a mom with two small children. For the last week we have been having what I thought were some transition issues with Keeley. She is now at the "big kid" school and she seems to fall apart (screaming, crying, acting like she can't get off the floor...) every day after school. The car ride home is great. She is all smiles and telling me about all the works she did during the day. Something happens the minute we walk into the kitchen that starts it and it can last for quite some time. I finally reached out to my facebook friends, my mom, and Keeley's teacher for some advice.
After a serious brainstorming session with Mom, we came up with a plan to help Keeley transition. It worked beautifully. Both the girls came home from school and were calm and happy while they ate lunch and got ready for naps. Kayden went down wonderfully, Keeley didn't nap but was pleasant, and I was thrilled. This was short-lived. Keeley fell off the step stool shortly into Kayden's nap time and commenced to screaming. The screaming woke up Kayden and she started to cry because she was not happy to be awake. Keeley was upset and crying while covering her ears and screaming "Kayden! TOO loud! It hurts my ears!" Which only made Kayden cry more. There were cuddles in Mom's lap until one girl touched the other. In a fit, Keeley hit her head on the side of the couch and Kayden tried to comfort her which made Keeley cry louder. It was pleasant. All said this lasted from 2:40 until 4. That is a LONG time!!!
Despite the insanity of that, I was optimistic for the transition plan to work today. We were doing fine, until Keeley came running out of her room screaming, holding her diaper (getting ready for nap), and crying that it hurt to tinkle. I called the doctor to get an appointment. Her doctor was booked and there were two spots open - one at 3 (meant waking Kayden up early) and one at 4 with a male doctor. Given the nature of the problem, I didn't want her going to a male doctor she didn't even know. I thought the lesser of the two was having to wake Kayden up early.
We got to the office and I was told that Keeley needed to leave a sample. Not that I was thrilled with the idea of a catheter, but I didn't see getting Keeley to pee in a cup going well. I asked the nurse what we did if it didn't work and she said "we'll try this first. Most kids think this is kind of fun." She clearly doesn't know my kid and I can guarantee you that there is no mother of a preschooler that thinks it is fun.
The three of us make our way down the hall to the bathroom - Keeley clutching herself, Kayden bunny hopping, and me wondering how this is going to work. Immediately, Keeley tells me she doesn't need to go. I finally convince her to get up there and commence to figuring out the logistics of cleaning and collection. Kayden starts to explore the restroom (which is not so clean in case you were wondering. Probably everyone should avoid being low to the ground at a pediatric office restroom at the end of the day.)
We manage to get about two drops. I'm instructed by Keeley to "catch it as it drips". Awesome. That tiny amount is enough to diagnose she has a uti but not enough to send out to culture so she has to go again. The nurse brings two big cups of water (one for Kayden and one for Keeley). Keeley immediately refuses to drink hers and Kayden immediately pours hers on the ground. Fun. Keeley slowly but surely drinks hers and we head back down to the restroom...perhaps there was a bribe of ice cream. Who can blame me?
This time Kayden finds a piece of toilet paper on the floor and shows it to me. I tell her to put it in the potty because the trash is too high for her and I am on the ground with Keeley. Somehow Kayden is completely incapable of seeing water and not touching it and I am suddenly stuck looking at a wet arm and trying not to think about the nastiness of that. We get a sample, get washed up, and head back to the exam room to collect our things. I promptly drench all three of us in hand sanitizer up to the elbows and get out of there as fast as possible.
Ice cream is eaten on the back porch....Keeley comes running in dripping ice cream and heading for the bathroom. Then I hear "poop on my finger.....oh...and on the floor" Awesome. Could this week get better? How is it only Wednesday?!?! And, is it any surprise that I want to fall asleep at 7pm!
Tomorrow my transition plan will work. There will be no tears. Everyone will nap. I will not have pee or poop anywhere but the potty. Are preschoolers subject to the power of positive thinking?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Keeley is Three!
Hard to believe but so true. She has changed our lives and blessed us in so many ways! Sometimes I still look at her and expect to see this little face.
And am greeted with this one instead!
Some highlights right now:
* loves purple, dressing up, animals, and working with her babies
* is still OBSESSED with reading and will correct you if you forget a word, so don't even try to skip a page or sentence
* collects "treasures" every where we go - acorns, rocks, leaves...
* is now in the Primary classroom and adjusting fairly well. I was invited to her celebration of life and she seemed so happy and the kids were so sweet to her.
* says "why" all the time now. I've had to start getting more creative in my answers because I know that many more "whys" follow the first!
* cut her own hair - ON her actual birthday! Lesson learned for Mom. Fortunately, she didn't cut too much and she doesn't have much style to it, so the appearance wasn't greatly disturbed!
She's also getting funnier with her verbal/logic skills.
* One day she really wanted another granola bar and I told her that she couldn't and gave her other options. After a few minutes she came to tell me that Cassie (her doll) was really hungry and needed a granola bar.
* As I was leaving to run some errands, I told the girls good bye. Keeley asked where I was going and I told her "Target, the party store, and the library". She asked if she could go and I reminded her that she needed to take a nap. She looked at me and then said "Mom, I haven't seen the library in a long time."
* After she was supposed to be in bed, I got in the bath tub - hoping to relax. She came in, looked at me and said "Mommies and Daddies don't take baths". We then had to have a discussion about how I take a shower to get clean and a bath to relax...which wasn't working that night.
* Oma told her one day that she couldn't take them to the mall because she didn't have my car. Keeley responded with "Oma, your a grown-up. You can drive"
* When she gets upset and is crying she'll say "Don't touch my tears" or "not on my tears" - maybe a little dramatic!
* I pulled my hair back today and came back in the kitchen where the girls were. Keeley immediately looked at me, pointed at my hair and said, "I don't like your hair. I like your face, but I don't like your hair." Talk about brutally honest!!
Her stats:
* weight - 32lbs (62%)
* length - 36.75 inches (40%)
* BMI 16.66 (76%)
and , new this time,
* Blood Pressure: 94/39 (which is good for a little person!)
I asked about why her % on weight and height suddenly reversed and the doctor said it is more than likely because this is the first time she was standing up for height and because she was never a "stout" toddler so she just stayed fairly thin the whole time.
* loves purple, dressing up, animals, and working with her babies
* is still OBSESSED with reading and will correct you if you forget a word, so don't even try to skip a page or sentence
* collects "treasures" every where we go - acorns, rocks, leaves...
* is now in the Primary classroom and adjusting fairly well. I was invited to her celebration of life and she seemed so happy and the kids were so sweet to her.
* says "why" all the time now. I've had to start getting more creative in my answers because I know that many more "whys" follow the first!
* cut her own hair - ON her actual birthday! Lesson learned for Mom. Fortunately, she didn't cut too much and she doesn't have much style to it, so the appearance wasn't greatly disturbed!
She's also getting funnier with her verbal/logic skills.
* One day she really wanted another granola bar and I told her that she couldn't and gave her other options. After a few minutes she came to tell me that Cassie (her doll) was really hungry and needed a granola bar.
* As I was leaving to run some errands, I told the girls good bye. Keeley asked where I was going and I told her "Target, the party store, and the library". She asked if she could go and I reminded her that she needed to take a nap. She looked at me and then said "Mom, I haven't seen the library in a long time."
* After she was supposed to be in bed, I got in the bath tub - hoping to relax. She came in, looked at me and said "Mommies and Daddies don't take baths". We then had to have a discussion about how I take a shower to get clean and a bath to relax...which wasn't working that night.
* Oma told her one day that she couldn't take them to the mall because she didn't have my car. Keeley responded with "Oma, your a grown-up. You can drive"
* When she gets upset and is crying she'll say "Don't touch my tears" or "not on my tears" - maybe a little dramatic!
* I pulled my hair back today and came back in the kitchen where the girls were. Keeley immediately looked at me, pointed at my hair and said, "I don't like your hair. I like your face, but I don't like your hair." Talk about brutally honest!!
Her stats:
* weight - 32lbs (62%)
* length - 36.75 inches (40%)
* BMI 16.66 (76%)
and , new this time,
* Blood Pressure: 94/39 (which is good for a little person!)
I asked about why her % on weight and height suddenly reversed and the doctor said it is more than likely because this is the first time she was standing up for height and because she was never a "stout" toddler so she just stayed fairly thin the whole time.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Smart Little Stinker
Kayden had fun at Keeley's birthday party too! I think her tongue might have been out the entire party though...
She also enjoyed Keeley's presents! Keeley shared pretty well that night which was good because Kayden didn't really understand why she didn't have presents.
As soon as she tried on Keeley's dress up shoes, she looked at us and said "Look at me! I so cute!" She was definitely right about that! This little one keeps us on our toes for sure. She is into everything and so very verbal for her age. Today when we were all rocking before naps, Keeley fell asleep and Kayden, my sleep fighter, sat up, rubbed Keeley's head, looked at me and said "I so sweet". That may be true, but saying it might make it a little less so!
The funniest thing she does right now is look at me and say, with a mischievous little grin and head tilt "Mommy, please I ......" She then fills in the blank with something that she is not supposed to be doing such as: climbing on the windowsill, putting her fingers in her milk, standing up in her chair... WHILE she is doing the forbidden thing. Little stinker! Good thing she is so cute!
The funniest thing she does right now is look at me and say, with a mischievous little grin and head tilt "Mommy, please I ......" She then fills in the blank with something that she is not supposed to be doing such as: climbing on the windowsill, putting her fingers in her milk, standing up in her chair... WHILE she is doing the forbidden thing. Little stinker! Good thing she is so cute!
Sister Love
One of my favorite parts of being a mom is getting to watch my girls develop their sister relationship. They definitely have their moments, but most of the time I have to admit that they are adorably sweet and loving toward each other. Absolutely warms my heart.
After a trip to the park the other evening, Keeley got a really bad side walk burn on her knees. She's a bit dramatic, I wasn't home (everyone wants Mom when really hurt), it was the end of the day, and she hurt so you can imagine that the scene was not pleasant. Kayden sat down next to her on the couch when they got home and was saying "it's okay, Teeley, it's okay".
After a trip to the park the other evening, Keeley got a really bad side walk burn on her knees. She's a bit dramatic, I wasn't home (everyone wants Mom when really hurt), it was the end of the day, and she hurt so you can imagine that the scene was not pleasant. Kayden sat down next to her on the couch when they got home and was saying "it's okay, Teeley, it's okay".
Grosmama and Grospapa
The day after Keeley's official birthday, my grandparents came in town. Because it was Spring Break, Oma was off and had planned to go to the zoo with us. Grosmama and Grospapa came too! It was so much fun. Kayden is in love with "grosspapas" and was so excited to see him. On the way to the zoo, Kayden wanted "grospapas" to ride with us and Keeley wanted "the boy one". It was fun. Grampa rode with us on the way up and Gramma did on the way back. When we got home, we had some cuddles.
And some more dress up of course.....
The girls are blessed to be surrounded by so many loving people!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Dress up girl
Keeley got some amazing presents this year for her birthday. She is really so lucky to have such great friends!
Keeley actually enjoyed opening her presents this year and would look at every card. Unfortunately, she would then run down the hall so we "couldn't see it yet", look at the present, and then run back with it to show it to us. We did this for every single present!
Her immediate, most favorite gifts were the dress up items she received. We didn't have any true dress up clothes and she got lots!
Dad and Kayden even got involved. The girls have a really good dad!
The next morning she wanted to wear the Barbie crown while she watched her morning shows.
I think we might be moving away from pjs all the time and replacing them with crowns!
Her immediate, most favorite gifts were the dress up items she received. We didn't have any true dress up clothes and she got lots!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Birthday Party!
Well, it is official, we have a 3 year old. I can still hardly believe it. This year for her birthday we went to Little Gym. I campaign very hard against a Little Gym party. The kids love them, but I am just so tired of them. Keeley was really into animals and the Jungle Book when we started planning so I tried to convince her we should go see the animals at the zoo for her party. She kept saying "We'll go see the animals and THEN we'll go to my birthday party at Little Gym." Since it was her birthday, I finally gave up and resigned myself to another Little Gym party. I'm so glad I did. Look how happy she is!
It also turned out to be a good thing because we had a million kids there! We invited Keeley's toddler class, our friends in McKinney, and our friends from the Garland area. We felt very loved when they all came and it looks like they all had fun too!
Getting ready on the air track.
Playing with bubbles and balls.
The grandparents came too, which I love.
I see a little bit of resemblance here :-)
Look how sweet she is with Grandad! She wore him out I think!!
As much fun as Keeley had and as silly as she was when she was by herself (see below),
The minute there was any attention on her, she became very shy again.
Mom had to ride the parachute and the birthday ride with Keeley when she wouldn't by herself. Nothing like hoping all the parents can keep it going while you are in the middle....
This is Keeley when everyone started singing.
I made her a giraffe cake (with a little help on the horns from Oma).
Because there were so many people, we also got cupcakes. I was going to decorate them like an animal. However, when I asked Keeley what animal she wanted on the cupcakes, she said "umm, an elephant...and a monkey....and a tiger....and a whale. All the animals on my animal pajamas". I decided making them was a no go! We bought white and I put different animal decorations on them!
All in all, we had a wonderful time. Thank you all for helping us celebrate three years with our beautiful girl!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Inside a preschooler's mind
Not sure that is a place we want to be, but sometimes I really do wonder...
She was upset that we didn't have more of those pillows for her other shoes.
After purchasing spring clothes, we were trying them on. This is her favorite "outfit". Oh my. And, by the way, when did she start looking so much older?!
New Face
Kayden seems to only know how to make the squenched up smile face lately.
While it is awfully cute, I do miss seeing her beautiful eyes.
Taking after some of sister's style cues.
Smushed smile during meal time.
After school - crazy hair and dirt in the eyebrows, ears, and nose. Definite signs of a good day!
Even making the face at Keeley's outfit!
While it is awfully cute, I do miss seeing her beautiful eyes.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Blessings
Since Kendrick's death, I have been amazed and so thankful for the blessing we have received. I knew that we had good friends, but they have proven themselves to be extraordinary during this time. From mobilizing food drop offs while I was still in the hospital, flowers, cards, special mementos by which to remember, and a listening ear, our friends have been so kind. It is true blessing to be surrounded by supportive friends and family when there is a time of tragedy or sadness.
In addition to the friends and family that have reached out to us, I'm amazed at how much other people in our lives have done so as well. People that are acquaintances or that we have professional type relationships with. While in the hospital, a friend of a friend that experienced the death and delivery of her child at five months texted and then called to share with me. She later invited me to a grief support group with her and has provided a much needed listening ear when I feel no one understands how I feel. Kim, our wonderful photographer, offered to come to the hospital to take pictures. When I asked her to come right away, she dropped everything to come so that she could come photograph Kendrick.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of these blessings came from my midwife. I delivered both the girls at a different practice and with an actual medical doctor. Last summer I decided to switch practices because I wasn't crazy with the other doctors and wanted an office closer to the house. I found one that had a highly recommended doctor. I saw that doctor once before she got married and moved away but then discovered Jeanean, my midwife, was also at that practice. I first met Jeanean at the hospital after Kayden's birth. She was with my first practice and was doing their baby gifts. She asked if I would like footprint of Kayden. We have since used her for her pottery studio several times.
I feel God certainly led me to her for Kendrick's birth. She has been such an compassionate provider. Part of that is her job, but most of it is just her. As she was leaving the hospital after Kendrick's birth, she came to our room and asked if it would be alright for her church family to pray for us. Of course I said yes. The kindness she showed during my follow up appointment was so appreciated. At the end of the the official appointment, she looked at me and said "On a personal note, and I hope doesn't upset you that I did this, but I put Kendrick's footprints on two crosses for you." I teared up instantly and said that no, it it didn't offend me and that I have looked at Kayden's plate since Kendrick was delivered and wished that I had had the forethought to do that for Kendrick. She even had a bible verse in mind for the cross if I couldn't find one that I liked. She had put her Sunday School teacher and minister to work and she and her husband had been looking for just the right one. This was all without my knowledge.
She has been such a blessing. I'm so glad that we will soon have his tiny footprints to go along with his big sisters' on our wall!
All of these things have helped us in our grieving process, and we thank you all for your kindness and compassion as we heal. We are lucky to have you all in our lives.
In addition to the friends and family that have reached out to us, I'm amazed at how much other people in our lives have done so as well. People that are acquaintances or that we have professional type relationships with. While in the hospital, a friend of a friend that experienced the death and delivery of her child at five months texted and then called to share with me. She later invited me to a grief support group with her and has provided a much needed listening ear when I feel no one understands how I feel. Kim, our wonderful photographer, offered to come to the hospital to take pictures. When I asked her to come right away, she dropped everything to come so that she could come photograph Kendrick.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of these blessings came from my midwife. I delivered both the girls at a different practice and with an actual medical doctor. Last summer I decided to switch practices because I wasn't crazy with the other doctors and wanted an office closer to the house. I found one that had a highly recommended doctor. I saw that doctor once before she got married and moved away but then discovered Jeanean, my midwife, was also at that practice. I first met Jeanean at the hospital after Kayden's birth. She was with my first practice and was doing their baby gifts. She asked if I would like footprint of Kayden. We have since used her for her pottery studio several times.
I feel God certainly led me to her for Kendrick's birth. She has been such an compassionate provider. Part of that is her job, but most of it is just her. As she was leaving the hospital after Kendrick's birth, she came to our room and asked if it would be alright for her church family to pray for us. Of course I said yes. The kindness she showed during my follow up appointment was so appreciated. At the end of the the official appointment, she looked at me and said "On a personal note, and I hope doesn't upset you that I did this, but I put Kendrick's footprints on two crosses for you." I teared up instantly and said that no, it it didn't offend me and that I have looked at Kayden's plate since Kendrick was delivered and wished that I had had the forethought to do that for Kendrick. She even had a bible verse in mind for the cross if I couldn't find one that I liked. She had put her Sunday School teacher and minister to work and she and her husband had been looking for just the right one. This was all without my knowledge.
She has been such a blessing. I'm so glad that we will soon have his tiny footprints to go along with his big sisters' on our wall!
All of these things have helped us in our grieving process, and we thank you all for your kindness and compassion as we heal. We are lucky to have you all in our lives.
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