un-potty training

... kind of like an un-schooling approach.


looking back, I think I did it all wrong with my first son.  I tried candy, but I think that just officially turned on his sweet tooth.  I tried a sticker chart, and he was nothing but destructive with it; peeling all the stickers off to put everywhere and anywhere else but back on the chart. I then tried pull-ups, thinking the [almost] big-boy-like undies would encourage him to do it the "right" and "normal" way, but it turns out the pull-ups were introduced too early and he just didn't get it.  when he got a tad older I tried again, but because my timing was off from the get-go, it screwed it all up.


*sigh*


today, Sam wears night time pull ups to bed.  that kid sleeps like a brick.
I tried to wake him before I go to bed for a potty trip, but for awhile, waking him triggered night-terrors by messing up his REM sleep cycle ... so that was out.  if you have seen your child have a night-terror then you KNOW its just not worth it.

now its Elliott's turn.  I have not pressured him AT ALL about using the potty.  


it makes me think of my pre-kid days when hubby and I had dogs instead.  it was a big decision to get a 2nd dog, because before real, human kids, these are your kids.  turns out getting a puppy after already having a trained dog was the easiest thing ever; the baby copied his "big brother" with everything.  and so, his potty training wasn't even a chore.
I've been secretly hoping this would be the case with Elliott.  he is so in love with his brother and copies everything, just about.  these last couple of weeks he's been doing really good.  I've even taken him out to the store with undies on ... yes, its a big deal.  


of course there are accidents; we're still in the "be sure to bring extra everything" stage, but that's ok.  my officially/unofficial un-potty training is working out wonderfully.  its one of those things that every child gets ... eventually.  so why fight it?


do you have potty training secrets?  I'd love to hear them ... comment away.

Birthday Fun!

For my family and friends that keep up with us here, enjoy pics of our big boy Elliott!

Considering our circumstances, we kept it low-key ... well as much as you can with 5 kids and sugary cupcakes. :)

a gift & card from his big brother

"Dear Elliott.  I am glad that you are turning 3."

so sweet.

He got "Let's Go Fish" game.  He's been pretending to fish everywhere (in the car, off the bed, outside) so this really was the perfect gift for him.

I love the tongue ... it helps him concentrate you know. :)

You can see how proud he was to do it all by himself!

*awwwww*

He got to choose who played with first, and he didn't want anyone but his brother.

*awwwww*

Then his Aunt Elizabeth (almost 6 years old) could play next with him.

sugar!

Elliott & Aunt Elizabeth

Samuel and Aunt Victoria (almost 9 years old)

Happy Birthday to Elliott!!

ps. I'm getting really good at fishing too ... we've been everyday.

the big 3

Happy Birthday to my Elliott.
today he is 3 years old.


Elliott is starting to show just how different he is from his big brother.  he has always just copied Sam, but now, he imitates him and then takes it up a notch.  and when he does that, then Sam imitates him.  its usually a vicious cycle that ends up really messy, and we are either all laughing hysterically or someone is crying like their arm just got cut off.


this boy is sweet.  he loves to love.  he's a hugger and kisser.
Elliott makes people smile real smiles.  what I mean is, you can often tell when people are having a bad day, week, or possibly just have a tough life.  Elliott comes along, and can get them to break that hard outer shell and smile.  and not just a fake smile; they smile with their eyes too.  you can see that its real heartfelt.  I have never ever seen someone be able to do that.  I love that about him. 


Samuel is also a people person, but he uses his words.  when he starts talking, people listen.  he's a natural leader.
when Elliott looks, laughs, touches, speaks, people respond too, just in a different way.  this boy is a natural supporter, and always seems to be encouraging others that way.
either way, my boys have been given a gift with other people.  and its just amazing to watch.


Elliott is very mischievous.  he's into everything, and loves it of course.  he even has his "evil little laugh" down,  you know the one I'm talking about.  as upset as I can get with him, I still want to get my camera and take a picture of whatever he has gotten into.  and when I do that, he knows I can't really be that mad.


he hates -
brushing his teeth
going to bed, or rather, staying in bed
his brother


he loves -
fruit
boogers
shower/bath time
his brother


he's talking in sentences more and more, and he's able to be specific about what he wants.  which is good ... and bad ... but mostly good.  I am excited he is becoming more independent, in fact, I am selling my last stroller which would make him officially a kid and not a toddler.  now if we could just get the potty training thing to happen ...


getting back into the bloggy-swing-of-things, birthday pics coming soon!






Elliott James,
I love you more than an elephant!
<3 Mama

wordless wednesday

YOU Capture - Youth

ok so here's a no brainer - my kids are a constant reminder of how young I am not.  I am no longer able to live carefree ... not like a child can ... because I'm always the one saying "no, don't touch that" or "what do you say?" or "did you remember to flush?"  as a mom, you are always [trying] to make sure your little ones get in the habit of dotting the i's and crossing the t's.

but also, without them, I'd forget all about silly time, extra hugs & kisses, funny jokes, and rapsberries on bellies.  good times.

remember doing this as a kid?  this is my Elliott, realizing I was far away taking pictures ... doing something, anything apart from him.  you see, I'm still his absolute favorite person in the world.  he's running to give me a hug, because its been 5 whole minutes.  I love his love.

the 2 in the back are my eldest son Samuel, and his friend Porter.  boys doing what boys do.

after Elliott reached me, he found this guy on the shore ... its dead, but still a great little biology lesson.  he's not afraid in the least, and THAT is what I love about kids the most.  no fear.  so willing to touch and learn.  no hesitation and all faith.

this part of youth needs to continue to be rubbed off on me ... every single day please!

join us, its fun!

future pilot?

I found this meme this morning, and coincidentally, I had been looking through some older photos just the other day.

I have many favorites, but this one has to be in my top 5!

this is my second son Elliott.

this picture is from the fall of 2008, he is 6ish months old.

clearly, he is not a fan of flying!

here he is today.  almost 3 years old.

if you took him "flying" again, he'd scream with joy!

Visit Yellow Songbird for more photos!

day 03: then & now

my original intent was not to blog this picture thing everyday.  would that get boring?

I am uninspired to post about much of anything lately, so maybe since pictures are worth 1000 words, this could work out after all.

the whole idea of this class is to USE YOUR CAMERA!

however for this one, know that the 'now' pictures are current, just not from today.

I know, tsk tsk.

I'll do better, I have 27 more assignments to go!

Samuel Thomas

then, age 4

now, age 6

Elliott James

then, age 1ish

now, 2 1/2 ish

brothers, and usually, the best of friends

2008

2010

2010

what a difference 2 little years make, huh?!

I LOVE these munchkins.

they are AMAZING little people.

you can still join the class too.

click HERE or the button below.

enjoy!

wordless wednesday

I've seen these posts many times, but can't find one today of course.

if you're hosting a wordless wednesday, I'd love to link up.

happy hump day!

sweet tooth

fresh from the oven

he cannot resist

it's ok Elliott ... we've all been there

thanks for visiting

hope you are now smiling

a priceless moment

my Elliott is 2 1/2 years old.  I am insistent on naptime, even when he is not.  I will ride this one to the end ... its all us moms have!  and since I'm not having anymore kids, this really IS all I have left!!

when Samuel was 3, I was pregnant with Elliott.  I was so wiped-out being pregnant the second time around AND ON TOP OF THAT chasing him all over the place that I was insistent on naptime then too.  it was great to nap together.  I think that's the only reason it lasted as long as it did with him.  however it happened, I sure am thankful for those times.

I can't nap with Elliott; he has to be a solo napper.  I now use naptime as school time with Samuel.  sometimes it overlaps with Elliott being awake, so I'm having to keep him busy ... with something.  by the way, tips on that would be appreciated!

my point for the solo nappers ... they have those few moments before actually falling asleep.  moments of freedom in their rooms, when no one is watching them to say no.  those moments of being 1/2 asleep, not really knowing what they're doing.  somehow no matter how tired they are, that desire to anything they want holds on until the last minute.  and here's what you get ...

sometimes it takes him awhile to fall asleep, but never more than 20 minutes or so.  when it becomes quiet in there, I don't go in.  I know he's asleep.
I didn't see this until he came out of his room.  he was again, 1/2 asleep, and walked out stumbling a bit, wondering what was going out with the rest of us.  he always thinks he's missing out on so much.

he forgot he was wearing these until we tried to take them off.  he put his head all the way through the leg holes, so it wasn't so easy to get them off.  but, very very funny.

at least he got them out of the drawer and not the dirty clothes!

goodbye

goodbye Eeyore.
you have been loved by 2 little boys ...

you mostly stood guard for Samuel in his crib during his nap/bedtimes.  we played your heart song (that button inside its body that kids can never find) twinkle twinkle little star often, but Samuel's lovey turned out to be someone else.  I hope that didn't make you sad.


but I saved you, and its a good thing I did.


you have brought much comfort, lots of kisses & hugs, and that wonderful song of yours to Elliott for 2+ years.  he never took a binky, but he did find the tag on your bottom; chewing & sucking on that thing until there just wasn't much left.  see picture.

by the way, I never really understood when I heard other moms say their babies love tags ... I get it now; its a real obsession!



Elliott has loved you deeply ... up until he threw you in the toilet and now deems you as "eeeeeewwwww! P-U!"  his words, not mine, Eeyore.

I have washed you many times, and although your song continues to play, Elliott knows that deep down, somewhere, somehow, you're still stinky.


so with that, its time to say goodbye.

thank you for doing your job ... loving my kids.

12, 13, 14 of 30

I missed a couple of days ... my apologies.

this cold is lingering, and I've been trying to sleep it off.

I'm thankful for ...

• sleep!
• happy that its not the flu
• and that I can still get up to go walking
• and that no one else is getting it

today is a big day here. Elliott has decided his #2's go in the potty. yay! getting closer to being anti-diaper around here ... of course its only the beginning, and its a long road, but I'm all for baby steps!

with Sam, I think I turned it into something bigger than it was. I bought pull-ups too early; he just didn't get it. I was so anxious for him to excel at something early on ... stupid, I know, but I was ready to see the impossible right before my eyes!

with Elliott, I never pressured him into it. we'd talk about it, but I never made it an issue. in fact, we haven't even bought him a potty chair to "practice" on.

I do think having an older sibling has put a healthy dose of peer pressure on him, not just with this, with all things. I just want to be careful he isn't always measuring himself against his brother ... can that even be stopped? we shall see in the years to come.

just in case, got any potty training tips for me?

attached at the hip

literally overnight, Elliott has gotten major separation anxiety. major.

I can't leave him in the cart at Costco during the checkout process anymore. I'm what, 3 feet away?! he used to LOVE talking with whoever was there loading the cart. he's not shy, but for whatever reason, he's not having it anymore.

today we went to the beach; it was the perfect morning for snorkeling. hubby and I have to take turns because Elliott isn't swimming yet, so my turn comes and he flips out as I go into the water. when you snorkel, you're floating on top [mostly] and so your ears go in and out of the water. I heard that boy crying and screaming the entire time I was out. apparently daddy does not suffice.

those are just the latest examples.

I was beginning to think Elliott was going to skip this stage altogether. I only vaguely remember Sam having this "issue," but it must not of been that bad if I don't really remember, right?

this too shall pass. sigh.

like I said, he's not a shy boy. Samuel and Elliott both have gotten my husband's gifting of loving people. they can easily talk with others ... which this mom is slightly paranoid about, but ultimately, I know it's God's gifting for them.

and I have to say, for Elliott especially, he can make people smile that you would NEVER expect to see smile. you know those people? angry, old people, or anyone who obviously is having a bad day; when they get a look at Elliott's face, they crack ... and I really love to witness those moments.

bald boys

Samuel is now 5 1/2 years, and Elliott is 2 years.

I love how they love each other.

Baldness couldn't be cuter.

right to write?

it's amazing how genetics work.

do you know not everyone can curl their tongue? Sam and I can do it, hubby can't. we think it's hilarious, because Papa can usually do anything we can do, only better. this is the one thing Sam and I both have on him that he can't get. haha!

Matt and I are both righty's. Sam, however, is a lefty. I have 2 aunts that are lefty's, but I think Matt's mom was a lefty. Sam seems very proud to be a little different. he introduces himself to people we meet like this: "Hi. I'm Sam. This is Elliott. I just turned 5 and he just turned 1. and guess what? I'm a lefty." and people always say "oooooh & aaaaah." it's always funny. I had to repeat that to him a lot this last spring so he could remind his t-ball coach which way he had to bat. so ever since then.

I'm starting to think Elliott will be a lefty too. this morning at breakfast, he was holding his spoon in his right hand, but grabbing food, eating it with his left. I know it's still too early to know for sure. I'm sort of secretly hoping he is a lefty. that way, with all the speicalty lefty stuff we'll have to buy for Sam, we can pass them on to Elliott. like sporting equipment, mostly. mmmm, what else do lefty's need?

did you see that Simpson's episode where Ned Flanders opens a lefty store? the Leftorium. that's what we'll need. :)

is your child a lefty? what are your challenges? not that it's a disability, but you know what I mean.

the time is now

today Elliott is done nursing, well he didn't have a choice, today I am done nursing.  another bittersweet day for me.

on the one hand, I'm very happy to have my body be my own again.  no more nursing bras, nursing pads, soreness, or bite marks.  no more awkwardness feeding in public or taking time out of any social get-togethers to deal with it, no more interruptions.

the other day I made 2 pb&j sandwiches, one for Sam, one for Elliott.  I thought that was awesome!

the other hand of course, it leaves me a little sad.  Elliott is my last baby (out of my body anyway!) so my nursing days are officially over.  yes I know there are other ways of bonding with your kids, but breastfeeding is as close as you can get with your baby. there is a level of intimacy, and vulnerability on both sides, and when you do anything that makes you feel that way with someone else, it strengthens that relationship so much.

it feels good to have used my breasts for what God intended.  that may sound silly, but I'm serious.  the world portrays breasts only in sexual ways; no, breasts have an actual purpose!  it sort of feels like I've completed a mission God wants all mothers to accomplish ... if that makes any sense. 

I had him stay up a bit later than usual. normally he's eating and in his crib by 830-845, but tonight I waited until then to feed him that "2nd dinner."  I don't remember how or what I did for Sam, so I was guessing on what to do.

I made him some rice cereal with whole milk and bananas.  we finished around 9 and I tried to hold him a bit but he wouldn't have it, so in his crib he went.  he started crying, but it lasted less than 1/2 hour which totally surprised me.  I was expecting something similar to the night when we "taught him" to sleep through the night; he fought it for at least 1 hour, screaming.  I think it helped that we started later, so he was already tired.  bedtimes we can fix much easier than bedtime nursing, so I'm not too worried about what time he goes to bed.

if anything, I'll get to sleep in a bit tomorrow!

the BIG 1!!

Happy 1st Birthday sweet Elliott!!

the days are long, but the year(s) are short

someone profound said this ... anyone know who?

such is the case with kids.  there are days I wish would end so much sooner than later, and of course there are other days where I wish I could freeze us in the moment.  this year flew by!

everyday Sam has tried to play with Elliott.  he loves to be the big brother, although I do have to fend him off most days.  I end up saying things like: "his crying is the way he says STOP IT!!" "your his big brother.  love him, don't hurt him" "just wait until he can hit you back"

hahaha!  boys are crazy!

Elliott started walking around 10 months, so now that he's 1 year,he's pretty good at it. He can say Mama & Dad, and just recently added Papa and ball to his vocabulary.  do most boys develop physically first?  this is how Sam did it too; his first word was duck.  so cute!

Since he is so physical and strong, I thought it was time to put him facing forward in the car.  He definitely likes seeing what is going on, as you can see in this picture.  He still takes 2 naps a day, so when he falls asleep in the car and the carrier is no longer an option to keep him asleep, I have to try and transfer him to the stroller.  9 out of 10 times, he wakes up and we all lose that peace from his naptime.  I can't go back now, that would be mean to him and a bit selfish of me, don'tcha think?   ... he is growing up after all.

We had a little birthday party for him.  He LOVED his birthday cake! Grandpa said "aw, let him have another piece.  you're only 1 once!"   so I happily agreed ... and then someone mentioned a puking baby and I quickly changed my mind.  luckily Elliott did not get sick ... but geez, why didn't I think of that?!

His personality is really emerging.  He is a very observant boy, mostly watching how his big brother does things.  He is also turning into a funny guy, just like my other 2 boys.  In this picture, he wanted to show me what he was eating while screaming!  the laughing kind of screaming, not the tantrum kind.

Elliott has taught me a lot about myself this last year.  We've been in a season of trials (still are) and since Elliott has required so much of me this year, I've had to learn to slow down and not get so caught up in all the "stuff."  Having a baby really, I mean REALLY, puts things into perspective.  and any good parent will know that no matter what is happening, family comes first.

hug and kiss your kids ... while they will still let you!!

baby E

oh my sweet Elliott. I started weaning him a couple of weeks ago, and finally, today he went down for his morning nap without crying at all.
since birth he eats then sleeps; it's magic milk! but for these last couple weeks, he's gone to bed awake with a not-as-full belly. he would fight it, and cry, and scream. I normally go in 2-3 times to hold him and calm him down, probably every 10-15 minutes, but after 3 times it's time to cry it out! I'm convinced, there is no other method. you can't let them have ALL the control. I know many would disagree with me, but I seriously think you're asking for problems going into toddler years and beyond. you'll see. :)
so no crying today means he gets it. definitely a milestone.

and since I'm not nursing so much, he's starting to eat what we eat. he eats a lot, sometimes as much as his big brother! he hasn't had most dairy yet; he's tried eggs and a bit of my cottage cheese. he's now like a puppy begging for food whenever it's out. cute ... for now. :)

my baby will be 1 year old in a couple of weeks. wow! seriously, where did the time go?! it's bittersweet.
uh oh, I just thought of something ... are 1 year olds toddlers?

I'm very happy with my boys right now. with Elliott walking, Sam is able to play with him. it's so great to hear giggling in the other room, knowing their relationship is building upon this. they play hide and seek a lot (of course Sam is the one always hiding) and they like to play on the keyboard together and dance. seriously, Elliott dances ... ok he sways. he sways to everything, it's very cute and fun to watch.

pictures to come from his birthday, stay tuned.

I'm so done!

most things about having baby #2 is better ... not the baby himself, but on the parent side of things.  having experienced baby #1 has given me more confidence; I'm smarter and much relaxed about everything.  it feels good.  my boys are very similar - they look alike, both good eaters, good sleepers, early walkers (don't thing that actually means anything, wishful thinking maybe), fiesty, and overall happy kids.

all this is off subject of what I want to vent about ... I'm so done nursing this baby!!

with baby #1, we hung onto that feeding right before bed for awhile.  I think he was 15 months or so.  I'm a huge breastfeeding advocate, and I strongly believe every mom should do it if possible.  there are just sooooo many benefits!

baby #2 turns out to be a biter!  I don't know if it's because he got his teeth later than "normal" or what.  typically babies will get their first 2 at about 4 mos (right?), but he got all 4 at 9 months.  what a week that was, actually is was a few weeks ... that was not fun for anyone.

I've sternly told him no.  I've stopped nursing and set him down on the floor, I guess kind of like a time out.  I've smacked his hand - lightly, but enough to get his attention.  I've pretended to cry in front of him.  I don't know what else to do to make him stop.

a couple days ago was the last straw; he bite me so hard it made me bleed. OUCH!  does that give you shivers or what?!

he's 11 months now, and when he turns 1 year he can drink cow's milk and eat whatever.  1 month and I'm done; I've officially decided.  

today, I've started the process.  I nursed him when he woke up and right before bed, so just twice ... compared to 5x just yesterday.  he was VERY upset with me at his morning naptime, but otherwise did pretty good the rest of the day, considering.

my poor boobs!  lanolin is my newest best friend.

if you have any weaning tips, PLEASE send them my way!!

look what I found

so looks like I'm in trouble!  no Elliott did not open the fridge himself, but his accomplice did.  I have a feeling there will be plenty more of this tag-teaming.

he didn't grab anything this time, but I'm going to move the eggs anyway!

side note - when these type of pictures are taken, do you look at the food in the fridge?  or is it just me?  I suppose now, you're looking, right?

Elliott was almost 1/2 up the stairs when Sam and I discovered him.  scary!  as you can see, the stairs continue past the wall, so I can't really put up a gate there.  there is one at the top of the stairs, but now while we're downstairs, I guess I need to start watching him a bit better!

I miss having a 1 story house - partly because I'm lazy, but also I hate having to worry about the boys falling.  we're not the most graceful bunch around here!