Our house has been rather sleepless for the last few months. Our wonderfully sleeping baby took a turn when we went on vacation...then got sick- and has never come back from the dark side! My husband and I have found a daily routine of walking zombie for the past while...and we finally decided that we cannot do it any more! The thing is, it wasn't just T...it started with her- then she would generally wake Si up- who would then end up in bed with us as well. Sleepless nights, after nights, after nights.
I am sure many of you have seen the following photo before- and for those sans kids...there is truth in EVERY morsel of this depiction:
I love looking through magazines and finding photos depicting the sleeping family all cuddled closely...really!!!?? Who finds this comfortable!?
In our house...child wins every time. They continuously kick the crap out of my husband until he is forced out of our bed and into one of the kids beds...thankfully they are singles and not toddler beds- but yes, they do have guard rails. I am sure that spells comfort on many levels: Not to mention the waterproof mattress pad beneath to ensure no mess gets through from the kids- this is only a sweat producing, uncomfortable sleep pad for us adults.
Last week we threw our hands up and decided that we had to commence sleep training and find our sleep again! This is a favorite book- but unfortunately not one to read to the kids.
I think the icing on the cake was when T was asleep in our bed with us, and Kai came in feeling sick and proceeded to puke all over her- don't worry, she stayed sleeping. ;-)
So entered Helen Sands- our plan arrived Friday and our training commenced on Saturday.
Some crying was involved...along with one LONG night on Saturday...but something has happened already as we had a glimpse of the future last night- she slept through the night with one very brief sound at midnight...and we woke up more rested.
Here's to hoping we are on the right track!
Last Monday marked a day to be remembered: one for the books: that is, one for Si's memory book. It was the first day I got a side chat by one of her teachers speaking of her attitude and how to move forward. We are in the third week of PRESCHOOL. Yep, I have a feeling this little lady is going to give us a run for our money sanity.
One of her teachers mentioned to me that she is like a 3 year old going on 13. That she has an INCREDIBLE vocabulary (score for us!) for a 3 year old...but she also love to talk and be social: yes, all known to us. She also pointed out Si's 'harder edge.' When she is determined, wanting something, trying to express herself, she has this look or better yet glare...it is definitely a harder side that comes through with little room for smiles. Said teacher expressed that they are trying to work on her smiles.
No problem there. Ryan and I understand what she is seeing from Si. We see it too. It is hard to get through to her sometimes as she is most definitely a strong willed young girl. And yes, working on her softer side is a must; but to be totally honest, i am pleased she is so strong willed. One day, maybe not as we are trying to raise and parent her, this will be a wonderful trait to hold.
For now, bring on the smiles, the sharing, the learning and developing...and the days that test us all.
Si turned 3 this week! September 19th our baby girl took the corner from toddler...to little girl! She is growing up so fast...a little too fast actually.
This girl is full of surprises. She has been a very fast and eager learner from the get go. Quick to crawl, walk...and most definitely talk! Before she was two sentences were streaming from her mouth; and now, well you cant really shut her up! She could talk your ear off all day long...and night long...and next day..and next night...you get the point! This little lady is a wonderment. Full personality. Determined. And motivated to do anything if there is a treat involved!
sorry for blur she wouldn't stay still
She keeps us on our toes. There is pretty much never a dull moment with her in the house. Si keeps the house a home...and yes, usually is the cause for loud voices and the occasional yelling match. Imagine, all this from a 3 year old.
Si is all that...and is also the most loving, caring, big-hearted person you will ever know. I think she has a bit of an old sole...
She loves telling people what to do and how to do it. But she also makes sure everyone is okay and is the first to kiss it better or bring a band aid. Always thoughtful.
When Si is alone (without her siblings) you get an entirely different side of her. The very soft, sweet and loving girl. She loves attention and she loves when she gets it one on one. She will sit and relax with you; tell you stories; brush your hair...endless hugs and kisses...and in these times, she knows how to be quiet.
Kai and her have an amazing relationship. They couldn't be closer peas in a pod. Yet, with this closeness...they love hard, and they fight hard too. Our little lady sure knows how to stand up for herself...its usually Kai coming out of battle with tears.
Si desperately tries to take care of T. Her loving and nurturing side shines through as she attempts to mother her. The issue here, T is almost the same weight as Si, and so her carrying her around tends to look more like dragging the baby around the house. Thankfully T is a mellow child and generally has a huge smile on her face. Yes, the third child definitely puts up with a lot more (sorry Reid for all the torture Kajs and I put you thru!).
Her love of lips (lipstick), nail polish, purses and 'date shoes' (my high heels) leave me a little concerned for the future...but for then, i am happy that she is such a head strong lady. For now, i would prefer her to listen to her mom and dad; unfortunately for us, that rarely happens.
(bad iphone pic- but getting a pedi with her lips painted pink with "whips" i.e. lips)
Si,
You are such an amazing daughter. I am so fortunate to have you and am thankful for every day. You teach me how to be stronger, love unconditionally and the true meaning of persistence. You are only three today, and yet in so many ways you are wise beyond your years.
Thank you for being you, for bringing light to our days, love to our hearts... and a little crazy to our brains! You define the word energy, as well as define the word love.
Summer was amazing...but I was longing for fall and routine on some days that seemed to drag on endlessly with cranky kids and tired mom.
Yesterday was the day. The start of preschool for the kids! Kai into second year, and Si's first year...both in the same classroom with the same schedule.
I know I have probably said this in the past, but I think we have the best preschool out there! The kids are always raring to go there. They have the best times, amazing adventures, and are outdoors two of the four hours RAIN or SHINE. And yes, did you notice, 4 HOURS! Our preschool has it down right. The kids go Monday thru Thursday from 9-1.
With kindergarten now full days, I see this as even more beneficial these days as the kids are already almost there in time frame opposed to the 2 hours twice a week. Not only will those hours not help integrate the kids as seamlessly...but how does that limited time frame help the parent out!?
I am just stating my personal thoughts...
Anyways, as I mentioned yesterday was the start of the kids school year. I was very excited to see the day come...
Yet, once I dropped the kids off and they both walked in to their class with smiles on their face and no tears...I was the one that found a few tears.
It was a big day. Kai's last year in preschool. Si's first year of preschool ever! and the only year they will share a "grade."
When i finally slowed down and thought about this, as i walked away from their school, i couldn't help but feel a little...sad.
Time, again you are going to fast.
The Aftermath...
If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. ~Edgar W. Howe
Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day. It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken. ~Bill Dodds
Our kids really did some growing this summer. It seems like sometimes, they grow in little pieces...inch by inch... and then there are other times where you cant possibly slow them down. This summer was one of those time periods. Not only did they grow in height, as swim suits became too small and new shoes were needed a few times over, they simply put, just...grew up!
Kai and Si are so full of energy. From dawn till dark they run, or should I say ride, in circles without a tired blink of an eye. They want to take in every second of the day, in fear they may miss out on something.
Kai went to a couple bike camps this summer: One being a trail camp where they spent the better of the days at the BMX bike park. Ripping down dirt hills and flying over jumps makes for one un-nerved mother...but he does it with a constant smile on his face and cannot seem to get enough! Where did this 4 year old come from! Just 5 months ago he was transitioning from his run bike to pedals, which he did in a matter of hours...no training wheels. To a little boy whom enjoys flying through the air leaving many in his dust trail...mom included.
His confidence is one that has really developed this summer. Knowing what he wants and asking for it, or maybe just going and doing it...we have seen Kai grow-up before our vary eyes.
Si...well where to start. She is on that is a constant surprise. Many find it hard to believe so much can come out of someone so little. She is constantly talking...always moving...and rarely listening. She marches to her own beat and is starting PRE-SCHOOL this year. Hard to believe our little girl is almost 3!
Si will be attending preschool with Kai this year...four hours a day, four days a week. To some, they find it hard to believe this little girl can muster the energy and maybe social strength, to excel at this...those people clearly do not know her. But to be sure, I tested her out at a Dance Camp this summer. 4 hours a day for 4 days. She went with ease and excitement. Not a tear, not a complaint...actually demanding to go and excited to play with her new found friends. She loved it.
I might also add, she came home completely potty trained.
Si has been a roller coaster to potty train. I have to admit it has been a combination of her and I. Me, putting the diaper on for convenience, especially when out; and for her, a comfort. She has changed her own diapers for at least 6 months. Runs to the toilet when she is in the mood and calls for help when she is ready...but dance camp finished the process! With her being the youngest in the class, and the other girls diaper-less, Si rose to the occasion, keeping her pull up dry and the potty flushing! Success! After the week...we have not looked back. No diapers in sight and a big girl ready to take on preschool.
Two down, one to go in the diaper department.
And while i reminisce and talk development...this summer T has grown leaps and bounds~
From crawls in June to near walks this week. To waving hello and goodbye to testing the sounds of "bu-bye." Our baby is setting new milestones, and with near tears i want her to slow down!
Summer was filled lots of great memories, family adventures, friend times, laughs and lots of love.
A few images captured from our summer :)
The Lake
They really do love each other
Boat jumping
Ry and Kai fishing
Swimming off the grid
Friend Fun at the Cabin!
Friend Fun at the Cabin!
Friend Fun at the Cabin!
7 kids...3 moms...we may have been a little crazy ;)
Until Next Year! (Kai at dusk)
___________________
And the above pretty much sums up our summer and my life lately...considering I wrote that 10 days ago and have yet to post it. Adding the photos to it today, and posting momentarily! We have new milestones already happening! Time to get back to the blog...my time and our memory keeper!
Thanks for visiting!
I am a wife and a mom to three amazing children. My days are busy and chaotic at best. My quiet and productive time seems to always be, While They Are Sleeping!
