Well, we're about 4 days into the "big boy" bed and things are going alright. Cale is going to sleep in the bed perfectly, but he's waking up at least once a night. I'm not sure if it's the bed or something else...because Cale has always gone through phases of waking up in the night, sleeping through the night. Last night, he woke up 3 times which is definitely out of the ordinary. The first 2 times he woke up for unknown reasons. But the third time, he had a very good excuse. He woke up screaming frantically, which is different than his normal crying/whining at night. So, I quickly went in to see what was wrong. He had fallen off the bed, but not on the side that opens to the floor. He had fallen between the wall and the bed and was stuck in a weird, almost upside down position. Somehow his bed had scooted away from the wall enough to allow his little body to fall through. I grabbed him up and spent the next few minutes trying to calm him down. I scooted his bed back, but he kept telling me to have daddy come fix it. Guess he doesn't trust my "technical" skills. Typical man already. Probably doesn't like my driving either. As I went back to bed I have to say I laughed. I felt sorry that our little guy got scared but it was quite funny the way he was hanging there.
At about 6:30 (Cale's typical wake-up time...even on the weekends, *sigh*), we awoke to Cale's happy sounds...which are a signal that there's no going back to sleep in the Kirtley household. After a few minutes of the happy sounds, Cale began to "page" me by yelling his usual "Mama...Mama...Mama..." (and it always just keeps going like a broken record until I go into his room to get him.) At least he hasn't figured out that he can simply climb out of his bed when he wakes up. I guess when you've been in "crib prison" your whole life, it's hard to adjust to the new freedom. Too bad that won't last. After a couple minutes of cartoons we decided on McDonald's for breakfast. Partly because I didn't want to cook. Partly because I didn't want to clean up the mess of cooking and eating. Oh the mess of a toddler eating. And partly because Cale LOVES to go to "McDonuls". When he sees the yellow arch he always begins shouting, "I see it! I see it! McDonuls!" We're probably creating a monster, I know. Creating, ha who am I kidding? We've already created a monster.
When we got in McDonald's Cale asks for the usual, "pantakes" and boy did he eat some pancakes...and eggs...and sausage...and hashbrowns. He's suddenly in an eating phase again. Some days he will barely eat much of anything and some days he eats like he's been starving. The past few days he's been starving. For some reason it does a mama's heart good to see her little one scarfing down food. Even when their little on is already pretty stocky.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Toddler Bed
Well, tonight was a big night in the Kirtley household. Carl put Cale's toddler bed together and for the first time he's sleeping in a real bed. I've been nervous about this for a long time and for awhile I thought it would be nearly impossible. But, lately I've had a feeling that it might possibly work. Cale is pretty tired at night lately, and by the time he's taken his bath (and has thrown a fit about initially having to take a bath) he's usually ready for bed (unlike in the past). We decided with the new baby coming in February, it might be smart to try to start easing Cale into a regular bed now. So, after pondering and looking online, we finally ordered one. Cale was truly pumped as he watched Carl put the bed together. He giggled and giggled when he climbed in. Of course he had to take several tractors in the bed and even dumped his tub of legos in. I was afraid that he viewed this bed as more of a play area than a sleeping area, but at least he was open to the idea. After a few minutes of playing I persuaded Cale to take a bath. Persuaded means I let him take just about every toy imaginable into the tub just so that he would go happily without an ugly battle. And believe me, bath battles can get ugly, very ugly.
After his bath, Cale was focused on getting into that bed. The whole time I dressed him and read to him he kept telling me that he wanted to lay down. Finally, after we finished our book and said our prayers, it was time for the big moment. I put Cale under his blankets, with Spiderman on one side of his pillow, and his blue puppy on the other side. Surpisingly, he laid there. He didn't get up jumping or playing or following me as I left. He just laid there and drank his milk.
I know that initial success doesn't mean that the rest of the night will be great. But, it's a start. And to tell the truth, it's more than what I had imagined in my mind all those times I thought about taking Cale out of his crib. Now, ask me tomorrow morning and I may not feel quite so positive about it!
After his bath, Cale was focused on getting into that bed. The whole time I dressed him and read to him he kept telling me that he wanted to lay down. Finally, after we finished our book and said our prayers, it was time for the big moment. I put Cale under his blankets, with Spiderman on one side of his pillow, and his blue puppy on the other side. Surpisingly, he laid there. He didn't get up jumping or playing or following me as I left. He just laid there and drank his milk.
I know that initial success doesn't mean that the rest of the night will be great. But, it's a start. And to tell the truth, it's more than what I had imagined in my mind all those times I thought about taking Cale out of his crib. Now, ask me tomorrow morning and I may not feel quite so positive about it!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Zoo
This weekend I decided that we were going to the zoo. Carl knew there was no changing my mind because I had been wanting to go since May. But, with the hot weather we had during the summer, we decided we better wait. So, when I realized that Saturday was going to be nice, a trip to the zoo was on the agenda. That morning before we left, as Carl was planting the two Weeping Willows that we bought for our yard, he cut his leg. The cut looked small, but deep. And it bled. A lot. After putting some heavy duty bandages on the wound, we decided that we didn't want to deal with the unimaginable emergency room bill for stitches, so we just decided to let the cut heal on its own. We went ahead with the zoo plan, partly because we had already told Cale that we were going and partly because we wanted to go eat somewhere good afterwards. A good thing about Carl and I is that we pretty much think alike: food. restaurants. eating.
We were excited to get to the zoo because it was Cale's first trip. Well, first trip to the Little Rock Zoo. It's always a little disappointing when you go to that zoo because it seems like half the animals are in hiding. But, Cale still enjoyed seeing what animals were in view. A few minutes after arriving, we heard a train whistle. We pretty much lost Cale at that moment. He left thoughts of animals, and entered into "trainland". He begged and begged to ride that train every time it came around...and since it's a pretty short route...it came around a lot!
About an hour into the trip, Carl looked down at his leg and it was sopping wet with blood. He shoe, sock, and pants leg were completely covered. Luckily we brought other bandages so we tried to inconspiculously doctor his wound and continue our trip. Abou 10 minutes later, the same thing happened again. At this point we realized we better go and that maybe walking around at the zoo was not the smartest thing we could've chosen to do with Carl's cut leg.
Now I knew that Cale had to ride that train before we left. He was obsessed with it. His every thought was train related. It was all he truly cared about. The sign said that it cost 2 tokens to ride the train and that the train ran until 4:00. Well, wouldn't you know it was 3:35 and I didn't have any tokens. So, since Carl was bleeding I told him to stay with Cale and I began to "book it" across the park to get some tokens. I bet a pregnant lady has never moved so fast at the zoo. I think people must have thought I really needed to go to the bathroom or something because I got some strange looks. By the time I got to the entrance of the park, I was sweating and feeling tired...to say the least. I bought some tokens and began running all the way back. I just knew I would be too late. Amazingly somehow I made it back in time. As Cale and I were about to get on the train, I noticed another sign that said, "2 tokens or $2.00". Lovely. I could've just given cash to the conductor instead of making the awkward "pregnant girl huffing and puffing" jog across the whole zoo and back. Oh well, I got some exercise and Cale got to ride on the train which in his eyes was one of the best things he's ever done. As we were getting off the train, a little boy in front of us was screaming and crying. Cale loudly bragged, "I'm not crying!". We were a little embarrassed (hoping the boy's mom didn't hear), but also a little glad because he was right. He didn't cry one bit as he got off the train!
We were excited to get to the zoo because it was Cale's first trip. Well, first trip to the Little Rock Zoo. It's always a little disappointing when you go to that zoo because it seems like half the animals are in hiding. But, Cale still enjoyed seeing what animals were in view. A few minutes after arriving, we heard a train whistle. We pretty much lost Cale at that moment. He left thoughts of animals, and entered into "trainland". He begged and begged to ride that train every time it came around...and since it's a pretty short route...it came around a lot!
About an hour into the trip, Carl looked down at his leg and it was sopping wet with blood. He shoe, sock, and pants leg were completely covered. Luckily we brought other bandages so we tried to inconspiculously doctor his wound and continue our trip. Abou 10 minutes later, the same thing happened again. At this point we realized we better go and that maybe walking around at the zoo was not the smartest thing we could've chosen to do with Carl's cut leg.
Now I knew that Cale had to ride that train before we left. He was obsessed with it. His every thought was train related. It was all he truly cared about. The sign said that it cost 2 tokens to ride the train and that the train ran until 4:00. Well, wouldn't you know it was 3:35 and I didn't have any tokens. So, since Carl was bleeding I told him to stay with Cale and I began to "book it" across the park to get some tokens. I bet a pregnant lady has never moved so fast at the zoo. I think people must have thought I really needed to go to the bathroom or something because I got some strange looks. By the time I got to the entrance of the park, I was sweating and feeling tired...to say the least. I bought some tokens and began running all the way back. I just knew I would be too late. Amazingly somehow I made it back in time. As Cale and I were about to get on the train, I noticed another sign that said, "2 tokens or $2.00". Lovely. I could've just given cash to the conductor instead of making the awkward "pregnant girl huffing and puffing" jog across the whole zoo and back. Oh well, I got some exercise and Cale got to ride on the train which in his eyes was one of the best things he's ever done. As we were getting off the train, a little boy in front of us was screaming and crying. Cale loudly bragged, "I'm not crying!". We were a little embarrassed (hoping the boy's mom didn't hear), but also a little glad because he was right. He didn't cry one bit as he got off the train!
Our little boy is now talking up a storm. And I mean a storm. You never know what he is going to say or when he is going to say it. For some reason, he is under the misconception that he must announce it to the world when he has...uh...gas. "I tooted!" is something that comes out of his mouth at least 2 or 3 times every day. It's hard because I can't help but find it funny when he says that, but of course I realize that this is not something he should shout from the rooftops. And it can get quite embarrassing at times too. And don't think he won't call you out if you accidentally let one slip, because he will. He'll announce it to whomever is listening...you just have to hope that no one is around.
As we were at Wal-Mart tonight, Cale had something to say about every single aisle we walked down. Of course, he mostly was asking for things he spotted that he wanted...a pumpkin trick or treat pail, a tractor shirt, a ball...etc. In the baby aisle he tried to convince me that he needed a new bed. I guess he remembers the conversation we had the other day about him getting a "big boy bed" soon because his little brother would be needing his baby bed. When it was our turn to check out, he shouted at the Wal-Mart worker, "Hey you!". I was a little embarrassed because it came out sounding so rude for a little guy like him! But, overall Wal-Mart was more successful than normal. Of course, this may have had something to do with the fact that I bribed Cale with a potential trip to the park if he was a good boy in Wal-Mart and sat in the cart the whole time. Miraculously, I'm finding bribery works. Not one time did Cale climb out of his seat in the cart.
As we were at Wal-Mart tonight, Cale had something to say about every single aisle we walked down. Of course, he mostly was asking for things he spotted that he wanted...a pumpkin trick or treat pail, a tractor shirt, a ball...etc. In the baby aisle he tried to convince me that he needed a new bed. I guess he remembers the conversation we had the other day about him getting a "big boy bed" soon because his little brother would be needing his baby bed. When it was our turn to check out, he shouted at the Wal-Mart worker, "Hey you!". I was a little embarrassed because it came out sounding so rude for a little guy like him! But, overall Wal-Mart was more successful than normal. Of course, this may have had something to do with the fact that I bribed Cale with a potential trip to the park if he was a good boy in Wal-Mart and sat in the cart the whole time. Miraculously, I'm finding bribery works. Not one time did Cale climb out of his seat in the cart.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
I am completely thrilled that our hot, Arkansas, summer weather is finally starting to cool off a little. I enjoy summer up until a point...usually the point tends to be Julyish; the point when you can't walk to your car without feeling the beads of sweat roll down your back, and actually getting in your car just about causes a deadly heat stroke...not to mention the sound of your hands sizzling as you touch the scalding hot steering wheel. Yes, I am glad that those days of extreme heat are hopefully over for awhile.
Cale is really enjoyable these days. He is talking constantly and says some of the funniest and unexpected things. I always tell myself I will write down some of the things he says and does, but I often find myself forgetting after a few days go by.
Lately it seems that Cale is becoming more aware of the world around him. He's entering a phase where he is actually scared of certain things. Up until recently it seemed that very little scared him. Right now, he thinks a cow is in our attic and he often talks and worries about this "cow". Now, before you start thinking Cale is extra-imaginative, the cow he is referring to is Carl. One day Carl snuck into the attic as he saw Cale and I pulling into the driveway. As we got out of the car, he began to "moo". Surpisingly this freaked Cale out and he is just certain there's a real cow in the attic and that it's going to "get him". He talks about this cow several times a day and often thinks he hears him or sees him. I think Carl just might have tramautized Cale!
We are also officially in the "no" phase. Usually the "no" is followed by "mommy", said in a most annoyed voice. "No, Mommy". It seems I can't help him do anything these days. Try to help him drink out of a real cup..."No Mommy". So the drink goes all down the front of his shirt. Try to stir the eggs instead of letting him..."No Mommy". And the runny eggs end up all over the top of the stove, instead of in the pan where they belong. Try to find the tractor video on the computer that Cale is obsessed with watching..."No Mommy" and our computer screen has some crazy error message because of all the random buttons that have been pushed. And forget trying to brush his teeth.
Who am I kidding, that kid is boss and he knows it. I pretend to be in charge but really that little dictator runs the show. When he wakes up, we all wake up...even if it's 5:30. When he's hungry, we eat. If he behaves particularly well in a certain restaurant, we eat there. If he is tired after church, we go home instead of getting a bite to eat. I he wants cartoons, our TV turns to Yo Gabba Gabba, instead of Everybody Loves Raymond, like in the old days. If he doesn't feel good, none of us feel good. If he wants to play outside, we play outside, even if it's 100 degrees out. I hate to admit it, but he is king, living the life of luxury. Hmmm, I wonder what that's like? I guess Cale has a few more months until he will have some real competition for the king's throne. I guess we'll have to get accustomed to life with two kings controlling our every move. Oh boy, lookout! :)
Cale is really enjoyable these days. He is talking constantly and says some of the funniest and unexpected things. I always tell myself I will write down some of the things he says and does, but I often find myself forgetting after a few days go by.
Lately it seems that Cale is becoming more aware of the world around him. He's entering a phase where he is actually scared of certain things. Up until recently it seemed that very little scared him. Right now, he thinks a cow is in our attic and he often talks and worries about this "cow". Now, before you start thinking Cale is extra-imaginative, the cow he is referring to is Carl. One day Carl snuck into the attic as he saw Cale and I pulling into the driveway. As we got out of the car, he began to "moo". Surpisingly this freaked Cale out and he is just certain there's a real cow in the attic and that it's going to "get him". He talks about this cow several times a day and often thinks he hears him or sees him. I think Carl just might have tramautized Cale!
We are also officially in the "no" phase. Usually the "no" is followed by "mommy", said in a most annoyed voice. "No, Mommy". It seems I can't help him do anything these days. Try to help him drink out of a real cup..."No Mommy". So the drink goes all down the front of his shirt. Try to stir the eggs instead of letting him..."No Mommy". And the runny eggs end up all over the top of the stove, instead of in the pan where they belong. Try to find the tractor video on the computer that Cale is obsessed with watching..."No Mommy" and our computer screen has some crazy error message because of all the random buttons that have been pushed. And forget trying to brush his teeth.
Who am I kidding, that kid is boss and he knows it. I pretend to be in charge but really that little dictator runs the show. When he wakes up, we all wake up...even if it's 5:30. When he's hungry, we eat. If he behaves particularly well in a certain restaurant, we eat there. If he is tired after church, we go home instead of getting a bite to eat. I he wants cartoons, our TV turns to Yo Gabba Gabba, instead of Everybody Loves Raymond, like in the old days. If he doesn't feel good, none of us feel good. If he wants to play outside, we play outside, even if it's 100 degrees out. I hate to admit it, but he is king, living the life of luxury. Hmmm, I wonder what that's like? I guess Cale has a few more months until he will have some real competition for the king's throne. I guess we'll have to get accustomed to life with two kings controlling our every move. Oh boy, lookout! :)
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Okay, so I haven't blogged in forever, I know. It's just been a crazy busy few weeks with school starting back. I always forget how hectic the first few weeks of school can be. And I always forget how much I miss summer once school starts up again. I look back with fondness at all the mornings I got to sit around and watch toons with Cale and the evenings I sat around, stress-free, on the computer or watching TV with Carl, instead of doing mounds of school work. I always look back and wonder why I didn't appreciate it more, while it lasted. The time off, that is. But I guess there's something to be said about waking up at 5:30 every morning, rushing around to get everyone ready, driving to work where I don't stop moving until about 4:30, racing home to pick Cale up and start dinner, trying to play with Cale while at the same time trying to clean up dinner and the house, finally getting Cale bathed and ready for bed, then doing laundry and school work before I, myself, call it a night. Yep, there's something to be said about it, but I'm not quite sure what.
So, awhile back I blogged about taking Cale's most prized possession away: his "bot-bot", aka only sippy cup he ever loved. Well, because he quit drinking milk altogether for the few weeks he went without his cup, I caved and brought it back. Now we're on round 3 of bot-bot intervention. This time the confiscation is mainly due to the fact that Cale has been waking up in the middle of the night again lately, wanting milk. He really truly doesn't want milk, but he wants the comfort of his special cup. Because I'm tired of him waking up every night, I've finally decided that I've had enough. So, last week, I made the switch. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but Cale always manages to surprise me at how difficult it can be. He's cried himself to sleep every night for long periods of time, and quit drinking milk completely. I mean he's gone from drinking at least 20 ounces to none, nada.
Today, he even refused a nap altogether. After being so tired at naptime and ready for bed, he cried for over an hour and never did fall asleep. He's so strong-willed, more so than I am, I'm afraid. I'm not sure how long this will go on but I'm going to try my best to be strong, no more caving. Carl thinks we need to give Cale a visual that his bot-bot is gone (so maybe he won't just think we're not giving it to him, which is exactly what we're doing) We're thinking tomorrow while we're outside playing Carl will "accidentally" run over the cup (which will just magically appear behind his tire when Cale isn't looking). That way we can show Cale the crushed cup and maybe he'll begin to accept it. Sounds crazy but Carl accidentally ran over one of Cale's tractors before so I think he'll buy it. Although he does understand how Wal-Mart works and he does know where the sippy cup section is, so we'll see.
So, awhile back I blogged about taking Cale's most prized possession away: his "bot-bot", aka only sippy cup he ever loved. Well, because he quit drinking milk altogether for the few weeks he went without his cup, I caved and brought it back. Now we're on round 3 of bot-bot intervention. This time the confiscation is mainly due to the fact that Cale has been waking up in the middle of the night again lately, wanting milk. He really truly doesn't want milk, but he wants the comfort of his special cup. Because I'm tired of him waking up every night, I've finally decided that I've had enough. So, last week, I made the switch. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but Cale always manages to surprise me at how difficult it can be. He's cried himself to sleep every night for long periods of time, and quit drinking milk completely. I mean he's gone from drinking at least 20 ounces to none, nada.
Today, he even refused a nap altogether. After being so tired at naptime and ready for bed, he cried for over an hour and never did fall asleep. He's so strong-willed, more so than I am, I'm afraid. I'm not sure how long this will go on but I'm going to try my best to be strong, no more caving. Carl thinks we need to give Cale a visual that his bot-bot is gone (so maybe he won't just think we're not giving it to him, which is exactly what we're doing) We're thinking tomorrow while we're outside playing Carl will "accidentally" run over the cup (which will just magically appear behind his tire when Cale isn't looking). That way we can show Cale the crushed cup and maybe he'll begin to accept it. Sounds crazy but Carl accidentally ran over one of Cale's tractors before so I think he'll buy it. Although he does understand how Wal-Mart works and he does know where the sippy cup section is, so we'll see.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Toothbrush Thief
It's been a long Saturday and I'm so glad to be finally sitting, relaxing on the couch!
Carl was on Cale duty this afternoon/evening while I was working a wedding with my sister. You never know what to expect when my two boys are left alone. But, to my surprise the house wasn't a wreck and most of the toys had been put away! Good Job, Carl! But, when I walked in the door I did notice my toothbrush sitting on the kitchen counter. Yes, the kitchen counter. I really didn't even have to ask. My son has a fetish with toothbrushes and "paste". I don't know how many times a day he gets out our toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste. But, usually I'm right there to retrieve the brush before anything questionable happens to it. The confiscation is always followed by a massive fit, as if those toothbrushes are gold. Cale will probably be horrified when he's older to find out that he loved chewing on our toothbrushes!
So tonight...as I look at my toothbrush sitting on the kitchen counter I wonder what things happened on the journey from the bathroom to the kitchen. Did Cale rub it on the ground? Did he put it in the trash can and then get it back out? Did he try to use it to scrub the rug, as he's seen me do with other types of brushes? And worst of all, did he put it in the toilet? I know he put it in his mouth because he ALWAYS does.
So, the question is..."Will I brush my teeth tonight? Dare I put that toothbrush in my mouth?" What is more disgusting, unbrushed teeth or a dirty toothbrush? I think I will search through my bathroom for an extra, and then I must find a new location for my brush or else get Carl to install some baby-proof locks on our drawers. Beware, nothing is safe in a house when you have a little one who loves to pilfer!
Carl was on Cale duty this afternoon/evening while I was working a wedding with my sister. You never know what to expect when my two boys are left alone. But, to my surprise the house wasn't a wreck and most of the toys had been put away! Good Job, Carl! But, when I walked in the door I did notice my toothbrush sitting on the kitchen counter. Yes, the kitchen counter. I really didn't even have to ask. My son has a fetish with toothbrushes and "paste". I don't know how many times a day he gets out our toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste. But, usually I'm right there to retrieve the brush before anything questionable happens to it. The confiscation is always followed by a massive fit, as if those toothbrushes are gold. Cale will probably be horrified when he's older to find out that he loved chewing on our toothbrushes!
So tonight...as I look at my toothbrush sitting on the kitchen counter I wonder what things happened on the journey from the bathroom to the kitchen. Did Cale rub it on the ground? Did he put it in the trash can and then get it back out? Did he try to use it to scrub the rug, as he's seen me do with other types of brushes? And worst of all, did he put it in the toilet? I know he put it in his mouth because he ALWAYS does.
So, the question is..."Will I brush my teeth tonight? Dare I put that toothbrush in my mouth?" What is more disgusting, unbrushed teeth or a dirty toothbrush? I think I will search through my bathroom for an extra, and then I must find a new location for my brush or else get Carl to install some baby-proof locks on our drawers. Beware, nothing is safe in a house when you have a little one who loves to pilfer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
