Showing posts with label Motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motherhood. Show all posts

GAFT: The Check Out System

During our GAFT episodes, I have realized the following:

You MUST (and I repeat MUST) have a "Check Out System".  I am not sure when Gator Guy and I officially started our Check Out System, but it is the only thing that keeps us sane. 

The Check Out System is when one parent is struggling like hell getting Mr. T to calm down and in turn getting frustrated, angry, upset or any other emotion we don't want Mr. T to do.  The other parent gives a look, a tap on the shoulder, or even verbally says "time to check out".  At that moment, parent #1 walks away... usually making no eye contact.  My preferred method is verbally while Gator Guy gives the look.  Fitting.


This works for us because it makes us realize that we are not alone, we BOTH get frustrated and it is not good for any parties involved if the parent is too worked up.  We've all been there...you raise your voice at the toddler to make that point that they should not yell or scream.  Makes sense, right?  Hell no.  That's damn confusing for the little ones.   So the Check Out System is a necessity. 
Now,  if the Check Out System is not available where either both parents are so fired up to handle the situation or you are alone, then is it time to implement the Parent Time Out.  I remember using this one when Mr. T was just a babe and wouldn't stop crying.  I felt like a terrible mother that I had to sit in the bathroom downstairs with the door closed just to have a moment to breathe.  But it is what kept me sane.  A fellow Yogi reminded me of this technique this week.  She would say to her little one, "Honey, it is time for Mama to have a time out."  That is correct.  Mama needs a time out!!  Mr. T may be confused and he may just continue to cry it out, but the Mama Timeout already has served us well. 
Plus it gives me the perfect opportunity to pour a glass of brew.  Don't Judge.

Posted in: , , , , , on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 25 comments  

GAFT: Round 2

GAFT continues to overpower us as of late.  And I wish there was a magic potion or something to relieve it.  I suppose if there was, we would have a million kids and no use for Mama Happy Hour. 

This week has been hard.  Perhaps we are STILL recovering from our awesome trip to Disneyland (post to come), or perhaps it is just the GAFT (God Awful Fucking Three's).  Either way, it is difficult. 

How are parents suppose to cope??  What solutions actually work???


We have tried the following:
1.  Firm rules
2.  Timeout
3.  Distractions
4.  Taking away beloved toys
5.  Bribery
6.  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
7.  Cry it out
8.  Cars2
9.  Music
10.  Back rubs
11.  Food
12.  Water break

I am sure some of the expert parents in the world laugh at my list and see that the main thing lacking is consistency.  Whatever.  Screw you expert parents, because this shit can be hard. 

What eventually calmed down the most recent episode of GAFT was some Magic Music.  I explained to Mr. T that when he was a baby, I would play for him two very special songs and it would calm him down.  I have no idea how he heard me with all that screaming, but he was intrigued and wanted to hear the tunes.  So I played a remake of Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Quincy Coleman and Sweet Sweet Baby by Michelle Featherstone.  Worked like a charm....at least this time.  And I will store the Magic Music in my GAFT back pocket. 

Posted in: , , , , , on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 1 comments  

GAFT: The God Awful Effing Three's

My boss once told me, "Screw the terrible 2's.  That's nothing.  It is the God-Awful-Fucking-Three's that is the real problem."  I remember laughing at him and recorded the quote in "Shit My Boss Says".  Yet another use for google docs  ;)

The other day I was reminded of my boss's quote. 

This is Mr. T after hysterically crying and throwing tantrums just about ALL FREAKING DAY. 

And YES...that is a PUDDLE OF PEE that he is sitting in.  It totally reminded me of when he smeared shit all over his crib.  I don't know which is worse.  A part of me felt bad that I took the picture, but all ready he says, "that's the day I was BAD."  Yes Mr. T, we all need to remind ourselves to not throw a fit and pee ourselves. 
And so, I officially introduce to you:  GAFT.  The God-Awful-Fucking-Three's.  He's got a seriously case of GAFT and I am just praying that the 4's are easier! 

Posted in: , , , , on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 2 comments  

Mother's Day = Spa Day

Today my card from Gator Guy said:

"Today, I'm remembering how you looked that very first time you held our newborn son so tenderly in your arms.  In that moment, I didn't think I could love you more...but I do."

Definite tears with that one.  It was then complete with a gift certificate for a day at the spa.  A DAY!!  Massage, facial, mani, pedi, and lunch.  I cannot wait and I will be booking that as soon as school is out for summer in two weeks!!!


Thanks Mr. T and Gator Guy.  I could not be happier than I am with you two boys in my life.

Posted in: , , , on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 1 comments  

Bath Time Conversations

Mama: "He there naked boy.  How was bath time?"
Mr. T:  "My Good.  Shark bite my penis."


Its comments like this that may end my extreme and ridiculous fear of sharks. 

Posted in: , , on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 2 comments  

Instant Messaging with Gator Guy

Monday I stayed home with a sick Mr. T.  Yesterday, it was Gator Guy's turn.  Here's our conversation on Google chat.  I would say our chat has definitely changed since our cute notes passed in high school or our flirty texts in college.  
 
Gator Guy:  Worst diaper ever

Kat:  haha, sorry!
         Actually....not really


Gator Guy:  Thanks
                      Looked like a big mess of pesto
                      But smelled like a sulfur plant

Kat:  Gross bubby.  Did not need the detailed description.
          How to you feel about yourself for typing that one out???

Gator Guy:  Pretty Damn Good. 
                     Boom.

Yes...he ends many thoughts with "boom".

Posted in: , , , on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 0 comments  

It's My Party....

And I'll Cry If I Want To!!!  So, this was not Mr. T's mood at his 2nd birthday party this weekend, because he had a blast.  But I think these pictures are by far my favorite!!  

Posted in: , , on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 3 comments  

Great Motherly Advice


I was just venting and complaining to my dear mother, and her response was:

Well honey, sometimes life just sucks.

And then she said, "Isn't that great motherly advice?!?"  
Why yes it is Mum.
Yes it is. 

Posted in: , on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 1 comments  

McDreamy or McSteamy??

I recieved this ecard from my Dearest T this morning and it just made my day!!!  And I am more than Damn Ready to get my Damn surgery overwith!!! 

Tomorrow I will go in for Thyroid surgery (remove the left half).  And I am pretty damn nervous about it.  Not sure if its the fact that they are cutting at my freaking throat.  Or maybe because I am a Mom now and responsible for someone else other than ME.  Or perhaps I am just a wuss and need to just suck it up.  Either way, I will grately appreciate being knocked out and going off into a wonderful dream.

Just what shall I dream about????

That my surgeon is McDreamy??

McSteamy??? 

McYummy???


Or McHoly??? 
(haha, you all knew that one was coming, right!!?) 
Either way, I am ready to get this over with and enjoy some days in bed watching all my favorite Christmas movies.

Posted in: , , on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 4 comments  

Breathe in. Breathe out.

There are just some of those days (and this entire week has just been one of them) when I need to remind myself to breathe.  I need remind myself to take a little moment to listen to some of my most calming songs.  Always at the top of the list is Sittin on the Dock of the Bay.  And even though I will never forget Otis' piece of art, I must say that I really dig Sarah's cover:

Posted in: , , on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 1 comments  

Little Baby Teeth Marks

These two have something in common.   They both love to chew wood.

Our pup has been known to get a hold of and chew wooden handles on steak knives, fallen branches, and wooden toy blocks.  And now Mr. T has joined the club.  See those little teeth marks on the beautiful crib???  Yet another reason why I needed to clean the crib for over an hour!!  Can't have Mr. T chewing on a "poopy" crib. 
Good thing he's pretty darn cute!! 

Posted in: , on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 1 comments  

Emergency Text to Gator Guy

 "Oh dear lord.  I just walked into Mr. T's room to see that he has smeared poop all over his crib."


Its true.  My cute little monster....is well, now a poop monster.  There really isn't too much else to say.  Smeared poop describes it best. 
I'm not sure if this is all related, but this happened after a nap where I showed Mr. T the "Broken Binky".  You know, the one where you cut off the tip of the binky to show that the paci's are broken and need to go Bye Bye.   (Don't worry girls, I think it's still a great idea)  Well, he sure showed me.


Can I at least share my silver lining??? Last night was Night One of Operation Bye Bye Binky.  And it was flawless.  A few tears at the beginning, but nothing we couldn't handle and only for 2 minutes. 

Little did I know that I would be cleaning the little angel's shit for over an hour the next day. 

Posted in: , , on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 7 comments  

Can You Believe It??

This little man is 18 months today!! 

And now, let me take a moment here and show off his cuteness:

Posted in: , , on Monday, September 20, 2010 at 7 comments  

I Love Your Smile

Yesterday was one of those days. What seemed to be every few minutes, I just had to take a quick glance of the latest favorite pic of Mr. T.  I mean, just look at that smile!!  I love it  :)

These random days still surprise me.  What is about a certain day that I just can't get my mind off the little guy?  It reminds me of when I first went back to work from maternity leave.  Between missing Mr. T like crazy, calling daycare and grandparents to check in on him every hour, and then attempting to make pumping as a career mom work...those days were long and exhausting.  

So yes, even as he's 16 months, it is days like these that I will be that mom that looks at my own blog over and over just to see more pics of my little man.  Because seriously....I just love that smile!

*Queue in the 90's music:

Posted in: , , on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 1 comments  

The Shed: Months 3-9

At the time 3 months rolled around, I was back at work and trying to balance it all.  There were many days when I thought How the hell am I going to do ALL of this.  But as I said during The Shed: Months 0-3, you just have to make the time.  So here's what I made the time for:

1.  Boot Camp - There's a class at our local rec center with Jillian Michaels' missing twin as the trainer.  It's 60 minutes of basically just kicking your ass.  And so, I got my game face on twice a week and my results really paid off!









2.  Lose It iPhone App - So I love to track things.  Write things down.  See my progress.  So when I found the Lose It application on my beloved iPhone, I fell in L-O-V-E.  Every day I logged what I ate and just what exercise I did to get my butt off the couch.  More than anything, this app taught me about how to eat right.  Yes, I still splurg on Cold Stone, Burgers, and Bagels.  But I know to not have that all in one day.  And I now know what unnecessary extras to cut out.  
For example - Oil and Vinegar at Subway.  Cut out that oil.  Has way too many calories, and realistically all I really want is the flavor of the vinegar.  











3.  Get On the Road Again - Just like Forrest Gump, I got back out on the road again. and I was ruuuuunnnning!  It was a slow start and I could barely run 2 laps around the track to begin with.  But I stayed with it and now completely back on track. 

















4.  Drink Lots of Water - Come on...Let's all be SMART about it.  You know its cool to drink water!  











 6.  Get Your Groove Back - I'm sure Gator Guy would tell you that there was endless complaining when it came to my body and the bread dough belly.  For me, overcoming this was a huge obstacle.  I needed to take advantage of each step forward and reward myself.  When I completed a good work out week - I bought myself a new iTunes song.  When I finally squeezed that Boo-Tay into a smaller pair of pants, I got a cute new top to go with it.  And when possible, I rocked it just like any other rock star would.  Confidence can really go a long way!


















7. Its the Final Countdown - I am all about setting Gooooals.  And so once I realized that Dec 20th would mark 9 months post baby...I knew it was time to get my game face on.  I'm that girl that works great under pressure, and I knew that I wanted to lose all 50 lbs in 9 months.  And so, in the words of my once Scottish Track Coach - Balls Out Kathy, Balls Out.  And so, I finally did it and lost all 50 lbs and now I am just on track to keep it off! 

Posted in: , , on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 2 comments  

Must Haves for Mama: 0-3 Months

Last week I posted what my Must Haves for the babe months 0-3 were.  Looking back there are definitely some must haves that I had to have for myself:

1.  Comfortable clothes - non maternity:  I was definitely sick of all the maternity clothes, especially the pants.  The Greatest Mom in the World ran to Target and Old Navy right after we got home to pick me up some Lg sweat pants and underwear.  Yes, I needed larger underwear!














2.  Breast pads:  I remember looking at the box and thinking, wow, these come in packs from 36-100, can I just get 10?  I don't think I will go though all 100.  Umm....I now know the answer is Yes.  At least all 36!  Get em and use them!










3.  Rocking Chair - with a high head:  Not sure the best way to describe this, but while shopping for rocking chairs, we chose this one mostly because of the size.  Mr. T's room was small and the cute sofa chairs would be way too overpowering.  However, hindsight 20/20...Loved my chair because I could rest my head back during those many many late night feedings.












4.  Lanolin Breast Cream - This cream is a definite Must Have.  And is completely safe for the babe to feed just after application.  My suggestion - buy two.  One for home and one for the diaper bag.  This brand is good too.  I had both and liked both. 












5.  Lotion:  Yes the stretch mark zone was gone, but my skin definitely needed some additional lotion.  I loved this Milk lotion from Ulta.












6.  Medela Sleep Bra:  I was not a fan at all of the breast feeding bras or tank tops.  Seems like the holes or slits always seemed to be in the wrong place or rub.  I stuck with just normal bras, sports bras, and built in bra tank tops.  However, this sleep breastfeeding bra was very comfortable (ps...just don't put it in the dryer...will definitely shrink!)








7.  Breast Pump:  Definitely a must have, but my advice - Wait until you know breastfeeding is going to work before making the big purchase.  Sometimes it just doesn't work out and it is definitely worth sending out Grandma or the Hubby to pick this one up after wards.  I know this is very hard to wait for some of us control-planning freaks!










8.  Cooling Breast Pads:  I know it sounds crazy, but if you can find a gel pack for heat and cold that would be great!!  I used both!












9.  A good Camera:  Because let's face it...the babe will be the cutest-most-precious-thing you will ever lay your eyes on and instantly love.  And you will quickly take hundreds and hundreds of pics! 











Here's some of my favorites from the first 3 months:





Posted in: , , on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 1 comments  

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