Pressure cooker

Yesterday was a typical, good Thursday. The kids were up at there usual time, so Emma slept in a bit later than Toby, giving me time to adjust. I had plans to go to the bank before Emma's speech therapy at noon, which we did after a brief visit to see Christina and the boys.

After the bank I picked up some nuggets from Chick-Fil-A. They are not the only chicken Emma will eat, but they do guarantee it. I won't deny I'm as partial to the treat as she is!

I set up her little table and chairs in the living room so she could sit and eat there, instead of putting her under observation at the dining room table. You see lately when you want Emma to eat, she won't. Not at all.

After the kids had napped and Scott was home we took them to the park for a little while.




We came home for dinner of grilled chicken and mac'n'cheese. After a few bites Emma refused to eat. I tried to negotiate, bribe, shame Emma into eating more, but she held firm. After many minutes I could feel my frustration building and opted to walk away from the table completely until I was calm.

I realize that this is what all children exhibit at some point and many parents gave us the ominous warning "you just wait!" Even with that expectation I do not deal well with it. So much of our focus right now is on removing the need for the feeding tube.

Somehow I have built up this pressure to get her off the tube before the end of the year. And since I am the person teaching her, feeding her and generally over-seeing the process I take it personally when she refuses to do it.

After a mini-meltdown in the kitchen, even though I did not want to get upset around the kids, I was further exasperated as Emma started to feed herself without issue. It's not clear if it was because she knew I was upset ("Mummy okay?") or because all toddlers have an innate ability to wind you up!!

I know now I have to not let myself get caught up in the details of how much she is eating, and make sure she has a positive, healthy relationship with mealtimes. Just like the binky, I am nervous that every coerced mouthful could lead to an eating disorder down the road!

What's that? Over-thinking it? Hmm, could be, but with so many cooks in the kitchen (so to speak) it's hard not to analyze every food choice and eating behavior. so for now, I'll just enjoy being able to serve Emma the same food we eat and try not to push her. That said, no more snacking all morning - don't want to spoil the appetite!!

Back 'atcha

You are warned that your children will repeat everything you say, but the extent of that does not become clear right away. Thankfully we do not swear in our house - really, I know I used to a lot, but not anymore!

However, immune from the shocking horror of hearing your own words back at you we, or I, am not.

Last night Emma declared she wanted to eat (it had been a whole 10 minutes since the last cracker) and headed into the dining room to her high chair. Toby, propped up against the ottoman shrieked in his high-pitch ("like a girl" Scott says!) excitement.

Emma ran back to him and "Sssh"-d him. She ran back to her chair and turned around. Toby cracked up. The whole process repeated several times, and since they seemed to be amusing each other I left the room.

From the kitchen I heard the ssshing turn to words. Itt wasn't until a bit later I tried to understand what she was saying, which was something like "I said stop that." And later "I SAID NO!" Directed at Toby, and me!!

Awesome.

Today Emma was refusing to eat her lunch, so I turned the TV off. She held out for an hour, when I picked her up and put her to bed. The sticking point - 3 more spoonfuls. The general population know not to let kids eat while watching tv, but we threw all the rules out the window because eating was the priority!

It seems good habits are becoming the order of the day. No more on-demand crackers to spoil the appetite, no more eating in front of the tv (Toby would prefer to watch Emma anyway), and - wait for it - no more binky!

That's right, Melissa confirmed what we've known for a while - the pacifier needs to go bye-bye. It was wise to ditch Toby's early, and now Emma simply chews on it when she's in bed. It will be a nightmare for a few days at least, so we're waiting until the weekend. And how? Cold turkey, "big girls don't have binkies" type tough love!

I could use some reassurance that I'm not going to psychologically damage my kids by taking away the binky, or enforcing strict mealtime rules!! I think I can handle the crocodile tears if I know it's for the best.

Quote(s) of the day

"I miss baby Dora, Mummy."
"You're holding baby Dora Emma."
"Oh, OK."

"Bye home, see you soon." As we drove away from the house.

"Hola!" to the cashier at Price Rite.

Yesterday:
"Nice hair Daddy." Followed by giggles.

By the way, Toby is now cruising the furniture - slowly, but moving nonetheless!! and his first tooth has broken through on the bottom!

Emma loves to draw and has relished a pen and piece of paper for a long time. She definitely seems to be more logical than artsy, coloring inside the lines and drawing objects.

We've seen trees, apples, cookies, Dora (it's recognizable), and yesterday a new one. Can you guess what it is?




If you said bananas, you'd be right!!

This week I found a kind of harmony with my kids. They are hitting milestones that make my job easier. Emma is eating table food, and often feeding herself. Toby too is helping out...


At one point this week I was having a tough afternoon, with a headache etc. When the kids got up after nap I tried not to put the TV on. Emma asked to eat and I set her up in her high chair (where she loves to be) with some applesauce. She wanted me to feed her but I needed to get dinner, so I told her to do it. She refused, crying to try and manipulate me. I let her go. When Toby started a bit later I put him in his high chair until I could get his bottle ready.

They were both crying, and then Emma stopped and said "You're okay Toby" and proceeded to comfort him!! They both stopped. When I handed him his bottle and he held it himself Emma thought I would feed her, but I can now say that Toby is doing it himself, so can she!

In the end it turned out to draw them closer and Emma will now soothe Toby when he cries, kissing him, hugging him or rubbing his head!!

Fun house

Tonight we went to one of my favorite places, the Thompson's house. Specifically we went so Scott could help take the cover off the pool, but that was just an excuse and we all went!

Mrs Thompson was an aide at Scott's high school, and her youngest daughter Gina was in Scott's class. Scott's buddy dated Gina for a while, and although that didn't last, Scott found a second home and a place of refuge for him during tough high school years. They even put up with the stinky feet (now cured) and gas! Since then, we both found solace there when Emma was in hospital and they adopted us all!

Ever since then a trip to the Thompson's is a family affair.
Emma, Mrs. T. and Gina's son, Landon

With a living room twice the size of ours, with thick soft carpet, the kids have a great time playing and even I will get down on the floor and play with them.







Once terrifying to Emma, Rocky, Mike Jnr's Boxer, was never allowed near Emma as a baby and now she chases him around! Poor guy seems confused.


and then there's Toby...
It's okay, Rocky wouldn't hurt a fly - unless licking it would hurt!

Mr. T. and Rocky

Good times.

This morning I heard a loud squeaking coming from the back yard. I thought it was a bird really close to the house, until I saw this...

Critters are everywhere!!

Emma and I headed up to church a bit later so I could take the kindergarten class's graduation pictures - the church is a school during the week! I used Emma as a test subject and got the BEST picture of her...

Then she wanted to hang with the older kids! They indulged her with a few rounds of Ring-a-Rosey, which she got right away...

While we were doing that, Nanna was watching Toby back home. I didn't realize that he would be the most difficult to handle so soon! I realized today that I need to keep my eyes and hands free whenever he is loose!

He tirelessly tries to pull up on the furniture, falling over when he's been up for a while. Since his head is so big and heavy, it always hits the ground with a thud. Oh, and he whines so much more - because he wants to do more than he can!!

Right now he's pushing a box around on his knees. I don't think we have long until he walks!

Oh yeah, it's a whole new ball game!

ENGLAND!!!

Just 12 days to go before the US v England in the first round of the World Cup. I've never been a huge football (aka soccer) fan, but in England, everyone is during the World Cup!! Hearing they would be playing the US caused no conflict since Scott is not a soccer fan! In fact we will all be rooting for England!

I guess my family understand and they have sent over t-shirts for us all, and shorts for the kids!! Oh, and flags for the car - yeah baby!!


Toby is trying really hard to catch up with his big sister. Today he was trying really hard to climb up the ottoman...
Only minutes later did we notice that he had actually done it!!
As he is a bit whiny and grumpy most of the time, due to teething, we are leaving him standing there. To get down he falls on to his butt, then falls onto his back bumping his head. Then he rolls over, whimpers and crawls away! He has really good control, so he's not falling hard - like I'd let that happen!

Emma's Quote of the Day

After being summoned to get her out of bed after nap with "Mummy, help me!" I walked into the room wearing a different shirt than before (laundry day!) and the first thing Emma said was...

"HEY - Nice shirt Mummy!"

(She also greeted me with "I'm so glad to see you Mummy" when she woke up this morning, but that's too close to the last QotD!!)

Heatwave

For the second day in a row above 90f we new we needed to make the most of the weather and Scott having a whole day off! It was hard to get going as we were up late, so we forced the kids to watch TV in bed with us until they could stand it no longer!

Toby went down for a nap and Scott took Emma for her breakfast while I got a few more Zs. I felt as thought I'd been hit by a truck, way harder than usual! After a shower I was able to get going and went to find Scott and Emma, or Emma amusing herself with Scott passed out on the sofa! After letting him sleep a bit and then threatening extreme measure to get him up (a shot of cold water from a syringe!!), Scott got going too.

We took the kids to the park, fully slathered in sunscreen! Toby chilled in the stroller while Emma went for fun...

The heat was incredible so I suggested heading home and getting the kiddie pool out so we could all cool off...

Emma's Quote of the Day

"I'm so glad to see you Tony!"

"Tony" is the progress from "Nony" to "Toby"!

Emma also says "I see you ..." regularly which is really cute, from behind a fork or in the mirror. But last night we watched Avatar and that is a phrase the blue people use for a really deep connection. I thought that was cool!

Practice, Practice, Practice

Yesterday afternoon Toby started crawling for real - belly off the ground the whole time! Here's video I just took...

I can see no good can come of this!! Already he fell off our bed - about 3ft onto the wooden floor. I've found him underneath the recliner while Scott was on it with his feet up - I don't think I ever found Emma under there!!

Oh and he's working on climbing the stairs already.


We're actually really proud and had him showing everyone at church today!

You know life always feels like you can't possibly cope with more to do - until you do!!

All over

That's right, my organized, simple, relaxed life (or the measure I did have) is gone!! Toby is now mobile...

Sure, it may not be efficient crawling, but I had to rescue my magazine from his mouth before 7am this morning!! He was nowhere near it when I put him on the floor!

And then there's Emma. Clearly a chip off the old block, she wants to eat constantly. I am finding cookies-turned to mush-rehardened stuck to the furniture/carpet/clothes!
After watching her enjoy the chicken so much yesterday I realized that the more she is left to her own devices, the more she wants to eat. So now I put her food in front of her with a fork or spoon and leave her to it! Occasionally I hear "Mummy, feed me", but more often she quietly make her way through the food.

I couldn't be happier!!

Today I decided to take a road trip down memory lane!! For over a year I've wanted to visit friends Bret and Sharice at my old office. Knowing tomorrow is Sharice's birthday I decided to stop by completely un-announced for a quick visit!

Emma was not to keen on the way, wanting to visit her friends! When I explained that we were going to see Mummy's friends she got on board. We got there about 11.15am, a little later than planned due to traffic. I wasn't sure that Emma would want to stay long so it was fine.

As it turned out Emma was on top form, saying "Hi" to everyone and enjoying all the toys (corporate giveaways) she was getting! I would say 90% of people in the office were there the last time I visited (which was to tell them I would not be returning to work over 2 years ago). Needless to say they were thrilled to see Emma's progress, realizing that most of what she does was by no means assured.

Toby was equally a hit, his usual relaxed and cheerful self. Sharice was smitten I think and only to happy to hold him - even when he started drooling on her!! I had to smile when she was holding him, giving him a bottle and still answered the phone! The ultimate professional, I learned so much from Sharice!

Just like when you return from a vacation, setting foot back in the office was like a time warp, where it feels like no time has elapsed at all. Thankfully two tiny people were there to remind me!! And as in times past, the knowledge I acquired over the 9+ years with the company came rushing forward and I have no doubt I could have picked up a phone and sought a sale!

Since we ended up staying for over an hour, we went through lunchtime and hit naptime before we got in the car. Emma finally fell asleep after crying and I gave her one of Toby's bottle nipples in lieu of her pacifier!! I was prepared to sacrifice nap-time for today - just today!!

But you know Emma had a good time because when she said her prayers at naptime (every meal and every bed time!!) she thanked Jesus for "Mummy, Daddy and Mummy's friends"!!!

Emma's Quote of the Day (so far)

"I need 5 friends."

Progress

Not only have I not had time to post pictures, but it seems I had no time to take any!! Well, sick kids aren't the most cooperative!!

I made an effort today though. Toby was up early (after a bottle in the night too - he seems a little under the weather!), and so was Emma. Here they both are with Dorothy, Emma's primary nurse...

With temperatures expected to reach 90f I knew it would be a long day inside, so I got the kids ready and we headed to the park - at 7am!!It was already warm, but cool enough to wear pant and shoes - grassy park means bug bites!!

I took the camera in an effort to get some pictures of Toby's first real park trip - he went on the swing and loved it!!


After about 20 minutes and a stint on the see-saw, we walked the long way home for some added exercise and in for breakfast. I've taken the kids for walks a few times recently as it gives Emma time outside and I get exercise with no bug bites!

Mid-morning Brooke (speech/feeding) came for therapy. I had Emma in her high-chair with some syrupy pancakes, banana and sweet potato. We've been adding in more "real" food for her, and encouraging her to use a fork for feeding herself. It's been going well, but today we had a big fight and it ended in tears. (Hers, not mine this time!)

Before Brooke left Melissa (occupational therapy) arrived for therapy. Melissa normally comes on Tuesday afternoon, but since it was 11am on Wednesday we previously arranged for her to bring lunch (mmm, Chick-Fil-A) for us and a milkshake for Emma.

After the previous session I wasn't sure Emma would want to interact with anyone, let alone eat. So of course, she was only too happy to see Melissa and wanted to eat whatever I was eating, which was a chicken strips salad.

I told Emma there was nothing for her to eat, so she went to Melissa's salad. Brooke and Melissa gave Emma a piece of breaded chicken breast, and to all of our amazement she put it in her mouth, bit it and chewed the chicken - all without choking.

By the time Melissa left, Emma had eaten most of the large piece she was given originally and was feeding herself smaller pieces Melissa broke up, using an adult plastic fork! What's more, she could not get enough. When we were done eating she continued to eat from my salad - carrot and lettuce!! Then found a whole piece of chicken and started on that.

I'm not sure I can full convey how exciting and amazing this is. Six months ago Emma would suck the salt of a pretzel as "eating" solid food! Not only that but she can't bite food with her front teeth - her lower jaw is much smaller and set back, so she has to bite food with her side and back teeth. She's learned to feed herself that way and to chew she will push food over to the side with her finger when her tongue can't move it.

I seriously doubted she would be able to eat something like chicken, and never did I think it would be so soon. I'm ashamed that I even once doubted my girl. One thing is clear, when Emma wants something, she will not let physiology hold her back! She learns to adapt, quickly.

Her speech is also unbelievable. Most words are recognizable to anyone, not just us. She is using 3+ words in sentences, and some pretty grown-up phrases too. A great one that she said this afternoon was "I need to see Daddy!"

Did I mention that Emma does not want to keep her clothes on?!!