Being a mom is the greatest, most rewarding job there is; however at times, it can be overwhelming, hard, and frustrating. I have felt alot of the latter in dealing with Noah lately. It is HARD WORK parenting a special needs child. Especially when there's a lack of communication as there is in our case. In fact, one morning last week, I had a really hard time getting him ready for school. If it were up to him, he would wake up, cuddle with me on the couch and watch tv. He wakes up slowly (sort of like his momma). He DOES NOT like that now he has to wake up and get moving so he can be at school on time. Needless to say, mornings have become a challenge and since he doesn't talk, he cries. ALOT. It was particularly bad last Tuesday. He continued to cry (wail) while I was trying to feed Collier his breakfast. Then Collier began crying because of Noah being so upset. I couldn't get either one to settle down and we had to be out the door shortly. On top of that I was going to a cycling class after I dropped Noah off, so I had to have Collier fed by the time we left. In hindsight, it wasn't THAT big of a deal, however, my patience was thin because of Noah's behavior recently so I got very frustrated pretty quickly. I finally had to put Noah in his bedroom in order to get Collier calmed down and fed. We finally got out the door and I cried on the phone to Jamie during the drive to school. I felt like I was a bad mom and that I couldn't do anything to make him happy. I was frustrated that I never know what he needs or wants and its all such a guessing game since he can't tell us (plus I know he gets frustrated by all of it too and that just breaks my heart) and on top of that, I was upset with myself for losing my patience with him. After I dropped him off at school, I debated whether to go to my RPM (cycling) class, but ultimately decided I should go so that I could release some of the stress that I was already feeling at just 8:00am.
It was absolutely no coincidence that after class ended, our instructor asked me how Noah was doing. I told her about some of the challenges I'd been faced with lately in dealing with him. Would you believe that she used to teach Special Ed at a school and was very familiar with special needs kids and their behaviors?! We spent a good 30 minutes discussing things and ways to make life easier and less frustrating for Noah and therefore easier and more manageable for me (and Jamie). She had several suggestions for me and even knew some peole that work in the field that could give me additional advice. Thank you Lord, for know just what I needed that morning! She was literally a blessing to me that day. Someone who was encouraging, comforting, and sympathetic.
Regardless of anyone's situation, you have bad days with your little ones. This morning, I ran across this article and thought it was full of good advice and encouragement to all moms so I wanted to share it.
8 Ways to be a better mom to young children
1. Make your relationship with the Lord your number one priority. If you’re too busy for God, you’re just plain too busy. Make time for the most important things. You won’t regret it.
2. Get a consistent routine in place. Make your routine simple (maybe even just five or seven things you want to do in the same order every day), write it out, and make yourself stick with it for three weeks. After that, you’ll probably find it’s become somewhat of a habit. Don’t set your expectations too high. If you’ve never had a consistent routine, you’re not going to go from chaos to a regimented schedule in two days. Start small, take baby steps, and make loving and enjoying your children your priority — far above a clean home or strict schedule.
3. Read aloud from a plethora of good books. Look at the pictures together. Talk about the stories. Stop and listen and answer your children’s questions. It’s not about finishing the book; it’s about investing in your children’s lives.
4. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Ask yourself, “What will matter 25 years from now?” and then live your life accordingly.
5. Take advantage of teaching opportunities. It’s amazing the things you can learn and explore together when you’re willing to stop what you’re doing and seize a teachable moment.
6. Praise your children liberally. Do you correct or criticize your children more than you praise them? As parents, it’s our role to guide and nurture our children, but that doesn’t mean we can’t also be their biggest cheerleader!
7. Realize that no mom — however put together she might look — is anywhere near perfect. Stop comparing. Stop feeling guilty. Focus on what works for your family and be okay with the fact that you aren’t gifted in all areas.
8. Don’t give up. Being a mom is hard, hard work. If you’re anything like me, you have days when you feel like you just can’t do it anymore. And I’ve come to learn that I can’t, in and of my own strength. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
http://www.momlifetoday.com/2011/10/8-ways-to-be-a-better-mom-to-young-children/
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Scenes from the weekend
This past weekend was our college alma mater's homecoming so some friends of ours, the Clayton's, drove in from Nashville to spend the weekend with us and partake in the festivities. Friday evening we met them as they arrived in town, at Buffalo Wild Wings. With four children 4 years old and under, we needed a place that is loud and where our young'uns wouldn't cause any disturbances. BWW is just that... very, very loud, so we fit in just fine. And enjoyed some delicious food too! Collier had his first taste of macaroni and cheese (which he loved... no surprise there) and gnawed on a celery stalk to soothe the tooth that he is cutting. After dinner, we all came back to the house to let the little ones play. The kids had fun... it was loud, wild. Jamie nerves can't handle that kind of loud (and that kind of chaos) for too long. He gets overwhelmed. He told me, "I just don't think I could handle us having 3 or more kids" I had to remind him that this was four kids 4 and under and it would be impossible for us to have 4 under 4, that even I wouldn't want 4 under 4. Hannah and Noah were happy to be reunited after having not seen one another in close to a year, although Noah was pretty tired from having spent all day at school. Collier had a bit of an eventful evening... he got his first kiss from a girl (Hannah) and took a bath with Ryleigh! He loved playing and wrestling with Hannah and she was so sweet in that she wasn't too rough but let him roll and climb all over her. We finally got the kiddos settled down for the night and had a little adult conversation with Brett and Chenequa.
The following morning, we got everyone up, fed and dressed for the Homecoming Parade in downtown. Noah loved the band the best and Hannah was so excited to see the lions. The younger two hung out in strollers taking in all of the sights and sounds. After the parade ended, our hubbies took the kids back to our house, so that Chenequa and I could join some fellow Phi Mu's for a reunion lunch at Rosies. Unfortunately, this year, we didn't have the greatest turnout and there were only 5 of us that were there, however, we still had a great time! Following our lunch, we visited the hill beside Braly Stadium for a little UNA tailgating but again, the alumni turnout was lacking this year. I only stayed for 1/2 hour or so to visit with the girls and then went to my parents house to cheer on the Tide to a victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks! Jamie and the boys were already there, along with my parents, my sis and Derrick. At the end of the game, I went to visit a friend from high school who was in town with her beautiful 5 month old baby boy. It was great getting to catch up with her and meet sweet little Cooper.
The next day, following church, lunch and the usual Sunday nap, my mom and I took the boys to one of Noah's Sunday School buddy's 5th birthday party at Forest Jumps. Forest Jumps is Noah's favorite place so he always has the best time there. This was the first time that we've taken Collier where he could actually enjoy it. They have a Toddler Town jumpy house with blow up animals and a small slide. He looooved crawling around and going up and down the slide! I remembered my camera, but sadly left the memory card in my laptop at home so the only pictures I got were with my cell phone. Collier definitely thought he was a big boy as he was crawling around and right in the center with all the big kids. I had to keep a very close eye on him to keep him from getting run over or trampled on! He also had his first taste of birthday cake and guess what... loved it (imagine that!) :) I also let him drink lemonade from a little styrofoam cup like the other kiddies were doing and it was going great until he tried taking the cup from me and poked his little finger right through the styrofoam, soaking his shorts and socks in the process! Good thing its okay for babies to hang out in just a shirt and a diaper because we didn't have an extra outfit with us! After the party was over, we took our crew home and they were exhausted from our busy, but fun weekend! My only complaint from this weekend is why did it have to go by so fast?
Collier's 1st Kiss
Collier and Hannah wrestling
Bath Buddies
C & R at the Parade
Very excited to watch the parade
Me, Heather, Becky, Amanda and Chenequa
The following morning, we got everyone up, fed and dressed for the Homecoming Parade in downtown. Noah loved the band the best and Hannah was so excited to see the lions. The younger two hung out in strollers taking in all of the sights and sounds. After the parade ended, our hubbies took the kids back to our house, so that Chenequa and I could join some fellow Phi Mu's for a reunion lunch at Rosies. Unfortunately, this year, we didn't have the greatest turnout and there were only 5 of us that were there, however, we still had a great time! Following our lunch, we visited the hill beside Braly Stadium for a little UNA tailgating but again, the alumni turnout was lacking this year. I only stayed for 1/2 hour or so to visit with the girls and then went to my parents house to cheer on the Tide to a victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks! Jamie and the boys were already there, along with my parents, my sis and Derrick. At the end of the game, I went to visit a friend from high school who was in town with her beautiful 5 month old baby boy. It was great getting to catch up with her and meet sweet little Cooper.
The next day, following church, lunch and the usual Sunday nap, my mom and I took the boys to one of Noah's Sunday School buddy's 5th birthday party at Forest Jumps. Forest Jumps is Noah's favorite place so he always has the best time there. This was the first time that we've taken Collier where he could actually enjoy it. They have a Toddler Town jumpy house with blow up animals and a small slide. He looooved crawling around and going up and down the slide! I remembered my camera, but sadly left the memory card in my laptop at home so the only pictures I got were with my cell phone. Collier definitely thought he was a big boy as he was crawling around and right in the center with all the big kids. I had to keep a very close eye on him to keep him from getting run over or trampled on! He also had his first taste of birthday cake and guess what... loved it (imagine that!) :) I also let him drink lemonade from a little styrofoam cup like the other kiddies were doing and it was going great until he tried taking the cup from me and poked his little finger right through the styrofoam, soaking his shorts and socks in the process! Good thing its okay for babies to hang out in just a shirt and a diaper because we didn't have an extra outfit with us! After the party was over, we took our crew home and they were exhausted from our busy, but fun weekend! My only complaint from this weekend is why did it have to go by so fast?
Collier's 1st Kiss
Reunited and it feels so good!
Collier and Hannah wrestling
I love babies in pajamas!
Bath Buddies
Good Morning!
C & R at the Parade
Very excited to watch the parade
What parade? ... I'm playing with my foot
Serious business
Love these two!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pearly whites
Collier's little tooth has come through enough where's it's visible when he laughs soooo... here's a picture of my little one's first tooth!
See? There it is front & center on the very top! Kind of odd to have just one tooth and on top, but still really cute no matter where it is. :)
In just two days, we have made some big changes around here. Collier is completely OFF formula, bottles and baby food! Hallelujah! We were at the end of a container of formula and I decided I just didn't want to buy another thing of it, especially since he likes milk and is tolerating it just fine. So as of yesterday, he's now eating real food like the rest of us. While it's much easier than giving 4 bottles and 3 meals of baby food each day, it is MUCH messier. He prefers to feed himself so (if it's something that you don't need a spoon for) I just dump it on the highchair tray and let him go to town and he LOVES it. Today's menu consisted of oatmeal and milk (breakfast), macaroni-n-cheese, carrots and peas with juice (lunch), mini strawberry fig newtons bites and milk (snack) and crackers, cheese, little pieces of turkey sandwich meat, pears and milk (dinner).
See? There it is front & center on the very top! Kind of odd to have just one tooth and on top, but still really cute no matter where it is. :)
In just two days, we have made some big changes around here. Collier is completely OFF formula, bottles and baby food! Hallelujah! We were at the end of a container of formula and I decided I just didn't want to buy another thing of it, especially since he likes milk and is tolerating it just fine. So as of yesterday, he's now eating real food like the rest of us. While it's much easier than giving 4 bottles and 3 meals of baby food each day, it is MUCH messier. He prefers to feed himself so (if it's something that you don't need a spoon for) I just dump it on the highchair tray and let him go to town and he LOVES it. Today's menu consisted of oatmeal and milk (breakfast), macaroni-n-cheese, carrots and peas with juice (lunch), mini strawberry fig newtons bites and milk (snack) and crackers, cheese, little pieces of turkey sandwich meat, pears and milk (dinner).
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Happy 11 Months, Baby Boy!
... And just like that, Collier is 11 months old! Just 1 quick month and we'll be celebrating his very 1st birthday. This past year has simply been amazing. I have fully enjoyed his "babyhood" and love my youngest with every bit of my heart. He has stolen ALL of our hearts! This past month has brought on something that I've been anticipating for 7 months... his very first little tooth! I've tried and tried to take a picture but he just won't have it. The funny thing is that its one of the top teeth. He doesn't have his bottom 2, which is normally the first 2 to come in. I'm fairly certain that a fall he took a couple of weeks ago, in which he busted his top gums on the window sill are what prompted this little tooth's apprearance! At least we now know he HAS teeth! :)
Collier is still the happiest, most social little boy. He jabbers NONSTOP. Seriously. His favorite word is still "dada" and he has now begun saying "hi" and "bye". While he's eating, he'll say, "mmmm, mamaaa." But that's the only time he'll will say my name! Whenever we are out and about, he will stare down strangers until they look at him, at which point he will smile and begin "talking". I can tell he's not going to meet a stranger and will more than likely prefer to be the center of attention! He has also learned to wave his hand from side to side (sort of like a pageant wave) instead of the open & close wave that babies first learn to do. It's precious to watch! He is always so excited when Noah comes home from school and misses his brother during the day (as do I); but it is nice being able to have some one-on-one time with Collier and giving him all of my attention. Although sometimes, I think he would rather stay at Noah's school because he loves "talking" to everyone there.
He still isn't walking on his own but cruises, uses push toys, and a walker to stay on the go. Speaking of being on the go, the child moves non-stop. BUSY BUSY BUSY. We went to a birthday party for one of Noah's friends at Forest Jumps and Collier had a BALL playing in the "toddler" jumpy house. He loved it! It has a small slide that when I would sit him in the top of it, he would turn over on his belly and slide down, laughing the whole time! I also took him down the BIG slide, which he loved too! It was as though he thought he was a big kid, trying to get right in the center of the party with all the others. I definitely had to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn't get run over by the 4 and 5 years olds! The other night, Jamie said, "I wonder, if we just let him play without laying him down for a nap, how long it would take him to just crash out of exhaustion?!" I'm not sure that he would... I just WISH I had the energy that he has. But the crazy thing is that he knows as soon as I lay him down in his crib, that it's time to relax and go right to sleep. And that's just what he does! He's still on the same schedule nap and food-wise although I do give him a sippy cup with milk/water/juice throughout the day. He gets little snacks here and there but mostly he's still on baby food. He still has a tendence to get choked so I have to be careful with the things I feed him. Just in the past couple of days, he's tried macaroni and cheese, pancakes, scrambled eggs, chocolate cake, birthday cake (at the birthday party), vanilla wafers, and animal crackers. He definitely enjoys real food. I know the more "practice" he has with eating, the better he'll get and the gagging while get much better. We've got to get him ready for that big birthday cake he'll get to eat next month! :)
Collier is still the happiest, most social little boy. He jabbers NONSTOP. Seriously. His favorite word is still "dada" and he has now begun saying "hi" and "bye". While he's eating, he'll say, "mmmm, mamaaa." But that's the only time he'll will say my name! Whenever we are out and about, he will stare down strangers until they look at him, at which point he will smile and begin "talking". I can tell he's not going to meet a stranger and will more than likely prefer to be the center of attention! He has also learned to wave his hand from side to side (sort of like a pageant wave) instead of the open & close wave that babies first learn to do. It's precious to watch! He is always so excited when Noah comes home from school and misses his brother during the day (as do I); but it is nice being able to have some one-on-one time with Collier and giving him all of my attention. Although sometimes, I think he would rather stay at Noah's school because he loves "talking" to everyone there.
He still isn't walking on his own but cruises, uses push toys, and a walker to stay on the go. Speaking of being on the go, the child moves non-stop. BUSY BUSY BUSY. We went to a birthday party for one of Noah's friends at Forest Jumps and Collier had a BALL playing in the "toddler" jumpy house. He loved it! It has a small slide that when I would sit him in the top of it, he would turn over on his belly and slide down, laughing the whole time! I also took him down the BIG slide, which he loved too! It was as though he thought he was a big kid, trying to get right in the center of the party with all the others. I definitely had to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn't get run over by the 4 and 5 years olds! The other night, Jamie said, "I wonder, if we just let him play without laying him down for a nap, how long it would take him to just crash out of exhaustion?!" I'm not sure that he would... I just WISH I had the energy that he has. But the crazy thing is that he knows as soon as I lay him down in his crib, that it's time to relax and go right to sleep. And that's just what he does! He's still on the same schedule nap and food-wise although I do give him a sippy cup with milk/water/juice throughout the day. He gets little snacks here and there but mostly he's still on baby food. He still has a tendence to get choked so I have to be careful with the things I feed him. Just in the past couple of days, he's tried macaroni and cheese, pancakes, scrambled eggs, chocolate cake, birthday cake (at the birthday party), vanilla wafers, and animal crackers. He definitely enjoys real food. I know the more "practice" he has with eating, the better he'll get and the gagging while get much better. We've got to get him ready for that big birthday cake he'll get to eat next month! :)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Team Powell
This year my family and I are participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Light the Night walk on October 8th in Wilson Park in Florence. The Light the Night Walk is a way to bring together survivors and supporters of those who have been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer, such as Leukemia, Lymphoma, or Myeloma. As you all know, my dad was diagnosed on January 11, 2011 with Multiple Myeloma. He just had a stem cell transplant in August and will find out if he's cancer-free in November. Ironically, this event takes place on my parent's 34th wedding anniversary!
My dad's strength, determination and positive attitude has been an inspiration. Because of his 'can do' attitude, we have formed our own team, TEAM POWELL, in honor of him and his fight with cancer over the past 9 months. I am asking each of you to support us and this organization by making a donation. Each of our team members have set a goal of $100, however, as our team captain, I have set a personal goal of raising $150 by October 8th. No matter the amount that you are able to give, even if it's $5, it will be greatly appreciated! The funds raised will go towards: blood cancer research, free educational materials and events for patients and their families, and local programs such as Family Support Groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program.
To make a donation to our team, please click on this link http://pages.lightthenight.org/al/Florence11/WBrink or you may mail a check to: 1848 Tune Avenue, Florence, AL 35630. Make your checks payable to LLS.
I appreciate your support and thank you so much for helping us raise money for blood cancer research!
Whitney
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