I'm feeling extremely guilty today and need to vent.
Peyton was still asleep when I left for work this morning, I'm working all day, then I have a work party to attend. I won't be home until after she's in bed, so I don't get to see her at all today.
THEN tomorrow I work all day and have a birthday dinner to go to. Once again I won't be home until after she's in bed. I know some of you may be thinking "yeah, so...what's the big deal?!" but this is the most I've been away from her. Sure I go out and have girl's nights or dinners, we do date nights regularly and stuff like that. But 2 straight days of not seeing her is already killing me, I don't know how people do it! Not to mention Edwin will be with me for both of these events, so she's with the grandparents those nights. If she were going to be with Daddy, I don't think I'd feel quite as bad!
It really makes me feel like I'm neglecting her, which I know isn't the case. I guess it's just a Mommy thing that I can't really explain.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Potty Endorsement
For those of you that have been following my blog (or my FB page) you know I've been potty training my almost 21 month old daughter, Peyton. I've had several friends ask me what I'm using during the potty training process, and there are a few things I've found that I couldn't live without.
I would like to add that she's doing AMAZING and we had 0 accidents all weekend. I put her in a pull up when we went to church on Sunday (just in case), took her to the potty before we left for church, asked the nursery attendant to take her in about 45 mins, then took her after I picked her up. She used the potty each time and had a DRY pull up when I picked her up. She even kept it dry through her nap!
The big change for us was when we bought this potty seat (but of course we have the Disney princess potty seat). It even comes with a plastic hook so you can hang it from the tank of your toilet when you're done using it. Suddenly we didn't have to make her potty anymore, she wanted to use the big potty...all the time! I will suggest buying one with handles like this one. The handles made Peyton feel more secure in the beginning.
I also bought her this to put under the toilet so she can touch and so she can wash her hands...
But even better is this nifty creation! I was wondering how to use the potty with her when we're out, and hated the idea of her sitting on a public restroom toilet or me having to hold her up the entire time. Then I found this at Babies R Us, and it has been wonderful! It has 3 hinges and folds up small enough to put it in any purse or diaper bag. It fits perfect in my Coach bag :)
I bought a pack of these training pants. They're just like normal underwear except there's a little padding in the crotch and rear end areas. I put these on her when I know we're going to be playing outside or something. They won't keep them "dry", but they're great for when they start to have an accident...a little leak before getting to the potty.
Finally we have a pack of Pull Ups for our "just in case" times. She sleeps in a Pull Up for her nap because she's not consistently waking up dry yet and a diaper at night for obvious reasons. I've only used a Pull Up when she was awake once so far and that was for church. I was scared they'd make her regress, but I tell her they're big girl panties and so far she hasn't pottied in them while awake! We still take several bathroom trips just like we would if she had on her panties.
I know everything on here is pink, but rest assured they do come in a million different designs and colors. We're about to do a bathroom make over in the hall/guest/Peyton's bathroom and I can't wait. Out with the hideous wall paper and in with the gray/pink bathroom! Stay tuned for that post..whenever we get there!
I would like to add that she's doing AMAZING and we had 0 accidents all weekend. I put her in a pull up when we went to church on Sunday (just in case), took her to the potty before we left for church, asked the nursery attendant to take her in about 45 mins, then took her after I picked her up. She used the potty each time and had a DRY pull up when I picked her up. She even kept it dry through her nap!
The big change for us was when we bought this potty seat (but of course we have the Disney princess potty seat). It even comes with a plastic hook so you can hang it from the tank of your toilet when you're done using it. Suddenly we didn't have to make her potty anymore, she wanted to use the big potty...all the time! I will suggest buying one with handles like this one. The handles made Peyton feel more secure in the beginning.
Finally we have a pack of Pull Ups for our "just in case" times. She sleeps in a Pull Up for her nap because she's not consistently waking up dry yet and a diaper at night for obvious reasons. I've only used a Pull Up when she was awake once so far and that was for church. I was scared they'd make her regress, but I tell her they're big girl panties and so far she hasn't pottied in them while awake! We still take several bathroom trips just like we would if she had on her panties.
I know everything on here is pink, but rest assured they do come in a million different designs and colors. We're about to do a bathroom make over in the hall/guest/Peyton's bathroom and I can't wait. Out with the hideous wall paper and in with the gray/pink bathroom! Stay tuned for that post..whenever we get there!
Giveaway!
Ok everyone, go over and check out On a Lighter Note for a fun giveaway!!
Lauren is doing her very first giveaway, so enter for your chance to win an adorable monogrammed vanity tray. You have 6 chances to enter...and yes I'm exhausting all 6 options with the hopes of winning. It's too cute!
Lauren is doing her very first giveaway, so enter for your chance to win an adorable monogrammed vanity tray. You have 6 chances to enter...and yes I'm exhausting all 6 options with the hopes of winning. It's too cute!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Potty Training, Potty Training, Pott..You Get the Idea!
The title of this post perfectly captures what my life has been the past few days! Peyton's only 20 months old, so potty training isn't something I had really been concentrating on. But over the past 2 weeks she's really been doing well with the potty. I had started letting her run around bare bottomed and kept the potty out in the living room and another one at the other end of the house. I didn't push anything...if she went, she got a Hershey kiss, if she had an accident, that was fine too. Then she started pooping in the potty on her own. Sooo I figured why not go for it and push now before she loses interest?
A friend of mine sent me an email with the "3 Day Potty Training" method. I decided, what the heck let's give it a try! The method is mainly for kids 22 months and up, so I did some tweaking here and there and made it my own. This lady says your kid can be 100% potty trained in 3 days, I don't believe that personally but that's just my opinion.
This weekend was the perfect time to start. It was cloudy, rainy, and cold so we had no desire to go anywhere. I kept her in big girl panties ALL day Saturday and Sunday (except naps and bedtime) and said the ever-important phrase about 10 million times..."Let Mommy know if you need to use the potty". I'm not going to lie, it was tiring. With this method you're basically stuck to them like white on rice at all times. You have to learn their pee-pee cues...quick! Anytime I saw her squeezing her legs together or whimpering, I swept her up and off to the potty we went. Sometimes she would protest sitting on the potty (but would inevitably go), sometimes she was relieved to get there. Every time, no matter now much pee pee, she got tons of praise and a Hershey Kiss. Saturday she had 3 accidents, Sunday she had 3 accidents, and then yesterday Nonnie took over and she only had 1 accident ALL DAY!
It's a learning process for all of us. I've learned that she uses the potty a LOT more after she wakes from her nap and in the evening. It's not uncommon for her to go every 20-30 minutes several times. She's learning to really empty her bladder and what that urge to go feels like. She's really figuring it all out very quickly...of course she'll do about anything for a Hershey Kiss.
So we're not using any diapers now except for bedtime. I bought some Pull Ups for outings and naps until we're comfortable enough to go out in big girl panties. I think once she can go several days at home with no accidents, we'll try some outings with panties. It has been like Heaven to not have to change diapers the past few days. I'm really getting used to this, and I'm cautiously optimistic that soon diapers will be a thing of the past.
A friend of mine sent me an email with the "3 Day Potty Training" method. I decided, what the heck let's give it a try! The method is mainly for kids 22 months and up, so I did some tweaking here and there and made it my own. This lady says your kid can be 100% potty trained in 3 days, I don't believe that personally but that's just my opinion.
This weekend was the perfect time to start. It was cloudy, rainy, and cold so we had no desire to go anywhere. I kept her in big girl panties ALL day Saturday and Sunday (except naps and bedtime) and said the ever-important phrase about 10 million times..."Let Mommy know if you need to use the potty". I'm not going to lie, it was tiring. With this method you're basically stuck to them like white on rice at all times. You have to learn their pee-pee cues...quick! Anytime I saw her squeezing her legs together or whimpering, I swept her up and off to the potty we went. Sometimes she would protest sitting on the potty (but would inevitably go), sometimes she was relieved to get there. Every time, no matter now much pee pee, she got tons of praise and a Hershey Kiss. Saturday she had 3 accidents, Sunday she had 3 accidents, and then yesterday Nonnie took over and she only had 1 accident ALL DAY!
It's a learning process for all of us. I've learned that she uses the potty a LOT more after she wakes from her nap and in the evening. It's not uncommon for her to go every 20-30 minutes several times. She's learning to really empty her bladder and what that urge to go feels like. She's really figuring it all out very quickly...of course she'll do about anything for a Hershey Kiss.
So we're not using any diapers now except for bedtime. I bought some Pull Ups for outings and naps until we're comfortable enough to go out in big girl panties. I think once she can go several days at home with no accidents, we'll try some outings with panties. It has been like Heaven to not have to change diapers the past few days. I'm really getting used to this, and I'm cautiously optimistic that soon diapers will be a thing of the past.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Kids Exchange
This morning I did some much needed shopping at the Kids Exchange Consignment Sale. This sale goes on twice a year and I go every single time. I started going when I was pregnant with Peyton and haven't missed one since. Some people stick their noses up at hand-me-downs, but not I! They make sure the clothes are good quality, so junk isn't accepted. Lots of things still have original tags on them!
This year was my first year to be a seller as well. It was extremely time consuming, but hopefully worth all the trouble. In the winter you sell/shop for spring and summer clothes and in the summer you sell/shop for fall and winter clothes. I spent a total of $98 and have Peyton's entire spring/summer wardrobe. I'm so excited! Spring/summer clothes are by far my favorite to shop for, I can't resist adorable sundresses. As a seller you get an early pass and are allowed to shop the day before the general public, and 2 weeks after the sale you get your check in the mail!
Although I'm pumped about all the clothes I got, I'm even more excited about these...
I stop at this stand every time I go to the Kids Exchange. The lady that owns the business actually said "oh hey I know you, you shop with me a lot"...sad, I know. The business is called BearABows, check out her store on Etsy!
This year was my first year to be a seller as well. It was extremely time consuming, but hopefully worth all the trouble. In the winter you sell/shop for spring and summer clothes and in the summer you sell/shop for fall and winter clothes. I spent a total of $98 and have Peyton's entire spring/summer wardrobe. I'm so excited! Spring/summer clothes are by far my favorite to shop for, I can't resist adorable sundresses. As a seller you get an early pass and are allowed to shop the day before the general public, and 2 weeks after the sale you get your check in the mail!
Although I'm pumped about all the clothes I got, I'm even more excited about these...
Peyton's ECU hairbows!
I stop at this stand every time I go to the Kids Exchange. The lady that owns the business actually said "oh hey I know you, you shop with me a lot"...sad, I know. The business is called BearABows, check out her store on Etsy!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
106 Days
In exactly 106 days, I will have a 2 year old. I know 106 days seems like a LONG time, but it's really not...it's only 3 1/2 months away! I'm really excited about her party this year, I think we're going to downsize and keep it smaller than her first birthday. Although, our families are so big it can only be so small. I have finally picked the theme and started saving awesome ideas and decorations on Etsy so I can start placing my orders.
In just the past 2 months Peyton has changed so much. It seems like she changes weekly these days. She has been the most outgoing, fun, wide open, diva I've ever seen lately. Tantrums had subsided over the past month (after I got some education on ways to deal with them), however they're definitely back this week. I can't do too much punishing though because I know they're do to a very unwelcome visitor...the 2 year molars. They have decided to start wrecking havoc on our lives this week. I noticed hands in her mouth the past weeks, but she was in a great mood. This week, however, is a different story. She wants juice, then it's milk, then it's both, then it's neither. That's about how life has been the past few days.
But on a good note, potty training has been going amazing! I haven't been pushing anything, I just leave her bare-bottomed and have the potty out for when she needs it. If I see her squeezing her legs together, I simply throw out a "why don't you sit on your potty for a minute". We've been toying with the potty since she was about 16 months old. She's always liked going with me and always liked sitting (clothed) on her own potty. So I just started taking her diaper and pants off when we're home. She started off having more accidents than success and would get so upset with herself! But we always told her it was OK, cleaned it up, and went on with life. Now that she understands what the "urge to go" feels like, we have much fewer accidents. On top of that she has pooped 3 times in the potty over the past few days! She had 0 accidents yesterday evening and the hubby said she went 3 times this morning with 0 accidents before going over to Nonnie's! I'm just so proud of her, she's growing so fast.
Let the birthday party planning commence!
In just the past 2 months Peyton has changed so much. It seems like she changes weekly these days. She has been the most outgoing, fun, wide open, diva I've ever seen lately. Tantrums had subsided over the past month (after I got some education on ways to deal with them), however they're definitely back this week. I can't do too much punishing though because I know they're do to a very unwelcome visitor...the 2 year molars. They have decided to start wrecking havoc on our lives this week. I noticed hands in her mouth the past weeks, but she was in a great mood. This week, however, is a different story. She wants juice, then it's milk, then it's both, then it's neither. That's about how life has been the past few days.
But on a good note, potty training has been going amazing! I haven't been pushing anything, I just leave her bare-bottomed and have the potty out for when she needs it. If I see her squeezing her legs together, I simply throw out a "why don't you sit on your potty for a minute". We've been toying with the potty since she was about 16 months old. She's always liked going with me and always liked sitting (clothed) on her own potty. So I just started taking her diaper and pants off when we're home. She started off having more accidents than success and would get so upset with herself! But we always told her it was OK, cleaned it up, and went on with life. Now that she understands what the "urge to go" feels like, we have much fewer accidents. On top of that she has pooped 3 times in the potty over the past few days! She had 0 accidents yesterday evening and the hubby said she went 3 times this morning with 0 accidents before going over to Nonnie's! I'm just so proud of her, she's growing so fast.
Let the birthday party planning commence!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Baby Fever?
On Tuesday evening, some wonderful friends of ours welcomed their baby girl into the world. This is baby #2 for them, they have a little boy that's 2 months older than Peyton...I'm sure you've read about Peyton's boyfriend before, that's him! What made this birth even more exciting was that they elected not to find out the sex before she was born. By the end of her pregnancy, I could barely stand it anymore. I don't know how they did it. When I got the "IT'S A GIRL" text, I literally squealed out loud while we were out to dinner.
Last night I was able to go by the hospital and meet Miss Shiloh Grey, and wow was she gorgeous. I could have held her all night. She actually reminded me a lot of Peyton and I think that's why I got so sentimental!
So did it give me baby fever? YES, it did. Do I want another one? I'm about 95% sure (at the moment) that I want another baby. Do I want one now? NOOOO! I'll put serious thought in to it once Peyton is about 3 yrs old. Peyton demands so much of my attention, I need to wait for my own sanity.
For the time being, I have several friends that have welcomed or will soon be welcoming their 2nd little ones in to the world. I'll have ample opportunity to get my baby fix (and still keep my sleep)!
Last night I was able to go by the hospital and meet Miss Shiloh Grey, and wow was she gorgeous. I could have held her all night. She actually reminded me a lot of Peyton and I think that's why I got so sentimental!
So did it give me baby fever? YES, it did. Do I want another one? I'm about 95% sure (at the moment) that I want another baby. Do I want one now? NOOOO! I'll put serious thought in to it once Peyton is about 3 yrs old. Peyton demands so much of my attention, I need to wait for my own sanity.
For the time being, I have several friends that have welcomed or will soon be welcoming their 2nd little ones in to the world. I'll have ample opportunity to get my baby fix (and still keep my sleep)!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
20 Month Update
I know I say this every time I do an update, but I seriously can't believe my munchkin is 20 months old. She's going to be 2 in exactly 4 months!!! I don't have any specific stats since she doesn't go to the pediatrician again until she's 2.
- Still tall, skinny, with a little head!
- She's wearing a variety of clothes depending on the brand. 18 months fits her best, but they're getting too short. She can wear 24 month and some 2T for length, but they tend to be too wide. We're just wearing the same things over and over that fit her for now!
- We are in the midst of the "terrible two's" right now! *We had 2 days a few weeks ago that were so bad, I caved and bought a book about the Terrible Two's. I have to say it has really changed things at our house and life has been much calmer!
- She's still talking up a storm, and slowly but surely I'm actually figuring out what she's talking about!
- She's putting short sentences together...my personal favorite is "Mama, my butt cream" when she wants her Desitin :)
- Still going to bed at 8pm, napping at 1pm, and waking around 7:30ish
- Eating...anything and everything. We heard "oh wow, she's a good eater" at every get together we went to over the holidays.
- Still loves a bath like nobody's business. *I swear we take 2 baths a day most weekends, just because she goes in to the bathroom and starts taking her clothes off and saying "Mama, my bath". I think she's using it as her swimming pool replacement for the winter.
- Books and stickers are her absolute favorite toys
- Her shopping cart, stroller, and baby dolls come in at a close 2nd.
- Still loves to dance and sing
- "No" seems to be her favorite word these days...followed by "mine" (but she says "my" instead)
- She's still a complete and total Mommy's girl, she's attached at my hip!
- She finally isn't terrified of men anymore, which is nice
- She's definitely a more passive toddler when playing in a group...meaning if someone takes her toy she's going to cry instead of hit or bite. Which is fine by me, she's a lover not a fighter!
- She's still a wild woman and fearless! She's extremely strong-willed and stubborn...I swear I have no idea where she got that ;-)
- She loves all that is girly...carrying around a purse, clothes, shoes, tutu's, etc..
- She still loves budden budden's (cars) too, which makes her Daddy extremely happy. She helps him work on his cars all the time!
Planning...
My life is full of planning right now, and I love it. It makes my Type A personality very happy! I spent the long weekend getting my Christmas decorations down, reorganizing, de-cluttering, and assembling our new play room. The play room used to be a lovely sun room, but it just wasn't practical as Peyton grew...and her toy collection grew. It's in the best location and I can see her from the family room, living room, and kitchen. I still need to work on the back of the house, but I'm making progress.
So what, may you ask, am I planning? Well several things...we have a few dinners with friends coming up that I'm excited about, and I'm doing some selling at the Kids Exchange this year. This really excites me because the room over our garage has gotten way out of control. I've given away lots of Peyton's clothes, but there are still LOADS of clothes up there. I've got a lot to do in the next 2 weeks, but I'm excited about the outcome! However, the 2 biggies are our annual Ocracoke trip with the Brantley's and Peyton's 2nd birthday. I can't believe I just said that! Yes, I know I have months before either of these events, but I hate doing things last minute and I always give myself a long time to plan things like these out.
With Ocracoke, we have to start planning in January for our late May/early June trip. If you've ever been to Ocracoke (aka - the most wonderful place on Earth) then you know you have to book a house SUPER early because the island fills up fast starting in May. Last year we stayed in an awesome 3 BR house, but we're going for a 4 BR this year since the kids are a little older. This way both kids will have their own rooms. We found an awesome house right in the middle of everything that I'm hoping will work out. The best part...it's an ECU house, seriously it's purple with yellow trim!!!
Then there's my beautiful, wild, funny, loving daughter's 2nd BIRTHDAY! I can't believe it, she's 20 months old today (20 month post to follow shortly). I love that her birthday is in May, it's the perfect time of year to have an outdoor party (weather permitting of course). As of last night, I picked her party theme. I'm not going with a character theme this year (we had an awesome Minnie Mouse theme last year), but it's something that she's going to L-O-V-E! Etsy will be my BFF yet again this year for decorations, and I'm so excited.
So what, may you ask, am I planning? Well several things...we have a few dinners with friends coming up that I'm excited about, and I'm doing some selling at the Kids Exchange this year. This really excites me because the room over our garage has gotten way out of control. I've given away lots of Peyton's clothes, but there are still LOADS of clothes up there. I've got a lot to do in the next 2 weeks, but I'm excited about the outcome! However, the 2 biggies are our annual Ocracoke trip with the Brantley's and Peyton's 2nd birthday. I can't believe I just said that! Yes, I know I have months before either of these events, but I hate doing things last minute and I always give myself a long time to plan things like these out.
With Ocracoke, we have to start planning in January for our late May/early June trip. If you've ever been to Ocracoke (aka - the most wonderful place on Earth) then you know you have to book a house SUPER early because the island fills up fast starting in May. Last year we stayed in an awesome 3 BR house, but we're going for a 4 BR this year since the kids are a little older. This way both kids will have their own rooms. We found an awesome house right in the middle of everything that I'm hoping will work out. The best part...it's an ECU house, seriously it's purple with yellow trim!!!
Then there's my beautiful, wild, funny, loving daughter's 2nd BIRTHDAY! I can't believe it, she's 20 months old today (20 month post to follow shortly). I love that her birthday is in May, it's the perfect time of year to have an outdoor party (weather permitting of course). As of last night, I picked her party theme. I'm not going with a character theme this year (we had an awesome Minnie Mouse theme last year), but it's something that she's going to L-O-V-E! Etsy will be my BFF yet again this year for decorations, and I'm so excited.
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