1 Mommie x 1 Child = 0 Vacation Days

12:20pm- I'm just returning to my desk, after grabbing lunch from the office's cafeteria, to see that my husband is calling me on my work phone. He proceeds to tell me that Dreux's school had been calling and that she has a fever and must be picked up. 

The policy is that any child with a fever over 101° must be picked up from school and can not return until they have been fever free for 24hrs. "Great"! I'm thinking. She must have another ear infection- which would make this ear infection number 4 within the last 3 months. If you are good with math, that means that within the last 3 months Daddie and I have had to alternate taking off work a total of 6 times for an ear infection alone! That doesn't include the week we took off when she had an upper respitory infection or the 3 days she was out with pink eye. So roughly, that comes to a grand total of about 15 days of vacation neither one of us had. So what do you do? Tell the daycare "I'm sorry, I'm all out of sick time. See ya when I get off."? I think not! You march into your bosses office, put on that Mommie hat, tell them you have an emergency (yet again) and pray you have a job to come back to in the morning. 

Finding that work life balance is difficult with a young child. They are so unpredictable. Talk to your supervisor or manager and be honest. Granted they may sympathize at first, but that doesn't negate the fact that we were hired to be the best (insert job title here) not to be a mom. Job responsibilities are priority, hell, that's what they are paying us of for. They may "goo and ga" at how precious and how big they have gotten. But let's be honest, we all know personal problems and family issues are left outside the door when you clock in in the morning. 

So what do I do? I make them aware of any issues that may disturb my daily routine or interfere with my job duties as soon as I'm aware. If that means sending the team an email at 3am from the ER, so be it. That way not only is my email time stamped, but I'm demonstrating my commitment and dedication to the team and my job. Build relationships so they trust you will always make the best decisions in trying situations. 

So what was wrong with Dreux this time you ask? Oh nothing! Long story short, I left work 5 hours early, only to take her to the doctor to find out she doesn't even have a fever and her ears look great! Well that's great, for Dreux. But what about Mommie? I just left work 5 hours early to get to a "sick child" that wasn't really sick at all. Can I curse the daycare out and tell them next time can they take her temperate and do the best out of three before they call us? Or perhaps the average? Ugh! But the fact of the matter is, I have 5hrs to make up for. And no amount arguing is going to fix they. Needless to say for the duration of the week, Mommie was at her desk by 7:30am and left between 5:30-6pm to make up those hours. I must say being a stay at home more is looking more appealing. Kids! Gotta love em!

You better watch yo mouth!

Why watching what you say around kids is important....

As I dropped Dreux of at school not too long ago, her teacher pulled me to the side and asked if the afternoon teacher had told me what Dreux said in class the day before. 

"Um no" I responded, afraid of what Dreux may have heard and repeated. We don't curse or swear so what on earth could she have said that has prompted this teacher to pull me aside? 

"Well yesterday during story time -all the kids were sitting on the rug- Dreux stood up, interrupted, and said....'I farted'. So I asked (for reassurance). You farted Dreux?"

She responded: 

"Yes! I farted...LIKE DADDY" 

I could do nothing but laugh! Her teacher went on to tell me that she asked if Dreux needed to use the potty. When she took her, she just continued to fart on the toilet. I guess she is still figuring out the differences between the two. I mean that could be kind of confusing for a 19month old. Hell maybe for a few adults. LOL 

But my problem is not with Dreux and her flatulence, but with her Daddie for teaching her the dang word. I told him time and time 'stop saying fart...it's not ladylike'. Besides, ladies poot, they don't fart! But that day Dreux farted, just like her Daddie! And was so very proud to share it with the world. I'm so glad the kids in her class don't really know what that is yet, because my baby could have easily become the "fart girl"! How traumatizing! But rest assured all the teachers know Dreux's Daddie is the "Fart-y Father"! LOL 

I can't wait to tell Dreux this story when she gets older! 

An Ode to Mothers: The Power of a Mommie

I wanted to take the time to send a special note to my fellow working Mommies! I don't want to "toot" our horns, but we're pretty freaking awesome. It's 8:15am and before our counterparts have had their first cup of coffee we've already been nurses, beauticians, stylists, maids, chefs and taxi drivers; yet and still found a way to make the 7:58am train to work ("toot" for me lol). So shout out to all the mommies who do it without thinking; who do it without complaining; who do it out of the love they have for their children. Don't ever underestimate the power of a Mommie! 

And to all single parents, both Mommies and Daddies, my hat definitely goes off to you. To all the family and friends who are understanding and willing to go the extra mile right along with us, thank you! You make our lives just a little bit easier. :)

And to my amazing daughter, thanks for keeping Mommie on her toes! You push and challenge me to be great! Love u princess! 

Potty Training Chronicle II: Crazy About Turds

It's been a few weeks since we've started this potty training journey. Many people are surprised when I tell them I'm potty training Dreux now. I'm not forcing anything on her that I don't think she isn't capable of doing. Honestly I would have preferred to wait a little longer. However, Dreux had been showing interest for some time, so I figured there was no harm in starting early! Getting her above the curve. Plus, if you didn't know, diapers are quite expensive. The quicker we get her out these things, the better. LOL

Dreux is doing great! Her GiGi (her "I'm to young to be a grandma" grandmother) went and purchased a case of pull-ups, or as Dreux calls them- panties (which are marginally cheaper than diapers). She only wears them around the house which makes it easier for us to get her on and off the potty. She doesn't quite tell us when she has to go yet, so Daddie and I have taken a very proactive approach. As soon as she gets in from daycare the diaper comes off and the "panties" go on. We'll let her sit on the toilet for a couple of minutes until she decides if she wants to go or not. Sometimes she will....sometimes she won't! We normally hit jackpot after dinner and get a two for one deal in the potty! Lol it's crazy how excited we get for turds. 

Lesson 2: Get your child on a schedule. Soon they will be able to correlate when it's time to go potty. For now that means when she gets in the house from school and after she eats. 

Lesson 3: Praise your child. When Dreux uses the toilet we have a dance party! The toilet is flushing and shouting hooray and Mommie and Daddie are dancing around like nuts. But Dreux loves it. She's realizing that whatever it is she's doing, its a big deal and we are proud. Encourage other family members to do the same. Reiterate that they are doing something great!

I can't say how long it will take for her to become fully potty trained, but I will say I definitely don't dread the task anymore. Dreux is doing terrific and her parents couldn't be more proud! 

Potty Training Chronicle I: Do Gloves Come with This?

So the Princess received her royal throne in the mail about two weeks ago; around the same time I was preparing to go out of town, yet again, for work. I figured we could start the potty training process once I returned. However, Daddie took it in his own hands and decided to start without me. Leading up to the days of my departure, we slowly introduced the potty to her. Showing her how it worked and what it is used for. The one we bought is a pink and yellow Mickey and Minnie Mouse 3-in-1 potty chair with a handle that yells "horray!" when you "flush" it. Its a potty chair, a seat cover and step stool all in one...not all at the same time though of course.

So far she seemed to love it! For a while she would just sit there and pull the handle to hear the cheers, but wouldn't actually "go". The day before I left for my week long trip, she did it!! She popped in the potty!! We were ecstatic! Until I realized that potty training is actually quite nasty! As I looked in the potty, a turd grinned back at me! This clean up is gong to be a bit messy. Anyone who knows me, knows I do not do well with bodily fluids...even if it is my own child's.

Lesson 1: Line the removable container of the potty chair with a plastic grocery bag. It makes it a ton easier....and less gross. (Lesson 1.5: make sure the bag doesn't have a hole......)

Now in Dreux's case, the plastic lining method had gone in vain the night Daddie took this potty training thing into his own hands. As I FaceTimed Dreux and took screen shots of my big girl on the potty, all of a sudden the screen goes white and I'm getting a strange angular view of the ceiling. In between the phone hitting the floor and Daddie pleading for Dreux to STOP, she did it...yep...right there on the floor. We don't know what made Dreux stand up mid-poop, but Daddie had a job on his hands.

This is going to be a bit more challenging than I thought. 

Potty Training Chronicles:PREFACE

Potty Training! Oh joy! I must be honest, this is the one part of parenting I was never really looking forward too. How in the WORLD am I suppose to teach and coach someone, who barely understands English, to "go" in this giant hole in the floor. But the time has come. Dreux is a year and a half, and I am ready! 

For the last few weeks Dreux has be accompanying me to the bathroom (her decision at first, not mine). So I began explaining to her what Mommie was doing. "Pee Pee...in toilet. You got that Dreux?" She would shake her head empathetically as if she really knew exactly what I was telling her. I've continued this conversation almost everyday now. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when she began motioning to me exactly where the "pee pee" and "boo boo" came from on her body. And telling me the she had to go "pee pee" or "boo boo" (after the fact of course). OK! She's getting it; we are making progress. But this past weekend when Dreux decided to "go" in the toilet with Daddie's help, we knew it was definitely time to start this process! 

So I went on line today and ordered a 3-in-1 Mickey & Minnie training potty which should be here by Friday! Now I can't wait!! So excited and eager to see how this goes. Stay tuned for the: 

Potty Training Chronicles!

Kids & Kooties

Upper respiratory infection, common, cold, pinkeye, ear infections, and croup –all things Dreux has had in her 18 months of life! Derek and I do our best to keep germs at bay by using antibacterial soap in the house; making sure people remove their shoes when entering our home; and encouraging Dreux to wash her hands every time she comes in the house and before she eats. However, the little booger seems to keep bringing her classmate’s boogers, and everything else they may have, home with her! It comes with the territory. It’s only so much you can do right? It’s inevitable, they are going to get sick and pass their cooties around twice before they come home from school. It’s a blessing and a curse. Her little immune system is building itself up and by the time she is a kindergartener, a little cough and a sneeze won’t affect her as much as it does now. The doctor says it’s actually better for her to get it now then later. But it just pains my heart to see her tiny body hunched over, feverish, in pain.

The first time we wound up in the ER, we were immediately informed her temperature was 106! As a first time mom, I was worried. It was found to be an ear infection and nothing “serious”. An ear infection is common! Cool! No worries. We got her started on Amoxicillin and prayed it would clear up soon. However, just 2 days later, Dreux broke out all over in a red rash! Yep you guessed it - an allergic reaction to Amoxicillin, a type of Penicillin. My poor angel. As we found out, Dreux has a mild allergic reaction to Penicillin; as if she hadn’t suffered enough. Back to the doctor we go! Within 10 days she was on another antibiotic and back to herself! We’ve been to the ER and “walk-in office” visits about 3 times since then. Once for pink-eye and twice for what they diagnosed as croup and an upper respiratory infection. Its amazing how the minute they are getting over one virus, they contract another. So now, not only is she sick. But Mommie and Daddie are now too.

Parents we know when something is wrong with our kids. We know them best. If you think something is wrong, go with your gut! Better safe than sorry is the best policy. Below are some very common symptoms to be aware of and to pay close attention too.

Fever: A CLEAR sign that their body is trying to fight something off. It's a possibility there is a viral or bacteria infection lying somewhere.

Low Grade Fever: 99.0-100.9 F

Moderate Fever: 101-103.5 F

High Grade Fever: over 103.5 F *

*If your child’s fever is over 103, I would suggest getting them to a doctor immediately!

Lethargic: Very sleepy and or tired; won’t play or do other activities they would typically enjoy. Another true sign something is up and they are not feeling too well.

Not eating: Could be a sign of illness. Monitor closely but don’t freak out. Kids go through bouts of not eating. For a week straight Dreux would only eat tatar tots and fruit. No veggies, no meat, and no nothing! The next week she was eating everything in sight.

Mommies and Daddies, it’s so very important to know the signs of illness. Since they cannot verbally express what is bothering them. We must look at their social cues and body language. Although majority of the time it’s a small bug or a common virus, never underestimate a sick child. With all the germs, bacteria, and viruses running rapid these days, it’s important to pay close very close attention to who we send our children around and what they are picking up and putting in their mouths.  Wash those hands often with mild antibacterial soap and PLEASE, PLEASE, with fall around the corner, put a hat on those babies’ beanies! If your child gets sick, please find other alternatives for child care so they do not have to go to daycare and get others sick. Its only courtesy! 

Happy Health!