It Doesn't Matter Who Gets There First

Thursday night Dave and I went to a Toilet Learning class. It was actually very informative and I am glad we went. So many people put so much stress on toilet training / learning, but seriously your kid will go potty on the toilet. Maybe not when you are ready for them to, but when they are ready, they will. I think that people / moms get so freaked out or stressed out by other moms. They start worrying that their child should be potty trained or isn't on target with development. You know what, who cares? It doesn't matter who gets there first. It doesn't matter if your child or my child speaks first, walks first, potty trains first, etc. It doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. Just because someone does something first, doesn't mean they are better at it. It doesn't mean anything. Seriously, who is going to remember who did what first in a few years? The other thing is that when a child does potty train (and learn many other things), it is the child's success not the parent's or mom's. I think many moms think that if their kid does something first, it means they are great parents. Not so much. Your child just learned it first. That's it.

The class just talked about waiting until your child is ready and not trying to make your child ready. They gave ways to know your child is ready and tips on how to prepare your child. It was such a helpful class and really took the stress out of it. Kaitlynn will toilet learn when she is ready. No hurry.

Last Toddler Fun Class

Today was Kaitlynn's last Toddler Fun class at the Early Childhood Center. We almost didn't go because Kaitlynn didn't sleep too well last night. She just kept waking up and crying. We finally gave her some Tylenol and that seemed to help her sleep better. I couldn't sleep last night either for worrying about her. I was afraid to go to sleep, afraid that something might happen or her head might start bleeding or.... Surprisingly, I wasn't tired this morning, even with the lack of sleep. The theme for the last class was The Beach. Kaitlynn seemed to enjoy the class. She was definitely rambunctious enough. That was another reason why we weren't going to go to class. I was afraid to take her out. I wish I could just keep her bundled up in my arms in the comfort of the bedroom and never leave. No, I actually don't wish that. I want us to live and have a great time together experiencing new things. It's just hard with her getting hurt. I am just so fearful and anxious now. I was also worried about her not getting a bath and the dried blood in her hair. Actually, her hair looks fine. You almost can't see the laceration. Actually, I think you only notice it if you are looking for it. Anyway, back to class, Kaitlynn made a fish (actually the fish was made from a paper plate and she just decorated it with bingo dabbers). They also put sand and shells in a bottle. I'll take pictures tomorrow and post them.

After class, Kaitlynn and Bailey played in the Common Area for about 45 minutes, then we went to Target. Target had some good deals on Valentine's stuff. Stock up for next year!

Hasnain came over early today. Kaitlynn had a hard time sharing and being nice to him. She kept pushing him. They took about an hour nap.

Rain Boots

Tuesday morning Dave took the car in to get the tires replaced. I am so glad he did it and I didn't have to. Thankfully he didn't have to wait around too long either. They were super fast.


Kaitlynn and I actually slept in. I feel so lucky to have a little one that sleeps in from time to time. We got up and had an early lunch.


Hasnain come over a little early today. Maryam gave me a birthday gift - a really cute purse and a scarf (that she made). The scarf is beautiful and I love the colors in it. She does great work.


Hasnain and Kaitlynn played pretty well together. Kaitlynn does have problems with sharing from time to time, but considering that a 2 year old can't understand the concept of sharing yet, she does great. Hasnain took a 2 hour nap and Kaitlynn took a 45 minute to 1 hour nap.


After Hasnain left, Kaitlynn and I had dinner, then went to Schnucks. I went to order her birthday cake, but they didn't have one that matched her party theme. When we got home, Kaitlynn took her bath and waited for her daddy to come home.

It was rainy on Tuesday, so I put Kaitlynn's rain boots on her. I couldn't wait for her to wear them and was afraid they would be too small. They are huge on her and fall off of her when she walks. Her pants wouldn't stay down in them either.

Tires

Monday I watched Whitney all day (for 7 hours). She is a pretty good baby. Kaitlynn loves having her over and likes to help with her. We were going to visit my mom, but on the way I needed to pick up some Avon brochures. While driving, something seemed weird, but I didn't think anything of it. After picking up the Avon brochures, something still didn't seem right so I pulled over and checked the tires. The front passenger tire was flat! Thankfully we were close to home. I pulled over after calling Dave to wait for him to take the flat tire off and replace it with the spare. While I was waiting, a police officer pulled up next to me. He waited with me and then after a few minutes asked if I had a jack and a spare tire. He started working on taking off the flat tire, while we waited for Dave. Luckily, I brought a bottle (already made) for Whitney. She drank it and fell asleep. I was parked in front of a house with 2 dogs, so Kaitlynn stayed pretty busy talking about the dogs. The police officer gave Kaitlynn a D.A.R.E. sticker and a "hug-a-bear" stuffed toy.

I was worried about being at home with Whitney and Kaitlynn all day long, but we had a good day. Whitney slept for 2 hours, while Kaitlynn and I had lunch and I called about new tires. We decided to get 4 new tires, instead of just having the one fixed. It is just time to get them all replaced.

After Matt picked Whitney up, Kaitlynn and I ate dinner and laid down. We were both exhausted and I didn't care that it wasn't bedtime. I was hoping Kaitlynn might be out for the night, but she woke up a few hours later. She went back to sleep a few hours later and was out for the night.

Sunday

Sunday Dave worked most of the day. After he got home, we went to my mom's to take her grocery shopping. My niece and nephew, Hanna and Brandon, met us at the store. Then we went to dinner with them. Kaitlynn had fun playing and spending time with them. We had a good day.

Happy 31st Birthday To Me

Friday was my 31st birthday. Dave took the day off of work. He let me sleep in while he took Kaitlynn on a few errands. They brought me breakfast in bed (donuts), flowers (red tulips) and a birthday card. Then he took Kaitlynn on another errand so I could sleep in some more. Isn't he great!

We went out to lunch with my mom to Pasta House. My mom bought me a pair of black sketchers and some socks. I have been wanting a black pair because I have a brown pair and just love them. Maryam called during lunch to wish me a happy birthday and to say that she was glad we are friends. Isn't that sweet? We had to rush home after lunch because Whitney was coming over for me to watch.
Kaitlynn loves to hold Whitney and tries to pick her up all by herself. She also likes getting her diapers, wipes and bottle. She is such a mommy. She is such a sweet girl!
I took Kaitlynn's pony tail out of her hair and her hair was just sticking up in the air.

Kaitlynn is Whitney's first friend!! They have a good time together.

We ordered Imo's Pizza for dinner. I love Imo's cheese pizza. We also watched The Dark Knight after Whitney went home and Kaitlynn went to sleep. I had a good birthday, despite it being Friday the 13th!

Meeting A New Playgroup

Tuesday we met with a different / new playgroup (CBW) at Chick-Fil-A. This was the first playdate that we have been able to make with this group. I think it was only the 2nd playdate for this playgroup. News Channel 5 and Kay Quinn were there to take some footage of the playdate. There were about 7 to 10 of us moms there. I met some really nice moms and can't wait to meet with them again. Right before Kaitlynn and I left (there were only 3 or 4 of us left). I was carrying 2 drinks and holding Kaitlynn. Kaitlynn either tried to get down or she kicked at one of the drinks and managed to make me smash the drink all over myself. It was all over my jeans and all over the floor. I was so embarrassed. The moms helped me and made me feel better, by saying that that kind of thing happens to them all the time (since they each have 2 children).

We came home from the playdate and waited for Hasnain to come over. While Hasnain was over, Kaitlynn and I made three Valentine's cards.
Kaitlynn hiding behind the curtains.

After Hasnain left, Kaitlynn and I made a superfast grocery trip to Aldi's, came home to put the groceries away and went to a PTO meeting. Dave called while I was rushing around to tell me that he got a speeding ticket. That's his 2nd one in less than a year. He said he really doesn't think he was speeding, but the cop said he was going 11 over. Oh, well!
After the meeting, Kaitlynn played with play-doh while I got dinner ready for us. We ate dinner and then got the Valentine cards ready for the party on Wednesday.
Kaitlynn played with the pink heart balloon she got from the playdate at Chick-Fil-A before bed.

Valentine's Crafts, Babysitting and Stupidity

Monday Kaitlynn and I worked on some Valentine's Day crafts. We made 2 love bugs and several pictures.

I watched Whitney that afternoon. Kaitlynn, Whitney and I went to my mom's because I had to take her to get her medicine. Then we came back to our house to eat dinner and wait for Whitney's dad. Whitney was pretty fussy for a few hours. She didn't like my mom, which is weird because most kids / babies like her.

I did the stupidest thing. I put my car keys in Whitney's diaper bag as we were coming into the house and I forgot to take them back out. So Whitney went home with my car keys and I couldn't take my mom home. Dave ended up picking them up after school from their house. Kaitlynn and I didn't get to take my mom home until 10:15PM. Then we got stuck on the highway because of a really bad accident. It involved at least 6 cars! Kaitlynn and I didn't get home until midnight! Thankfully she was sleeping the whole time.

Delta Dental Zoo Event

Sunday Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to the Zoo for the Delta Dental event. Delta Dental put on a show about teethbrushing. Kaitlynn was freaked out during the show. She doesn't like costumed characters. She ended up falling asleep during it. After the show, we went to see the Penguin March. They actually let the penguins out of the cove and they were walking around right in front of us. You are not allowed to touch the penguins, but they can touch you. Kind of like at a strip club!!

After seeing the penguins, we headed over to see the big cats.
I can't believe how big the tiger cubs are. They aren't even a year old yet.
We walked around the zoo for awhile and then headed home.

Later we met my mom and Aunt Tommy at Applebee's for dinner.

9 Months

Thursday marked 9 months since my dad's death. I think this week it has started to become more real to me. I have been crying and missing him a lot. Kaitlynn will do something and I just yearn for him to be here to see her. I just wish he wasn't missing out. I just wish that we weren't missing out. That Kaitlynn wasn't missing out on getting to know him. He would be so proud of her and just be so in love with her. I wonder if he still "talks" / whispers to her. I hope they never lose their connection.

I feel I have lost all connection to him. I feel I am just grasping at my memories of him. I am just trying to remember and to not forget anything about him. I still wonder when I will wake up from this nightmare.

Beautiful Day in February

Friday was such a beautiful day. I really needed that because I have just had a sad few days. Kaitlynn and I did some errands this morning and then called Tara and Bailey to see if they wanted to met us at Schroeder Park. We met them at the park. It seemed everyone had the same idea. The park wasn't crowded, but I was surprised by the amount of kids there. I don't know why they weren't in school. Kaitlynn and Bailey played for a while, well kind of. They didn't really play together. They just kind of did their own thing.

I also received good news, I think. Maryam left a message this morning asking if I would still be interested in watching Hasnain. She said her husband was upset by the fact that she dropped out of school and wanted her to get back in school. I hope she will be able to get her classes back. Kaitlynn was asking about Hasnain again today. It was kind of weird, because Kaitlynn was asking about him and then the phone rang. It was Maryam. Weird, huh?

A Meme

A Modern Mother tagged me for this Meme / memo awhile ago and I just didn't know what to write about. So for my meme to myself I am going to reflect on this song It Wont Be Like This For Long by Darius Rucker. I heard it on the radio Wednesday afternoon. It made me cry just thinking about Kaitlynn and how things may seem tough at the moment. A stage she is in my be terrible, but it won't last forever. Someday I will look back and laugh at the stage or yearn to be back at that stage. She is just growing so fast.

Lyrics to It Won't Be Like This For Long :

He didnt have to wake up

He'd been up all nite

Lay'n there in bed listen'n

To his new born baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laugh'n

At the week we brought her home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

It wont be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty

She's crawling in there bed

And when he drops her off at preschool

She's clinging to his leg

The teacher peels her off of him

He says what can I do

She says now dont you worry

This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long

One day soon we'll drop her off

And she wont even know your gone

This phase is gonna fly by

If you can just hold on

It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager

And at times you'll think she hates him

Then he'll walk her down the isle

And he'll raise her vale

But right now she up and cry'n

And the truth is that he dont mind

As he kisses her good night

And she says her prayers

He lays down there beside her

Till her eyes are finally closed

And just watch'n her it breaks his heart

Cause he already knows

It wont be like this for long

One day soon that little girl is gonna be

All grown up and gone

Yeah this phase is gonna fly by

He's try'n to hold on

It wont be like this for long

It wont be like this for long

So basically this is a memo to myself to remember to enjoy Kaitlynn. Live in the moment with her. Don't take her or any of this for granted.

I am not tagging anyone on this meme. I am just asking that you remember to enjoy your children. Don't take them for granted.

Last Day

This morning Kaitlynn and I met the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup at the Museum of Transportation. Bene, Logan, Eileen, Gabe, Tara and Bailey came. We ended up not having to pay for admission. Not sure why. Eileen and Gabe are members and they had 2 free admission tickets, but I think we were supposed to at least pay for Creation Station. So thanks to the old man that gave us free admission! We didn't go to the museum, just straight to Creation Station. I was really tired this morning and in a crabby mood (hormones). So when we first went into Creation Station, I was thinking it was a mistake. Kaitlynn was being really mean. She pushed this little boy and then wouldn't let him up the steps of the ship. Then she grabbed Bailey in a head lock and pushed her face to the floor because Bailey was hoarding all the keys. Kaitlynn got better after being taken off the ship. I just hate when she is mean to other children. I am happy when she sticks up for herself, but when she is just plan mean (for no reason), I don't like it.

Maryam called this morning to see if I could watch Hasnain for a few hours while she went up to school. She brought Hasnain over this afternoon. He was over for less than 2 hours. Kaitlynn and him played well together. I fed them lunch and they played with toys. Maryam brought lunch for us when she came to pick Hasnain up. She brought food from Chipotle Mexican Grill. She told me that she had to drop out of school because her husband's employer filed bankruptcy. She is afraid he may be laid off since they are letting people go. So I will not be watching Hasnain on Tuesdays and Thursdays anymore. Today was my last day. We are going to stay in contact though. I was kind of sad to hear that he wouldn't be coming over regularly anymore. He is such a sweet little guy. I really do think Kaitlynn liked him. I know he enjoyed playing with Kaitlynn and coming over. He really likes Bailey, too.

Hasnain, Bailey and Kaitlynn

After Maryam and Hasnain left, Kaitlyn and I went to my mom's. Kaitlynn fell asleep in the car. I picked up my new eyeglasses tonight. I really like them. I only need to wear them to see distance. My mom treated Kaitlynn and me to dinner at Denny's when Kaitlynn finally woke up. After dinner, we we went to Target to browse and I needed to return something.

Playdate at Tara and Bailey's

Monday we went to Tara and Bailey's. Emily and Ella also came over there. We tried out Tara's new coffee maker, a Keurig. The coffee was great! Tara also treated us to lunch. I brought over some pasta and mixed vegetables for the girls to share and she microwaved some chicken nuggets for the girls. We made sandwiches for us bigger girls. Kaitlynn and Bailey fought over everything. They like to take things from each other and want what the other one has. They can be so ornery to each other.

Kaitlynn fell asleep on the way home from the playdate. We went home for about an hour and then went to my mom's. She fell asleep on the way to mom's and slept until we ate dinner. We went to T.G.I. Friday's for dinner because I had a certificate for my birthday. Dinner was good. I had a tostado salad. Kaitlynn didn't eat much, but that's typical. After dinner we went to Walgreens and Shop n Save. My mom and I both had grocery shopping to do. Our fridge was getting pretty bare.

Monkey Joe's

Friday the 30th, we went to Monkey Joe's. Both playgroups, the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup and the Yahoo Moms Playgroup went. We met Tara, Bailey, Casey, Addison, Kim, Mackenzie, Sarah (?) and Reagan there.

Kaitlynn and Bailey

Kaitlynn and Mackenzie

Reagan, Bailey and Kaitlynn

Kaitlynn likes driving.

This mom got mad at me and was giving me dirty looks. Kaitlynn was playing with this toy and her little boy kept slapping Kaitlynn's hands and trying to push her hands off. She wasn't watching him, so I told him that he needed to share. She didn't like that. Well then Kaitlynn got ticked off because he kept being mean to her. She grabbed him by his shirt and pushed him after giving him the look of death. I told her she needed to tell him sorry. She refused (and I can't say I blame her. He was a little brat and deserved it). I'm not sure what the mom thought I should do, but she wasn't happy about it. I think I really ticked her off when I told Kaitlynn she shouldn't put her hands on him even though he was mean and wouldn't share. Oh well. Maybe she will watch her kid next time.

We were at Monkey Joe's for over 3 hours. I ended up feeding Kaitlynn lunch there because I knew she would fall asleep on the drive home.

We went home after Monkey Joe's because Dave stayed home from work. He wasn't feeling well and needed to sleep. After Kaitlynn's nap, Dave was feeling better, so we decided to pick up my mom and go to dinner at Pasta House. I had a birthday certificate to use there.

Playing in the Snow

Wednesday the 28th, Kaitlynn's morning class, Science for Tots, at the Early Childhood Center was canceled due to the weather. We slept in and then went out to play in the snow.
Kaitlynn loves eating Parmesan cheese or shredded cheese. While eating Parmesan cheese, she got it all over her face. She was a mess!

Then she decided it would be fun to put the dish towels on her head and try wearing them. I tied one on her head and one around her waist.

Getting ready for the snow

Kaitlynn had a lot of fun playing in the snow. She didn't want to come in.

I think it is so cute when Kaitlynn walks around with her hands in her pockets.

Drinking hot chocolate (warm chocolate with an ice cube) for the first time!