Catholic Wife and Mother

Potty Training Day 5

2009-11-13T12:59:00.002-07:00

This was supposed to be our last day of potty training. Things have really gone pretty well, with a couple of minor issues and one great big (stinky) issue.

1. Fritter will pee in the potty anytime I tell him to go. Otherwise, if I just ask him, he tells me he doesn't need to go. Even if it's been a couple of hours and I know he needs to.

2. We've had very few accidents, but I think this is due to him really being able to "hold it". Once was while I was tickling him yesterday (and really, that was my fault).

3. I've yet to get him to go #2 in the potty. Generally this happens while he is in independent play, so yesterday I sat quietly in the room with him while he was playing, so I could catch him "in action" and put him on the toilet. I think if I could just get him to go once in there, he'd go every time. But, (even after two cups of apple juice and some raisins as a snack) he decided he didn't need to go at all. And this morning, while I was temporarily distracted, he went in his pants, and came and got me after the fact. Thankfully, cleaning up isn't such a big deal, especially since I can just dump the underwear in the toilet and throw them in the diaper pail. But really, he should go in the toilet.

I'd love ideas or thoughts on this. In other words, HELP! ;-)

I'm A Little Teapot

2009-11-11T19:56:00.003-07:00

There is nothing much cuter than a singing three year old, so here's another video.

ABC's and a Bonus Walk

2009-11-11T19:50:00.005-07:00

Fritter singing his ABC's. Watch for Ladybug dancing and walking in the background.

It's Potty Time! (Round Two)

2009-11-10T13:45:00.004-07:00

If you don't care about the details of a first time potty trainer, I'm sure there is something interesting at the Discovery Channel. If you do care, well, read on!

Since Fritter turned three on Sunday, we decided that now was a good time to start potty training. Again. But this time there will be no going back. So I cleared our week of everything, and started yesterday.

In the morning, I immediately dressed him in his training pants. What is cuter than a three year old in underwear? He even said they were "cozy". I can imagine they must be compared to a diaper.

Because he is a very tall three year old, I decided to use the top of the potty chair on the toilet seat instead of just the chair. I also thought it would help him get more excited about using it. I used Ladybug's doll to show him how to use it, and sat him on it right after. It was very hard getting him to sit still long enough to actually go.

Right after breakfast, we had our first accident. (Which happened, by the way, while the plumbers were here. That's another story.) We had one more accident that morning, and I'm thinking that I have a very long, stressful day ahead of me. But right before his nap, I had an epiphany and had him stand up. It was only a couple of minutes before he went, and I think he might have been a little shocked. ;-) Now I just need to teach him how to aim.

He stayed dry for his whole nap yesterday, and although we never had a #2, we also didn't have another accident. For bedtime, I put a plastic cover over his training pants (I wake up enough during the night, I didn't want to change sheets too) but it really wasn't needed, because he stayed dry all night.

This morning has been a little different ball game. We've had three accidents so far, including a yucky one, but also a few successes. I think he's uncomfortable going #2 on the toilet, even with the potty seat on it, so we're working on that. I'm going to try the potty chair, and maybe he'll be more comfortable that way.

Patience wise, I've really been praying. Right before his nap, I was very frustrated, because I could see that he needed to go, but he was being stubborn. I'm thinking a rosary and a nap may be in order. For me. Not him. He's already sleeping.

I have to remember that this is a process, much like learning to walk, and when he falls, I can't get angry or frustrated, I have to help him learn from his mistakes.

One cute story, yesterday before doing his deed, he blessed himself, folded his little hands and prayed, "Bless us oh Lord and these thy gifts..." I'm sure God knew what he meant. ;-)

Happy Birthday Fritter!

2009-11-08T13:24:00.004-07:00

We had Fritter's birthday party yesterday at the park, and it really turned out good. I was nervous, because I have never thrown a party myself before. But I think everyone had a nice time. Especially with the pinata. ;-)

Fritter thought he was in heaven, because my dear husband bought some "booloons" to decorate the pavilion with. We let Fritter pick out a "wed booloon" and tied it to his wrist. So even though the park was crowded it was easy to spot him.

Fritter trying to blow out the candles. He still isn't quite sure how to blow (he tries to blow through his teeth) so an older boy helped him. I think he'll still get his wish.

Fritter going for the pinata.

Afterwards, we were exhausted but happy. It is a nice feeling to be surrounded by so many good friends.

Happy 3rd birthday Fritter! We love you.

Melissa & Doug Giveaway

2009-11-05T11:00:00.004-07:00

Head on over to Melissa & Doug to see the adorable play kitchen they are giving away and enter to win there. If you've never seen Melissa & Doug toys, you are totally missing out. Seriously, they are that good. So what are you waiting for? Go! Enter!

*Picture from the Melissa & Doug website.*

My Little Saints

2009-11-01T10:15:00.007-07:00

Last night we went to our first All Saints Day Party. It was so much fun and so cute to see all the little saints. I was amazed at how many St. George's there were to sword fight each other. ;-)

St. Francis

Mary Queen of Heaven

The Litany of Saints

There was also a catacombs made out of refrigerator boxes and a jumpy house. Which was great, because after all the candy Fritter had eaten, he needed to get that energy out.

It was nice to meet other families in our area, and I was amazed at how many little kids there were. It was a madhouse, and it was so much fun. ;-)

Hubby, Come Home!

2009-10-29T19:25:00.006-07:00

My dear, dear, dear husband will be coming home late tomorrow! *Squeel!* I don't think I can convey to you how excited I am. Or how long today has been. Or how long tomorrow will be. He's coming home!

I have a few projects underfoot to keep myself busy. Besides the kids. They are two bundles of projects themselves. ;-)

I'm working on their costumes for the homeschooling group's All Saints party. I'm very excited. We've never been to one and I'm really looking forward to it. Especially since my hubby will be there.

So, the costumes. At Joann today, I found some simple brown fabric for Fritter's costume, along with other fabric for Ladybug. While standing in line to checkout, I looked down at my receipt and saw *gasp* that simple brown fabric was going to cost me $50! I had accidentally picked up brown suit wool, without really looking at it. Thankfully the nice lady that helped me cut the fabric took it back and directed me to the $1/yard brown felt. Otherwise Fritter would have been one rich St. Francis. ;-)

I'll post pictures of the kids in their costumes maybe Saturday or Sunday...or tomorrow. Who knows. My hubby is coming home!

A Google Search

2009-10-29T19:21:00.002-07:00

For the person who found me by searching "story of mothers pooping there pants", I'm curious. Why? And did you find what you were looking for? ;-)

My Little (Big) Boy

2009-10-24T19:57:00.005-07:00

Why is it that I miss my little boy and want to go wake him up just so I can snuggle him? An hour ago I was looking forward to him going to bed. This isn't a rare feeling for me either. It happens most nights.

Perhaps it's because Fritter has (almost) become a big boy. You know what that means, right? It means that he doesn't want hugs and kisses and snuggles when I want to give them to him. He wants to sit in the chair instead of on the couch with mom. He wants to play with his cars instead of snuggle on my lap for a book. And he would rather try to run as fast as he can at me and throw his whole body weight into me and squeeze my leg as hard as he can, instead of giving me sweet little hugs.

He's all boy, that one. He tries my patience a lot. He's loud, he's stubborn, and he fusses. But he's also very funny. He's strong willed and independent. And he surprises me with his gentleness. He's incredibly smart and I'm amazed at the things he remembers and the things he knows. There are times when I wonder when he's going to start listening to me, and then there are days when I'm amazed at how well behaved he is.

He is not the same little boy we brought home from the hospital. And yet he is. He changed a lot after his sister was born. In some ways he became more challenging and in other ways he became more independent. He's grown up. And while I know he still has so much growing to do, I can't imagine him being any bigger than he is. He's my good boy. And he's almost three.

Kauai Trip - Part 2

2009-10-24T13:26:00.006-07:00

Part 1 is here

The rest of our trip was spent mostly sight seeing. The kids did very well in the car, and because it takes awhile to get from one part of the island to the other, they were in the car a lot.

One of our many "road" pictures.

One of the first things we went to see was the Kilauea Lighthouse. Fritter has been fascinated with lighthouses since we did a short unit on them from the Brightly Beaming Preparatory Curriculum. A common phrase for him is, "A beacon is a signal." So we couldn't miss this. It was worth the drive, and the view was awesome.

The unused lighthouse.

The now used boring beacon.

On some of the days that my dear husband had to work in paradise, we went shopping. Outside the Hawaiian Trading Post was one of those touristy photo ops. Hey, we were tourists, and I wasn't going to miss our chance. ;-)

Hang ten, Fritter!

Hmmm....what's in there?

Probably the coolest playground I've ever seen was at Lydgate Park on the East side of the island. That's where we first met up with my husband's friend, from when he was in the Navy, and his family (The "A" Family). They are currently stationed on Oahu, so it was a short flight over for them and they stayed for a few days. Fritter loved playing with their kids and did his best to follow them around. ;-)

The only issue we had in the car was when we decided to go to Waimea Canyon. Waimea Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and is truly spectacular. To get there, though, you have to drive up winding mountain roads. And Fritter gets carsick. So about every 10 minutes or so, we had to pull over and let him have fresh air and walk around a bit. We actually went there twice. Once when the "A" family was visiting.

Waimea Canyon.

There are helicopter rides that will take you through the Canyon, but I wouldn't be caught on one. ;-)

The second time we went further up the canyon, because my hubby wanted to give me a great surprise. After a small hike, we were able to see part of the Na Pali coast. The only way to see the whole coast is either by boat or by helicopter. There is not a road that goes completely around the island. As such, it is a truly untouched piece of Earth. And an amazing one at that.

The last trip we made was to the very lush North side of the island to Hanalei Bay. This was perhaps the prettiest spot I'd ever seen, and maybe the best beach as well. The sand is soft powder, and the beach slopes very gradually into the ocean. Out beyond the bay, we could make out some surfers and some very big waves.

If you could see the picture above bigger, you would see about five waterfalls coming off the mountains. When it rains there are many more. I could have stayed at that beach forever.

Our camera batteries were basically dead by this point, so I'm amazed we even got this picture. We had to turn the camera on and point and click as fast as we could. The picture below is the result of that. I did bring the docking charger, but for some reason it's not working. ;-(

If you ever get a chance to visit Kauai, I highly recommend buying The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook.* It was such a help to us, and fun to read as well. You will be happy you spent the money on it.

*I did not get reimbursement of any kind for recommending this book.*

Kauai Trip - Part 1

2009-10-17T19:51:00.009-07:00

As nervous as I was about such a long flight with the kids by myself, it went fine. And my reward was waiting for me at the baggage claim, so any discomfort was well worth it. I followed my hubby from the airport to his condo, and though it was dark, I could tell immediately that I was someplace magical. When we got to my dear husband's condo, I asked how close we were to the ocean. He told me that if I stand on the balcony and squint a little, I could see it. So imagine my surprise when I woke up the next morning to this:

Cheeky hubby, isn't he?

The next day was spent napping mostly, but I did have to go out to get food in that house. Isn't it funny how quickly guys revert to bachelorism when it comes to food? ;-) While at Costco (The cheapest place on the island. Did you know that milk can be $8 a gallon there?!) I was charmed by these guys in the parking lot....

It seems that after a hurricane, a bunch of roosters were released and have become local pests. I think they're cute. Fritter enjoyed cock-a-doodling at them.

The next day, all I could think about was the beach. So that's where we went. Fritter played in the waves...

Ladybug did her best to eat all the sand on the beach...

And I did this...

What?! ;-)

Later that evening, when my wonderful-spoils-me-rotten-husband got home, we played in the grassy knoll and I got great pictures.

Awww...Are those for me?

Guess not. ;-)

Stop eating stuff you little monkey!

Loving on Daddy.

Did I mention that Ladybug took her first steps the second day we were there? I say steps because it was three, not just one. I think I know where that's going to take us.

Dad and Fritter enjoying the waves.

And I'll leave you with this picture and pick up where I left off next time...

Travel Poop Story

2009-10-16T14:36:00.003-07:00

I'm still not ready to expand on our trip, but I do have a small story to share.

The plane that took us from LA home was a small express plane with two seats on either side. While Fritter slept the whole trip (yay!) Ladybug was awake and enjoying waving at everyone behind her. About 30 minutes before we landed, her face started turning red and got very serious. That's when I realized that while I had put on the kids' overnight diapers before our first flight, I hadn't changed them yet. Hey, it was still nighttime for us, and I was running off of 30 minutes of sleep.

So, Ladybug is straining and all of a sudden there is an AWFUL smell radiating from her. So bad, in fact, that the older lady sitting behind and across the aisle from us said, "Someone is a little stinky". Yep, that's my kid.

The seat belt sign is on, we are about to land, and I can't get up to change my very smelly baby. That's when I notice something wet on Ladybug's pants. Her diaper was starting to leak. No big deal, right? I wrapped a blanket around her, more for stench control than anything, and kept her standing up. And then...I looked down at my lap. That's right. Poop. On. My. Lap. So not only was my baby smelly, but I was too.

I then had to endure the plane unloading and all the people Ladybug had formally entertained walking past us. I'm sure they smelled her...um, us. They had to.

After we landed, I went to unbuckle Fritter to shuffle him out of the plane and noticed his pants were soaked. Another leaky diaper. That's what I get. Do I hear a Mother of the Year award coming my way?

Sandy Bliss

2009-10-15T19:02:00.001-07:00

Just a small teaser. I will be posting about our trip soon. As soon as I catch up on some sleep.

Chocolate Anyone?

2009-09-28T21:38:00.003-07:00

I have been craving chocolate. I mean craving. I haven't bought any, because my budget has recently gone to more important things. That's not to say that I couldn't really afford $1 for a chocolate bar. I could. I just haven't.

Anyway, today, had I had a bag of chocolate chips in the fridge, they would have all been eaten. By me. All of them. But alas, I didn't have any. All I had was a bottle of Hershey's syrup. And it doesn't satisfy that craving. Ahem. So...

For dinner tonight, I planned on eating up the leftovers in the fridge. When you're going to be gone for two weeks, that's what you do. Instead, because of this raging chocolate craving, I went online to see if Pizza Hut had anything chocolate. They do. And they deliver. But the cost of a pizza! And they're not that great really. Especially after you're used to homemade. So I talked myself down from that very tall precipice.

Instead, I thought I'd go wake the sleeping baby, pack up the kids and go to the store for some chocolate and maybe some ice cream. Then I realized I was being irrational. Wake a sleeping baby for chocolate?! So we had the leftovers for dinner as planned, and my craving, while still there, has subsided a little. Just a little. ;-)

So I had an idea, and while I'm not going to do it, maybe one of you will, and I'll be your best customer. Why not have a Chocolate Hut (or other such name) where people like me could call and order? There could be high end chocolate, but also budget friendly chocolate. And you'd deliver it to my door within 45 minutes!

So? What are you waiting for? Just remember that you got the idea from me. The least you could do is provide me with free chocolate whenever I wanted it. I'll tip your driver good, too. ;-)

Patty Cake

2009-09-24T13:14:00.002-07:00

A Three Year Old's Prayer

2009-09-23T18:57:00.004-07:00

Fritter has a friend who is about 7 or 8 named Jacob. Even though he's much older than Fritter, he plays well and is very patient with him, and Fritter adores him. Anytime we see these particular friends, the first words out of Fritter's mouth is, "Where's Jacob?" However, we haven't seen Jacob for a while, and generally I thought for a three year old out of sight was out of mind. I guess I was wrong.

Before dinner tonight, we, like many of you, bowed our heads and thanked God for our food. We also generally include various intercessions and tonight was no different. After I prayed especially for Daddy, I started to say "Amen". Fritter wasn't done though. Very quickly, he said, "And we pray for Jacob." I about melted on the spot.

A Melancholy Post

2009-09-21T19:21:00.003-07:00

I'm feeling very lonely. I miss my husband. Thankfully, I'm able to talk to him everyday, but because of the time difference he's either just waking up, or I'm just going to bed.

I'm feeling very poor me right now, but in the back of my head are thoughts of those women (some of whom I consider friends) who must go without their husbands for much, much longer. Or who have had to. And they often are unable to speak with them everyday. And their husbands are in less than safe areas.

So then I feel guilty for feeling like I do, because there are so many in much harder situations than myself. And then I just feel lonelier.

Most of the day it's fine. I'm used to him being at work during the day, and we have our routine around here. But right around dinner time it gets hard. And it's not just because I could use another pair of hands with our two little ones. It's mostly because I want to hug him and kiss him and ask him how his day went.

*sigh* It's only been about six days since he left. And there is only nine days until I go visit him. So why does it feel like an eternity?

Thanks For The Shirt Dad! - Part 2

2009-09-21T11:22:00.003-07:00

Thanks For The Shirt Dad!

2009-09-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Children's Art Museum

2009-09-19T13:46:00.003-07:00

Today we went to the Children's Art Museum. Our library has a program that allows you to check out a pass to get into certain museums for free, so that was part of the plan. However, the passes for this particular museum were already gone, so we had to pay. ;-(

There is an area of the museum just for the 4 and under crowd, and naturally, that's where we headed. Besides a slide area and a car, there is a "Babies Only" area. Ladybug enjoyed not being trampled by the big kids.

Here she is playing with another little girl (Ladybug is on the right).

"So much to look at, where shall I start?"

The rest of the museum is set up like a house. There is a living room space, complete with books and little couches and chairs. And of course an art studio, but that's wasn't really up Fritter's alley. He wanted the food.

I think he might be hungry.

I love how the other little boy's shoe is on the counter.

Besides the indoor spaces, they also have a very cute "outdoor" space with a garden and a tree and a corn field.

Fritter planting carrots. I didn't know corn grew like that. ;-)

Overall it was a fun trip. If we come here again, I will remember to bring socks for the kids. It's supposed to be a socks only area, but we live in Arizona and rarely wear socks until winter. The museum has obviously thought about that, because they are making a killing selling socks at $1 a pair. I had to buy two, and we weren't the only ones.

I also wasn't thrilled that it was aimed so much at domestic stuff. (Why do I feel a little sexist writing that?) But I suppose I should have realized that as well. It is an art museum after all.

I think next time we'll venture closer to the city for the other Children's Museum. That one has a good mix of activities. And it also offers the same culture pass opportunity.

My Boy

2009-09-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Where Are All The Pictures?

2009-09-18T19:02:00.003-07:00

Seriously, I've been a complete slacker. I thought I would post a recent picture here, because I don't have much to say, but I do want to say...something. A picture is worth 1000 words, right? I turned on the camera to see what we had stored. Nothing. Hmmm...

So I went to the file on the computer where the pictures are kept. The last picture taken was August 25. Wow! Almost a month without taking a picture of the kids?! What kind of a mother am I anyway? ;-) And of course, now that I'm thinking about it, they're both sleeping.

I'm putting the camera on the counter. I'm going to use it. Tomorrow.

And...he's gone

2009-09-16T07:18:00.003-07:00

My dear husband left this morning for his six week work trip. As I dropped him off at the airport, I told myself, "I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry."

Thankfully, we will be able to go see him in two weeks. But then it's another two weeks after we get home that he gets home. So instead of one big six week stretch, I'm thinking of it as two week stints. And two weeks really isn't that long, right? Right?

I had planned on keeping us busy for these weeks, but so far that won't work. You see, the kids are still sick. And after their last doses of antibiotics yesterday, Ladybug spiked another fever. So they have a follow up appointment this morning. More of the same, I'm guessing. I think we're going to be staying home at least until this weekend.

And that's ok. It just means there are more opportunities for hugs and love, since we won't be so busy. Maybe that's best.

But I am really going to miss him.

Quarantined!

2009-09-11T11:19:00.002-07:00

I need a hug. But you probably wouldn't want to get that close to me. Tuesday morning, Fritter developed a fever, along with a runny nose. Ladybug also started to get congested and Tuesday night was no fun for any of us.

So after yet another sleepless night for us last night, and another day of high fevers, I took them both in to the doctor. What do you know? Both have double ear infections along with raw throats. Both have fevers. And I'm beginning to feel it myself. I need a nap.

My dear husband leaves tonight for the Wyoming vs. Texas game tomorrow and then he'll be back Sunday. I'm hoping we're all much better by then, because he leaves for his big six week trip on Wednesday. I think while he's gone I'll bury my head in the backyard like an Arizona ostrich. ;-)