Tackling Toddlers? Bouncing Babies? Parent's, check in Here!

Well, we had our first trip to Urgent Care last night.....

Andrea is in this almost mobile stage, and she was playing on the couch when she dropped a toy off the edge. Before Barb could stop her she lunged after the toy and went face first to the floor. She bloodied her nose pretty badly and by the time I made it home she was quite swollen. We took her to get checked out and after a thorough exam and xrays it was determined there wasn't anything seriously wrong. Now she is living the Motrin high life until the swelling goes down and its not so painful...poor thing!

-Chris

Chris - Poor Andrea ! I hope that she feels better soon. That first big tumble just breaks your heart doesn't it?

Well, here is a link to the kids dancing at my sister's wedding. I just wish Brian had kept the camera going for about 2 seconds more so we could see the aftermath. But I would have turned it off and run to save my kids too!

Dancing video

Chris, sorry about Andrea's fall. I hope that she feels better soon!

Tracy, I live in upstate NY if you feel like stopping by with your trash!

Jackie, I am going to go look at the video now!

I am procratinating I should be studying for my micro test but this is more fun and exciting!

Kathryn

Jackie---That is so funny!!! Ansley keeps saying, "Mommy, let's see it again!!" She loves other kids!

Kathryn--We're a little more than a hop, skip, and jump away from one another. I live in GA!!! Never been to NY....don't think I need the first time to be to bring my junk to your dumpster!!

Chris--Glad to hear the Andrea is okay....minus the soreness. I'm sure that made both of you feel horrible for her. I still get teary when Ansley skins her knee.... Give her kisses from us.
Tracy

I think that the gas it would probably cost you to get to my dumpster would more than cover the price of your own dumpster!

I should be studying but I am not. Both the kids were at Grandma's today and they did not take naps so they are both asleep (for now knock on wood!).

Kathryn, start studying! Just kidding...I'm a huge procrastinator myself.

Chris, I'm glad Andrea isn't too bad off. Poor thing...I know the first time both of mine took a tumble like that (minus the swollen nose) I felt horrible...hope she's feeling better soon.

Jackie...I love it! That is too cute!

Well, I'm finally off to bed. A friend came down today and it was a much needed adult time...I feel kind of bad as I just let the kids do whatever they wanted until they were ready for bed, but I really needed that time...I feel ready for tomorrow now!

Kristyn

Where is everybody today?

I went to class then I studied and then I got the girls and gave them dinner. I am waiting for them to go to bed so I can study again.

I am such a bad procrastinator!

Kathryn

Go Study!!!!!

Chris~ sorry hear hear about Andrea's tumble. Glad she is ok.

Well I think hell froze over! Scott cleaned out the garage and I didn't even have to nag him to do it!! You don't understand what a miracle this is! Well that is all the excitement in my day.

Okay I have been studying for the last 2 hours, and now I am taking a break.

Thanks for the good kick in the butt!

If you guys want to read something beautiful go to:

http://www.shareyourstory.org/webx/Share%20Home/Community%20Center/The%20Share%20Community%20Blog/

So cute!

Okay I know I am replying to myself but....

I have been horrible about uploading pictures to my computer. My Mom sent me a picture of Emma and my Grandfather so I thought I would share it with you all.

It shows a picture of the youngest and the oldest people in my family,

What a cute "Daddy Tribute"!! May I add my hubby to the list with this short little bit? He sat by my bedside for 6 weeks while I was in the hospital. Never leaving to go home for a "real shower" or to sleep in his own bed, but cramped in those tiny hospital reclining chairs. After the girls were born, we faced the fact that one was 45 mins. away while the other was down the hall. The following morning, we received a call saying that our Taylor Rose was not going to make it, at which time Daddy jumped up and drove as quickly as possible to her hospital only to find out that she was already gone. He then returned to break the news to me, and insisted on my going to see our other child. On her road to recovery, he was both the backbone for me and the rock for Ansley. He's protected her with all of his love and strength, and for that---I AM SO THANKFUL!!
Tracy

Tracy,

What a great guy!!!!

Okay I am a loser tonight but here is a poll about how you learned about share your story.

http://www.shareyourstory.org/webx/.ef40bfe

Ah! I was quoted...that was from a LONG time ago too!!

Well, here is a picture of the battle scars from the other night. The swelling has gone down now and she hardly seems to care anymore...I guess that's a good thing!

-Chris

Chris, I hope Andrea is okay. It's so scary when they fall....and then bleed. I have a friend who's husband fell asleep sitting up on the couch with their baby. the baby tumbled to the ground once he got into deep sleep....the baby was 2 weeks old. VERY scary!

Kathryn, I took 3 semesters of microbiology in college. It was interesting at first....but trying to remember what organisms reacts with what, etc. was tough. I wish you the best!

Those daddy quotes are soooo sweet!!

Can I vent for a minute?? I am not sure why I am feeling this way today. My SIL's water broke last night. It's their 3rd child, their first girl. I, for some reason, just cannot be happy for them. Maybe it's b/c one of my children died and my ILs don't seem to care? When visiting Braeden in the NICU the day he was born, my SIL said, "At least you have a boy and a girl now. I have 2 boys....I may never get to have a girl." (I'd give my arms to have 2 healthy girls, if it meant that my baby wasn't going to die.) Maybe I have squashed feelings of dislike b/c of that statement? Maybe I am angry b/c she drank through all of her pregnancies and her children are FINE....while I was in the best shape of my life and very healthy during my second pregnancy? My ILs debate the fact that we have 3 children. They claim that we only have 2, because my son died he doesn't count. Maybe that's why? I guess that I am jealous that, despite her drinking during her pregnancies, she has all 3 of her children. Maybe I am having an 'off' day..... I am sorry for venting....I don't know who else to turn to....I am hoping that someone understands how I feel.

(For those of you that have lost a child, when people ask how many children you have....what do you say?)
I am going for a walk...I need to clear my head.

Elle

Elle~ I am so sorry you are having these problems with your inlaws. You have three children! Just because one lives in your heart and not in your house doesn't mean your child doesn't exsist. I hate how cruel and insensitive people can be.

Nothing exciting here. We are heading for the beach. Be back later.

Elle~ You have 3 children! When people ask me, I tell them that I have twin daughters. Ansley is here on earth with me, and Taylor waits on me in Heaven. There has never been anyone who would question me about whether Taylor is my child or not so....I tell the world about my beautiful little girl!! You should not be asked to not talk about or consider your child as a part of your family. From the first heartbeat....that's your child....no matter how far in the pregnancy you get. I hope things get better for you and your relationship with your family, but believe me...I understand your frustration with the "different lifestyles" having healthy babies while "healthy lifestyles" are losing ours.
Tracy

Elle, you for sure have 3 children! Just because you lost one does not mean that he does not count. I am sorry that you IL's are so insensitive.

Thinking of you

Kathryn

The dad's tribute reminds me of a story my mom always tells. After I was admitted to the hospital w/ Drew, my husband was scared and confused. We had never even thought about PTL or birth, we had no reason to. Him and my mom went outside and my mom says that he looked at her with tears in his eyes and asked, "Could something bad happen to Kayla, could she die?" I guess he had listened to Tim McGraw's "Don't Take the Girl" too many times. My mom assured him that I was in good hands.

After Drew was born, he was a regular in the NICU. The nurses LOVED him. He was always making them laugh and we have tons of pics that they took of him and Drew. I couldn't have gone through my preemie experiences w/o him.

Elle~I'm sorry that you're having a sad day and I'm sorry that your family is being so insensitive to you. You definitely have 3 children!!! Keep letting them know how you feel.

Chris~Ouch!!

Desiree~I love the pics of the kids at the beach. Drew looked at Nia's pic and said, "Is that me?" She said that Nia was her and Devin was Austyn.

Kathryn~Emma is soooooooo cute. I can't believe how big she has gotten. Studying stinks...I am so glad that I am on summer break. I'm a nerd...I sort of liked micro, it makes me feel smart to know about all of the bacteria and microorganisms. It was hard though. Good luck on your test.

Tracy~Your husband sounds wonderful. And I love Ansley's name, it is so cute.

It's time for me to go pick up Drew from daycare. I love Tuesdays and Thursdays. I drop her off at 8:00 am and get a break until 3:00 in the afternoon. I love her to death, but it's so nice to not have to watch Dora all day or listen to her whine b/c I didn't give her very many animal crackers. Yesterday she took a black magic marker and colored her arms and hands and while playing in my car, instead of telling me that she had to use the potty, she peed all over my carseat. The day before she broke the end off of a pen and got ink all over my coffee table.

Kayla

Thanks for not making me feel absolutely crazy when I include my son as a part of our family. I guess that I just miss my son and all those feelings of loss came rushing back. Well, my new niece is here. She was born just before noon and weighed 8-4. They say everything went well! Gotta go....on my way to the hospital to meet her.

Thanks again for your support!
Elle

Elle, congrats on your niece!

Kayla, I am sorry but I laughed at your story about Drew. I got an A on my test. But it does not help me to like it any better. I loved A&P but for some reason micro is just not interesting to me.

Kayla - it's so "funny" but my friend, Stef, was VERY sick - touch and go after her triplets were born. The babie were fine - but she was in the ICU - her husband heard that song on the way home and I guess had to pull over because he was so upset! I know it's not funny - but to hear him tell it, while we were at their house where they both happily live - it was a bit amusing to see him do an "impression" of his reaction!

Are anyone's kids MEAN?? I swear - the boys are biting, hitting, generally being MEAN to each other. I mean they are just *terrible* to each other. They really get along well with other kids, they are always a "favorite" in day care settings (church, etc.) and are "popular" at school with their peers - but my goodness, they are HORRIBLE to each other!!! I keep telling them that their brothers will be around forever - but they don't listen?!

Take care, girls!
Kara

Hey All!

I had a lot to catch up on. I hope all of you are doing well.

Elle, I'm sorry you were having a sad day...I hope you are feeling better and I can relate with the healthy vs. non-healthy lifestyle feeling. And I agree with everyone else...you have 3 children!

Chris OW! I bet that hurt, but they are super tough little bugers aren't they? I like your quote!

Kathryn, congrats on the studying...you're a trooper. I don't know how you do it.

Des, I'm so jealous you're always off to the beach!

Well, I've gotta go get stuff done.

Night,
Kris

Oh Kara,
I am sorry about the boys being so mean to each other. Having siblings can be really tough sometimes.
I know growing up with my sister wasn't always easy!! We are 7 years apart in age though, so that made a BIG difference.
Don't get me wrong now that we are all "grown up" I'm so glad to have her in my life, but as kids you don't want anything to do with each other at at times.

Funny, you bring this up though, I was looking into sibling rivalry for a course I am taking for licensing. I have to have so many hours of childcare courses to hold a business license. This is what I came across. Hopes this helps. Good luck!!

When rivalry is present, here are the four common issues that kids are really fighting about:

1. Getting a parent’s attention. This is the most common issue that spurs sibling fighting.

2. Jealousy. One sibling may be jealous of the other (what the other one has, how the other one looks, or how well the other one does in school).

3. Teasing. Sibling fighting may take the form of teasing. By doing this, they test the limits of what’s socially acceptable. In the family, kids can test what they can say by judging what kind of pain it causes. Though children may learn important lessons about how to interact with other people, there are other ways to learn that are less hurtful.

4. Expressing competition. We live in a competitive society and sibling rivalry is an extension of that. It’s a way for kids to compete with each other and learn how to manage their own competitive behavior.

What Can Parents Do?

Here’s a list of helpful interventions that parents can use to reduce or stop sibling rivalry:

· Don't pay attention to the fight; stay out of it. If they are fighting for your attention and you don't get involved, they will learn other, hopefully better ways to get your attention.

· Don’t take sides, don't be the judge. When they’re fighting, tell the kids, “I want you two to work this out,” and walk away. Don’t get involved in the fight.

· Offer problem-solving strategies when the children are not fighting. It may be necessary to work with each child individually, but be really careful that you are not inadvertently playing into the rivalry by giving the desired attention. Offer support without saying whether the child is right or wrong. Ask what the child thinks the fight was about and how he or she might avoid this kind of fight in the future.

· Avoid favoritism. Some researchers believe that perceived favoritism is the greatest cause of sibling rivalry. So avoiding it helps immensely. This can be challenging since parents may favor certain traits in children over other traits. That means, children who have the favored traits become favored. Hint #1: Pay attention to each child and determine what kind of attention is needed. Consider that children are different and need different things at different times. An exact minute for minute accounting of your attention is not essential. Sometimes a child may require some extra time. Hint #2: Give each child his or her own special time with you. During this time, make sure no one else is around to compete for your attention.

· Make clear that ongoing conflict is unacceptable. When the fighting has stopped, say something to the rivals like, “I’m unhappy with the present level of fighting and I want you all to find a way to work this out.” If a fight is just beginning, you may give the rivals a group goal so they can work together for a positive outcome.

· Remain positive. By finding something positive about each of your children on an ongoing basis, you’ll reduce the level of sibling rivalry.

· Teach empathy. Empathy is the opposite of sibling rivalry. The more sensitive siblings are to each other’s emotions, the less they’ll challenge each other as rivals.

Sibling rivalry is common in families. It occurs especially in families where kids are close in age. It challenges parents to find solutions, yet resolution can make everyone stronger.

Kara~ I know you didn't post it here, but I was looking at your blog from the other folder's link. Your cat Murphy looks just like our cat SPOT! You know the female, striped, cat----Spot?!? Just thought you'd appreciate the name Ansley chose for our cat knowing what she looks like!

I kind of did a "mini post" of my day in the cafe, but here is where it fits better. The mere title "Tacking Toddlers".....yeah--that's what I wanted to do! My sister, mom, and I went shopping today along with our kids...ages 3 and almost 4. Well, generally if both kids are with us, things are pretty easy b/c they have each other to "play" with in the car, shopping carts, etc. WELL---NOT TODAY!! He was sooo....grumpy!! Nothing suited him, and the whining and arguing was so aggravating. I know his mom (my sister) was ready to string him up, but by the end of the day...we all were!! Even Ansley kept trying to distract him from whatever wasn't suiting his style. Those kind of trips are so exhausting. I'm sure those of you with multiple children and laughing and saying...."Welcome to my world!"
Tracy

Hi everyone,
   Sorry I have no input about siblings. I will though once we have another child! Jajaja. Well, sorry I ahve been MIA lately. I've been super busy wih school, I did stay inmy Pm classes because the other classes are ahead of me so I didn't want to be you know the "new" kid that dosen't know much........ 5 more weeks till Chris's b-day/Baptism party!!! I can't wait! Tomorrow I am going to take him to the pool, he loves it everytime we go he cries when I get him out, and at 7pm I will be going to a get-together with some friends and the kids, I can't wait! Well, gotta go I'm in class. Take care everyone!1
Maria

Colleen - thanks for the AWESOME info! It's so funny - I *know* what I should do... but I swear, every night I put them in the bath they have new bite marks on their backs, legs, arms - and it kills me! I know my brother and I fought - very physically - while growing up and it's a part of growing up and all. I just thought when they were born, "Oh, three boys! Oh how fun... they'll be the best of friends, share toys and clothes.." etc., etc., etc. Not, "Oh no - they're going to beat the heck out of each other!!!!" I try not to take sides and ignore them - but it's hard to listen to their screaming!!

Tracy - we named the cats before the boys were born. They call her "Kitty" or "Murp" (no "h" so no "f" sound ). I'm sure they would have chosen something along those lines!

Kara

Oh Kara, *I* know that you know what you should do with the boys. You are *such* a good Mom to those boys of yours!!
I hope you didn't think that I meant other wise!!
I was just passing on the info that I read to you thinking it interesting, and maybe it would of given you an idea or 2 if you had tried every thing else. Hope that things calm down for you soon.

Take care,
Colleen

Kara~ If your boys are like my sister and I, they'll fight until they get married and/ or leave your house. When they aren't "stuck" together, they'll get along fine. Have you ever thought of life from their perspective??? They've NEVER had a day in their life that they were apart.... I think I'd fight too!
Tracy