Stagnant Water & Civilizing Caveman

There hasn't been anything blog worthy over the past week or so, but I promise some exciting material is on its way with our upcoming adventures over the next several weeks. July has consisted of a lot of swimming, enjoying summer, and spending time with family and friends. We haven't been making it to the park to play as often, it's fifteen minutes at best before we are all melting. I think I only mention this because I miss our park time and it makes me feel like we are lacking in the active play department, but swimming is good too. Anything to burn off some energy and get these kiddos begging for their beds when night falls. Just kidding. That never happens. The sun does do its job at wearing them out though. Thanks for that, sun. 

Max has decided to be an exceptionally early riser lately. I'm exaggerating. It's actually only been about a half hour earlier than normal, but 30 minutes seems like a long time when I'm in the midst of my slumber. What happened to all of us waking at the same time? I've tried to let my ears do the work while my eyes rest a little longer, but that always turns into a parenting fail. That's when bad things happen --- like when Max approached my side of the bed with an entire can of hair paste in his hair. That was lovely. My ears really let me down on that one. 

I didn't even know Max escaped this morning when he approached my side of the bed holding an unopened ice cold popsicle. I was at least coherent enough to tell him no, but he quickly returned with a frozen yogurt stick instead. I giggled at his cleverness and agreed to let him open that one. I've learned it's best to peel my eyelids off my eyeballs when Max refuses to stay in bed. We snuggled on the couch while big sister slept in a little longer. I wish she could convince Max to operate on that same schedule. Oh well. This life really isn't that rough. 

Max is at his most pleasant self first thing in the morning anyway, so I'm trying to enjoy that time we have together. He's really been giving me a run for my money the rest of the day. He is incredibly naughty. I keep wondering/hoping if he has peeked his naughty point yet, but he continues to astonish me with his mischievous ways. I honestly feel like I'm speaking to a bag of bricks when I ask him to do something. He no longer responds to me and laughs at any glimpse of authority. He literally laughs at everything. He throws food at the dinner table --- laughing. He goes wild in the playroom, throwing toys everywhere. It finally comes to a halt after he tries to pick up the couch and fails. ---- all while laughing. He pulls Lyla's hair --- more laughing. He sneaks out of his bedroom long after bedtime has concluded ---- oh man, this is hysterical. He even laughs in timeout. Nothing phases him. It makes it difficult to discipline because both me and Kirk are constantly covering our faces or hiding behind walls to cover our own laughter. Trying to speak to him with a straight face is nearly impossible. 

There is a dash of anger mixed in with Maxwell's amusement in being disobedient. If he is angry he will fold his arms really tight and pout his lip out. And if he is super pissed he pulls out the high pitched scream. It's all so hilarious to me. Oh, except the screaming. That's been known to blow a fuse. Anyway, it's all very silly because I remember feeling so much more emotional during Lyla's stage of two-berty. I would replay every breakdown and feel like I was failing her. It's sorta funny to think about it now, especially since she has mostly grown out of that irrational behavior. It could be because she is the first child and I dwell on everything when it first happens or perhaps it's just the female energy that creates a more tension. And the fact that she never laughed about being naughty, she took the dramatic route and sobbed about everything. 

On the bright side, Lyla has been enjoying little brother's naughty streak. Max will be doing his thing and this phrase never fails to come from her mouth, "I'm being good, right mom?" We also had to have a little talk about her not being allowed to put Max in timeout. I admire her for taking action, but she is such a dork. I keep thinking about how much I would enjoy a little Max break --- but now that I think of it, Lyla would probably enjoy that just as much. I think I will be arranging some girl time soon. 

They are two very different human beings and I love them both so very dearly. Enjoy the photos!

Johnson Child Labor Laws

Toddlers doing chores. It is adorable and funny, but mostly for their own entertainment and far from being helpful. It's still good practice. I remember when Lyla was 18 months old and mimicked me as I cleaned our glass table. She was so proud about it too. It's interesting how a simple task like cleaning a table would never be described as cute on an adult, but if a a one year old is performing the task it is the most incredible thing ever. I think that's most of parenting actually, praising our children for functioning like a civilized human being. It all starts from the beginning --- we praise them for clapping, crawling, walking, pooping, using a spoon, and eventually wiping a table with a paper towel. We are all love struck idiots.

Well. Now Lyla is three. Basically three and a half. And she keeps talking about turning four. It needs to stop. However, with all this growing up business, she is well aware that our house doesn't become clean by way of magic. She's been pitching in at home with daily tasks and it's actually been time saving for me. I've been pleasantly surprised. She switches loads of laundry, helps unload the dishwasher, arranges my couch pillows, gets Max dressed from head to toe, and she can almost make her bed all by herself. She also likes to clean toilets, vacuum, and mop the floors --- but those chores still require a lot of supervision and are less than helpful to me at this point. 

With her being so eager to help out all the time, Kirk and I talked about sneaking in an early lesson about earning money as well. I never realized how many harsh opinions were out there about rewarding children with money until I turned to my good friend, Google. Yikes! Apparently we should also be taxing at 30% and requiring a 10% donation to charity. Good grief. It's all good and fine if any parent chooses to do this, but there's no way we're getting that intense in preparing our three year old for the real world. And while I don't really see the point in rewarding kids for picking up after themselves, I do think it's beneficial for them to earn money for some of the other stuff. As long as the money earning chore is age appropriate, then I think we will be just fine. I wouldn't reward money to Lyla for putting her own Barbies away, just as I wouldn't pay her for taking out the garbage when she is a teenager --- at least I hope I would never become that desperate! I'm not doubting any parenting curveballs anymore. Lol.

Lyla has earned $9.00 over the past few weeks and has become very protective over her wallet. If she were wiser, she would talk to her parents about a consistent wage rate. At this point, she will earn a dollar one week and a quarter the next for the same task. It always just depends on the situation and/or how much cash either of us has on hand. I'm sure as time goes on we will develop a more consistent system, especially once Max comprehends the value of a dollar. He remains Lyla's constant shadow when it comes to chores, but the earning money concept is still way over his head.

Lyla's materialistic desires are centered around Barbies, so we stopped in at ToysRus to get an idea of what kind of Barbie she wants to save for. Lyla picked out the babysitter barbie set with a price tag of $49.99. She is clearly my daughter with that champagne taste and beer budget. I was hoping she would pick something more in the $20.00 price range so she could pick up on this money-saving-lesson a little sooner, but maybe this will turn into a lesson in self-discipline instead. I will encourage her to hold out for what she really wants, but if she is anything like me, patience will not come easily. Regardless, I really enjoy this new little game we've started. Her concept of personal responsibility is expanding and her wheels are turning. That's all that matters to me.

Disclaimer: I don't want to paint a picture that Lyla is an obedient little angel or anything. She's a sweetie pie, but she is also reluctant to pick up her toys just as often as she is willing. In that case, I typically threaten to clean them up on my own by throwing them in the garbage. It's terribly mean, but works like a charm every time. I did have to follow through with that threat once when it came to play dough. And I'm still happy about it because I despise that stuff. 

Oh, and she was not pleased when she learned the purpose of our ToysRus trip was for browsing only. I guess she thought I was joking when I warned her beforehand? As you can imagine, she was devastated when she had to return Barbie to the shelf.

Barbie will be waiting, Lyla girl. Only $41.00 left to go. [mom will cover the tax when you are three.]

Idea for Idiots

I read an article somewhere at some point, probably on something stupid like Pinterest or another parenting blog. It suggested to hang portraits at a child's eye level so they can enjoy the artwork and overall decor of their bedroom. What toddler doesn't love an aesthetically pleasing bedroom!? For some reason, I thought this was a brilliant idea. It must be all that pressure to fulfill every single nonexistent desire for my kids. 

Anyway, Max received some superhero canvas wall hangings for Christmas. Kirk must have thought my plan was pretty clever as well, since he hung up all four canvas pieces without his usual skepticism of my ideas. I will acknowledge that the low hanging art theory did attract Max's attention, Lyla too actually. They both like to match up the action figures with the appropriate superhero on the wall....and then rip them down when they finish! Those poor canvases didn't even last an hour on that wall. I have hung them back up repeatedly, yet I continue to find them stacked on the floor. So, unless you plan on using a super heavy duty glue to attach a portrait at eye level for a child...this is probably the WORST idea anyone has ever had. 

The end. 

Side note: Max's new thing is wanting to layer his t-shirts. He is wearing a total of three in these photos. I think it's the early stages of wanting to dress himself. It actually works out pretty great cause he still drools an absurd amount, so now I can just take off a shirt and bam! He's fresh again.

How Old Are You?

Today I was talking to Lyla about being three. 

Then it turned into a game. 

She would hold up every finger, 

saving three for the very last. 

She thought it was hilarious. 

Max joined in too. 

Also, Lyla invented a new lunch idea. It's a peanut butter quesadilla. I'm pretty sure this creation already exists, but we've never made it and I can't believe I've never thought of it before. It is delicious! 

Mom Moment

You will never have this day with your children again.

Tomorrow, they will be a little older then they were today.
This day is a gift, breathe and notice, smell and touch them;
study their face and little feet and pay attention.
Relish the charms of the present.
Enjoy today Momma, it will be over before you know it!

                           -Jen Hatmaker

As I read this quote tonight, it became clear to me that I am constantly trying to create adventure for these babies, make lasting memories, and hurry their growth along because well, that is what any good mother would do. If I'm not planning out every minute of our day, I often find myself fighting with a two year old, which is always a foolish and strenuous battle. I'm learning to choose those battles more wisely.

My role as a stay at home mom is so much more challenging than I ever imagined. There are definitely some days that sitting at a desk for eight hours sounds like a vacation. I am grateful for the opportunity to stay home and enjoy these years with my babies, but I have to remind myself every day to just sit back and observe. It would be such a shame to miss the little happenings that are taking place right under my nose, as I'm too busy trying to figure out when and where the next memory should be made. 

I try to find those small things and enjoy them, to listen to the quiet moments and relish in them, and to watch memories write themselves on the pages of our books. The simple moments are big moments for Lyla and Max. Sometimes catching a glimpse of something small but significant is so much more valuable than the planned activity, that too often gets rushed through anyhow. 

It is true, it will be over before I know it.

Two Babies. Too Fast.

I caught Maxwell in a familiar looking situation today.

The photo of Lyla reading was taken when she was about fifteen months, right after we moved into our house. Max will be fifteen months by the end of this week. 

It seriously feels like I took that picture of Lyla just yesterday.

Time is cruel. Please slow down.

 

We've been home from Idaho for a total of six days now and life is feeling normal again. The tedious circulation of groceries and laundry is back on track. We squeezed in a couple play dates with friends this week. And Lyla got to go on a special date with her most favorite cousin, Hali.

To my surprise, it's been easier to get Max back on his regular napping schedule than Lyla. In fact, Max is napping like a champion since our return. It could just be the boob withdrawals though, who knows.  

Lyla, on the other hand, is taking a bit longer to adjust. She protests sleep all together, which turns her into a ticking time bomb. She can go from a joyful smile to intense crying in a matter of seconds. She definitely makes the situation more dramatic than necessary, but that's pretty typical from my miss sassy pants. I just keep repeating.... "it's not easy being two....it's not easy being two...."

I Can Hear Texas

This is just a little story about Lyla that I never want to forget:

While we were in Idaho we experienced several thunderstorms. It seemed unusual for this time of year, then again it is Idaho. Idaho is famous for  bipolar weather. Anyway, one night it was getting pretty late. After many attempts, it was obvious that Lyla was not falling asleep anytime soon. I took her to my grandma's back porch and she sat on my lap as we listened to the rain. We were sitting in silence when suddenly she says, "Mommy, I can hear Texas, but I can't see Texas." I squeezed her tight and simply smiled. I love that she correlates Texas with the rain and it was a pleasant reminder of how different a two year old perceives nature, the world, and life in general. 

I hope she never loses that magical sense of wonder.
[is that a song? i think that is a song. i need a life.]

I love you, my baby Lyla. 

Back to Texas. Back to Normal.

We are back. I am so happy to be home. Idaho will always have a permanent home in my heart, but my happy place is in Texas with Kirk, Lyla, & Max. The babies had a lot of fun times in Idaho and bonded with so many relatives. However, we have only been home for a few days and both of them already seem just better. Before our flight I explained to Lyla that we were going back home. Her response was, "what kind of home?" It made me laugh. 

She had no trouble remembering "what kind of home" as soon as we arrived. We have spent most of our time so far getting reacquainted with our house. After spending a month in Idaho, there is currently zero routine. Which I hate. I don't know what time is nap time. The bed time routine seems so foreign. I am working on reintroducing Lyla to a hairbrush. At least we are cooking meals at home again. The amount of french fries we consumed in Idaho was getting to be just shameful. I know we will get back to normal very soon. It's actually nice start over with a clean slate. 

I left the boobs on the airplane, meaning Max is having to get used to a very new normal. My goal with both my babies was to breastfeed for at least twelve months and longer until one of us no longer enjoyed it. As I've mentioned before, it was really challenging when Lyla was a baby and we only worked out for a few months. Max and I have been more successful and it's been a wonderful experience for both of us. I truly love being his source of comfort. Unfortunately, he is becoming a very aggressive eater and I no longer enjoy nursing him. I feel like a mobile drinking fountain and/or  chew toy. It makes me feel mad at him and I don't want to feel angry with a one year old. That is just silly. It's time for me to reclaim my body. I'm doing my best to hide temptation by wearing  loose shirts, and so far he seems to be adjusting well. 

I am so proud of both of them for how well they adjusted in Idaho. I was worried after how overwhelmed they were during our Christmas trip. Max changed and grew substantially while we were there. I feel like I left with a baby and returned with a toddler. He communicates a lot more now and is beginning to say words. Lyla seems different after being there too. She is funnier and even more clever than before. During our visit, she practiced her Frozen performance for anyone who would watch. She spent quality time with all of her grandparents and even got to participate in a few of my old kid traditions. aka: driving on grandpa's lap. "ha-ha kids!"

A Fresh Week

We had an extra fun weekend and so far, I'm feeling good about the week.
I'm slowly regaining my control and at the very least, I'm not 
wanting to crawl under my covers and scream.

There is still this new unfamiliar toddler person living inside Lyla.

I'm getting to know that person and working on figuring out works best to tame that fiery rage.

But for the most part her sassy level is back to a cute and tolerable level

 rather than the scary and irrational one like last week.

She has made some big strides with potty training this week.
I will leave out graphic details just in case her future boyfriend finds this blog in 16 years.
We are moving at a gradual pace, but moving along nonetheless.

The newest problem around here has been bedtime.

Lyla has never given us any grief at bedtime. She has always made it so easy & simple.

Staying asleep for her is a whole different story---but the initial 

bedtime phase has always been a breeze.

Until now, that is. 

We are many moons late on this one, but the time has come to say goodbye to the bottle.

As a result, she has replaced that source of comfort by having mommy or daddy 

lay next to her in bed until she is sound asleep. Leaving the room is not an option.

A handful of books and forty minutes later, we attempt to sneak out of the room as
she shoots up in a sleepy blur  and shouts "no mommy, lay down." 

It usually takes 2-3 attempts before a successful exit is achieved. 

The only problem I have with this new time consuming 
bedtime routine is that it cuts into my hang time with Kirk. 

The other problem is she insists on this nonsense at nap time now too.

This would be a completely enjoyable part of my day if she were an only child. 

But she isn't. Max is here too and if I didn't have other people in the house

to help me out right now I literally have no idea what I would do. 

On the flip side, Max has relaxed compared to last week as well.
I think I may have been right about our return from Idaho sending everyone on the fritz.
It would only make sense that it would take longer for the little's to readjust.

I nearly have Max's nap schedule back on track.

They remain shorter than I would prefer, but we are taking it one step at a time.

Secretly, I often reminisce about the three hour long siestas of the past
 and I am keeping my fingers crossed they find their way back to us.

Mobile-Max is on the way! He is so so so close to crawling.

His hand coordination isn't quite there yet and face plants multiple times a day.

One "step" closer to keeping up with his sister Lyla. 

Well. A little ranting. A little update. I think that's all for now.
These changes are challenging but there is no place else I'd rather be. 

At the end of the day, I hope my babies know I love them

 more than anything in existence. 

Lyla: 21 Months

My big baby is officially 21 months old.
[pretty sure she thinks she is much much older]

These milestones are becoming a little less brag worthy.

Don't get me wrong, she is still the most amazing human to be created, ever.

 But I think I'll most likely stop doing these brag lists after 2 years.

The skills & life experience of a 21 month old:

1. She will take off her dad's shoes and put them away 

in the closet when he gets home from work.

She insists on arranging them in a very precise way

 and I will take full blame for that ocd behavior.

2. She can put her own shoes on all by herself.

Sometimes on the wrong foot, but that's okay.

3. She is in this new "helping" stage.

If I'm doing laundry, she has to push the button.

If I'm loading the dishwasher, she has to load something.

If I'm windex-ing the table, she must have her own paper towel.

And if I start pretty much any task without her, she runs towards

 me out of nowhere yelling "help! help! help!"

4.This goes along with #3,

 but she always wants to "pay" when we're at the store.

She will snatch my debit card out of my hand,

while simultaneously pushing buttons on the keypad. 

It was a little obnoxious at first, but now I've learned to use

 the moment to actually teach her which buttons to press.

I just need to teach her how to drive and 

I'll be sending her on solo grocery trips in no time!

5. She is a very good singer. 

Sings in the car. Sings along with her TV shows.

Sings in the shower. Sings to her baby.

And I love when I can hear her singing first thing 

in the morning on the baby monitor.

6. She will repeat any word or name she hears as best she can.

This includes swear words. Sooo, I'm trying to say "shit" less often.

7. She's been doing this for awhile, but she knows most

animals and their corresponding noises.
"quack quack" is my personal favorite. 

8. Like most female humans, she loves shopping.

Every time we go to a store she grabs

items from the shelf while saying "cuuuute!"

We leave a trail everywhere we go and

I'm positive retail employees hate us. 

9. It took a lot of courage, but she will go

down playground slides all by herself now. 

Some of the big slides are still too intimidating,

 but I'm impressed by how brave she has become.

10. She yells "mommy" while walking through the house looking for me.

I've been her mom since day one, duh. 

But hearing her little voice say mommy makes me feel like I'm the real deal.

I really love it a lot and I think it's just one of those little things I've been

 waiting for ever since I even imagined myself becoming a mom.

I love you Lyla! 
Looking at your baby pictures makes me a sad momma.

Thanks for being my helper. My mess maker. My best friend.

You are the perfect combination of sweet & sassy and 

you make my heart feel so very full. 

Don't grow up. Please.

But Please do let me take your picture more often.

This is what has been happening recently....

Lyla say cheese:

I Wear What I Want

Some days I run out of ideas of stuff we can do at home. 

Actually, it pretty much happens every day around 4 p.m. 

It's kind of like that feeling when you're at work and you just want the day to be over.
You can't stop staring at the clock because you are ready to go home.

I'm already home, of course. 

But by later afternoon I start feeling a little bored and/or insane. 

And at that time, it seems we just migrate from room to room making messes. 

I'm usually too exhausted by that point to prevent messes or even care. 

The following pictures are an example of what I'm talking about.

Lyla decided to have a fashion show and try on everything in her closet.

It's really entertaining watching her try to put clothes on. 

She's almost got it and that's what makes it so funny.

First, no matter what we are doing she always makes sure Max is set up.

Blanket, check. Pacifier, check. Animals, check.

Fading to Fall

As I mentioned in an earlier post, 

I don't feel that we experienced very much of summer this year. 

As such, I didn't really think I would notice a change as we emerge into fall. 

It certainly doesn't feel like fall. I am so eager to wear sweaters & boots,
 but then I step outside and realize I'm still living in a sauna. 
I suppose it is cooling off at night, finally. 

Anyway, back on track. 
Although the trees aren't changing colors, I do feel a change. 

Perhaps it's just the 'back to school' season all around. 

We aren't in school, of course. 

But I guess it feels like we have established a fall routine for ourselves. 

Gymnastics started back up for Lyla and we are going to story time at the library again. 

And as soon as I get my hands on a double stroller, I'm joining a baby boot camp group. 

It looks super nerdy!

Some additional updates include:

Lyla is blurting out new words every day. Not kidding. 

Her latest words include okay, yes, and sorry.

Very simple words, yes. But it's allowing us to have real conversations and it's quite cute.
For awhile the only response we could get was "NO" for anything and everything.

For example, if we ask her to do something [or not to do something]

she says, "okay" in the sweetest little voice I've ever heard.

If she falls down or bonks her head now she says, "I'm okay." 

Also in the sweetest little voice. I'll never get sick of hearing it.

She says "work" when I ask where dad is. 
She says "dinner" when she is hungry. 

We are still working on please & thank you. 

Sometimes she will say please, only if I beg though.

And my sweet little Max. He is ticklish all over. 

It's adorable. I don't remember Lyla being ticklish this young.

Also, I swear he looks different every day. 
His toes are hitting the bottom of the bassinet when he sleeps, 

which makes me think it's time to transition him to the crib. [attempt #2]

I'm really dreading it though. I think mostly because I'm feeling lazy.

Lyla was moved to her own room by Max's age, but her room was right across the hall.
His room is all the way upstairs and I don't want to run up there every time he wakes up. 

It's so convenient right now to just bring him in bed with me, 

let him find the boob, and drift back to dream land.

I know the longer I wait the harder it will be. 

Apparently he is at the prime age for a little "sleep training." 

At least that is what all the books, websites, and parenting crap I read says. 

I really suck at letting them cry or "self soothe" or fuss it out. 

Whatever it is, it gives me anxiety. It's true. 

I'm still wondering where I went wrong with Lyla. 

The girl who still wakes up occasionally screaming bloody murder.
 Poor girl. Why can't I just make babies who love to sleep? 

I'm suddenly seeing flashbacks from various articles claiming it's the parents
job to teach babies healthy sleep habits. and it's best to allow them to learn.
blah blah blah. People really have baby training down to a science.
My method is to snuggle them as long as possible.

Everybody has sleep issues though it seems. 

I get frustrated about it, then I think about a kid who throws a fit every night

 at the idea of going to sleep and/or wakes up at 5 a.m. ready to get the party started. 

Yeah, I don't think I want to trade my problems for any of that.

One thing I know for sure is everything with babies is a stage. 
Don't get used to one thing, cause it will change again.
Sooner than I think Max is going to be Lyla. [walking, talking, etc.]

I think we have officially closed the baby book with Lyla and opened the toddler section.
Which means a whole new world I know nothing about...disciplining. 
It's weird and makes me feel bad sometimes.
She isn't a bad kid. She actually listens pretty well. 
Just teaching her manners and right from wrong, that sort of thing.

It's made me realize how judgy I used to be of other parents. [before I became a parent]

Always thinking, "I will never let my kid do that..." 
Often rolling my eyes at obnoxious children in restaurants, etc. 

And imagining myself as such a better parent than other people. [even my own friends] 

But guess what. My ego quickly learned to calmed the *beep* down.
 I'm not the perfect parent I always thought I would be, 

but I'm trying to do better and be better every day.

 And I think most people are doing the best they can too. 

That's all anyone can ask for.

I apologize to all the people I judged for being so judgy.

I never knew how challenging being a parent would be.

Now the only person I'm judging is myself!