Happy Father’s Day to my husband. He’s not my father, but he is an awesome one to our kids. I’m in awe of how amazing Nathan is with Ethan and Audrey. They appreciate having a father who is so hands-on and willing to play. We love you, Nathan (Daddy)!
Pictures!
by nathanHere are some pictures of the scrapbooking area that Nathan set up for me for Mother’s Day. He also adapted the picture frame so that it’s magnetic. I love it! I can switch out pictures whenever I like! I’m getting ready for a weekend of srapbooking with some friends soon. I thought I would take some time to do a layout of Ethan during nap time. I think the last picture speaks for itself!
At quiet time today
by nathan“Ethan, I need to spank you because you are not being quiet.”
“I want one”
“You will have one spanking.”
“Thank you, Mommy.”
Chores
by nathanBath time at our house:
Ethan wanted to help me clean today. I let him help me clean the bathrooms. He loved it!
Another "ONP" update and some thoughts
by nathanAudrey went to sleep last night after a protest that lasted about a second. My heart was filled with joy! She did wake up crying a little bit at about 9:00. We just re-tucked her in with her blankets and two little animals. She went right back to sleep.
I was very worried about taking away Audrey’s pacifier. I originally only wanted her to have it for sleeping, but she became very attached and was asking for it more and more. She would also wake up crying at night because she would lose it and that was getting old. I chose a Friday to start working on it. My thought behind that was that I would just have to make it until Nathan got home and then I would have his support for the weekend. I wouldn’t have to endure it all alone.
My advice for other moms who want to ditch the pacifer:
1. Don’t do it unless you are convinced that you don’t want your child to have it any more. If you aren’t convinced, you’ll never be able to handle the whining and crying and it will have been for nothing.
2. Wait until your child is healthy, well-rested and not actively teething!
3. Get out. Change your scenery. Leave the house. Play at the park. Do something to distract both of you from the missing “thing which shall not be named- so that they don’t start missing it again”.
4. When the whining and crying is really getting to you, remind yourself that saying, “no” to your child will be something that you do many times in their lifetime. This is just one of the first things. Our kids sometimes want things that aren’t good for them.
I just read this story of a mom who took the pacifer away from her son. I thought it was clever. There are lots of good ideas out there. I just decided to do it cold turkey.
5. Give lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles!
6. Don’t replace the paci with something else that you don’t want them attached to!
Thank you, Martha Stewart
by nathan
I can almost fold a fitted sheet! Actually, Nathan can. I read him the instructions. He’s loves a challenge.
What to know how? Click here.
Day 3
by nathanAudrey cried for a couple of minutes before falling asleep for her nap today. I hope she gets over this crying thing soon because it’s really sad to have her cry before going to sleep every time. Before she would go right to sleep. I know that a minute or two isn’t a big deal, but it still makes me a little sad.
Day 2
by nathanWe weren’t home for nap time today. We were in the car, but we didn’t have any long crying periods! We’ll see what tonight has in store. I suspect she’ll be sad again. It’s possible that she’ll be so tired out from running around today that she’ll go right to sleep. I can hope, right?
Evening update: Audrey cried for one minute before going to sleep. Good job, Audrey!
Operation "No More Paci"
by nathan
Today Audrey says, “bye bye”, to her pacifiers. I’ll be updating you our on progress throughout the day. I suspect that naptime will be especially exciting!
And BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!! Ethan has had dry pants 3 MORNINGS IN A ROW!!!!!!!!!!!! Is there anything more exciting than that?
11:16am- Audrey is eating lunch. Naptime is almost here. *big breath*
11:30-11:35- Crying in bed. Now she’s quiet? Please go to sleep little girl!
1:20- Audrey slept until now! A 2-hour paci-free nap!! *jumping up and down*
Bedtime update- Tonight was a lot harder. Audrey cried and screamed for about a half hour. I hoped she’s done for the night.
