Naptime Blog

My twins have been climbing out of their cribs for months.  I do not know why we just didn’t change the cribs into toddler beds a while ago, I guess I have been sitting on trying to keep the time from moving too fast!  My husband was worried that by changing the cribs over they’d give us a hard time staying in their beds, but since they were already pros and climbing out of the cribs, I thought it was long overdue.

Last night was the first night the boys slept in their big boy beds.  They were so excited and happy to be in them!  And it wasn’t bad at all!  So now, we have gotten rid of bottles and replaced them with cups, we have gotten rid of cribs and replaced them with toddler beds and we are working on potty training (which is proving to be the most challenging of the three!).  I just registered them for pre-k for three year olds.  They are turning three in July.  My twins are growing up so fast!

And to think, once I get all this done, I have to do it all over again with the baby next year!

Jennifer

Wife and Mom of FOUR

www.mommyslinks.com

As parents we teach our kids everything or at least we’re supposed to. And with our own parents, we’re given our foundations of learning. At least that’s what I thought up until now.

My father’s recently become technological by getting himself a cell phone. Literally, a man with a landline his whole life (in this country) who never needed a phone before decided to go out and get one. Rather than reading the manual or using the little index card of tips and tricks that come with the phone, he’s recruited me as his cell phone ambassador. Meanwhile, kiddo is provided free entertainment as my father and I have our first cell phone lesson – Picking out a ringer.

My father handed me his phone as he was getting ready to drive kiddo and I home after some bonding time at my father’s house. “I don’t like the ringer I have there now, change it.” Orders received, I navigate the phone menu to get to the Settings. (My father also has no patience to play with the phone to figure it out on his own. Nope, that’s my job. Maybe I should add “cell phone programmer” to my resume.)

As I previewed the ringers on the phone, my father decides to wrinkle his face in reaction to hearing them. Kiddo laughs as his gramps lets his face do the talking. It was so strange to be with them both in that moment because usually, it’s kiddo or I that are learning from my father. This time though, we laughed at my father together (though he chuckled, too) while I realized that kiddo and I knew more about cell phones than my father did. Needless to say, we really enjoyed that ride home. Parents, when have you had a “meeting of the generations?”

Earlier this week, I was told by an after school staff member that kiddo was misbehaving. Nothing major, just that he had an issue with another child in the program over a ball. Rather than asking the child for it, he tried to take it from her. Walking on our way home from the program, I mentioned that I was told that he tried to grab the ball by grabbing the other child’s arm. Immediately, he said that he didn’t grab the other child, but tried to take the ball.
That same day, I passed m licensing exam – a pretty big deal for me since I’d been studying for several months. I told kiddo that I passed it and wanted to celebrate by getting pizza. His reaction – I don’t deserve pizza because of today, but I want to watch tv. I told him that it was important to celebrate big things and added that he could not decide what his punishment would be.
Imagine, a ten year old telling me what his punishment would be. As if I would let him pick something that he would like. For me consequences have to fit the crime as well as be something kiddo doesn’t like, enjoy or want. When he asked again about watching television, I said no. He then asked for video games. Nope. I said we’re having pizza to celebrate the exam. Kiddo said that he did not want to celebrate because he did not do well in the after school program today. I told him that everyone has bad moments here and there. And I reminded him that when good things happen to him, we celebrate. He nodded and then said that he would like to celebrate with me.
Even though he tries to challenge me on punishments, he knows I won’t let him get away with it. I love it that he tries though; shows that he’s persistent. Now, I can only get him to be that proactive with cleaning his room?
Parents have the kiddos tried to decide what they want for a punishment? How did you handle it?

My co-workers, family & friends were nice enough to throw me a shower. Even though this was our 3^rd baby, we were still blessed enough to have a really awesome shower. Luckily for me, diapers were the most popular gift of the evening. I was perfectly happy with opening all of the gift bags that were filled with the various diaper brands & wipes, all sizes. We received Huggies ®, Pampers ®, Luvs ® & last but not least Parent’s Choice ®

I have to admit, I LOVE nice things! Name brands have never really mattered to me, long as it is good quality; I a fan. While I have been able to sample all of the various diaper brands on the market from the generous baby shower, when we run out, I know I will be in Wal-Mart looking for my Parent’s Choice.

If you have never tried them, you wont believe the quality and the SAVINGS. They fit my baby perfectly and we have not had any leaks, which is very important, being a family on the go. They have a huge economy box that you can’t beat. I have been a fan of their wipes since my last baby! Don’t let the low price fool you; they are great!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Parent-s-Choice-Baby-Diapers-Count-96-Size-2/14912815

Mommy of 3 BOYS!

Shanta

Last weekend we had a couple of really good days. When we do, I like to go over them with kiddo so he can really see that his hard work pays off. We went to my niece’s baby shower on Sunday. While for some, it may not be a big deal to go to a family event, it is for kiddo.

He gets very excited and it is much harder for him to focus on listening well and being aware of his actions. On the way home that night, we went over everything that he did to have a great day at the party. He had a great time with a lot of hard work. I asked him how he thought his day went. Kiddo said that he had a really good day. Then I asked him to go over the foods and drink he had (which affect his ability to focus/listen well). From the morning until that night, he listed all of the sugary drinks and snacks that he consumed – juice, yogurt, more juice, etc.

He smiled when I told him how proud I was of him for making sure that he did not have too much sugar and for listening well. I also reminded him that I knew he could do anything he set his mind on doing.

I know that everyday will be unique and some days it’ll be a struggle with him, but as he gets older and more independent, I want him to see that he can be in control of things simply by putting in the effort and hard work.

I am afraid to even utter the words terrible 2s, maybe it will make it worst! Jayce is 2 and needless to say he has been a challenge. I know he has experienced his fair share of changes in the last few months. He became a big brother and we have been really pushing the potty training in the last few months. My secret prayer is I wont have to buy his training pants and the baby diapers at the same time. Luckily, we are still using baby shower gifts for the baby’s diapers. But, my little stash is beginning to get low L

He is very independent, like many other 2 year olds. But, he is STRONG willed & stubborn. I pray that we get through this challenging time soon; I see a few new grey hairs showing on my husband and myself.

I try to laugh my way through the challenging (tantrum) moments; otherwise I would be in a corner crying. I have to remind myself that I can do ALL things,,,,,,

And when that trying moment is over, he is still my sweet boy <3

Shanta

When my nine year old daughter came home from school yesterday and said “Mommy, do you know Saturday is the apocolypse?”  I freaked out.  Not so much because I do or do not believe it myself, but because my little girl a) actually knows what that means and b) they are talking about it amongst her third grade friends!

Let’s back up a bit.  We pay monthly for a Catholic school education, so for her to know what the word “apocolypse” means (or does she really?  I’m not sure I even know what that TRULY means!) shouldn’t be so startling.  But why are nine year olds talking about this?  I assume they’ve heard it from their parents.  But as parents, my husband and I, even if we believed the world would end tomorrow, would NEVER talk about that in front of our children!

I shrugged her off and told her that is not true, but it has been on my mind ever since.  And seeing people’s Facebook statuses, online news articles and stories, even a blog post clicked through from the CDC called Social Media: Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse, I have to admit, I am a little spooked!

So this Harold Camping is a self-proclaimed prophet who used numbers in the Bible to say tomorrow is the day, beginning at 6PM.  The one thing I always remembered from the Bible is that no one knows the day nor the hour of their death, so that alone says a lot.  The guy is now a multimillionaire and has his own following, and many people do believe him, even though his past predictions did not come true.

With all the death and destruction we’ve seen in the past few years- earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, tsunamis…  I think many of us have wondered at some point of another “are these signs”?  But at the end of the day, I do not believe this man’s predictions are correct.

Tomorrow at 6PM I will be at a graduation party with my husband, my children, my parents, siblings and other family members.   I always try to live my life as it was my last and love completely.  After all, we never know when “judgment day” is for any one of us.  But, if his predictions are true, at least I know I will be with my family!

Do you think the end of the world is near?

Jennifer Nevadomski

Wife and mom of four

Co-founder, www.mommyslinks.com

Just because kiddo’s on “daddy” time doesn’t mean the parenting duties stop. Two weeknights every week, kiddo’s at his father’s house. Since February this has been the arrangement. While, I did miss kiddo initially and I didn’t know what to do with my time, I’ve been enjoying that time guilt-free. Took me awhile to adjust, but I’ve gotten used to only taking care of myself for a couple of days a week. It has been great catching up with friends and frankly, catching up with me.

However, the parenting doesn’t stop. Last month, I got a call from the school regarding a discipline slip that kiddo received the day before. He was with his father and I informed the school secretary of it supplying her with the numbers where kiddo’s father could be reached. For once, it was really easy to share the burden of parenting and giving accountability to my son’s father. It was freeing. Until today that is.

Yet another call came in on behalf of kiddo’s teacher (who has been an amazing support this year) asking me to come in for a meeting in the morning. The secretary stated that she knew that kiddo was with his father, but she was unable to get in touch with him about the newest issue. So, in my planner is a meeting at 7:45am for tomorrow.

It’s time like this when I get annoyed that even when kiddo’s with his father the parenting doesn’t stop for me. Not that I mind because my son is wonderful and amazing and the most important person in my life. But, I resent the fact that my son’s father doesn’t treat him the same way. I worry about kiddo’s homework, assigned reading, uniform, etc all the time, even though I’m home alone. Guess the “mommy” switch can’t be turned off!

We have really enjoyed our 2-year pass from Busch Gardens! Our passes will be up the end of this summer and I am debating if we will renew. I definitely feel that we have been getting our moneys worth. On the weekends when we don’t have anything planned, we just pack up a bag and go. We don’t live very far from Williamsburg. 

Our middle son (Jayce), who is now 2, is just really beginning to enjoy the park. They have an area called Sesame Place that’s just perfect for little guys like him. There are all types of attractions and rides just for that age! 

I am leaning towards renewing the passes because of all the additional savings they offer to season pass holders. You should check out the site if you have a larger family and want to save on family fun. 

Here are a few pictures from our most recent trip, enjoy! 

As you can see my little man is not even scared of Elmo! 

Shanta

Now that we are a family of 5, I often feel that there are NOT enough hours in the day. Some kind of way we manage, but when I sit down and reflect, I often feel overwhelmed! I know parents have been raising children and managing a career for many, many years. I often wonder is there a secret or do they just do it?

I just hope that I am being an effective teacher for my students and an AWESOME mom to my boys. My husband & I work very hard to provide for these boys and give them all the love they need.

My husband & I both lost our mothers to cancer, and I think we feel like we have to be Mommy, Daddy & Grandma x2. I know we have to be Mommy & Daddy, but maybe someday I wont feel the guilt of trying to be Grandma too!

Shanta