep in the guest bedroom three nights in row. It's a "big boy bed" compared to his crib transformed toddler bed. I think I see more changes in our future...including a Max bedroom renovation! I saw these really awesome comic book sheets at Pottery Barn! Oh man... I think I'm getting ahead of myself. Someone warn Kirk!  

Spring, Where Are You?

I am so unimpressed with this cold weather that's been lingering around in Texas. I keep find myself complaining to Kirk that I don't think it got this cold the first year we moved here. He claims my body has likely adapt to the change in climate. I guess that's possible. I honestly don't think I would ever take my kids out of the house during the winter if we still lived in Idaho. It's hard enough now getting them all bundled up and secured in their car seats with all that extra gear, not to mention they find it amusing to remove their socks and shoes in the car. Ugh! So annoying! Haha. Although 40 degrees still isn't cold enough for snow, it sure feels like it. Perhaps it's the humidity that is giving it that extra brrr factor. 

I'll admit it. I'm a wimp now. There was once a time I thought 40 degrees was a heat wave, now when the temperature falls anywhere below 50 feel like I'm going to get frost bite. The struggle is the real deal. As a result of not getting to play outside, we've been doing a lot of this....

We are still avid Frozen fans in this house. However, I am trying to expand our Disney movie exposure. Mostly for my own sanity. Kids these days just don't appreciate the classics though! There have been several moments of me getting completely absorbed in some movie from my childhood, while the kids lose interest and start making messes elsewhere. Then I'm quickly brought back to reality when Lyla approaches with a guilty look on her face and says, "I'm really sorry, Mommy." 

'

My nap experiment I mentioned a couple weeks ago has concluded and Lyla's requirement to take a nap is being determined on a day to day basis. It all depends on her overall mood of the day. I think she is slowly transitioning out of naps completely, but she isn't quite there yet. The days she doesn't nap have allowed us to spend some quality time together in the afternoon, while little brother is snoozing away. Some of our activities include making play dough, baking muffins, doing hair & make up, and playing dress up. This is stuff that Max usually likes to be involved in as well, but it's much easier with only one child. More fun too...sorry, Max. He can be a destructive little feller. 

With all this time indoors, Max experienced a big victory this week. He used the big boy potty for this first time! It honestly was not my doing whatsoever and all the credit goes to Lyla. It isn't unusual for Max to strip down to bare booty or remove his own soiled diaper. It's his new(ish) thing. I continue to encourage him to use the potty, but he pretty much just looks at me like I'm crazy anytime I suggest he do so. Well, his bare little bum was running around one morning, when suddenly Lyla instructed him to sit on the potty. He obeyed her command. She then explained the steps to him in her cute little Lyla voice. I could tell she was growing impatient, as she bolted for the kitchen and came back with a sippy cup for Max. She continued to tell Max he needed to drink water so he could go potty. Once again, he obeyed her command. This was all very amusing to me. I pretty much just sat back and observed the whole process. Max ended up GOING POTTY and it was a celebration had by all. It did feel a little strange giving him praise since he did only manage to get out about a teaspoon of urine, but he was clearly trying to impress Lyla. And that is freaking adorable!

Hello, February

Life is feeling normal again. It really is a constant roller coaster. I know I already mentioned it, but the holidays really wiped me out this year. I am finding some much needed peace in the mundanity of everyday life. I occasionally have to remind my adventurous spirit that my two little toddlers are creatures of habit and our family runs smoother when we follow a routine. 

The gray and gloomy skies took a break last week and we were finally able to spend some time outside. I love taking the kids to the park to burn off some energy because 1. they love it. 2. my house stays cleaner. 3. everyone sleeps much better after a couple hours of fresh air. A regular dose of sunshine seems to help stabilize my sanity, as well. Max climbed up the rock wall at the park, a skill Lyla only mastered this past summer. He is also jumping with both feet off the ground. His physical advancements ease my mind when I worry about his vocabulary not progressing as quickly as Lyla's has. I guess what's the point in talking when you have a big sister to do all the talking for you. 

I have decided to conduct an experiment this week in regards to Lyla taking naps.  It may seem odd that I would willingly retire nap time --- especially since she was still taking awesome naps, leaving me with a pretty easy going afternoon. The issue is bedtime rolls around and she takes nearly two hours to fall asleep. So. After a little brainstorming, I have allowed Lyla to ditch her nap. As much as I love my free time during the afternoon, I actually enjoy my alone time with Lyla just as much. That is, as long as she is in a good mood. In exchange for no nap, she is having a quiet-rest time followed by a three year old activity. [three year old activity: any activity that is typically ruined by little brothers.] Lyla is very appreciative of this new schedule and gets a smug little look on her face every time I take Max away for his nap. And, even more importantly, she is falling asleep within 15 minutes at night and sleeping soundly until morning. That means no creeping into our bed in the middle of the night. I am still declaring this an experimental phase of no naps, but it's working out really well so far. If she reverts back to being all psychotic and delirious in the late afternoon we will return to the land of naps. If you're a sleep snob, well listen up --- she is getting the same amount of sleep either way, it's just distributed differently.  

What else is new around here. Max is trying to do some growing up of his own too. He has decided he no longer requires a high chair during mealtimes. He sees Lyla sit at the table like a big kid and has decided he is entitled to the same. I really wasn't ready for him to make this transition because he doesn't like to stay put at the dinner table. He stands. Sits. Stands. Jumps. Gets down. Pets the dog. Gets back up. Drops food. Picks it up. Dances. --- all with his cheeks stuffed full. His middle name really should be danger. At least in the high chair he was contained, but his back-arching ways in protest to the high chair have prevailed in this disagreement. I always thought, as a parent, I would control every situation for my children. The truth is parents pick their battles, very carefully. The high chair isn't a battle worth fighting for me. It should only take a couple weeks for him to either start imitating Lyla by acting like a civilized child or crack his head open. 

Max is the proud new owner of big boy undies. big boy pants? Hm. Anyway, I wouldn't say we are officially potty training quite yet. I just want to familiarize him with the process and allow him to get comfortable with the idea of using the toilet. He already idolizes his big sister, so the opportunity to wear underwear was definitely exciting. He is eager to sit on the toilet as well, but his attitude changes as soon as his cheeks hit the seat. It's totally fine at this stage. My hope is that by the time he turns two in May, he will be more interested in making the switch. Toddlers seem to cooperate better when they think something is their own idea. I am SO looking forward to life without diapers!!!! I never thought that day would come, but I think the finish line is finally within reach.

New Month

January was a challenging month---parenting wise.

We made a lot of changes & the babies made some big strides.

Time felt like it was going by incredibly sloooow, but what do you know, it's already February!

Lyla turned two! That's a big deal.
Her new outbursts aren't as shocking when they occur.

I know she isn't being malicious or trying to be defiant. 

She is just being two & figuring out what this big world is all about.

Plus, generally she really is a good listener. 

She has a gentle, sweet spirit & is such a wonderful sister.

She ditched the nighttime bottle. That's got to be tough.

And dare I even say it, she is potty trained. Undies all day long.

No diaper at night & she has even used the potty in public. 

Public restrooms generally give me the creeps & I try to avoid them all together.

But I've learned there are two types of people who can't exactly 'wait' like the rest of us...

1. pregnant people. 2. toddler people. 

I find myself saying "ew don't touch that" at least 20 times each visit.

My other favorite is, "for the love of god, do not crawl under the stall." 

That was fun. I was basically defenseless, as I was mid-pee myself.

We are still struggling with pooping process. Different sensation I suppose.

I'm not worried about it. I'm impressed by her progress already. She's a smartie.

Anyways...different topic.

As you know, Max started crawling. 

He is definitely cruising from room to room now.

He advanced from the unsteady turtle-like pace in a matter of days.

And with that, he has started pulling himself up on furniture and/or human legs.

This has resulted in a lot more injury to that noggin of his.

Which reminds me of another 'mother of the year award' moment.

The other morning he crawled right off the bed. 

I don't know if I should tell the truth or lie: which sounds worse?

[did I fall asleep or was I awake & not paying attention..]

The truth is I dozed off after Kirk got into the shower and suddenly I heard a thud. 

He was perfectly fine. However, in my half-asleep haze I initially

 thought his nose was pressed flat against his face. 

Oh Max. I have a feeling that won't be the last time you make my heart sink.

I remember Lyla being such a cautious baby compared to Max.

Whether it be stairs or the edge of my bed, she would always  stare off the edge from

 a distance, as if she knew it wouldn't be wise to inch any closer.

Oh well. Max is a boy. Boys get bruises.

I suppose I'm not really the over-protective type parent.

For the most part, I let him explore and figure out that 

balance & coordination stuff without restriction.

The one exception to that statement is bath time. 

Suddenly, Max has transformed to Evil Knievel in the water.

This includes trying to pull himself up on slippery items and 

submerging his face underwater mid-crawl.

He thinks this behavior is hilarious until he starts coughing

 up the gallon of water he swallowed.

It's a delightful experience.

 He is limited to one inch of water until further notice.

Further, Kirk & I have surrendered to the persistent sleeping issues. 

We don't want everyone in the house to suffer from sleep deprivation and 

after many battles, we've accepted that we are the house of never ending newborn syndrome.

It is what it is & it won't last forever. 

Max seemed to be sleeping better after a weekend of sleep training boot camp.

Then his two top teeth emerged and with that, he went back to his old ways.

Lyla seems to be falling asleep easier, but continues to wake up

 in a state of panic at least once per night.

By morning, both babies end up in our bed.  

It's hilarious cause I always said I would never allow that. 

I do admit, I love the cuddles & watching their peaceful faces as they sleep is a beautiful thing.

Although, one thing that would make this family bonding time more enjoyable is a bigger bed.

I'm considering starting a charity. Obviously it's for a good cause. 

Life continues to move at lightning speed & I'm excited for what's in store this month!

Announcement

Today is a glorious day! This is why:

There has been a lot of talk around here about using the potty over the

past few months and I think we really got Lyla acquainted with the idea.

We've been reading potty books, watching shows about using the potty,

she has her own underwear, and likes to pretend to use the potty all the time.

Not to mention she rips off her own diaper whenever she pleases. 

Clearly she understands the concept.

So now it's my turn to put in the work.
The pressure is on.

As always, I've done my research and while
I don't think any particular method will work like magic,
I'm going to take bits and pieces of what I like and put it to use.
Obviously I would love for her to be potty trained over night,
but I don't really think that's realistic either.

This morning after removing her diaper, I did not replace it with a fresh one.
I declared today as 'bare bum Monday" and explained to Lyla
that she was to use the toilet for the rest of the day.

And then the repeated question began...
"Lyla do you need to use the potty?"
She was getting annoyed of me very quickly!

Her first accident occurred while we were getting ready in my bathroom.
I didn't get mad at her, but told her I was very sad she didn't use the toilet
and she seemed equally disappointed in herself, with her head hanging low.

Later, she was standing on the rug in the living room (carpet, eek!)
and I noticed her legs crossed tightly and a small drip running down her leg.
I shrieked and rushed her to the toilet as quickly as possible.
At this point, she was crying and pissed off from all the commotion.

Buuut, as soon as I put her on the toilet her bladder continued to
relieve itself and once she realized it a huge smile swept across her face.
I was screaming for joy because I can't even count how many
times I've placed her up there only for "potty time" to turn into a game
of countless flushing and unrolling of the toilet paper!

I gave her an m&m for her good deed.
yeah yeah...don't reward children like they are pets.
But I don't care. I'm super proud of her.
She deserved a special treat!

That was how our morning went.
We will see if maybe a #2 can happen this afternoon.
Going potty for the first time is a big accomplishment,
and now that she's actually done it, we are not turning back!

Changing two butts is getting old.
Stay tuned for Lyla's progress!