We just moved to another state, it was super stressful, but we are getting settled. Our house has a contract contingent on the buyer selling theirs by the 21st, so we maybe back on the market snd out of luck :/ My kids like their new schools though, but I miss Target! I am 22 wks and it's a boy.
I am having the hardest time buying for my Feb 13 baby. He loves trains, but we are over run with train toys. He also wants a party but we are so new here I don't know who to invite. We might go on a small trip to visit family and do something fun and a small family party there, but I think he will be disappointed:(
sagen , could you invite the kids in Feb13 kid's Sunbeam class? That is what we are doing this year. I will keep my fingers crossed that your house sells. Real estate dealings are so frickin' stressful. How is your pregnancy going? Yay for more boys!
We have been in our new house for almost two months. It needs quite a few repairs, and of course none of those things will help it cosmetically, so I am settling with painting the walls for now (every single wall in the house, with the exception of DS' room, is yellow). It is a very, very slow process as I'm doing it myself during naptime, but I'm hoping I'll be done by June. But it's a great house and the kids and dog are loving their new yard.
We are TTC right now...I may be KU already but I won't know for another week at least. I did a FRER with DS and it came back negative (when I actually was pregnant), so I won't test now until I've missed my period.
I'm starting a new job teaching dance as part of a body-confidence program aimed at middle schoolers in underserved schools. It's a sweet gig for me because it's only about 2 hours, 2 days a week, and a friend of mine who lives nearby has offered to watch my kids for me. I'm looking forward to starting next week.
The job sounds perfect and yay on TTC! I will keep my fx for you. If you get a BFP in a week would that make you due in Sep or Oct, both good months
We have only been to church once. First week no church clothes, from no moving truck. Second week we had to go visit a sick relative and help out so no church. Finally went, then this week it was so icy my van was slipping down the street. We were all dressed and going, but decided to skip. That brings us to next week were we have a stake mtg. rummors have it ward boundaries are changing, so the friends at sunbeams situation has been weird I am glad you like your new house!
I feel like DH and I have really been having trouble connecting with the kids and having meaningful interactions with them. DH has never been great at initiating interactions with them, and I doubt it's even something he thinks about most of the time. I've never been good at it either but lately it seems even worse. I am out of ideas of things to do, I am bored playing with their toys and not creative enough to think of "new" ways to play with them. DD is capable of doing more interesting activities like board games, crafts, and helping with baking, but DS isn't at only 2 years old, so it's hard to find stuff to do with both of them and I often feel like DD gets the short end of the stick having to limit our activities to things that DS can handle. But I guess that's a part of life. I also feel like all I do lately is lecture and yell at them for whining, throwing fits, and misbehaving. All of these issues seem to be getting worse with DD which is really frustrating because I thought 4 would be easier than 3, but instead the whining and tantrums are just louder and accompanied by more anger/attitude.
And despite all of this, there is still a part of me that wants to have a third kid, and even though I know it's not the right choice for us, I wonder if I will ever really be at peace with it. Why I want another child when I feel like a failure at parenting most of the time is beyond me.
Other than that, not much is going on here. No new jobs or new houses for us
Post by wineandcake on Jan 16, 2017 21:08:54 GMT -5
Life is busy here. I picked up a casual job at the clinic since my hours nursing on the floor were looking low. Someone went off sick so my floor hours nearly doubled and I'm at the clinic at least 2 days a week. We're going on a child free long weekend trip next week, it's so needed right now. I plan to fill our days with poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and gin.
The boys are great. I'm still in denial that my sweet baby boy is turning 4 next month. He talks about it daily, kid can't wait to be big. Hunter is 18m and teething so badly, it's awful but the cuddles are great.
We're hoping to move away from here this year. H started applying to new jobs today and once he gets something I'll look too, much easier for me to find one than him. I'm so ready to leave the north and be near family and friends. Until then, we're saving as much as possible.
I cannot believe DS is going to be four. I also can't believe that I somehow talked DH into going on a family trip to Disney World next month. Yay me! I'm really looking forward to that trip because I love Disney and thought H wouldn't allow a trip there for many more years (he hates crowds and rides).
Everything else is good. Work's good, life's good. No complaints other than my regular hatred of winter. 😜
@kleighh926 I feel that way a lot of the time, I have no idea what I am doing having a fifth. I can tell you are an absolutely amazing mother, so no need to worry about it. Have fun on your trip wineandcake! Yay for Disney World, that will be so much fuj @bruxannie. It is so strange our kids are already almost 4, that flew by!
kleigh926 - I shared last week about Z and his attitude- I understand. He also purposely does things to go against what I tell him. It's a struggle. He responds very well to rules so we are trying a rule chart. Maybe it would work with your DD?
Our little guy is also 2. We try to pick activities that are on par for a 3-4 year old but won't be dangerous for a 2 year old. Mostly our little guy holds his own. But I know what you mean about having trouble entertaining them. Z has a lot of trouble playing by himself but our 2 year old is excellent at it.
Recently we have had a lot of fun with the following simple activities: playing band. Santa brought them very basic toy guitars ($10 from amazon) and we all sit on Z's bed and play band. Sometimes I put on pandora and they play to that music. Last weekend we played hide and seek. We also played T and I pretend to sleep on Z's bed and Z scares us. Somehow these super simple silly things bring them so much joy. They also love playing fort in the basement, shutting out lights and using flashlights or star projectors.
kleigh926, I honestly try not to worry about this too much. I did a lot, back when I had PPD, and I think the stress of it contributed to my being depressed. Kids need to be bored so they learn to come up with their own ideas and things to do. Even though they drive you freakin' nuts in the beginning. :-) What I've decided to do in terms of being with them now is knowing I expect them to entertain themselves most of the time, but when they come to me, they get my full attention. I enjoy it more, and I think they enjoy it more too. They can tell that I'm not counting the minutes, haha. So right now, they are playing together(ish) and I'm checking computer stuff.
Which is my long-winded way of saying, don't be so hard on yourself. Let yourself have a break, and enjoy it. The earlier they learn self-sufficiency, the better for everyone.
Post by brachysira on Jan 17, 2017 14:53:21 GMT -5
sagen, we've lived her since DD was born and I still don't have any friends to invite to her birthday. Apparently her preschool friends don't do that and we only have a couple of other flaky friends who we see from time to time so it's really sketchy. I thought DD would be disappointed, but eating cupcakes and opening gifts from with grandparents appeals to her. She's been 4 for a couple weeks now but we were sick so any celebrating will probably be for her due date at this point. Gifts: does he have a balance bike, petal bike, trike, big wheel, scooter? Extra wooden train track, neat trains, clever accessories? We bought our kids pirate outfits and a cardboard pirate ship for Christmas. DD is really into bath blocks.
kleigh926, yes, it is a bummer here, too, that DD has to limit herself to activities appropriate for a 2 year-old. We spend time during DS's nap and also often divide up for about 30 minutes in the evenings--DS usually runs wild with DH and DD and I do a hard puzzle or read. DS can now do playdough. They can do different art things at the same time--like DD will draw and DS will make a mark with every marker. We watch TV. I put them in different parts of the house to play alone, which actually works but is risky since no one is directly supervised. DS can now take part in a movement class DD does. When it's not cold, they both play outside well--they love picking things from trees, shoveling snow, playing with outdoor toys together. DD will go on a bike ride and DS will walk or ride in the stroller.
wineandcake, so jealous of your childfree weekend. Who is doing your childcare? @bruxannie, I think maybe we'll do Disney in Sept. Seems too expensive and overwhelming but I have a friend who just goes and does no planning and says it's fine. summer, cool job! pinkie, yes, my 2 year-old is crazy good at playing by himself and Feb child is terrible at it...birth order...?
Post by brachysira on Jan 17, 2017 15:01:36 GMT -5
Here DD is really on edge...I feel like she has perfectionism+no patience, which makes her freak out constantly--like if her jacket won't go on right, she can figure out how to draw shoes, etc. DS loves to joke and call things the wrong name or pretend something is a hat and it infuriates DD. "DS thinks those strawberries are blueberries!" "He's just joking DD." "NOOOO! Those are STRAWBERRIES. WAHHH" It's super not-fun. She's also asking more sophisticated questions and wants to know the meanings of every word. She wants to know the name of every My Little Pony (we don't watch), every dinosaur, every organism, every mineral. She wants to know if dinosaurs and cave people lived together. She wants to know what happens to leaves once they fall off trees. It's a fun time but I feel like I never give adequate answers...
I feel like DH and I have really been having trouble connecting with the kids and having meaningful interactions with them. DH has never been great at initiating interactions with them, and I doubt it's even something he thinks about most of the time. I've never been good at it either but lately it seems even worse. I am out of ideas of things to do, I am bored playing with their toys and not creative enough to think of "new" ways to play with them. DD is capable of doing more interesting activities like board games, crafts, and helping with baking, but DS isn't at only 2 years old, so it's hard to find stuff to do with both of them and I often feel like DD gets the short end of the stick having to limit our activities to things that DS can handle. But I guess that's a part of life. I also feel like all I do lately is lecture and yell at them for whining, throwing fits, and misbehaving. All of these issues seem to be getting worse with DD which is really frustrating because I thought 4 would be easier than 3, but instead the whining and tantrums are just louder and accompanied by more anger/attitude.
And despite all of this, there is still a part of me that wants to have a third kid, and even though I know it's not the right choice for us, I wonder if I will ever really be at peace with it. Why I want another child when I feel like a failure at parenting most of the time is beyond me.
Other than that, not much is going on here. No new jobs or new houses for us
We have the same struggle with 4 and 2. I hate how much I say no you can't do that bc your sister will want it too. Every time I think OMG she's going to resent her so much! And of course the little one must be doing the exact same thing. I hit Pinterest a lot for random craft ideas. Simple things. There's always a huge mess in my house lol. The other day I rolled out paper and taped it down and gave them some paint. 30 mins of fun and then straight to the tub lol.
Last week I booked a resort get away in April for dh and I in Mexico! I can't wait! All inclusive and adults only! Amazing! It's been three years since we went anywhere together!
Jan15 kiddo was supposed to have her surgery last week (removing dermoid cyst) but she was sick and we had to cancel so now we are waiting for a new date.
I booked a double bday party for both girls at a play center. Looking forward to doing it all in one shot! Lol.
I'm trying to pick paint colours so we can finally get this house painted and feel like it's ours!!!
Kindergarten registration next week! Omg I can't believe my big girl will be going to school this fall. Cue the tears from mom.
Post by photomama1990 on Jan 17, 2017 20:53:22 GMT -5
We haven't been up to much. My kids both (feb kid and may 15) love being outside. We have two pretty awesome sledding hills at our house, so we spend a lot of time out there. They also have a new love for ice fishing, so we have been spending our family weekends out on the pond near our house.
I called to make an appointment with my MW because my IUD is being wonky and they can't get me in for 6 weeks. So that's annoying and I'm looking at new options, which would be an hour away.
We leave in 19 days for Puerto Rico for 2 weeks. I'm excited to sit on the beach. We will celebrate DS1's birthday while we are there!
kleigh926, I honestly try not to worry about this too much. I did a lot, back when I had PPD, and I think the stress of it contributed to my being depressed. Kids need to be bored so they learn to come up with their own ideas and things to do. Even though they drive you freakin' nuts in the beginning. :-) What I've decided to do in terms of being with them now is knowing I expect them to entertain themselves most of the time, but when they come to me, they get my full attention. I enjoy it more, and I think they enjoy it more too. They can tell that I'm not counting the minutes, haha. So right now, they are playing together(ish) and I'm checking computer stuff.
Which is my long-winded way of saying, don't be so hard on yourself. Let yourself have a break, and enjoy it. The earlier they learn self-sufficiency, the better for everyone.
I really like this way of thinking about it, and I also realized today that part of my problem is that I've stopped getting up before them in the morning which makes me feel rushed and frazzled from the get-go. I have such a hard time pulling myself out of bed before I have to, but that extra time before they wake up is helpful to get laundry started, eat breakfast by myself, and prepare for our day.
pinkie I like those ideas! I'll have to try them out as a way to spice up our days and reconnect with them in a positive way.
Great birthday present ideas brachysira thanks. Your DD sounds like she will probably be a highly intelligent kid, which I am sure has its pros and cons! I an jealous of all the fun vacations, have fun mishka29 and photomama1990. I love indoor waterpark places pinkie, have fun too
Post by cinnasugar on Jan 18, 2017 21:13:14 GMT -5
Hi there- DD is halfway through kindergarten and all of a sudden I realized our lives are revolving around her social life. Everyone in her K class must have a Jan/fen birthday because she has 4 parties this month.
DS (Feb 13) is good. Having a few tantrums lately but mostly behaving and funny. He'and his sister play well together when they aren't fighting. Ha.
Rest of us have not much that is new. My part time job has been very busy, which is frustrating, because I feel obligated to work more even though I'm part time. lol Looking forward to spring and nice weather.
Post by colinsfebmommy on Jan 19, 2017 10:06:28 GMT -5
Hey there!
sagen, another boy! So exciting! kleigh926, I think we all get those feelings so do not feel alone. I have Feb 13 kid and a 1 yr old, its tricky finding a balance.
I love hearing updates from you all!
My DD just turned 1 and we are gearing up for DS being 4. We just moved last month into a different house and it is a disaster so no big party, just family. I know he is disappointed but he will forget once he starts playing with his cousins. lol It is such a relief to have more room. I set up a great playroom but of course my kids only want to be in there if I am. My son has been begging for bunk beds so for his birthday he is getting them. I am def teary knowing all his baby furniture is leaving. How are they so big so fast?
Work is busy but life has been good so no major complaints. I like kleigh926, also think about baby 3. I don't know if I am more sad because I know I am done and that baby stuff is gone for good or what. I do know if I was a SAHM I would DEF have 3 so maybe I have a little guilt there. It is a little sad but then they both start screaming at the same time and I remember how glad I am right now for only 2 lol
colinsfebmommy the same thing happens to me. When DD is arguing with me or DS is throwing a crazy tantrum in the grocery store I'm like "nope, 2 is good!" I get thoughts of having 3 when I see other families with 3 or when they're both playing nicely, haha. Honestly though, 2 is better for us for so many reasons, my emotions just aren't always caught up to the logic I guess. Still not doing anything permanent since we're young enough yet to wait a few years and then make a final decision.
Post by singingsea on Jan 19, 2017 11:44:35 GMT -5
Popping in to say hi! We're currently trying to enroll Feb 13 child in a pre-k program. We've been visiting different schools/daycares the last few weeks. Also been planning his birthday. Doing a small ice cream party at graeter's with a couple friends. K has been such a great brother to the baby and things have seemed to calm down in the jealousy department.
The baby (S16) is 4 months old now. He's rolling and babbling up a storm. Baby R has reflux so we've been on meds for a couple weeks now and it's making a difference. Hoping to introduce solids sometime next month.
Post by wineandcake on Jan 19, 2017 13:49:25 GMT -5
Seeing pre-k just reminded me how I'm not even close for Mac to start school. We're in Canada so he starts full time school in September. Registration starts first week of February I believe. Now I have to actually think about this and decide if I'm sending him to French or Catholic school. It's just not possible that our teeny tiny babies are starting to turn 4. Just over a month and my baby will basically be a grown up
For all those on the fence about baby #3, I have to put my plug in. Having my older 3 all 2 years apart was fun and had it's benefits, but having that caboose baby when my youngest was pretty much 5 years old was awesome. So much fun to do it again with older kids, and to have time to enjoy the baby alone while they were at school, and see them interact so differently to a new sibling then when they were to be honest pretty much babies themselves. I loved it so much, caboose #2 is on the way. So hold off if you don't feel it is right, because three is a whole new ball game, and a caboose baby is the best just my totally unsolicited probably unwanted 2 cents.
sagen I think that's great advice too, and I like the idea of a caboose baby because I'd prefer the two we have to be older before adding a baby to the mix. I just know we are very much looking forward to being past the toddler years, having more flexible schedules again, and not dealing with tantrums, so once we get to that point I am not sure we'll be up for starting over. But time will tell!
Post by creepyeyeball on Jan 24, 2017 15:21:59 GMT -5
Life is so busy, y'all. And it's winter. It's just going to get crazier this spring, so I'm trying to soak in the "laziness" (if I can even call it that).
School is busy. We're catching up after a fall of neglect because we cared for my sick mom. But three weeks into the new year and we're back on track. DS1 just graduated to a new grade level in math this week and DD1 starts a new phonics curriculum next week. Exciting!!
We're doing lots of preparing for the spring - we will tap our maple trees for syrup in February, which will be a fun experience for the kids with the bonus of free syrup at the end of all the work. We're also getting chicks to add to our current collection of hens. And then there's preparing for garden season. It will all be here before we know it.
Today and tomorrow we're canning orange marmalade. I got fresh citrus in bulk from California and it's a brightness in a dreary Ohio week. Tastes like summer.
Baby is so big. In the last three weeks he started crawling, pulling to standing, cruising, got two teeth, started saying mama and dada, clapped, waved, and is now eating solids. He's nine months. So much development in such a short time. But he still won't sleep for more than 45 minutes at a time. Needless to say I'm exhausted and praying for rest. But he is such a joy and my kids are great with him. To be 100% honest, I can't wait to, Lord willing, give him a little buddy in the future. If I can get him sleeping through the night and lose the last 12 of this baby weight, I will gladly do it again!
Here DD is really on edge...I feel like she has perfectionism+no patience, which makes her freak out constantly--like if her jacket won't go on right, she can figure out how to draw shoes, etc. DS loves to joke and call things the wrong name or pretend something is a hat and it infuriates DD. "DS thinks those strawberries are blueberries!" "He's just joking DD." "NOOOO! Those are STRAWBERRIES. WAHHH" It's super not-fun. She's also asking more sophisticated questions and wants to know the meanings of every word. She wants to know the name of every My Little Pony (we don't watch), every dinosaur, every organism, every mineral. She wants to know if dinosaurs and cave people lived together. She wants to know what happens to leaves once they fall off trees. It's a fun time but I feel like I never give adequate answers...
Oh my goodness, she sounds so much like my oldest. We used to color - the the two boys and I. DS2 is over there coloring the sky red and people purple. DS1 wouldn't color unless he had a real photo to copy. "Mom, what color is this flower?" Ummmmm.....whatever color you want it to be. But he had to know the RIGHT color. It used to drive me nuts. Lol It got better with age. He figured out that he is allowed to be creative.
He's inquisitive like your DD. I started keeping a list in the kitchen and every time he asked me something I didn't know, I would write it down and at our weekly library trip we would take out books on the topic so we could learn together. You could use the computer, too, but the library is more fun I like that my kids know that mom isn't expected to know all the answers and that we never stop learning, even as adults. The great thing is when they get old enough to read on their own and you can say "I don't know the answer to that question. Can you please look it up and teach me all about it?" My kids love to do that.
Seeing pre-k just reminded me how I'm not even close for Mac to start school. We're in Canada so he starts full time school in September. Registration starts first week of February I believe. Now I have to actually think about this and decide if I'm sending him to French or Catholic school. It's just not possible that our teeny tiny babies are starting to turn 4. Just over a month and my baby will basically be a grown up
I signed dd1 up today. We went catholic. It's a small school so it will have a nice community feel. I guess maybe we need to start going to church....
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