Mission: Pooping

There is a particular child in my home who will not poop on the potty. I refuse to mention any names, but she knows who she is. I am pretty certain that at this point, she just will be going to kindergarten pooping in her pants, but I am pretty certain that they don't let you in kindergarten if you poop in your pants, so I am forced into a setting of homeschooling that I am pretty certain at this point I don't want.

How can a child who has gone pee in the potty for close to a year now, still poop in her pants? She used to hold it for days, fearing to poop in her pants, knowing that it would upset me if she did it. Now, well when she has to go, she just goes, no qualms about it. She doesn't even care that it stinks, she doesn't even care that she is sitting in it, she just doesn't care. Oh she is about to care.

Last night she dropped a stink bomb in the Attanaiso's basement, and I am pretty certain it probably still smells down there. Sorry Trista. All day I said to her, 'if you poop in your pants here, we are immediately going home.' With famous replies, 'Oh Mommy, I won't, I know...' So when she did it coincidentally we were packing up, but she didn't need to know that, and in mid discipline, I scold her saying, 'Why did you go in your pants!?!?!' Now we are going home!' And she says to me,'Because that is what I always do.'

Oh. No.She.DIDN'T!!!!!

So that is it. It is overtime poop control in this house. Any child that can say to me, that is where I always go, is about to get a rude awakening. She will be sitting on that darn toilet every single night after dinner for the duration of 4 books, and if there is no poop there is no show, and if there is no poop, there is no candy, I do not care where we are. I choose after dinner to do this because 9 times out of 10, she poops after dinner. Oh and while this entire process is going on, when dinner is finished, if it is only us, she will be pantless, and if she goes on the floor she is cleaning it up. And if she poops in her pants after we go through this song and dance and she is in her jammies, there is no treats the next day. None. And Ethan can eat it like he is Willy Wonka. This child will poop on the toilet, so help me.

I am done with hearing it is a control issue, done with she will do it when she is ready, I am the boss, and she will do her doodies in the toilet.

I am thinking of getting something at the store, wrapping it in fabulous wrapping paper so she does not know what it is,but wants to so badly, and sticking it on top of the fridge, and announcing, you do not get this until you have pooped on the toilet 5 times. There will be a little chart posted and when there is 'x's' five times, she can open it. It has to be big enough to entice her curiosity and taunt her, but not break my budget because it is after all, just poop.

This child is an intelligent child, and she knows what to do, it is now up to me to outsmart her.

Andy was a little concerned, well what if there is something wrong with her, that is why she doesn't poop on the toilet. Fair point. However, this child can poop in her pants like it is nobody's business. I have considered this option a few times. And I too would feel guilty for disciplining her if there was something wrong with her. I am about 99% sure that there is nothing wrong with her other than an incredibly strong will. And I do not plan on disciplining her. The rules will be clearly stated. You poop 5 times in the toilet, you get to open this present. You poop in your pants, you get no show, no candy, period. You poop on the floor, you clean it up, you poop at someones house, we leave, and once we are away from where we were, I will say to her, we are leaving because you pooped in your pants, no embarrassment in front of peers. The tone will be firm, I will not harp on it, or yell about it. And it will go on like this, and you better believe, she will not win.

Mission: Pooping, begins tomorrow night, because I have to work tonight, and I want Andy and I both present when this is instituted because if she sees that this is a united front, she will see we mean business, we are both on the same page, and there is no way in our out of it.

If you are some super mom, you are thinking, 'well she should have done this a long time ago.' Well good for you for potty training your super pooper, but this is my first. You don't have to cut me a break, I don't care. This is the way we are doing it, you can do it your own way and brag blog about that.


Updates to follow.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears...

Oh yes...we took our first trip to the zoo. We went on Ethan's birthday, my mom, the kids and I, and they really did just love everything about it. Kendall has been saying for close to a year now that she was taking E to the zoo on his birthday, thank goodness the weather cooperated.

Kendall was apprehensive about going, she said she didn't want to see bears or lions. Upon further inquisitions I found that in her little head, she thought that these animals were just roaming around freely and we were going to go and walk in there with them. I don't think I would want to go either! So after explaining to her that the animals were behind fences, or glass, and could not get to us, she was a bit more willing to go.I just hoped there wasn't some freak occurrence you hear about where a rhino gets out and charges all over the zoo. We could basically forget about animals forever. Ethan, all I had to say was, 'we are going to see animals,' and he was on board, he didn't care if we swam with the polar bears, he was going to see animals.

So we did and saw everything the zoo had to offer. I had forgotten that peacocks just roam freely throughout the zoo. I thought that the kids would be really surprised by this, but when I pointed one out, they just said,'hi peacock,' like this was an everyday occurrence. A peacock at a vending machine, completely normal to them, oh to live in their heads.

The only thing that was a bit of a set back was their intense excitement. At the start we would look at an animal for maybe 10 seconds, and they would yell, 'more animals!' At this rate the zoo would have been over in an hour.

Once we got into the primate house though, it all started to click. We sat and watched lemurs swing and play and then we saw the orangutans. One of them was pressed right up on the glass and would glance at us every so often. Then the other had a sheet that he was playing with. Kendall and Ethan thought this was so funny, and then it started playing peek-a-boo with them. It would cover up his face, and then wait a few seconds, and pull it down looking at Kendall and E waiting for a reaction from them, and then do it over again. I think I may have found them a new playmate.

Many of the animals were basking in the sunshine of the day, but fortunately, many of them were cozied close to the viewing glass, so that the kids were able to see them close up.


We were at this zoo for 5 hours, let me tell you, we know how to do a museum or something of that nature. You go with us to something like this, plan on being there, all.day.long.

So synopsis:
Ethan's favorite: "MOOONKEEEYS!'

Kendall's: Giraffes

So Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan...I hope you had as much fun as I did.

Happy Birthday Ethan

Yesterday our little man turned 2. My little surprise baby is 2, I can't believe it, time has gone so fast. Andy tells me all the time, that Ethan was not a surprise, I say he certainly was. Reason being, Andy and I went through 5 years of infertility problems until we had Kendall. Miscarriages, no cycles, no eggs, hormone not working, so on and so forth. Many say to write a book about it, maybe one day I will just blog about it, writing a book is so daunting. However, after I had Kendall I just assumed that when I was ready to have another baby, I would go back to the specialist and start all over again. Little did I know, that when Kendall was just 4 months old, apparently my body was ready. I still took hormones while pregnant the first 12 weeks, a little late on the start this time since I didn't know I was pregnant until 6 weeks. With Kendall I knew the egg was fertilized a few days after it happened...medical miracles I tell you. I still was high risk the first 12 weeks, but Ethan worked his magic and stuck around, and now he is 2, I don't know what I would do without him.

I blog about Kendall a lot. That is because Kendall is the most outspoken of the two, she is much more social, and much, much more domineering. Oh but this is all to E.

Ethan was born on a Sunday morning, we were watching Action News, Walter Perez was reporting, incidentally we have his double running stroller, he is a neighbor of my aunt, and he too, has several little ones around the same age. Ethan was a tank to birth. Of course, of course, I had an epidural, so I am not a birthing warrior, and will never try to be. However, the epidural took the opposite effect on me with this birth, and I could not feel the contractions at all, but you better believe I felt that birth. Ethan has a very large head, inherited from me, and pushing that sucker out was no small task, oh here's hoping the next one has a pin head like Daddy and Kendall. No joke, E wears just about the same size hat as Andy.

I was so nervous about having a boy, but here is a little secret I have found this past 2 years, they are so much easier then girls, by far! I would gladly welcome another boy or girl into my home, but if I had the choice, and I don't so it doesn't really matter, I would pick more boys hands down.

Ethan is the epitome of a boy, he is all boy, but with the added twist of having a big sister. So yes, he does play barbies, but his barbies get eaten by dinosaurs. He does in fact play fairy princess, but he is always the prince and willingly kisses the princess to wake her up from her eternal sleep. He does play baby dolls, but his babies are usually flying down the stairs and then having to go to the doctor.Ethan does play store, but usually his cart is the one that crashes into the shelves and all the items are scattered all over the floor making a huge mess. Ethan loves to play trucks, look at trucks, and ride in trucks. Ethan loves to play ball, watch other kids play ball, and could last all day kicking a ball back and forth with you. Ethan has no patience for dilly dallying as Kendall and I like to do, and if you feed him, he is happy. Ethan really does enjoy a good meal and a good nap. He really is a no nonsense kind of guy.

Ethan can now talk in 2-3 word phrases, can tell me the need that needs to be met, and what Kendall did to him. Like a boy, he tells me the necessities, there is no time for conversation, there is playing to be done.

However, Ethan can be very sensitive. Ethan is embarrassed easily, his feelings get hurt easy, and he is always concerned as to where his Mommy and Kendall are, if one of us is not in the room, he is in hot pursuit to find us. Ethan loves animals, and was in his element at the zoo yesterday.

If you wanted to know if the male and female brain really are different come spend a day in my house. Kendall and Ethan do have similar interests, but the way they process, handle, and achieve things is completely different.

Ethan is a complete Mama's Boy still, and I love it so very much. However, he now does let other's he is comfortable with care for him, and I am allowed out of his sight for an extended period of time.

Ethan is also built like a tank. He is only 31 pounds and probably just about 3 feet, but he is a thick kid, with a thick neck, strong legs, big strong hands, and is just solid.

Andy always says that Ethan is pretty, and Kendall always corrects him by saying, 'No Daddy, girls are pretty, boys are handsome.' And Andy always replies, 'No, Kendall, your brother is pretty.' And I do agree. Ethan is quite a looker. I may be bias, but those big brown eyes,long eyelashes, and pouty lips are going to break girls hearts, because they already have that affect on old ladies.

Just like Kendall, in my world, the sun and the moon set on Ethan. The task I have been given to raise this little man is great, but a task I have no other desire than to put my everything into.

So we go into another year, Ebee, and my love for you is greater with each passing moment.

Springtime

'Spring is here, Spring is here, it's the best time of the year!'







No, unfortunately I did not come up with that little diddy on my own. I believe it is from Little Bill, a show Kendall watches while I put E down for his nap everyday. But every time the arrival of spring is mentioned, that tune pops in my head. I know, I am a walking soundtrack.





My little man turns 2 tomorrow. As I listen to this I can hear him running back and forth, and back and forth above me on the second floor. He asked to watch The Wiggles. I think a new project has overcome his interests and he is quickly moving things from one room to another as fast as his little legs will take him. I love to watch and hear this kid run. His body is moving so fast, but goes almost nowhere. Since the weather has quickly shown promises of warmth, he is always running around outside. He is the epitome of spring fever. Once you release him out the door he breathes in the air and is instantly drawn into its refreshing nature.







My favorite season is actually Fall. I love when it comes around bringing cold, crisp air. However, this year I have been able to see and enjoy the changes that spring brings through Kendall and Ethan's little eyes, and it has been a reintroduction to spring for me as well. Here is the things we have been enjoying and soaking up.



We have our bird visitors every morning, who come and perch on our porch railing as we eat our cereal that Lily just cackles away at. The daffodils are poking through the soil. Kendall has planted seedlings with my mom that are taking up temporary residency on all open surfaces in my kitchen.



Today as we watered them, we saw the first of them popping through. Kendall was ecstatic, something she had worked on with her little hands was coming to life. She had to call Mom Mom immediately to report the news.



The worker guys are here clearing out the winter wind's havoc on the landscape, so Ethan is in his glory watching this take place. Lily tries to escape out the door through our legs leaving some little one on the floor on her exit, she is that big. She loves to roll around on the front steps in the spring soaking up the sunshine. They think that this is hilarious.



The ducks are at the park and follow us all around when we are there to feed them our stale bread.





And what might be so interesting behind this fence? There is a ball park at our local park and work has begun for the new season...take a peek.



My favorite part of the warm weather is that I am able to crack the windows on some days to let the fresh air in.



Another sign of spring? Mother Goose is back. Each year for the past 3 years a pair of geese have come to live at my grandparents farm on their pond to make a nest and raise their goslings until they feel they are stong enough to spread their wings. The nest is in the same spot each year, and they have arrived and departed at the same time each year. The geese are still a little skeptical around us, but they have no fear of Kendall and Ethan. I suppose because they are of the same height, posing no threat. They walk right up to them and take food from them, it is so cute to see the delight on their faces. Mom Mom Mom's farm is a great place any season, but once the spring comes, and you can be outside, it is even more fun, and the season has begun. So I suppose spring is a pretty cool season after all, and I have my kids to thank for the reintroduction.





I have blogged about the curious bond between Jack the dog, and Ethan, here are the two of them on a hike, each clearly estatic about the weather, the chance to prance around outside, and being with each other. Jack is even smiling. A note on the stick Ethan has. This stick was acquired on the hike, and for that day, this stick was taken everywhere, even to a nap with a little boy.









So however you do Spring go ahead. It's time to dig in some dirt, splash in puddles, learn to ride a bike, get grass stains, put down the car windows as you drive with the tunes turned up, if even if it is The Little Mermaid soundtrack, and above all else? Let that pale winter skin out and give it some sun....

Your Daily Style

I do not care what you say...wall paper is back. I was reading one of my other favorite blogs, and the blogger was talking about a recent trip to Anthropolgie, and as much as she loved the items in the store, it really wasn't her style. This spurred me to go to Anthropologie's website and cruise their home section, because let me tell you, this is my style. Oh how I love looking at all their things. There was this cute little pink bird that I would just love sitting on my half wall, I think he would like it there too.

My friend Trista and I go back and forth about wall paper. She does not like wall paper, while I try to force the idea of wall paper on her. It goes back and forth like this. Once again I will say, Trista, a black and white damask wall paper or some funky off beat one would look fabulous in your foyer.

I agree, wall paper was a style of our parents. I can remember all the rooms in our home being wall papered. But wall paper isn't your mother's wall paper any longer, and that is all I have to say about that. Andy is totally against wall paper also. Good thing I have a good track record with decorating, and what he says he hates, he ends up loving. I really think that a funky wall paper on one of the cathedral ceilings in my bedroom, with the other walls painted a color to contrast just right would look great. When we get the time, and if ever the expenses to do so, my bedroom is going to be Anthroplogie inspired, I love that vintage look. However, I vow to not shop at Anthroplogie to achieve this.

Sometimes, I think, as much as I LOVE Anthroplogie and all its cute and random items, it really takes the fun out of things. Because lets face it, the store is an over priced flea market. It takes items that we love, if we love that style, and goes crazy with them, and then they end up overpriced. Sure it makes it easy to obtain these items, if you have that kind of cash, but I love a great flea market or antique store with quality vintage finds.

So if you get a moment, and you are into that kind of style, go ahead over to Anthropologie today and drool for a little bit. Oh and the new hardware collection, totally into it. I would just love, to put some of those knobs on my cabinets in my kitchen, they really deserve it. I think "love" was the key word in my blog today.

And isn't this just the cutest little thing you have ever seen, well seen today, so far? I might take up tea drinking on a more regular basis if I had this sweet sugar dish sitting on my counter.