Well, we didn't make as much progress as we did on day 1 but I can say that I am not that disappointed. We made a ton of progress on day 1 and would be completely done with no accidents if we did as well as day 2. We started out really well with a pee and poo in the toliet. Sometimes he would go to the toliet and pee and other times he would mess up and I would tell him to go to the toliet. He would stop peeing, sit down, and then finish. I can tell that he messes up when he is so focused on playing that he doesn't think about the feeling of needing to go. Before nap, he held it about 45 minutes which is quite a bit when you consider how much he has been drinking. He normally goes every 10 to 15 minutes with the amount of drink I am giving him. He knew he was supposed to nap after he went and was holding it as long as he could. He is a smart kid!
I started using a timer at the end of the day so that the timer would go off and he would realize that he needed to go. I also got a little discouraged that he wasn't a pro at this point...yes, I am a perfectionist! I called a couple of my seasoned friends and got some advice. They were mentioning it took 2 weeks to a month to get it done. 21 days to make a habit is what one of my friends said. I am hoping it happens before that point...what about all the people that do it in 3 days. I am sure the children are older that do it that quickly!
I feel bad for Noah because we are just staying at the house and focusing on that. I really want to do things with my sister and her daughter as well as other things around town but know I need to focus on this and be consistant or it is just not going to happen very fast. I can understand why kids take forever to learn when you switch them in and out of diapers and pull ups. They would be confused! So, I am not doing that and making Noah stay here and train. Call me hard core but I want to accompolish this quickly...hard to think that it is not just up to me though! It is hard for me to do things around town while focusing on this as well as taking care of a now 9 week old who is nursing. I am trying to get things done during naps when I can.
I guess I am ready to take on day 3! Here we go...
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Potty Training: The First Day
We have successfully finished the first day of potty training...Praise God! I was not excited about starting it but knew it was the best time. Noah had shown many signs that he was ready to start potty training so I was ready to do it. Not buying diapers for two sounds great to me! I am not so excited about cleaning up accidents but know they are bound to happen.
I brought tons of toys and books outside since I knew we would be spending all day out there. I also lathered Noah and I up with sunscreen. I put a shirt on Noah and his new big boy underwear. I also had a toddler portable potty that sings when you go outside. My sister let me use it. She used it with her daughter. At that point, there was no more stalling...it needed to happen. It started with a kicking, screaming child not wanting to go sit on the potty. I had to carry him over there and force him to stay on it. After a few times, he realized I wasn't going to give in and that I am in charge. Often he tries to be in charge but don't we all try to be in charge instead of God? I know I do...can't get to upset at him for trying in this point in his life. It is natural.
I stopped putting his big boy underwear on him and just let him 'be free' because taking them off at this point was just too much. After Noah realized that he had to go when I asked him, I went rather well. I would make him sit on the pot every so often and he went about 6 times and even pooped on there too! At that point, we realized that he now knows where he is supposed to go but needs to learn the feeling that he needs to go and walk over to the potty. Of course, there were a few accidents at that point but he stopped peeing a couple times and didn't finish until after he went to the potty. I was pretty impressed that he could stop peeing and walk over there to finish...he is definately ready to be trained! One time he stopped and held it a couple minutes until I told him he needed to do that on the potty. I knew he was a smart boy and physially able...it is just a matter of will at this point. A couple times he also told me he didn't need to go but then a few seconds later said he did and walked over and went.
I am so pleased with the first day; we made soooo much progress. I know I wore Noah out training and playing outside because he slept 3 1/2 hours during his nap. I was also pretty tired focusing on that while keeping Luke (9 weeks on Friday) happy and fed. Thankfully, Luke slept 8 hours in a row last night so now I have high hopes for the second day of training!
I brought tons of toys and books outside since I knew we would be spending all day out there. I also lathered Noah and I up with sunscreen. I put a shirt on Noah and his new big boy underwear. I also had a toddler portable potty that sings when you go outside. My sister let me use it. She used it with her daughter. At that point, there was no more stalling...it needed to happen. It started with a kicking, screaming child not wanting to go sit on the potty. I had to carry him over there and force him to stay on it. After a few times, he realized I wasn't going to give in and that I am in charge. Often he tries to be in charge but don't we all try to be in charge instead of God? I know I do...can't get to upset at him for trying in this point in his life. It is natural.
I stopped putting his big boy underwear on him and just let him 'be free' because taking them off at this point was just too much. After Noah realized that he had to go when I asked him, I went rather well. I would make him sit on the pot every so often and he went about 6 times and even pooped on there too! At that point, we realized that he now knows where he is supposed to go but needs to learn the feeling that he needs to go and walk over to the potty. Of course, there were a few accidents at that point but he stopped peeing a couple times and didn't finish until after he went to the potty. I was pretty impressed that he could stop peeing and walk over there to finish...he is definately ready to be trained! One time he stopped and held it a couple minutes until I told him he needed to do that on the potty. I knew he was a smart boy and physially able...it is just a matter of will at this point. A couple times he also told me he didn't need to go but then a few seconds later said he did and walked over and went.
I am so pleased with the first day; we made soooo much progress. I know I wore Noah out training and playing outside because he slept 3 1/2 hours during his nap. I was also pretty tired focusing on that while keeping Luke (9 weeks on Friday) happy and fed. Thankfully, Luke slept 8 hours in a row last night so now I have high hopes for the second day of training!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Noah's first 'real' hair cut
Here are some pictures of Noah's first real hair cut. I've actually cut Noah's hair for a while now but he has never had it professionally done. I didn't see the need to spend so much money on something I could do myself. But, it was about time to get it cleaned up. I will probably cut it myself now for quite a while until he asks to get it cut like Daddys. I will have to pass on that chance to style his hair...not sure I could pull that one off. I have cut John's many times but didn't originally style it that way. Cutting Noah's hair so far has consisted of cutting off his mullet and lately a few more places. It is finally growing fast in all areas. I think Luke's will be that way also. Luke already seems to have a little bit of a mullet while the rest of his hair looks like a buzz cut besides a few longer places on top. Here it is...
He got to pick out a movie and he picked Thomas the Train of course! He was so interested in the car he was sitting in and the movie that the hair cut went really well and quickly. She did a great job. She has four boys of her own so she knew exactly how to treat Noah. She was precious.
Here is the finished product! What a cutie!
I also got my hair cut later that day. I cut off 7 inches! Yes, 7! It seemed like there was more hair on the ground than on my head. I have literally been getting my hair cut once a year for the past 3 years or more. I guess you could say that is a good reason to chop it off. It will grow back fast since I have still have to take prenatal vitamins since I am nursing. Yea for looks! Sorry, I don't have any pictures of mine. I started potty training Noah yesterday so all my energy has gone to that as well as taking care of Luke. More info on that process in my next blog...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Cutie
Luke is such a cutie! Just had to show off some pictures of him and some updates.
Here is his precious smile. He gives me quite a few but loves smiling at his Daddy. I think he is a morning person. He is so happy in the morning...or maybe he is just smiling at how much he kept me up the night before. Ha!
Here is his precious smile. He gives me quite a few but loves smiling at his Daddy. I think he is a morning person. He is so happy in the morning...or maybe he is just smiling at how much he kept me up the night before. Ha!
But Luke has really become a better sleeper in the last few days. I started putting him on his tummy and he goes to sleep so fast and for a long time. Before, it would literally take 3 or 4 hours to get him down for the night. I would put him down and he would either be wide awake or wake up 5 minutes later. It was pretty tiring and frustrating every night doing that for 3 hours. A few days ago I finally decided I had to put him on his belly because he sleeps so well that way. And it works great! He sleeps 4 to 6 1/2 hours at a time. Praise God for a good sleeper after having Noah! Luke will be 8 weeks old on Friday. I am enjoying him more everyday as he begins to interact with us more. He is such a happy baby and loves smiling. He is really trying to coo and laugh too but can't quite do it yet. So sweet!We took down Noah's 3 to 6 month clothes from the attic. It is so fun to see Luke in some of the same clothes Noah wore. They seem so small compared to Noah now! Luke is growing fast and it makes me wonder whether Noah or Luke will end of up the bigger boy. It is so neat to see them grow and learn to love each other.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Potty Training
I have grand plans to potty train Noah in May. I will have my parents helping me for a couple weeks so I thought it would be the best time. I can focus on Noah while I have some help with Luke. I am sure they are thrilled! Noah will be over 28 months old. He is definitely smart enough...but is he physically able? We will soon find out!
John and Noah bought his big boy underwear the other day. They are so cute! I think they did a great job picking them out. I am sure I will embarrass him with this blog post someday :) Noah loves his underwear but isn't quite sure what underwear really is.
Noah has always had a pretty healthy system. He goes a lot! I remember waiting until the last minute one time to put his swim diaper on (that will not hold pee at all) when we had a group come over to swim last summer. I saw the first arrival in our drive way so I put the diaper on and by the time they got to the door he had already peed through it. Ahhh! On another note, I was told I was lucky one day picking Noah up from the nursery as they said he had a 'big one' while in there. I told them he would have another three or four...they were surprised. It was normal for me but apparently most children only have one a day?
Noah has always had a pretty healthy system. He goes a lot! I remember waiting until the last minute one time to put his swim diaper on (that will not hold pee at all) when we had a group come over to swim last summer. I saw the first arrival in our drive way so I put the diaper on and by the time they got to the door he had already peed through it. Ahhh! On another note, I was told I was lucky one day picking Noah up from the nursery as they said he had a 'big one' while in there. I told them he would have another three or four...they were surprised. It was normal for me but apparently most children only have one a day?Noah can still go through a diaper in an hour...that kid nurses his drink. He has this special way of holding on to it to the side so that he can play while drinking and not miss anything.
I will have to cut back on the drinks if he is going to be potty trained or my day will consist of sitting with Noah in the bathroom with Luke on my shoulder. After Noah is potty trained, it will be a good time to switch him to a cup so that he doesn't drink so much. But, the fact that he drinks a lot will help with potty training cause he will have lots of chances to learn!
Noah doesn't like it when he leaks through his diaper and it runs down his leg so my plan is to just put 'big boy underwear' on him and let it leak down his leg when he goes. We will spend most of the day outside and I will just take him to the portable potty when he goes to let him know he is supposed to go in there. That is my plan anyway...any suggestions on how it worked best for you? I need to read up on a few ideas on how people do it. Did you train your son standing up or sitting down? If he stands up then does he know when he needs to sit down to go #2? The potty was my nieces and it sings when you go. It is pretty cute! Not too excited about cleaning it up though. Hoping he transitions to an inside potty easily too. So much to think about!!!
I will have to cut back on the drinks if he is going to be potty trained or my day will consist of sitting with Noah in the bathroom with Luke on my shoulder. After Noah is potty trained, it will be a good time to switch him to a cup so that he doesn't drink so much. But, the fact that he drinks a lot will help with potty training cause he will have lots of chances to learn!Noah doesn't like it when he leaks through his diaper and it runs down his leg so my plan is to just put 'big boy underwear' on him and let it leak down his leg when he goes. We will spend most of the day outside and I will just take him to the portable potty when he goes to let him know he is supposed to go in there. That is my plan anyway...any suggestions on how it worked best for you? I need to read up on a few ideas on how people do it. Did you train your son standing up or sitting down? If he stands up then does he know when he needs to sit down to go #2? The potty was my nieces and it sings when you go. It is pretty cute! Not too excited about cleaning it up though. Hoping he transitions to an inside potty easily too. So much to think about!!!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Bedtime Routine
We are really enjoying seeing our boys grow together and how much they love each other. Noah is such a good big brother and really does well with Luke. Luke is starting to be more alert and really look for the familiar voices he has heard for so long. He will be 5 weeks old on Friday. I am hoping the 6 week mark will be big for him. He is still only sleeping 1 to 2 hours at a time. He has slept 3 and 4 hours at a time only a few times in the last 5 weeks. I still feel rested compared to the zombie I was when I had Noah but look forward to sleeping more!
Here is a picture of the start of our night time routine. Luke is done with his bath and ready to get dressed. Poor guy...he looks so cold! Break my heart ;(
Now they are snuggled on the couch while Noah drinks his milk and gets ready for his bath. It is fun to see how much bigger Noah is than Luke!
Noah is giving Luke kisses here. He doesn't quite get the fact that he needs to put his lips to his face. He just puts his face on him. So sweet!
Here is a picture of the start of our night time routine. Luke is done with his bath and ready to get dressed. Poor guy...he looks so cold! Break my heart ;(
Now they are snuggled on the couch while Noah drinks his milk and gets ready for his bath. It is fun to see how much bigger Noah is than Luke!
Noah is giving Luke kisses here. He doesn't quite get the fact that he needs to put his lips to his face. He just puts his face on him. So sweet!
Grandpa Don (John's Dad) came from Colorado to meet Luke for the first time this week end. Luke was 4 weeks old. It was fun for him to see him now that he is more alert. Noah had fun playing with Grandpa Don. I like this picture because it looks like Noah is trying to put his arm around Luke.
Here are a couple more pictures of my sweet boys. I am a blessed Momma!Luke is gearing up for baseball season with this outfit!
Here is Noah wearing his elephant ears he got from the zoo...and of course his Thomas the Train shirt. He loves the elephants! We are so glad they are back from Tulsa! We hope to go to the zoo again next week! Noah and I really miss going to the zoo all the time. We used to go at least once a week in Fort Worth as well as the science Museum, Mall play ground, and several other places. We will just have to enjoy our trips to Oklahoma City...but great excuse to see Grammy!!!
Emily (on behalf of John, Noah, and Luke) :)Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Brothers
I am really enjoying my boys. It is neat to see how Noah acts toward Luke and how Luke is growing our family. They are both so precious. Noah is such a good big brother. When I was pregnant, I could see Noah loving and adjusting well to Luke and I think he really has. He seems to be pretty loving and gentle with him and always worried about him when he is crying or not in the room. I can't wait to see them be able to play more and more together as Luke grows older. But for now, Noah tries his best to play with Luke.
Here is Noah giving Luke some blue Legos (Yes, Noah is type A like his parents and has to separate the colors). I don't think Noah totally understands how little Luke can do.
Another recent discovery for Noah is the art an imagination. He currently loves to pretend to be a dog. And, why would a dog not want to hang out in his dog house...
Here is a picture of Luke's first 'real' bath. We are using the same bath tub that we used with Noah except some of the parts are missing. We are currently plugging the holes with a rag. I put those plugs in a 'special place' when we lived in Fort Worth so Noah wouldn't lose them...and I am not quite sure where that was and whether it was transferred to Weatherford in our move...so they are lost anyway. But, we ordered more plugs and they should be on there way.I am sure Luke will be pleased with Daddy's hand placement in the future. Luke seems to like his bath besides the getting dressed/putting lotion on/and freezing part. But even through that he just shivers...breaks my heart but we need a clean boy!
You can't quite tell but he is still shivering and waiting for Mommy to warm him! He is such a cutie! It is neat to see him wear this because it was just the other day when Noah was wearing this same outfit! They grow so fast!
Emily (on behalf of John, Noah, and Luke) :)
Noah
I've decided it is probably about time to get Noah a real hair cut. I have really just cut his mullet off every time it grows and done a little on the sides. I was thinking of getting it cut like his Daddy's and thought we would try it out first...
I would say his hair is a little too long for that style...some may think it is pretty 'rad' though!Here is our sweet Noah sleeping after a long day of play...
Noah loves all the time he gets with his Daddy. Lately, John goes in to get Noah in the mornings since I am normally taking care of Luke. I think Daddy is trying to get a little more sleep in this morning...Noah is not so sure about the idea!
Here is Noah playing with his Daddy. Wrestling is his favorite thing to do with Daddy! The dogs are even hoping for some attention too!
Yes, Noah convinced Daddy to get into the box! He almost fit!
I love my family and enjoy looking at these precious memories over and over again! I am so blessed!
Emily (on behalf of John, Noah, and Luke) :)
Emily (on behalf of John, Noah, and Luke) :)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Noah's birthday
Noah turned two on Christmas Eve. I can't believe it! He is growing up so fast and already such a smart, happy boy. We had his birthday party in January with family and friends. His birthday theme was balls. Everything all the way to the food was a ball or circle. Here is the cake that Noah's Nana (Great-Grandma) made.
Nana also made cupcakes for the kiddos. Noah and his oldest cousin Laney are chowing down on some great food!
Here is a picture of the decorated room...the adults were even able to talk some since the children were occupied with all the toys.
Noah opening presents with Grammy and his cousin, Braden. His favorite toys right now are all his trains. So he was overjoyed to receive Thomas the train stuff.
He is opening his homemade card from Braden. It was precious!
Here is a precious pic with Grandpa and Nana and all the great-grandchildren besides the youngest additions: TJ and Luke.
Noah's party was a blast. It was neat to spend it with so many we love. Thank you all!!!
Emily (on behalf of John, Noah, and Luke)
Nana also made cupcakes for the kiddos. Noah and his oldest cousin Laney are chowing down on some great food!
Here is a picture of the decorated room...the adults were even able to talk some since the children were occupied with all the toys.
Noah opening presents with Grammy and his cousin, Braden. His favorite toys right now are all his trains. So he was overjoyed to receive Thomas the train stuff.
He is opening his homemade card from Braden. It was precious!
Here is a precious pic with Grandpa and Nana and all the great-grandchildren besides the youngest additions: TJ and Luke.
Noah's party was a blast. It was neat to spend it with so many we love. Thank you all!!!Emily (on behalf of John, Noah, and Luke)
Noah Meets Luke
I really enjoyed the experience of being pregnant with Noah learning about the whole process. Not the being pregnant part but seeing him learn so much. He would daily put stickers on my belly for Luke. He would hug and kiss 'Luke.' And he prayed for him almost every nap and night time routine each day. He even said, 'Luke' when looking at baby pictures of himself. We also had a couple big brother books that we read often. He really seemed to like the whole idea and I definitely think he understood but I am interested to see how he takes sharing Mommy with little brother so much.
We did not have Noah come to the hospital. We didn't want to expose him to any unnecessary germs and didn't want to deal with him climbing on the bed while I wasn't feeling my best. But as soon as we walked in the door, Noah greeted us and was ready to meet Luke David. Look at his face all lite up. Boy, am I a blessed mother!
Here is Noah taking his first peek as John gets him out of the car seat. He is probably thinking, Dad and Mom weren't kidding when they said baby Luke was going to sit next to him in the car in the seat. Sometimes I wonder if he makes connections like that...like wondering how he got out of my belly and into the car seat...
Time to get to know Luke...
First touch...
Making sure he has all his body parts...
It was such a special time to see Noah meet his little brother Luke David. Noah has had tons of fun playing with Robin Jones (One of Noah and Luke's Weatherford Grandparents), Grammy (John's Mom), and Grandpa and Nana (Emily's parents) while we were at the hospital and this first week as we all adjusted to our new life as a family of four.
Before having Luke I couldn't imagine loving another child as much as I love Noah. I thought who could be more fun and joyful, smart and funny, active and loving...but the love I have for Luke is already overwhelming. They say having a child is like having a piece of your heart walk around outside of your body and that is so true!Emily (on behalf of John, Noah, and Luke) :)
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