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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

combating the three year old stubborn

and other seemingly ridiculous attempts at parenting a threenager.

It appears that the age of three leaves these smart little creatures stuck somewhere between the ability to reason and the ability to do whatever their parents say. What is that called again… oh ya, free will!

Which leaves the parents somewhere between wanting to give their child the independence they crave and the need to guide them to make appropriate decisions (i.e. not wearing a sweatshirt when its 90 degrees outside or insisting they bathe).  Or it leaves these parents stuck there.

But we have pretty reasonable expectations of her, that she is well aware of. pick up after yourself, no whining and be respectful. We always give G choices – you can have a or b – usually, it’s not an issue and she picks something.  Except when she doesn’t. Then! Look out because she’s going down and taking you with her.

We attempt to pick our battles , as en example we know 9 out of 10 times she’s not going to eat her dinner, so we don’t make her – but she does have to sit with us at the table.  Sometimes it doesn’t really matter though – she wants what she wants and nothing else matters. No choice or discussion is going to make a difference.  Which is fine and I am assuming normal for her age.

But we are still struggling with her in a way.  We know she gets more frustrated when she is hungry and/or tired and there are a few things that we know will set her off (i.e. if her underwear are even a drop wet, she will lose her everlovingmind) so we are conscious of these things.  She is VERY vocal and articulate – but sometimes, she will literally just whine, whimper and cry about something that is bothering her, but won’t articulate what that thing is to us.  Some days, or sometimes several time a day, she just chooses not to listen (normal, I know) which tends to lead into a screeching, screaming rage over something ridiculous like asking her to put her shoes on the right feet.

More than anything though, I am struggling at figuring out how to help her learn how to handle her feelings and express them appropriately. it’s impossible to know most days what will set her off and when, which makes it hard to anticipate!

We are aware that we need to be more consistent with our initiation of discipline (i.e. counting to 3 or whatever) – she is always aware and we are consistent with her consequences – but getting there tends to be our issue.  And just figuring out how to get us all through this stage with our sanity, hair and eardrums intact is exhausting, quite frankly.

I know we aren’t the only parents to feel defeated by their stubborn preschooler, so feel free to provide any ass-vice you have on the topic.

I will say though – that she is still pretty much the funniest, most awesome girl I know.  Naturally.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Stolen Innocence

 

When I saw that pink line appear on a pregnancy test in May – I immediately felt like I was going to lose my shit.

I was excited.

But more than excited, I was scared.

I remember looking at Mike with tears in my eyes and saying something along the lines of, I hope the 3rd times the charm.

The heartache of the past year stole the innocent joy that should be associated with a positive pregnancy test.

After our first beta, I thought okay – let’s see what the next one says and how much progesterone will it take to help this baby stick. Not YAY I’m pregnant.

Then we had the second one, and the nurse could tell I was still a little uneasy – she said to me “you can start to get excited now”.

The loss we experienced over the past year stole the innocent joy that should be associated when someone verbally verifies that yes, you ARE pregnant.

Walking in to our ultrasound appointment I was SURE I was going to throw up.  I could not calm my nerves to save my life.  I was also thankful for my husband who just held my hand and the ultrasound tech who was sweeter than ever.  She said – once she found the baby & saw the heartbeat– “one will do, won’t it?” and I just let the tears flow because YES! One will do, indeed.

I think I went through the next few weeks in disbelief of what was happening – afraid to get too attached to this little person.

I went to my OB appointment and probably scared the crap out of the lady who drew my blood that day.  When she innocently asked me how I was and I said, “okay” to which she responded “oh, no you’re supposed to say pregnant!” and I in turn made a comment about how we have gone through a lot to get here – she just sort of shut up and did her thing. But before I left she said – It will all be okay.  It was sweet.

But was STILL scared to believe it.

There are so many things that that are different for me this time – I started writing Gianna’s journal the day that positive pregnancy test showed up in my bathroom.  I took pictures every single week. I wasn’t afraid. 

At our 12 week ultrasound, when I saw this little person flipping around with a strong heartbeat – it hit me.

I can’t let our experience, our journey to get to this beautiful place, steal the joy I should be feeling. Because so far – everything looks beautiful and is moving along normally.  Even though the pure innocence and happiness that I experienced from the second I got pregnant with Gianna is gone, the joy and love I feel for this child are very much real and present.  I just have to let myself feel them.

Secondary infertility may have stolen my innocence in the beginning – but I’m claiming back my joy because we ARE here, we DID make it. And no matter what, this is a NEW journey – separate and distinct from all the others.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Summertime Photo Tour

Gianna went to the dentist for the first time and rocked it out!

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We went boating with the family – Gianna totally loved her Nemo lifejacket.DSC_0318IMG_0971

She even got brave and rode on the tube!

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She roasted her first marshmallow

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But I had to hold the smore because it was too sticky!

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Of course we have been swimming a lot. In case you were unaware, it’s been hot out there!

But sometimes you just need to take a break and have a snack with your PaPa.

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Gianna had her first dance recital.  It was quite adorable. (and I have decided that she cannot wear lipstick. Ever again!)

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And she TOTALLY loved the trophy!

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She got some beat-mixing practice in as well.

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and that was just June….

Friday, July 20, 2012

Giannaisms: Special Edition

PhotobucketAs always, Miss G is keeping us on her toes with her whit, sarcasm and general shenanigans!
A sampling for your Friday:

::in an attempt to get out of riding in the cart at the store::
G: Aunt Jacqui, do they have floors at Wal-Mart?
J: Yes.....
G: I think they are for little girls to walk on....

::in an attempt to drive her mother nuts::
{{back story - my sisters have a cat, who we thought was a girl}}

G walks up the steps at my parent's house yelling "Papa keeps sayin' the cat has bawlls*"

again in the car last night:
G: bawlls! (hysterical laughter)
Me: Gianna, don't say that!
G: (after an appropriate amount of silence) BAWLLS!!! (even more hysterical laughter)
::in an attempt to melt our hearts::
A few weeks ago:
Mike: Gianna, do you think you would like it if we had a baby at our house?
G: Ya, that would be cool.  Like baby Luci**?
Mike: Ya, do you think you would like if Mommy had a baby in her belly like Aunt Jacqui?
G: A SISTER????  (comes to me, lifts up my shirt and says "Hi baby sister!!")
When will she be here? Tomorrow?
Us: No, not for a long time, after it snows outside
G: will it snow tomorrow?

One morning before work:
G: Is baby sister hungry?
Me: Um, I dont' think so.
G: yes she is, I'm going to feed her a muffin (places muffin on my stomach!)

Earlier this week:
G: Daddy keeps teasin' me that I'm gunna have a brother. But I'm not - it's a sister
Me: Well, we don't really know yet, it could be a brother.
G: No.

Yesterday:
Me: Come here, G - I have to show you something really cool.
G: What is it Mawwwmy***?
Me: Here, look at this:

I seriously can't even believe this is happening.

G: WOAH! Is that a picture of my sister?? She is SOOO cute! Can she come out now?


So, there you have it.
1 year of tears, frustration, heartache and nothing going "according to plan"
4 months of testing and various medical interventions
2 RE's
2 months of clomid,et al.
1 perfect, beautiful little human who was worth it all without question
1 big sister who has no idea what she is in for
and 2 parents who couldn't be happier that our dreams of expanding our family will be realized on or around January 30, 2013.

We ALL love you more than you even know already, little one.

*I really really really hate the word balls.
** that's my niece's name! I can't wait to meet her soon!
*** she always says mommy so weird when she is excited, or whining

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Bullet Points, FTW

  • How is it possible to be so exhausted from attending conferences? I don’t know but OMG it IS!
  • Also traveling and having crazy early/late flights doesn’t really help the exhausted cause.
  • But both things I attended last week were really educational and a little (or a lot!) bit fun.
  • It’s pretty crappy to be away from your family for a week but technology rocks. FaceTime is pretty cool, in case you were wondering.
  • Also – I am pretttty sure Gianna aged at least 6 months while I was gone – she just seemed so much older to me when I saw her Sunday.
  • Work is nutso, it’s busy and has totally turned me off from wanting to even touch my computer in the evenings.  Which can be an issue since I often have OTHER work to do when I get home.
  • Which in turn has pretty much taken away all of my blogging, blog reading, picture editing, and all other previously-held desire to look at the internet.
  • I’m in major planning mode for my sister’s baby shower – things are coming along well and it’s going to be SO CUTE!
  • I’m also heading into major planning mode for our Disney trip – I’m going to make a “countdown to the princesses” calendar with some fun things to do/open/etc. along the way.  Should be pretty fun and hopefully build the excitement for Miss G.
  • Speaking of Miss G – she is going camping with my parent’s this weekend and is SO EXCITED! I know they will all have a great time.
  • I’m totally addicted to House Hunters, you guys. It’s ridiculous!
  • Fill me in on what’s happening – I have the best intentions to fight through my Google reader soon!
  • OHH! and a huge shout out to Suzy for the awesome new blog design – I love it a lot! AND 100% of the proceeds from her blog design & Etsy shop (she makes awesome bracelets!) go toward their adoption fund. 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Red Dress Gala

I made my way from DC to Dallas today for some girl time.
And so I could attend this Red Dress Gala - which hands down, was the most elaborate event I have been to.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour #waytowell

As a public health geek professional, or whatever you want to call it, I am always interested in local initiatives and opportunities. Especially things that are easy, free, and available to everyone.

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I found out about the Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour through AARP, a community outreach program going on in the Cleveland area 7.12 through 7.30.

The Way to Well Health Tour will be providing free health tests, educational materials and consultations to anyone who wants to walk in the door.  The main focus is on prevention and early detection of the leading diseases of today: heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and something we should all take very seriously.  Diabetes is obviously a growing issue, overall, and something that is easily detected and treated.  Cancer, well, cancer sucks and whatever we can do to educate/protect/manage our health and our risk factors along with regular, preventative care, can help us all mitigate the Scary that comes with cancer.

Free health tests (valued at over $100) that will be provided include:

  • Cholesterol
  • Glucose
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Composition
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Resting Metabolism
  • Visceral Fat
  • Real Body Age

The process will take about 20  minutes to complete and anyone 18 and older is encouraged to visit the tour – no appointment or insurance is necessary.  So stop in, pick up some popsicles & sunscreen and participate in the Way to Well tour.

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you will get to talk to someone really happy and nice, like the girl in this picture!

Interested in the Way to Well campaign but can't make it out to visit the tour? You can still contribute to this community outreach campaign by purchasing Walgreens brand health and wellness products!  1¢ from the purchase of each product, up to $3 million annually, will support bringing preventative wellness services to local communities, like Cleveland, through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund®.

If you have never used Walgreens brand products, you are missing out.  They are comparable to the name brand products in quality, but not price, which is the best part!  And now that you know a portion of each product is going to support the Way to Well Fund, what better motivation to try them out?

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Take a look, find out where the Way to Well tour can be found near your neck of the woods, and stop in this week.  You won’t be sorry you did.6447944426C98CE667104DD21FA0EDBC

 

**I was compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed here are my own.**

Saturday, July 7, 2012

It’s been a while, huh?

Work has been out of control lately and life has been almost as equally out of control.

But Gianna is still as silly as ever, so don’t worry.

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I am leaving for some work conferences and will be gone all week.  Heading to DC and DFW, 2 very fun (and oh, have you heard – hot!) places.  I’m looking forward to it, but I’m going to miss the snuggles I manage to sneak in the mornings.

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And the husband too, of course.

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BUT! I am also really excited to hopefully do some much needed blogging, watch some trashy TV and sleep in a big squishy hotel bed all alone!