Coming back never felt so good

It has been a while since I sat down and actually had time to write. So, let me catch you up on the last
few months. My active two year old has finally graduated to a extremely active two year who likes to talk back. He is growing up so fast, but I can do without his smart mouth. He is very smart, but chooses not to pay attention. I noticed his sister who, by the way, is nine months would say her name, but I have not once heard him say his name. So, I asked him to tell me his name one day, instead he started telling me about the tree in our front yard. He had a lot to say and I learned a lot about that tree, but I just wanted to know his name.

I thought maybe he did not know how to say his name, or maybe he just liked making things difficult. Come to find out he does know how to say his name and he knows just how old he is, but I cannot figure out why when people ask him what is his name and how old he is, his first reaction is to change the subject and tell them about his trucks.

Oh my goodness! Don't get me started on those trucks. My brother bought him some monster trucks that he loves so dearly. Until he traded two of them for ONE little car at his doctor's appointment with another little boy. Graison takes baths with those trucks, rides in the car with them, he would even sleep with them if I allowed it. I am so tired of those trucks. I could go into the back yard and dig a hole for those trucks and pretend like I have no idea what happened to them, BUT... I'm not going to do that.. He almost drove me crazy at church this past Sunday. It was a little girl sitting in front of us and he kept driving the trucks in her head. I got so tired of telling his to stop and sit down. I could barely listen to what the preacher was saying. I do not go to church to show people how much I yell at my son for nothing listening. No I really don't yell that much, (kind of) but seriously the people in front of us got so tired of him driving the truck in their little girl head that they packed up and moved down. I couldn't do anything, but laugh because my son's face expression was priceless. None of this would have happened if he would have just listened. He needs someone to play with besides his sister.

His sister is another story.I could write a whole page on her alone.  She is very smart and always smiling. She is full of excitement and loves her big brother. She is forever surprising me, but Aubrei can be very mean at times. That's a story for another time. Once she started crawling, I knew my hands would forever be full and they were. I run after her more then I did when Graison was her age. I love that they keep me busy during the day because I sleep like a baby at night.

It was something when Aubrei started crawling, but then she started climbing on everything and getting into things I never knew possible. I have to watch her like a hawk. She has to sample everything and even bully her brother while she is doing it. Then she started walking. Yeah, my nine month old is walking. I love seeing her walking across the floor and sometimes she even tries to run, but that only means my baby is growing up. Sooner or later she will be as active as her brother. Then I'll be around here pulling my hair out.

I forgot to mention that she is dramatic.

and

super talkative which I will tell you about later, but I have to tell you a little about her dramatic side.

sooo...

Graison touched her hair.. yeah like took his little toddler hand and placed it on her head

 and she screamed liked he was killing her. I honestly thought something happened, but when I looked over at them, Graison had his hand on her hair. Nothing else. Just a hand, touching her hair. I just shook my head.

but don't think, for a minute, that she lets him get away with messing with her.

just wait. I'll let you in on her little pay back next time.

Is Regressive Behavior Normal?

Is Regressive Behavior Something To Be Worried About?

I noticed that my son is going backwards in his development. He wants to be treated like a baby. He noticed how his father and I treat his sister and he wants to be treated the same way. I did not necessarily know how to approach the situation. I sought the opinions of others, but did not agree with their methods on how to handle it. So, I did some research and thought it would be a great idea to write an article for those who are going through the same situation.

I did not understand why this was happening at first and I won't lie, it frustrated me. I thought we were gaining progress, but now he does not want to use the potty, he will not go to sleep on his own, and he wants to be held all the time. At first I thought it was something wrong, but as I was reading I came to the conclusion that my stress was all for nothing. So, is regressive behavior something to be concerned about?

Not at all. 

My son shows all the signs of regressive behavior and I can understand. He was the baby for almost two years before his sister came alone. He got everything he wanted and then some. If he wanted to be rocked to sleep, we did that. In my eyes he was still a baby, and to me he still is. He also talks well, but since his sister started baby talking he no longer wants to talk like a big boy. He breaks his words up into two short syllables. He was doing well with his potty training and now if I mention using the potty he takes off running, or starts crying. What I did not understand was why he wanted to breastfeed again, but it is normal for him to see his sister breastfeeding and want to nurse as well. He wants to feel like a baby again, and that is okay, but there are signs that you should be aware of when it comes o regressive behavior.

When to contract the doctor?

It is normal to notice some regressive behavior especially if their is a new baby in the house, but if you notice that your toddler's motor skills are regressing, their social skills decreasing, or they stop speaking all together then it is time to contact their pediatrician. It is important to have your toddler examined to ensure nothing is seriously wrong.

How do you respond to regressive behavior?

Toddlers usually show regressive behavior because they feel insecure. They want to feel safe and they feel that when they are snug close into the arms of their loved ones. It is important to let them know they are safe. When they feel secure, their regressive behavior will stop and they will go back to their normal behavior.

Now, what happens when your toddler wants to nurse again? I know it can be frustrating as I am going through this myself. So, how do I handle the situation? I sit my son down and I tell him that he is a big boy now, and big boys do not breastfeed They use big boy cups. I explain to him that his sister is still a baby and that is how she eats. It hurts my heart to see his face when I tell him that, but redirecting him is the best response.

I make sure that I give him as much attention as I give his sister. I tell him I love him and give him as many hugs as he can handle. My son loves to give me kisses, so I use that as a way to redirect him when he is upset. I also make sure to include him when I am doing something with his sister. For example if I am singing to his sister, I make sure to look at him and start singing to him as well. That makes him feel wanted and secure. If I am dressing his sister, I ask him to help me put her shoes on, or I ask him to pass me something I might need for his sister. I try to include him in as much as I can and make sure I let him know what a great big brother he is.

I know this is a phase and it will soon pass, but it is important to respect how your toddler is feeling and ensure to respond in a positive way. They cannot help not knowing how to correctly express their

My Toddler's First Love

One of my very good friends let me watch her daughter while she went to work today. I thought it

would be good for Graison to be around other kids, and I desperately wanted to see my friend. She never have time for anything but work.

I thought today was going to be a busy day with me running after two toddlers and taking care of my sick five month old daughter, but to my surprise today was a breeze. My sister came over and we walked to the seafood place with the kids. They seem to really enjoy the walk, and so did I. The only thing I hate is crossing major highways. I have never been able to cross a highway without freaking out and thinking the cars are moving to fast... so I never do it.. When we got back my friend was waiting for us, and Graison was excited to see his playmate.

It took them no time at all to start getting into everything. As soon as they got into the house they ran into Graison's room and started screaming at each other, and throwing toys. I am shocked that my son did not run her away. He did not fight her, or do anything to make her cry. He was so sweet to her. He even apologized for her falling even though he did not cause it.

Later on I went outside to do some yard work and let the kids play. They really enjoyed being outside. Graison was sweet enough to let my friend's baby drive his truck and when they "ran out of gas" he got out and started pushing it. Before they "ran out of gas," Graison was scared by her driving and tried to get out the car, but she was not going for it. When he opened the door, she reached over and shut it before he could jump out the truck... They are so cute together.

I felt bad when it was time for her to leave. Graison was so hurt that he ran to the door and tried to go with her. The tears did not start until he saw her pull out of the driveway. He ran to me with his big wide eyes, full of tears, and hugged me. It was the first time he wanted to be around me all day, but me being mommy I embraced his hug and lent him my shoulder to cry on which lasted every bit of five seconds.

Into The Life of A Stay At Home Mom

I decided to cook dinner early tonight so I have some free time to write. Dinner turned out great and I

really enjoyed it. My son always makes my day. He loves to tell me just how good my food is. It makes me feel special to know that I did not slave over a hot stove for nothing. Cooking is something I really enjoy doing, but it can become difficult when my daughter is up. She thinks that I am supposed to hold her the entire time I am cooking. I thought we came to a understanding that she would sit in her swing and watch me cook or clean or whatever it is that I needed to do and she would not cry. This actually worked... for a day.

Then she realized what I was doing.... 

I was hoping that I could go to bed early tonight, but I don't see that happening anymore.. My son is very sleepy and as a result my house suffered  his wrath. I feel sorry for his teddy bear. He is sitting on the floor pulling the stuffing out of his back. Who does that? He was supposed to be his friend! At least that was what I thought since he would kick and scream if we tried to leave the house without that bear. My car is full of toys so you would think he would be okay if we left that one bear. It is not like we are never coming back... He could play with all those toys he stored in the back seat of my car. I already don't have enough room back there with both of those huge car seats taking over everything.

I feel so trapped in my car.. but my son loves it like he loves his junky room...

His room is the lost and found. If anything goes missing, his room would be the first place to look, but don't expect to find it that day.. Okay so his room is not that dirty, but it is full of toys. I cannot believe my aunt asked me if he wanted some more toys???!!! Seriously??? I might as well make my office into a play room because he is running out of space in his room. I even tried to throw away some of his toys and my mama brought them back.. Why would she do that? I know she see the same room that I am looking at.. I wouldn't have to throw any of his toys away if he would stop throwing them at the wall all the time...

My Wild Toddler

The one time that I get a chance to work without my two year old climbing up and down my back
like some kind of wild animal, I cannot think of anything to say, and when I do I end up getting half way through a entry and deleting it. I am supposed to be working, and have been trying for a few hours without any luck. Maybe I cannot think because my mind is confused. Confused because the house is silent and I am not use to working in that kind of environment. Maybe I should go and wake my son up... um.. No he will never go back to sleep and then I am going to wish I had left him in the living room with his daddy. I can see him now giving me that evil grin like he just cannot wait to make me his jungle gym.

I know my son loves me and jumping all over me is a way for him to express his feelings... At least that is how I look at it.. I wouldn't want it any other way. I love how he wakes up from his nap and starts calling my name. I thought he actually wanted me, but he was looking for his sister. Toddlers sure do know how to stump all over your feelings. I don't mind. I am glad he loves his sister that much to look for her and make sure she is okay.

Once he finds out that she is okay, he will find something to get into.. (today would be my trash) He started playing with the trash I was trying to sweep out the door. I opened the door to sweep it out and my son thought it would be funny to ring the door bell. He knew I would think somebody was at the door and yell at him because he knows he cannot go outside by himself. Why do he like making me mad and love to push every button in my body? He gets mad and throw his toys.. He really enjoys throwing them when I am driving because he knows I cannot do anything, but drive. 

Oh lets not forget that he gets mad and starts screaming like some one is killing him if his daddy leaves. He does not care that his daddy has to work. My son only cares that his daddy is leaving him. I hate seeing his so upset, but he can be very mean when it comes to expressing his feelings.. He has not learned how to express his feelings without trying to hurt whoever he feel is responsible for him being upset. 

He keeps me busy and I love him.. I just want him to know that his daddy only leaves him because he has to and not because he wants too...

I Cherish Being A Stay At Home Mom

I have finally caught up with all my work and have some free time to write a short blog. My son and I

are watching tv waiting on his daddy to come home. He is fighting his sleep, but he wants to see his daddy so I won't mess with him. His sister fell asleep a while ago, and now she is trying to wake up. I just cannot believe that I am finished with all my work. I am hoping that tomorrow is the same way since I have so much stuff to do..

My son can be so sweet at times. He has been beyond sweet to his baby sister. He always wants to help me with her. Whether it is helping me put her shoes on, or bring me a diaper to change her. He has been so helpful. I have noticed that he likes to hold her hand when he goes to sleep, and she does not mind. She loves him. She starts smiling as soon as she opens her eyes and sees her brother standing over her. I think it is so funny when she has a conversation with him and he talks back to her. I wonder if he understands her? He probably does.

Right now my son is laying on my shoulder patting his sister back to ensure she does not wake up. It is adorable. I hope that they keep this bond growing up. I want them to love each other as much as I love them.