Freedom OH NOOO

Huge milestone for everyone in the house.  I'm not even sure we made the right decision, but it was starting to feel like we should just do it.  The minute we did it we immediately regretted it.  Then we didn't regret it.  Then we did again.  Then we didn't.  It hasn't even been a week so we'll see.  So what was this big milestone.

We changed the crib to a toddler bed ...EECK...  He was still fine in his crib, but we were wondering if we needed to make the switch.  One, so that he could start to learn how to go potty himself.  Since he isn't wearing diapers during his nap we thought maybe at night wouldn't be far behind (who knows) Two, he is starting to possibly grow out of his nap so we may transition to quiet time.  I wanted to give him some room to roam his room if we move to quiet time.  

To say the boy doesn't like change is an understatement (mom and dad too).  In preparation for this I showed him pictures of a toddler bed and asked if he wanted his bed to look like the one in the picture.  He said yes and got excited.  I did this over a few days.  Then Kevin got out the parts to do it.  Mini meltdown one night so we didn't push it.  Then he was excited about it again so we made the change.  It hasn't been a week yet so I hope over time it gets better, but bedtime has been a bit rough.  Kevin has dealt with the brunt of the nighttime routine so I have to thank him for that, it can really test your patience.  He likes to put his legs in the slats of the crib so this has changed for him and I think he can't quite find his comfort level. He is mostly just grumpy and whiney and fights to go to sleep.  Plus he is 3 - enough said.

The nap routine hasn't gone much smoother, but really hoping we find a good rhythm (I hope it still includes some naps) I feel so unprepared about how to handle stuff like this.  I don't read nearly the same amount I used to when he was smaller, but there are times I wish I did.  Now that I want to learn how to do it better I'm trying to read some stuff at night.  So much is so dependent on the kid though.  Each kid is so different that the vanilla type advice isn't always helpful, but sometimes there are nuggets of info.  

Anyway, I can't believe I have a kid that is free to roam the house.  I don't have a baby gate on the stairs even which slightly freaks me out.  He goes down stairs great, but in my head I see him walking aimlessly at night and we don't hear him and he falls down.  Also, what are the odds he listens and stays in his room for quiet time or at 2 am in the morning??  We have always kind of taken the philosophy that we will first try to get him to listen to us.  So we talk about staying in your room etc. etc.  But, because I'm a mom I just might put a gate on his door so he is contained haha.  

Well, wish us luck on this new (pretty scary) adventure.  

Reading

I've mentioned before that Nathaniel can recite certain books we read a lot.  Sometimes I'll test him to see if he is listening.  I'll skip certain words or change them to if he will laugh or correct me.  But, he did something recently (about a month ago) that I hadn't seen before.  He flipped through a book that he doesn't necessarily read a lot and he started making up a story.  He'd flip to the next page and keep going.  I wasn't always sure what he was saying, but he was really into his story.  

I know pretend play and imagination are big milestones for kids.  Nathaniel hasn't always been one to do those things.  Some kids seem to live in a make believe/magical world.  Nate hasn't ever been into playing with his stuffed animals like they are people, etc..  He does play pretend food all the time, pouring and pretend eating etc.  He also sees things differently which I think is a form of imagination.  For instance, he saw a top (you know those toys you spin) and he called it an umbrella and held it over his head.  I like that he sees things in ways I wouldn't necessarily think about.  He comes up with names like 'flower bubbles' for dandelions or 'sucker cakes' for cake pops or 'laters' for leftovers.  

I wouldn't call Kevin or I the most imaginative people ever either so he probably gets his more methodical imagination from us :)  Although, I'd argue most scientists have a great imagination - how else can you see microscopic processes in your mind!  When Watson and Crick thought about how the DNA helix turned in a spiral... genius..  Not that I"m some great scientist (only in my dreams), but it is probably one of the things I find most interesting. 

Anyway, I was so happy to hear Nathaniel making up his own story and enjoy telling it to me.  Watching him discover things about himself is so fun.  

To the End of the Internet

When Nathaniel was a baby - I couldn’t help myself - I looked up so much information in a book or on the internet.. wherever I could find answers or interesting things to read.  What are the milestones, what should he eat, what should he drink, medical stuff like vaccines, how should he be playing, is he too shy, what should I be teaching him, how much sleep should he get, on and on and on.  Luckily, he was such a happy and healthy baby that I kind of just aimlessly looked up stuff. 

Then he turned one/one and a half… I noticed I was looking up less stuff.  But, I still looked up stuff.  Usually the same stuff as before just age appropriate, but with added activity stuff to help him develop motor skills, a love for reading, classes we can do and on and on. 

Now that he is getting close to 2 and a half I’ve noticed I pretty much just hope for the best haha.  I haven’t looked up much at all.  I guess suddenly I expect him to develop on his own.  What?  That seems crazy.  Really it does, I need to get my act together again.  Geez.  For instance, I know I need to be moving him to a different type of cup, but I just procrastinate in finding out what I should do.  Also, he is getting close to moving to a big boy bed, but I have no idea what to do for that.  He is going to definitely be the kid that stands at the top of the stairs and says ‘hello’ and doesn’t stay put.  It would make travel easier though.

Sleeping arrangements while travelling are really tough right now.  He doesn’t and hasn’t really slept anywhere else ever, including our bed, so he is used to his crib and only his crib.  When we travel he is on a regular bed wondering what is happening.  I can hardly blame him for being a bit confused.  I guess I should probably start reading up on how best to transition him.

Ok so I digressed a bit.  But, research, reading, etc. is just as important so I don’t know why I don’t obsess about it like I used to.  Ok, obsess is a strong word.  It is true he can tell me a lot more so that certainly helps.  Maybe that’s it, since he can tell me stuff I feel less like I’m guessing.  Also, maybe because it just seems like playing and interacting is so fun I don’t want to make it too complex.  Although I’d like to start putting together some form of a pre pre pre school type program.  Pinterest here I come… maybe… when I have time.  Nathaniel does tell me to get off the phone or computer now.  ‘No that mommy’  Then I feel guilty because he noticed I wasn’t paying attention to him.  Maybe that is what I should research – how technology is ruining the relationship with your kid ;) j/k…    

I'm in New York Don't You Need Me

It finally happened, after 2 plus years I left little Nathaniel home alone.  Oh wait, Kevin was there.  I hadn't even spent a night away from him, let alone 4 nights.  Everyone kept asking if I was going to be ok, I just kept saying 'Yes, I think so'.  I kept thinking 'should I be worried?'  hhhmm maybe?!?  Nah, I was leaving Nate in good hands.  The boys were going to live it up while I was gone.  Cookies for breakfast, chocolate for lunch, ice cream for dinner!!!  Oh no, I should be worried.

So why was I leaving my boys?  For my birthday me and my sister decided to go and vacation in New York.  New York is so beautiful and lively during the holidays.  It was going to be my sister's first time to visit there, I was so excited to be a tour guide (at least a rookie tour guide).  The Manhattan map was my best friend.  We did so much while we were there.  The highlights were seeing 2 live shows (The Jimmy Fallon Show and Live with Kelly and Michael), walking way too fast by priceless artwork in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, seeing The Rockettes, walking through the city streets in the snow and strolling through central park and eating at the Boathouse…. plus like a million other things.  

My feet needed a massage every night, but my sister wouldn't give me one - man I remember a time when I was able to make her do that stuff for me haha.  We drank some good wine, chatted a lot, froze here and there and laughed with and at each other :)  We definitely used our Metro passes to zip around the city.  One day was funny when a thing called *Santacon* was going on.  It was a huge bar crawl where everyone wears Santa suits.  It raises money for charity and they were EVERYWHERE.  The temperature hovered in the low 30s pretty much the whole time we were there so we would always say, 'Time to suit up' as we headed out of the hotel…. 3 or more layers (a vest that heats up), gloves, hat, scarf… whatever you could put on.

Wait, I forgot to mention … I was getting very few texts and calls from home.  They were suppose to fall apart without me there.  What's happening?  I was so busy in NY I didn't even fully realize there weren't any meltdowns or calls of panic.  Apparently, they were doing just fine (or hiding it very well) yah yah that's it, they were hiding it. I got to FaceTime with Nate when we'd take a rest at the hotel and I must say things did seem in order.  The best is when Nate would just say, 'bye bye' right in the middle of our talk - little booger.  Kevin even remembered that Santa was visiting our neighborhood and took him outside to see him.  There was only one major meltdown - something really bothered him about how Kevin cut his oranges.  Funny thing to get upset about - I think he was just missing me :)

I have to say I enjoyed my *mommy* away time.  I had forgotten how easy it is to just worry about getting yourself ready and only feeding yourself.  It was a nice change for a few days.   I did find myself noticing more little kids than I normally would.  After being sad to see my sister get out of the airport tram and head off to her terminal I could feel myself getting excited to see my little guy.  When Kevin pulled up to pick me up I went to the back to hug and kiss Nathaniel.  He let me for a second and then said,'Go sit down' and pointed to the front seat… once again, little booger!  Luckily, he made it up to me by giving me extra attention when we got home.  He was all hyper and wanting me to play with him.  I missed that little dude.  The house was clean, everyone looked fine…. man, I guess they don't need me.  I guess that means I get to go on vacation more! 

Times Square

Trump Tower

Waiting to see if we got into the Kelly and Michael show
at a Sbux that had a Christmas tree lot outside

Grand Central Station

Alice and Wonderland fountain in Central Park

Mood fabrics (from the Project Runway show)

Potty Training - Week 2

Week 2 is/was a roller coaster ride.  The week started out horrible.  I was losing confidence quickly.  Maybe he just isn't ready?  I was in a pretty negative mood in general because I have this little cold and I think it fueled my doubts.  He just didn't seem interested in it anymore.  He was making a few mistakes and generally just was cranky when I'd ask him if he had to go.  The inconsistency was getting to me.

Then at night after he went to bed I'd sit back and think about it and realize he really didn't do that bad at all, all day.  I was definitely being too hard on him (and prob myself).  

I decided to take a day off of potty training and reenergize the whole process.  We went on a half day outlet mall trip with a friend.  I used a pull-up and decided not to stress about it.  I was considering it a day off from potty training and whatever happened, happened.  Starting the next day I'd use candy as a reward instead of a sticker and try to be as positive as possible again.

Well, funny thing happened at the mall.  He was perfect all day.  I just stopped at each bathroom and gave him a chance to try.  He went!  Even on the big potty.  I could tell he was holding it at times because there was so much (I know TMI), but this was such great news.

He has had several GREAT days now.  He likes the candy incentive too (Reese's pieces).  Also, I say 'keep your pants dry' or 'let's do a dry pants check' and he takes to that a little better.  I think the biggest thing I've learned is that 'you know when you know'.  Meaning I haven't been stressing out about it, I haven't had to remind him 1000 times, something is clicking and working.  Woo Hoo.  

Now, he has been fickle about the big potty.  Sometimes he will use one when we are out (I have a little fold out thing that goes over it), but sometimes he won't at all.  Not sure why this is happening yet.  One of our next things will be to make him feel comfortable somehow using the bigger toilet.  The good news though is even if he doesn't use the big potty he uses his froggy potty that I bring along in the car.  It works and keeps his streak of no mistakes alive :)

I'm sure week 3 he will regress or something and some new problem will surface.  But, I'm in a much better place than I was at the beginning of the week.  The little dude just may have it!  I always tell him 'Mommy is so proud of you', he repeats it, I repeat it.  I really mean it, I'm proud of that little sucker.  

Potty Training Week 1

What was I thinking? Seriously, what was I thinking?  Why did I listen to my inner voice repeating 'Don't miss the window, don't miss the window'?!? Ok, that sounds pretty dramatic, but I'm not sure I've done anything that requires this much endurance.  I should probably train to run a marathon now ;)

So I started off the week with a 3 day intense bootcamp-like potty training event.  You know where you lock yourself in a room for 3 days and the only thing you do is teach that kid to pee (well and poo) in a froggy potty.  Can you picture this?  Nate (with pretty much just a shirt on for 3 days to increase his odds of figuring it out), me in comfy clothes, 2 VERY bored dogs towels all over the rug, one huge waterproof blanket for us to play on, an endless supply of water/juice to make the kid go a lot, the timer on an iPhone to remind him at certain intervals and lots of toys to make the hours fly by (thank goodness for cartoons too).  To say we had cabin fever at the end of the 3 days is an understatement.  I didn't realize how antsy of a person I am until I'm stuck in a room.  

Now you probably wonder, 'was it worth it'.  A definite YES.  I think he *got it* by the end of 3 days.  When I say *got it* I don't mean he is off wearing underwear all day with no accidents.  I just mean he can tell when he has to go and somewhat alerts me on occasion.  The 3 day bootcamp really is a jumping off point I think.  It is kind of like how a catalyst works in a chemical reaction.  It gets you to that next step quicker and easier.  

On Day 3 I actually had him wearing cotton underwear instead of nothing and I cut back on the water/juice.  Trying to gauge what a normal day might be like.  I don't have anything to compare his success or failure with, but I feel like it went great.  I've heard of nightmare stories of pee puddles everywhere.  I didn't even need to wash a towel in those 3 days.  A few wipe ups, but nothing major.    

The next few days we stayed at home mostly except a few short outings.  Oh man was I nervous to leave the house.  I just envisioned that all of our efforts would be out the window instantly.  I mean the kid gives me 2 seconds to no warning and I'm pretty sure bathrooms just aren't that close all the time haha.  Plus, Nathaniel hadn't used a normal toilet only his froggy potty so I brought the froggy potty anywhere we went.  This isn't always convienent to carry around.  I didn't want to slow down the progress though.  Go with what works, right?  Plus, I got some great advice that by doing that it helps keep it front of mind (thanks Kiera for helping me out so much).  I didn't want to rush the big toilet either.  I have heard a few stories where the kids used the big toilet when they aren't prepared and it scared them.  Then it takes a while to get them to try it again.  

We didn't have any accidents while we were out.  He actually used the froggy potty a few times while we were out either in the store bathroom or the car.  He did really well.  We had a few accidents here or there at home, but overall I still feel like week one went pretty well.  If he had an accident it was usually outside while he was playing or when he was just a little tired.  I think he was getting tired of hearing me nagging and saying 'Do you have to use the potty? yes or no? just as much as I was tired of saying it.  The pressure the pressure!!

I'd be lying if I didn't say I got frustrated on occasion.  It is more exhausting than I thought it would be, I have had a little cold and a touch of cabin fever too.  There was one *poo incident* that I wish I could have handled better.  I, of course, didn't yell or anything, but was a little more abrupt than I normally am and he got a little sad.  Nathaniel is pretty sensitive and I know that, I felt horrible.  On the happy flip side, we used a sticker chart which he filled up pretty quick with successes and loved.  We did lots of fun potty celebration dances too.  Some family members got called so that he could share his good news.  He was so proud to tell them he went pee in the potty.  

Week 1 was over and while I have no clue exactly how 'potty trained' Nathaniel was, I do know we were headed in the right direction.  With some renewed energy from the weekend because of Kevin's help we headed into Potty Training Week 2. 

Pee Pee in the Froggy Potty

Yep, that is what happened today (and what Nathaniel calls it).  I like to keep this blog to record milestones and this seems like a good one to put in the archives.  We bought 2 potty books, a little frog potty and talk about it here and there to get him used to the idea.  He has sat on the kid potty fully clothed and says pee pee, but that has been it.  I just wanted him to be familiar with things.  Well today after listening to a potty book and then watching Kevin demonstrate (advice everyone seems to believe in) he just did it.  Now, who knows if this is a fluke day or if this is the start of potty training.  

I'm definitely not ready, but maybe he is...  I mean I don't want to miss the rumored *window*  The rumor is there is some small window of time where they are more open to potty training and if you miss this glorious window you are doomed and Nate won't be potty trained until he is 15 or something.  Yikes.    And I need to get reward charts and gifts and cheerios for him to aim at and bells and whistles and a marching band on deck for when he goes pee pee.  Maybe I'll even make a shirt for myself that says 'Ask me what my son did today' (you know for encouragement and stuff) ;)

stay tuned.... 

Storage and Stores

I recently realized two things (well probably more, but 2 for now) that made me *sigh*

The first thing is that I'm officially not shopping in the baby section anymore when I go to the store.  I have officially moved to the toddler section.  He has been in 2T/3T shirts for awhile, but he could still wear the 18/24 month shorts.  I held on for a little while longer through the summer - Holding on to the thought of Nate as a tiny baby.  Now that it is pant season the 18/24 month size are too short (granted they still fit in the waist, but they are high waters) Sooooooo, we are buying 2T pants.... wanh wanh .... no more baby section.  The baby boy section had more selection than the toddler section so it is a little depressing.  Apparently, little boys can't dress cutesy once they reach toddlerhood.  On the flip side Nathaniel can dress like a little hipster.  GAP thinks that once you hit toddlerhood you graduate to hipster status.  There are mustard yellow skinny jeans that are just screaming Nate's name :)  I tease a little, not everything has been superheroes or super hipster some of the fall/winter clothes for his size have been extra cute.  I'm sure he will hate me when he is older, but I love the 'old man' looking sweaters for his age.  Maybe I should start a tumblr page called 'toddler in old man sweaters' haha (I'm pretty sure my sister will be the only one laughing at this)

Ok, the second thing... *sigh* I put away all of his onesies in storage.  He hasn't worn them for awhile, but I went through a drawer to make room for his new fall/winter things.  I hadn't really thought about it.  I never processed the fact that we are all done with onesies.  Onesies were Kevin's favorite outfit.  He could actually dress Nate. ;)  Babies are sure cute in those things.  Those quick magical 3 snaps at the bottom that made diaper changes a breeze.  The little rompers were even better. Those were basically just onesies on steroids.  Little boys look very cute in rompers.  I bought his first little nautical romper with my sister at the GAP in AZ when we visited.  When you think about onesies it is a little funny that you can run around in something that for all intents and purposes has no pants, yet, people think you look adorable with your little chubby legs.  Whoever (whomever?) invented the onesie was a genius (I feel like I read once that Gerber owned the name and it has become generalized like Kleenex did for a tissue)     

Bye Onesies and Rompers I will miss you.  Here is a small sampling.... *sigh*

Look at those squishy chubby legs

Romper 

You could even have cute crabs on your onesie bottom

Modeling a romper

Rocking Out

Nathaniel went to his first concert.  Hhhhmm maybe calling it a concert is a stretch.  Nathaniel went to his first kid show?  Better?  We joined Nathaniel’s friend Evie (and her parents) to sing and dance with the ZingHoppers. 

One reason we picked the Zinghoppers was because the show was at a redone old theatre in downtown Franklin.  It was close and a small venue.  Before the BIG show we had to eat a good breakfast so we went to the well-known Puckett’s grocery.  While Evie sat in her high chair and ate her Mickey Mouse pancake Nate was sitting in Kevin’s lap not eating…. That not wanting to sit in a high chair thing is still plaguing us. 

After a yummy breakfast it was time to head in and get the party started.  We changed seats a few times, but once we got settled ‘Let the fun times begin’.  The Zinghoppers put on a pretty entertaining show.  Nate isn’t really one to get up and dance in a crowd, he mostly observed and wiggled from his chair.  I was so disappointed that they didn’t play the one song we always hear on the Sprout channel L  I thought about complaining, but that seemed like overkill ;) 

I wonder what show will be next… The Wiggles, maybe the Nutcracker, maybe some group I am not aware of …. Can’t wait!

Nathaniel watching the show from the balcony,  he liked going up there because no one else was up there

Nathaniel and Evie... this was the best pic I could get of two tired toddlers :)

Music Class Miracle

We have been going to a music class (music with mommy) since Nathaniel was about 9 months old ish.  There were a couple months here or there we didn't go, but overall we have been to several sessions.  He has always been more of an observer than an active participant.  The level of kids participation is all over the place.  Some kids pay attention, some don't at all, some like to be the center of attention, others observe more like Nate.  It definitely depends on the age of the kid too, of course.  

I always knew Nathaniel was taking it in since he does watch so intently and he would do some of the things from class at home.  He wouldn't do them in class only at home.  Recently he has even been repeating some of the songs that we tend to do every class.  During class we switch off using different instruments.  One song might use shakers, another maracas or rhythm sticks... you get the point.  Nathaniel is still too timid to go get the instruments himself, he always grabs my hand and I go with him.  I figure eventually he will get the confidence, until then I don't mind going.  

Now I have some proof that if I just wait he will find that confidence himself when he is ready.

There is always a song or two where the instructor lets the kids come up one by one (if they want) to play a steady beat to a song or sing a phrase of the song.  As you can imagine Nathaniel has NEVER done this.  He wants no part of going to the front by himself to do anything.  Well, the last few classes he has actually gone up and tried to participate.  Woo Hoo.  Granted I go with him.  He does sit on the teachers lap and I sit to the side.  He has kind of gotten a little shy once he was up there and didn't really finish.  Regardless, it is a huge HUGE step.  

Today, I really knew it hasn't been a fluke the past classes.  He actually said, 'yes' when I asked him if he wanted to go try the instrument.  We went up there and he kept a steady beat really well.  The teacher even got excited.  'This is the first time he has really gone for it' , I was like 'I know'.  Nate had that proud look on his face too.  I was so happy for him. 

Not only that, but he sings along with the songs he knows (well as good as an almost 2 year old can) and he uses the instruments when he is supposed to.  My little flower is showing some blooming.  It is really fun to watch.  

The Turn

Not to be confused with 'The English Turn'.  Where the French tricked the English into turning around near New Orleans (the early established Orleans back then).  The French had settled down near the crescent in the Mississippi river and wanted control of the waterway for trade and stuff.  A small crew of Frenchmen overstated the French occupation when they stopped and talked to the English boat.  The big English boat thinking that they were outnumbered turned around and left the area.  Thus, aptly named 'The English Turn'  I only bring this up because it popped into my mind when I typed 'The Turn'.  There is a golf course named 'The Turn' so of course I wondered why it was called that and asked a local.  I thought the story was pretty cool and it stuck with me. 

Have you guessed what 'The Turn' is yet?  

Yep, we turned the little guy around in his carseat.  He is now forward facing like the rest of the world (well except for those smaller than him).  It is recommended now to wait at least until they are 2 or more depending on their size.  This is a fairly new recommendation due to their spines not being fully developed.  They are so top head heavy that if there is a car accident their neck's aren't always strong enough to keep the heavy head in place if there isn't support.  The rear facing gives the head a lot more support than forward facing lessening injuries.    

Nathaniel was reaching the max height for rear facing plus we are pretty close to his 2 year birthday so we just went ahead and did it.  We had the carseat out for a thorough cleaning so it seemed like a good time.    

It went over really well, he loved his new found freedom.  NOT.  Sometimes I forget how important routine is to a toddler.  There wasn't a mirror, he had nowhere to put his feet, etc.  He did not appreciate having his world turned around so abruptly.  There was definitely a mini meltdown.  He cried until about the halfway point on the way to the library.  He kept saying 'Out, out, out' :(  It was about at the halfway point I somehow distracted him enough so that he'd at least look around.  He looked something like this, but WWWAAAYYY more teary eyed.

Then he started to come around and chit chat about something.  He looked more like this.  A mix between emotionally distraught and complete goofball.

Now he just looks like this!  Content and happy with his new situation.  

Now, what I didn't realize is how backwards it turned things around for me.  Loosening the straps is harder and I have to get used to holding him differently to get him in.  But I think the worst part is that when he is having a snack or holding a toy, etc. if he let's go of it, it just falls to the floor.  It used to just sit in the gathering area between Nate's legs and the seat.  I miss that!!!!  I can't reach the stuff he drops while I'm driving so it just rolls around and he asks for it... what a pain in the butt.  There is a silver lining - I get to see that cutey patooty face in person instead of reflected in the mirror.  

Naptime

Naptime, naptime, naptime, naptime. Naptime has always been a 'see what works' thing for me. I tend to let Nathaniel lead the way. I just watch for signs and patterns and work them into our daily routine. He was a no napper/sometimes cat napper when he was real small. Then I started to notice when he'd sleep after feedings and set that as his nap schedule. He fell into a 3 nap a day schedule for awhile. These were usually an hour or less. Than after a few months he started transitioning. He'd take less of a midday nap. So I just weeded it out. He then took two naps a day. The morning nap was always shorter. This has been quite consistent for awhile. Long enough for me to take that 'ME' time for granted :)

 

The morning nap has been my showering/eating breakfast time. Well..... now Nathaniel has officially dropped that morning nap. We are down to one afternoon nap. Over the last several weeks as I'd put him down for his morning nap, he would just move around and chit chat to himself upstairs. I'd watch through the monitor and laugh. I'd go up after 5 minutes and give him a little *shooshing* *it's naptime* and leave and see what would happen. 50/50 he would go to sleep, then it become 25/75 and now it is 0/100. Officially ending the morning nap. (If I could only convince him that when he is an adult he will LOVE and WISH he had time to nap freely)

 

It is throwing me for a loop (several confusing loops). 1) I now have to change my shower/breakfast routine. He wanders around my room as I get ready. It is working for now. He just explores, bugs the dogs, watches a little Mickey Mouse club and pretty much empties my cabinets. 2) He plays with my mind sometimes because he looks sleepy off and on. He will sometimes lay on the floor and look tired, but if I take him up to his crib he doesn't sleep. 3) If we go somewhere before noon he falls asleep in the car unless it is super close. I can't just stop going anywhere so I'm hoping this is just part of the transition. 4) His eating/milk schedule is all a little off. Everything is pushed up a bit so he can take his afternoon nap earlier than the old afternoon nap time. He used to wake up around 4 or 4:30 - have some milk - 5:30ish have dinner. Well now he wakes up around 3ish. So if he has dinner an hour or hour and a half after he wakes up he'd be eating at 4... so that doesn't work. I have to figure out some sort of consistent snack/smoothie thing I guess.

 

I figure it will take us a couple of weeks for the kinks to work out. One thing is for sure I feel like our afternoons are so much longer. I'm worried he's bored. I swear we do every activity twice and it will be a total of a 1/2 hour. I don't know why it feels so different, but it does. Losing that hour in the morning and then the moved up afternoon naptime just really switched things up. I'm sure I felt this way with every change, but now that he looks more to me for entertainment I feel the pressure :) I have to step up my game (no wonder so many people pin toddler activity ideas on pinterest). If I don't it is going to feel like a weird toddler version of Ground Hog Day EVERY DAY.  I wonder if I can talk him into a 1/2 hour of snuggle/hug time... doubt it... I think at this point I'm the only one that can't get enough of that activity.