We went to Jason and Tami's home for the 24th of July to do fireworks, and the Harvey July Birthday. The group also had a couple of mortar fireworks that we light off. It was way cool.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
I am struggling
I lose my patience way to often with Sydney. She doesn't ever listen the first ten times, and at that point I am so fed up with it my voice is either raised or I am yelling. And I always wish I had thought of another way to handle the situation. Bed time is such a nightmare. She doesn't stay in bed for anything. No matter how many reminders. Her answer is always the same. She is hungry. Which brings up another point she never eats all her dinner. Just a few bites, and she is done. And as hard as I try most of the time I don't end up following the "sorry, but you'll have to wait til morning to eat" consequence because after an hour or two of that I am just done.
And I know there are better ways to handle those situations. But in the heat of the moment, I don't handle losing my patience very well. And I really need to be better about it.
I have a friend on facebook, who is posting about her parenting "wins" and "intentional family time" and every time I see one of those posts, I remind myself that I need to do better.
And I know spending way to much time doing nothing on the computer but watching movies, doesn't help me connect and maintain my relationship with her. But after 7 weeks of relaxing for the most part while my ankle is healing, I am struggling with getting anything done. Even though Sydney and I talk about what we need to do every day, rarely does it ever get accomplished. Which is a horrible example for her. The constantly dirty house and the mom who is on the computer more frequently than I am on the floor playing with the girls. I am grateful that in our apartment the computer is located a few feet from the living room, so on those moments when I am trying to be a good parent, I turn around and watch the girls and engage with them.
Sydney is becoming quite the little mommy though. And if Lizzy is doing something she know she shouldn't do then she picks her up or takes away whatever the item is and all I hear is the after math crying. And then I begin on the lecture of don't pick up sister, or don't take things away. One day I know she is going to be Lizzys' best friend.
I feel like I am failing to teach her how to be nice to others, when to say sorry (even though I have her say it when she needs to), how to use her manners, how to write her name, how to begin to read, how to be grateful, or how to have fun without the tv.
Lately she has been watching these videos on this Kids Tube (youtube for kids) app on the tablet, and its people/kids playing with play dough or dolls. But she refuses to go play those things for herself.
And I feel like it's my fault that she enjoys watching other kids play in a video than she does in going and playing for herself.
There was a blog post called " Bad Mom Days" by Holly Ledbetter. And I'm going to share part of it
because it strikes a cord within me, and she says it better than I can.
"I feel like social media has influenced parenting, and particularly motherhood, immensely. So much sharing of so much good is wonderful, but it definitely plays a role in making mothers feel inadequate. It's not right, but it's only human to compare ourselves to others. When I have a bad mom day, I start comparing myself to Penny down the street who has 8 kids under the age of 5 and has a clean house and children who are dressed with hair done and who seem absolutely perfect. But then there's the other side to social media and it's influence on parenting. There's the side that says that "this is real life" in reference my bad mom day activities. It's the side that is trying to make us all feel better by telling us that it's unrealistic to have a clean house and happy children and healthy meals. And that it's ok to spend all day watching TV and scrolling through Facebook because motherhood is hard, and we all deserve a break. But it's not ok for me.
And I know there are better ways to handle those situations. But in the heat of the moment, I don't handle losing my patience very well. And I really need to be better about it.
I have a friend on facebook, who is posting about her parenting "wins" and "intentional family time" and every time I see one of those posts, I remind myself that I need to do better.
- I love the relationship between gratitude and trees - as they grow upward the roots deepen at the same time.
- Perspective.
- Positive self talk. Hope as a mindset. Progress matters. Joy. Gratitude. Being present. Simple.
- Spiritual food. I need it daily. Studied the Lord's words on patience this morning. Grateful those words were fresh in my mind as this cute detour happened on our walk. "Detours" of all kinds happen in life. And it's hard to naturally be patient. I'm naturally terrible at it. Grateful we have tools to open our spirits, hearts and minds.
- I've found there are some things in life we have to schedule, or life will schedule that time with other things
- Progress. Simplify. Love. Lift. Courage. Faith. Trust. Gratitude.
- "We can be better today than we were yesterday."-October General Conference
- Take ACTION!! Seriously. Whatever change you want to make, that you keep thinking about...
Now matter how big or small...Take a step.
And I know spending way to much time doing nothing on the computer but watching movies, doesn't help me connect and maintain my relationship with her. But after 7 weeks of relaxing for the most part while my ankle is healing, I am struggling with getting anything done. Even though Sydney and I talk about what we need to do every day, rarely does it ever get accomplished. Which is a horrible example for her. The constantly dirty house and the mom who is on the computer more frequently than I am on the floor playing with the girls. I am grateful that in our apartment the computer is located a few feet from the living room, so on those moments when I am trying to be a good parent, I turn around and watch the girls and engage with them.
Sydney is becoming quite the little mommy though. And if Lizzy is doing something she know she shouldn't do then she picks her up or takes away whatever the item is and all I hear is the after math crying. And then I begin on the lecture of don't pick up sister, or don't take things away. One day I know she is going to be Lizzys' best friend.
I feel like I am failing to teach her how to be nice to others, when to say sorry (even though I have her say it when she needs to), how to use her manners, how to write her name, how to begin to read, how to be grateful, or how to have fun without the tv.
Lately she has been watching these videos on this Kids Tube (youtube for kids) app on the tablet, and its people/kids playing with play dough or dolls. But she refuses to go play those things for herself.
And I feel like it's my fault that she enjoys watching other kids play in a video than she does in going and playing for herself.
There was a blog post called " Bad Mom Days" by Holly Ledbetter. And I'm going to share part of it
because it strikes a cord within me, and she says it better than I can.
"I feel like social media has influenced parenting, and particularly motherhood, immensely. So much sharing of so much good is wonderful, but it definitely plays a role in making mothers feel inadequate. It's not right, but it's only human to compare ourselves to others. When I have a bad mom day, I start comparing myself to Penny down the street who has 8 kids under the age of 5 and has a clean house and children who are dressed with hair done and who seem absolutely perfect. But then there's the other side to social media and it's influence on parenting. There's the side that says that "this is real life" in reference my bad mom day activities. It's the side that is trying to make us all feel better by telling us that it's unrealistic to have a clean house and happy children and healthy meals. And that it's ok to spend all day watching TV and scrolling through Facebook because motherhood is hard, and we all deserve a break. But it's not ok for me.
Me
"doing the best that I can" means that I'm at least giving an effort. I
know that I won't always live up to my perfect expectations, but I'm
not ok with lowering my expectations so that I can meet them every day
with minimal effort. My kids deserve better than that.
I
know I'll still have bad mom days. And probably a lot more of them than
I would like. But the important part is that that's not the norm. "Real
life" to me is laughing with my kids, reading them stories and giving
them kisses. It's watching them grow and learn and amaze me every single
day. Bad mom days are a part of that life, but only a very small part."
Monday, November 23, 2015
Elizabeth (10 & 11 & 12 months old), You had a Birthday Shout Hurray.
Dear Elizabeth,
I am so sorry that I have been bad about writing to you each month.
So here are the last 3 months of your first year of life.
you can say dada (first word on 8/8/15), mama, yeah and a few other sounds which you can tell she is trying to put into words.
You wants to walk all the time (holding onto fingers), and is almost to the point where she can stand for more than 20 seconds on her own. (as of the beginning of October).
10 months: August
We had several fun things in August. We went camping, Daddy had his office party, and Uncle Spencer turned 25. So we drove a lot.
You love standing in your crib throwing things over the top. You love to play peek a boo. Your laugh is absolutely adorable; It lights up your whole face and engages your whole body.
Daddy grew a beard and you love pulling on it. When you are laying on him drinking a bottle you will lay there and comb it with your fingers.
Stats: 8/14/15
Weight: 18.09 lbs.
Height: 27.75 Inches
Head Circumference: 17.2 inches.
11 months: September
We went to the state fair this month where you saw cows and goats up close. And while you liked watching, you really didn't want to touch them. It was really funny to watch you jerk your hand away.
You're getting in more teeth. You finally had your four front ones pop up, plus a couple on the sides, now you're getting in 4 more teeth. And boy do you use those suckers.
When you are crawling around I shut all the doors in the house but yours, and you make your room so messy sometimes. Usually by tossing all the clothes out of the baskets.
12 Months: October
You have started pinching the underside of peoples' arms. You've done it to me and Bindy. And usually when I am talking and you are bored. And it hurts. You pinch really hard.
I broke my ankle two days before you turned one, and so I have been using crutches to get around and you hate it for the most part. 1-because I can't hold you unless I'm sitting down. This is usually only a problem when you are hungry or tired. Because I can't carry you from your bed to the kitchen to get your bottle, so I have to set you down after I pick you up out of your crib so I don't fall over and have to have you cry after to me as I race to the kitchen to get your bottle and try and get you to come to me on the chair. 2-because I can't move you out of places/trouble. you'll go into the bathroom and I have to try and corner you out with my crutches which involves a lot of crying from you. 3-I have to use dad to do a lot of things for me right now, so He can't just sit and hold you and play with you like before. It is a huge period of adjustment for all of us, even Sydney. And when it comes to you, your sister is a huge help.
You and Sydney have already started fighting each other. Pulling toys out of each others hands. You're barely one and while I am glad you can stand up for yourself while playing sometimes (other times you prefer to cry if she has taken something from you or pushed you down-you are still a baby after all) you cry just to get Sydney in trouble. Boy are you a sneaky little baby sometimes. But you are so cute, I can't get mad at you.
Your Birthday and Party. We had a party on your actual birthday (Thursday, Oct 22) at the South Jordan Aquatics Center. The party was supposed to go from 7-8 swimming, and then 8-8:30 presents and cake, but of course, we showed up late, and of course our swimming suits ended up being in Bindys car (daddy and Brett took that car to Walmart to get Nana's present, which happened to be a different Walmart). So everyone saw for about 45 minutes, and then we hurriedly eat cake and sang happy birthday, and opened Alex, Savannah, and Issacs, Skylees, and Great Grandma Harveys presents before we cleaned up and headed for home. At home You opened mommy and daddy's presents for you and then Grandma and Grandpa Arnolds presents. You got so spoiled and you loved everything. Of course so did Sydney. So you too have been fighting over the toys :(
12 month stats as of 10-30-15.
Weight: 21.1 lbs. 49th percentile.
Height: 29.75 inches. 69th percentile.
Head: 17.5 inches. 30th percentile.
I started feeding you more regularly on your high chair tray, which you love. Feeding yourself has become so necessary. In fact sometimes you refuse to eat unless you can feed yourself, you stinker :)
You know how to get your way by crying. And while I try not to indulge you, you are only one and don't exactly understand why you can do or eat or go where I say no/can't. But most especially at bed time. You'll lay in bed screaming and after an undetermined amount of time, daddy or I will go get you out of bed and give you a bottle and let you play for a while. And this will happen between 1 and 3 times.
I am so sorry that I have been bad about writing to you each month.
So here are the last 3 months of your first year of life.
you can say dada (first word on 8/8/15), mama, yeah and a few other sounds which you can tell she is trying to put into words.
You wants to walk all the time (holding onto fingers), and is almost to the point where she can stand for more than 20 seconds on her own. (as of the beginning of October).
10 months: August
We had several fun things in August. We went camping, Daddy had his office party, and Uncle Spencer turned 25. So we drove a lot.
You love standing in your crib throwing things over the top. You love to play peek a boo. Your laugh is absolutely adorable; It lights up your whole face and engages your whole body.
Daddy grew a beard and you love pulling on it. When you are laying on him drinking a bottle you will lay there and comb it with your fingers.
Stats: 8/14/15
Weight: 18.09 lbs.
Height: 27.75 Inches
Head Circumference: 17.2 inches.
11 months: September
We went to the state fair this month where you saw cows and goats up close. And while you liked watching, you really didn't want to touch them. It was really funny to watch you jerk your hand away.
You're getting in more teeth. You finally had your four front ones pop up, plus a couple on the sides, now you're getting in 4 more teeth. And boy do you use those suckers.
When you are crawling around I shut all the doors in the house but yours, and you make your room so messy sometimes. Usually by tossing all the clothes out of the baskets.
12 Months: October
You have started pinching the underside of peoples' arms. You've done it to me and Bindy. And usually when I am talking and you are bored. And it hurts. You pinch really hard.
I broke my ankle two days before you turned one, and so I have been using crutches to get around and you hate it for the most part. 1-because I can't hold you unless I'm sitting down. This is usually only a problem when you are hungry or tired. Because I can't carry you from your bed to the kitchen to get your bottle, so I have to set you down after I pick you up out of your crib so I don't fall over and have to have you cry after to me as I race to the kitchen to get your bottle and try and get you to come to me on the chair. 2-because I can't move you out of places/trouble. you'll go into the bathroom and I have to try and corner you out with my crutches which involves a lot of crying from you. 3-I have to use dad to do a lot of things for me right now, so He can't just sit and hold you and play with you like before. It is a huge period of adjustment for all of us, even Sydney. And when it comes to you, your sister is a huge help.
You and Sydney have already started fighting each other. Pulling toys out of each others hands. You're barely one and while I am glad you can stand up for yourself while playing sometimes (other times you prefer to cry if she has taken something from you or pushed you down-you are still a baby after all) you cry just to get Sydney in trouble. Boy are you a sneaky little baby sometimes. But you are so cute, I can't get mad at you.
Your Birthday and Party. We had a party on your actual birthday (Thursday, Oct 22) at the South Jordan Aquatics Center. The party was supposed to go from 7-8 swimming, and then 8-8:30 presents and cake, but of course, we showed up late, and of course our swimming suits ended up being in Bindys car (daddy and Brett took that car to Walmart to get Nana's present, which happened to be a different Walmart). So everyone saw for about 45 minutes, and then we hurriedly eat cake and sang happy birthday, and opened Alex, Savannah, and Issacs, Skylees, and Great Grandma Harveys presents before we cleaned up and headed for home. At home You opened mommy and daddy's presents for you and then Grandma and Grandpa Arnolds presents. You got so spoiled and you loved everything. Of course so did Sydney. So you too have been fighting over the toys :(
12 month stats as of 10-30-15.
Weight: 21.1 lbs. 49th percentile.
Height: 29.75 inches. 69th percentile.
Head: 17.5 inches. 30th percentile.
I started feeding you more regularly on your high chair tray, which you love. Feeding yourself has become so necessary. In fact sometimes you refuse to eat unless you can feed yourself, you stinker :)
You know how to get your way by crying. And while I try not to indulge you, you are only one and don't exactly understand why you can do or eat or go where I say no/can't. But most especially at bed time. You'll lay in bed screaming and after an undetermined amount of time, daddy or I will go get you out of bed and give you a bottle and let you play for a while. And this will happen between 1 and 3 times.
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| Sydney being so sad because daddy told her that the toys weren't hers that they were Lizzys and that she couldn't take them away and play with them. |
 |
| Grandpa Walt gave you the drum set. |
 |
| Your first birthday. You are ONE!!!!!!!!!! |
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| Nanas present to you |
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