Comments for Monroe Momz Weblog

Comment on Kids Do The Craziest Things! by Hollie

Hollie — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:59:04 +0000

I definitely can not wait for the weather to get nicer. I too think that things might be a bit easier, at least there won’t be as much bundling. I am so glad that you enjoy reading our stories. I really enjoy your comments. It is nice to hear from someone who has been through it.

Comment on Kids Do The Craziest Things! by Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:03:41 +0000

It was a lot easier at times because I had Dylan to help. He was 4 years old when Erika was born, so he thought pushing a stroller or her in a grocery cart was the greatest thing a big brother could do. It was when Erika was only 15 months that I had Dustin and Dylan started Kindergarden. That’s when things got a tad bit nuts. The whole infant car seats and double strollers, etc. We would try to do our grocery shopping in the morning, walk in the park or something to try and let Erika have some fun time while big brother was in school and baby brother was typically sleeping! It took some time, but we all got acclimated pretty quick. Once the weather gets nicer, you will see it’s a lot easier to take the kids anywhere!
Your stories are great to read because in one way another, I’m sure many readers like myself with older children can relate in one way or another.

Comment on Kids Do The Craziest Things! by Hollie

Hollie — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:59:23 +0000

Wow! First of all I give you credit for venturing into the grocery store by yourself with the two kids. I will only go to the mall or something. I think that if I was in your situation, I would have left and came back later when someone was available to watch them. I am just curious as to how you were doing the cart and stroller thing all at once. Yikes! It definitely is a whole new ballgame venturing out with two small ones. I appreciate your story and will now always check for my purse also!

Comment on Kids Do The Craziest Things! by Debbie

Debbie — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 05:38:59 +0000

Oh my gosh… that was a great story! You’re correct about it being a first and probably not the last! It is NUTS trying to get two children in car seats out and buckled into a stroller. Especially with this nasty weather. Obviously, Payton was enjoying herself!!!!!!
Years ago when my 2 youngest were still in car seats and the lovely double stroller, I decided to take them grocery shopping. If I’m not mistaken, Dustin was only 2 months old at the time. After 3 minutes of taking them out of the car, buckling them into the stroller and grabbing the diaper bag, we went into the store. I’m pushing a cart along with the stroller and trying to keep them happy at the same time. Things were going well and after about an hour in the store, I noticed it was raining outside. So, I hurried and finished up. Meanwhile, all I was thinking about was getting the kid’s back in their seats, folding the stroller, the groceries getting wet, etc. Well, that was nothing~ I was in the check out line and realized I forgot my purse in the car! Needless to say, I had to run out with the two babies in the rain, grab my purse, go back into the store and pay for LARGE basket of groceries! Let’s just say, I have never forgotten my purse in the car since! I felt the same way, it wasn’t until I got home that I was able to laugh about it. Be prepared! “Parents do crazy things too”!!!

Comment on Feelings of Helplessness by Hollie

Hollie — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:55:48 +0000

Thanks for your response Debbie! I will definitely ask the doctor what he thinks about the tubes in the ears. Hopefully this will be the last time and I will not even have to consider that. It is nice to hear that someone else was busy with their kids. I know that all parents (moms) go through it, but sometimes I wonder if it is just me and and the fact that I try to do too much within a day. I definitely do need to schedule more me time. It is hard to fit into the daily routine, especially with the house cleaning and nap time (that I also take). I just do not want to short change my kids while I am home and not spend time with them. I guess I will have to get my husband to free up some of his time so I can find my own.
I too have found that a schedule (structure) works the best, maybe the teacher in me. I think that this will become a bit easier when Carsen gets a little older. I give you a lot of credit raising the three children, especially with the last two close in age. I often thought that I would like more, but know that two is a good number, and lets face it, I am not getting any younger. Right now I am enjoying the time that I do have with them, because I have seen just within a year how fast they grow up. I am sure that you think that every day when looking at your kids.
I really appreciate your insight. It is nice to hear from someone that has already been through it.

Comment on Feelings of Helplessness by Debbie

Debbie — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:32:45 +0000

Hi Hollie,
I cannot say that I have been through the ear infection situation. But, my cousin does have 3 little girls and the youngest is 3. She was having similar problems, but more on a regular basis. The Dr. suggested to her that they have tubes put in her ears so it wouldn’t cause damage to her ear drums. If I’m not mistaken, I think she was only 1 1/2 when she had the tubes put in. It did her wonders. She didn’t have problems for a very long time. Latetly her mom noticed some fluid leacking from her ears so she took her in and they realized that the tubes were falling out. Not all children have to have tubes because they’ve had a few ear infections, but at least you can keep an eye out and if it continues, maybe you can ask for your Dr.’s opinion. I know too, It’s so common for young children, if they’ve had a cold to get an ear infection from the drainage. It is so hard when they’re too young to tell you where they hurt !!! I’m so glad Payton’s feeling better and just as you stated, It’s nice to know when you’re feeling helpless, there’s alway GOD to turn too.
I really have enjoyed many of the stories on the wesite, but never get a chance to respond. A lot of them I can relate to. My kid’s are now 15, 11 and one soon to be 10. So I’ve been through most of what you’re going through now. Having two children close together was so much fun to me but also very exhausting. At first I was overwhelmed, but after the first 12 weeks or so, we were all on a schedule. Dylan was 4 when I had Erika and Erika was 16 months when I had Dustin. I found by keeping them on a structered schedule, it helped. I would put them down for naps at the same time, do feedings at the same time and then try to clean and do my Bible studies in between (if I was lucky, I’d get a quick shower). I found it was hard because I had very little ME time. You will see that it just goes by so fast! I prayed and prayed for God to help me get the rest I needed to be able to enjoy every moment with them. My husband worked full time and more so I could be at home with my children and it all worked out! To this day, they still live a pretty structered life and it makes me feel so good to look at them on a daily basis and see all of thier progress and motivation for life. Remember, it helps if you can just find a little time for yourself. Even if it’s a hot bath, shopping with your girlfriends or just sitting down and reading. Just something to refresh your spirit!
I’m so happy for you and your family!

Comment on The Changes With Having a Second Child by holliebehnke

holliebehnke — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:57:32 +0000

AJ, sorry I must have overlooked your post with my new crazy schedule. Well, I am living out my concerns and so far things seem to be going great. It has been 2 months since my son has arrived and my 20 month old is adjusting very well to her new brother. I am not going to lie, I am very busy with the two, and I do not leave home much. I honestly would not have it any other way. We are trying to develop a routine right now, and once that is in place I feel that things will be a lot smoother. My husband really helps out with entertaining my daughter while I take care of the baby and vice versa. Most of the time my daugther wants to help with the baby. I think that she is adjusting well due to the fact that she is still young and wants a playmate. I am sure that Ryder will do fine as well.
Having another child is more work initally, but aren’t they all? What did we do before kids when we thought that we were so busy? Good luck with the delivery of your twins. I will be praying that everything goes smoothly for you. Let us know when they arrive!
Hollie

Comment on Busy Bees by holliebehnke

holliebehnke — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:52:31 +0000

Kristen, I completely understand what you are going through. The busyness does not end for awhile. I once turned my back and Peyton was sitting on top of the kitchen table! I have found that it is easier to incorporate them into what you are doing; like help with laundry. I used to (and still do) put Peyton in the laundry basket with some clothes and she would occupy herself while I folded the rest. It is important to let them explore, you just have to be creative in how you do it. Maybe the play yard is a good investment. I am not sure how sturdy it is though. Hang in there, you’re a great mom!

Comment on Moments that make your heart melt by Heidi

Heidi — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:34:46 +0000

my heart melts every time I am sitting on the floor and she runs up behind me and tries to wrap her arms around me and says, awww. Its so sweet. Or when she gets in trouble and I make her sit in her time out chair and she literally curls her lip, usually with the cutest little pig tails in her hair, starts pouting and then will pucker up for a kiss and makes the smacking noise! UGH It just kills me, cause I so bad want to give her one, but want her to realize that she is in trouble too! Its very hard, I usually have to leave the room so I don’t laugh. Or when I give her huggies and she pats MY back. Hmm what else, when I see her loving on her daddy! She is such a mommas girl, so lately she has been paying him a lot more attention. Which makes me very happy cause I know it makes him sooooo happy. He was so used to my oldest daughter, very much a daddys girl. So I am glad that she is finally being lovey with him.
I am so glad that you are sticking out the CIO too! It is so nice now, because my Addison very rarely cries when I put her to bed now. She just curls up in a ball on her belly and I cover her up with her silky blankets, turn her music on and she goes to sleep. I hope it works well for you. I wish you could have gotten a picture that would have been so sweet!

Comment on Too Early For Preschool? by Heidi

Heidi — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:21:09 +0000

Wow I didn’t realize there was such a waiting list for preschool! My baby is 15 months old so I guess I should really be checking into this. My oldest DD went to a preschool in Rockwood and we loved it there. We still know many of the ladies there, and they were just so good with Aly. She started 3 year old preschool because I was working at the time and she went there for daycare as well. I will tell you, that was the best thing! She was writing her name very clearly at 3 years old. I truly believe that having her in there was a great experience. She has always been a very bright child, but I think that really helped her in all areas. Especially with interacting with other children. I guess I am going to start investigating NOW! Thanks for the heads up!