I posted last month about my pledge to be wholly focused on Ethan during my time alone with him, vowing to stay off the computer and keep the TV off to avoid distraction. I figured now was as good a time as any so I can be accountable for either keeping this pledge (or not) and how it may have affected my time with Ethan.
It hasn't been nearly as difficult as I expected! The TV I haven't missed at all (nor have I turned it on at all unless he's asleep). The internet has been slightly harder, mostly severing the email tie, and I've been guilty of sneaking on a handful of times. Usually it's to email a professor or check for a specific email I was awaiting. Twice it's been to update my facebook status after Ethan did something truly adorable/awesome (and I usually don't update my facebook status much so this was truly unnecessary cheating). Twice I checked Google maps before heading out somewhere to make sure I knew where I was going. And once I checked Ebates.com to see if a website I planned on ordering something from would allow me to get cash back (also not a crucial use, but I was convinced I would forget otherwise). Considering how much I used to use the computer, this is definitely a major improvement, even though I'm still not perfect.
So how about my time with Ethan? I certainly feel like I enjoy him more and demonstrate that to him. He definitely revels in the attention. And it also allows him more freedom. We took down the gates we used to have up downstairs (not the one on the stairs, though) because since I'm always with him, it's not necessary to keep him confined as much. He can play with things he didn't used to get to play with because I'm there to keep him safe and out of trouble (well, as much as I can... he's quite a mischief!). Instead of just filling up the days with random play (whatever keeps him entertained), we're doing actual activities, spending time outdoors, and learning as we play! It's so much fun to watch him explore and discover, and I certainly wouldn't trade it for 90s sitcom reruns and catching up on the latest drama in my facebook groups.
In an unrelated sidenote, I purchased a video monitor from a friend on Friday, and I can't believe we didn't have one earlier! Not only is Baby TV absolutely addicting, it makes me fall in love Ethan even more (if that's even possible) just to see how adorable he is. Plus it provides a much-needed clue into random fusses, letting me know when I need to go in and when going in will only disturb him. $45 well spent, especially considering it originally retails for $300!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
A Brief Indoor Respite
Ever since the weather warmed up, we've spent most of our free time outside. We do a lot of playing with water and food coloring, water beads exploration, and just roaming around the yard and neighborhood. However, this morning I was trying to delay my entry into the pollinated world so I convinced Ethan to stay upstairs and do a sensory bin with me before we headed next door for a playdate. Between his light table and his play kitchen, we haven't gotten out his dry bin in a while, and he was excited to play with his materials in a different way. As usual, I let him choose what went in. We started with dried pinto beans. Then he wanted to add glass gems (he wanted to add all of them; I got him to settle for a few handfuls). After playing with this combination for a good long while, he decided to add seashells and wooden beads. This was the end result:
Don't mind his outfit. Once again, no pants = easier potty trips. You might notice, however, that he's sporting his big boy cloth trainers in these pictures instead of his usual diapers!
Then Ethan got the idea to put his feet in it. I always encourage this because I want him to explore with his entire body. He thought it was hilarious, especially when I used my hands to scoop beans up over his feet and drop them down his shins. He refused to smile for the camera, though:
Then this happened:
I often get comments on facebook about how neat my house looks in pictures. Let me assure you, it is NOT because my toddler is naturally tidy. I just spend a lot of time cleaning and cleaning up after him! But, we have fun, and that's what's most important!
Don't mind his outfit. Once again, no pants = easier potty trips. You might notice, however, that he's sporting his big boy cloth trainers in these pictures instead of his usual diapers!Then Ethan got the idea to put his feet in it. I always encourage this because I want him to explore with his entire body. He thought it was hilarious, especially when I used my hands to scoop beans up over his feet and drop them down his shins. He refused to smile for the camera, though:
Then this happened:
I often get comments on facebook about how neat my house looks in pictures. Let me assure you, it is NOT because my toddler is naturally tidy. I just spend a lot of time cleaning and cleaning up after him! But, we have fun, and that's what's most important!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Eighteen Month Appointment
I'm a day late with this, but last night Ethan was still up 40 minutes after his usual bedtime because he kept INSISTING he had to go potty, even after he finally peed. As a result, I didn't have enough time to sit down and summarize the pediatrician visit, which thankfully was a very good one! We'll start, as usual, with the stats:
Length: 32.25" (50th percentile) - I'm not entirely sure about this measurement because I'm almost positive he's grown more than 1/4" in the past three months. But whatever.
Weight: 23 lbs. 7 oz (20th-25th percentile)
Head Circumference: 49 cm (75th percentile)
So he is more average for height if that measurement is correct, he's hovering around the same percentile as usual for weight, and he's gone up slightly in percentile for head circumference. Must be all that learnin' he's doing!
His chest and ears were clear, which was my only concern after that awful cold. The doctor said as long as he's acting normally, I don't need to worry about his high fevers, so it was nice to hear that from a doctor. Speaking of the doctor, I could not love this practice more. Not only was there no wait on a Friday, he is just such a friendly person. He spent most of the appointment tickling Ethan under his chin, talking about how cute he is, and genuinely acting interested in what he was doing. Ethan absolutely adores him and doesn't mind the examination at all. And since there was no wait, I didn't have a chance to finish filling out the developmental profile in the waiting room, so the doctor actually got Ethan dressed for me while I finished it! Talk about a good bedside manner!
His developmental profile was well above average yet again, and obviously the autism screen was negative. It amused me that in the "What your child should be doing at this age" packet they give at every well-child check, it specifically says "At 18 months, most toddlers are not yet showing signs that they are ready for toilet training." Ha. Once again today, Ethan only had two wet diapers (one while he was in the car and one while he was eating lunch), which is especially notable considering he was in the car for probably 3 hours today and out of the house for 6. He used public potties 4 times today and even was able to hold it for a couple of miles while we drove to the nearest restaurant. I remain incredibly impressed by him!
The only other thing of note from his appointment was that he was supposed to receive his last Hep. A vaccine. When I made the appointment, I specifically checked with the nurse to make sure there was no issue with spacing for his shots, and she assured me he was fine. Well, he was 3 days too early. SO that just means he will get it at his 2 year appointment, which was supposed to be shot-free, so it's annoying but fine since his 18 mo. appointment ended up being shot-free instead. Then no more shots until he's 5!
We went straight from the doctor to the library for our weekly trip, where he flirted with two little girls and their nanny. He seriously had that nanny wrapped around his finger, reading him books and giving him hugs! All in all, a great morning!
Length: 32.25" (50th percentile) - I'm not entirely sure about this measurement because I'm almost positive he's grown more than 1/4" in the past three months. But whatever.
Weight: 23 lbs. 7 oz (20th-25th percentile)
Head Circumference: 49 cm (75th percentile)
So he is more average for height if that measurement is correct, he's hovering around the same percentile as usual for weight, and he's gone up slightly in percentile for head circumference. Must be all that learnin' he's doing!
His chest and ears were clear, which was my only concern after that awful cold. The doctor said as long as he's acting normally, I don't need to worry about his high fevers, so it was nice to hear that from a doctor. Speaking of the doctor, I could not love this practice more. Not only was there no wait on a Friday, he is just such a friendly person. He spent most of the appointment tickling Ethan under his chin, talking about how cute he is, and genuinely acting interested in what he was doing. Ethan absolutely adores him and doesn't mind the examination at all. And since there was no wait, I didn't have a chance to finish filling out the developmental profile in the waiting room, so the doctor actually got Ethan dressed for me while I finished it! Talk about a good bedside manner!
His developmental profile was well above average yet again, and obviously the autism screen was negative. It amused me that in the "What your child should be doing at this age" packet they give at every well-child check, it specifically says "At 18 months, most toddlers are not yet showing signs that they are ready for toilet training." Ha. Once again today, Ethan only had two wet diapers (one while he was in the car and one while he was eating lunch), which is especially notable considering he was in the car for probably 3 hours today and out of the house for 6. He used public potties 4 times today and even was able to hold it for a couple of miles while we drove to the nearest restaurant. I remain incredibly impressed by him!
The only other thing of note from his appointment was that he was supposed to receive his last Hep. A vaccine. When I made the appointment, I specifically checked with the nurse to make sure there was no issue with spacing for his shots, and she assured me he was fine. Well, he was 3 days too early. SO that just means he will get it at his 2 year appointment, which was supposed to be shot-free, so it's annoying but fine since his 18 mo. appointment ended up being shot-free instead. Then no more shots until he's 5!
We went straight from the doctor to the library for our weekly trip, where he flirted with two little girls and their nanny. He seriously had that nanny wrapped around his finger, reading him books and giving him hugs! All in all, a great morning!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Chef Ethan
Ethan has long been interested in cooking. Even before I began cooking with him, he could be easily entertained with just a bowl and spoon, practicing stirring. This picture was taken shortly before his first birthday right after he woke up from his nap one afternoon:
He loves helping out in the kitchen, from playing with the microwave to using the blender to make my daily green smoothie.
After observing this on their visit last weekend, my parents decided to move up their planned 2nd birthday gift for him and give Ethan a play kitchen for his half birthday instead. The play food and pots and pans arrived on Tuesday, and he spent almost 1.5 hours playing with them with his sitter yesterday. She took an adorable video of him that I'll try to post when I have more time. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we assembled the kitchen last night, and it only took about 1.5 hours. Ethan was quite excited this morning when he came downstairs to see it After a couple of timid steps, he broke out in a huge grin and got to work/play! He played in the kitchen basically the entire morning:
Still in his PJs
Talking on the phone
Getting the pot ready to fill
Checking out the pantry
Because milk belongs in the microwave...
My only complaint about the kitchen is that he had so much fun playing with it he wouldn't stop to tell me when he had to go potty. As a result, we had more accidents than yesterday, though he still used the potty more often than on Tuesday AND had his first success out in public, so I guess that's still progress.
Ethan's only complaint concerned the sink: it doesn't work. He had no problem with pretending to pour from his wooden food. He had no problem with sampling air off his spoons and declaring it "Yum!" He had no problem carrying on conversations with no one on the kitchen phone. But when he decided he needed to fill a pot with water and turning the knobs of the sink did nothing? He was not pleased. In fact, he began hitting the faucet, as if that would make it work. Then he moved the kitchen away from the wall to try to turn the knobs from behind. Finally, he looked to me and whined. I explained that he had to pretend and showed him how I could "wash my hands," but that wasn't good enough, apparently.
So, after Ethan woke up from his nap, I had a surprise for him. Since it was 85 degrees, I stripped him down, put him in his new swim suit, slathered him in sunscreen, and we headed out to the back deck for some water sensory play with ice and food coloring for added fun. We had already refilled the container 4-5 times before Daddy came home and could get my camera:
Putting in some blue food coloring
Using the measuring cup to scoop water into a bowl
Emptying the bowl back into the bin
MORE FOOD COLORING!!!
Putting in some red
Mixing the colors together
He decided it needs more red
Such a fun day!!!
He loves helping out in the kitchen, from playing with the microwave to using the blender to make my daily green smoothie.
After observing this on their visit last weekend, my parents decided to move up their planned 2nd birthday gift for him and give Ethan a play kitchen for his half birthday instead. The play food and pots and pans arrived on Tuesday, and he spent almost 1.5 hours playing with them with his sitter yesterday. She took an adorable video of him that I'll try to post when I have more time. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we assembled the kitchen last night, and it only took about 1.5 hours. Ethan was quite excited this morning when he came downstairs to see it After a couple of timid steps, he broke out in a huge grin and got to work/play! He played in the kitchen basically the entire morning:
Still in his PJs
Talking on the phone
Getting the pot ready to fill
Checking out the pantry
Because milk belongs in the microwave...
My only complaint about the kitchen is that he had so much fun playing with it he wouldn't stop to tell me when he had to go potty. As a result, we had more accidents than yesterday, though he still used the potty more often than on Tuesday AND had his first success out in public, so I guess that's still progress.Ethan's only complaint concerned the sink: it doesn't work. He had no problem with pretending to pour from his wooden food. He had no problem with sampling air off his spoons and declaring it "Yum!" He had no problem carrying on conversations with no one on the kitchen phone. But when he decided he needed to fill a pot with water and turning the knobs of the sink did nothing? He was not pleased. In fact, he began hitting the faucet, as if that would make it work. Then he moved the kitchen away from the wall to try to turn the knobs from behind. Finally, he looked to me and whined. I explained that he had to pretend and showed him how I could "wash my hands," but that wasn't good enough, apparently.
So, after Ethan woke up from his nap, I had a surprise for him. Since it was 85 degrees, I stripped him down, put him in his new swim suit, slathered him in sunscreen, and we headed out to the back deck for some water sensory play with ice and food coloring for added fun. We had already refilled the container 4-5 times before Daddy came home and could get my camera:
Putting in some blue food coloring
Using the measuring cup to scoop water into a bowl
Emptying the bowl back into the bin
MORE FOOD COLORING!!!
Putting in some red
Mixing the colors together
He decided it needs more red
Such a fun day!!!Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Potty Update
This will be a very quick post because I've got to go assemble Ethan's new play kitchen (pictures to come in a future post, I'm sure!), but I had to record this for posterity. From 8 PM last night to 8 PM tonight, Ethan only peed in his diaper twice, once on my watch and once on his sitter's! He used the potty 16 times (including two poops), and twice, he came all the way in from the goat barn to use the potty, which is pretty impressive for a small bladder!
I am so amazed by my little guy!
I am so amazed by my little guy!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Eighteen Months
Dear Ethan,
What a fun, eventful, and quick month! I can't believe you're already a year-and-a-half. As of tomorrow, you'll be closer to two than one and closer to three than to when you were born! Wow. And yet it's no wonder with all you're doing these days!
Today has been eventful for reasons other than your half birthday, though. For the first 2.5 hours you were awake, you used the potty every single time, including your first poop in the potty! Then, with only a few exceptions, you have told me every time you need to use the potty, even when we were out at the LLL meeting! We didn't always make it in time (about 33-50% actually), but you definitely seem to understand what's going on and are willing to communicate it to me, which still blows my mind! You were so successful today, in fact, that you were in the same diaper from 12 to 5 when you usually go through 3!
Speaking of communication, you are growing more verbal every day. I can't even recount all the new words you've said this month. You've said your first proper names, first your Uncle Nathan ("Na Na") then your sitter Donna. You called each of your grandparents by their preferred name during their visits this month (even though you often called Grandpapa "Gr-mama" just for kicks), and you have been all about your great-grandmother BeBe this past week! Granted, over half of your vocabulary is unintelligible to the outsider, and even Daddy has trouble figuring out what you're trying to say some of the time, but you are letting me know what you want, even if I don't always let you have it. My favorites are still your animal noises, which now include kitty, goat, doggy, duck, pig, horse, cow, sheep, and dinosaur! You are so very smart, Ethan, and I'm constantly impressed by the connections you make.
You're also eating slightly better. I no longer have to make you a separate dinner most nights. You don't eat everything we're eating (most notably you refuse to eat any vegetables other than potatoes and carrots), but you'll usually eat the meat by itself and almost always will when I put the meat in some bread (I can't call it a sandwich, though, since you'll only eat it if I call it a "chicken/turkey/pork ball"). You're definitely still a picky toddler, but I at least feel like you're getting a wider spread of nutrients, even if you don't always eat a lot in quantity.
This next month could see several milestones. For all I know, we could be mostly out of diapers (though I think that's probably at least several months off)! You'll probably have all of your baby teeth except your 2-year-molars since your last molars and canine are coming through now. I'm sure this next month will see new words, new stunts, and new ways to make us marvel at how we could ever have created you. You're such a special little guy, and this past year and a half has been the most amazing time of my life!
Love,
Mommy
What a fun, eventful, and quick month! I can't believe you're already a year-and-a-half. As of tomorrow, you'll be closer to two than one and closer to three than to when you were born! Wow. And yet it's no wonder with all you're doing these days!
Today has been eventful for reasons other than your half birthday, though. For the first 2.5 hours you were awake, you used the potty every single time, including your first poop in the potty! Then, with only a few exceptions, you have told me every time you need to use the potty, even when we were out at the LLL meeting! We didn't always make it in time (about 33-50% actually), but you definitely seem to understand what's going on and are willing to communicate it to me, which still blows my mind! You were so successful today, in fact, that you were in the same diaper from 12 to 5 when you usually go through 3!
Speaking of communication, you are growing more verbal every day. I can't even recount all the new words you've said this month. You've said your first proper names, first your Uncle Nathan ("Na Na") then your sitter Donna. You called each of your grandparents by their preferred name during their visits this month (even though you often called Grandpapa "Gr-mama" just for kicks), and you have been all about your great-grandmother BeBe this past week! Granted, over half of your vocabulary is unintelligible to the outsider, and even Daddy has trouble figuring out what you're trying to say some of the time, but you are letting me know what you want, even if I don't always let you have it. My favorites are still your animal noises, which now include kitty, goat, doggy, duck, pig, horse, cow, sheep, and dinosaur! You are so very smart, Ethan, and I'm constantly impressed by the connections you make.
You're also eating slightly better. I no longer have to make you a separate dinner most nights. You don't eat everything we're eating (most notably you refuse to eat any vegetables other than potatoes and carrots), but you'll usually eat the meat by itself and almost always will when I put the meat in some bread (I can't call it a sandwich, though, since you'll only eat it if I call it a "chicken/turkey/pork ball"). You're definitely still a picky toddler, but I at least feel like you're getting a wider spread of nutrients, even if you don't always eat a lot in quantity.
This next month could see several milestones. For all I know, we could be mostly out of diapers (though I think that's probably at least several months off)! You'll probably have all of your baby teeth except your 2-year-molars since your last molars and canine are coming through now. I'm sure this next month will see new words, new stunts, and new ways to make us marvel at how we could ever have created you. You're such a special little guy, and this past year and a half has been the most amazing time of my life!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, March 12, 2012
Putty and Potty Update
First, an update on our potty "training" efforts and then some pictures from our play this morning with homemade silly putty!
After our first success yesterday, we decided to really try today. Unfortunately, he woke up wet this morning, so we didn't have a chance to try then. Then he pooped during breakfast, so that was another opportunity missed. But a little while later, I was in our bathroom with him getting ready to run errands, and he reached to play with the flusher on our toilet. I reminded him that he couldn't play with the potty unless he made a deposit and asked if he wanted to try to use his potty. He grinned and ran to the bathroom. I took his diaper off (he'd pitched a tantrum earlier wanting to wear Baby Legs instead of pants, so that actually made things easier), sat him on the potty, and he immediately started peeing! He beamed with pride and was so excited to flush it down! He asked to go again a few hours later, but we were downstairs and couldn't get there in time. We tried a final time before I had to go to class before his afternoon nap. He sat on the potty for about 10 minutes, playing with the toilet paper dispenser and tearing little pieces up and dropping them in between his legs. Apparently he'd put so much in that it dampened the sound because all of a sudden he started clapping and shouting "Yay!!!" I looked in, and sure enough, he'd peed without me even realizing it! When our sitter came, I filled her in on recent developments, and she agreed to work with him while I'm gone. He woke up from his nap wet, but later this afternoon, he took off running to the bathroom, so she put him on, and he peed immediately again! He asked once more this evening, but we were downstairs and didn't make it in time, and then we tried again before bed, but he didn't have to go.
SO he peed on the potty 4 times in about 24 hours! And would have made it several other times if we had been quicker to get him there (we might just need to invest in another reducing ring for the downstairs if we're really going to take this seriously). I'm so proud of him and still can't believe he's interested and having success so young! Who knows if it will last, but it's fun in the meantime.
OK, so in non-potty news, Ethan and I have been having fun with some silly putty we made Sunday afternoon. It's technically more like Gak than silly putty, but whatever you want to call it, it's pretty neat and really simple to make. Ethan isn't quite sure what to make of the texture. He's not a huge fan of playdough yet, either, so I guess this is a similar issue. He does like watching me blow bubbles in it with a straw, though, and this morning we decided to put in on the light table for further exploration. After poking at it a little, Ethan decided the best thing to do was put beads and letters into it. So that's what we did!
This was right after our first potty success of the morning so he's still pantsless at this point. Then we decided to expand the mirror station for a better look:
He had less fun removing the objects from the putty during clean-up, so I took over that job while he nursed in my lap. It's definitely a fun addition to our play, and I'm excited about more homemade material possibilities!
After our first success yesterday, we decided to really try today. Unfortunately, he woke up wet this morning, so we didn't have a chance to try then. Then he pooped during breakfast, so that was another opportunity missed. But a little while later, I was in our bathroom with him getting ready to run errands, and he reached to play with the flusher on our toilet. I reminded him that he couldn't play with the potty unless he made a deposit and asked if he wanted to try to use his potty. He grinned and ran to the bathroom. I took his diaper off (he'd pitched a tantrum earlier wanting to wear Baby Legs instead of pants, so that actually made things easier), sat him on the potty, and he immediately started peeing! He beamed with pride and was so excited to flush it down! He asked to go again a few hours later, but we were downstairs and couldn't get there in time. We tried a final time before I had to go to class before his afternoon nap. He sat on the potty for about 10 minutes, playing with the toilet paper dispenser and tearing little pieces up and dropping them in between his legs. Apparently he'd put so much in that it dampened the sound because all of a sudden he started clapping and shouting "Yay!!!" I looked in, and sure enough, he'd peed without me even realizing it! When our sitter came, I filled her in on recent developments, and she agreed to work with him while I'm gone. He woke up from his nap wet, but later this afternoon, he took off running to the bathroom, so she put him on, and he peed immediately again! He asked once more this evening, but we were downstairs and didn't make it in time, and then we tried again before bed, but he didn't have to go.
SO he peed on the potty 4 times in about 24 hours! And would have made it several other times if we had been quicker to get him there (we might just need to invest in another reducing ring for the downstairs if we're really going to take this seriously). I'm so proud of him and still can't believe he's interested and having success so young! Who knows if it will last, but it's fun in the meantime.
OK, so in non-potty news, Ethan and I have been having fun with some silly putty we made Sunday afternoon. It's technically more like Gak than silly putty, but whatever you want to call it, it's pretty neat and really simple to make. Ethan isn't quite sure what to make of the texture. He's not a huge fan of playdough yet, either, so I guess this is a similar issue. He does like watching me blow bubbles in it with a straw, though, and this morning we decided to put in on the light table for further exploration. After poking at it a little, Ethan decided the best thing to do was put beads and letters into it. So that's what we did!
This was right after our first potty success of the morning so he's still pantsless at this point. Then we decided to expand the mirror station for a better look:
He had less fun removing the objects from the putty during clean-up, so I took over that job while he nursed in my lap. It's definitely a fun addition to our play, and I'm excited about more homemade material possibilities!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Potty Time!
This afternoon, at just 17 months, Ethan peed on the potty.
I hadn't planned on potty training Ethan until he was 2.5-3. I knew boys often trained MUCH later than girls, and since he didn't have an older sibling to emulate, I didn't expect it to happen any earlier. But for the past several weeks, every time he needs to be changed, he will point to his diaper and say "dapa," which is a sign of readiness I was happy to ignore. For even longer, he's been waking up dry after naps and often even overnight, which is another sign of readiness. Then in the past couple of weeks, he's been all about trying to play in the toilet. It's a race to keep him from sticking his hands in once he starts heading in that direction, and he could often be found attempting to swirl the toilet brush into the bowl. Our new sitter had been pointing out that he definitely seemed ready, but I just said I wasn't ready!
Then on Friday, Ethan asked to use the potty. He touched his diaper and ran to his bathroom, pointing at the toilet and saying "potty!" In disbelief, I asked if he wanted to sit on the potty. He nodded and again said, "Potty!" Figuring I had nothing to lose, I began taking his pants and diaper off. Just in time for him to finish peeing. In other words, if I hadn't wasted so much time trying to figure out whether or not he was interested, he probably would have peed on the potty then. Later that day, he did it again, and I got tripped up getting his pants and diaper off, just missing the opportunity. It appeared Ethan had decided it was time to start potty training, whether we were ready or not.
So on Saturday, we went and got a toilet reducing ring. Ethan was immediately interested in it and loved sitting on the toilet without help. We'd planned to try him on the potty after his nap, but he woke up with a poopy diaper. We were out all evening with my parents so we planned to try again in the morning. Only to have another poopy diaper. We were out all morning with my parents again, so our next opportunity was after his nap today. He woke up and pointed to his diaper, saying "dapa!" I asked if he wanted to try using the potty. He broke out into a grin and ran into the bathroom. I took his (dry) diaper off and sat him on the seat. And he began to pee. I clapped and said "Yay!," and he broke out into a HUGE grin before clapping and yay-ing for himself. I kept him on the potty for a while longer to see if there was anything else. Then it happened. He passed gas. And he burst out laughing. He did it another 3-4 times in the course of the next few minutes, giggling maniacally each time. Once I became convinced he wasn't going to poop, I put him back in the diaper, and he ran back to his nursery, victorious.
Later this afternoon, we were playing downstairs, and he stopped, looked at me, and said "Potty?" I asked if he needed to use the potty, and he ran for the stairs. Unfortunately, he got distracted by the prospect of playing with the gate, then threw a tantrum when I carried him upstairs instead of letting him play with it, and by the time I got his pants and diaper off, I was greeted with another freshly wet diaper. Oh well. We'll get there. Or not. If he decides tomorrow he's not interested, we'll happily wait another year or so before trying again. I'm in no hurry to start formal training, complete with rewards and punishments, but I'll happily continue to follow his lead if he continues to show interest. Wish us luck! Who knows, we may be out of diapers by 2!
I hadn't planned on potty training Ethan until he was 2.5-3. I knew boys often trained MUCH later than girls, and since he didn't have an older sibling to emulate, I didn't expect it to happen any earlier. But for the past several weeks, every time he needs to be changed, he will point to his diaper and say "dapa," which is a sign of readiness I was happy to ignore. For even longer, he's been waking up dry after naps and often even overnight, which is another sign of readiness. Then in the past couple of weeks, he's been all about trying to play in the toilet. It's a race to keep him from sticking his hands in once he starts heading in that direction, and he could often be found attempting to swirl the toilet brush into the bowl. Our new sitter had been pointing out that he definitely seemed ready, but I just said I wasn't ready!
Then on Friday, Ethan asked to use the potty. He touched his diaper and ran to his bathroom, pointing at the toilet and saying "potty!" In disbelief, I asked if he wanted to sit on the potty. He nodded and again said, "Potty!" Figuring I had nothing to lose, I began taking his pants and diaper off. Just in time for him to finish peeing. In other words, if I hadn't wasted so much time trying to figure out whether or not he was interested, he probably would have peed on the potty then. Later that day, he did it again, and I got tripped up getting his pants and diaper off, just missing the opportunity. It appeared Ethan had decided it was time to start potty training, whether we were ready or not.
So on Saturday, we went and got a toilet reducing ring. Ethan was immediately interested in it and loved sitting on the toilet without help. We'd planned to try him on the potty after his nap, but he woke up with a poopy diaper. We were out all evening with my parents so we planned to try again in the morning. Only to have another poopy diaper. We were out all morning with my parents again, so our next opportunity was after his nap today. He woke up and pointed to his diaper, saying "dapa!" I asked if he wanted to try using the potty. He broke out into a grin and ran into the bathroom. I took his (dry) diaper off and sat him on the seat. And he began to pee. I clapped and said "Yay!," and he broke out into a HUGE grin before clapping and yay-ing for himself. I kept him on the potty for a while longer to see if there was anything else. Then it happened. He passed gas. And he burst out laughing. He did it another 3-4 times in the course of the next few minutes, giggling maniacally each time. Once I became convinced he wasn't going to poop, I put him back in the diaper, and he ran back to his nursery, victorious.
Later this afternoon, we were playing downstairs, and he stopped, looked at me, and said "Potty?" I asked if he needed to use the potty, and he ran for the stairs. Unfortunately, he got distracted by the prospect of playing with the gate, then threw a tantrum when I carried him upstairs instead of letting him play with it, and by the time I got his pants and diaper off, I was greeted with another freshly wet diaper. Oh well. We'll get there. Or not. If he decides tomorrow he's not interested, we'll happily wait another year or so before trying again. I'm in no hurry to start formal training, complete with rewards and punishments, but I'll happily continue to follow his lead if he continues to show interest. Wish us luck! Who knows, we may be out of diapers by 2!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sick Toddler: A Vent and Summary
Let me start out this update on Ethan's illness with some background:
Since I started back in class last September, our play date calendar has gone from 2-5 a week to 2-5 a semester. The reasons for this are twofold: 1) Between my class schedule and when Ethan was still taking two naps, there just weren't many opportunities; and 2) Toddlers are Petri dishes, and when Ethan gets sick, I miss class I can ill-afford to miss. Even with our semi-reclusive behavior last semester, I missed several classes taking care of a sick toddler, so I'm not going to add to his exposure unnecessarily. The main exception to this rule is Le Leche League, but even that has a stipulation. I always go to the monthly meeting that's just at our church and usually consists of the 3-4 regulars I've gotten to know over the past 20 months. However, I rarely go to the supplementary meetings two weeks later because they're usually at public kids centers and thus teeming with germs and other kids (I know I sound a bit Howard-Hughes-esque at this point, but it's seriously just about not having to miss class unnecessarily and getting more behind than I usually am).
This past month, I decided to make an exception since the supplementary meeting was just at one of the member's houses, and I only expected 2-3 other moms and kids to come. When I walked in, the host warned me that her daughter was a bit congested, but she was 90% sure it was just teething. Well, one look at the kid, and it's obvious she's sick. So I'm not sure if the mom was just that unaware or just didn't want to cancel the meeting. So I was stuck with a decision: Leave and risk looking like a jerk or stay and risk Ethan getting sick. I decided to brave it and just made sure to wash Ethan's hands 3-4 times in the 1.5 hours we were there. That was on Tuesday morning, and on Friday evening, I was thinking to myself that we'd dodged a bullet with Ethan not getting sick, but I decided not to say anything aloud so I wouldn't jinx it.
Apparently it didn't matter because when Ethan cuddled up to nurse on Saturday morning, it was obvious he was burning up. His fever rose steadily over the day, barely lowering with alternating Advil and Tylenol, and by bedtime, he was up to a new record: 104.2. If he hadn't been acting fairly normally all day, other than some obvious congestion and taking two 2.5 hour naps, I would have panicked, but instead I gave him another dose of medicine and gave him a bath. He splashed happily in the bath, emerged somewhat cooler, and threw a water balloon out the window before bed, so I eventually went to sleep convinced he was OK. Amazingly, he slept all night and awoke without a fever, but by that afternoon, it was back.
His fever came and went on Sunday and Monday before finally breaking for good late Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, the congestion really started to take hold of him, and he started with his first real cough ever. I had hoped Tuesday would be the worst of it, but then Wednesday happened. Even having had three days of fever, Wednesday was the first day Ethan really acted sick, and he was miserable! He was so congested he could barely breathe, and he kept coughing to the point of choking. I didn't even try to put him down for a nap, but even on my chest he began cough-choking awake after just an hour. It was a long, hard day. And I began wondering if this might not be RSV instead of just a simple cold since this was MUCH more severe than any cold he's had in the past. Plus, the incubation period matches that of RSV perfectly.
Thankfully, today has been better. He rallied some last night, and today he's been back in good spirits. He's still congested, but his nose finally stopped actively running this afternoon, and his cough is at least better than yesterday. He even slept a solid 2 hours this afternoon without stirring, a first since he got sick. So I'm very hopeful that he's finally on the mend, just in time for Grandmama and Grandpapa to come tomorrow!
So what have we learned? First of all, if someone is inconsiderate enough to still have a play date when their child is obviously sick, I'm not going to worry about appearing rude by leaving. That may sound harsh, but this entire illness could have been avoided if the play date had been cancelled. Secondly, I'm definitely sticking to my severely-limited-play-dates-during-school rule because, while I thankfully didn't miss any class since it was spring break, I would have missed a week with this illness alone. As it was, I was unable to catch up on any of the work I'd hoped to do this week since Ethan required all of my attention, even during naps.
I'm grateful that this is probably the sickest Ethan has ever been, but no one likes to see their child with a 104+ degree temperature. On the bright side, I know exactly where he picked up this bug since it has followed the same trajectory as her daughter's illness, so I don't have to feel guilty that I didn't wipe off a booster seat or something and exposed him. I just hope the other toddler at the play date has avoided this illness, and I hope the host learns a lesson about sharing her kids germs!
Since I started back in class last September, our play date calendar has gone from 2-5 a week to 2-5 a semester. The reasons for this are twofold: 1) Between my class schedule and when Ethan was still taking two naps, there just weren't many opportunities; and 2) Toddlers are Petri dishes, and when Ethan gets sick, I miss class I can ill-afford to miss. Even with our semi-reclusive behavior last semester, I missed several classes taking care of a sick toddler, so I'm not going to add to his exposure unnecessarily. The main exception to this rule is Le Leche League, but even that has a stipulation. I always go to the monthly meeting that's just at our church and usually consists of the 3-4 regulars I've gotten to know over the past 20 months. However, I rarely go to the supplementary meetings two weeks later because they're usually at public kids centers and thus teeming with germs and other kids (I know I sound a bit Howard-Hughes-esque at this point, but it's seriously just about not having to miss class unnecessarily and getting more behind than I usually am).
This past month, I decided to make an exception since the supplementary meeting was just at one of the member's houses, and I only expected 2-3 other moms and kids to come. When I walked in, the host warned me that her daughter was a bit congested, but she was 90% sure it was just teething. Well, one look at the kid, and it's obvious she's sick. So I'm not sure if the mom was just that unaware or just didn't want to cancel the meeting. So I was stuck with a decision: Leave and risk looking like a jerk or stay and risk Ethan getting sick. I decided to brave it and just made sure to wash Ethan's hands 3-4 times in the 1.5 hours we were there. That was on Tuesday morning, and on Friday evening, I was thinking to myself that we'd dodged a bullet with Ethan not getting sick, but I decided not to say anything aloud so I wouldn't jinx it.
Apparently it didn't matter because when Ethan cuddled up to nurse on Saturday morning, it was obvious he was burning up. His fever rose steadily over the day, barely lowering with alternating Advil and Tylenol, and by bedtime, he was up to a new record: 104.2. If he hadn't been acting fairly normally all day, other than some obvious congestion and taking two 2.5 hour naps, I would have panicked, but instead I gave him another dose of medicine and gave him a bath. He splashed happily in the bath, emerged somewhat cooler, and threw a water balloon out the window before bed, so I eventually went to sleep convinced he was OK. Amazingly, he slept all night and awoke without a fever, but by that afternoon, it was back.
His fever came and went on Sunday and Monday before finally breaking for good late Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, the congestion really started to take hold of him, and he started with his first real cough ever. I had hoped Tuesday would be the worst of it, but then Wednesday happened. Even having had three days of fever, Wednesday was the first day Ethan really acted sick, and he was miserable! He was so congested he could barely breathe, and he kept coughing to the point of choking. I didn't even try to put him down for a nap, but even on my chest he began cough-choking awake after just an hour. It was a long, hard day. And I began wondering if this might not be RSV instead of just a simple cold since this was MUCH more severe than any cold he's had in the past. Plus, the incubation period matches that of RSV perfectly.
Thankfully, today has been better. He rallied some last night, and today he's been back in good spirits. He's still congested, but his nose finally stopped actively running this afternoon, and his cough is at least better than yesterday. He even slept a solid 2 hours this afternoon without stirring, a first since he got sick. So I'm very hopeful that he's finally on the mend, just in time for Grandmama and Grandpapa to come tomorrow!
So what have we learned? First of all, if someone is inconsiderate enough to still have a play date when their child is obviously sick, I'm not going to worry about appearing rude by leaving. That may sound harsh, but this entire illness could have been avoided if the play date had been cancelled. Secondly, I'm definitely sticking to my severely-limited-play-dates-during-school rule because, while I thankfully didn't miss any class since it was spring break, I would have missed a week with this illness alone. As it was, I was unable to catch up on any of the work I'd hoped to do this week since Ethan required all of my attention, even during naps.
I'm grateful that this is probably the sickest Ethan has ever been, but no one likes to see their child with a 104+ degree temperature. On the bright side, I know exactly where he picked up this bug since it has followed the same trajectory as her daughter's illness, so I don't have to feel guilty that I didn't wipe off a booster seat or something and exposed him. I just hope the other toddler at the play date has avoided this illness, and I hope the host learns a lesson about sharing her kids germs!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Expanding my DIY abilities...
If you've been looking at recent pictures, you've probably noticed that Ethan is in need of a haircut. Badly. I had contemplated going to get his hair cut this past weekend, but then he woke up burning up on Saturday and by that evening was up to 104.2 degrees, so, since I have a policy of not exposing anyone unnecessarily to my kid's germs, those plans were dashed. ((More on his illness in a future post when I have more time... he's fine; it's just a bad cold)) On Sunday afternoon, he was still feverish but finally had an appetite so I was feeding him lunch. And he kept getting bothered by his hair falling into his eyes. So I finally had had enough and went and got the cuticle scissors we use to trim his nails. ::snip snip snip:: Problem solved. Except that only fixed the front, making his heap of hair elsewhere even more noticeable. Hmmm...
I had always planned on cutting Ethan's hair myself. I just always chickened out and never got around to buying any good scissors. But I resolved to finish the job this time. So last night, while Ethan splashed in the bath, I got to work. It's not perfect, partially because his hair can never make up its mind about how it wants to part so the front ends up uneven half the time, but for a first-time attempt, going solely off of what I've seen barbers do, I think it's pretty decent. And his hair is no longer in his eyes or down to his shirt collar. I definitely need to invest in a good pair of scissors, though, so I can cut more evenly! Judge for yourself:
Before and after shots:
Side view:
Mommy-cut-my-hair!!! face:
I had always planned on cutting Ethan's hair myself. I just always chickened out and never got around to buying any good scissors. But I resolved to finish the job this time. So last night, while Ethan splashed in the bath, I got to work. It's not perfect, partially because his hair can never make up its mind about how it wants to part so the front ends up uneven half the time, but for a first-time attempt, going solely off of what I've seen barbers do, I think it's pretty decent. And his hair is no longer in his eyes or down to his shirt collar. I definitely need to invest in a good pair of scissors, though, so I can cut more evenly! Judge for yourself:
Before and after shots:
Side view:
Mommy-cut-my-hair!!! face:
Friday, March 2, 2012
Christmas in March
So, from the title, you might think I'm FINALLY getting around to posting about Christmas 2011 and our trip to Atlanta. Yeah, I'm thinking that's probably just not going to happen (not to mention the grandparent visits earlier in December). So let's just scratch those off the "upcoming posts" list.
If you know me, you probably know I hate spending money. My husband doesn't get it. I'm constantly saying "But do I/you/we really need that?" to which he always responds, "What is it with you and this concept of "need"?" Once I decide I want something, I research. I drag my feet. I put things in shopping carts. And I usually either decide against buying it or put it on a Christmas/birthday wish list in hopes that someone will decide to get it for me. As a result, I have a lot of things "Saved for Later" in my Amazon.com shopping cart, including a Book of Common Prayer that has been in it for at least 3 years.
So when I discovered DiscountSchoolSupplies.com, I knew I was in trouble. Here is an entire website with cool things for Ethan to play with and use, AND they're cheaper than I would find elsewhere. I spent several days just looking around. Then I finally began narrowing down what I actually wanted (or at least what I wanted first). Then I made a shopping cart. Then I let it sit. For an entire week. Debating whether I really wanted to spend $80 (you have to spend $79 for free shipping, and their shipping isn't cheap!). But this time, I actually clicked "Checkout" on Wednesday morning. And this afternoon, two packages arrived on our doorstep. And oh what fun we've had!!!
We got:
- Color paddles for learning colors and combinations (GREAT for the light table -- this includes 3 sets so we have one for play and two to give away to friends/donate to the church's preschool)
- Translucent letter jewels (also great for the light table)
- Window blocks for building and putting on the light table
- Mirror trays for making a DIY mirror exploration station (plus we have two left over for play)
- 3 big bottles of colored sand for sensory play, mirror play, light table, crafts, etc.
When Ethan woke up from his nap, he was quite excited about all of his new loot. He immediately gravitated to the color paddles. He clutched them while he nursed, holding them up to look through and laughing as he made Mommy turn green and red. While I got to work constructing the mirror station with four of the mirrors, Ethan poured the letter jewels onto his light table and began exploring. Just before I had to start fixing dinner, he turned to the window blocks I'd spread out on the train table and began building. We didn't break open the sand today, but if he enjoys it half as much as he has the rest of the order, I think this was money well spent!
In the midst of our light table play. I'd already cleaned up the letter jewels (though we later got them back out). I put the four triangular window blocks on the light table to show him how they worked. He got down the plastic jewels and poured them inside the blocks! This is also the mirror exploration station folded up for storage (when it's expanded, it goes on the sides as well). And Ethan is also wearing most of the Mardi Gras beads, which almost always come out whenever we're upstairs.
Watching himself in the mirror as he takes the beads off and puts them back on.
Very proud.
Meanwhile, I had fun building with the window blocks on the extra mirrors. You can also see the other four color paddles and some sensory balloons I made Ethan yesterday (they're each filled with different substances for him to explore: water, corn syrup, flour, rice, and beans).
"Artsy" shot of the letter jewels and his putting the plastic jewels in the triangular window blocks on the light table
Taking a break to enjoy some snack while still exploring the color paddles
Silly boy!
Building
Christmas in March is fun!!!
If you know me, you probably know I hate spending money. My husband doesn't get it. I'm constantly saying "But do I/you/we really need that?" to which he always responds, "What is it with you and this concept of "need"?" Once I decide I want something, I research. I drag my feet. I put things in shopping carts. And I usually either decide against buying it or put it on a Christmas/birthday wish list in hopes that someone will decide to get it for me. As a result, I have a lot of things "Saved for Later" in my Amazon.com shopping cart, including a Book of Common Prayer that has been in it for at least 3 years.
So when I discovered DiscountSchoolSupplies.com, I knew I was in trouble. Here is an entire website with cool things for Ethan to play with and use, AND they're cheaper than I would find elsewhere. I spent several days just looking around. Then I finally began narrowing down what I actually wanted (or at least what I wanted first). Then I made a shopping cart. Then I let it sit. For an entire week. Debating whether I really wanted to spend $80 (you have to spend $79 for free shipping, and their shipping isn't cheap!). But this time, I actually clicked "Checkout" on Wednesday morning. And this afternoon, two packages arrived on our doorstep. And oh what fun we've had!!!
We got:
- Color paddles for learning colors and combinations (GREAT for the light table -- this includes 3 sets so we have one for play and two to give away to friends/donate to the church's preschool)
- Translucent letter jewels (also great for the light table)
- Window blocks for building and putting on the light table
- Mirror trays for making a DIY mirror exploration station (plus we have two left over for play)
- 3 big bottles of colored sand for sensory play, mirror play, light table, crafts, etc.
When Ethan woke up from his nap, he was quite excited about all of his new loot. He immediately gravitated to the color paddles. He clutched them while he nursed, holding them up to look through and laughing as he made Mommy turn green and red. While I got to work constructing the mirror station with four of the mirrors, Ethan poured the letter jewels onto his light table and began exploring. Just before I had to start fixing dinner, he turned to the window blocks I'd spread out on the train table and began building. We didn't break open the sand today, but if he enjoys it half as much as he has the rest of the order, I think this was money well spent!
In the midst of our light table play. I'd already cleaned up the letter jewels (though we later got them back out). I put the four triangular window blocks on the light table to show him how they worked. He got down the plastic jewels and poured them inside the blocks! This is also the mirror exploration station folded up for storage (when it's expanded, it goes on the sides as well). And Ethan is also wearing most of the Mardi Gras beads, which almost always come out whenever we're upstairs.
Watching himself in the mirror as he takes the beads off and puts them back on.
Very proud.
Meanwhile, I had fun building with the window blocks on the extra mirrors. You can also see the other four color paddles and some sensory balloons I made Ethan yesterday (they're each filled with different substances for him to explore: water, corn syrup, flour, rice, and beans).
"Artsy" shot of the letter jewels and his putting the plastic jewels in the triangular window blocks on the light table
Taking a break to enjoy some snack while still exploring the color paddles
Silly boy!
Building
Christmas in March is fun!!!
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