One of the fun things about the kids' daycare in the summer is "Water Day." We are not talking about field trips to a pool, simply "sprinkler time." Nicholas's and Daniel's classrooms both have water day on Tuesdays, Abby's room - Wednesday. Nothing like making mommy have to work and remember the day of the week first thing in the morning.
Anyway, this activity started last week. Abby is a water day pro, so I am not concerned about her at all. Daniel... well, I wasn't sure how things would go with his scar. Would other kids point to his chest and wonder why he has a funky line (what other heart kids call their "zipper") or would they try to touch it and he'd get mad (he does that sometimes) and the general stuff that goes along with a new activity. So overprotective mom asked the teacher to keep an eye out and see if anything happened or if Daniel noticed that he has a scar and other kids don't.
Water Day - Week One:
Daniel thought it was all pretty cool. The teachers said that he put on his little water shoes, got into his snazzy new Elmo swim trunks, but refused to take off his shirt. Oh well. He still ran around, barely got wet, but he played. Life was good.
Water Day - Week Two:
Daniel refused water day. He wanted his swim shoes and nothing else. No shirt removal, no Elmo trunks. Nothing. The teachers sprayed his feet with water, but he still wasn't all that interested.
So the other night, after Abby's water day, we had our own water day. We got out the Dora sprinkler and changed into our water clothes. Daniel still refused to get near the sprinkler. I think the fact that Dora was spinning around and spraying water through her little sprinkler can into the air didn't really help. She (Dora) does look a little possessed. So after traumatizing Daniel for about 20 minutes we got out sidewalk chalk and had a great time decorating the driveway.
I wonder how long this water 'fear' will last.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tantrums and Preschooler Rule Enforcement
Abigail takes after her parents. She is NOT a morning person. At all. She may pretend to be a morning person, but deep down she just doesn't want to be messed with until she has been awake for a while, and Lord help you if you wake her before she is ready!
The other morning, Abby woke up on her own (Mommy and Daddy both overslept) and headed downstairs with her brother, presumably to play. Mommy woke up to Nicholas crying and the struggle of the older kids over a GeoTrax train. Apparently the whole "yellow train is Daniel's train" idea stopped working, so now, we share the train, one day it's "Abby's train" and the next day it's "Daniel's train." Gee, can you guess where this is headed. After a short conversation about how Abby seems to like to follow the rules that get her what she wants, the train issue passed and then - oh miracle of miracles...Abby actually agreed to get dressed. All was well in Abby land.
Now really, there are few things that as I mom I really panic about. I am not a germ-o-phobe. The 5 second rule applies to any food - if I can't see dirt on it, it's probably OK to eat. My house is not spotless. I do not really care- we're healthy and happy. However, I do get overly concerned about a few things - plastic bags (suffocation) and loose ribbons or strings (a tourniquet or strangulation just waiting to happen). My biggest panic - extraneous stuff in the baby's crib. Abby has tossed every single book and stuffed animal off of Daniel's shelf into his crib. Luckily, Daniel was old enough to be standing when she discovered this "game," so he was not really in danger of being crushed. The first time this occurred though, I was pregnant with Nicholas, so I knew that there was a pretty high possibility of the new baby getting a board book in the noggin - not good. To date, Abby had been punished at least twice for this offense.
So just after the train incident, while happy Abby went to get dressed, the "happy girl" magic spell was broken. Unfortunately, I went into the room where Nicholas had been sleeping only to find Nicholas pinned to the mattress by a certain stuffed dog. Abby's very best stuffed friend, Chocolate Milk. On one hand, it would have made a funny, funny picture. Nicholas was trying to push up, but Chocolate Milk is just too big. I may have to recreate the incident just so I can get a photo. Nicholas is a good 16 lb guy, and he can actually push up well. But picture this: You are lying on your belly and all of a sudden something roughly twice your width and a little longer than you is now lying across your waist. Nicholas and Chocolate Milk looked like some whacked out "plus" sign. Nicholas was attempting to push up, but Chocolate Milk was too much for him, so he didn't get too far.
Needless to say, Abby was in trouble. A LOT of trouble. Then I discovered it wasn't just Chocolate Milk, Pineapple blanket was also in Nicholas's crib. I kept it together, didn't even yell, and I told her Chocolate Milk needed to be taken away. Amid her screams, I said she could keep pineapple blanket. Bad move mommy. I nearly immediately changed my mind. The argument that followed contained a lot of "but you said I could keep pineapple blanket!"
Daddy came to the "rescue" and got Abby to calm down. We were able to have a logical conversation and I was able to reason with her that there were two items in the crib, so two items should be taken away.
Now I know. Think through the punishment before saying it.
The other morning, Abby woke up on her own (Mommy and Daddy both overslept) and headed downstairs with her brother, presumably to play. Mommy woke up to Nicholas crying and the struggle of the older kids over a GeoTrax train. Apparently the whole "yellow train is Daniel's train" idea stopped working, so now, we share the train, one day it's "Abby's train" and the next day it's "Daniel's train." Gee, can you guess where this is headed. After a short conversation about how Abby seems to like to follow the rules that get her what she wants, the train issue passed and then - oh miracle of miracles...Abby actually agreed to get dressed. All was well in Abby land.
Now really, there are few things that as I mom I really panic about. I am not a germ-o-phobe. The 5 second rule applies to any food - if I can't see dirt on it, it's probably OK to eat. My house is not spotless. I do not really care- we're healthy and happy. However, I do get overly concerned about a few things - plastic bags (suffocation) and loose ribbons or strings (a tourniquet or strangulation just waiting to happen). My biggest panic - extraneous stuff in the baby's crib. Abby has tossed every single book and stuffed animal off of Daniel's shelf into his crib. Luckily, Daniel was old enough to be standing when she discovered this "game," so he was not really in danger of being crushed. The first time this occurred though, I was pregnant with Nicholas, so I knew that there was a pretty high possibility of the new baby getting a board book in the noggin - not good. To date, Abby had been punished at least twice for this offense.
So just after the train incident, while happy Abby went to get dressed, the "happy girl" magic spell was broken. Unfortunately, I went into the room where Nicholas had been sleeping only to find Nicholas pinned to the mattress by a certain stuffed dog. Abby's very best stuffed friend, Chocolate Milk. On one hand, it would have made a funny, funny picture. Nicholas was trying to push up, but Chocolate Milk is just too big. I may have to recreate the incident just so I can get a photo. Nicholas is a good 16 lb guy, and he can actually push up well. But picture this: You are lying on your belly and all of a sudden something roughly twice your width and a little longer than you is now lying across your waist. Nicholas and Chocolate Milk looked like some whacked out "plus" sign. Nicholas was attempting to push up, but Chocolate Milk was too much for him, so he didn't get too far.
Needless to say, Abby was in trouble. A LOT of trouble. Then I discovered it wasn't just Chocolate Milk, Pineapple blanket was also in Nicholas's crib. I kept it together, didn't even yell, and I told her Chocolate Milk needed to be taken away. Amid her screams, I said she could keep pineapple blanket. Bad move mommy. I nearly immediately changed my mind. The argument that followed contained a lot of "but you said I could keep pineapple blanket!"
Daddy came to the "rescue" and got Abby to calm down. We were able to have a logical conversation and I was able to reason with her that there were two items in the crib, so two items should be taken away.
Now I know. Think through the punishment before saying it.
Doctor Thing
Yesterday Abby and Daniel went to the ENT: Abby for a "tube check" and Daniel for a full work-up and evaluation to see if he needs tubes.
Abby got to talk to Dr. Rhodes first, so she could show Daniel what would happen. Her left ear has no tube and there is no additional scarring or anything like that. She still has the tube in the right ear. Dr. R had her lie down on the bench and looked in with a microscope so he could remove a big gnarly hunk of wax. It had been putting some pressure on the eardrum and sort of blocking the tube. I was amazed when he pulled out a 1/2 inch bit o' junk. Yucky. Daniel got to sit on Daddy's lap and we learned that his right ear is "packed with fluid." Just as we thought.
Then it was off with the audiologist for hearing tests all around. Abby went first and passed with flying colors. Daniel on the other hand... not so much. I was in the room with him and could tell that he was just not hearing some of the sounds. There were a couple of things I was just amazed that he couldn't hear. Once the test was over the audiologist said his left ear is normal and he hears OK out of that ear. He didn't do as well as Abby on that side, but pretty close (he got a 10, Abby got a 5 - the lower the number the better). His right ear shows rather significant hearing loss (this ear was a 40. They say that 25 or lower is "normal."). Is that permanent? No one knows.
When he came out to talk to us after the hearing tests, Abby greeted Dr. Rhodes as "Doctor...Thing" because she didn't know his name. A bit embarassing, but funny too. As we expected, based on the exam,the hearing test and his speech delay Daniel bought himself a ticket to tube surgery.
Abby got to talk to Dr. Rhodes first, so she could show Daniel what would happen. Her left ear has no tube and there is no additional scarring or anything like that. She still has the tube in the right ear. Dr. R had her lie down on the bench and looked in with a microscope so he could remove a big gnarly hunk of wax. It had been putting some pressure on the eardrum and sort of blocking the tube. I was amazed when he pulled out a 1/2 inch bit o' junk. Yucky. Daniel got to sit on Daddy's lap and we learned that his right ear is "packed with fluid." Just as we thought.
Then it was off with the audiologist for hearing tests all around. Abby went first and passed with flying colors. Daniel on the other hand... not so much. I was in the room with him and could tell that he was just not hearing some of the sounds. There were a couple of things I was just amazed that he couldn't hear. Once the test was over the audiologist said his left ear is normal and he hears OK out of that ear. He didn't do as well as Abby on that side, but pretty close (he got a 10, Abby got a 5 - the lower the number the better). His right ear shows rather significant hearing loss (this ear was a 40. They say that 25 or lower is "normal."). Is that permanent? No one knows.
When he came out to talk to us after the hearing tests, Abby greeted Dr. Rhodes as "Doctor...Thing" because she didn't know his name. A bit embarassing, but funny too. As we expected, based on the exam,the hearing test and his speech delay Daniel bought himself a ticket to tube surgery.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Anti-turtle
Nicholas has a new trick. We put him in the big crib to sleep, on his back of course, and turn on his "new" panda mobile. Later, he begins to cry and cry. You would think that his distress is the lack of panda music. Oh no. He has flipped onto his belly, spun around 90 degrees and can't figure out how to roll over.
Considering he has a baby budda belly, he sort of looks "stuck." Nathan called this "anti-turtle."
What's really odd is that he has reportedly rolled from front to back. This has been witnessed by Ms. Teri at school. Grandma D has seen the result, but didn't witness the actual action. We assume this means he could actually flip to his back... so why the distress?
Considering he has a baby budda belly, he sort of looks "stuck." Nathan called this "anti-turtle."
What's really odd is that he has reportedly rolled from front to back. This has been witnessed by Ms. Teri at school. Grandma D has seen the result, but didn't witness the actual action. We assume this means he could actually flip to his back... so why the distress?
Greetings cyberspace
Well, I've been talking to myself about starting a Blog for a while. Yeah, I talk to myself. Entire conversations. No, it's nothing to worry about, it's perfectly healthy. Anyway, my original thought was to blog my own thoughts and random rants. Realizing that I will probably spend a lot of time writing about my amazing little munchkins and their antics, I figured two blogs - mommy's blog and the "kids" blog - might be a good idea. I was telling a coworker an Abby anecdote and in jest, he and I ended up naming my kid-blog (Thanks Tom).
So who are Those Battan Kids?
Abigail Elizabeth, usually and nearly only known as Abby. Age 4, going on 14 at least. A curious, bright child fascinated by science & physics, learning stuff, helping with stuff, being a princess and being a girl. Favorite color- pink, purple and sparkles (yes, that is more than one color, but you try reasoning with a 4 year old.)
Daniel Frank, a.k.a. Scooter, but never "Dan." (Not yet anyway.) Age 2. All boy, all energy. Also curious, wants to do anything his sister does and then some. Loves trains, his uncle, his puppy woobie, playing outside and being a BOY. Did I mention he "fixes" stuff- especially toys that need new batteries. Newest word (as of 6/1) - ignition (don't ask). Loves to flirt. Loves to laugh. My smiley guy.
Nicholas Glen, a.k.a. Flash or Pickle., never "Nick" or "Nico." (Not yet anyway.) Age 4 months. My chubby little giggle boy. Loves mommy, mommy, mommy (and I'm not just saying that cuz I am mommy). He's a big ol' flirt, loves the ladies. Loves to smile and giggle. His newest trick - well, that's another post.
Other key players in this wacky world:
Uncle James - my brother. Came to visit and help when Daniel was to be born. Stayed to help with Daniel. Stayed to help with Nicholas. We are forever in debt to uncle James and will do just about anything he ever asks of us. He is a World of Warcraft savant. His hunter is scary.
Nathan, a.k.a. Daddy or Na3than. Who do you think is teaching these kids about physics, science, and words like "ignition?" My very own Mr. Fix-it, Spider Slayer, very best friend and greatest teacher. Eats my cooking (even when it's bad), sometimes laughs at my jokes, never laughs at me and supports almost every wacky idea I come up with.
Jennifer, a.k.a. Mommy or Jen. I'd like to say I'm the normal one, but I know better. I cook, I bake, I glass (stained glass), I do projects (sewing, painting, art, needlework, crafts). I try to be a super mom. Yes, I work full time and have three young children, a dog, a husband and a brother in my household. Yes, I believe my children should have homemade meals, treats, halloween costumes, toys/games and really spectacular birthday cakes. No, these things are not optional to me (dusting however, is optional. A little dust never hurt anyone.) Yes, I can do it. I am Mighty Mommy. No, I do not get enough sleep.
Jack. Our four-legged first born - beagle extraodinaire. He's loud. He eats. He sometimes messes on the floor. 'Nuff said.
Welcome :)
So who are Those Battan Kids?
Abigail Elizabeth, usually and nearly only known as Abby. Age 4, going on 14 at least. A curious, bright child fascinated by science & physics, learning stuff, helping with stuff, being a princess and being a girl. Favorite color- pink, purple and sparkles (yes, that is more than one color, but you try reasoning with a 4 year old.)
Daniel Frank, a.k.a. Scooter, but never "Dan." (Not yet anyway.) Age 2. All boy, all energy. Also curious, wants to do anything his sister does and then some. Loves trains, his uncle, his puppy woobie, playing outside and being a BOY. Did I mention he "fixes" stuff- especially toys that need new batteries. Newest word (as of 6/1) - ignition (don't ask). Loves to flirt. Loves to laugh. My smiley guy.
Nicholas Glen, a.k.a. Flash or Pickle., never "Nick" or "Nico." (Not yet anyway.) Age 4 months. My chubby little giggle boy. Loves mommy, mommy, mommy (and I'm not just saying that cuz I am mommy). He's a big ol' flirt, loves the ladies. Loves to smile and giggle. His newest trick - well, that's another post.
Other key players in this wacky world:
Uncle James - my brother. Came to visit and help when Daniel was to be born. Stayed to help with Daniel. Stayed to help with Nicholas. We are forever in debt to uncle James and will do just about anything he ever asks of us. He is a World of Warcraft savant. His hunter is scary.
Nathan, a.k.a. Daddy or Na3than. Who do you think is teaching these kids about physics, science, and words like "ignition?" My very own Mr. Fix-it, Spider Slayer, very best friend and greatest teacher. Eats my cooking (even when it's bad), sometimes laughs at my jokes, never laughs at me and supports almost every wacky idea I come up with.
Jennifer, a.k.a. Mommy or Jen. I'd like to say I'm the normal one, but I know better. I cook, I bake, I glass (stained glass), I do projects (sewing, painting, art, needlework, crafts). I try to be a super mom. Yes, I work full time and have three young children, a dog, a husband and a brother in my household. Yes, I believe my children should have homemade meals, treats, halloween costumes, toys/games and really spectacular birthday cakes. No, these things are not optional to me (dusting however, is optional. A little dust never hurt anyone.) Yes, I can do it. I am Mighty Mommy. No, I do not get enough sleep.
Jack. Our four-legged first born - beagle extraodinaire. He's loud. He eats. He sometimes messes on the floor. 'Nuff said.
Welcome :)
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