I made the decision yesterday morning to not feed Caroline and Piper breakfast on weekdays anymore. I know, that sounds terrible. But really, you've gotta know the whole story. First of all, in the old days (um, like last month) Caroline and Piper would sleep until around 7am and my MIL or mom arrive at 7:15 - so hardly a long time to wait. When I make Bryce and I breakfast, it's just before 7am anyway so there's hardly a long period of time between us eating and the girls getting to eat. Plus, on most mornings, Caroline and Piper eat AGAIN after my mom/MIL arrive! And to top it all off, Piper rarely eats more than a few bites so it's a complete waste of milk and cereal. But really, that's less my motivation for my new policy than the events of yesterday morning.
As usual lately, Piper and Caroline were up before 6am. Fun times. The earlier they get up, the more potential for fights and Piper Cry Cry (what I call Piper when she's in one of her moods where everything makes her cry). By the time I got out of the shower, Piper was already tormenting Bryce who was just waking up. So we go downstairs and immediately, all 3 of them are yelling about breakfast. And typically, they all want something different, yet when I ask them, getting an answer out of each of them is next to impossible. So I finally get 3 different bowls of cereal on the table and then turn around to get juice. As I'm doing that, Piper gets up into her chair and needs to get her apron on and pushed into the table. I'm clearly busy and ask Caroline to do it - who happily agrees and walks over. Well, that is NOT okay with Piper. She wants me and starts yelling at Caroline to get away from her. Caroline sits back down but Piper is primed for disaster. She's ticked off having to wait and continues to yell about being pushed in. As usual, I ignore her because, well, what's the point in that? Caroline makes some comment to Piper about eating and I snap at Caroline to stop taunting Piper (for the millionth time this month) and turn around to get the juice. Just as I turn around, I see it alllllllll happen. Bryce, who is sitting across the table from Piper, says to her, "Look Piper, I'm eating!" and makes some aggravating face. Well, already ticked off Piper can't handle that and takes her blankie that she's holding and whips it in Bryce's direction.
This is the point where I felt like it was in slow motion - I see her whipping the blanket and it going on the table and I want to yell "NOOOOOO!" but it's too late - cereal and milk are everywhere. Piper continues screaming but for a different reason this time. Somehow she managed to get very little of the mess on her and I grab her and sit her little butt down on the sofa while I clean up. Caroline and Bryce start running their mouths and I promptly tell them no one is to talk - silent breakfast! I was so angry! Angry that Piper reacted that way. Angry that both Caroline and Bryce taunt Piper constantly - they've figured out how to push her buttons! And angry that I was now running late, in my work clothes, trying to clean up milk and cereal, and my back/head was hurting. Oh the joy. I told Caroline and Bryce how tired I was of them taunting Piper and while I was very angry with her behavior, I was equally tired of them doing things to elicit a response on her part. Of course they both tried to make excuses but I wouldn't let them talk. The peace helped me breath through it. I couldn't believe how far the milk and cereal had gotten across the floor. Had I been in non-work clothes, I would have been able to kneel down on the floor but because I was dressed, it made my task a little trickier.
Finally a few minutes later, all was cleaned up and Piper who had since calmed down walked back through the kitchen with her head hanging and mumbled "Wawee (sorry), Mommy." I appreciated that it was a self motivated apology, but she certainly owed me one.
So this is why I am no longer rushing to get both girls fed in the morning. The commotion isn't worth it, especially when Caroline has over an hour after I leave to eat and get ready for school. I give both girls drinks if they want them, but won't go down the breakfast route again anytime soon. Caroline can certainly fix her own cereal now but I know that would go over well if Caroline was eating and Piper was not. I already get up at 5:30, I'm not getting up earlier.
I love these kids but it's mornings like this that make me happy to be going to work (and yes, I have my share of days where I'd rather stay home with them than go out). I know I'll miss these days when they're older and normally I can totally enjoy them, but these types of situations really do try your patience. I asked Jason this morning if he thought Piper was worse or better than Caroline and Bryce in their 2's because I feel as though she's a bit more intense. Jason thinks we're just forgetting, which he's probably right. I think she just has her very own particularly Piper way of being two. Oh heavens, what will the 3's be like because I always found them harder!
Showing posts with label Mornings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mornings. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
The Upside of 5:30 Wakeups
Piper continues to wake up at the butt crack of dawn. She doesn't wake up as early on the weekends which tells me that she's waking up because she knows other people in the house are up. Although I'm not quite sure how she knows. She has a white noise machine, Jason and I are super quiet and there are no lights on around her room so she shouldn't be able to see much light under her door. But 5:30am came and as I got out of bed, so did Piper. And when Piper wakes up in the morning on her own, she's rarin' to go. Talky talky and no concept of being quiet. She thunders down into the kitchen to see Jason and a few minutes later, there's Bryce - Mr. Loud himself. And before I can get down to the basement for some peace, I mean, exercise, Piper has gone up and woken up Caroline. I told Caroline and Bryce that if they don't want her to wake them up we can close their doors but they want NO part of that. Thankfully this morning, they played happily together while I finished up my workout (ALONE!). Jason left a 6 so getting them to play peacefully until 6:20 is an accomplishment, some mornings it doesn't work out like that.
So this evening was a bit tough, especially for Bryce with meltdown after meltdown and clearly because the kid was exhausted. (He usually wakes up at 6:30ish.) He was passed out before 7:45 and I was downstairs making lunches before 8pm and to a silent upstairs. Not even Caroline was stirring, which, again, is saying something! It's weird when the kids are in bed at exactly 8pm now - my evening seems really long. So I'm going to enjoy it because before we know it, lighter evenings will be upon us and kids will be pushing 8:30 or later. There is something good about dark evenings!
As for Piper, it's pitch dark in her room so I have no idea how she knows it's "day" (as she calls it). She can't reach any lights and staying in her bed is NOT gonna happen. This feisty one doesn't sit anywhere for long. She's a walking tornado who wrecks my whole house every day. So I guess we'll just continue to roll with this new morning routine. I miss my few peaceful moments to myself though. It's why I get up at 5:30 to exercise - to do it in peace. Sometimes Bryce will wander down mid-workout and try and talk to me while he lifts a spare pair of dumbbells and tells me how strong he is. Nothing like cursing at Jillian Michaels under your breath and trying to answer your 5 year old's questions about why the pipes go a certain direction in the house.
So this evening was a bit tough, especially for Bryce with meltdown after meltdown and clearly because the kid was exhausted. (He usually wakes up at 6:30ish.) He was passed out before 7:45 and I was downstairs making lunches before 8pm and to a silent upstairs. Not even Caroline was stirring, which, again, is saying something! It's weird when the kids are in bed at exactly 8pm now - my evening seems really long. So I'm going to enjoy it because before we know it, lighter evenings will be upon us and kids will be pushing 8:30 or later. There is something good about dark evenings!
As for Piper, it's pitch dark in her room so I have no idea how she knows it's "day" (as she calls it). She can't reach any lights and staying in her bed is NOT gonna happen. This feisty one doesn't sit anywhere for long. She's a walking tornado who wrecks my whole house every day. So I guess we'll just continue to roll with this new morning routine. I miss my few peaceful moments to myself though. It's why I get up at 5:30 to exercise - to do it in peace. Sometimes Bryce will wander down mid-workout and try and talk to me while he lifts a spare pair of dumbbells and tells me how strong he is. Nothing like cursing at Jillian Michaels under your breath and trying to answer your 5 year old's questions about why the pipes go a certain direction in the house.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Why Ma Duggar Isn't a Lunatic
I think I figured out why Michelle 'Ma' Duggar (from 19 Kids and Counting) is such a calm parent with so many freaking kids. They rarely have to be anywhere on time!! Think about it. They home school. They home church. And when they do have places to be, everyone expects them to be late. Oh and the fact that now all her older kids keep the younger ones in line....
Seriously, I think that is when I'm the craziest parent, when I'm trying to get a kid or kids out the door on time. Case and point, Bryce. He is 5 years old and can completely dress himself but when it's time to do that in the morning, he acts like a fool. (Although I think it's better than what Caroline will do when she doesn't want to get dressed - cop an attitude and lock her door.) Bryce runs around like a maniac flaunting that he's either still in his PJs or completely naked. Meanwhile, I'm trying to dry my hair or finish getting ready. Often I'm pulling Piper out of something she's not supposed to be in. This morning Piper decided to "dress" herself over her pajamas with her favorite summer clothes. She was quite proud of herself. "Piper, who dressed you?" "MEEE!!!"
I love Bryce to pieces and I love how funny and silly he can be, but NOT when we have 10 minutes left until we need to leave and he's still not even starting to get dressed. He's 5 years old, for pete's sake. Some mornings he'll surprise me, but most, he's just having too much fun. Thankfully, he'll end up pulling it together at the very last second or a minute or two late, but I know it's causing me a few more gray hairs.
Even on days when we're running early, he finds a way to run late. But really, I can't complain in having to get one kid out the door as my days of getting all 3 kids out the door still haunt me.
Seriously, I think that is when I'm the craziest parent, when I'm trying to get a kid or kids out the door on time. Case and point, Bryce. He is 5 years old and can completely dress himself but when it's time to do that in the morning, he acts like a fool. (Although I think it's better than what Caroline will do when she doesn't want to get dressed - cop an attitude and lock her door.) Bryce runs around like a maniac flaunting that he's either still in his PJs or completely naked. Meanwhile, I'm trying to dry my hair or finish getting ready. Often I'm pulling Piper out of something she's not supposed to be in. This morning Piper decided to "dress" herself over her pajamas with her favorite summer clothes. She was quite proud of herself. "Piper, who dressed you?" "MEEE!!!"
I love Bryce to pieces and I love how funny and silly he can be, but NOT when we have 10 minutes left until we need to leave and he's still not even starting to get dressed. He's 5 years old, for pete's sake. Some mornings he'll surprise me, but most, he's just having too much fun. Thankfully, he'll end up pulling it together at the very last second or a minute or two late, but I know it's causing me a few more gray hairs.
Even on days when we're running early, he finds a way to run late. But really, I can't complain in having to get one kid out the door as my days of getting all 3 kids out the door still haunt me.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
How Far I've Come
I was thinking this evening about how far I've come as a working mom and getting my kids out of the house in the morning. I remember how hard it was for me managing 2 kids in the morning right after Bryce was born and I'd returned to work. Caroline was almost 2 and I remember being so frustrated and frazzled that many mornings we left the house without even brushing her teeth or combing her hair. And that was back when they both ate breakfast at daycare.
So flash forward to now where I'm getting the 2 of them up and fed before we leave along with nursing Piper (time consuming) and getting her all dressed and together. Granted, they both are a little more competent than they used to be but they both require constant vigilance if I want them to stay on task. Caroline is fairly self sufficient as long as I nag the heck out of her to move onto the next morning milestone. I know I must get repetitive because sometimes they'll bark the orders back at me. GET DRESSED! EAT! BRUSH YOUR TEETH! STOP CHASING EACH OTHER! STOP FIGHTING! STOP PINNING PIPER DOWN! STOP PLAYING IN THE WATER! GET YOUR COAT! DON'T TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF! PIPER, DID YOU POOP? CAROLINE YOU CAN'T WEAR SHORTS IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER! WHY IS PIPER SCREAMING? STOP PLAYING WITH DOORS!
Whew! Granted not all mornings are bad - in fact most of them are reasonable and we have some special moments/time together. This morning as I was getting Bryce dressed and he was frustrating me because after each article of clothing was put on, he'd walk away. As usual when I get frustrated with him lately and have to get a little stern, he says, "Mommy, you still love me when you're mad at me." To which I ALWAYS reply, "Yes Bryce, I love you no matter what. I just do not like your behavior sometimes, but I will always love you." Well, this morning after I said that he says, "Mommy, sometimes you go to work and you miss me and you look at my picture and start to cry." At this point, HE starts to tear up and wipes his eyes. Cue the big mommy bear hug and the reassurance that yes, mommy does miss Bryce very much when I'm at work and I have a big picture of him on my desk that I smile at frequently during the day. That made him smile and we continued on our way.
It's really funny because I think back to how my mornings have evolved and how my attitude has changed about them. Even though there is always a possibility that the morning could go badly, I don't dread them. I take them as they come and take the good with the bad. I've learned a few tricks along the way and figured out the ingredients that often yield the best outcomes. There are never any guarantees, but making small changes and concessions definitely helps.
Now the next hurdle of figuring out how things will go next year when Caroline starts kindergarten. Even though it's stressing me out now, I'm sure I'll rise to the occasion and make it seem like old hat in no time. At least that is how I reassure myself when anxiety gets the best of me.
So flash forward to now where I'm getting the 2 of them up and fed before we leave along with nursing Piper (time consuming) and getting her all dressed and together. Granted, they both are a little more competent than they used to be but they both require constant vigilance if I want them to stay on task. Caroline is fairly self sufficient as long as I nag the heck out of her to move onto the next morning milestone. I know I must get repetitive because sometimes they'll bark the orders back at me. GET DRESSED! EAT! BRUSH YOUR TEETH! STOP CHASING EACH OTHER! STOP FIGHTING! STOP PINNING PIPER DOWN! STOP PLAYING IN THE WATER! GET YOUR COAT! DON'T TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF! PIPER, DID YOU POOP? CAROLINE YOU CAN'T WEAR SHORTS IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER! WHY IS PIPER SCREAMING? STOP PLAYING WITH DOORS!
Whew! Granted not all mornings are bad - in fact most of them are reasonable and we have some special moments/time together. This morning as I was getting Bryce dressed and he was frustrating me because after each article of clothing was put on, he'd walk away. As usual when I get frustrated with him lately and have to get a little stern, he says, "Mommy, you still love me when you're mad at me." To which I ALWAYS reply, "Yes Bryce, I love you no matter what. I just do not like your behavior sometimes, but I will always love you." Well, this morning after I said that he says, "Mommy, sometimes you go to work and you miss me and you look at my picture and start to cry." At this point, HE starts to tear up and wipes his eyes. Cue the big mommy bear hug and the reassurance that yes, mommy does miss Bryce very much when I'm at work and I have a big picture of him on my desk that I smile at frequently during the day. That made him smile and we continued on our way.
It's really funny because I think back to how my mornings have evolved and how my attitude has changed about them. Even though there is always a possibility that the morning could go badly, I don't dread them. I take them as they come and take the good with the bad. I've learned a few tricks along the way and figured out the ingredients that often yield the best outcomes. There are never any guarantees, but making small changes and concessions definitely helps.
Now the next hurdle of figuring out how things will go next year when Caroline starts kindergarten. Even though it's stressing me out now, I'm sure I'll rise to the occasion and make it seem like old hat in no time. At least that is how I reassure myself when anxiety gets the best of me.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Drama
Here's an episode of "As the Morning Turns" starting Caroline and Bryce (and of course, ME!)
Bryce and I are sitting at the breakfast table eating our cereal (or not eating if you're Bryce) while Caroline dances around entertaining Piper in her pack n' play since she already finished her cereal. I notice Bryce is fidgeting in his chair.
Me: Bryce, do you have to go potty?
Bryce grimacing: No. I'm just holding myself so the pee doesn't come out.
Me: Bryce, you need to go potty.
Bryce: I have to go potty.
I pull out his chair for him to get down from his booster.
Bryce: I don't have to go.
I don't make him go because it's getting late and he'll go when he's ready.
Again, Bryce starts fidgeting and making a weird grunty noise.
Me: Bryce, do you need to go to the bathroom?
Bryce: YES!
I pull out his chair and he runs down the hall to the bathroom.
2 seconds later......
Bryce: Waaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me: Bryce, what happened?
Bryce: I peed on the carpet!!!!
Caroline runs to look and check out the situation.
Caroline: Waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! He peed on the carpet!!! That is my favorite carpet. Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bryce: Waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I peed on the carpet.
So now both kids are crying (Bryce over the accident and Caroline because her "favorite carpet" has pee on it) and I'm trying to take Bryce's pants off of him and get the little rug up off the floor to put it in the washer.
Tears are dried, rug is in washer, Bryce is eating his mushy cereal naked from the waist down and Caroline is back to dancing for Piper.
Is it any wonder I look like Cruella Deville some mornings by the time I get to work?
Bryce and I are sitting at the breakfast table eating our cereal (or not eating if you're Bryce) while Caroline dances around entertaining Piper in her pack n' play since she already finished her cereal. I notice Bryce is fidgeting in his chair.
Me: Bryce, do you have to go potty?
Bryce grimacing: No. I'm just holding myself so the pee doesn't come out.
Me: Bryce, you need to go potty.
Bryce: I have to go potty.
I pull out his chair for him to get down from his booster.
Bryce: I don't have to go.
I don't make him go because it's getting late and he'll go when he's ready.
Again, Bryce starts fidgeting and making a weird grunty noise.
Me: Bryce, do you need to go to the bathroom?
Bryce: YES!
I pull out his chair and he runs down the hall to the bathroom.
2 seconds later......
Bryce: Waaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me: Bryce, what happened?
Bryce: I peed on the carpet!!!!
Caroline runs to look and check out the situation.
Caroline: Waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! He peed on the carpet!!! That is my favorite carpet. Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bryce: Waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I peed on the carpet.
So now both kids are crying (Bryce over the accident and Caroline because her "favorite carpet" has pee on it) and I'm trying to take Bryce's pants off of him and get the little rug up off the floor to put it in the washer.
Tears are dried, rug is in washer, Bryce is eating his mushy cereal naked from the waist down and Caroline is back to dancing for Piper.
Is it any wonder I look like Cruella Deville some mornings by the time I get to work?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Like Father, Like Son
Bryce is more like Jason than we'd like to believe. Bryce seems to have inherited a bunch of Jason's traits either genetically or via our nurturing. While I don't know if Jason was an early riser as a little kid, he's been an early riser since we've had a relationship. I never understood someone getting up at 5am in high school to do their homework. And I still can't fathom getting up at 4am when you don't have to leave until 6am. But that's me. Well, Bryce also is an early bird by nature. This morning at 6am he was in our room telling us to get up. He told Jason to get up, turn on the light, and go out and get the paper. I guess he knows the routine. (And of course, when Bryce is up, we're ALL up because he doesn't exactly go about anything quietly.)
He also never.stops.talking. And while Jason isn't exactly the most talkative person now, he apparently was as a young child. So much so that my MIL still talks about how she was just want him to be quiet. I always thought Caroline talked alot until Bryce started really talking. Man, wait until Piper starts adding to the conversations.
He also never.stops.talking. And while Jason isn't exactly the most talkative person now, he apparently was as a young child. So much so that my MIL still talks about how she was just want him to be quiet. I always thought Caroline talked alot until Bryce started really talking. Man, wait until Piper starts adding to the conversations.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Uneventful Morning
This morning was uneventful. Thank goodness. Lots of kisses and hugs for Bryce as I dropped him off and no tears. At least none that came out while I was running in and out. I haven't called to check in yet (I'm still a little afraid to hear he cried.), but I'm hopeful getting into the routine is just a matter of time.
I couldn't take another morning of his big blue eyes filled with tears today. My heart needed a little break. Whew.
I couldn't take another morning of his big blue eyes filled with tears today. My heart needed a little break. Whew.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Seriously, My Heart Can't Take Any More
When I was driving home from work yesterday, I was all set to write a good blog post about how things were going well and we were all on the path to adjustment to our new routine and daycare situations. Bryce had done well on his first day at the preschool/daycare where Caroline has been going since mid-August and I had just picked Piper up from her new DCP who just completely adores her and gave her so much love and attention. Drop off for Bryce had gone fine again that morning so as I arrived home, I was thinking that FINALLY things were starting to settle down after the constant commotion of the past 3 months.
Wishful thinking.....as soon as I walked in the house I found out that Bryce had cried for TWO HOURS yesterday morning. I guess he had been very hard to console and sat and just cried for me. Although once he finally stopped, the rest of the day had been fine. But looking at him, I could see by the look of his face that he'd cried a lot.
I know that they didn't call me from the center because they can handle it and because after doing this for over 17 years, the owner/teacher has seen it all. But that doesn't make it any easier on me.
And then this morning, I knew it was going to be bad. We started the morning off with lots of "I don't wanna go to school!"s and each time Bryce said it, I just validated him and said, "I know, Bryce doesn't want to go to school," and I didn't argue with him since I know you can't argue with a 3 year old. That seemed to work the day before. He didn't want to get into the car, put on his jacket or get out of the car. The tantrum started before we even got in the door.
Thank goodness Caroline is completely adjusted and now tells me each day how much she likes her school. But Bryce cried and yelled for me telling me he wanted to go home with me. He was clinging to me for dear life and I didn't know how to get out of there since I know that is what you have to do because being there makes it worse. His teacher/the owner finally got him away from me so I could get out the door. As soon as I walked out, I seriously felt like I was going to throw up. Leaving your child crying somewhere in a "strange" new place is horrible. I called Jason immediately and we both agree that we just have to keep taking him and he'll have to come around. His teacher said that they've seen this before from kids who come from being at home or in a relaxed daycare environment. Yes, we went through this a bit less intensely with Caroline a month ago but with her, I'd leave and a little while later, she was fine. With Bryce, I don't know how long he'll cry.
I want to call and check, but I also am scared. I don't want to hear him crying in the background and feel even more powerless than ever. I wish I could see the future and know how long this is going to take for him to understand that this is just the way it is. I feel good about the center because it's pretty small and I'm very pleased with how much Caroline is already benefitting from being there so I know Bryce can benfit in the same way. He just has to figure this out.
Meanwhile, I'll sit here at my desk sick to my stomach watching the clock to decide when to call. I'm just at the end of my rope here. All the constant change and commotion over the past 3 months is really wearing on me. Everything from having another baby, getting Caroline adjusted to a new daycare/routine, Bryce's broken arm, losing my daycare without any notice, finding new daycare for Bryce and Piper, going back to work full time, and now getting the younger kids adjusted to a new routine (let alone me getting used to a different routine) has me completely stressed out, anxious, and stressed all the time. I feel like all I'm doing now is sitting and waiting for something difficult to come up again. When will we EVER get into an "easy" routine again. Everytime I turn around it's something else to completely stress me out. I know I'm not someone who deals well with change but these past few months have been so hard. Everything just seems so unstable at the moment. But then it seems a lot in the world these days seems really unstable right now.
I just needed to get that out. Fingers crossed Bryce is okay. I'll call in a little bit.
UPDATE: Called at 9:30am and Bryce stopped crying shortly after I left. They said he cried again when it was time for Caroline go across the hall to her classroom but they got him calmed down again and he just had had snack. I expressed to his teacher my concern and asked what I could do to help her and she said that just getting out the door faster is best and I told her this morning I didn't leave as fast as I could have since I was concerned with leaving her with him in SUCH a fit. She said she totally appreciated me actually asking and that it was okay with her just to leave him. So hopefully, it will get better from here. Please. Let it get better.
Wishful thinking.....as soon as I walked in the house I found out that Bryce had cried for TWO HOURS yesterday morning. I guess he had been very hard to console and sat and just cried for me. Although once he finally stopped, the rest of the day had been fine. But looking at him, I could see by the look of his face that he'd cried a lot.
I know that they didn't call me from the center because they can handle it and because after doing this for over 17 years, the owner/teacher has seen it all. But that doesn't make it any easier on me.
And then this morning, I knew it was going to be bad. We started the morning off with lots of "I don't wanna go to school!"s and each time Bryce said it, I just validated him and said, "I know, Bryce doesn't want to go to school," and I didn't argue with him since I know you can't argue with a 3 year old. That seemed to work the day before. He didn't want to get into the car, put on his jacket or get out of the car. The tantrum started before we even got in the door.
Thank goodness Caroline is completely adjusted and now tells me each day how much she likes her school. But Bryce cried and yelled for me telling me he wanted to go home with me. He was clinging to me for dear life and I didn't know how to get out of there since I know that is what you have to do because being there makes it worse. His teacher/the owner finally got him away from me so I could get out the door. As soon as I walked out, I seriously felt like I was going to throw up. Leaving your child crying somewhere in a "strange" new place is horrible. I called Jason immediately and we both agree that we just have to keep taking him and he'll have to come around. His teacher said that they've seen this before from kids who come from being at home or in a relaxed daycare environment. Yes, we went through this a bit less intensely with Caroline a month ago but with her, I'd leave and a little while later, she was fine. With Bryce, I don't know how long he'll cry.
I want to call and check, but I also am scared. I don't want to hear him crying in the background and feel even more powerless than ever. I wish I could see the future and know how long this is going to take for him to understand that this is just the way it is. I feel good about the center because it's pretty small and I'm very pleased with how much Caroline is already benefitting from being there so I know Bryce can benfit in the same way. He just has to figure this out.
Meanwhile, I'll sit here at my desk sick to my stomach watching the clock to decide when to call. I'm just at the end of my rope here. All the constant change and commotion over the past 3 months is really wearing on me. Everything from having another baby, getting Caroline adjusted to a new daycare/routine, Bryce's broken arm, losing my daycare without any notice, finding new daycare for Bryce and Piper, going back to work full time, and now getting the younger kids adjusted to a new routine (let alone me getting used to a different routine) has me completely stressed out, anxious, and stressed all the time. I feel like all I'm doing now is sitting and waiting for something difficult to come up again. When will we EVER get into an "easy" routine again. Everytime I turn around it's something else to completely stress me out. I know I'm not someone who deals well with change but these past few months have been so hard. Everything just seems so unstable at the moment. But then it seems a lot in the world these days seems really unstable right now.
I just needed to get that out. Fingers crossed Bryce is okay. I'll call in a little bit.
UPDATE: Called at 9:30am and Bryce stopped crying shortly after I left. They said he cried again when it was time for Caroline go across the hall to her classroom but they got him calmed down again and he just had had snack. I expressed to his teacher my concern and asked what I could do to help her and she said that just getting out the door faster is best and I told her this morning I didn't leave as fast as I could have since I was concerned with leaving her with him in SUCH a fit. She said she totally appreciated me actually asking and that it was okay with her just to leave him. So hopefully, it will get better from here. Please. Let it get better.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Grumpies
Man, my kids were G-R-U-M-P-Y this morning! GAH! I totally understand why though - I wasn't exactly feeling full of sunshine either. Caroline and I both have colds and for her, it's a cold on TOP of allergies. Bryce hasn't seemed to pick it up yet, but it's just a matter of time. Mine isn't too bad (I think b/c of the sinus rinsing) but my throat is still irritated. Plus, because of her stuffy nose, she could not sleep last night so it was after 10:30 before she finally fell asleep. And then the usual sibling rivalry arguments/ruckus kicked in at 7am and it was just too much for all of us. Not a bad morning by a long shot, but just grumpy. I was tired because my daughter in utero decided to have a party when I was trying to go to sleep last night and when she finally quieted down and I went to sleep, Bryce woke up crying. Jason had gone in the last time, so I went in. Bryce is so irrational when he's upset in the middle of the night and all he ended up needing was to be covered back up the "right way." Ugh. At least that didn't last long. But it took me a while to go back to sleep so I am worn out today.
And then I had an OB appointment this morning and the stupid lab company still hadn't sent my labwork to the doc's so they had to track it down. I'm not worried but curious if my iron levels were okay. My midwife said that if anything was up, she'd call me but I go back in 2 weeks.
But man, I was up almost 4 lbs from 2 weeks ago. WHAT GIVES??? Yes, I've had ice cream a few times in the past 2 weeks but I'm far from gorging myself. And the baby is measuring right on target for 30 weeks, so she's not colossal yet.
I think the most aggravating part of the morning was the medical assistant who did all my pre-visit OB stuff - you know, the blood pressure, weigh in, urine culture, baby's heartbeat. Ugh. Just not friendly. I think she was new and I sure hope I never get HER again. I've always LOVED the medical assistants at my doc's office - so sweet and caring and this woman was just so uninterested. Blech. Thank goodness I was seeing my sweet midwife today b/c she's just so genuine and made me feel better.
We talked about how I'd been feeling this odd short of breath sensation yesterday even though I was sitting still and we're both pretty sure it has to do with the fact that I'm carrying fairly high (although not REALLY high). She said the baby was likely under my diaphragm and causing that feeling - especially since she was sooooo active yesterday. It's very odd how high I am carrying considering it's my 3rd pregnancy and I carried Bryce pretty low. I remember that long before this point in my pregnancy with Bryce, I HAD to sleep with a pillow between my knees because he was so low in my pelvis and messing up my alignment. But not this baby and not with Caroline either. So I guess that old wives tale holds true for me (and I do not believe in old wives tales) that I carry my girl babies high and my boy babies low. Which right now, I'll take since it means she's not putting pressure on my bladder and that's happiness for most pregnant women.
And then I had an OB appointment this morning and the stupid lab company still hadn't sent my labwork to the doc's so they had to track it down. I'm not worried but curious if my iron levels were okay. My midwife said that if anything was up, she'd call me but I go back in 2 weeks.
But man, I was up almost 4 lbs from 2 weeks ago. WHAT GIVES??? Yes, I've had ice cream a few times in the past 2 weeks but I'm far from gorging myself. And the baby is measuring right on target for 30 weeks, so she's not colossal yet.
I think the most aggravating part of the morning was the medical assistant who did all my pre-visit OB stuff - you know, the blood pressure, weigh in, urine culture, baby's heartbeat. Ugh. Just not friendly. I think she was new and I sure hope I never get HER again. I've always LOVED the medical assistants at my doc's office - so sweet and caring and this woman was just so uninterested. Blech. Thank goodness I was seeing my sweet midwife today b/c she's just so genuine and made me feel better.
We talked about how I'd been feeling this odd short of breath sensation yesterday even though I was sitting still and we're both pretty sure it has to do with the fact that I'm carrying fairly high (although not REALLY high). She said the baby was likely under my diaphragm and causing that feeling - especially since she was sooooo active yesterday. It's very odd how high I am carrying considering it's my 3rd pregnancy and I carried Bryce pretty low. I remember that long before this point in my pregnancy with Bryce, I HAD to sleep with a pillow between my knees because he was so low in my pelvis and messing up my alignment. But not this baby and not with Caroline either. So I guess that old wives tale holds true for me (and I do not believe in old wives tales) that I carry my girl babies high and my boy babies low. Which right now, I'll take since it means she's not putting pressure on my bladder and that's happiness for most pregnant women.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A 5 Nissue Morning
For the most part, it was a very good morning. Bryce woke up a little after 6am and came into the bathroom while I was getting ready and talked up a storm to me. I just love talking to him, asking him questions and hearing his response. Of course, he asks "why?" a LOT, but I just love how he speaks and the inntonation of his voice. His "yeah" is enough to make me want to just pick him up and cover him in kisses sometimes. Then he went downstairs with me and shared a bowl of cereal with me and with each bite he asked if there were eggs or nuts in it. While we were downstairs, I heard Caroline stirring above and hoped she'd have a good morning.
Well, as we were going up the stairs, Miss C appeared and was already out of her PJs and on her way to getting dressed! I was so proud and told her that I wanted to tell everyone. I don't think I ever remember a morning where she got up by herself and proceeded to start getting ready on her own. A red letter day! So I got Bryce dressed and she asked me to help her find the missing shirt to the outfit she wanted to wear - a cotton knit outfit, of course.
So after dressing Bryce, I went into her room and sat down and Bryce brought me his shoes. But I guess he didn't want them on because when he sat down and I went to put them on, he threw his head back and clocked me in the chin. OH.MY.GOD. The pain. It was blinding. I could not talk it hurt so bad. I gently pushed him off my lap which began a crying fit on his part and I tried to muster the energy to continue. I'd already had a dull headache since I'd woken up but this brain jarring increased the pain by about 20 fold. I literally couldn't move it hurt so bad. I told Caroline to continue getting dressed while Bryce continued to scream and cry because he was mad about not being able to sit in my lap. Finally after about 5 minute, the intense pain subsided and I was able to get up and put him in time out (he was swatting at Caroline for NO reason!).
So finally both kids were dressed and teeth were brushed (Bryce under extreme duress) and Bryce was still walking around crying/whining about nothing. He wanted another "nissue" but he only wanted the ones that were in his big boy room on top of his dresser. Then we went downstairs and Caroline got her stellar 3 jelly bean reward for her outstanding behavior. Bryce continued to ask for more nissues to wipe his nose and face. Finally we made it out into the car and Bryce had one final car nissue and we were on our way. Both kids were happy and laughing when I left them.
Really a pretty decent morning except for the horrendous shot I took to the chin. I told Jason about it and he said that is why boxers often get knocked out by taking a hit to the chin and now I understand why. I've never had my head jarred like that and thankfully some time and some Tylenol has me back in the day. Whew!
Well, as we were going up the stairs, Miss C appeared and was already out of her PJs and on her way to getting dressed! I was so proud and told her that I wanted to tell everyone. I don't think I ever remember a morning where she got up by herself and proceeded to start getting ready on her own. A red letter day! So I got Bryce dressed and she asked me to help her find the missing shirt to the outfit she wanted to wear - a cotton knit outfit, of course.
So after dressing Bryce, I went into her room and sat down and Bryce brought me his shoes. But I guess he didn't want them on because when he sat down and I went to put them on, he threw his head back and clocked me in the chin. OH.MY.GOD. The pain. It was blinding. I could not talk it hurt so bad. I gently pushed him off my lap which began a crying fit on his part and I tried to muster the energy to continue. I'd already had a dull headache since I'd woken up but this brain jarring increased the pain by about 20 fold. I literally couldn't move it hurt so bad. I told Caroline to continue getting dressed while Bryce continued to scream and cry because he was mad about not being able to sit in my lap. Finally after about 5 minute, the intense pain subsided and I was able to get up and put him in time out (he was swatting at Caroline for NO reason!).
So finally both kids were dressed and teeth were brushed (Bryce under extreme duress) and Bryce was still walking around crying/whining about nothing. He wanted another "nissue" but he only wanted the ones that were in his big boy room on top of his dresser. Then we went downstairs and Caroline got her stellar 3 jelly bean reward for her outstanding behavior. Bryce continued to ask for more nissues to wipe his nose and face. Finally we made it out into the car and Bryce had one final car nissue and we were on our way. Both kids were happy and laughing when I left them.
Really a pretty decent morning except for the horrendous shot I took to the chin. I told Jason about it and he said that is why boxers often get knocked out by taking a hit to the chin and now I understand why. I've never had my head jarred like that and thankfully some time and some Tylenol has me back in the day. Whew!
Monday, November 12, 2007
"Mommy, we had a lot of giggles this morning!"
This is what Caroline told me this morning as we were headed downstairs to get coats on before heading out around 7:10am. And I can honestly say how nice it was to hear her say that.
While I've had my fair share of rough (to say the least!) mornings with them, things have been steadily improving as time goes on. (Can you believe it's been 2 years since I went back to work full time with 2 kids?) I think there are a lot of reasons for this:
1. The kids are a little bit older and not quite as needy in the morning, although Caroline still likes help getting dressed even though she's fully capable of dressing herself. I think that her desire for me to help dress her is just her needing some mommy time and extra attention.
2. Bryce is a very happy kid in the mornings - as long as he isn't being antagonized by his sister. So his happy mood is often infectious and helps me be in a better mood too.
3. I've gotten better at managing it. Every morning is a lesson and opportunity to learn something about the kids. All those bad mornings along with the good ones have helped me to figure out what works and what does not. I've tried a lot of different things and I've also changed my perspective on a lot of things. I've figured out that getting them to laugh first and act totally goofy for them is a way to start the day out on the right foot, even if they start out grumpy. I've figured out how to distract them from things that upset them and get them to focus on funny or interesting things keeps them from throwing tantrums. I've learned that sometimes, even on the worst mornings, that just sitting with both of them on my lap for a few extra hugs and kisses can turn a morning around. (This is an adult version of time out!)
I haven't yelled or gotten angry with them in a long time now - even though I might be a little irritated by how long something is taking. Of course, I know there will still be difficult days where someone will not do what they need to do and we will be late, but I also know that there will be other good days too. Days where they start with "giggles and toots" as Caroline said.
So I will keep hoping for those mornings of "giggles and toots" and just breathing through the difficult days since every day is a fresh start.
While I've had my fair share of rough (to say the least!) mornings with them, things have been steadily improving as time goes on. (Can you believe it's been 2 years since I went back to work full time with 2 kids?) I think there are a lot of reasons for this:
1. The kids are a little bit older and not quite as needy in the morning, although Caroline still likes help getting dressed even though she's fully capable of dressing herself. I think that her desire for me to help dress her is just her needing some mommy time and extra attention.
2. Bryce is a very happy kid in the mornings - as long as he isn't being antagonized by his sister. So his happy mood is often infectious and helps me be in a better mood too.
3. I've gotten better at managing it. Every morning is a lesson and opportunity to learn something about the kids. All those bad mornings along with the good ones have helped me to figure out what works and what does not. I've tried a lot of different things and I've also changed my perspective on a lot of things. I've figured out that getting them to laugh first and act totally goofy for them is a way to start the day out on the right foot, even if they start out grumpy. I've figured out how to distract them from things that upset them and get them to focus on funny or interesting things keeps them from throwing tantrums. I've learned that sometimes, even on the worst mornings, that just sitting with both of them on my lap for a few extra hugs and kisses can turn a morning around. (This is an adult version of time out!)
I haven't yelled or gotten angry with them in a long time now - even though I might be a little irritated by how long something is taking. Of course, I know there will still be difficult days where someone will not do what they need to do and we will be late, but I also know that there will be other good days too. Days where they start with "giggles and toots" as Caroline said.
So I will keep hoping for those mornings of "giggles and toots" and just breathing through the difficult days since every day is a fresh start.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Morning At Our House
The mornings recently have been pretty good. I've been attempting to start the waking process of Caroline a little earlier and she's been cooperating. I know that there will be rocky days in the future, but I try to take it one day at a time. And today was a good day.
Usually I go in and turn off her white noise machine before I go down and eat my breakfast and give her a big hug and kiss. Most days this is the first step to waking her up, but today it must have completely woken her up because just after I got downstairs, she came down ready to chat. She took one look at me and went to work on the easel to draw picture of me. (She didn't tell me at first that it was a picture of me but when she asked how many buttons were on my sweater, I knew what the subject of her drawing was.) So she drew until I went upstairs to dry my hair and said she'd be up when she finished. As I'm drying my hair, she comes in and asks how old I am and then runs back downstairs. By the time I'm done though, she is already back upstairs and in Bryce's room reading him a Cars book.
After they both got dressed and we went downstairs, Caroline said she had to finish her drawing and put on the necklace and belt I was wearing. So I told Bryce he could have his reward jelly bean for getting ready without problems, but Caroline got mad and said he wasn't allowed to have it yet, which is why Bryce is looking so sad in this picture. But as soon as I told him he could have it and Caroline could have her reward when she was ready, he was happy again. He always asks for an orange and green one.
Finally, Caroline said her picture was done and we could take a look! Clearly she'd put a lot of thought into it. There I was, in my brown cardigan (with 7 buttons) and she had put an "E" and a "30" on the picture just for me. Needless to say, I was very proud of her rendering of me - even if it does look like I'm doing a little dance. Maybe that is what she thinks I was doing this morning. (I'm not quite sure what those things on top of my head are though b/c I know that she always draws the eyes inside the realm of the face - maybe it's a bow or something? Not that I was wearing a bow this morning - at least not that I'm telling YOU about.) She's been so into drawing people lately but she always has to completely color them in, so sometimes it's hard to see all the features she draws on them, but she's very into the details now. I just love how she makes sure her drawing is corresponding to what you are wearing that day.
After they both got dressed and we went downstairs, Caroline said she had to finish her drawing and put on the necklace and belt I was wearing. So I told Bryce he could have his reward jelly bean for getting ready without problems, but Caroline got mad and said he wasn't allowed to have it yet, which is why Bryce is looking so sad in this picture. But as soon as I told him he could have it and Caroline could have her reward when she was ready, he was happy again. He always asks for an orange and green one.
Finally, Caroline said her picture was done and we could take a look! Clearly she'd put a lot of thought into it. There I was, in my brown cardigan (with 7 buttons) and she had put an "E" and a "30" on the picture just for me. Needless to say, I was very proud of her rendering of me - even if it does look like I'm doing a little dance. Maybe that is what she thinks I was doing this morning. (I'm not quite sure what those things on top of my head are though b/c I know that she always draws the eyes inside the realm of the face - maybe it's a bow or something? Not that I was wearing a bow this morning - at least not that I'm telling YOU about.) She's been so into drawing people lately but she always has to completely color them in, so sometimes it's hard to see all the features she draws on them, but she's very into the details now. I just love how she makes sure her drawing is corresponding to what you are wearing that day.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
I can't keep doing this...
So you want to know what a weekday morning is like at my house????
5:45am - alarm goes off, but I don't hear it b/c I'm so sleep deprived
6:00 - I wake up - crap, I'm already running late
6:05 - I hop in the shower and b/c it's Thursday - I wash my hair
6:12 - get out of shower and get dressed and tell Jason goodbye
6:20 - hear Bryce crawling around in his crib so I go in and feed him
6:28 - Bryce finishes eating and spits up all over the boppy and narrowly misses my clean shirt
6:32 - change Bryce while Caroline comes in with her stool to say good morning and tickles his belly
6:33 - Caroline scratches Bryce's belly and makes him cry
6:35 - sit Bryce up to put his bib on and he spits up all over the changing table
6:36 - go into Caroline's room to get her ready, ask her to sit on the potty
6:36.30 - Caroline throws herself on the floor b/c she doesn't want to sit on the potty
6:37 - Caroline tells me she doesn't want to sit on the potty and asks me to put a clean pull-up on her
6:38 - Dress Caroline while she lays there either crying or yelling at Bryce to stop touching her toys (Start going crazy listening to the Dora Dance Fiesta for the 324294829342th time.)
6:39 - use a baby wipe to clean up milk barf that Bryce has deposited on Caroline's carpet and skip over track 4 on the CD - I hate Oye Come Va)
6:39.30 - move Bryce away from vent so he doesn't get fingers stuck in it - Caroline gives me a booger she has picked out of her nose
6:40 - get my blow dryer and start drying my hair in the kid's bathroom so I can watch them while I dry my hair - Caroline brings me another booger from her nose
6:42 - pause my blow drying so I can tell Caroline to stop laying on top of Bryce
6:43 - I can't see Bryce so I stop drying again and find that he has spit up on the floor again and that Caroline has taken off the shoes I had put on her saying "I don't want these shoes."
6:43.30 - clean up milk barf with a wipe off of Caroline's carpet and give Caroline another pair of shoes to put on- both kids are happily playing with mega blocks
6:44 - begin drying hair again and see Caroline putting shoes on wrong feet - tell her which one is the right shoe
6:46 - hair is dry and I look in Caroline's room and Caroline punches Bryce in the stomach saying that she is "patting him"
6:46.10 - Bryce begins yelling - "Caroline do NOT punch your brother in the stomach"
6:47 - Pick up Bryce and go downstairs - Caroline follows
6:49 - Put Bryce in the exersaucer and get all of my bags together and put them in car
6:52 - Fix a bowl of Cheerios and watch Caroline rummage through the empty Easter eggs for some candy
6:53 - Give Caroline bites of my cereal
6:54 - Run upstairs to brush my teeth, turn off all the lights and turn off that miserable Dora CD
6:55 - I hear Bryce whining and I tell Caroline to make him laugh
6:55.30 - Caroline SHREIKS
6:55.31 - Bryce starts crying hard
6:55. 40 - Caroline runs to the bottom of the steps to tell me "Mommy, I scared Bryce!" (she obviously screamed in his face)
6:56 - I run dowstairs to get Bryce and as we are getting ready to put our jackets on, Caroline tells me she has to pee
6:57 - Caroline runs to get her stool and put the Dora potty seat on the toilet, I take down her pants and help her get on the potty
6:58 - Caroline doesn't pee, but says she's done and stands up and I start to pull up the PullUp and she starts screaming that she has to go again
6:59 - I put her back on the potty and she doesn't go - I tell her she's done and start putting her pants back on - Temper Tantrum begins
7:00 - pick Bryce up off the floor of the bathroom where he is playing with the trashcan and put his coat on him and set him down
7:01 - put Caroline's jacket on her
7:02 - Pick up Bryce and turn around to see that Caroline has torn her jacket off
7:03 - get very frustrated and use my stern voice with Caroline and tell her it's time to go
7:04 - walk to the door and when Caroline realizes I'm leaving she runs screaming after me
7:04.30 - sit Bryce in his carseat while Caroline screams that her foot is "stuck" in the door
7:05 - free Caroline from the dreaded door and she runs out into the garage
7:06 - strap Bryce into his carseat and ask Caroline to get into the van
7:07 - come around to the other side of the van and ask Caroline again to get into the van
7:07.10 - Caroline throws herself on the floor of the garage
7:07.30 - Pick Caroline up off the floor and put her in the van
7:08 - put Caroline's jacket back on her
7:09 - get Caroline strapped into her carseat (being thankful it's not cold anymore and I'm not having to wrestle with a big winter coat and the carseat straps)
7:10 - get into the car and turn on the KidStuff radio station - notice that in all the running around this morning one of the buttons on my skirt is ripped out of the fabric - not just the button, but with the fabric behind it
7:15 - arrive at daycare and wrestle both kids out of their carseats and into Cathy's house
7:20 - get back in car, turn on Howard, and "relax"
And I wonder why I get to work exhausted........ This has got to stop.
5:45am - alarm goes off, but I don't hear it b/c I'm so sleep deprived
6:00 - I wake up - crap, I'm already running late
6:05 - I hop in the shower and b/c it's Thursday - I wash my hair
6:12 - get out of shower and get dressed and tell Jason goodbye
6:20 - hear Bryce crawling around in his crib so I go in and feed him
6:28 - Bryce finishes eating and spits up all over the boppy and narrowly misses my clean shirt
6:32 - change Bryce while Caroline comes in with her stool to say good morning and tickles his belly
6:33 - Caroline scratches Bryce's belly and makes him cry
6:35 - sit Bryce up to put his bib on and he spits up all over the changing table
6:36 - go into Caroline's room to get her ready, ask her to sit on the potty
6:36.30 - Caroline throws herself on the floor b/c she doesn't want to sit on the potty
6:37 - Caroline tells me she doesn't want to sit on the potty and asks me to put a clean pull-up on her
6:38 - Dress Caroline while she lays there either crying or yelling at Bryce to stop touching her toys (Start going crazy listening to the Dora Dance Fiesta for the 324294829342th time.)
6:39 - use a baby wipe to clean up milk barf that Bryce has deposited on Caroline's carpet and skip over track 4 on the CD - I hate Oye Come Va)
6:39.30 - move Bryce away from vent so he doesn't get fingers stuck in it - Caroline gives me a booger she has picked out of her nose
6:40 - get my blow dryer and start drying my hair in the kid's bathroom so I can watch them while I dry my hair - Caroline brings me another booger from her nose
6:42 - pause my blow drying so I can tell Caroline to stop laying on top of Bryce
6:43 - I can't see Bryce so I stop drying again and find that he has spit up on the floor again and that Caroline has taken off the shoes I had put on her saying "I don't want these shoes."
6:43.30 - clean up milk barf with a wipe off of Caroline's carpet and give Caroline another pair of shoes to put on- both kids are happily playing with mega blocks
6:44 - begin drying hair again and see Caroline putting shoes on wrong feet - tell her which one is the right shoe
6:46 - hair is dry and I look in Caroline's room and Caroline punches Bryce in the stomach saying that she is "patting him"
6:46.10 - Bryce begins yelling - "Caroline do NOT punch your brother in the stomach"
6:47 - Pick up Bryce and go downstairs - Caroline follows
6:49 - Put Bryce in the exersaucer and get all of my bags together and put them in car
6:52 - Fix a bowl of Cheerios and watch Caroline rummage through the empty Easter eggs for some candy
6:53 - Give Caroline bites of my cereal
6:54 - Run upstairs to brush my teeth, turn off all the lights and turn off that miserable Dora CD
6:55 - I hear Bryce whining and I tell Caroline to make him laugh
6:55.30 - Caroline SHREIKS
6:55.31 - Bryce starts crying hard
6:55. 40 - Caroline runs to the bottom of the steps to tell me "Mommy, I scared Bryce!" (she obviously screamed in his face)
6:56 - I run dowstairs to get Bryce and as we are getting ready to put our jackets on, Caroline tells me she has to pee
6:57 - Caroline runs to get her stool and put the Dora potty seat on the toilet, I take down her pants and help her get on the potty
6:58 - Caroline doesn't pee, but says she's done and stands up and I start to pull up the PullUp and she starts screaming that she has to go again
6:59 - I put her back on the potty and she doesn't go - I tell her she's done and start putting her pants back on - Temper Tantrum begins
7:00 - pick Bryce up off the floor of the bathroom where he is playing with the trashcan and put his coat on him and set him down
7:01 - put Caroline's jacket on her
7:02 - Pick up Bryce and turn around to see that Caroline has torn her jacket off
7:03 - get very frustrated and use my stern voice with Caroline and tell her it's time to go
7:04 - walk to the door and when Caroline realizes I'm leaving she runs screaming after me
7:04.30 - sit Bryce in his carseat while Caroline screams that her foot is "stuck" in the door
7:05 - free Caroline from the dreaded door and she runs out into the garage
7:06 - strap Bryce into his carseat and ask Caroline to get into the van
7:07 - come around to the other side of the van and ask Caroline again to get into the van
7:07.10 - Caroline throws herself on the floor of the garage
7:07.30 - Pick Caroline up off the floor and put her in the van
7:08 - put Caroline's jacket back on her
7:09 - get Caroline strapped into her carseat (being thankful it's not cold anymore and I'm not having to wrestle with a big winter coat and the carseat straps)
7:10 - get into the car and turn on the KidStuff radio station - notice that in all the running around this morning one of the buttons on my skirt is ripped out of the fabric - not just the button, but with the fabric behind it
7:15 - arrive at daycare and wrestle both kids out of their carseats and into Cathy's house
7:20 - get back in car, turn on Howard, and "relax"
And I wonder why I get to work exhausted........ This has got to stop.
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