I'm back

And the sickies seem to be gone. Alex is still coughing a little, but nothing like he had over the weekend. I finally have a day to myself with no kids, no work, and nothing to do but screw around on the internet....oh, and clean the house. I have laundry to do as usual, picking up toys, and tidying up the kitchen.

We had a really rough weekend with Max. He was whiny, throwing temper tantrums, not listening, sticking his tongue out. It was very trying and I seriously thought I was going to lose it. Tim said he did better Monday morning so I thought that meant he was on the upswing. Haha, not. Bad day at school! He couldn't keep his hands to himself, more tantrums, the works. We had a long talk Monday night. I told him he could go to Gym-n-it on Tuesday, but if he didn't learn to keep his hands to himself and behave, there would be no more gym-n-it. Well, guess that worked because he was good yesterday. He couldn't wait to get there today and promised he would keep his hands to himself. I don't expect him to be perfect everyday, but something has to change overall, or mommy's going to lose it.

I finally finished Raising your Spirited Child this weekend as well. AWESOME book for anyone that has spirited kids. She talks about about temperament which is something new in the behavioral world from what I understand. It really touched me and I do think we can work together as a family to make life work!!! I ended up ordering two more books on Amazon, one of hers and another that was highly recommended for people who liked her books. Tim and I need to work hard at changing things to help Max adapt, but that makes it easier for him to change too, so it's worth it.

Alex is funny as all heck lately. He is talking more and more. He likes to point out eyes, nose, mouth, ears, but he usually ends up trying to put his finger through your eye. OUCH!! Speaking of ouch, that's his new favorite phrase. That and MINE. He is a happy kid most of the time, but he can definitely compete with Max for tantrum throwing. I fear for what he'll be like when he gets older. I do love that he can communicate pretty well though, because I think that helps keep some tantrums away. He is just really cute most of the time though. He'll ask for a kiss, give you one, and then say AWWW. It's so adorable. I need to get it on video. Video of Alex and pictures of Max. Both are hard to come by lately, but I'm sure it's because I've been so tired.

Ok, off now to start working on the house. Have a great hump day!

Poor Alex

So, he seemed better this morning when he got up. Only mild coughing and he didn't sound like he was barking anymore. He had an ok morning and by lunchtime was ready for a nap. I laid him down and he was out within 2 minutes. He woke up coughing like a barking seal again though. He's miserable now, kinda hoarse sounding, and definitely cranky. This is probably going to turn out to be a very long day. Max had a meltdown just before I put him down for his nap, but if he sleeps good, he should wake up ok. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Thankfully Tim is off tomorrow so at least I'll have some help. I sooooo miss family days because it seems like forever since we were all home and didn't have anything to do.

I'm off for now, to play with Alex and try to keep him happy!! Have a great weekend.

Give me a break, I'm sleep deprived!

Ooops!! As you may have noticed I posted the boys valentine's card twice. I swear I was saving it to do Valentine's day but I guess I didn't. That's what I get for not going over past days. I didn't get much sleep this week though with Max being sick, working, doorbells ringing and stuff like that.

I did get canceled last night which I was really excited about. But then 15 minutes later Alex woke up with croup sounding cough. GRR!! So I slept with him all night because I was worried about his breathing. He seems fine this morning though. I'm hoping he stays ok all day and gives me a chance to get some work done. I don't mind if he's sick again tonight because Tim will be home. Woohoo!!

I'm off to get my day started but hopefully I'll make it back later!

Happy Valentine's Day

I don't have much to talk about today, mostly because I'm tired, but I wanted to show the card I made for the boys to give their teachers. Hope you enjoy!

Chalk one up for Mommy!

Don't get me wrong, Tim is an awesome dad, but I think sometimes it's easier for him to just bring Max home than it is to leave him at daycare when he's freaking out. I had to take the kids in today and he pulled the same crap again. Totally my fault because I got us started off on the wrong foot by sleeping in. I rushed everyone and even had the nerve to let Alex win the race to get dressed game. Oops!! But I had to pin him down so waiting until Max got his last sock on first wasn't really a priority.

Anyway, half way to school he wanted to go home and get juice to drink. I told him he could have some when we got to school. In the parking lot, he wasn't getting out of the van so I left him there and ran Alex in, handed Alex off at the door and ran back out. By the time I got there he was turning off the TV and getting out, but I think I really pissed him off. He came inside with me, but was VERY clingy and kept saying he didn't want to stay and wanted to go home. Um NO!! Mommy doesn't get enough alone time and he wasn't going to ruin the one day I do get this week. I unwrapped his arms from my waist and handed him off to his teacher, who was awesome during the whole situation. I bolted and told the director on my way out to call me if he didn't calm down. However I was sure, based on his history at Naila's house a few years back, that he would be fine as soon as I left. No call from daycare leads me to believe he's fine.

I'll admit I have tons more motivation to leave him there than Tim, because I get to sleep if he's there. Hopefully Tim will read this and realize leaving him isn't the end of the world and after a few minutes he'll probably be glad he stayed. Guess I should have thought of that the first time he came home so I could mention it. I went through this routine every morning for almost a year at Naila's house and Tim didn't have to deal with that so it's new to him too. Plus the stress of having to get to work. Anyway, not to beat a dead horse, I was mean mommy and made Max stay put!

On a brighter note, when this happened on Monday I made an appointment with the pediatrician for a "behavioral consult." I realize Max is a boy and may not want to talk to us for that reason alone, but I also want a professional involved in case there is something more than just being spirited and overtired. I'm hoping they can helps us learn to get Max to open up more so we can figure out if there is something wrong at school, or home, that makes him so unhappy. Getting to the bottom of it will hopefully help us correct our behavior to help match Max's. Does that even make sense? Tim is picking the kids up early and going with me which I'm so grateful for. I think going as a family is going to help ensure success, no matter which route we end up having to take.

I should do this tomorrow, but just in case I don't find time to update, here is the valentine's card I made for the boys' teachers. I thought it turned out pretty cute!!



Hmm, it's a little blurry, but I think that's because I had to adjust the size. You can still get the idea though.

I'm out for now so I can get some reading done and take a nap, but I'll be around this weekend if not sooner!