Getting My Baby Back

This has been a difficult weekend for Olivia. She has done nothing but cry and not sleep, then cry some more, paired with more not sleeping, and then a little more crying. I'm blaming it on the applesauce that I gave her on Friday and Saturday. This morning I almost lost my mind, and I'm pretty sure that without Ron here I would have. By this afternoon, Olivia took a real nap for the first time in 3 days. She slept for 4 hours. I was so relieved. When she woke up she was happy and smiling again, and I'm thinking that I have my baby back. She went to bed without a problem tonight, and as I head to bed, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we all get a good night's sleep finally.

Grateful

I've always had a slight addiction to reality TV. I especially enjoy the parenting variety of these types of shows. It started with A Baby Story, Supernanny, Wifeswap, and the like. Then my obsession morphed into the shows featuring extraordinary circumstances. You know what I'm talking about: Jon and Kate, The Duggars, Quints by Surrogacy, etc.

This past week I watched the Octomom special. When I saw her trying to juggle (and I mean literally juggle) her 8 babies all at once, I felt overwhelmed. Granted she has some help, but seriously... life with 14 kids? 8 of them being infants? You've got to be kidding me. I'm tired just thinking about it.

Today I watched a new show, "Raising Sextuplets." Since the situation of this family intrigued me, I set it up to record all episodes on DVR a few weeks ago. Somehow, I stumbled across a spare moment to watch some of it today. These people have six 18-month olds. What I witnessed was a lot of diaper changing (even more than I'm doing!), a lot of boo-boos, a lot of crying, and a lot of the "no biting, no hitting, no pushing" commands that I so frequently use with Joey. As I watched these parents struggle to take care of six babies, I began to wonder if that would be something I could do. I've always thought of myself as being capable of anything. But in this case I'm not so sure. (quite honestly, I'm glad I don't have to find out...) I thought to myself, they have 3 times as many babies as I do. Katelyn and Olivia would just be 1/3 of a group of Sextuplets. How would I possibly take care of 4 more infants at one time? And how much louder would my house be? YIKES.

When I turned off the TV to tend to my own houseful of children I looked at the three of them and actually felt relieved. I feel grateful that God decided to bless me with my wonderful children just one or two at a time. Not 6. You know the old saying, God doesn't give us more than we can handle? Well, I'm pretty sure He knows what He is doing, because this is about all I can handle right now.

Review and Giveaway: ISpy Game from Briarpatch Products

Recently I came across a cute puzzle featured in Parent's Magazine. I thought it would be fun for Joey, so I checked out the website to see more. I was excited to see that Briarpatch.com has a lot of great puzzles and games for toddlers and preschoolers. The Sami Block Puzzle was sent to us, and Joey has really enjoyed playing with it. We also received a great sampling of ISpy products that are so much fun! Luckily for you, I have teamed up with Briarpatch.com to offer one of my readers their choice of ISpy product!

To enter, visit Briarpatch.com and return to leave a comment telling me about a product that caught your eye. Up to 5 additional entries can be earned by doing one or more of the following: (Leave another comment for EACH additional entry!)

• Become a follower of Thou Shall Not Whine
• Subscribe to Thou Shall Not Whine in a Newsreader
• Link back to this post on your blog or website
• Leave a comment on a Non-giveaway post
• Grab my button and post it on your blog or website

Giveaway is open until Friday, September 4th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and announced on Saturday, September 5th. Please be sure to leave your email address so I can let you know if you win!

Grand Reopening

In case you haven't noticed my blog has undergone a major makeover. More than a makeover. I'm calling this reconstructive surgery. Many thanks to my great blog designer, Tara! If you are in need of a new blog design, check her site out at http://blogmakeoversbytara.blogspot.com/. Or you can click her button at the bottom of the left-hand sidebar. Yes, I said sidebar. This blogging thing is rubbing off on me and I'm beginning to use technological terms like sidebar and navbar. WEIRD. In all seriousness though, Tara is talented, affordable, and very easy to work with!

Anyway, now that my new design is up and running I'm going to kick things off with a Grand Reopening Party. And we all like parties because they usually come with food and gifts. Well, I don't have any food to give out, so go into your own kitchen and get some but I do have a gift. A giveaway actually. I think you're going to like it so stay tuned...

What Were We THINKING?

Everyone went down for a late nap today causing them to sleep later into the afternoon than usual. We didn't unearth Joey from his crib until 5, and the girls got up sometime around 5:30. I thouroughly enjoyed all of that time to myself, but as the clock ticked away, so did the idea that the kids would be in bed early enough for me to watch Octomom at 8. So we needed something to fill the time between dinner and bed...

After everyone was fed and changed Ron and I decided that we'd take a family trip to Borders. Getting in the car at 7pm with three young children who are normally in bed at that hour was our first mistake. Not putting Joey in a stroller while at Borders was our second mistake. Not stocking up my bag with a single package of animal crackers, gummies, or even a lolipop was our third mistake. Get the picture??? Joey ran through the store faster than we could keep up with him. He touched everything, he yelled everytime we came near him, he was like an animal that had spent a lifetime in captivity out of his cage for the first time.

We should have left. I know that. But somehow I've gotten to the point where I'm not all that embarrassed when my husband and I make complete idiots of ourselves as our children cause an obnoxious scene in a public setting. So I stayed the course. I was determined to not leave the store with what we went in for so I made all 5 of us (and many strangers) suffer through the madness. But let's not put all the blame on poor little Joey. None of my kids wanted to be shopping in a bookstore at 7 o'clock at night. After finding the book that I wanted to buy, I finally grabbed hold of Joey, propped him up on my hip, pushed the stroller through the checkout line, sent Ron and Olivia back to the car, and made my purchase. I even remembered to use my coupon! HURRAH!

Once everyone was back in their respective carseats and the minivan turned out of the parking lot Ron said, "We are either really stupid, or really brave." I replied, "I'm thinking a little of both."

The Post-baby Weight Gain

I don't own a scale. I never have, I never will. I do weigh myself when given the opportunity. The kids' doctor's office always presents an opportunity, as there is a scale in each exam room. So after the doctor leaves, I pack up my kids and do a quick weight check before exiting the office. This is how I found I had lost all my baby weight when the twins were just 2 weeks old. You may remember that post. If you don't, it can be found here.

Today was Katelyn and Olivia's 4 month doctor appointment. I'm bummed to say that since the two week check up I've gained a little weight. (10-12 pounds is still considered a little, right?) I'm blaming it on the bowls of ice cream, popcorn, and cookies that we consume after the kids are in bed. Oh, and the wine. Oh how I love the wine...

Well, I am not going to buy any new clothes and I got rid of all of my clothes that were too big so I've got to get this under control. I've vowed to start walking away the stress in my life instead of eating it away. After the kids are in bed instead of scooping myself a big bowl of ice cream I will walk. This starts today. Notice I'm not saying I won't have the ice cream, because I'm just not sure I can commit to that. In fact I know I can't live without ice cream. So I'll just commit to the walking for now.

If it seems too good to be true...

It probably is. After 4 successful potty trips on Monday I was thinking to myself, "Wow, this is super easy. Potty trained all in one day. I'm super mom." Then we had 2 successful trips on Tuesday, and just 1 successful trip today. Needless to say, my excitement and confidence in the potty training adventures has come to a screeching halt. He might be ready, but I'm not so sure that I am. It is exhausting work. And my life is already kinda exhausting. We are spending so much time pulling off shorts, removing diapers, sitting on the potty, standing on the potty, sitting back on the potty, yelling for no good reason, putting diapers back on, only to start all over again 5 minutes later. I'm exhausted just writing about it. I'm beginning to think that Joey saying that he has to go potty is a game to him. He's smart. He knows that he can get my undivided attention for approximately 5-10 minutes just by uttering the famous p-word. So he says it ALL OF THE TIME! I feel like we are spending more time in the bathroom than any other room of the house. And I don't think it's working. He still peed in his diaper, and on the floor, and in the bath tub. Ahhh, the joys of toddlerhood.

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

As for me, I did not give my 2-year old 3 hershey kisses, ice cream, and a few too many sips of my diet coke tonight. Nope not me. And I'm sure that is NOT the reason why at 9:50pm he is still wide awake singing to himself in his crib. That was definately NOT me.

Got a confession? Leave a comment and tell me what you did NOT do!

Growing Up

The time is getting closer. Time for Joey to lose what's left of his babyhood, and become a real boy. Like Pinocchio. How do I know it is time? Because today my son POOPED on the potty. Peed too, but I'm pretty sure that was a result of the pushing of the poop! We got him this little kid Elmo potty yesterday for free, so I think Joey was anxious to try it out. He told me he had to go, off came the diaper, into the bathroom we went and he sat. And sat. And sat. And sat. Nothing. Olivia was crying in the other room, so I went to go pick her up. Upon my return Joey was still sitting. Only something was different. I could *smell* it. Sure enough, I stood him up and there it was! His first official potty poop! We were very excited. We clapped, we flushed, we got a Hershey Kiss! What an exciting Monday morning we had. Is it a fluke? Maybe. But I'm excited none the less.

And The Winner Is...

The winner of the first giveaway on Thou Shall Not Whine is comment #9, Marie who said, "I'm a follower too!" Thanks to all who entered, and congratulations to Marie. I will contact you by email to make arrangments with Big Blue Castle. I hope you enjoy your sleepy wrap! I have more product reviews in the works, so stay tuned for more giveaways in the future!

*I tried to post the random number generator, but haven't been able to figure it out. Hopefully I'll get it by the time I host another giveaway!*

He Lives!

Yesterday during an altercation between Joey and his best friend (and cousin) Mollie he was the victim of a bite on the knee. *As much as I don't promote violence among toddlers, I've got to hand it to the girl as this is definitely payback for lots of hitting that Joey did in his earlier days!* Andrew, an eye witness at the scene of the crime took on the roll of helpful big cousin in comforting Joey as Mollie was removed from the area and I went inside to get ice for the battle wound. Once Mollie rejoined us in the backyard and said her apologies everyone had a popsicle to ease the tension. While eating his popsicle and continuing to examine Joey's injury the ever-insightful Andrew turns to me and says nonchalantly, "I'm glad Joey is still alive." I humbly agreed with him in replying, "Me too buddy." Andrew continued, "Yea, because if he wasn't we'd all be on our way to the hospital." Four year olds can be so profound.

The Outdoor Friend

I've decided that Joey is definitely going to be the outdoor friend. You know, the one that your mom never really wanted you to bring inside your house. His dad was every one's outdoor friend, so it's really no surprise. This kid just loves to be dirty. Today he climbed in yet another sand table at another playdate.



I really think that while we were at the playdate Joey's mantra must have been, "must get dirty, must get really dirty." It's like has little dirt magnets underneath his skin and various items of outdoor fun cling to his body while he walks around outdoors. I actually brought him home in only a diaper and bathed him before his nap. I brushed his teeth too, because the outside of his mouth was so filthy I assumed the inside was probably just as bad.

He Entertains Himself

For Joey, it's not good enough to play at the water table. He has to climb in the water table. At a play date yesterday all the other children were content to stand calmly pouring water in and out of the various containers and toys. My son has to take it one step further. Within moments, he hoists his little legs up and plops himself right into the fun zone. At least he was already in his bathing suit. This kid likes to be right in the middle of things. He has done this before in his sand table at home. And in case you can't tell from the expression on his face, he's quite amused with himself when he does it.

Seeing him do this (and his reaction to himself doing it) at someone else's house got me to thinking ahead to Joey's school days... I know they have activity tables at preschools, which teachers fill with various textured items. (rice, sand, foam, etc.) I can just imagine getting a call from his annoyed teacher someday that Joey pushed the other children away from the table so he could climb in the activity table. Somehow I doubt his future teachers are going to think it's as funny or as cute as I do...

That's Why I Married Him

So I already knew that I married the greatest guy alive. Today was just another day that confirmed it. As we sat around watching the rain roll in this afternoon (again!), all of us started to getting just a wee bit antsy (again!). We were trying to come up with something to do when my adoring husband said to me, "Is there anywhere you'd like to go alone?" Thinking of a dozen errands that I'd rather put off than go do I simply answered, "not really." This is where the really amazing part comes in... Ron said, "Why don't you go treat yourself to a pedicure or something." WHAT??? Did my job-searching husband really just suggest that I go pamper myself leaving him at home with three cranky kids on a rainy Sunday afternoon? Yes, yes he did. And that folks is just one of the many reasons I love this guy. And, as sweet as it was, my constant stream of financial worrying stopped me from taking him up on his offer. Just the fact that he genuinely thought I should spoil myself with a pedicure was actually better than the real thing...

Photos

Want to see more of my kids? I'm glad I'm not the only one obsessed with them.

You can view my photo album by clicking here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/melly2880

I'll try to update this album frequently but if I take too long, feel free to bug me about it until I do!

Contact Me

Got a question, comment, or idea? I'm easy to get in touch with. Email me at melly2880@hotmail.com

Inquiries regarding advertising, product reviews, and giveaway ideas are welcome!

About Me

I am a 29 year old mom of three little ones. In my former life I was a third grade teacher, but I put my professional career on hold so I could stay home with our kids. They keep me busy and entertained at all times. I write this blog as my outlet. It is a way for me to connect with the outside world, share stories of my kids, and document all of the funny (and not so funny) things that go on in my life. From time to time I host giveaways and product reviews on my blog. I love getting word out about fabulous baby/kid stuff.

Other things I enjoy are: shopping, reality TV, the beach, vacationing, going out to eat, being outside, reading, my ipod, going to the movies, baking, flip flops, Vienna Mocha Chunk ice cream from Friendly's, pedicures, and scrapbooking. I love doing just about anything with my family.

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to leave a comment or two so I know you're here!

Sorry

I'm sorry I've been MIA this past week. It has been a VERY busy, stressful, and exhausting week. I'd like to sleep for a week. Seeing as I have 3 young children though that is not at all possible, so I'm just hoping to sleep through the night. I'll be back blogging in no time... A few updates in the meantime:

• Kate's Shower was a HUGE success!
• Olivia screams her little head off whenever anyone approaches with a bottle.
• Our house is officially For Sale
• We are officially moving *pending house sale, obviously*
• I miss Lucy and still feel sad.
• I love that the house is so clean, but takes a lot of work to keep it this way.
• I've extended my giveaway because I didn't have much time to promote it this week.

That's all for now. I'd write more, but I am just too tired. And my ice cream is ready.

The First Giveaway!

I have always been a huge fan of baby wearing. There are so many different types and styles of carriers out there, and I have tried a variety of them. Recently I purchased a Sleepy Wrap from Big Blue Castle Online Store. In all honesty, this wrap is my favorite "hands free" baby carrying device so far. It is made of a machine washable, cotton terry-cloth type material that is super soft and stretches just enough to accommodate all sizes of moms and babies. My babies are so comfy while in this wrap, they usually snuggle in immediately and frequently fall asleep while I wear them in this. (hence the name...) The wrap is quite long, and tying it on can be tricky in the beginning. Luckily there are lots of how-to videos on the web, and the Sleepy Wrap comes with a handy instruction guide so you get it just right. Also, priced at $39.95 with free shipping, this is one of the most affordable options in baby carrying that I have found.
OK, here's the exciting part: Donna from Big Blue Castle has teamed up with me to give away one of these fabulous wraps to one of my readers! To enter, all you need to do is visit Big Blue Castle, return to this post and leave a comment about something else that she sells that you might like! Please include your contact information in your comment so I can get in touch with you if you win! You can earn up to 3 additional entries by leaving another comment after doing 1 or more of the following:

• subscribe to my blog in a newsreader.


• become a follower.


• link back to this post in your blog or website.

Wait, it gets better: the winner will be able to choose the color of their Sleepy Wrap from anything that Big Blue Castle has in stock! Check out all the colors here. This Giveaway starts now and will run until Friday, August 7th at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen via random.org, and will be then be contacted by email.