It has finally happened. I have been counting down the days to this life-changing event. I wasn't sure it would ever happen. But after a decade and probably $1 million, it's done. I don't change diapers any more!!!!!!!!
Obviously I love diapers. I mean, hello. Disposable diapers are right up there with epidurals as motherhood essentials for me. But man, I have had my fill. And probably a landfill's worth after four kids averaging 3 years in diapers. At one point, I had three kids in diapers. All I did, from sunup to sundown, was change infants and toddlers. Those were some bleak days. And all that kept me going during that time was the hope of this moment. All of my kids are FINALLY house-trained!
Tessa has been my potty training prodigy. I was due for one, believe me. I count potty training as one of the very worst parts of motherhood and I am very bad at it. I kind of put it off on this last one--waiting for after the move, after the illnesses and surgeries, for each and every month of 2012 to stop sucking worst than the last. I believe I was suffering from post-traumatic stress from the last three potty training events (because if there is a fate worse than endless diapers, it is administering an enema to a screaming toddler). Those other three gals took months and months and months. I felt like I was probably the worst potty-trainer out there (especially because, hi, I had done the same gender three times). But I reached a point where I couldn't put it off anymore. I knew I had to bite the bullet and finally face this terrible task. I'm glad I did! It has been SO much better than I expected. Tessa has redeemed my potty coach self-esteem. I count her as fully potty trained after a mere two and half weeks.
Yes, she's three and a half. But she fits my definition of fully potty trained in every way. For me that means that she goes on the regular potty by herself. She can get her clothes off and on by herself. She can wipe and wash her hands with little involvement from me. She goes of her own accord and is a self-starter, if you know what I mean. I have known women who brag about their 18-month-old potty wunderkinds who trained themselves. I think they're lying liars who are working with a different definition than I am. I mean, cleaning out that horrible little potty is WAY worse than diaper changing in my book--especially since I've always had a crawling and curious infant every other time I've done this. Blech. If you can't simply flush and be done, well, you're not done training! And me having to remind the kid every 20 minutes to go sit on the potty whilst cleaning 15 accidents a day is NOT POTTY TRAINED, so please don't pretend that it is. I'm perfectly delighted with my older than average pre-schooler who needed a bit of prodding from me but then took to it like gangbusters. Y'all, she stays dry THROUGH the night and has had only one accident in the last ten days. And it was HER IDEA to sleep in underwear. I didn't have to pry the pull-ups away from her (I am pleased to report that we didn't even USE pull-ups this time). I don't even have to carry around spare clothes anymore. I don't know what I'm going to do with all the space in my purse now that I don't have wipes and diapers to haul around every time I leave the house!
So yes, I am doing a dance of joy over here. There is not even one tablespoon of me that will miss this stage. Yes, babies are cute. But changing their diapers just stinks.
How shall I celebrate?!?!
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*This post was obviously not sponsored by Huggies. But they were my brand of choice. I hope their stock prices don't fall now that our family isn't keeping their company alive. Also that Costco will be okay. While this is a boon for me, I realize I am hurting the economy. And yes, all I did was talk about diapers and enemas and going to the bathroom during this post. I think we've reached an all time low on the blog. BUT I'M STILL SOOOOO HAPPY!!!!! And you can thank me now for not using any pictures or graphics.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday Musings
*As I looked down the pew, I could observe the results of my running out of steam getting everyone ready earlier. One girl had her freshly washed hair in an elaborate braid that wrapped around her head, complete with a bow (Piper). One girl had her hair slicked back into a regular braid, but there was a ribbon cut from a pack of washcloths I bought tied in it (Tessa). Reduce, reuse, recycle! One girl had wet hair with a headband, but product has been applied to encourage curls (Sadie). And finally, the last girl had wet hair with a bobby pin holding her bangs back (Chloe). The bobby pin was golden, but still. I fear this trend of gradually declining hairstyle quality won't change any time soon. But I do vow to make sure I rotate the girl who gets "the works" each Sunday.
*Piper got a new primary teacher. And he's her cousin! We identified a distant progenitor on Carter's father's side of the family in common with this kind man a few weeks back. He shared a pioneer story in a talk and Carter recognized the name. They bonded. The man brought over written family histories to share. I imagine that distant pioneer woman smiling down as one of her progeny teaches the other in the valley she sacrificed so much to reach. How much do I love that my kids have legit pioneer ancestry? So much! I also love that the world is so small in these parts. But sometimes I hate it. Today I love it, though.
*Sunday naps are pretty much the best thing ever.
*The General Relief Society broadcast last night was really, really good. It was completely focused on Jesus Christ and his atonement. I don't think we can hear enough about Jesus Christ and the power his atonement can have in our lives. I was uplifted and encouraged. You can watch or listen to the message here. It's worth it, believe me! I am so impressed with the new RS presidency.
*My poor visiting teacher gave birth eight weeks ago. She just went back to work as a nurse and pulled three shifts this weekend. Her companion had surgery three weeks ago. She brought me amazing homemade cookies (white chocolate chip with toffee bits!) and apologized like mad for not visiting me before. It made me feel so bad that she felt so guilty. I think women who give birth should get at least six months off from visiting teaching guilt. Same with surgical patients. I told her so. And then I ate five of her cookies.
*I cannot believe September is over.
What were you thinking about on this lovely Sunday?
*Piper got a new primary teacher. And he's her cousin! We identified a distant progenitor on Carter's father's side of the family in common with this kind man a few weeks back. He shared a pioneer story in a talk and Carter recognized the name. They bonded. The man brought over written family histories to share. I imagine that distant pioneer woman smiling down as one of her progeny teaches the other in the valley she sacrificed so much to reach. How much do I love that my kids have legit pioneer ancestry? So much! I also love that the world is so small in these parts. But sometimes I hate it. Today I love it, though.
*Sunday naps are pretty much the best thing ever.
*The General Relief Society broadcast last night was really, really good. It was completely focused on Jesus Christ and his atonement. I don't think we can hear enough about Jesus Christ and the power his atonement can have in our lives. I was uplifted and encouraged. You can watch or listen to the message here. It's worth it, believe me! I am so impressed with the new RS presidency.
*My poor visiting teacher gave birth eight weeks ago. She just went back to work as a nurse and pulled three shifts this weekend. Her companion had surgery three weeks ago. She brought me amazing homemade cookies (white chocolate chip with toffee bits!) and apologized like mad for not visiting me before. It made me feel so bad that she felt so guilty. I think women who give birth should get at least six months off from visiting teaching guilt. Same with surgical patients. I told her so. And then I ate five of her cookies.
*I cannot believe September is over.
What were you thinking about on this lovely Sunday?
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Falling for Fall
I absolutely adore Autumn. It's my very favorite season. We've been taking full advantage of the wonders of the season over here.
On Sunday, we took a drive up the canyon with my family. We had a bonfire (my sister channeled her ability of hailing NYC cabs into the ability to hail passing cars and beg for matches--yep, we forgot those!) and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. Glorious!
I also channeled my inner pioneer last week. I went raspberry picking. Twice! Once with friends and once with our family. We ended up with 17 pounds of raspberries.
What do you do with that many raspberries? You make 40 jars of raspberry freezer jam. My incredible new friend, Jennie, held my hand through the whole process. I know, I know. Hell must have frozen over because I participated in canning! I feel like a legitimate Mormon now :)
The girls have also started their dance classes (a fall rite of passage that we've just started). They're so adorable. And they like it so much! They look forward to their classes all week.
And last but not least, I FINALLY organized our homework table. Losing assignments and important papers is thankfully a thing of the past now!
On Sunday, we took a drive up the canyon with my family. We had a bonfire (my sister channeled her ability of hailing NYC cabs into the ability to hail passing cars and beg for matches--yep, we forgot those!) and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. Glorious!
Group effort on the fire. We pride ourselves on the fact that there isn't an Eagle Scout among us! Maybe we shouldn't?!?
Sadie was bound and determined to make fire before we obtained matches.
I also channeled my inner pioneer last week. I went raspberry picking. Twice! Once with friends and once with our family. We ended up with 17 pounds of raspberries.
What do you do with that many raspberries? You make 40 jars of raspberry freezer jam. My incredible new friend, Jennie, held my hand through the whole process. I know, I know. Hell must have frozen over because I participated in canning! I feel like a legitimate Mormon now :)
We made A LOT!
And I still didn't use all the raspberries. Since I never met a baked good I didn't love, I turned the rest of the raspberries into muffins using this wonderful recipe!
The girls have also started their dance classes (a fall rite of passage that we've just started). They're so adorable. And they like it so much! They look forward to their classes all week.
And last but not least, I FINALLY organized our homework table. Losing assignments and important papers is thankfully a thing of the past now!
Before
After
We love Fall! How about you? What are your favorite Fall activities?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Drama, Drama, Drama
The past couple of weeks have been pretty eventful in our little corner of the world. The challenges of settling the girls into a new school/life combined with the challenges of closing up the unfinished business of the old life (read: FINALLY closing on our house) has made for some serious drama. And this happened:
Poor Sadie. She had to have a second surgery to reroute the drainage of her right eye since she is lacking a tear duct. It was miserable and sad for me, so I can only imagine what it was like for her. This was the longest, hardest surgery we've been through. I wish I could erase the screaming and crying in the recovery room from my memory. But we survived.
We're a few weeks out now and she's doing much better. Her eye appears to be pretty much fixed (less watery, no infection, no horrible discharge) now and she's back in school.
I was so busy helping Sadie recover that I let another daughter's problems get out of hand. Multiple emails and a visit with the administration at school has helped us start to solve the issue. There are no easy solutions, but I have been comforted by the willingness of the school to help us help our daughters. That allows me to say with confidence everything is going to be okay.
But wow, parenting is hard.
The end (hopefully to all the drama, definitely to this post).
Sadie in recovery after a Dacryocystorhinostomy on August 21st. Fun stuff.
Poor Sadie. She had to have a second surgery to reroute the drainage of her right eye since she is lacking a tear duct. It was miserable and sad for me, so I can only imagine what it was like for her. This was the longest, hardest surgery we've been through. I wish I could erase the screaming and crying in the recovery room from my memory. But we survived.
This is just before they wheeled her away. I appreciated the bear and blankie they gave her. And the fact they marked which eye they needed to work on VERY PROMINENTLY!
It's so awful to see your baby in pain. Breaks my heart!
She felt lots better after one day! And her eye already seems much better. She'll have the stent in her eye for six months and then undergo another small procedure to remove it. And then, fingers crossed, she'll be fixed! Hooray!
Grandma brought her a new fishy friend to help her feel better. Meet Rainbow!
We're a few weeks out now and she's doing much better. Her eye appears to be pretty much fixed (less watery, no infection, no horrible discharge) now and she's back in school.
I was so busy helping Sadie recover that I let another daughter's problems get out of hand. Multiple emails and a visit with the administration at school has helped us start to solve the issue. There are no easy solutions, but I have been comforted by the willingness of the school to help us help our daughters. That allows me to say with confidence everything is going to be okay.
But wow, parenting is hard.
The end (hopefully to all the drama, definitely to this post).
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Back to School
'Tis the season, eh? This year I got so enthused about the idea of returning to institutions of learning, I decided to head back to my alma mater myself. Yep, that's right. In honor of my ten year anniversary of graduating from college, I decided to go back to BYU to try out Education Week.
For the uninitiated, Education Week at BYU is an adult continuing education program. They have literally 1000 different classes on various topics that you can take for one week in August. I had been feeling rather, uh, intellectually uninspired. So I decided to go ahead and volunteer to be a hostess for the program (they rely on hundreds of volunteers to help with the huge influx of visitors to the university) when I heard about it at church. By doing so, I got a free pass to all the classes. I wasn't sure how it would go. But it ended up being a life-changing experience for me.
Initially, I thought I'd just serve my evening volunteer shifts (after Carter got home from work) and maybe try to catch a class or two when I could. I even considered hiring a sitter for a day. When Carter saw my enthusiasm about this possibility (and considered the difficult summer I'd had), he decided to take the entire week off work. This meant I got to fully immerse myself in the experience. I spent 14+ hours a day on campus for five days, attending class every period possible (I think I missed a total of two sessions the whole week). I darted around, trying to get myself good seats. I ate my lunches in the Marriott Center (the only classes you could eat in) so I could listen to instructors even during meals. (I skipped dinners altogether!) I drank it all in and made the most of it. I took classes on topics ranging from parenting to the Apocrypha to women in the scriptures. After a full day of classes, I would show up for my volunteering shift. I was in charge of 3280 WSC. I had to make sure the speakers had all they needed (water, class schedule, etc). I had to introduce the speaker and arrange prayers. I helped people find seats. I took complaints. I smiled and acted friendly. And then I sat back and listened to the classes during that three hour block. Such a deal!
During the week, I was on my own. I was in charge of my own schedule and my needs were the only ones I was in charge of (well, maybe not during my shifts, but at least I was dealing with mostly reasonable adults!). It was kind of an ideal vacation for me in that I didn't have to travel and could sleep in my own bed at night. I was inspired and challenged. I took over 70 pages of notes! I made some new friends (one older gentleman that served with me in 3280 would greet me with, "And how is The Feminist this evening?" to tease me after I told him my favorite class was Women in the Scriptures and then would regale me with tales about William McClellin from his Joseph Smith Papers class). I loved every second of the experience (even the long lines at the ladies' room). I loved the teachers. I loved the students. I loved being back on campus. I cannot wait to go back next year.
Right after I finished my incredible week of going back to school, it was time to gear up for the girls starting their new school. Chloe decided with Carter during the week that she needed to throw an End of Summer party for her new friends, complete with water balloons and pizza. She made invitations and delivered them. So it was up to us to throw it together that Saturday morning. I was worn out, but happy to oblige. We released the butterflies we had been raising, put on relay races (of both the dress-up and Fill-Er-Up variety), played a highly competitive round of musical chairs, and ate dozens of popsicles.
A very nice way to bid farewell to summer.
And then it was time! Monday was a back to school night affair where we could go to find the classrooms and meet the girls' teachers. My jaw dropped when we walked into Chloe's classroom. I felt the urge to laugh and cry at the same time--it was THAT beautiful and impressive. Her tireless teacher had hand-drawn owls onto balloons that were floating over the desks to deliver a friendly welcome message a la Harry Potter's Hogwarts message. A paper Hogwarts had been erected around the reading corner, and pictures of Narnia and other fictional locales decorated the walls. It was SO inspiring. I felt like re-enrolling in the 4th grade.
The next morning was the big day. Our amazing neighbor threw a wonderful Back to School Breakfast on her front lawn for the whole neighborhood. For the first time, I got to experience the excitement and jitters of moms and students on the first day of school with a community. It made all the difference. I still can't get over the amazing neighborhood we landed in!
We've been re-adjusting to life back in school ever since. There have been plenty of tears, but also plenty of excitement. The girls seem to be settling into their new routine/new life. Whew. Tessa misses her sisters. A lot. But the reunions are so sweet!
The sweetest embrace in the history of the world! Tessa ran to greet Chloe today. So cute!
So, that's how Kell's Belles did Back to School this year. How was your re-entry into academic life?
For the uninitiated, Education Week at BYU is an adult continuing education program. They have literally 1000 different classes on various topics that you can take for one week in August. I had been feeling rather, uh, intellectually uninspired. So I decided to go ahead and volunteer to be a hostess for the program (they rely on hundreds of volunteers to help with the huge influx of visitors to the university) when I heard about it at church. By doing so, I got a free pass to all the classes. I wasn't sure how it would go. But it ended up being a life-changing experience for me.
Initially, I thought I'd just serve my evening volunteer shifts (after Carter got home from work) and maybe try to catch a class or two when I could. I even considered hiring a sitter for a day. When Carter saw my enthusiasm about this possibility (and considered the difficult summer I'd had), he decided to take the entire week off work. This meant I got to fully immerse myself in the experience. I spent 14+ hours a day on campus for five days, attending class every period possible (I think I missed a total of two sessions the whole week). I darted around, trying to get myself good seats. I ate my lunches in the Marriott Center (the only classes you could eat in) so I could listen to instructors even during meals. (I skipped dinners altogether!) I drank it all in and made the most of it. I took classes on topics ranging from parenting to the Apocrypha to women in the scriptures. After a full day of classes, I would show up for my volunteering shift. I was in charge of 3280 WSC. I had to make sure the speakers had all they needed (water, class schedule, etc). I had to introduce the speaker and arrange prayers. I helped people find seats. I took complaints. I smiled and acted friendly. And then I sat back and listened to the classes during that three hour block. Such a deal!
During the week, I was on my own. I was in charge of my own schedule and my needs were the only ones I was in charge of (well, maybe not during my shifts, but at least I was dealing with mostly reasonable adults!). It was kind of an ideal vacation for me in that I didn't have to travel and could sleep in my own bed at night. I was inspired and challenged. I took over 70 pages of notes! I made some new friends (one older gentleman that served with me in 3280 would greet me with, "And how is The Feminist this evening?" to tease me after I told him my favorite class was Women in the Scriptures and then would regale me with tales about William McClellin from his Joseph Smith Papers class). I loved every second of the experience (even the long lines at the ladies' room). I loved the teachers. I loved the students. I loved being back on campus. I cannot wait to go back next year.
Right after I finished my incredible week of going back to school, it was time to gear up for the girls starting their new school. Chloe decided with Carter during the week that she needed to throw an End of Summer party for her new friends, complete with water balloons and pizza. She made invitations and delivered them. So it was up to us to throw it together that Saturday morning. I was worn out, but happy to oblige. We released the butterflies we had been raising, put on relay races (of both the dress-up and Fill-Er-Up variety), played a highly competitive round of musical chairs, and ate dozens of popsicles.
The gang's all here!
A very nice way to bid farewell to summer.
And then it was time! Monday was a back to school night affair where we could go to find the classrooms and meet the girls' teachers. My jaw dropped when we walked into Chloe's classroom. I felt the urge to laugh and cry at the same time--it was THAT beautiful and impressive. Her tireless teacher had hand-drawn owls onto balloons that were floating over the desks to deliver a friendly welcome message a la Harry Potter's Hogwarts message. A paper Hogwarts had been erected around the reading corner, and pictures of Narnia and other fictional locales decorated the walls. It was SO inspiring. I felt like re-enrolling in the 4th grade.
The next morning was the big day. Our amazing neighbor threw a wonderful Back to School Breakfast on her front lawn for the whole neighborhood. For the first time, I got to experience the excitement and jitters of moms and students on the first day of school with a community. It made all the difference. I still can't get over the amazing neighborhood we landed in!
We've been re-adjusting to life back in school ever since. There have been plenty of tears, but also plenty of excitement. The girls seem to be settling into their new routine/new life. Whew. Tessa misses her sisters. A lot. But the reunions are so sweet!
On her own with mama!
School girls!
So, that's how Kell's Belles did Back to School this year. How was your re-entry into academic life?
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Summer Is Greater Than Its Parts . . .
Summer is quickly drawing to a close. I would be lying if I said I wasn't relieved. It's been a tough one. We moved and had to settle into a new town, which is always hard. But we managed to have some fun despite that monumental challenge. Here are some of the highlights:
We chilled by the pool for the 4th of July . . .
And enjoyed cotton candy and face painting at a street fair . . .
We hosted a princess tea party for our new friends in the neighborhood . . .
We went to a couple of tiki parties . . .
And had lots of fun when my sister-in-law's family came to town . . .
We relished the flavors at A Taste of the Valley 2012 . . .
. . . and the grocery store produce section was always kind to us!
We enjoyed the splash pad down the street many a time . . .
And always followed up our water play with an ice cream cone!
We dropped in on Daddy at his office several times . . . because we can do that now!
We went on a pirate treasure hunt . . .
And danced in the rain . . .
All in all, a pretty good summer.
Best of Summer 2012:
Our favorite Song: Coconut by Harry Nilsson (We have been known to form a conga line and dance around the island in our new kitchen! You should hear Tessa sing it. SO CUTE!)
Our favorite Movie: Brave
Our favorite Summer Recipe: White Bean and Tuna Panzanella (Okay, I'm the only one that will eat this. I use sourdough bread and substitute cucumber for the pickles. And I leave out the onions. I cannot stop making it!)
Our favorite App: Instagram (which is why I have become such a lousy blogger lately!)
Our favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Blue Bell Banana Split
Our Favorite Hang Out: The Barn (I can't count how many shave ices we ate!)
Our Favorite Olympic Event: Women's Gymnastics All-Round Final (Thank you, Jenny and Taylor!)
Special Note: Sorry for the blurry pictures. I could blame my iPhone camera (the only working one that I have). I could also blame the little girls that don't like to hold still. Your patience is appreciated!
We chilled by the pool for the 4th of July . . .
And enjoyed cotton candy and face painting at a street fair . . .
We hosted a princess tea party for our new friends in the neighborhood . . .
We went to a couple of tiki parties . . .
And had lots of fun when my sister-in-law's family came to town . . .
We relished the flavors at A Taste of the Valley 2012 . . .
. . . and the grocery store produce section was always kind to us!
We enjoyed the splash pad down the street many a time . . .
And always followed up our water play with an ice cream cone!
We dropped in on Daddy at his office several times . . . because we can do that now!
We went on a pirate treasure hunt . . .
And danced in the rain . . .
All in all, a pretty good summer.
Best of Summer 2012:
Our favorite Song: Coconut by Harry Nilsson (We have been known to form a conga line and dance around the island in our new kitchen! You should hear Tessa sing it. SO CUTE!)
Our favorite Movie: Brave
Our favorite Summer Recipe: White Bean and Tuna Panzanella (Okay, I'm the only one that will eat this. I use sourdough bread and substitute cucumber for the pickles. And I leave out the onions. I cannot stop making it!)
Our favorite App: Instagram (which is why I have become such a lousy blogger lately!)
Our favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Blue Bell Banana Split
Our Favorite Hang Out: The Barn (I can't count how many shave ices we ate!)
Our Favorite Olympic Event: Women's Gymnastics All-Round Final (Thank you, Jenny and Taylor!)
Special Note: Sorry for the blurry pictures. I could blame my iPhone camera (the only working one that I have). I could also blame the little girls that don't like to hold still. Your patience is appreciated!
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