ketchup, catsup, catch-up

Wow, it's been a month and a half since I posted anything. I know I've never been a "regular" poster, but this is ridiculous.

Hopefully, over the next few days I can add some posts that provide more details on what's been going on here.

I still need to post some pictures of Punkin's new big boy room that I referenced a couple of months ago. He's enjoying it, though having him out of the crib definitely presents some challenges. Getting him to go to sleep easily has been a struggle, as he often has to "go potty" - like 3 or 4 times within a 20 minute period, but we're working on it.

Speaking of "going potty", Punkin is thisclose to being fully potty trained (knock on wood). He is a champ in big boy underwear all day long. Our biggest issue is going #2. He's not a fan of doing that on the potty. I'm not a fan of him doing that in his underwear. He's still wearing pull-ups at night, so thankfully, he occassionally chooses to wait until then to do #2. But he's definitely not as "regular" as before, I'm sure because he's holding it in. But recently we've had some success with #2 on the potty, so hopefully that will continue. You'd think Punkin figured out how to create world peace with the celebrations we have around here when he does #2 on the potty. Miraculously, Punkin is usually dry in the mornings too. I thought that would be our biggest potty training issue - I've heard stories of boys not being dry through the night until around 5! So, I'm very thankful that he's doing that so well (knock on wood).

Okay, now that you know more about Punkin's potty habits than you ever wanted to...

Punkin also started preschool in November. He goes 3 days a week, all day. Punkin was in daycare from about 4 months until about March of this year. At that time, we pulled him out and shared a sitter with another family who had 2 boys. That was a great time for Punkin and the other boys. They really became good friends. Unfortunately, that family is moving to Pennsylvania, so we had to find another solution. While the sitter was great in helping Punkin try new foods (that's a whole other post), I also think it was a good time to find something with more structure and more learning opportunities. I was blessed to come across Primrose Schools. I was not aware of them previously, but I can't say enough good things about them. If you're considering a full-day option for your kids, I would highly recommend them. When I picked up Punkin after his first day, I asked him what his favorite thing was. He said, "EVERYTHING!" and proceeded to tell that to everyone we walked by. He's done some cute crafts as well.

Here's a picture of one of my favorites.

It was done around Thanksgiving. It's a turkey made from an apple, fruit loops, orange slices, and marshmallows. So creative and so cute.

So, anyway, I'm sure there's a million other things I've left out (like how Punkin got the flu after 1 week of preschool), but my brain can't think of anything else right now. My hope is that I will do a much better job of updating this blog. Because I kinda miss it.

Hope you are all doing well. Leave me a comment letting me know you're still out there!

daycare FAIL

Dear Daycare Teacher,
If a parent is repeatedly telling another child to not throw toys, you are not doing your job.


Just one of the many reasons I'm excited to start a new venture in Punkin's care.
I work part-time outside of the home, and since Punkin's been about 4 months old, he's been at a daycare fairly close to home. He's had some good experiences - he's learned a lot. But more recently, the Hubs and I have been concerned about some things that were happening (or not happening) at the daycare.

I could make a list, but instead, for now, I'll just focus on what we've decided to do. Today marked Punkin's first day of "in-home care". Another family in our neighborhood (who also used to attend the same daycare and had very similar concerns) approached us about sharing a "nanny"*. Two days a week, Punkin will be with the other two boys and one day a week he'll be by himself with the caregiver. She just happens to be one of his former teachers from the daycare - who has always done a great job - and who we've also used as a sitter on occasion.

Since we live in the same neighborhood, time will be split between both houses - that should help with any one child feeling like they always have to share "my" toys. Today, they started at the other house and walked down to our house after lunch. Hopefully that will help get them some fresh air and exercise and encourage good naps.

Even though I wasn't completely happy with the daycare situation, I was still nervous about whether or not the Hubs and I were making the best decision for Punkin. I have to say that the first day couldn't have gone much better. Punkin ate a Grilled Cheese Sandwich for lunch. Seriously. You have no idea how big that is.**

I feel 100 times better about the decision we've made. Who knew Grilled Cheese could cause such euphoria?


**Punkin has texture issues and food aversions. He's often times literally scared to try new foods. He's not a fan of much that isn't crunchy or breaded (ie. crackers, chicken nuggets). We're working on it. And now so is the "nanny".*

*I need another word for the "nanny". I'm not sure what the right term is, but I don't think "nanny" fits completely. I always think of a nanny as someone who lives in or someone who is in the home the majority of the time... Any suggestions?


This post is included in Your Life, Your Blog at Real Life. Go check it out!