The Daily Hailey

I really solidly enjoyed today. I am trying really hard to make the best of these early mornings, and running a peaceful day. Its not always especially successful, and potty training has added its own special challenge, but I think we’re succeeding in a few aspects that I’ve very happy with.

This morning, Dekker had stayed nice and dry again. Yay! He and Laela had a really adorable breakfast together, where Dekker constantly told his sister how sweet she was, and he teased her into taking bites when she was getting bored of being in her chair. They did great. After breakfast, they played while we waited for my mom to arrive. They have missed her SO MUCH the last little while!! Its so funny. We’re never this busy, but now, it always seems that the times I’m free, she is busy, or gone, or both. So today, we spent a good few hours just visiting, reading books, celebrating potty successes (lots of them!) and eating lunch together. It was so lovely to finally just be in each others company again without any reason other than just wanting to be together. She’s a special lady.

Shortly after she left, Brady arrived home and we took the kids to the city for the evening. I had carefully put together a LONG list of places we needed to go and what we needed to get. Lots and lots of places!! Luckily, our kids love those days 🙂 It was Dekker’s second outing since potty training, and the first that wasn’t to a friends house, so we were curious to see how it would go. We did Costco without anything crazy happening, and I picked up a mug I had ordered from Indigo. We ducked into Carter but they didn’t have what I was looking for. It was when we stopped at the mall to go to several stores that Dekker decided he had to pee. THANKFULLYYY!!!, they had a family bathroom and it had one of those teeny tiny little toilets!! Dekker was right on board with that, and peed twice while we were at the mall. We had a successful shop there, and we had supper in the food court. Laela had a crazy sauce meltdown on the way out of the mall, but otherwise, it was pretty delightful!

I stopped by a friends house to do a little makeup swap, and upon opening her mailbox to make the switch, I found a whole little treat bag made up for me, with extra products I wasn’t expecting!! It was so sweet, and its all RIGHT up my alley!! Thank you, Steph!! I’m so thrilled to have new products to play with 😀

We did Superstore last, which is always the big ticket item for the kids, because of the cookie in the end. However, poor Laela was struggling SO HARD. Brady said he would just take her and Ro to the van and I could finish the shop with Dekker. I actually tried to switch him out, since he often ends up in the van with the kids while I run in places, but he insisted. So I let him, and I got some very special one on one time with Dekker. Best of all, Dekker seemed so happy to have that time with me too! He was pleasant and engaging, and just talked with me the entire time. We had fun, and no whining or fussing AT ALL. He earned his cookie at the end easily, and asked with his manners, without missing a beat. He even made conversation with the cashier. He was feeling good.

We ran down the ramp leaving Superstore and went back to the van. We made our way home from there, and everyone is tucked away now. It was a FABULOUS evening in the city. Despite Laela being done a little bit sooner than was ideal, I could tell that everyone really enjoyed their time. It was nice to go as a family, too. Its easier, yes, but its so much nicer. I know I have people in our lives that are willing to take the kids so we can shop alone, and its a lovely offer! But I’m very proud of my family, and I like taking them with me!!! Call me crazy, but shopping with three is lovely, and feels much more normal to me than two ever did.

This is good. Today was good.

Today was Dekker’s SECOND day IN A ROW with no accidents! Also, Jerilee was over for a good chunk of the day, and I was curious if that would distract him and bring on accidents, or it would be business as usual. He did FABULOUS!! And it helped that Jerilee is so comfortable, and celebrated the successful trips to the potty with the rest of us.

Before her current teaching job, a while back, she worked in retail. Occasionally, she would come our way on her day off, which we LOVED over here! Her new job is obviously more of a structured schedule, but today, she had the afternoon off, and spent it with us 😀 The kids haven’t had a chance to really play with their auntie in the afternoon in so long, so they got their fill, making her read story after story after story. It was adorable to see them miss her so much tot <3

Our kids go down so beautifully now. Honestly, their schedule is probably the worst it could be for me, but it is PERFECT for them! I loved the novelty that was getting them all to nap at once, and I had it down to a science. I had a lovely long break every single afternoon. It was awesome. Now, we’re getting up as soon as Dekker lulls so he can go to the bathroom, he’s not napping (mostly so that I can keep an eye on him), Laela is napping a bit earlier, and they’re actually going down a bit earlier because of all of these things. And Dekker doesn’t even complain. He is nice and ready for bed when its time. I love that so much.

So they went down without too much fuss (Laela still hasn’t bought into the whole “bedtime is a beautiful thing” belief) and Brady, Jerilee, and I had dessert and coffee. Thank you, Jerilee, for bringing ice cream sandwiches!! I’m sorry we accidentally kept the leftover ones! We’re sealing them up tight and we’ll have them again next time we’re together 😉 Jerilee always brings the yummiest desserts! We watched some trashy tv while we had dessert. It was so nice and comfortable. I love my people. Like a lot.

Tomorrow will be wonderful too! My mom is coming over for the morning, I believe, (come anytime after 8am, mama!) and then we’ll go into the city for a pretty big shop. Groceries, a few clothing things, some gifts, etc. It’ll be one of those shops where we go to lots of places. It will also be Dekkers second outing, and the first where we’re not going to a friends house where he feels a bit more comfortable. Hopefully we’ll be able to convince him to pee in a public toilet!! If not, his bag of emergency stuff is already packed!! Oy! Wish us luck!!

I’m so happy to report than Dekker had a totally successful potty training day!! Saturday was technically his first accident-free day, but he didn’t poop that day either. Today was his first TOTALLY successful, accident free day, including number two!!! He persisted, going to the potty probably three or four times within a ten minute span before he finally got things done, and he was SO proud!! What treat did he request? Banana pudding. Easy to please.

After that specifically, Dekker was in a fabulous mood for the rest of the day. He was proud, and clearly feeling well physically. I left for the evening when Brady got home, and had a lovely send off from the family. Kim and I spent the evening eating pasta, drinking yummy hot Starbucks, and shopping. I did fabulous, in my opinion. I got Laela some cute boots, Dekker his whole Halloween costume, a work shirt for Brady, a dress for me for an upcoming wedding, and a few other things. We grabbed one last snack before taking a backwards way home. It was a really nice date.

I called Brady on the drive home and we just visited about our evenings, as it felt like we’d hardly spoken all day. It was really really nice. He got some jobs done around the house and reported that the kids had been super adorable and cuddly with each other, had tidied toys up well together, and had gone to bed beautifully. And yes, best of all, no accidents!!! I’m JUST about at the point of putting Dekker to bed in underwear rather than pull ups. He knows what he’s doing and is almost always dry in the morning. We’ll see, though. I’m not sure I’m ready for the midnight pee accidents…

This has boiled down to a beautiful day 🙂 And I have so many nice days coming up this week still!! I hope the rest of you had as lovely of a day as I did!

Today I saw a post on Facebook where someone was saying its about to become fall and all women will now stop shaving their legs. This is a true statement. But besides that, it reminded me that September 21st in 2013 was my due date for Laela, and it was right on the line of having a summer baby or a fall baby. For one reason or another, I so badly wanted her to be born in summer. Likely, mostly because I love summer, and Dekker was a summer baby. When her due date came and went, my new “goal” (because us mothers get to have these kinds of goals) was to have the baby in September. October just felt too wintery to me. As things would go, I was induced on September 29th and had her very early the next morning. If you’ve been reading on here for any length of time, I’m sure you know the story. I’ll go more into that as her birthday comes closer.

Because ITS COMING! Just writing this is making me realize how fast her birthday is coming up. She is just about two years old, and while she is still teeny tiny and seems so small, she is SO grown up and mature for her age. Such a beauty for only being two. Not even two!

Just feeling reminiscent today, as her milestone draws near..

Just one year ago <3

Brady went in to church this morning to lead worship while I stayed home with the kids. Rowan is getting up more in the nights than usual, and last night was particularly unpleasant, so those of us who could stay home did.

Its proved to be a fairly difficult day, and for whatever reason, I’m having trouble shaking it off. I’ve felt super selfish and guilty throughout the day, because I don’t like to just let my mood dictate my day the way it has today, but I’m trying to be honest and say that I really have failed in that department today. Some days are just harder than others, and for really no specific reason, today was one of those.

I joked with Brady a few minutes ago that, maybe if I got really loud and had a really bad attitude, maybe I’d get a lecture and be sent to bed for the night. I’m going to give it a go right away here. Or I was, until Brady told me I could go lay in bed for a rest while he got the kids supper. Yes, I know, he’s the best.

Hopefully I can get my attitude together and enjoy the last hour or two of the day before the kidlets go to bed. But before then, I’m going to enjoy my rest. I’ll adult again soon.

Kims middle son, Maddox, turned THREE today!!! I went to Kims to get a few things ready with her, as you know, and today we showed up just a little bit early to lend a hand getting the very last little things together. They didn’t need us, but welcomed us warmly. We had SUCH a fun day, meeting some of their friends and family, and it was a total BLAST to watch our kids having so much fun with the other kids!! I would never have expected both Dekker and Laela to rock the bouncy castle so much!! It was a fabulous party!! Love that family.

But first, Brady and I took the kids out for breakfast to Cora’s. The kids were shockingly well behaved! They ate well, were nice and quiet, and even gave our server a high five on the way out. They did awesome!

They each got a balloon on the way out. I couldn’t get a clear picture because playing is much more important than posing.

Afterwards, we ran a couple of small errands, and headed to the party!! We helped hang up a balloon banner but that was about it. We had thought coming a little bit early would help Dekker settle in a bit first, before the guests started arriving.

Turns out, Dekker didn’t need too much warming up at all! The kids all got along, they played hard in the sun, snacked hard, and played some more. Lots and lots of sweaty kids today.

It was getting to be SUPPER time when we got a pretty clear indication that it was time to leave.

Dead weight, that boy! He was SO sleepy! We left soon thereafter, picked up some food, and went home. The kids all went down beautifully. I’m pleased as punch that Dekker had ZERO accidents on his first outing, and it was ALL DAY! Granted, he didn’t poop today, so without being a downer, that will likely be something I’ll have to deal with tomorrow :/ BUT!!!! No pee accidents! We were ready for them, too. He carried a backpack with pants and underwear and pull ups if I just fully gave up. But it lay by the door and never ever moved from its spot.

BUT! Enough about potty stuff. Today is all about MADDOX!!! Love you, sweetheart!!! I can’t wait to spend more time with you in the years to come.

<3

I spent this evening at Kim’s house, getting ready for her middle sons third birthday. Kim had done most of the more tedious snacky things, but I had offered to come help get some of the bigger last minute things done. Her husband chased after the kids while she and I went to the grocery store and bought some last minute treats to add to the party, and then got to work in the kitchen.

I won’t tell too terribly many details, just because I don’t want to spoil anything for her, but its all going to be so delicious and so uniform and SO his style!! Maddox is going to love his party!!! We made his cake, and blew up a bunch of balloons. We made plans about where all of the food will be laid out, and just generally got excited about it all 🙂 Hopefully we’ll get there a bit early and help put the final touches on everything. I love being part of the prep!

I overstayed, whoops, and left around 9:30pm, I think. When I came home, Brady and I recapped our evenings, and he ran a bath. Coffee and biscotti is waiting. Once the littlest goober goes to bed, anyway. Someone is surely fighting the power tonight!!

** In todays potty news, two accidents. Both poop. He’s got peeing right, but has no desire to poop in the potty. I can’t wait for him to figure that part out. But as it is, only two accidents. Three pairs of underwear. Go Dekker!

So I was asleep last night at 10:00pm. No word of a lie. So. Tired. Good tired, but tired tired. I think the potty training paired with Dekker not napping anymore is just wiping me out. Its all good, but its different.

Also, today was honestly just abnormally busy! I felt dead on my feet very early in the afternoon. I know lots of people find that in motherhood, or just in life in general, but I don’t. This was new for me.

HOWEVER!!!, today was incredibly successful in the potty training department 🙂 We had only ONE accident!!! Two pairs of underwear only! Dekker probably peed on the potty literally 15-20 times, which feels a bit like maybe he’s just doing it for more treats, but I think he’s actually just learning about emptying his bladder. I’m certainly not going to ignore him when he says he has to pee!! It was SUCH a great day for peeing in the potty. We’ve just got to get him to poop on it. *sigh* Not my favourite part of the day, but we survive. I’ve touched poop many many times in the last four years, and likely will for may more still. I can handle his for another few days.

But with all of the success we’ve had over the day, it has completely finished me off. I’m sleepy. But there is an iced coffee for me in the fridge, too. Quandary.

Last night was one of those weird ones. I woke up around 12:45am to Dekker wiiide awake, talking like crazy. My husband, who has the monitor on his end table, was dead to the world. So I got up and walked around the bed, and told Dekker through the intercom to be quiet and go back to sleep. Then I went back to bed. But literally, less than a minute later, he was talking even louder. I listened closely but couldn’t figure out what he was saying. So I went into his room and asked if he had to pee. He hesitated, so I took him to the bathroom, where he sat for a few minutes, but did nothing. So I put him back to bed, and he didn’t make another sound. I know this before I was awake for the next four hours. I used to have those nights all the time, and they’re few and far between nowadays, but when they do come around, I’m less accustomed to them, and they seem to hit me harder.

I got up with Dekker around 7:30am and he was quite wet. But he was dry the morning before so I figure that will come. I asked him to sit on the toilet before breakfast, but nothing came of that. He had a good breakfast, and as he ate, the rest of the house woke up. When he finished, the day actually began.

It was an incredibly successful day for potty training!!! Dekker had three accidents only, one of which I almost don’t want to count because there was just a small dot of wetness inside his underwear. But today, he really started to figure out the sensation of having to pee before he actually peed! He would suddenly get kind of loud and say things like “I’m really full!” He rush into the bathroom and get his underwear off. He can’t get himself up to the toilet yet because we still haven’t gotten our step stools out from the container, but he is really seeming to get the hang of it. Best of all, he’s so proud. Another thing he’s learning about is just going pee, even when he doesn’t feel the total urgency. I see him try so hard to actually pee, and I see his tummy muscles working for it, and suddenly, he’s still, and he watching himself pee!! Hahaha! I laugh, but its pretty awesome that he has some control already. I’m very, very proud of him. It was a big win of a day. Four pairs of underwear.

While our experience with potty training sounds easier than lots of other peoples experience (or harder than some) I have to say that its still tiring. I miss when Dekker napped. I think he still would, but this way I can keep tabs on him. Plus, he goes to sleep beautifully. When Dekker had his teeny tiny little accident this evening, he seemed SO discouraged. WAY more than any other accident. I sat in the bathroom while he sat on the toilet, and he cried and cried, with his head in his hands. I asked him if he was just feeling so tired, and he replied that he really was. So to bed they went. He seemed so comfy and relieved to be in bed. This whole thing is exhausting for all of us. Its good to be reminded of that. Its not just me who is dragging these days. Its all of us.

On that note, I’m not going to last too long this evening. Maybe even no soak in the tub!! Well, we’ll see. I’m not one to pass on a bath willingly. But today might be different. I could really use some sleep.

I used to laugh when people would consider grocery shopping alone a luxury, but I was more than thrilled to get out of the house this evening, even if it was just for a quick trip to Walmart and a little visit with my mom.

I ventured out in the rain and enjoyed my break. Home has been a lot of work, and while good, its tiring. And I miss going out! So I did my Walmart, got my fast food, visited with my mom for longer than I planned to (as usual) and just got home recently 🙂

Underwear count for the day is 5. Fewer accidents, but less pottying in general. Yes, I’m loading him up with fluids as much as he’ll take in. Either way though, he’s not really put off by the toilet anymore, so we’re going to keep rolling with it!

Its pretty obvious that I’m tired, but this is all you’re getting tonight. SO sleepy. But first, you guessed it, a bath! And then to sleep. Rowan has given us two full nights in a row, so let’s keep those coming! With these big days of potty training, you’d better believe we all need lots of sleep!!