post script

Didn't sleep much last night. I kept waiting for Roger to come screaming upstairs with wet pants and a wet bed. So, I waited. And didn't sleep.

To his credit, he was dry this morning! All that worrying for nothing (curse this stupid anxiety disorder of mine). But, before I go bragging or anything like that, I'll just let you know that he's already gone through one pair of underwear since then- with me standing right in front of him and 5 minutes after I asked him if he wanted to go. And so the training continues. . . . .

It's go time

I am potty training Roger today. I hate potty training. With. Every. Fiber. Of. My. Being. People sometimes ask my advice on potty training (Sarah and others). But, with a humble and discouraging nod, I must tell them, "I am not good at potty training."

My first attempt with the twins was an utter failure which resulted in a flood of the basement (one child had an accident while I was helping the other. I thought it would be a good idea to have that child clean up the peepee with a paper towel. I then thoughtlessly threw the load of pee-towels into the toilet and flushed. 3 hours later I walked downstairs and was greeted with soggy carpets). Stupidity, yes. Success, no.

My second attempt at potty training was with Eliza. Though she successfully donned underwear, it was only because I cleaned up poopy panties every day for about 2 months. She was afraid to poop on the potty. I was too stubborn to "fail" for a second time and kept her in the underwear despite the accidents. I will also note here that for 2 years she 'dribbled' in her underwear daily. Success? You decide.

Davis was, admittedly, a quicker transition to underwear (a full 6 months after I had 'trained' Eliza). But the child STILL streaks his underwear from time to time. So, I don't even know that I can say my 6 year old son is fully trained. Success? You decide.

So it is with trepidation that approach this new child and his quest for 'big-boy-ness.' I don't have a great track record as you can see. I am baffled and amazed at people that train in one day. I've read the books. I've talked to MANY. I try their tricks. I make it a party. We bought candy and soda and juice all especially for the occasion. There are cars ready to be bestowed upon the first day of dryness. People ask me why I am potty training him at only age 2 1/2. Well, I've had the little training potty in the bathroom for 5 months and he has successfully done #1 and #2 during that time. Sometimes, he tells me when he has to poop. So, I thought he was ready. I wasn't going to keep him in diapers for my own good--plus, they are so EXPENSIVE. I'm just doing it because the time feels right. Fortunately, I don't believe anymore that potty training success or age at potty training is an indication of brains- thank you, Davis and Eliza for doing well in school despite your hundreds of accidents.

Stats for today: Three capri suns and a glass of milk consumed. Four pairs of underwear 'soiled'- one with #2 (sorry, Lightning McQueen that you were deficated upon). Two pees on the carpet-quickly cleaned up. Six successful pees and one successful poo. Roger is napping right now. I am nervous. I covered the bed in waterproof material. I have been pacing outside his door to catch him the moment he awakes so I can wisk him to the pot.

I hate this. And I am sure you probably didn't enjoy reading the last paragraph except maybe those of you about to embark or in the process of training.

The only thing I can say that is good about this process is this: at least my expectations are so low that I am not too discouraged yet. I am also accepting all prayers tonight on my (and his) behalf (please give me patience, please give me patience).

Top of the world to you, mate. . .

I don't really know why I chose that title, but I did.

Yesterday I was told by my daughter that "Everything we eat at dinner time is yucky. I hate everything mom cooks."

Nice. And you were wondering why we had cold cereal for dinner tonight.

Live in SLC and want something to do Saturday?

Eliza's gymnastics coach is opening her own gym: Epic Gymnastics. We are so excited for her.

This Saturday is their GRAND OPENING party from 11-3. There will be an open gym with instructors and prizes. The gym is located just off the 4500 south exit of I-15. It should be fun to check out and see if your kids like gymnastics.

I started the kids in gymnastics shortly after they turned 3 and Tonya was their teacher. It has been great for their self-esteem and physical skills.

If you register for your session before Saturday, you get 10% off.

Heartwrenching and Foreboding (?)

I just read this story. A newborn preemie was not allowed medical attention in Britian because by 'law' he was not deemed an infant, but rather a fetus. The mother was not given drugs to stop her premature labor.

I'd like to know what you think.

My husband has indicated that most of the money he sees spent in healthcare is on the very young and very old (near death). Sometimes he feels his life-saving and drastic interventions are not worth it. From a beaurocratic standpoint in an office on a hill, perhaps that means we could offer more people care if we dropped these services.

In my opinion, however, good medicine happens in a bedside, in a hospital, in a clinic. When decisions and treatments are made in an office based upon financial impact to the system, the patient loses. It is not for government or an insurance company to decide who gets care and when, rather the PATIENT and the PHYSICIAN. End of story. We live in an age when medical miracles happen. I think the physician can give a patient his best advice as to whether or not a treatment is fruitless, but in the end, it is about saving lives or trying our best to do it..

In a rut

Yeah, I know I just had a baby 3 months ago. But today I'm feeling a bit down about my stupid stomach that isn't going away. . . . .just had to vent. I know I need to get back into exercise, but I'm having a hard time getting going. Bleh. There is something really disheartening about all of your pants being tight.

Book Advice Required:

Hey, fans. . . .well, okay I won't be so bold as to think I have fans, so. . . . . hey, friends!

While I was at the grocery store today, I noticed the new Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol, on sale. I almost picked it up. I saw at least two people at checkout that bought it. But, instead of throwing caution to the wind (or rather, $20 to the wind), I thought I'd ask and see who picked up the book this weekend and what they thought.

No spoilers, please. Just a thumbs up or thumbs down and whether it is worth the bucks or I should just request it at the library and wait for it.

Mount Rushmore, as seen from Canada

I read somewhere that a mom's blog wouldn't be complete without back-to-school pictures. So here goes:

I couldn't get Reed to smile for these pics, but isn't he still cute and getting

c-h-u-b-b-y?

The crew outside the house before the walk to school

Rodger Dodger, age 2 1/2

(and yes, I gave him a haircut shortly after the picture was taken)

Eliza, 6 years old

Davis, 6 years old

Who Copied Who?

Which came first: "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," or the ABC song?

Amusing Quote of the Day

"Whoever said, 'there's no use crying over spilled milk,' obviously never pumped six ounces and then accidentally dumped it."

--Shoebox Blog

Could you have told me this before we got to the register?

The kids begged to get Lunchables at the store today. And I caved in. It is a holiday, right? (by the way, what is it exactly that we are celebrating on Labor Day?). My general objection to Lunchables is twofold: First, there are only about 6 tiny crackers, pieces of cheese, and meat (along with a treat and juice). Second, this tiny lunch will run you about $3.50 (hello, I can get a happy meal for that amount and a TOY is included).

When we got home and opened the prized box of crackers, cheese, and turkey, Eliza announced, "I really hate this cheese. Do I have to eat it?" Ummm, who was it that was begging for this lunch anyway?

Baby-Girl Envy

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't trade my little Reed for a girl. He's definitely a keeper. But, having said that, there are just a few things I get a little envious about when I see darling little baby girls:

• those gigantic flower bows that cover up bald heads (Reed's head is growing so well, but his hair follicles aren't keeping up. The result: an old man hairline. While I am on the topic of those gigantic flower bows, I must add that I don't know what to think when grown women don this hair accessory. My nurse in the hospital had bright pink scrubs with a matching bow in her hair. Though I can't argue the bow wasn't cute, it totally distracted from her face. . . . ah, I digress. Wait. Can you digress during a parenthetical thought?)
• tiny pink and purple dresses
• tights (love them on babies, hate them on me)
• car seats with a floral design

An Important Announcement:

Davis has just learned how to produce a farting noise by putting his hand in his armpit and pumping his arm up and down. Really, I've never had such a proud moment as his mom.