Potty-training

As I was finishing up my last entry I realized I needed to also write about AJ and his "potty-training". I've been saying that I thought AJ would potty-train before Ryan and I'm really beginning to think I am right! I always said he'd probably be first because he is incredibly aware of everything going on around him. He watches everything and tries to imitate everything. I still think the fact that Ryan didn't/doesn't care about what anyone else is doing is hindering his progress in the potty department. He could care less that most of his classmates are using the potty!

Yesterday I saw AJ go into the bathroom and the close the door behind him. I definitely had to go see what he was up to because normally his actions would include massive amounts of toilet paper and a toilet. To my surprise, though, he was just standing there working on trying to poop. I asked if he wanted to sit on the potty and he happily allowed me to pull off his pants and place him on the seat. I was even more surprised when he sat up there and actually TRIED to finish his job. He wasn't able to produce anymore, but it was very surprising that he just so naturally picked up on what to do and how to do it. Today I caught him doing the same thing. Again he had already finished in his diaper, but he most definitely has the idea and is VERY interested in trying to use the potty. He even got mad at me for putting a diaper back on him.

The funny thing is that Ryan was excited for AJ......but he REFUSED to let me put him on the potty! In fact, his refusal of going anywhere near a potty is our biggest obstacle right now.

I've decided that for now I will put the potty-training focus on AJ and just hope, hope, hope it transfers over to Ryan without me having to put any pressure on him. Could it be that I'll be able to stop buying disposable pants/diapers within the next 6 mos-1 year????

So proud of my BIG boys!

I picked the girls up from school early yesterday so that we could get to the beach. We did try to spend a day on the beach today but it was way too windy. I got some cute pictures-especially of AJ, so I'll get them uploaded when we get home and tell a little more about our day.

In the meantime I just had to write about the events happening right now. At home Ryan and AJ are in separate rooms, but here at the beach we decided to put them in the same room. Last night I put Ryan in my bed because I was a little concerned about how it would go. But, at nap time today Ryan actually ASKED to sleep in the room with AJ. That went well, but AJ was already sleep by the time I put Ryan in the room. We decided to give it a try putting them together tonight-putting both of them to bed at the same time.

Since AJ was practically climbing the crib rails trying to get in his bed, I decided to put him in bed first. He laid down, burying his head in the mattress, as usual. I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't bother him to have me and Ryan in the room. So, I proceeded to put Ryan in his bed. Ryan started getting scared because it was darker in the room than he prefers. I quickly decided this wasn't going to work so I picked Ryan up to take him to my room. I couldn't believe AJ stood straight up, screaming and reaching for Ryan. I guess he really liked the idea of having his brother in the room with him. I couldn't take Ryan out of the room knowing AJ was already so attached to the idea.

Actually, I had to take a little break just now to deal with the girls and as it turned out-to deal with Ryan as well. Let me see if I can regain my train of thought and get back to the story.

I did put Ryan back in the bed next to AJ after all. As soon as I did AJ laid right back down and proceeded to settle in for sleep once again. I left the room and came upstairs to do a little reading. Just a few minutes after I sat down I thought I heard crying. It wasn't crying at all, it was actually AJ and Ryan giggling together!! I have been so worried about putting them together for fear that it will be too much of a break in their normal routines. I had been worried about crying and an inability to settle down, but giggling together certainly never crossed my mind! So, I must admit I had to go stand outside the door for a little while to listen to the giggling. I almost said something, but decided to come up here and write about it instead hoping they'd eventually settle down. Besides, I was really worried they would start crying and it would be all over. After getting the first part of this typed the girls needed to get to bed and I decided I needed to say something to Ryan and AJ while I was at it. Just as I was about to walk in the room I heard Ryan say "go sleep, AJ!" I walked in and gently told them both it was time to be quiet and close their eyes. I was absolutely stunned when both of them, yes-even AJ, laid back down without hesitation.

They both seemed so OLD tonight! AJ isn't a baby anymore....he's able to tolerate changes in his routine and he's able to listen when I ask him to "lay down and go to sleep". Actually, maybe it's surprising, too, because in lots of ways AJ seems to be catching up to Ryan. I know it was only in the last 6 months (right around him turning 3) that I was able to tell him to lay down and go to sleep. So, I guess I'm feeling proud right now that Ryan is where he is and that AJ seems to be developing sooooo typically of a 20 month old! (yes, his speech is behind but at least he's so typical in every other way). Mostly I'm just amazingly proud of how close my boys are becoming to each other. These are the moments that make me think our family is absolutely perfect the way it is!

Temper tantrums

I was talking to my mom earlier today and I ended up telling her about one of AJ's temper tantrums. I realized I should write about it because even though I don't think so at this moment, I'm sure one of these days I will actually remember thse moments with a little bit of fondness. At least it'll be a good story that portrays just how intense he can be when he doesn't get his way.

Ryan has become very attached to his new sunglasses and wears them very often. On the way into school this morning he was wearing them and AJ REALLY wanted them. Being the mean mommy that I am I wouldn't let him have the sunglasses. I just picked him up and tried to walk through the parking lot. He started screaming and kicking and hitting. I just turned him to face outward so that he couldn't hurt me. When we got to the sidewalk I put him down because I didn't want him to fight his way out my arms causing a thud on the concrete. As soon as I put him down he threw himself to the ground face down. He laid on the sidewalk kicking and screaming with his head buried. My biggest "tool" for dealing with tantrums is to just ignore, ignore, ignore. Doesn't really matter to me where we are. So, Ryan and I just kept walking (talking all about how fun school would be). One mom did walk out of the building during this and looked at me a little funny. I just explained to her that he was mad at me--he's fine. After maybe a minute he got quiet. I went back to help him get up and on the way up he discovered an ant crawling by on the concrete. We talked about the ant for a minute and he forgot all about the sunglasses he SO badly wanted just moments before. Isn't it amazing how quickly they move on to something new at this age? Unfortunately, the next tantrum can come on just as quickly, too. And, when you are the youngest of 4 you certainly have more than your fair share of things to tantrum over. I do understand his plight-I really do! Life is tough when you're only 1.5 and you have no concept of your limitations.

I am looking forward to him getting to the "age of reason" when rewards and punishments mean something to him. Maybe even a tiny bit of impulse control would be nice. This stage is just sooooo hard! Of course, they are also extremely adorable at this age so it redeems them. AJ seems to balance things out so nicely by being way too cute right after he's way too frustrating.

Here is a picture of Ryan's sunglasses on his forehead--not from today, but a few weeks ago when we first got them.

Ryan's last day of preschool

Today was Ryan's last day of school! He was only there for about an hour because I had to pick him up early so we could take AJ to the Dr. But, picking him up early turned out to be a good thing because I was able to get some really great pictures. Ms. Natalie was leading the class in a weather song and then Ryan was chosen to check the weather and tell the class what today's weather was. Then they let me take a picture of the whole class together. He has some of the nicest preschool teachers. I thought it was really great that they let me take all the pictures!

Here is Ryan with Ms. Natalie (speech therapist) checking the weather. When she asked him what the weather was he said "raining". Silly boy, it was not raining. She asked him if he sees rain and he said "nooooo". So, then she showed him the little cloud and he said "cloudy". He then had to say it in a sentence "It is cloudy".

Here he is showing the cloud and telling the class "it is cloudy". He's looking at me because the flash has distracted him.

Here is Ryan with Ms. Natalie-his speech therapist. She is just amazing! I know Ryan has made a great deal of progress all by himself with or without her, but I don't think he'd be making THIS much progress without her. He has really enjoyed his time with her and I certainly hope she doesn't go anywhere before next year. It's always the really great ones that seem to find other opportunities.

And, here is the whole class!
The teachers are (from left to right): Ms. Natalie, Ms. Tami, Ms. Dawn, and Ms. Amy

Sometimes you just have to laugh!

I've often said that sometimes I just have to laugh to stop from crying....I wasn't literally going to cry in this situation, but it's an example of times that I just laugh because otherwise I might find myself getting very frustrated. Of course, how could I get mad at that face?! Here are a coule of pictures of AJ at breakfast this morning. Not only is there milk all over the tray, his cup, and his entire body....but it's also all over the floor and the dog's face. I think AJ is Bailey's (the dog) most favorite kid in the house. AJ absolutely LOVES to throw food at the dog! Often times I will give AJ a bowl full of goldfish crackers. AJ will sit on the floor, eat one and throw one to the dog. Needless to say, you can always find the dog laying very close to AJ when he has food. Some days I wonder why I even bother to buy dog food!

At least he does eat some of it......but why he throws the spoon on the floor and eats cereal with his hands is beyond me! But, one thing I find funny is that I NEVER would have even given Kaeli a bowl full of cereal and milk at this age! I would have been sitting right next to her helping her eat it. The contrasts between what I do differently between my first and 4th child are numerous! At least he's getting ample opportunity to explore his world. :)

Memorial Day Weekend

We spent this Memorial Day weekend around the house. Friday day was spent putting together our new above ground kiddie pool. Friday night we went to a cookout at a friend's house. Saturday we had Steve's family over for a cookout and the kids spent their time in the new pool. Today (Sunday) the girls were in the pool almost the entire day! The pool might kill alot of grass, but it sure will be GREAT for keeping the kids entertained this summer. We didn't spend any time getting the ground level so we have a "shallow end" and a "deep end". I'm slightly concerned it won't hold up, but it's done amazingly well for the past 2 days of frequent use. As long as it holds up, it'll work out pretty good since Ryan can touch the bottom on the shallow side. AJ hasn't been in the big pool at all. He thought he wanted to go in one time, but changed his mind when I dipped half his body in it. Fortunately, I had the forethought to buy him a little baby pool/sprinkler. He LOVED his own little pool and even Ryan spent a good bit of time in AJ's little pool. Between the big pool, baby pool, slip n slide, and swing set we had a great set-up for kids! I think we're going to have a great summer!

Here's a couple of pictures of Kaeli and Paige in the "big" pool. It's 14' x 42" (but the shallow end is less than 36" deep.

I had a tiny baby pool at the bottom of the stairs for them to wash their feet in....can you believe the 3 of them huddled up in the 3.00 pool?! Right about now I'm wondering why I didn't just buy of these!

Mom-Mom watching Ryan and AJ in the baby pool. This little pool/mat is awesome for toddlers! The ring fills up with water and then sprays tiny jets of water up. The water then fills the middle of the pool with about an inch or two of water. It was absolutely PERFECT for AJ!

Ryan was running and then jumping into the little baby pool. What made it so funny is that he would hold his nose all the way up until he got ready to jump in. He obviously has no idea WHY he's holding his nose--he must have seen Kaeli or Paige do it at some point. It still makes me laugh just by seeing the pictures. He's soooo funny!

Ryan's first preschool field trip

On Thursday (May 22), Ryan had his first class field trip and they learned about dinosaurs. The dinosaur lesson was followed by a picnic at the playground. This was their end-of-year festivities. They do have one more day on Wed, but it's just for fun. I am going to take the camera that day in order to get pictures of him with his teachers. Ryan will stay in this same class next year because he just turned 3 in Feb. Only one of his classmates stays in this same program-the rest will be moving up to the 4 yr old program. This field trip was a combination of 2 (maybe 3) classes, by the way.

Ryan is in the middle (white shirt). They are being scientists and trying to put the dinosaur bones together.

Taking a picture with the big inflatable dinosaur.
Ryan is one the dinosaur. AJ is standing by one of Ryan's classmates. She is the one that will be returning to the class next year with Ryan.

As usual, it's next to impossible trying to keep AJ confined to one small space-so we spent a good bit of time outside during the dinosaur lessons. He sure did like putting handfuls of sand on his monster truck!

Ryan was being a little stinker outside--he would NOT let me get his picture on the slide. I'd try to sneak up on him to get the picture and he'd turn around and run away every time.
Here's AJ climbing up the slide--notice the mischievous grin on his face because he knows he's not supposed to go up the slide.

AJ and Ryan on the space shuttle bouncy toy.
Here's a picture of the "flower" Ryan picked for me. I have dried up dandelions all over the place because he loves to give them to me. I just can't bring myself to tell him they are weeds, so I accept each flower with LOTS of oohs and aahs.

AJ made a phone call today

I got a call from my friend Amanda today telling me she had a voicemail from AJ. At first he just did some heavy breathing and then he started saying "hi" over and over. He LOVES phones and he very often has some kind of phone up to his ear. Today he must have taken my cell phone off my desk. Lucky Amanda--she's the first name in my phonebook so she got the call. Funny thing is that I didn't even realize he had my phone. Honestly, he has it so often that I probably saw him but didn't think anything of it. So, if anyone gets a call from me with heavy breathing--just say hi to AJ and tell him to give the phone to mommy. ;)

YAY! One more out of disposable pants....

MAYBE! Paige was still wearing pull-ups to bed at night up until last night. For the past few weeks she's been showing some signs of finally being tired of having to wear them, but I haven't been pressuring her at all. As she was getting ready for bed last night she announced to me that she wasn't wearing pull-ups to bed. I was a little nervous, but we'll never know if she can do it if we don't try. I checked on her at 11:00 and since she was still dry I took her to the bathroom. She was able to go and even had a smile on her face as she walked back to bed--she must have realized what a major breakthrough this was for her. She got a drink of water before getting back in bed and that made me nervous. But, first thing this morning she ran into my room and whispered to me "mommy, I didn't pee in the bed last night!" She was so proud of herself!!

I'm almost afraid to hope that this might be the end of pull-ups for her. I'm so ready to be done with those things stinking up her bedroom!

In just a few weeks we are going to start "potty-training boot camp" for Ryan. He's now 3yrs 3mos and it's time for him to get out of diapers. I'm going to attempt to go "cold turkey" and just deal with the messes as they occur. With any luck he'll get the idea after only a day or two.

How nice if I could get down to only buying diapers/pull-ups for only one child!!

We just put 'em in cages!

I figured out the best way to REALLY shock people. I can start carrying this picture with me and when people ask "how do you do it with 4 kids?" I'll just show them the picture. Although, knowing me I'd never be able to keep a straight face when I say it. Besides, there's enough people out there without a sense of humor that I'd probably have CPS knocking on my door.

These pictures were taken a few days ago. Ryan and AJ were playing in the basement and I had to run upstairs for a few minutes.

When I came back down this was what I saw:

And, the funny thing is that AJ was soooo mad at me for opening the door to take this next picture. It took me several shots to get him with even half a smile on his face. His arm is in the air because he's on his way to closing the door again. The whole time Ryan was yelling "lock door" because he wanted me to actually LOCK them in. Thank goodness we have one of the most patient dogs on the planet!