Whose ears?

Shopping at Target

T spots Qtips and asks: Mommy do you use qtips like Daddy does to clean his ears?
Me: No, my ears are different. You (meaning all three boys) have Daddy's ears and will need them.
T: Me and L have Daddy's ears. Z has your ears.
Me: Huh?
T: Z has your ears. He listens to you.

I had to try very hard to keep a straight face!

The results of Project No Yell

So I lasted a week. But not without much frustrations. But I was able to control myself and keep from yelling. I was hoping since I made it a week with no yelling that I could last much longer. No such luck. These past two days have been pretty bad. Between L & J, frustrations are at a high point, so unfortunately I resorted to yelling.

Yesterday it took Z over an hour to eat a waffle! Yes, one waffle. And that's after constant harassment by myself and his brothers and even a timeout. Now I normally do not force them to eat except Z is constantly stealing snacks from the diaper bag when I've given him 'real' food. All I wanted to do was leave to house to get some much needed necessities, like diapers!

And L has been a major source of frustration! He talks nonstop on a regular basis. We cannot get him to stop even when he is repeatedly told to stop talking. So when I ask him something and expect him to answer, it is beyond frustrating when he doesn't say anything!

Soooo....

Today is Day 3 of Project No Yell. Has there been trying moments? Yes! Have I raised my voice? Yes, I have. But I can explain. Yesterday, Z was sitting on a dining room chair with a crayon in one visible hand. I saw him vigorously moving his other hand on the seat. Naturally I assumed his other hand also held a crayon and that was drawing on our dining room chair. So I jumped out of my seat and shouted "Z!" And nothing else. I made my way around to the other side of the dining room table and find him with his new discovery. Z has found out that if he rubs with his fingers,the seat which is made of microfiber, will leave lines. I almost had a heart attack when I taught he was coloring the chair. I had other moments of frustration with L and T yesterday but I didn't yell. I sent them to time outs and spoke sternly but I never yelled. And this was even on a day that D was coming home late, so I had the kids all on my own all day with no reprieve. Quite an accomplishment, in my book.

Today has been going as well as can be, too. Again I did raise my voice once. This time was for a warning of danger. Our refrigerator had conked out and we had a repairman come. Z in all his curiosity wanted to see the man who was going in and out of the house with his tools. When the man had stepped outside, Z wanted to watch from the sofa. Unfortunately he wanted to teeter his body over the back of the sofa. This would not be a good thing because if he lost his balance and the top half of his body were to flip over, he could very well flip over the rail and down the stairs. So again, I shouted "Z!" to get his attention. The rest of the frustrations had to do with L who chooses not to listen when I am explaining his lessons. I was very annoyed but I got through it with a stern talking to again. But making sure that I did not lose my temper and start my usual yelling, which is something I can easily do. I think it does help that we are taking it easy this week workwise. It may be more difficult next week when we get back to our regular school schedule. But one day at a time. One day at a time...

Project No Yell

Could You Go a Week Without Yelling at Your Kids?

It is so sad to say that when this question was first posed on a site I frequent, my immediate thought was 'heck no!' Believe me, I try. I try and try and try. Many a night, I go to bed thinking I am such a horrible mom and how abusive I am to my kids. I vow to not yell and not get so upset and frustrated with my kids the next day. Needless to say, I break my own vows each day. Sometimes even before I see them when they are yelling and being loud in the morning and therefore waking up their little brother. So I start off the day yelling. It's horrible.

I read the article, Could You Go a Week Without Yelling at Your Kids?, and was quite amused. I totally knew how the mom felt and what she went through on a daily basis.

But just because I understand and do the same, it doesn't make it right. I don't want my children's childhood memories to be of me yelling all the time. My husband has said on more than one occasion that he doesn't like me to yell (although he does more than his fair share!) because it reminds me of his own childhood. I do not want that for my children.

So here, yet again, I will try. I am not going to set out a goal for a week because that just seems so impossible. Although ultimately, the goal is for a lifetime. One day at a time is how I am going to approach it. I am fortunate that my children still tell me they love me and give me hugs and kisses at the end of the day that I do not demand or ask for. So I cannot be that horrible, but it is bad enough that I know better.

Today is a new day and day one. So far so good. I think it did help that the boys did wake up and play quietly instead of their usual loud ruckus in the morning. I have not raised my voice at all. Okay, I did have to raise my voice when I told them that they needed to clean up and that lunch was almost ready. In my defense, they were downstairs in the playroom while I was upstairs in the kitchen. The only way of getting out of raising my voice was to physically go downstairs and tell them the same thing. Not happening with my pregnant self and besides, I was in the middle of making lunch.

There was a bit of fighting in the morning between L and Z. I did not get involved until it sounded like it went on a little bit too long and I heard that L stepped on Z. I went to the living room to see what was going on and reprimanded L in a calm voice - yay me! Only when he was poking Z with his light saber did I just step over to take away the toy to put into a time out. L started with his crying but I did not get upset or annoyed and repeated what he had done wrong.

There was a repeat between L and Z a little bit later because Z decided to take discipline into his own hands and hit L with a water bottle. I kept out of it again until it sounded like the situation was not going to be resolved. I again stepped in and took the water bottles away from Z. And that was the extent of it. A little bit of crying on Z's part but no yelling from me.

So it's now mid-afternoon and it's looking good. One day at a time. One day at a time.

Glucose Follow Up

I just realized that I never posted an update. The 3 hr was not as dreadful as the first time. I had a plan of attack. D was going to work from home that day and take care of the kids and their homeschooling. He was going to drop me off bright and early in the morning as I was afraid of what condition I might be in at the end of the test and not be able to drive home.

Anyway, as I was saying about my plan of attack - I had my Better Homes and Gardens bag packed and ready the night before. I had two books. Not one but two in case I finished one - hey 3 hours is a long time! Plus I had intentionally packed two fluff books that are light hearted and funny, to hopefully keep my interest and more importantly keep me awake! I brought Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich and Crazy for You by Jennifer Weiner. I decided to skip bringing my current book, The Passage by Justin Cronin. Even though it was an interesting book, I was afraid it wouldn't be captivating enough plus, it made me think and I knew I would be in no mood to think. And in case the fluff books were not light enough, I also brought 2 Parents magazines just in case to browse through! I also brought my knitting, file folder games to color and cut, coupons to clip and a CD player with True Colors by Kristin Hannah - the only book on CD I had. And some candy to munch on for when I was waiting for D to show up. I felt I was more than prepared. And the bag was sooo heavy!

Well I was already stressed in the morning because the boys wouldn't move it. All they needed to do was pee and get into the car. They didn't even need to change but of course someone had to be problematic. So I was stressing about getting there on time. The sooner I got there, the sooner the test would be over and the sooner I could eat! Yes, I already told D that I wanted a Burger King Whopper as soon as I was done!

It was very crowded when I got to the Quest lab, so I couldn't spread out in comfort like last time. I was called in quickly because apparently many of the people there, mostly seniors, did not have appointments. I got my first blood draw then had the lovely lime drink. It was quite nauseating.

I started reading Sizzling Sixteen but it was just not cutting it. I was sitting next to someone, so my comfort level was not there. And my eyes were starting to glaze over. So less than 20 minutes into reading, I gave up on the book. I broke out CD player, True Colors and my knitting. That was so much better. I wasn't looking at words so it was less taxing on my eyes and I was still able be engaged in a story and not be bored. And I think what was really important was that my hands were busy too. I know I brought cross stitch last time, but cross stitch is so much more precise and tiny that it required much more concentration than I had. Knitting was so much easier. Then before I knew it, it was time for the next blood draw.

For the next hour, I decided to change it up. And I found a new seat with more room after I wasted a little bit more time by using the bathroom. I kept on listening to True Colors but this time I cut out parts for my file folders. I keep putting those off, so it was the perfect time to do this. I was trapped with nowhere to go and nothing to do, so I might as well work on the file folders. I don't know how it took me an hour. But thankfully, it did.

For the last hour, I found yet another seat. This one wasn't as comfortable as the last but at least I wasn't sitting beside anyone. I switched to sorting coupons and pulling out my expired coupons from my coupon folder - a task that was long overdue. Then I started cutting coupons. And before I knew it, it was time for the last blood draw. Oh, and all the while, throughout the three hours, I would periodically text D and keep him updated as to my progress and when I could leave. I didn't want to have to stay at the lab any longer than I had to and prolong my access to food!

The phlebotomist said it could take 2 to 3 business days to get results. It was going to be an agonizing wait. I figured I would give the doctor's office until Friday to give me a call. Friday came and went and no call. I supposed I should have assumed that I passed but I wanted to call to make sure. But at the same time, I was nervous about calling. Saturday came and went. Monday came and went. I rationalized to myself that I had an appointment on Wednesday so I could just wait another day.

Dr W gave me the great news. Yes, I did pass. Whew! What a relief! She said I could eat again. I kept quiet about the fact that I was already eating. Shhhhh!

Smile.ly—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Just joined this cool new site that gives you free products to try out! Yep, free products. I just signed up a few minutes ago and I already have a mission. I'm going to be sent Twinings Chai tea to sample. Not just one measly tea bag but a box of ten. Can't wait to try it. I love tea and have heard of chai but am too cheap to buy it. Now I'm going to get to try it out for free! Can't beat that.

You can check them out here: Smile.ly—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Sleepwalking

L comes out from his bedroom to ask for a drink of water.

Me: Is T sleeping?
L: He's almost sleeping. (pause) I'm sleeping.

??????????

Glucose Test

Yes, I failed the glucose test. By a lousy 3 points! I cannot believe it. The nurse and ob told me that had it by the old standards, I would have passed. Apparently, the powers that be lowered the numbers from 140 to 130. I was hoping I'd pass and not have to deal with the 3 hour test. I am dreading that. I remember having to go through it with L and I was miserable. I knew enough to bring something to occupy myself. I brought a cross stitch and possibly a book. I was still terribly bored, tired, hungry and just plain old miserable. I remember constantly calling my brother who was watching T for me. He was supposed to bring T in the last hour so T could get his blood drawn. And of course he was dawdling. I was so glad when they finally showed up because then I had somebody to talk to!

And it didn't help that my blood pressure was up. The nurse reassured me that it was still within normal but still it was 20 points higher than my normal. My ob was a bit concerned about it and wanted the nurse to retake my blood pressure. It was normal the second time around. I was probably really nervous before the glucose test which in turn affected my blood pressure.

Although I wouldn't be too surprised if my blood pressure was up. The kids have been driving me crazy. This is why I don't think I can handle another one, let alone the three I already have. Too late for that discussion, though....

So I am just crossing my fingers that I pass the 3 hour test. It is already hard enough trying to figure out what to eat with a low carb diet. I don't know what I'd do if I actually had gestational diabetes. I don't have time to think about my meals. I'm usually snacking and grabbing whatever I can find without any concern for what is in the food. I wouldn't be able to do that anymore....

Let the cat out of the bag....

Yesterday was family dinner to celebrate a new baby that was born a few months ago. Well, everyone also soon realized that we're expecting, too! No one could miss that big pregnant belly! There was shock and surprise, but lots of congratulations. Of course many thought we were trying for that elusive little girl which is not true at all.

I also found out during the dinner that another relative is expecting. One month after myself. I would have never guessed. D even spoke with her a little bit and didn't even notice. I look huge and she has nothing, no belly, nothing. I feel really fat now.

Okay, I'm not really upset. It's just amazing how different people are. I know that with my other pregnancies people always said how tiny I was. I guess this time I look normal.

???

For what it's worth, this was said by L in the middle of the night. I had gone to check on him when I heard him crying from a nightmare.

L: Mommy, after you close the door, can you leave it open?

Z's new favorite word

Z asked for bananas. Well, more accurately, he said banana and pointed to the hanging basket where we usually keep bananas. I told him we don’t have any. He says Buy!

Later at lunch, L comes to me while I sitting at the laptop and asked for more pasta. I say there is no more. Z shouts Buy! from the kitchen.

Conversations from our vacation

Courtesy of L

We had a poor experience at the beach due to flies and left. Yuck! So D planned on taking the boys to the community pool to make up for the short time at the beach. The following conversation ensues as we were driving back to the vacation house.

D: We're going to the pool.
L: When did you build it?
D: No, we don't have a pool. We're going to that pool. (As we drive past the community pool)
L: (as he looks at the pool) Why is everyone is Grandma's pool?


Another little gem from L

We're driving across the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

L: Do you know there are hotels in the water?
Me: Huh? No there are not.
L: Yes, there are. I see them.

Pee! Pee!

I'm going to play catch up with funny stories of our life.

So Z likes to strip. He's been for over a month now! Beginning of the month, he decided he is going to pee in his bed - no, he is not potty trained or even close. He was so proud of himself, pointing at the big wet spot and shouting "pee! pee!"

Now as I mentioned Z is not potty trained. I've put Z on the potty because he seems to have pretty dry diapers. He's had occasions where he's had a dry diaper for 3 hours! So I put him on the potty, like I try once in a blue moon. He doesn't seem to have a clue what to do. He'll say that he wants to go on the potty or pee but has never done anything. I mean, he doesn't quite see what happens in the toilet so he hasn't made the connection as to what peeing actually is. So I was quite shocked that he pointed at the HUGE wet spot on his bed and said pee! He was so nice and even attempted to wipe it with his burp cloth for me.

Yuck!

Z comes racing out w T’s pullup in one hand.

“What are you doing?!?”

He races past me…. to go get a plastic bag, which is what we do when Z has a stinky diaper. hahaha

Can we say snow?

Yeah, it was a huge snow day! When we went to bed last night, the first few snowflakes were coming down. D was constantly looking out the window. He was like a big kid! Then when we woke up, the world was blanketed with snow! Woohoo!

The kids were so excited and kept looking out the window. We have an awesome neighbor who helps with the snow on our driveway and sidewalk. He's crazy but we love him! He's still getting over the flu yet he still helps us out. What a sweetie! As a thank you, I made white chocolate chip cookies that we could bring over to him.

Then with the second round, the boys were dying to get out. So I bundled them up in their snowpants and gear, and sent them out to WORK! They got a shovel and a broom and attacked the snow. hehehe Okay, so they didn't really get much accomplished, but they had fun "helping" Daddy.

Then they made the attempt to go the backyard to play in the snow. Holy cow! The snow went up to T's upper thighs. That's a whole lotta snow! I forgot to send Daddy out with the yardstick. We will have to try that tomorrow!

Poor homeless construction workers...

Well, we were in the car listening to the soundtrack of the Lion King (of course, L's favorite!) and when the song Can You Feel the Love Tonight? was on, T asks "What is a vagabond?" You know the line, "It's enough to make kings and vagabonds believe the very best." Well, I think for a bit and begin my explanation of what a vagabond is. I talk about how vagabonds wander from place to place and do not have a home.

L chimes in with "Like construction workers" in a very knowing voice. Huh??? L adds that construction workers builds things, houses, buildings, etc. But they do not have a home. So I ask where do the construction workers sleep. L says they don't. LOL Poor construction workers..........