Naptime Blog

For three years I worked as a dental assistant for a pediatric dentist.  I was in my early twenties at the time and had no children yet.  I remember wondering what type of disciplining some of these parents did (or did not do) with their children.  Often, we would have a child who had a mouthful of decay, specifically in the front surfaces of the front teeth, often termed in the dental world as “baby bottle rot”.  I specifically remember one family who had three children, and each of the children had to be put through the torture of needing Novocain and fillings on numerous teeth from baby bottle rot.  And I would say to myself “Hasn’t this mother learned by the third child not to put the kid to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice, as the sugar lying on the teeth all night rots them out?”  Those same children had to literally be restrained by both the parent and two assistant in order to prevent the child from actually kicking, biting and beating up the dentist and the workers.  I even witnessed one child hit his mother.  And then it hit me:  these children get put in the crib with the bottle because they run the show, not the parents…  And the children are allowed to kick and scream and bite and kick because the parent does not do much disciplining.  So I would often tell the child (as I was getting bitten or kicked) “We don’t kick people”, or “You need to behave, Sweetie”.

I have four children; my oldest is a girl who is almost eight years old…  I must admit she can misbehave and throw tantrums with the best of them, and I am by no means claiming to be Mom of the Year.  I do, however, know that while she may misbehave in our home, I know hat when she is out, she is always on her best behavior, respectful, and I can trust that she is being a good girl.  I try to always teach my children right from wrong.  I stop even my toddlers when they do something wrong and remind them not to kick, not to throw their toys, not to hit their brothers… 

So now that I have kids of my own, I still am amazed when I see other children like the children with baby bottle rot.  It amazes me how parents can allow their children to be rude, nasty, have no manners, and be disrespectful to other children and adults.  It bothers me that my children will grow up with many kids that were never taught much about right from wrong.  I know I make mistakes, but I always try to teach them right from wrong.

I was at a Halloween festival a few weeks ago where the children went trick-or-treating around the park to vendors for candy.  I had a big bowl with a variety of candy and had to be sure I pulled it as close to my side of the table as possible because so many of the children would just stick their fists right into the bowl and grab a bunch of candy.  And when I would look at the child and politely say “Sweetie, I will hand out the candy”, I was hoping the parent would help me out by reminding the child that it is rude to stick their hands into the candy bowl.  I was met with many parents that would, instead, respond with “Oh, she just wants that Tootsie Roll” or something like that. 

Even more of an annoyance to me was that out of the 800 bags of candy I handed out to the children, if I heard maybe 100 “thank-yous”, that was all.  Come on, Moms!  I tell my fifteen month olds to say thank you!  And guess what?  They do! 

Children are our future.  As parents, we have the future in OUR hands.  If we don’t start teaching our children respect and manners, who will?  The dental assistant in the pediatric dental office?  Or the woman in the park handing out candy to trick-or-treaters?  Nope.  I have my own children to teach manners to!

Jennifer
Wife to Paul, Mom to Juliana (7), Anthony and Louis (1) and Joseph (Newborn)
www.nevaland.com

When you have four children everything seems to be gigantic. Halloween goes on for weeks, with parties galore, costume after costume, a bunch of pumpkins and much too much candy. 

Halloween for us began in early October and went straight through the month.  I helped out our local zoo representing MomsLikeMe.com doing crafts with the children visiting the zoo.  I spent Columbus Day weekend helping kids make bat, tiger and elephant masks. My husband brought our three older children to meet me and to see the Halloween special events at the zoo.  Children dressed in animal costumes got in for free, and since the three babies were going to be animals, it was easy to dress the twins in their lion and tiger costumes.  My daughter had a cat costume in the house from something she did earlier in the year  (although for Halloween she was a Gothic Maiden Vamp, whatever that means) so my kids all got into the zoo for free, enjoyed the animals, and my daughter enjoyed the Halloween festivities.  Although I was exhausted after doing crafts with hundreds of children, it did get us into the Halloween spirit.

Later that week we decorated in the house, taking our jack-o-lanterns and witches.  It is always fun watching the twins discover something new as my 15 month olds love to be in the middle of everything!

My daughter’s school has an annual Halloween party, this year held on the 30th.  I helped the parent’s club decorate for the event, even getting them some donated decorations.  The party has been a family favorite even before my daughter started school there, from when my little sister attended the school 15 years ago.

I walked with the kids through the neighborhood on Halloween, pushing the triple stroller as my Gothic Maiden Vamp and her friends rang bells for candy (I still think this is such an odd custom, but it is so much fun, even as a parent!), then on to another party later that evening. 

So Halloween for our family lasted a month.  And now as we are in November, the holidays are among us.  Although I have no idea how the year flew by so quickly, I am a bit concerned with how big Christmas will get with four kids!  Last year with three (and the twins’ first Christmas) it was gigantic, I can only imagine this year with the twins understanding more, Juliana’s Santa believing years now numbered, and Joseph’s first Christmas among us, this holiday season will be astronomical!  I just hope our shopping bills aren’t!  TIS THE SEASON!  ENJOY!

Jennifer
Mom to Juliana (7), Louis (1) and Anthony (1), Joseph (1 month)
www.nevaland.com

I LOVE this time of the year!! I love fall weather, warm sweaters, scarfs, boots and cute little hats on the kids. I just love fall!! It also means that its time to Christmas shop. This past weekend I found myself getting hooked on the Santa Shop on QVC. They always have the new, cool toys. I watched it for hours.

I normally get great holiday decorating ides and gift ides for the kids. I am excited about this Christmas especially being Jayce will be celebrating his 1st Christmas. He is almost 1, and moving around really well. We are expecting him to take off walking really soon.

I plan to put some new family traditions in place this year for my boys. Usually every Christmas Eve we all go to a family movie together, we take lots and lots of pics, and bake together. I can’t even remember what’s its like having a baby in the house during the holidays, all I know is that I am exited!!

What kind of special things does your family do during the holiday season?

~Shanta

I was reminiscing recently about family get togethers. Some of my fondest memories from childhood are the huge family gatherings we had at my grandmother’s house.

My grandmother had a bunch of grandchildren and great-children and enjoyed feeding us all. She was the best cook. She’d make these huge meals for the holidays and then all of the aunts and uncles and cousins would prepare their favorite recipes. The tables and counters were completely covered with these prized dishes. It was super fun to look forward to these feasts.

Another thing I loved about the family gatherings was that all of us cousins that seldom got to see each other (we lived far apart) would get to play out on the farm while lunch was being prepared. We’d pick pecans, feed the cows, ride the tractor, run around in the yard and have fun chatting at the kids’ table. I have many photos documenting these times and these memories are something I will always cherish.

After we filled our tummies with delicious home cooked food, the kids would gather around card tables and play board games or take turns on my grandmother’s little organ while the adults played 42 (a domino game).

Thinking about the good old days brings tears to my eyes. My grandmother passed away in 2000 and I rarely see my extended family. I am so happy to say that we are starting that again in our family. I hope that it continues to grow and grow and isn’t a tradition that is lost.

What are some of your best childhood memories? Do you have huge holiday get togethers?

Shannon
Potamus Prefers
http://www.potamusprefers.com/

My fourth child was born in September.  I decided that I would attempt to nurse him, taking it day by day from the very beginning.  I nursed my daughter for three months, my twins for two.  I had wanted to continue for longer, but I did my best with two at one time, and with one of the twins being a poor latcher, it was very draining.  I do believe that nursing for even one day has tremendous benefits, so at two months I knew I reached my limit.

When I was pregnant with my fourth and the twins were still so young (they are fourteen months apart), I worried that I would not be able to nurse him at all.  I know how much time and effort (and commitment) is involved, and I couldn’t figure out how to nurse one baby while giving enough attention to two others, plus my seven year old.

I decided that I would need to play it one day at a time, and whatever I could do I would do. When the lactation consultant came to visit me in the hospital, I explained my situation, and she agreed with me.  I also explained that with my older children I had rented a hospital grade pump and pumped to help with my supply and give them bottles of pumped milk alternating with formula for when I could not nurse.  She again agreed with me 100%. Plus, I’d be saving money on renting the pump!

When I went home, I felt very comfortable in my decision, especially since I was going to be supplementing with Parent’s Choice Gentle Formula and know my baby is getting the best of both worlds.  My twins did exceptionally well on it, so I was planning to switch from Similac Advance (what they give in the hospital) once I got home.  And I knew I would give it my all and if I could nurse him a week, great.  If I lasted a month, perfect.  If I went longer, awesome. 

Joseph just turned a month old a few days ago.  I am thrilled to say that I am still nursing.  I usually nurse him for about ten to twenty minutes, three times a day.  I know my supply is pretty good, but he is usually still hungry again within an hour after nursing, so I then give him formula. I know that the more I nurse him the more milk I will get, but for me, this is working.  Plus, he is one hungry boy! 

I am still playing it day by day, and I am happy with the way things have been going.  Joseph goes for his one month checkup this week, so I’ll get to see how he is growing.  I know my big boy is thriving!  

I find it funny how the big formula companies go about getting moms to use their product.  I cannot believe how many free cans of formula I got in the mail or at the hospital, the pediatrician’s office, even my obstetrician’s office!  And every other day I am inundated with mail from the major brad companies with coupons and checks to buy Similac, Enfamil and Carnation formula.  Even my mother and mother-in-law got samples at their houses!  I am assuming this is because they filled out for coupons in Babies R Us or something while I was pregnant.  With all the advertising and free products the companies give out, it is no surprise they charge so much for their formula!

Because of my great experience with Parent’s Choice Gentle formula with my twins only months earlier, I was certain that I would be switching over when I got home from the hospital.  But just to be safe, I approached the subject with Joseph’s pediatrician.  I explained that I would be switching over to PC, and she was fine with the idea.  She was very comfortable with the brand, and thought that since his brothers thrived with the gentle formula, chances are Joseph would, too.

I am happy to say that Joseph is gaining weight, he is a pleasant, sweet little boy, and he is even pretty much sleeping through the night!  For the past few nights, I am thrilled to say he goes seven hours between feedings!  I am thrilled that he is doing well on his formula, and I am thrilled that he is such a good baby.

Jennifer
Wife to Paul, Mom to Juliana (7), Anthony and Louis (1) and Joseph (Newborn)
www.nevaland.com

I think we have found Jayce’s FAVORITE snack. He is a little over 9 months with 2 teeth. He has tried the Gerber’s snacks and a few other baby snacks. Hands down the corn puffs are his favorite. I like the fact that they dissolve really quickly, with him still learning how to eat properly. They also, exercise those fine motor skills a bit too. We put them on his little tray, few at the time and allow him to feed himself

It took a few tries for him to get them into his mouth, but now he really has the hang of it.

Recently he was eating a few during a church and the little girl beside us who was about 4 years old was drooling for my babies snack. It was sooo cute. He tried to smash 1 into her mouth!! Once she finally got a taste she kept asking for more. I think Jayce got tired of sharing because he pushed her hand away!!  KIDS 

Great flavor and the size is just right for beginning eaters!

~Shanta

My C-Section for baby number four was set for September 22.  On the 16th, I went for my regular OB visit and learned Joseph did not want to wait until the following Tuesday, as I was three centimeters dilated and contracting regularly.  My C-Section was moved to Friday, September 18, 2009 at 8:00 am.  And I was ready.

Although I did not sleep the next two nights as I was full of anxiety and my nerves were shot about the upcoming surgery and the thought of being responsible for FOUR little lives, I was tired of being pregnant.  I so wanted to be able to get on the floor and play with the twins, chasing them around as the little Frankensteins ran across the room.  I wanted to be able to get in the car and take my daughter shopping for new shoes without needing someone to drive me because I didn’t fit behind the wheel anymore.  I wanted to be able to stay up longer than my kids and spend some quality time with my husband.  I wanted to meet this little boy who took me totally by surprise nine months before when I learned he was on his way. 

At 8:27am, weighing in at 8 pounds 6 ounces (my biggest baby!) and 20 inches, Joseph Paul made his entrance into the world.  I just ordered his birth announcement, and the wording I chose was “Our hands may be full, but so are our hearts”.  And then I wrote “On September 18, 2009 at 8:27 a.m., our family became complete.”  Those words could not be truer.  Joe Joe has completed our family.  He is beautiful and so sweet.

I still cannot believe that I have given birth to four children.  I still cannot believe that I am “Mommy” to these four individuals.  Each of them is so different, yet they all share a little piece of each other.  And Joseph, as unique as he is, resembles each of his siblings, even my stepson. 

My life is chaotic, with a dirty diaper every second, a child needing a bottle every other second.  My three older children are the greatest sleepers, so it is taking me some time to get used to the waking baby at four in the morning, but I am hoping he sleeps through the night soon.  As a matter of fact, my husband has already started to “wean” him to sleeping through the night.  For the past two nights, we have put Joe Joe in his bassinet at about 10:30pm, right after his last feeding.  Then when he wakes at 4am for a feeding, my husband has been re-swaddling him and rocking him and lo and behold, he has been going back to sleep without that middle of the night feeding and sleeping until 6:30am!  I cannot ask for more!  10:30pm to 6:30am at four weeks old is parent’s dream!

As a matter of fact, although my life is chaotic, it is wonderful.  I must admit that the only time I really want to pull my hair out is when I have three screaming babies at once (sometimes with their older sister tugging on me as well asking for a snack or something).  Actually, today is a day like this…  Juliana is home sick with an awful cough, and Louis and Anthony are trying to climb their way out of the corral, while Joseph is a bit gassy.  So, Motrin and cough syrup (and a dose of laying on the couch) for her, boots on the twins so they cannot fit their little feet in the corral walls to climb up, and Mylicon for Joseph and all is well in our house!  Well, for now at least!

 Jennifer
Wife to Paul, Mom to Juliana (7), Anthony and Louis (1) and Joseph (Newborn)
www.nevaland.com

Well I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t. I was laid off from work. Thank god I had paid most of my bills for the month including daycare. So that means I have a month to find a job before I have to pay daycare again. To most people paying child care $150 a week is inexpensive. Some places it is double that. Now that we are a one income family it means we have to tighten the belt some more. Tristan is down to two formula bottles a day and the rest milk. I love the Wal-Mart brand stage two formula. I can count on it to make sure Tristan’s daily food intake is round.

 I forgot after being at a company for over 5 years how stressful interviews are. I feel like I am on display, I show up early and most times I am made to wait past the scheduled meeting time. So if anyone knows an open administrative assistant job in the DC area let me know. Also if you have any interview tips I am all ears.

 I love our Wal-Mart I went in for rice krispies the other night and it was like a new store. For a few months they have been working on it and now it’s complete. We have a Super Wal-Mart. All in one place I can get great deals on milk, diapers, formula, fabric, clothes, electronics and more!! Waiting for the construction to be done was a pain and learning a new layout is a pain but I loved the expanded selection. I no longer have to drive to the other Wal-Mart to get Tristan’s parents choice microwave meals. YAY for change!!!

-Chrystal

Before I had a child, I would wash my hands every so often, but it was nothing compared to today. I wash my hands all the time, I use hand sanitizer, I wipe down all counters with the bleach cleaner, and so on. One thing I love, but couldn’t really afford often, is the Lysol Disinfectant Spray. I did find the Walgreens version of it though. I got a large can of it, with 33% more free, on sale for $1.99. Right next to it on the shelf was the Lysol brand for $5.99. Quite a difference there! My husband and I caught some kind of sinus infection/cold a couple of weeks ago and was killer! There was so much sinus pressure it was painful. I even had to miss out on my friend’s bachelorette party but thank goodness, we were feeling great by her wedding day!

Every time we left Shaughn’s bedroom, we’d spray some disinfectant spray, or we’d spray some in the living room about 10 minutes before we’d bring Shaughn downstairs. We were so determined not to get him sick and we succeeded! Last thing I wanted in the world was to give that terrible cold we had to our son. We knew just how crappy it made us feel, I’d hate for him to get it. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love good deals, especially on products that keep my family safe. The Walgreens brand does its job!

-Krystle

I remember being a kid in a Wal-Mart or Kmart and hearing “Price Check, HBA!”.  It took me a while to figure out that HBA stood for Health and Beauty Aids.  Back then, I didn’t pay attention to much of that stuff, my mom would get our shampoo and soap, and pretty much nothing else mattered.  Of course as I got older, these thing became more and more important to me, as I began to need razors, shave gel, conditioner, hair gel and hairspray, body wash, deodorant, feminine products and more.  While still a teenager living with my parents, I was mostly concerned with which products smelled nicest, which made my legs smoothest, which tamed the frizz in my hair when it was humid out…  As a wife and mom, my priorities seem to be much different.

Yesterday we were shopping in BJs Wholesale and I needed refills for my Schick Intuition razor.  Twelve cartridges were $26.  I know that the twelve cartridges last me some time, however, $26 for razors?  I did not get them, however, I will inevitably be going to CVS and getting the three pack refills for $11.  So yes, I know that was a dumb move, but I really think the smarter move is to start shopping around for cheaper razors!  I just think back to being a teenager and buying those cheap $0.99 disposable razors and cutting all my shins up.  Nevertheless, it is twenty years later, and I am sure the store brand disposable razors have gotten better, right?

A few weeks ago I ran out of my Dove Beauty Body Wash.  We were in Target looking at high chairs and I ran over to the HBA section to get more.  $8 for a 24 ounce bottle!  What a rip-off!  Right next to it was the Target Brand Body Wash, which said “Compare to Dove Beauty Body Wash” for only $2.99.  So I had nothing to lose by trying it, and you know what?  My skin is smooth and smells just as nice as the Dove brand!  And it is so much sweeter that I saved $5 in the process!

I have not gotten up the nerve to replace my shampoo and conditioner with name brand items, but that will come next.  And I will let you know how it goes!

Jennifer
Mom to Juliana (7), Louis (1) and Anthony (1)
Expecting #4 in September!
www.nevaland.com