Unfortunately the terrible two's are rearing their ugly head. And when I say "their" I mean his. And when I saw ugly head, I mean stubborn little blond headed boy. I am not sure a soon-to-be third birthday is going to help any either.
Evan has started having tantrums. Knock down, hitting, crying, screaming, tantrums. He has them in stores now (lovely) when he doesn't get his way, at home when he doesn't get his way, and pretty much anytime when he doesn't get his way. Not cool.
The first time that was really noticeable was at Target a few weeks back. I, unfortunately, was there to see a physicians assistant at the Target Clinic as I suspected I had an ear infection. And yes, lo and behold, I did. So, while I was already sick, I had to put up with two whiny children who didn't want to be there. While I was filling out the paperwork with my back turned for maybe a minute, Evan conveniently covered his body with hand sanitizer. Gross. So, I went to the bathroom and attempted to clean it up with the little boy running away from me and hollering that I wasn't being nice and "NO MAMA!" Great fun with a pounding headache and ear, let me tell you.
Once that debacle was done, we went back to see the P.A. in record time if you ask me. The receptionist gave the kids colors and paper to color on and make pictures. Great, right? Well, for maybe 2 minutes. While I was describing symptoms and answering more questions for a completely thorough pre-exam, the kids were whining that they were bored. Fine, so I get out my iPod and continuously apologize to the PA for the interruptions, while giving glaring looks to the children. The iPod works as a distraction for maybe 3 minutes while they fight over who has more room on their chair, what to watch, what to play, etc. I give warnings, threaten to take it away, give more glaring looks and finally take the damn thing away as it was not doing its purpose. Then, the tantrum. The PA (probably in horror at my children) looks in my ears hurriedly, writes the prescription and ushers us out, while Evan is screaming "No FAIR MAMA! I want the iPod MAMA! No FAIR!" Grrrr...
I rush to the pharmacy while receiving both horrified and sympathetic looks from people as they observe the obvious tantrum that is boiling out of my son. He stops in the aisle, cries, and screams "MAMA! MY iPOD. I want my iPOD." continuously... over and over and over. I am sure I am red-faced, I don't meet eyes, I am furious and embarrassed all at the same time. Emma is observing this as well and does the "Mom, I am not having a tantrum, I am being a good girl now, right?" AND of course the pharmacy is going to take 15-20 minutes to get my prescription. Evan is still in the midst of a tantrum (it has probably been about 10 minutes for the full-blown tantrum) and I have reached my maximum level of every kind of emotion. And still, I refuse to give him the iPod. I waiver on this at times, but I know that I cannot give in to this little creature at the moment. So, I call my husband and tell him to get the kids on his way home from work because I am done.
I take the kids outside to wait the long 10 minutes for Tim to get there and I usher them to him so I can have a few minutes to calm down. Evan had calmed down while outside however, which was a nice reprieve. They were climbing on the big red balls that Target now has in their entrance to the store, which was a treat for them as I never let them do that.
And, of course, Tim has to tell me later that night that as he was walking Evan to his car after they left me, Evan asked, "Daddy, why doesn't Mama love me anymore?" Of course, I start crying now (because by now my emotions have decided to come to the surface) and tell Evan that I do love him, etc. He looks at me like I am out of my mind and runs off to play
He has had a few tantrums since then as well. I do not give in and I walk away, but that doesn't make them any easier. I know we went through these with Emma, but definitely not as frequent. He can be so cute and loveable at times, but little crazy creature at other times. It makes for interesting days, that is for sure.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Not quite sleeping... and other pics from the weekend
We were up at the cabin this past weekend and on Saturday, the kids were supposed to be napping. Unfortunately, they were struggling with this. We didn't get up to the cabin until 10 or so on Friday night, so they had a late night previously and could really use a small rest. Me too as I still look forward to their naptimes so I can either read, nap, clean, work-out, whatever.
Normally, this is a fun game I play with the kids. If they are in a room, or I am getting ready for something, we will stick our hands under the doors and talk, touch fingers, whatever. However, when it is naptime, I do not see this as a fun game. But, who can resist this? Seriously, how sweet, right? So, I go over there, touch his fingers and slowly open the door. He looks up at expectantly, so I pick him up and rock him a bit. He then, settled down for a nap.
Anyway, this particular Saturday naptime was NOT going well. First, the kids were together in their room and were constantly talking, laughing, jumping on beds... definitely NOT napping. So, I separate them. Emma starts crying because she wants to lay in my bed, but I won't let her in case I need to use it for a nap. So, I put her in the spare bunk bed downstairs. She comes up once or twice, cries, whines, etc to avoid napping. Eventually, she falls asleep.
Evan quiets down and I think he is sleeping. However, when I take a peak (and a second glance) I see this:
Normally, this is a fun game I play with the kids. If they are in a room, or I am getting ready for something, we will stick our hands under the doors and talk, touch fingers, whatever. However, when it is naptime, I do not see this as a fun game. But, who can resist this? Seriously, how sweet, right? So, I go over there, touch his fingers and slowly open the door. He looks up at expectantly, so I pick him up and rock him a bit. He then, settled down for a nap.
Here are some other cute pics from our weekend. I hosted a very small, birthday party for my Dad. It was on my in-law's pontoons and we feasted on fabulous appetizers, had champagne cocktails, and had a great time. For the most part anyway. Evan, unfortunately, had a tantrum for roughly 20 minutes because he didn't want to wear a life jacket. ... sigh... more on his recent tantrums in a later post.... He doesn't win this battle and eventually gives up, thankfully.
ANYWAY, Uncle Dave later offers to stay with Evan to play in the sand and stay on land so the rest of us can spend a little more time on the pontoon. When we arrive back at their cabin, we go in the house to see both of them playing cribbage Fun, right? And, they were having fun. Taking a look at Evan though, I see he is naked. Buck naked sitting at the table without a care in the world! Dave felt bad that all Evan had to wear was his wet swimming trunks, so he took them off, laid a towel down, and let Evan be naked while they played cards. Aunt Jill fashioned this lovely ensemble for him on the ride home. LOVE IT! I didn't think though, I had to worry about him wearing a toga until college. He loved this look too.
Here was just a goofy picture of Emma wearing all the lei's I bought for the party. She looks like a preacher or something sharing the good word in this one.
Here was just a goofy picture of Emma wearing all the lei's I bought for the party. She looks like a preacher or something sharing the good word in this one.
"I have healing power!"
Biking
I have been trying to get the family out lately for family walks, soccer games, or anything to start building a habit of a healthy lifestyle. Yesterday, we went biking.
Tim was gone.. I think he want to the store for something, so we decided to bike. Well, the kids were biking and I was walking with them to make sure they were safe. Emma donned her ladybug helmet and excitedly got on her princess bike as "We are going right over there to that circle Mom!" By the circle, she means the cul-de-sac roughly 1/8 of a mile from our house.. if that. It is pretty close. Evan was excited as well as I normally don't let him bike on the road. He is unpredictable yet and it makes me nervous. However, that is why I was walking alongside of him and not biking myself. He decided to ride on his little blue trike. No helmet for him yet ( I know, the shock & horror of this! How dare I let him on the road? Funny, I survived never wearing one just fine...) however, I have a good feeling he may get one in the next few weeks.
Anyway, the kids take off down the driveway, pausing at the end of the driveway to look for cars, and proceed down the road. Emma is proud because I let her ride first because I can trust her to stay to the side of the road. Evan? Not so much; I am steering him to the side about every 10 feet.
We make it to the cul-de-sac, and it is free reign for my kiddo's. I let them go at their own pace, however, ensuring they still ride close to the side of the road. I am watching while standing at the beginning or top? of the cul-de-sac, so I can safely protect my children from any approaching car.
Emma is speeding around and around, waving periodically. Evan is more slowly making his way around, but still is so happy he is off of the driveway. The bike riding event ends after Emma takes a spill from her bike (her second actually) which drew blood from skinned knees and tears from my little girl. Thankfully, she could muster enough energy to walk back to the house (yes, that was sarcastic as the scrape wasn't all that bad) while I had to steer Evan to the side of the road and pull her bike as well.
It was fun, the kids had a great time (except for the fall) and I am sure they will be requesting it soon. As much as I wanted them to stay babies at the time they were, I must say, it is so much fun to watch them develop and see them do things like this. I know in a new months/years I will get to bike too and we can go for longer distances and I am excited for that.
Tim was gone.. I think he want to the store for something, so we decided to bike. Well, the kids were biking and I was walking with them to make sure they were safe. Emma donned her ladybug helmet and excitedly got on her princess bike as "We are going right over there to that circle Mom!" By the circle, she means the cul-de-sac roughly 1/8 of a mile from our house.. if that. It is pretty close. Evan was excited as well as I normally don't let him bike on the road. He is unpredictable yet and it makes me nervous. However, that is why I was walking alongside of him and not biking myself. He decided to ride on his little blue trike. No helmet for him yet ( I know, the shock & horror of this! How dare I let him on the road? Funny, I survived never wearing one just fine...) however, I have a good feeling he may get one in the next few weeks.
Anyway, the kids take off down the driveway, pausing at the end of the driveway to look for cars, and proceed down the road. Emma is proud because I let her ride first because I can trust her to stay to the side of the road. Evan? Not so much; I am steering him to the side about every 10 feet.
We make it to the cul-de-sac, and it is free reign for my kiddo's. I let them go at their own pace, however, ensuring they still ride close to the side of the road. I am watching while standing at the beginning or top? of the cul-de-sac, so I can safely protect my children from any approaching car.
Emma is speeding around and around, waving periodically. Evan is more slowly making his way around, but still is so happy he is off of the driveway. The bike riding event ends after Emma takes a spill from her bike (her second actually) which drew blood from skinned knees and tears from my little girl. Thankfully, she could muster enough energy to walk back to the house (yes, that was sarcastic as the scrape wasn't all that bad) while I had to steer Evan to the side of the road and pull her bike as well.
It was fun, the kids had a great time (except for the fall) and I am sure they will be requesting it soon. As much as I wanted them to stay babies at the time they were, I must say, it is so much fun to watch them develop and see them do things like this. I know in a new months/years I will get to bike too and we can go for longer distances and I am excited for that.
"But Mama, that doesn't matter!"
Evan, being practically 3-years old, and mildly stubborn, loves dressing himself and doing everything himself. It is not unusual for him in the morning to come into our bedroom when he wakes up, say "Hi Mama" and then go change for the day. If I am lucky some mornings, I get a hug and a snuggle, then he is ready to get changed for the day.
Now it has to be said, he is not good at dressing himself. Many times shirts, shorts, undies, everything are inside out, backyards, upside down, you name it. When I point it out to him, he looks up "But Mama, that doesn't matter! It's okay!"
So, here is a picture of our little boy. It is a common site. Shoes backwards. But, as he says, "Mama, that doesn't matter!"
He has developed a small stutter lately and sometimes I feel so bad for him when he is trying to get a sentence out. Most kids go through it, I remember when Emma did as well, so I am not worried, it is just another characteristic of my little Evan now.
Now it has to be said, he is not good at dressing himself. Many times shirts, shorts, undies, everything are inside out, backyards, upside down, you name it. When I point it out to him, he looks up "But Mama, that doesn't matter! It's okay!"
So, here is a picture of our little boy. It is a common site. Shoes backwards. But, as he says, "Mama, that doesn't matter!"
He has developed a small stutter lately and sometimes I feel so bad for him when he is trying to get a sentence out. Most kids go through it, I remember when Emma did as well, so I am not worried, it is just another characteristic of my little Evan now.
Water-skiing
Roughly two weeks ago after seeing me and her cousin water ski, Emma decided that she was ready to try water skiing. To say that I was excited is an understatement... so is saying that I was nervous. I was so happy that Emma finally was ready to try it. I realize that she is a little young yet, but to have the nerve to try it it pretty good for her. She had been making huge strides this year in the water: jumping off the dock, deep swimming, swimming lessons, tubing, everything in the water this year she has accomplished has been great.
So, back to water-skiing....
We get the skis on her little legs. While I am doing this, I am going through everything with her: hang on to the rope, keep skis up, keep your knees bent, hang on to the rope (again!) etc. She is listening, smiling nervously, and looks ready.
So, back to water-skiing....
We get the skis on her little legs. While I am doing this, I am going through everything with her: hang on to the rope, keep skis up, keep your knees bent, hang on to the rope (again!) etc. She is listening, smiling nervously, and looks ready.
I get her in the water with her knees bent up to her chest and hanging on to the rope. Tim drives slowly and lets her pull a bit behind the jet ski. She does well with this and is being pulled with her knees up and her tips still out of the water.
Then, Tim guns it... albeit slowly ... to try to pull her out of the water. She struggles a bit and shifts from side-to-side and eventually does a dive into the water with her skis popping off. Then, the worst part? She doesn't let go of the rope and is being drug behind the jet-ski. So, I run down the dock yelling "EMMA! Let go of the rope! EMMA! LET GO!" Eventually (after what seemed like 5 minutes, but I am sure was only like 15 seconds) she let go. Sigh.... I forgot to tell her to let go of the rope.
Then, Tim guns it... albeit slowly ... to try to pull her out of the water. She struggles a bit and shifts from side-to-side and eventually does a dive into the water with her skis popping off. Then, the worst part? She doesn't let go of the rope and is being drug behind the jet-ski. So, I run down the dock yelling "EMMA! Let go of the rope! EMMA! LET GO!" Eventually (after what seemed like 5 minutes, but I am sure was only like 15 seconds) she let go. Sigh.... I forgot to tell her to let go of the rope.
Tim goes over to her and gets her sad face and "Daddy, I got a lot of water in my face!" And with that, her water-skiing experience was over. She didn't want to try again, even with my consoling "it happens to everyone" speech. Oh well, at least she tried. She did say this past weekend that she wanted to try again, but then changed her mind at the cabin. Hopefully we will get one more try in before the water cools.
AND, of course, since Emma tried water skiing, Evan had to try too. The water skis, even the kid ones, were just a little too big yet. His little legs couldn't control the skis when he was in the water. He did try and Tim did pull him slowly behind the jet-ski, but that literally lasted 5 seconds. And, with that, he was done too.
All-in-all, I am so proud of both of them. Water skiing is something that I have been excited for them to try, although, next year will probably be better.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thinking a little harder
Emma, Evan, and I were driving to her swimming lessons tonight and we were talking about birthday presents. The fall is a busy time with birthdays around here - however the most excited person of all is Evan. He tells me a lot what he wants for his birthday and that he wants a Cars party with a big cake and all that stuff.
Anyway, Emma and I were talking presents.
Me: "Emma, what do you think Evan wants for his birthday?"
Emma: "probably cars."
Me: "Why do you say that?"
Emma: with a "duh" tone of voice, "Mom, he is always playing with Cars and he is a boy. I can't tell him what kind of car I will buy him, because he is right there." and she points to Evan "and then it won't be a surprise."
Me: "Right, make sense. So what do you think I want for my birthday? What am I always doing? Do I have any hobbies?"
Emma: "Well, you are always vacuuming or sweeping. So, maybe something to go along with that."
Me, just thinking to myself: "Perfect, how lovely. Of all the things I do for that kid, Vacumming and sweeping sticks out in her mind.
Although, kind of cute I thought.
More blog later. I have been suffering from an ear infection this week and don't have much energy after the kids go to bed to blog. But, I have some good cabin stories and terrible three stories to share.
Anyway, Emma and I were talking presents.
Me: "Emma, what do you think Evan wants for his birthday?"
Emma: "probably cars."
Me: "Why do you say that?"
Emma: with a "duh" tone of voice, "Mom, he is always playing with Cars and he is a boy. I can't tell him what kind of car I will buy him, because he is right there." and she points to Evan "and then it won't be a surprise."
Me: "Right, make sense. So what do you think I want for my birthday? What am I always doing? Do I have any hobbies?"
Emma: "Well, you are always vacuuming or sweeping. So, maybe something to go along with that."
Me, just thinking to myself: "Perfect, how lovely. Of all the things I do for that kid, Vacumming and sweeping sticks out in her mind.
Although, kind of cute I thought.
More blog later. I have been suffering from an ear infection this week and don't have much energy after the kids go to bed to blog. But, I have some good cabin stories and terrible three stories to share.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Four more weeks to go
We are enjoying the last four weeks before school starts. I am hoping to do some fun things with the kids on the four Fridays we have left, maybe the Mall of America, State Fair, who knows. Emma, in preparation for Kindergarten, got to go to school on Monday to meet with her teacher for a half an hour. Tim and I had some paperwork to fill out and Emma was being tested of sorts to see what she knew.
Emma did great. Her teacher ran through numbers, letters, colors, shapes, sentences and all sorts of things. Yes, we have some things we could work with her on before school, but her teacher assured us that Emma was more than ready for kindergarten and that Emma has great self-confidence. So, what was my favorite thing about the meeting? Emma's teacher takes her in the little room and asks Emma to spell her name. Emma first, then Heuer. However, the teacher mispronounces Heuer. What does Emma do? "Actually, my name is Emma HEUER" and pronounces her name correctly for the teacher. Not a big thing, I realize, but I was proud of Emma for telling her teacher that. Plus, her teacher thanked Emma for correcting her and told us that was a good thing for Emma to do also.
Emma is also doing a 2-week free trial of Karate this week. Tim and I have both discussed the benefits of Karate and have decided we want the kids to try it and continue with it, if they like it. Emma so far is enjoying it and Evan really wishes he could try it also. He is really happy when Emma teaches him how to do it :-)
Evan has been a little spit-fire lately and we have been having to reign the little boy in a bit. He needs to learn that everything he does is not always cute and that if he is naughty, there will be consequences. If he is naughty, or I put him in time out, or even reprimand him, he looks down, will go limp or fall on the floor and will not do anything. For example, I was trying to get him to go up and take a bath yesterday. He said No approximately 3 times and I told him that wasn't okay. So, he kept saying No. I picked him up to put him in his room for a few minutes and he instantly went limp in my arms. He is complete dead weight as I am carrying him up the stairs and I put him on his bed and he folds over. I am not sure why he does that, but whenever he is getting a serious talking to, he slumps over and goes limp. Not fun.
This past weekend we had fun visitors up to the cabin - Kristen and the 4 kids! Emma and Evan just love it when little people are up there to play with them. It is constant jumping off the dock, swimming, splashing, and having fun. It is neat to watch the kids from year to year or even month to month with how much they explore and do in the lake.
Thankfully, after my last post, life is going much better here in the Heuer house. Thanks to all for reading/listening and to the thoughtful comments and emails I got from friends. It is great to have such a wonderful support system and to hear the "you are not alone! been there, done that" comments.
Emma did great. Her teacher ran through numbers, letters, colors, shapes, sentences and all sorts of things. Yes, we have some things we could work with her on before school, but her teacher assured us that Emma was more than ready for kindergarten and that Emma has great self-confidence. So, what was my favorite thing about the meeting? Emma's teacher takes her in the little room and asks Emma to spell her name. Emma first, then Heuer. However, the teacher mispronounces Heuer. What does Emma do? "Actually, my name is Emma HEUER" and pronounces her name correctly for the teacher. Not a big thing, I realize, but I was proud of Emma for telling her teacher that. Plus, her teacher thanked Emma for correcting her and told us that was a good thing for Emma to do also.
Emma is also doing a 2-week free trial of Karate this week. Tim and I have both discussed the benefits of Karate and have decided we want the kids to try it and continue with it, if they like it. Emma so far is enjoying it and Evan really wishes he could try it also. He is really happy when Emma teaches him how to do it :-)
Evan has been a little spit-fire lately and we have been having to reign the little boy in a bit. He needs to learn that everything he does is not always cute and that if he is naughty, there will be consequences. If he is naughty, or I put him in time out, or even reprimand him, he looks down, will go limp or fall on the floor and will not do anything. For example, I was trying to get him to go up and take a bath yesterday. He said No approximately 3 times and I told him that wasn't okay. So, he kept saying No. I picked him up to put him in his room for a few minutes and he instantly went limp in my arms. He is complete dead weight as I am carrying him up the stairs and I put him on his bed and he folds over. I am not sure why he does that, but whenever he is getting a serious talking to, he slumps over and goes limp. Not fun.
This past weekend we had fun visitors up to the cabin - Kristen and the 4 kids! Emma and Evan just love it when little people are up there to play with them. It is constant jumping off the dock, swimming, splashing, and having fun. It is neat to watch the kids from year to year or even month to month with how much they explore and do in the lake.
Thankfully, after my last post, life is going much better here in the Heuer house. Thanks to all for reading/listening and to the thoughtful comments and emails I got from friends. It is great to have such a wonderful support system and to hear the "you are not alone! been there, done that" comments.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
You take the good.... you take the bad
The day goes from:
stressing out about job transitions since the person who was training me quit yesterday
-to-
--being concerned that I am doing everything correctly so our P&L is accurate and I am off the hook
-to-
constantly wishing that I will receive a phone call from Tim that finally gives us the answer we are hoping for
-to-
picking up the kids and starting on supper and putting the little guy in time-out after his insistence that my giving Emma a pudding spoon to lick was "NOT FAIR! NOT FAIR MAMA!"
-to-
the bigger kid instantly saying she doesn't like my supper of bland chicken & potatoes & raspberries and the little guy instantly following suit
-to-
the little guy being banned from the big table and assigned to the small table for being naughty
-to-
the bigger kid refusing to eat, but wanting dessert (of course)
-to-
the little guy being put in time out AGAIN
-to-
me just telling Tim to go outside and mow the lawn already and I can do the dishes
-to-
me deciding that the kids need to run around outside and burn off whatever it is that is making them crazy & whiny
-to-
me being frustrated with our long-term guest because I cannot get our bikes out in an easy fashion
-to-
me deciding the playing outside idea wasn't good and bringing the kids inside
-to-
me finally snapping after water is flying everywhere and the kids are not listening
-to-
me throwing my magazine on the ground and announcing that bath time is over
-to-
Emma throwing her head back and sobbing because she feels bad because I was upset
-to-
Evan insisting that he is not a naughty boy and tearing up
-to-
me, just being done. I read stories, I kiss little heads, and I constantly feel guilt at the way this evening went
-to-
me making a dent on the dirty dishes and feeling relief that the pile of dishes is at least now a clean pile of dishes.
-to-
me, watching Design Star and decompressing
-and-
finally
-to-
me, quietly tip-toeing into the kids rooms and kissing foreheads and whispering I am sorry for not being a good Mom tonight. Then, praying that tomorrow is a better day.
There you have it... the facts of life.
It's not pretty. It's not cute stories of the little ones tonight. It is a story of frustration, whiny/over tired children, whiny/overwhelmed parents, and the wish that tomorrow will be better.
stressing out about job transitions since the person who was training me quit yesterday
-to-
--being concerned that I am doing everything correctly so our P&L is accurate and I am off the hook
-to-
constantly wishing that I will receive a phone call from Tim that finally gives us the answer we are hoping for
-to-
picking up the kids and starting on supper and putting the little guy in time-out after his insistence that my giving Emma a pudding spoon to lick was "NOT FAIR! NOT FAIR MAMA!"
-to-
the bigger kid instantly saying she doesn't like my supper of bland chicken & potatoes & raspberries and the little guy instantly following suit
-to-
the little guy being banned from the big table and assigned to the small table for being naughty
-to-
the bigger kid refusing to eat, but wanting dessert (of course)
-to-
the little guy being put in time out AGAIN
-to-
me just telling Tim to go outside and mow the lawn already and I can do the dishes
-to-
me deciding that the kids need to run around outside and burn off whatever it is that is making them crazy & whiny
-to-
me being frustrated with our long-term guest because I cannot get our bikes out in an easy fashion
-to-
me deciding the playing outside idea wasn't good and bringing the kids inside
-to-
me finally snapping after water is flying everywhere and the kids are not listening
-to-
me throwing my magazine on the ground and announcing that bath time is over
-to-
Emma throwing her head back and sobbing because she feels bad because I was upset
-to-
Evan insisting that he is not a naughty boy and tearing up
-to-
me, just being done. I read stories, I kiss little heads, and I constantly feel guilt at the way this evening went
-to-
me making a dent on the dirty dishes and feeling relief that the pile of dishes is at least now a clean pile of dishes.
-to-
me, watching Design Star and decompressing
-and-
finally
-to-
me, quietly tip-toeing into the kids rooms and kissing foreheads and whispering I am sorry for not being a good Mom tonight. Then, praying that tomorrow is a better day.
There you have it... the facts of life.
It's not pretty. It's not cute stories of the little ones tonight. It is a story of frustration, whiny/over tired children, whiny/overwhelmed parents, and the wish that tomorrow will be better.
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