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!

The Battle Between Motherhood and Career- Tips to Being a SUCCESSFUL Young Workin' Mommie

There is no hand book to tell you how to be a mother, or how to be a mother and career woman; let alone a wife, mother AND career woman. I am in NO way saying I know all the answers, or even half the answers for that matter. But I have learned a few things that have helped me on that road to becoming all three. I am constantly seeking like-minded individuals I can learn and grow from. Here are just 5 steps that I have developed on my own and have adopted from other mothers, wives and young professionals.  

1.)   Put your needs first. Now I know this may sound selfish of a mother to say, and yes while your children are young it is almost impossible. A young child’s needs SHOULD be met before yours- after all, they cannot do anything for themselves. However, once your child(ren) are a little older and little more independent, it’s time to put Mommie’s needs first. Now, I don’t want you to get that confused with your WANTS. Mommies we NEED to eat, shower, and get a little sleep in order to function. But do we honestly NEED that new purse or those new shoes? Probably not. And in the debate over purse vs pampers, I’m sure well all know what the answer SHOULD be.  Just recall the instructions of the annoying flight attendants every time you travel: “In the event in a decrease in cabin pressure, please put on your mask first before assisting others”. It’s simple! How can you help someone else if you yourself are not in the capacity to do so? How can you nurture and care for your child(ren) if you, yourself are not mentally, physically, and emotionally stable to do so? Take time to eat, shower, and rest. Spend a few hours away from home alone or with your significant other to relax and de-stress. You will be surprised at how energized you will feel. The little ones will appreciate it too.

2.)  Work hard. We all know working and being full time parents is a tough job, however we do it. And we do it well! Continue to work hard as you are the first example your child sees. If you don’t want lazy teenagers in the future, don’t be a lazy mom. Encourage hard work but demonstrate it as well. Be a great example of someone your child should emulate. Kids are very impressionable and showing them the benefits of hard work early on can only help develop them into strong minded successful beings.

3.) Understand things take slower to accomplish. This is something I struggle with accepting sometimes. It goes without saying that some things that were easy to do before the kids, are not as easy to do after the kids. For example, a 20 minute trip to the grocery store now takes an hour. After you’ve packed the bag, strapped the baby in the car seat, you realize 20minutes have already gone by. And the 20minutes you would have normally spent getting to the store and back, is now consumed with just getting to the car. We haven’t even mentioned the meltdowns, the bathroom interruptions, and the snack breaks that occur once in the store. Just accept it! Sometimes the kitchen won’t get cleaned immediately after dinner, and yea you may miss a day between showers (lol), but it happens. Our lives are different now and it takes a little more time to get things done. So be it! Don’t get frustrated. Just take your time, enjoy these moments, and embrace it.

4.)  Be realistic. We all try to wear the cape and the crown of SuperWoman/SuperMom. But don’t put too much on yourself. Making partner at the law firm while raising an infant can be possible but it will be very difficult. Be realistic with your goals and how they relate to your life at that moment. You probably won’t be able to make every happy hour event or stay as late as your colleagues. Voice your concerns to your supervisor and remain true to yourself. Realize that although you may not have met your goals of starting a business today, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen tomorrow. Stay true to yourself and your passions. Be optimistic but be realistic in your planning.

5.)  Have a great support system. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is true. We all need a great supportive team to help us get through those tough times. I am so blessed and grateful for my team of family and friends as they have helped tremendously. If you are at all like myself and hate asking for help, you will soon have to get it over. Realize that the people who love you the most will be the first ones knocking the door down when you absolutely need them. And I can almost guarantee they won’t be looking for anything in return. Sometimes you need those friends who come over on bath night and wash up the little one while you cook dinner and strengthen up the house. Or those family members who bring dinner by after a long week so you don’t have to cook. Embrace the love around you and keep these people close. Show them your appreciation for all their hard work and love. And don’t feel bad when you have to ask for help. It’s expected.

Big thank you, hugs and kisses to those who have helped me get through my first 15 months of motherhood! J I would name you all but I may miss someone unintentionally. I can’t not thank you enough for all your love, support, and prayers this last year. Derek, Dreux and I love and appreciate you all a ton! J

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Email From Daddie: "Daddy Daycare"

So while I'm in Florida on business, Daddie has no choice but to play daddy daycare! This was the funniest yet cutest e-mails I've received all day! :)

**Disclaimer I have not changed anything from the original email**

Hey,

Let me start off by saying last night and this morning was a wild ride! It eventually got better though.

Your daughter must have not been feeling her best (or you told her to give daddy a hard time lol) I’m leaning towards the latter. As you and I were on the phone last night I was putting Dreux to bed, this was around 8:40 CST. About 10-20 minutes later I told you hold on, as I muted the line to see why Dreux was crying and not sleeping. Did some daddy moves to calm her down (rubbing her head, re-adjusting Mickey under the covers and saying “shhhh”). She was relaxed and I continued our phone conversation.

Around 12:45am I wake up to the sound of music (or Dreux up & crying) loud over the monitor, I tried to ignore it thinking it was just one of her little sleep lapses and she would doze off again. Well, I was wrong! I waited like 5-7 minutes and then “Da-Da!”. I went and got her out of the room, made a her another bottle and waited by her crib until she seemed comfy enough to fall asleep. Oh yea, she also requested Oh Baby [Dreux's doll] sleep with her last night as well, so I had to go find her and put her under the sheets on the opposite side of Mickey.

4:15am, the wonderful music plays again. This time I just scoop her out of her crib and bring her in the room with me, I propped up some pillows around us so that we had an impenetrable fort that would keep her from falling off the bed and monster from reaching Dreux. Took me a sec to fall asleep as I had to make sure the princess was good. Before you know it, I am waking up 15 minutes prior to my scheduled alarm (5:30) due to the little booger sleeping wild. I take her to the room to change her diaper and put her down for an extra hour of sleep. I put her in the bed as my alarm went off, the minute I walked out of the room she started crying. I had to just let her be since I needed to get in the shower.

After I was partially dressed, I went back to get her and found her with snot, slob and boogers EVERYWHERE! Cleaned her up and after that she calmed down and it was a typical morning. Threw on some ‘Baby Genius’ and went to work on her hair. I made it out of the house at a good time and actually got to work right at 8am! First one here! Haven’t done that since I started.

Just thought I would share this with you…thanks for telling your daughter to give me the works! Lol.

P.S. This is not a complaint, I enjoyed the challenge (after it was all over of course).

The Naive Economy Class Traveler

So I'm sitting in first class making a complete fool of myself! How was I supposed to know the tray was hiding in the arm rest? I'm use to the pull down ones...oops. Guess I don't get out much and the airlines I normally fly with have one class-coach! I'm sure the businessman to my right was thinking "yea she's never flown first class...amateur" he never turned his head or eye my way the entire flight. Breakfast was served and wow was it more than I expected. When she asked if I wanted fruit and granola or egg quesadilla i went with the simpler of the two-granola. I thought I would be presented with a small cup of yogurt parfait...something similar to the ones found at McDonalds. But no! She handed me a hot towel and proceeded to place a tray draped in cloth in front of me. There lay a bowl of granola, a banana, a bowl of melons, a small carton of milk and a very small yet cute water glass. I ate my food and once the food was removed by the lovely flight attendant, I proceeded to hide my tray back in the arm rest where I had found it; only after the flight attendant practically pulled it out for me in the first place. I fidgeted with that darn tray for like 30sec before I said eff it! Too many swivels and I was growing impatient and uncomfortable the more I seemed so uncertain with this thing! I'll have to pull the ol' inconspicuous glance over to see how everyone else puts their's back in. And in the meantime pretend I wanted to keep the tray out anyway! Geez! Who knew flying first class would be so intimidating. I've learned, the vast majority of people who fly this darn early in the morning are business hotshots and executives with their fancy briefcases/computer bags and tailored suits. I must say I did look the part with my wool pleated coat and leather riding boats. And although my fancy briefcase was a sale item from Target, I think it's pretty chic. I will say, I have been spoiled though. VIP access at TSA, priority boarding and seating, and no baggage check fee. I could get use to this...plus I could go for a little more practice working that dang tray! :)