PS Mommy thread with toddlers 12-36 months

[lili]

MrsS--
Hope the report comes back good for your sister.
How is Jake doing?
I'm hoping he's not weaning himself of the afternoon nap.

Jas12--
Love the convo between Co and Charlie.
So cute. It's amazing how much more they are talking in matters of weeks.
I still carry J to and from the car.
It is just much safer to have her in tote in the parking lot.
We have just far too many crazy and lousy drivers in the states.

Tacori-
Love the videos.
Love the purse.
Love T's eyes. I like how they are speckled w/ the brown.
Hehe, I guess they do pick up some good habits from daycare.
J sing that 'clean up' song too when she picks up her toys (but of course she later throw them down in another place).
I'm surprise that they didn't require PT for your daycare.
Most places here do.

Puffy--
Come find us in FB.
You are missing out on some cute pictures and videos of the kiddies.
And of course, we want to see your B and N in actions (well..not much action from N yet

Snlee--
Sounds like D is doing great.
He's an early talker too huh?
And I bet that he'll be running in no time.
He sure looks like he's pretty steady on his feet.

jas--
Like Tgal said.....write, write, write girl.
In the meantime, enjoy your v. monologue and choregraphing.
Good luck w/ the move.

Burk--
Nice work from your DH too.
Sorry to hear that T is doing what 2 yr old do best
Hope she gives you a break soon.
Wow, can't believe you are 35 wks already.....hmmm maternity photo shoot coming up soon huh?
Can't wait to see them.

--------
Hope everyone is having a good start for the new year!

 

[lili]

Date: 1/8/2010 5:29:49 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/8/2010 5:25:42 PM

Author: lili
TGal--
You raised A like my sister raised her girls.
I admit that I'm far too lenient w/ J and it is exhausting when we go out to eat

Ha, well, tell me where you guys go out to eat and I'll make sure I'm not there.
Kidding.

Good thing J's so derned cute!

ha, i will....wouldn't want to be in the same restaurant as you else A will make J look like a wild child

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/8/2010 5:41:05 PM
Author: lili

Date: 1/8/2010 5:29:49 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/8/2010 5:25:42 PM

Author: lili
TGal--
You raised A like my sister raised her girls.
I admit that I'm far too lenient w/ J and it is exhausting when we go out to eat

Ha, well, tell me where you guys go out to eat and I'll make sure I'm not there.
Kidding.

Good thing J's so derned cute!

ha, i will....wouldn't want to be in the same restaurant as you else A will make J look like a wild child

Wild is always more exciting than still and boring. I accept that. I'm making my kid into an accountant and I admit it! Plus she'll attract boring men, and I'm OK with that too.

ETA, no offense to any accountants!

 

[mela lu]

This is funny. lol.
Tgal - thanks for your suggestion and your comments. I have to admit, I think I align myself most with you in terms of parenting so far. I'm super scheduled and I really go out of my way to create a stable, consistent and calm world for Romeo. The thing is, by nature, he's super calm and chill and likes to be told what to do. So....he's kind of playing into my hand. I think he'll be a bit of a follower/drifter/observer based on his behavious so far. I don't forsee him being difficult to raise, but I do want to 'start how I want to finish' in terms of discipline too. I'll check out that book. I don't mind a bit of Christian bend. I tend to take what I want from books and leave the rest - similar to "Baby Wise". A lot of people here were all bent out of shape about the BabyWise Authors' religoius background. I gave it a big ol' MEH, cause I took the sensible parts from the book and left the rest.
I guess the thing I'm most unsure about is, how exactly I'm going to handle "No". Will they get 3 chances before they're "out"? Will "out" mean time out or something taken away? What will I use as punishment? KWIM? I know this is waaaaay off (timewise) but I really want to figure this out sooner than later, cause I plan on having another baby soon-ish and I want to make sure DH and I are set in our disciplinarian ways before that happens.

 

[Jas12]

Mela--i take a very similar approach to Tgal & MrsS. Maybe a tad bit more casual, but i am totally a true believer in "no means no". Like tgal said, pick these carefully and stick by them. You can even start with something simple (like one rule) at Romeo's age, just to get him used to the idea. I've only read a few articles in parenting mags, but i know i am more authoritarian .
I'll admit tho, i have a super sensitive kid that hates to be in trouble and that truly helps me out!! To this day he will not touch money, or will give it to me if he finds some b/c he once stuck some change in his mouth and was scolded with a very firm/loud/freaked out "no" from me. We don't even use gates in the house b/c he knows he has to ask to go anywhere.
He really only tested me once when i lost my cool and i grabbed his chin with my hand and forced him to look at me before issuing my "no's" He hated that and cried and i've never been tested like that again. I've never come close to needing to do a time out or spank, but that is just b/c of my child's temperment. I am sure this kid i am brewing now will be the opposite. I just know it

ETA: we posted at the same time. In terms of how many no's. I use this chain of events...

Co: (does something like tries to pour water from bath onto the floor).
Me: (sternly) Cohen, No, do not pour water onto the floor
Co: pours water again
Me: (sternly, in the eye) NO, if you pour your water again your bath is all done
Co: either stops or if he does it again i say "okay then, all done, no more bath because you did not listen to mom saying no"
Co: cries for 2 mins then i explain why he should not do what he did (he doesn't get it or care at this age, but it's practice for when he will)
I don't "punish" at this age, but i just want him to understand that "no" is consistently followed by a consequence. It's not an empty threat. Not sure what i'll do when he manipulates or gets more defiant--not there yet (hope never to be

)

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/8/2010 8:52:48 PM
Author: Jas12
Mela--i take a very similar approach to Tgal & MrsS. Maybe a tad bit more casual, but i am totally a true believer in ''no means no''. Like tgal said, pick these carefully and stick by them. You can even start with something simple (like one rule) at Romeo''s age, just to get him used to the idea. I''ve only read a few articles in parenting mags, but i know i am more authoritarian .
I''ll admit tho, i have a super sensitive kid that hates to be in trouble and that truly helps me out!! To this day he will not touch money, or will give it to me if he finds some b/c he once stuck some change in his mouth and was scolded with a very firm/loud/freaked out ''no'' from me. We don''t even use gates in the house b/c he knows he has to ask to go anywhere.
He really only tested me once when i lost my cool and i grabbed his chin with my hand and forced him to look at me before issuing my ''no''s'' He hated that and cried and i''ve never been tested like that again. I''ve never come close to needing to do a time out or spank, but that is just b/c of my child''s temperment. I am sure this kid i am brewing now will be the opposite. I just know it

ETA: we posted at the same time. In terms of how many no''s. I use this chain of events...

Co: (does something like tries to pour water from bath onto the floor).
Me: (sternly) Cohen, No, do not pour water onto the floor
Co: pours water again
Me: (sternly, in the eye) NO, if you pour your water again your bath is all done
Co: either stops or if he does it again i say ''okay then, all done, no more bath because you did not listen to mom saying no''
Co: cries for 2 mins then i explain why he should not do what he did (he doesn''t get it or care at this age, but it''s practice for when he will)
I don''t ''punish'' at this age, but i just want him to understand that ''no'' is consistently followed by a consequence. It''s not an empty threat. Not sure what i''ll do when he manipulates or gets more defiant--not there yet (hope never to be

)

I think while we have fairly good kids, it''s easy for even good kids to go bonkers if left up to their devices. However since mela, you have a fairly laid back child, stay ahead of the game and it will be MUCH easier. Amelia is definitely showing way more spirit now at 21 months...to the point I didn''t think it was possible for her to be like this a year ago. But because the foundation is there, it''s MUCH easier to keep a grip on her.

I''m doing the chin/cheek grip now too and it''s working great. Amelia HATES this. I''ve been using this since she''s been starting to throw toys...which she picked up when we had a xmas party here and a couple of boys were going bonkers throwing her toys everywhere. Ever seen a well trained dog who won''t meet your eyes when he knows he''s in trouble? Amelia''s the same way....eyes darting everywhere except to meet my stern gaze. It''s actually funny. I don''t let go until she looks at me and I repeat "Don''t throw." I let go and she''s pretty good after that point.

My chain of no''s goes very similarly to Jas''. If I say something is going to happen as a result, it happens. I explain, although I have no idea how much she gets. I figure it''s good practice for me too. I agree about picking one thing and trying out no with it. I know that Amelia was around 7 months because it was in November and we just bought a little space heater. Amelia wanted to touch it and I used that as practice for "no" because I really didn''t want her touching it. No matter how many times she tried, I pulled back and issued a stern "NO!" I swear, she learned from that heater.

I''m sure Romy will do something you don''t want him to do, so practice with that one thing. You can branch out from there. I think with the one thing, it''s less confusing and you can make sure they grasp the concept, but I''m just hazarding a guess because that''s what worked well for us.

And Jas, TGuy and I joke that the gates in our house (just barring the two entrances to the kitchen) are for other kids, not Amelia. She only tried once to step 3 feet in the kitchen. I turned to her and said, "Hey!" and she didnt'' even turn around...she just scuttled out backwards. She hasn''t tried since (although I''m sure she''ll test it again, which is why those gates are staying up.)

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Wow you guys have good kids. I would love to see you ladies deal with my monster

I admit that I have resorted to spanking sometimes. It works but after seeing T mirror that behavior I was pretty horrified. My sister knows a lot about child behavior so she has been giving me tips. I try to follow them. I always warn T and count to 3. At the end of 3 I carry out the punishment (take something away, put to bed, etc). Half the time she complies before I hit 3. Half the time I have to carry it out. If I carry it out she cries and begs for whatever it was I asked her to do in the first place. I do explain to her why she was punished but am not sure she can really absorb that yet. I agree with being consistent. I am going to try to do timeouts again. I think now she is older they will be helpful. I do have a couple of books I need to get through b/c lets face it folks, I got me one tough kid. It is amazing how two laid-back people could produce Miss Bossy. Guess children are not always a reflection on the parents

Lili, no they do not require PTing. Maybe b/c it is only half the day? Not sure. Maybe once she gets in the 3 year old class. Yikes. Extra pressure. Glad you like the videos. Not too exciting but I thought they were cute. I am LOVING my new purse and got my first compliment today. Yipee! It actually hold A LOT. I had a few diapers, wipes, wallet, water bottle and it didn''t even seem full. Maybe half way. Her eyes are pretty and VERY unique. I keep wondering how they will change more.

MrsS, that is scary. Keep us updated!

Q, congrats on being full term! Baby 2 will be here before you know it!!!! Have you decided on a name yet? My purse was a total impulse buy. My friend asked if it was a x-mas gift. I said no it was a T is in preschool gift!

Jas12, T walks to and from the car herself. She does still make me carry her in public places which gets annoying. She is heavy.

Burk, You might only want to start with one storage wall. I have things up against the wall (like her kitchen, ballpit, table and chairs is tucked in the corner) Plus there are other fun things you can do like make a magnet or chalk board. Might be nice to put a reading chair since the room is big. Good luck getting the yearbook done.

Snlee, thanks!!!

Puffy, yay for the new purse! Can''t wait to see what PP you decide one. I am jealous your DH spoils me. I''ll have to find one like him on the next go around.

T was very helpful today for a change.

 

[mela lu]

Hmmm. Interesting about the chin grab. I like it. It would certainly snap them out of the spiral they''re in. I may start doing "NO" with the dog. He is really really really into the dog (mela) and I''m starting to teach him ''gentle''.

If he hits her, I''m going to start "no hitting"...."gentle" (showing him how to stroke gently). I figure that''s a good place to start. Although, he has no idea about his strength, so to him, his "hitting" is probably an attempt to pet her. Sheoinks.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 1/9/2010 9:28:46 AM
Author: mela lu
Hmmm. Interesting about the chin grab. I like it. It would certainly snap them out of the spiral they''re in. I may start doing ''NO'' with the dog. He is really really really into the dog (mela) and I''m starting to teach him ''gentle''.

If he hits her, I''m going to start ''no hitting''....''gentle'' (showing him how to stroke gently). I figure that''s a good place to start. Although, he has no idea about his strength, so to him, his ''hitting'' is probably an attempt to pet her. Sheoinks.

We have two cats. One is really passive but the second is more of a wild card. We have ALWAYS told T "gentle" or "nice" when she was petting them. She is actually pretty good with them now but she used to be rough and pull their fur. Now she likes to "tickle" them. IMHO it is never too early to start with things like that. He''ll catch on hopefully before your dog turns on him.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Okay, not that this matters at all but do you guys think it is strange that I have a friend who is expecting her second and claims they didn''t find out the sex (though she feels like it is another boy) but when I looked at her registry it says "it''s a boy!" Maybe I misunderstood?!?

 

[meresal]

Date: 1/9/2010 11:54:39 AM
Author: Tacori E-ring
Okay, not that this matters at all but do you guys think it is strange that I have a friend who is expecting her second and claims they didn''t find out the sex (though she feels like it is another boy) but when I looked at her registry it says ''it''s a boy!'' Maybe I misunderstood?!?

I would just guess that she has a"really" strong feeling... but odd, none the less.


This is my first, and probably last, post here, but I just found out that my 5 yr old niece (turns 5 in 3 weeks) is reading!!!!!!! (Not books that she has just memorized, actual reading of new books and words!)

I''m sorry, I know I''m just bragging, but she is just incredible and I love hearing about all the new things that she is accomplishing... and wanted to share

.

 

[puffy]

jas12 thanks! i am lucky that i have my mom, less than 10 minutes away, to come watch noah while i bring B to the gym with me. and sometimes, i still carry my 25 month old B around when he insists that he has to be carried, but it''s pretty rare, and i do enjoy the extra snuggle time when he asks to be carried.

qt thanks, i''ll be sure to tell DH. i LOVE chanel!! hope you are doing ok. is everything ready for baby boy''s arrival? have you guys decided on a name?

mrsS thanks!! hope your sister is doing ok and hoping it was not a molar pregnancy.

lili B has been so wonderful and noah''s been a dream so i don''t use THAT much energy on a daily basis. haha. but really, B helps with everything, from baby stuff to putting groceries away to helping unload the car...he''s such a little man now. how is J doing?

tgal sounds like you are doing a great job with amelia.

tacori that is really strange about your friend. but she might have a REALLY strong feeling??? well with T being such a personality, at least you''ll be prepared for whatever the next kid brings. it''s funny you call her a little monster...my friend calls her 2 year old a monster also and i tell her she''s not a monster such tons of personality and filled with spunk!!

have a great weekend mommies!!

 

[TravelingGal]

Another drive by (I''m making them here and there) to say, Puffy, I have your new gear! Beautiful watch especially! (I''m more of a watch fanatic than a purse fanatic.)

 

[mrssalvo]

tacori-that is odd, I never had any feeling towards the sex of one of my babies, just wishing/hoping and 2 times I was wrong, so my hunch''s re: baby gender don''t work..lol.

meresal-that is very cool that your niece is reading! and please feel free to post here anytime!!



thanks all for the well wishes for my sister. we''ll know next week when she gets the pathology results back. she''s feeling really good today with very little pain which is good. she''s coming over tomorrow and I can''t wait to just pamper her a bit. she needs it!

we actually have snow on the ground still here. not really enough for snowman building but things are pretty and white and the roads are clear so it''s actually really nice. took all the kids swimming again today for some fun and exercise and now getting ready to watch the playoffs with hubby. Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the weekend!

 

[Burk]

Hey mommy friends! I have been feeling crappy the past couple days. My allergies were bad but then I think I caught my nephew''s cold (kind of pissed my SIL brought him over when he was sick but what can you do?). Add to that I am at the uncomfortable part of my pregnancy where I can''t get comfy to sit, lay, sleep, just can''t get comfy ever so I''ve been a bit of a crab!

Enough of my whining....off to catch up!

puffy~We''ve had 6 snow days this year. It''s crazy! T and I have both been restless to get out. DH and I took her out to eat today and it was the first time she''d been out since Tuesday. Poor thing. If you have a lot of rings I''d go for a necklace too. Are you thinking diamonds or gemstones or both? DH and I agreed when I chose a stacking band for my PP when I had T that I would get stacking bands for all the kids we have and stack them together. I think I''m going to get sapphires and diamonds for blue/boy.

Jas12~I carry T a good deal. It''s so much easier with all the snow. It has gotten harder the bigger I get but I''d rather carry her to the car then have a bunch of yuck on the back of the seats.

QT~Thanks! I love the bag. I''m not looking forward to finding out what they decide to do about make-up days. Our principal emailed us today and said we have to make up 3 days so I''m a little confused! Hope you''re feeling well!

mrss~Glad you are able to get out and about. Being confined to the house is NO fun. Our principal said something in his email today about extending the school days to make them up....pretty sure I''d rather just go in June. Either way, no fun!!

lili~Thanks! I guess there are advantages to a DH that doesn''t care to shop...I know I''ll like my gifts!

T was much better the past two days, thank goodness because I have been feeling so crappy that I would not have the patience to deal with that. You are going to be so mad but I canceled my maternity shoot!

Tacori~That''s exactly what I was thinking-storage on the one long wall and then her other big stuff on the other (she has kitchen, table and chairs, the list goes on). We''re considering a reading chair or small couch because we may put a tv with no cable access in there so that the kids could watch movies....still unsure about that because I''m not a huge TV fan. Weird about your friend. Is she having another shower and that''s why she''s registered?

 

[Burk]

Mela~The other gals have given a ton of great insight re: discipline. I''ll just share what we''ve done too for another perspective although there are a lot of similarities with the others. I haven''t read any books on parenting but have read a ton on discipline and classroom management since I''m a teacher. I parent a lot like I teach. I''m strict and set boundaries and expectations and I follow through with consequences. I also started pretty early with "no." Only things that were dangerous really. We never had gates either. I found it crazy watching my 13 mo old nephew the other day because he has no idea what "no" means and so the no gates was a problem...whereas with T at that age she would test me (she''s pretty "spirited") but she would always at least stop when I said "no"! I started time-outs right around 18 months. She really didn''t get them at first but I remained consistent. Her time-out spot is on the first step going to our second level. I have found that the key is for me to be out of sight when she''s in time-out because she is then not awarded the attention she wants. At the end of the time-out I always sit on the step with her and explain why she was in time-out/what behavior needs to change. We always end with a hug and a kiss. Time-outs work great for us. She has of course pushed the limits more times than I can count because she''s a um...handful...she put herself in timeout the other day

but for the most part they work.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Okay, she texted me tonight to tell me it is a boy. They must have had another U/S or something. I know her DH REALLY wanted to know so she must have caved or it must have been obvious. She is having another shower. She is not from the US so maybe it is more customary where she is from (Peru). Not sure. Her kids will be a little less than 3 years apart and both boys. Actually almost my whole group of friends only have boys. T only have two female friends. I didn''t go to her first shower (newer friend) so I guess I am not bothered but I was surprised by how many basic things she registered for.

MrsS, glad your sister is not in too much pain. No snow here yet.

Burk, that sounds like a plan. What color are you going to get? I''ll have to look back on the Penny''s website to envision it better.

 

[Burk]

Tacori~Makes more sense about your friend now! I''m planning to get white. I''m going to wait a bit to purchase since we won''t be in our new house for a bit and I have no room in this house....maybe I''ll get lucky and get it on sale!!

 

[mela lu]

Burk = thanks for you input about time outs. It seems parents have a lot of success with them. We were never given them as kids, so I don''t have a lot of experience with them but they seem to be a good tool, cause you can use a time out as a threat (and consequence) which I like. It''s kind of a painless punishment...

 

[janinegirly]

Really interesting stuff on the disciplining styles. I've been really curious, so it's nice to hear everyone's perspective. I'm struggling a bit as I tend to spoil C and not be consistent so I need to get on that. I also feel she wants to please me and do the right thing but doesn't always understand when I say no, so I'm trying to find a way to show her there is cause and effect rather than Mommy is just angry. The eager to please thing is a good sign though (temperment wise)---she listens when I tell her to back away from the TV ("too close C!") and picks up crumbs from the floor and hands them to me rather than eat it. But other times she will play with the fridge, dishwasher...and I say "no no" and she doesn't listen. It almost seems like her sense of curiousity tunes me out. So on one hand I want to enforce and be consistent but on the other hand she is exploring! I am more firm with dangerous items like the heater ("no no" sternly with finger wag), but I have seen her still reach out and I think she may not still understand. We also have no gates, but I may put one up for peace of mind. I don't want to learn the hard way that she didn't get it 100%.

My biggest source of tantrums is when she wants to be picked up, which is constantly. That and my laptop. Sometimes I can't pick her up, and say "mommy is busy, I will pick you up in a bit" and she just goes into the next level of crying at which point she must be picked up to be consoled (and it takes a while..I'm sure you all know what I mean!). So in that case what do I do? I don't want to say "no" constantly since she only wants to be picked up, but I don't want to give in each time either (not to mention its' impossible to carry her 24/7!). So it's cases like this that I struggle with. I think it's a bit early for timeouts, but maybe soon. Oh and I ALWAYS saw myself as a discpilpinarian, and tough--but when the LO came along, all the sudden I was a pushover.

In other news C said more words so I'm feeling much better! She said "mama, bear, bye bye, nose, snow" all over the weekend! Some words are hard to decipher, but they still count! She is so cute when I come home, hugging and kissing me and saying mama. She also loves her stuffed pets and hugs and kisses each one and carries them around hugging them tightly while cooing (if she hasn't seen them for awhile). It's so cute!

Ok now for more personal comments:

Burk: any more snow days? I loved T's Xmas video by the way, she seems so much older than 2!

Curly: Lucy is doing awesome! I've always thought she came out 3-6 months ahead of everyone so it's all good when you think of it that way . Lily is looking so mature too (FB photos), they grow up so quickly!

Tgal: how did the oral surgery go? DH had surgery a few weeks ago, not fun!

Qtiekiki: how are you feeling? Do you have to work much longer?

Mela Lu: Romeo sound like such a sweetie. They do change alot in a year like Tgal says though, so be prepared!

Lili: I'm lenient on C too, I admit.. .

Puffy: love the watch!! (and the purse..but I really heart the watch . Enjoy!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/11/2010 10:11:24 AM
Author: janinegirly

My biggest source of tantrums is when she wants to be picked up, which is constantly. That and my laptop. Sometimes I can''t pick her up, and say ''mommy is busy, I will pick you up in a bit'' and she just goes into the next level of crying at which point she must be picked up to be consoled (and it takes a while..I''m sure you all know what I mean!). So in that case what do I do? I don''t want to say ''no'' constantly since she only wants to be picked up, but I don''t want to give in each time either (not to mention its'' impossible to carry her 24/7!).

Ugh-that''s so hard to deal with isn''t it? I know my kids aren''t there yet but I spent many many years babysitting and what I would do is ignore her. By giving in and picking her up you are unintentionally teaching her that tantrums allow her to get what she wants KWIM?

I would just calmly tell her that mommy will pick her up when she calms down. And when she calms down, pick her up. She should then start to associate being calm with getting what she needs. As to the patience, once she stops throwing tantrums I would reward her for being patient. Start with 20 seconds of patience and work your way up with extra hugs and praise when she''s patient.

As to the not wanting to say no-the reason she might not be listening to you with the dishwasher, etc. is if you just say no no no over and over and don''t do anything she''s learned that no doesn''t= a consequence. So you might want to try saying "no/not for C" or something like that and moving her away. If that doesn''t work then use TGal''s really stern look and grip trick and then move her away.

Hope that helps...not sure if those are the right things to do but they always worked for me!

 

[qtiekiki]

Love reading all your discipline styles and techniques. Very useful.

Jas12
Forgot to say that we still carry M whenever we feel it’s safer/easier.

Tacori
Gosh I go check out your FB videos. Maybe I need to make one especially for PS moms b/c your updates get buried under hundreds of updates by my friends.
We still haven’t decided on a name. Really need to get on it, but boy names are so hard.
No reasons are needed for a new purse. LOL. I haven’t look at purse for a while b/c I still using a diaper bag.

Puffy
We are getting closer to being ready for the baby’s arrival. We finally got and set up another dresser for his clothes. I still have to get some long sleeves onesies since M was a summer baby.
No name yet. Hopefully by next week.
B is such a dream. I hope M is half as good as he is when the baby comes.
Did you decide on what to get for your PP yet? What did you get for B?

MrsS
The snow on the ground sounds so pretty. I love the look of everything covered in snow, but I don’t think I can live in such cold weather. Hehe.

Burk
Hope you’re feeling better today.
Sapphires and diamonds stacking ring would be so nice for your PP. DH offered a new laptop for PP, but I am not sure if I want that since it’s not something that lasts forever. I do need a new laptop though. Hehe.

Janine
I think my discipline style is the most similar to yours. I want to set boundaries, but at the same time want her to be able to explore on her own. I am definitely more lenient than I thought I would be. DH is actually turning out to be stricter than I am on her getting into things, but more lax on giving her snacks. When M is doing something and I say Daddy is coming, then she’ll jump back from what’s she is doing. So she definitely has more “fear” of Daddy. If I am by myself, I have to say no and then take her away. She won’t back away herself.
This week is my last week at work. But I haven’t actually been working much the last few weeks, just due to the nature of my work.

lili
How is J doing?
I was lurking on the TTC thread, and read that you think you might be in the "unexplainable" territory. Is that what the dr. said? or just you thinking it?

The bed for M came in. I still have to hold her to sleep (bad, bad, bad), but she gets up instantly when I put her in the crib. So I lied down with her on her bed last night, and she just fell asleep. We just let her sleep on it, even though we haven’t put up the bed rail. She woke up in at 3am. DH tried to get her to fall back asleep, but she kept crying. So I ended up having to go in there, and lied next to her. She fell back asleep almost instantly after I lied down. I am wondering if she is having attachment issues more than sleep issues. She didn’t move around too much, so we might not even need the bed rail. Tonight I’ll try to just lie down with her, and not hold her to see if she’ll fall asleep that way.

 

[puffy]

tgal thanks!!

burk hope you are feeling better! i''m thinking of diamonds and sapphires, maybe, or blue topaz for december birth stone. i''m excited to see the stacking band that you get. hope T is doing well.

tacori ok, so she did know she was having a boy...makes sense now. how is T enjoying preschool? hope you are enjoying the few hours you have free!!

janine that is tough. when B throws a tantrum and wants me to pick him up, i refuse to while he is hysterical, and he knows that. i used to tell him to go calm down and wipe his tears and when he''s all better, mommy will pick him up. so now when he does have a tantrum and is hysterical, he will just go into his room and cry and let it all out then clean his tears and ask me to pick him up. i know it''s hard to not pick them up when they want you to, but it''s also giving into what they want and they know that. great that she''s saying more words...super cute!!

qt for B, i got a diamond and sapphire eternity band. so for noah, i''m thinking a necklace. i''m actually 98% set on a necklace of some sort. B loves to be mommy''s helper. he tells DH all the time all the things that he did during the day to help mommy and baby noah...pretty cute. i''m sure M will be great. she''s still young though, so she might just want to explore the baby. sounds like she''ll do fine in her bed. maybe she senses things are changing so she just wants to be close to you.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I lost my first PS post. This must be some kind of milestone. I will try to remember what I typed.

Today was day 2 of preschool. T did NOT want me to leave her this morning. At least she didn''t cry. DH picked her up. What I love about her preschool is they send home a little report card and a copy of their lesson plans. They wrote T was happy. Only nibbled on her lunch and loved playing outside and painting. I got errands done and got to go to lunch with some friends who all raved about my new purse

We went back to time-outs yesterday. I have a chair designated for it. We did not make it up to two mins but I am working on it. I had to put her back on the chair every 15 secs but she was pleading and begging to do what I asked her to do in the first place. I did explain why I put her in (because she didn''t listen) who knows if she understood but she totally got that time-out=bad. Later that night she was playing with her doll and yelled at her and put her in time-out. Guess it is better than spanking her.

Burk, seems like they have sales all the time so you might as well wait!

Janine, T likes me to carry her in public which is a PITA! Luckily at home she walks. Once in awhile she still wants to be carried up or down the stairs but that''s it. Tantrums are normal. It is their way of expressing their frustration and to see how far she can push the boundaries. My Pedi said children with good verbal skills actually have less tantrums and said I shouldn''t have many problems.

Ummm...yeahhhhh.....I think a lot has to do with personality. I''ve got a bossy, spunky stubborn little girl. When we are home and she throws a fit (kicking, screaming, face down on the floor) I walk away. I will not tolerate that. My stern looks just make T laugh. She needs consequences.

QT, I guess I am at an advantage since that is my PS page so I don''t have too many friends. Girls names were difficult for us. It is hard to name a person! You will figure it out. I no longer carry a diaper bag so as long as it is large enough I can once again carry cute purses! Hope M sleeps on her own soon. I am sure she can sense the upcoming changes. She''ll adjust.

puffy, She JUST found out and must have just changed her registry before I checked it. I was so confused! I think she likes it. She hates getting up early and I had to coax her...okay BRIBE her to get dressed. She was so tired she was just laying face down in her crib pretending to snore.

You are so lucky B loves to help you!

 

[puffy]

tacori that''s good that they send a report back to the parents. B hates it when i put him in timeouts. now that he is getting older and wiser (haha) he''s been in very few timeouts. but we still have our designated timeout space, and he even tells noah that if he''s bad, he has to be put in timeout. it''s kinda funny. the other day we had friends visiting, and their little boy was being destructive, i mean breaking stuff...B''s toys, broke a plate, and B told him that he has to sit in timeout. haha. awww, that''s cute that T lies face down and pretends to snore.

time to take B to his little gym class. i''m bringing noah along only cause B asked me to. he''s been telling all his friends at the little gym about noah and theses kids'' moms have been asking about noah now. haha.

 

[lili]

Tacori--
It is a really good looking bag, and this is coming from someone who is not a bag person.
Haha....any videos of T will be cute. Keep posting them since you don''t seems to post many pictures of her either.
J''s videos are of her doing nothing special either...just her being her goofy self.

Puffy--
It is nice to have your mom so close and a boy who is so helpful.
Any chance you''ll post pictures of your 2 boys?
I love seeing toddlers w/ their siblings.
J is doing great except for a nasty bug that she caught that gave her a high fever for the last 2 days.
Poor thing hadn''t eaten anything since saturday morning.
Looks like she''s doing better now....but is still not eating much.

MrsS--
Good to hear that your sister is doing well.
Hope the pathology report is negative.
Enjoying pampering your sister.

Burk--

Ok, I''m not going to talk to you for a while unless you post some more pictures or videos of T to compensate for the maternity pictures

Janine--
Haha...I''m the same way in terms of disciplining J.

sounds like C is entering that fun phase of picking up words.
Enjoy! It is very exciting to hear them start saying words.

QT--
No name yet and you have only 3 weeks left.
I thought that your DH would have thrown out names at you when he found out the gender on your anniv.
Haha...couldn''t agree on one?

 

[Burk]

mela~No problem. I agree that time-outs are nice to use as both threat and consequence. T usually responds when I threaten a time-out because she hates them.

janine~No more snow days thank goodness. Sad that I actually WANTED to go to work b/c I''m so stressed about the yearbook and making up the days. I agree with Neat re: ignoring tantrums because she is learning that a tantrum is how she gets her way if you continue to give in. It won''t take long before she figures out that you pick her up when she calms down. Good luck!!

QT~Yay for last week of work! Sounds like M did well in her new bed. That''s great! A new laptop would be nice but I agree doesn''t last forever.....hmmmm...have any other ideas? Jewelry perhaps?

puffy~What did you get when you had B again? I like diamonds and sapphires but blue topaz is nice too (better than February''s birthstone

). I read your post about nursing tanks to Mara and noticed you spoke in past tense about BFing....are you not BFing Noah? How is he doing?

Tacori~T''s school does the report card too and it''s so great! I''m not surprised she did so well. Won''t be long until she''s pushing you out the door when you drop her off....wait, that''s just my kid!

Yay for time-out success! My T hates time-outs. I think waiting out a sale at Penney''s will be worth it. I posted pics in the nursery thread and there''s one of the storage unit that''s currently in T''s room. I may move it to the play room when we move and think it will go well with the Penney''s unit.

lili~I knew you wouldn''t like it. I just don''t feel attractive and don''t have a whole lot of time on my hands right now. I will post some pics on FB for ya!

I still feel terrible. I can''t believe T hasn''t caught it but am soooo glad she hasn''t. Not much else new....just trying to get everything in order prior to my maternity leave.

 

[mrssalvo]

hi mommies,

not much going on with us. kids are back in school after snow days last week. I"m keeping my fingers crossed that Jake will get to go on friday. He hasn''t been in 4 weeks now due to the Holidays and then the snow day last friday. I have been going to the gym almost every day either to take the kids swimming or to do a workout so he is still going to the nursery there and I''m getting a little bit of time to myself. For some reason I was exhausted today and actually took a nap while Jake napped today.

Burk-sorry you''re feeling bad but I''m glad T is okay. nothing is worse than being sick and having a sick kid to boot!

will be back later to catch up with everyone else!!

 

[puffy]

burk haha...oops, i often forget about the little one and that i am BFing him. haha. i am so bad, i know. he''s doing great....sleeping, eating, and during periods of wake, he''s just looking around, happy as can be in his little bouncy seat. gotta love the newborn stage!! i got a diamond and blue sapphire eternity band with B, so i wanted something a bit different with noah. but i guess it''s kinda for B too, as i am going to have 2 blue topaz put in, 1 for noah and 1 for B. sorry you are still feeling bad. and i can''t believe no maternity shoot woman!!

lili i took a pic of my 2 boys earlier just for you. i''ll post it when i upload the pics from the camera. sorry to hear about J. poor girl. hope she continues to feel better and hopefully she''ll eat!!

mrsS that''s good that jake is napping again. hopefully you''ll get sometime to yourself for that mani/pedi real soon!

 

[Jas12]

Tacori--glad the timeouts are working. i am not sure about the verbal = well behaved theory either. i think it''s temperment. i am sure i''ll have a spirited kids on my hands next time around. My sister and i were both verbal, but i was a timid, conserative toddler and my sister was a holy terror

Burk--oy, i hope you feel better soon. As if it''s not bad enough to be hugely pregnant in the winter. Then to be sick on top of that! boo. Feel better soon!

QT--we don''t have set names either. I am totally stumped. Charlie and i don''t have any firm ones for either boy or girl. There are several i like for each gender, but nothing i am *in love* with. We go for our last scan on thursday and now iam really tempted to find out what i am having --just for the practicality of it all .
Do you guys have a short list?

Tgal- & mela-the chin grab worked when i used it-so i''ll try it again for sure. He hates to make eye contact when he''s bad. Funny how they know at such a young age.
.....

I haven''t been feeling great myself. I have the same pregnancy symptoms i had with Co where i am congested 24/7 and my hips/back/pelvis are already really bothering me. I guess it''s made worse by carrying 27+ boy around here and there, trudging thru the snow etc.. I keep freaking about how i am only 19 weeks and feeling more like 30+. It''s gonna be a looong winter!! I''ve never wanted to go on a hot holiday more so than this year

But enough whinning from me....