Letting it out

Filed under procrastination/routine/a little OCD

I have mention more than once that I believe Addyson may have some OCD tendencies.  Many times I joke about it, but there is this little hint of maybe this isn't "normal," and maybe I should mention some of these things to the doctor, should I be writing some of these things down? 

Putting the babies to bed (every other night they get a bath): 

• Fastforward through dinner, clean up, and pjgs to 6.  At this time we all head to the computer to watch a story from dad that he previously recorded.  Addyson insists that she sits in the chair. 

• Soon after I get the twins into their room, close the door, and Addyson insists on going with me to get their toothbrushes.  "Mommy, just a little."  (said every single night)

• After we read a couple stories, we turn off the light and leave the lamp on so I can see.  I CANNOT put the babies in their bed without Addyson running over saying and doing the following, "Kiss, hugs."

• I clean up the kitchen and straighten the toys while she retires to "her" recliner to watch "Max and Ruby."  Following this ridiculous show, there is a song from some free spirited, hippy type woman, that I CANNOT turn off a moment too soon. 

Addyson's bath and bed routine:

• After previously mentioned dance and song, I start the shower.  I attempt to get Addyson's clothes off, but instead hear loud and very clear, "Addy do it!!!"  She takes off her clothes, she puts them in her hamper, and she gets into the tub by herself. 
• Toothbrushing follows:  "Addy do it!"  She turns on the water, gets her toothbrush and her paste ready; "Mommy, just a little."  I put the paste on the brush, and she has to brush first, I follow up. 
• Then, I must carry her to her room.  "Mommy, carry!"
• We sing the same book every night for about 2+ months, now.  I have tried skipping the first page, and she quickly points and yells, "Pablo!"  Grrrr.  Once I have sung all of the songs, I have to put the book on her other pillow - no where else. 
• The following occurs 4 times each night in the same order, "Kiss, no-nies, head, hugs."  Between the 2nd and 3rd time, she says, "Wast one."  (something I have told her a few times in the past)  After the 4th time I do this, she has to say the following in the same order or she starts all over again, "I love you, I miss you, good night!"  repeat, repeat, and then "Mommy, I go ni night?"  "Yes, Addyson you go ni night."  "Mommy, you go to couch?"  "Yes, Addyson I'll go to the couch."  (Oh, how I wish my day was done when I close her bedroom door)

These are just a few of the many routines my toddler MUST complete.  What happens if you don't?  A clutch your ears, run to your room, close the door, put your head under your pillow, fit. 

Thoughts?

Tattle tale

From the mouth of a newly found tattle tale:

Daddy is "eating" Addyson's arms and neck.

    "Daddy, no biting!"

Daddy is "wrestling" mommy.

    Pointing her finger sternly, "Daddy, be NICE!"

Daddy left the kitchen light on:

    "Daddy, light off."

    Mommy laughs under her breath, while daddy gets up and turns off the light. 

This could work to my advantage.  Cue evil laugh.

Oily water

To many it appears as if there are few happy moments in my life, especially with all the depressing news that seems to come screaming across the screen day in and day out.  Lately, I just seem to be hit with a wave of oil-contaminated water.  Unfortunately, I already know that the water just won't be clearly blue for quite some time. 

Addyson went into the doctor yesterday with dad for an underlying issue that when I found out the diagnosis, I felt the water just get darker.  I should have noticed sooner or looked more closely.  What kind of mom am I that I didn't do these things?  It was a problem once before, so it is just my stupidity.  Hitting head off the wall for being so neglecting of my daughter's health.  With this also comes some deeper and even heavier questions dealing with her future and whether or not she could also be faced with infertility.  Signs I know were present with me but until the recent years have not been truly able to understand.  I don't even know that there are answers to those questions, and more than likely I won't know anything until much later in her life, but again I feel the guilt of this all.

Reality has hit with Cody leaving.  He has official orders and we are attending his deployment meeting tomorrow.  Done deal.  The anxiety building up to him leaving is nearly unbearable.  As the date becomes closer I know I will be engulfed and feel as if I'm suffocating with the reality of the situation.  So many fears I do not wish to write for I simply cannot face them, nor should anyone.  I do not have the strength. 

So for now, the water is dark.  Bare with me as things become even cloudier for some time, because I'm going to need your strength to help get that water clear again.   

Future lawyer?

2 years old start to learn decision making skills and are eager to learn.  Girls tend to have sass, especially as they get older.  I do teach middle schoolers, so I see quite a bit of sass every day. 

Then, there is sassy.  This would be Addyson.  She now awakes hiding under her covers as if to hide from the day.  Mind you, she yells "Mommeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" at the top of her lungs for me to come get her out of bed.  In preparation for my mornings, I pick out all of the kids' clothes.  There is a system to how I pick out these clothes, it mostly involves a rotation system I have set up.  Sick, I know.  So, I pick out what is next for panties, and today it was "Tinkerbell."  Addyson yelled, "NOOOO, I don't want um.  I want HEARTS!!!!"  This is sassy. 

Using that same rotation type system, I took Addyson's cup out of the cubpoard and got ready to pour her some milk.  She saw the cup and responded, "NOOO, I don't want it.  PINK."  I responded, "Addyson, the pink cup is dirty."  So, I showed her the next two cups in line and she again said, "NOOOO I don't want it!"  After going through all of her cups, I finally pulled out one of Eligh's cups (a kind he refuses to use - typical, hard plastic sippy cup).  "How about this one?"  Addyson, "Ok."  Sassy. 

My 2 year old may be sassy, but at least she knows what she wants.  I hope she keeps up her sassiness and continues to fight for what she wants.  Law school may be right up her alley. 

I keep saying this over and over

I have much too read, and no time.  My mom got in late Saturday night and will be leaving on Monday.  Since she has been here, we have been to the Lady and Sons restaurant with three crying children.  At the end of our 1.5 hour lunch they finally calmed down.  Did some shopping.  Went to a playground and a waterpark.  Tons of pictures that are oh so cute, but I have very little time.  First, my mom does not know about my blog so I can't just start typing away.   I have to be secretive.  Little time to do so when you have a house guest. 

Updates: 

• Addyson went the past two days out all day in panties with not one accident.  Shocked.

• 2 rude comments so far:  "The kids wouldn't be screaming and so upset if you didn't have them on such a strict schedule."  "They just don't know who this stranger is, that's why they don't come to me."

• Cody is leaving in under two weeks.  Blech.

• I return to work in less than two weeks.  And, the best part, I haven't done anything work related and don't have any plans to for still some time.  Denial.

Again, I am a broken record, and am busy and have not kept up with anyone or anything.  I will try to sneak away here and there to get caught up. 

Consumed

I have been swamped with sorting out 18 month clothes for the twins.

 

It took hours just to sort it, and then another hour yesterday to put it all away.  Need to buy more hangers, not enough for all the shirts.  I feel relieved now that it is said and done and I know that I won't have to buy anything for them this fall.  Huge relief.  If you can find someone to get hand me downs from, do it.  You will save tons of money.  Seriously, they don't wear the stuff that long, there is no point in buying all new because you don't think it is fair to your baby. 

Once all the clothes were pulled down from the attic and taken out of their drawers and closet, I started sorting for a yard sale (this Saturday).  I have spent the majority of the day putting tags on every thing, and just have a box to finish, along with a couple big items.  Now, if we just get a good turn out I'll be happy. 

If this was all I was doing for the past few days, it would actually be relaxing.  Instead, my life has been consumed by the potty.  I live for and near the potty.  We have gone from me asking Addyson all day if she has to potty to her actually telling me.  I don't know what it is, but at lunch time the girl goes to the potty 5+ times in a matter of 20 minutes only pottying once.  Annoying, especially when you are trying to feed the other two. 

Here is what I made to help keep Addyson motivated:

 

 

Yesterday looks bare, but she didn't have one accident.  She has been doing amazing! 

Here are my fears:  When is it safe to go out in public without a pull up?  My mom is coming down by the beginning of next week and I know we'll be getting out of the house, which will be the first time since potty training has started.  What to do? 

This week A's goal was to use the potty every single day, which she exceeded.  For reaching her goal, she will get to go out with mommy/daddy to get icecream. 

We don't have a goal or reward yet for next week, but I have been thinking.  Do you think it is too soon to have her aim towards 1/2 accidents all week?  She has only had a small one in the past 3 days. 

See, all I talk about is the damn potty.  It has taken over my life.  I need a break from it all so I can get back to doing more important things, like reading blogs, commenting, and responding to emails.  Because doing all of those things is so much more important than potty training. ;-)

Double digits

The babes have hit 10 months.  Double digits.  Wow.  The rundown:

Kinsley:

• Has 4 teeth, pushed 2 in, in a month.   
• Cruising along the furniture and reaches from the ottoman to the chair/couch.   
• Claps
• Shakes her head back and forth (by far the cutest thing she does these days).  Sometimes she does it for no reason, other times she crawls up into your lap and shakes her back and forth, trying to get just a little closer.    
• Definitely going to be my defiant one.  She stands up at the tv and refuses to listen when you tell her no, and if I tap her hand and tell her no, she just goes right back with a big ole smile.  Stinker. 
•  
• A cup stealer.  She steals both Eligh and Addyson's cups and takes sips out of whatever it may be, even if she has a cup full of formula.       

Eligh:

• Still working on that 6th tooth.  It is there and you can see it right under his gum, but it just won't pop through.  
• Getting better at standing for longer periods of time 
•  
• Is a little more risky with moving from furniture pieces. 
• He is a dancer and loves music.  I am always making up random songs that I sing all day and Eligh starts bouncing and smiling as soon as I blare something out of my mouth that is supposed to be a melody.  Sing some more mommy!  
• Claps 
• Good listener (I know it's the ears); tell him no and will instantly look right at you and stop.  I believe he is going to be the mellowest of the three.   

The pair of them:

• Kinsley still bulldozes Eligh; rips toys and cups out of his hand.  Pokes him in the eyes, slaps his face, and sits her booty on top of him.    
• They were even fighting over the potty that A doesn't use any more.  Maybe they want to give it a try?    
• I have missed every single moment of their newest thing; they'll be crawling through the house and stop to sit up back-to-back.  Need to capture this on camera, I know.   
• Still napping 2 times a day.  An hour nap in the morning and a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon.  We have it more down to time, vs every 2 hours.   
• We try to push them to 6pm for bed, but most nights it's closer to 5:45.  They just can't make it.  They are pulling blankets out of their cribs, rubbing their eyes, and crying.  To bed they go.  They typically wake up around 6:40 (just depends if they shit or not).   
•  
• Their favorite meal is breakfast, they inhale some type of pancake material and Cheerios every morning.  Lunch and dinner are hit or miss.   
• In this picture they look a lot more alike than they have in the past  

With the twins hitting the double digits, it means we are just that much closer to hitting the big 1 year mark.  We are in the mist of planning their birthday party, I have lots of things book marked, with no definite decisions.  I know that it will be a small gathering in the afternoon.  I think I have invitations picked out, a few shirt ideas, and present ideas.  Next month, I should have the details all planned out.  

In bigger news.  We have a potty training toddler in the house!  Woot Woot!  We are on day 4.  Day 1 (1 successful potty), Day 2 (5 successful potties),  Day 3 (8 successful potties), and Day 4 (9 successful potties).  We had 2 accidents today one being the other bodily function (not too worried about that - as she has always had problems going).  We have a potty chart with stickers each day working towards an ice cream date, Thursday.  She is eating a lot of M&M's, but whatever works, right?  

Wordless Wednesdays - Double the madness/pretty toes

Bathing two is both quick and crazy.

And a first

A whole body laugh

This little princess has an extreme case of the mommyitis.  

That is, she is up my ass.  Sit on the couch, she stands up beating at my legs.  Sit on the floor, she crawls up on me.  Leave the room, hyseteria begins.

With this mommyitis, brings on some severe jealousy issues from the diva.

The diva loves her brother and sister, but she definitely favors Eligh more.  

Addyson tries to sneak an attack on Kinsley when she thinks I can't see her.  Kinsley goes to end table reaches for a toy, and Addyson just shoves her out of the way.  I put Addyson on time-out, we talk, she apologizes to me and Kinsley and gives kisses and hugs.  This is an ongoing thing.  Truly, it shocked me.  I predicted that the two girls would tag team against Eligh, but that is so not the case.  Instead, Addyson picks on Kinsley and protects Eligh from the following:

With all that said, Addyson is the only one who can get Kinsley to truly laugh with all of her body.
Kinsley really laughing

*****Addyson was not trying to hurt Kinsley with the soft book, but make her laugh.  No tears or screams were made during the making of these laughs. 

Dumbo the flying what?

This right here became an obsession after day 2 of 6 in Disney.  

As the two of us waited in line for a good 30 minutes, Addyson played the up down, up down game and pointed "ewaphint."  Once we were the next group in line, I told Addyson that the "ewaphint's" name was Dumbo.  Of course the child loved the less then 10 minute ride and was not happy to leave Dumbo.  If the line wasn't a half hour long, we would have gone back on Dumbo.  After completing Magic Kingdom for the day, we went back to our amazing resort/condo, where the kids all napped.  We attempted to head back to Magic Kingdom that evening for the amazing light show and fireworks. Before we arrived back at MK, we hit up Target for some much cheaper souvenir shopping.  We did end up getting some of our items there and the most important gift we purchased was.....a blue Dumbo that you will notice on the left of the exhausted 2 year old.   

Since Dumbo's purchase, he has not left her side, nor have we heard the end of Dumbo.  Anyways, that evening as Addyson and Cody exited their show, we ended up seeing this:

A HELL of a storm that cost us $30 worth of ponchos and a picture of the castle lit up.  We never attempted to travel back in the evening for any shows, just wasn't worth it.  (Oh, and it rained every evening, except one).  

After visiting Hollywood Studios and Sea World, we made a decision to head back to Magic Kingdom.  Mostly because every morning when we left Addyson immediately asked, "Dumbo?"  How can you tell her no?  This time, though, daddy joined Addyson on Dumbo. 

There is a whole point to my title, and I'm about to get to it.  I had to build up the excitement and understanding of Dumbo.  Yesterday, Addyson found the movie "Dumbo" and we had to watch it at least 5 times.  Yes, 5 times.  She is obsessed!  She clearly has an understanding of who Dumbo is. 

Well.....out of no where last night, after the twins were in bed, Addyson said the following:

"Dumbo.  Ewigh."  Of course with a big ole grin to match.  

Does this cute little boy look like Dumbo to you?

And another view

Oh, and you can't vote that he looks like a gremlin.