Our 3 year old!

I started writing this blog almost a year ago to help me get through some challenging times with my terrific two year old! Writing and sharing his ups and downs has helped me vent, share And realize he's not the only one like that. I worry often about his future. As an educator, I worry if he will get into trouble in school. He got his first behavior report at his day care last week for hiding and running away from his teachers. Since I work with 5 year olds that do that too I worry these behaviors will continue. If they had to write a report about it then it must not be normal behavior for a 3 year old! At home, we really have a handle on his behavior. We use rewards and incentives like tv time when he's good. I try to encourage and praise the good days at school and reward at home for that too but I'm not sure if he gets that. 

We love Cullen so much! He is saying so many silly thing! He wants to do things, " all by self!" He still cannot say the sound for L. So he says wuv for love and bwankie for blankie... It's cute now but I hope he grows out of it. As a mom we also worry if he will be teased. Kids can be so mean. Teachers and administrators try to stop all the teasing and bullying but it is an ongoing battle. 

We set up the Christmas tree last night. When he opened boxes of lights and ornaments and things each time he said." Wow!" When he said it he stretched it out like wooooooooow! So cute that he was so excited about it! This is the first Christmas he will really understand and get into! He called the ornaments, or ma ments or beads! He helped carry the lights and he even hung some ormaments on the tree "all by self!" 

He is all potty trained except for night time! We still have a bunch of pull ups. So I said we can use those up and then try to go without. He still wakes up wet most mornings though. We stop giving liquids after 7, and he goes potty right before bed but he still wets so he's not ready yet. But we not stressing about that! This is easy now! 

We think about having another baby next year but Cullen really is so easy that I'm not sure if we want to start over. 

Happy 3rd birthday Cullen!

I know his birthday was the 6th but I haven't been writing all too often lately. He's growing and learning so much! He is fully potty trained, except at night! He can say the days of the week! He is listening so much more. Every now and then he needs a slap on the hand for correction but he's been so good! This halloween he will be buzz light year. He loves his costume! We went to trick or treat around the ths track last night and Tom we will go to courthouse, and hopefully thurs it won't rain so he can officially trick or treat at honeys house! Then Friday at his school, they have fall festival! He gets to wear his costume 4xs!! 

Cullen and pops for his 70th!

His new potty

Little boys!

Cullen has discovered the flap in his big boy underwear! Twice today he came in the room with his dude through the flap saying it was stuck! Lol! It was all I could do not to laugh in front of him! 

He has been accident free for 3 days! Except one time today making it outside! But he's been doing great! Asking to go potty and running to the restroom! 

His new urinal potty is awesome! It was the best $12 I ever spent! He has started trying to shoot his teetee as high as he can. Then after, he squeezes dude so tight! I'm afraid he will hurt it! Ouch!

My almost 3 year old!

Cullen has been wearing big boy drawers consistently while awake for 5 days! Sometimes it's a struggle in the morning, he asks for a diaper but otherwise it's okay. 

I found a potty, more like a urinal, for him this weekend! It is so cute! He stands up and it has a little pic of a bug and he shoots it! Lol

He is picking up some things we are saying like when I ask nancy things, I start with ,"bay..." Then Cullen repeats it and calls her bay!

Proud mama moment

The other day Cullen picked up the book green eggs and ham and turned each page and said "I do not like green eggs and ham"

Side note: Hardest part of being a parent is allowing the other parent to do things their way! 

Potty training isn't getting easier. I'm sure I'm being lazy with it! School wants him in pull ups so he doesn't know when he's going or doesn't care! I guess he'll do it when he's ready! I'm not stressing!

Funny Cullen-isms

Love to hide right now. Will destroy every bed and folded blankets to bury himself under them! Then giggles till you find him! 

Funny things he says: 

I have a idea! 

What that right there? 

We have to get out of here!

 Come on! (When we stop too long on the road!) 

Recognizes beer! Uh oh

Hugs me and says: oh my ma!

Enjoying hiding!

First communion

We are Episcopalian. Children take their first communion when they ask and when the parents feel they are ready. So... Today Cullen and I went to church. We had not been there in almost two months. He was such a good boy the whole time! He played well in the playroom and even whispered when he joined me in the church! He walked up to the alter, not ran! He held his hands in prayer and said, "I want a bite!" I'm sure if father Craig heard that or just knew how much Cullen had matured since our last visit, but when father Craig got to us he offered him communion and Cullen ate it! He said, that's so shummy!" That's my boy! 

Funder

It has been raining so much lately and he has been interested in listening to the thunder aka "funder". He says funder gets on his head, I tried explaining that rain gets on his head and thunder is just a sound. Then he said funder gets in his ear! I guess he's right about that! Lol so tonight he runs in the room with both hands up in a stop signs and says "wait wait, hear funder!" 

Potty training part 3

Cullen had been staying dry most of the time and recently started asking us to go teetee. He is staying dry all day at school! I think they put a pull on during nap but said he has been dry! He still makes poo in his drawers and when we ask him about where its supposed to go he always says poopoo on potty! We can tell when he needs to poo but he runs away and refuses to sit and try. Making progress! 

Favorite shows

Cullen's favorite shows right now are 

Little Einsteins

Mickey Mouse clubhouse

Wall-e

Robots 

Open season

Dora

Toy story

 

TV

I'm thinking Cullen may watch too much TV. We've been on vacation for 6 days now and each day he watched about 3-4 hours worth. Either in the car or at night before bed. Each night he did not go to sleep until after 10 or 11! Us mommies were very tired and aggravated about that!  He has also been very moody and telling us no lately. I was thinking about taking away all TV, but I really do think he learns some good things from some shows. Maybe we should just take it away before bed. When we travel, it keeps him awake, which we want to do sometimes. But we went to the beach the last two days and he asked to watch TV! I think he's addicted and I don't want this addiction to turn into another electronic addiction! 

Potty training part 2

We went on a day road trip yesterday so potty training wasn't the best but he did use the potty at almost every place we went! We went to target and bought him 14 pairs of new underwear and he got to pick them out! We made a big deal about them! 

Today... Another story! He went through 4 underwear between 11-4! And each time he wet himself he still had more tee tee to put in the potty! It's hard to get mad when he gets excited he is using the potty! 

We also went through storage today and found all the 3-4t clothes passed on to us! While going through them, we found at least 20 more pair of underwear! I think he is set on briefs! 

He filled up his sticker chart so we have started a new reward! Money!!!! He loves to put money in his bank! Grams gave him a new clear train bank so he can see the money he puts in! I guess we are going to have to get a roll of coins from the bank to pay him! Whatever works! Lol

Potty training!

Potty training at home has been going great! He goes almost every time we take  him! Today, after his nap, he said he wanted to go but when we got there, he cried! He wanted to be held for 30 min with no pull up on! So after that spell, I put big boy drawers on him and no shirt! I rolled up the rugs and started vacuuming. He came to play and then tee-teed on the floor! He yelled he needed to change. I made him clean up the tee tee. He was almost excited about that, so not sure if that was the best idea! Lol! I told him no TV since he had accident, he said, "I tee tee on potty!" And he did! He had a lot more pee in him and unloaded on the potty so he was rewarded with the TV! Say a prayer this only lasts a few days! 

Smartie pants

Cullen went tt on the potty 3 times today! We put a candy jar in the bathroom and that has seemed to entice him! We also started a sticker chart! 

He started saying, " uh huh." Instead of yes. I keep reminding him to say yes ma'am or sometimes I say we don't say uh huh and then he immediately says yes ma'am! So he knows what to say! It's a work in progress! 

After his bath we brush his teeth then he runs to one of us and has us smell his breath! It is too cute! 

Sweet boy

Cullen has started saying thank you and "I wuv you" before we say it! It's so cute! When we kiss goodbye in the morning, he says I love you first! We used to say it and then he repeated it! Now we are working on saying yes ma'am and no ma'am, but all he says he yeah! 

We saw a commercial for chuck e cheeses today! He stopped everything to shout out chuck e cheese!!! I asked him what he did there to see if he remembered it, he said I got tickets!!!! I asked him how he got tickets and he said put money in!!! I had to remind him about the games and prizes! Thought that would have been the first thing he remembered!!! Lol! 

Scary moment yesterday: we went swimming and honey and b's! After I dried off Cullen and put his diaper on, I went in to change. Honey was watching him playing on the slide and swing set, before she knew it, he had snuck over to the pool and climbed the ladder! She had to drag him away screaming! Scared us all to death! I even had a dream last night that he had a twin brother dragging him around lifeless on a pool floaty. Definitely keeping two eyes on him around pools and floaty on at all times! 

Mommy and me day

I was off work today so I kept Cullen home for some mommy and me time! We went to chuck e cheeses! We were the 2nd people there and pretty much had the place to ourselves! He was able to run around and play everything! He earned 90 tickets and picked out a whistle and silly straw! Lol! $10, and and hour and half of fun! Totally worth it! Then we went to eat at chick Fil a! I had a gift card, so it was practically free! He got to play in that jungle for a while! Nap time was a breeze! Mum took off early and we had backyard fun together! He played in the sprinkler and baby pool! Then he watered all the plants! And sprayed us with the water hose too! Awesome day! 

Princesses

Cullen likes the new Disney show Sofie the first about a little princess! The other day he took his blankie and wrapped it around himself and said," I wear dress!" I said no, girls wear dresses. He said," I am girl!" I said no you are a boy. He said," I'm a princess!" Oh man! What a cutie! 

Much better

As I write this, I'm knocking on wood! 

For the last couple weeks, Cullen's sleeping habits have changed tremendously! We no longer have to rock him! Yeah!!! He lays back with mum, drinks only one cup o milk and falls asleep! He's even been saying he's tired! 

Things at his school are getting better. He has had 3 good days in a row! Some days they write nothing. I guess no news is good news! I am still wishing he only had one more year in daycare, but because of when his birthday falls, he's got two more! 

Maybe in two years he will have a little brother or sister! 

Yucky!

Cullen has been picking his nose and bringing the boogers to me! At least he's not eating them anymore! He comes up and says, momma I need tissue, booger yucky! 

Been a while

It's been a while since I last blogged! Since I last blogged, I started training for a 5k! I downloaded a free app to help me with keeping track of the training sessions, and telling me when to walk and jog. I have done 5 sessions. Each time I push Cullen in the stroller and he loves it! We wave to all the neighbors, listen to all the dogs and watch out for cars! He tells me which way to go... Not that I always listen to him though! I am trying to teach him left and right! I have never been someone to love working out, but I love this time with him and I feel so good after the jog! My goals are to finish a 5k at the end of June and then another one at the beginning of july!

Cullen's school is having a hard time finding someone to stay consistently in his room. I feel like he is one of the reasons teachers don't want to stay! I am considering switching him somewhere else in the fall... Don't know what to do. We have loved everyone there and it would be hard but he needs consistency and a stern teacher.

Adventures

Cullen's newest phrase is, " I want to go on an adventure!" not sure where he got it from but it is too cute!

One of his teachers said she was so surprised by him today! I said good or bad?! She said good! She said he used to climb all over the furniture and when she went in there today, the worst thing he did was take a toy, but he gave it back and said he was sorry! I hope the good news continues!!!

Boys and girls

Lately Cullen has been talking about boys do this and girls do that! He wraps himself up in his blankie and says it's a dress! We say girls wear dresses! He just laughs! In the bath tonight, he says boys drive boats and girls ride in the boat! Where does he get this stuff from! Lol!

He has been getting much better notes from school. I guess he went through a phase and now he's growing up and learning! Thank goodness!

We haven't been to church in a few weeks because of one event or another! We are going back this Sunday! I'm nervous to see how he behaves! Say a little prayer for me!

Thanks!

I used to have to remind Cullen to say thank you when someone gave or did something for him. Now he just says 'thanks!' All on his own!

He has developed a whiny voice when asking for things. I try to tell him talk like a big boy but I'm not sure he understands! Sometimes he tilts his head to the side and talks so whiny! I guess it's working for him because he always gets what he wants! Lol

Sleeping

Cullen is 2 1/2 and we are still having sleep issues. I guess I should've known we always would. He has fought his sleep since his was born. He would just cry and cry and we knew he was tired! We had agreed on a few things before he was born: no sleeping in our bed, not rocking to sleep, and no food before bed. Our score: 1 out of 3! He has only slept in our bed a couple times and it was either we were on vacations or he was sick: could count the times on two hands! Not much! We haven't given food before bed.... But the child still drinks milk before bed, sometimes 2 cups! He doesn't drink anything with dinner so I feel like he can use the milk. But, how will we ever potty train if he drinks so much at night?! And for the last rule... No rocking... Well... He still wants to be rocked! Mum and I take turns and I enjoy the snuggle time, but it's exhausting! I had said I didn't want to rock a 3 year old so I guess I still have a few months to change that!


We had sleep trained him in his crib and things were going pretty good, then he moved to a toddler bed and now he's in a full size bed. And mum and I had a hard time hearing him cry and bang on the door, so we go lay with him. He still uses a sound machine with white noise. He loves it and asks for it!

I guess as someone told me once, he won't go down the aisle with a pacifier or diapers... So this won't last long, we will just appreciate these trials and train him when he's ready!

Trees and sounds

Driving in the car today Cullen sees a group of trees and says, "trees eat wAter." I said well they drink water. Then he says," trees eat grass!" I said it sure looks that way!

He came home from school yesterday singing "apple apple, /a/ /a/ /a/" he went on to sing flower /f/ but then he said crab /b/! Maybe he heard the last sound!? That was my proud momma moment of the day!

Funny phrases

Cullen's newest phrase is "another talent show!" that's what it sounds like but he says it when we pass in front of stores so I'm not sure what he's really trying to say!

He also knows how to ask for things! He uses this sweet whiny voice and he knows it works every time! We are so wrapped around his little finger!

He has been having some good days at school, more good than bad! But nighttime in our household is another story!

Mum used to be the best "putter-to-sleep-er" now he only goes to sleep with me! But she still tries, which is helpful but then he needs two cups of milk and it takes longer! I never wanted to start rocking him but it works, just takes forever! When do we stop giving him milk at night and stop rocking him?! Maybe after his third birthday?!

Which we are already planning! Since he loves the little Einsteins so much, that will be our theme! I'm already looking for things on pintrest!

My little collector

I figured out where 'tada' came from! E loves the movie wall-e right now. He wants to watch it every day. Well... I was just watching it with him and wall-e says tada!

So, he loves to bring things with him everywhere we go. He always wants to take something with him when we leave the house. And when we come home, he's looking for things to bring inside! He's like Tom Sawyer wanting to pack all his pockets!

New milk

After talking to some people about how often Cullen gets sinus infections and ear infections, they mentioned how some think that cow milk can cause those problems. So I bought him some soy milk to try. He loves it! I bought a half gallon on Friday and it's almost gone! We started mixing in half soy half cow milk so he would not notice taste. Glad he likes it but he's had diarrhea three times today! Could the soy milk have caused it?! Oh no!

TAA DAA

His new thing today is after he does something, he says, "taa daa!" sometimes he says it after he does something funny and then other times he says it after he does something bad... like throwing the sword across the room or making big splashes in the tub!

He is too cute when something is lost. He really tries to look for it and says, " i can't find it" and "is it here?" He has a big vocabulary right now but sometimes he says words that sounds like bad words...today he kept repeating shit! I know i dont say that word.... at least not enough for him to hear it! LOL

cool dude soaking it up

Cullen picks up everything. Sometimes I dont know where he gets things from! Leaving school today, he noticed a pile of rocks across the road. He said, "look mama, there is a mountain!" I think the little einstien show taught him that.

He is in a phase right now asking, "what is that?" He asks what everything is and then he will repeat what you say. I guess thats how he is learning so much! Sometimes when you tell him what it is, he says, "that's cool!"

He wanted to be my helper in the kitchen to cook dinner. I was making chicken mac and cheese. Instead of helping me, he was eating the chicken out of the bowl! I kept putting the cover on the bowl and telling him to wait, and he would take the cover off and eat some more! So then he eats a full bowl of it plus peas, then when Mum came home, he ate some more! I love that he is not a picky eater!

We are in a stage now where we can "bribe" and bargain! He needed to do his breathing treatments and didn't want to, so I said he could watch TV if he did it! and it worked! He sat still the whole time and took it like a champ! So we rewarded him with the TV and M&Ms!

He has the cutest little mouse voice right now. We were so worried about his speech and talking for a while and now he talks non stop and repeats so much! Some things are still hard to understand, and some words he still gets wrong, but over all he does a great job! He and Mum are reading books right now and he likes to point and show you what he knows! I'm thinking of signing him up for ABCmouse.com and see if he learns more since he's soaking up everything right now!

Funny man

I don't know where he gets some of the things he says! We came home from the store and he runs in the house after hearing a dog barking (keep in mind, we hear this dog everyday!) then he says," whoo, that was a close one!" lol

He's got a double ear infection and bronchitis right now. He has 3-4 oral meds plus breathing treatments! We dreaded the treatments when the doctor said it because around Christmas time he needed them and he hated them. It was a workout just to hold him down and give them. But we got a new mask that looks like a fish and he wants to hold it now! This morning he said. " I do it!" and I was like, " sure!" he sits still the whole time like a big boy!

Today he went into the bathroom, closed the door, then comes out a minute later and told me he pood! ( in his diaper of course) but, how great is that! He understands what he's doing and where to do it! One small step for Cullen, one giant leap for the Hebert household!

We are attempting church again tomorrow! Say a prayer for us!

My sweet sick little boy

Since my last post, Cullen has been sick all week. Since he has been sick, he has been very sweet and doing nice things. I hope he gets well soon but I also hope he stays this sweet. It's like my good little boy is back! I think it's a combination of his old teacher quitting, him being sick and me staying strong and not giving in when he throws fits. I feel so guilty even complaining about his behavior sometimes. I know how many people out there who want children and never get this chance and then there are also those parents who lose their children to tragedies. Tonight, my prayers focus on the women and men out there who dream to have a family of their own, and also to all the mommies and daddies who have a terminally ill child or have lost them. Nancy and I are so blessed to have this little boy with all his sweetness and all his trials! I will no longer take him for granted and appreciate every minute we have with him!

This too shall pass

I pray everyday that this too will pass. Is he just a difficult child? Am I doing something wrong? I thought I had more patience for this and I know I want more kids but Cullen is more than 2 handfuls right now! I cannot figure out what works for him and what's going to keep me sane! It was so bad this afternoon I wanted to drink alone, but I didn't! Maybe I need a mommy therapy group, maybe Cullen needs a private sitter to teach him life skills and teach me how to parent. Do they have those sorts of people?

Easter party 2013

School days

Cullen's teacher quit this morning. I can't help feel like part of it is Cullen and my fault. She had never worked in a daycare before and doesn't have any children, Cullen can be a handful... Imagine having 12 handfuls at one time! Hard job, but I'm also kinda glad she is gone. Ever since he moved to her room he doesn't want to go to school in the morning and that's when he started acting out. Hopefully it will get better with a new teacher!

I got to go to his Easter party today and it was lots o fun! I can't help shake something that happened though! I was holding Cullen waiting for a teacher to go hide the eggs outside when I over heard another parent talking to one of the teachers about who did something to her daughter, the parent pointed to Cullen and the teacher said him and 3 other boys. What's that about?! I did not get any note about misbehavior today and the parent never smiled at me the rest of the party. I can't shake it. Would he be better off in another setting? I know he's learning so much, but the behavior is out of control!

Cullen-isms

It's been a while since I last wrote! What a week! I got a couple bad notes from his teacher at school but the week ended on a good note! We are trying rewards every afternoon and tool away the TV one night! It think that did the best!

Wednesday as I'm coming out the bath, Cullen says BUG! I run in and see a giant wasp two feet from him and he's reaching towards it! I yell NO! That bug hurts... Like the candle! He poured and I told him to go sit across the room. He listened! I guess the candle incident is a good reference for us! So... I grabbed some roach spray... Cause I think that will kill it! Lol! Then I sprayed the mess out of it and then I stomped on it with a shoe!

So fast forward to Saturday... He wakes up and says bug, goes to the same spot and stomps on the ground! Lol! What a character!

Felt like worst mom in the world yesterday!

So we all attempted church again. He woke up late so I knew he wouldn't be tires during mass. He went into the playroom like a breeze! He came to join us for the last 15 min and all hell broke lose! Of course the other two 2-year olds were in mass the whole time and you never heard a peep from them! Cullen refused to walk with us to communion and then he ran off yelling after he tried I hit me! I was so embarrassed!

Then later that day, we were cleaning house and had candles lit all around the house. So Cullen decides to get his stool in the bathroom and went to grab a candle. All I heard was glass hitting the floor and him screaming! We rushed to him only to find him on the floor with wax all over his forehead, in his hair and down his face! I tried to stay calm but was freaking out! A couple hours later, phone call to a nurse, ice and warm compresses and the wax was all out his hair! Thank you Jesus!

Needless to say, we will not be bringing Cullen to mass or lighting candles for a while!

Typical two year old

He's not terrible, he's typical! Today was an awesome day! We played outside from 3-7! He got a new sand table! (We used sand from sand bags we had from hurricane gustav 5 years ago!) we cleaned the house inside and out! He watered the plants and the grass and the fence and mum! He was covered in sand and water but had a blast! We all came in and went straight to the shower!

Much better day

Today Cullen had a great day at school today and a great night at home! We are keeping TV to a maximum of 2 shows a day and the rest of the time we play and sing and have fun! Tonight he helped me make a pizza! He kept eating the ingredients off the pizza before we cooked it!

what's a mom to do!

For the past few days, Cullen has not just been a handful... he's been a truck-laod-full! He is hitting, spitting, yelling and throwing fits! Sometimes you can ignore the behaviors and present him with something else to distract him, but other times, there is nothing we can do! I've tried time out, whipping (is that where he gets the hitting from?) , ignoring, and giving rewards when he is being good. We talk to him daily about being nice, using nice words, and that hitting is bad.

When he got in the car after school today, he said, "me hit." oh no! I said that is not nice, he said, "yes." I told him, hitting is bad. He just smiles and laughs. :-(

Then we were down the street and he remembered someone having their Christmas lights up. (Granted they took them down at the  beginning of Feb, but we haven't talked about it in over a month! How can he remember someone having Christmas lights and not remember that hitting is bad!

I was beginning to wonder if I wasn't giving him enough attention at home. So I planning that tonight, I will not play on my phone or the computer or watch separate tvs. I let him watch one show while we ate a snack and then I took the tv off. He fussed a little while, but I just sat down and started to play with the legos. He soon joined me and we had fun! Then I took him outside for a little while and he really enjoyed putting wood in the firepit! He does not mind getting dirty outside! LOL! He is eating his dinner now and watching one more show while I write this.

Since the time changed, he has had trouble waking up in the mornings and going to sleep each night. I am going to bath him a little early tonight and try to tire him out early. This momma needs some rest!

Wall-e

Cullen is all into the movie wall-e right now. I know it's an old movie but I never saw it either. Each night this week we sit together and watch a little part of it. He holds my hand! I love our QT!

I cut his hair!

Cullen has had 2 official hair cuts from our friend who's a hair stylist. She had to come to the house because he will not sit still in the salon! Too much to see and do! When we are home, he can watch tv!

Well... Today he got his 3rd haircut from me! I was tired of the long mullet look so I said, I can do this! I put the guard on number 8 and trimester the back! It's not too bad! I'll post the pic! Of course I ha to bribe with candy! He wanted a turn with the clippers but I distracted him and we were okay!

Oh sit, big Donald!

Apparently Cullen has learned his first curse word. Our fault for sure! At least once a day, Cullen says , " oh sit!" He says it completely in context such as when he drops something or can't find something! I catch myself saying it and have to remind myself and him to say, oh man!

We drove by McDonalds today and he says, "big Donald's!" I said it correctly ,"McDonald's" and then he said, "no! BIG Donald's!"

We went to the grocery store today. I asked him if he wanted to ride in the car buggy and he said yes! That lasted about 10 min then he had to walk and push buggy with me, then I had to carry him. But I have to say, he stayed with me the whole time! I rewarded him with starburst after!

There's a thing about 2 year olds!

Our cats name is sweetums. Cullen calls her different names: semens or sweetemums. He yells at her when she gets on the counter or the furniture! I wonder where he gets that from!

We have officially entered the terrible twos! I think this is when most people decide now is not the time to have another kid! We have a terrible sleep routine. If he doesn't fall asleep rocking, it is a fight to get him to sleep. Right now he is banging his bedroom door and screaming no! But when we open the door he falls on the floor.

We had such a good routine when he was in his crib! I miss that!

Super moms!

I only stayed at school today till 4:30. So I got home a lot earlier than the past few days! I felt like being a couch potato but decided I better clean house because our weekend is booked solid! Mum is working late so I was supermom! I cleaned house, did two loads laundry, fixed dinner, painted a dr suess shirt for Cullen's school tomorrow, play with, bathed and fed Cullen! He is sacked out now and all I can think about is ice cream! Anyone want to bring me some?

Food lover

When I was pregnant, I prayed for a healthy child that would not be a picky eater. So far so good. He eats everything. He doesn't eat often or a lot when he does, but he hasn't turned any food down so far. Well.. tonight I was fixing his dinner and he kept calling it hot dogs. I kept correcting him and saying it was chicken and rice. I guess he didn't believe me because when I put some in his bowl he said, "NO, I NO LIKE IT!" I was appalled! He has never said that before, and no one in our household has ever said that! Where does it get that stuff from! So, I told him if he didn't eat it, he would be hungry. I sat down with my bowl and he wanted a bite (I had the exact same thing!) He loved it. I showed him his bowl and he brought it to his little table! That turkey!

Are all kids, (2 year-olds) like this? We are thinking about having another kiddo, but he can be a hand-ful some days. We are very structured with him. We praise and we punish. I know we are doing our best as parents right now. I just don't want him to grow up and be a defiant child. That is the one thing I have no patience for!

Hitting!

Cullen came home from school in rare form today! He was screaming, spitting and slapping us in the face! What's with all that?! We are not allowing any tv tonight and continue to talk to him about being kind and praising his good behavior!

shopping

Yesterday, we went to a store and Cullen was hilarious! I pushed the buggy and he carried the little basket. He walked right down the toy aisle and didn't touch a thing! He saw toys and talked about them, but didnt ask for one! Then we walked down the cleaning supply aisle and he starts putting cleaners in his basket! WTH! Have I created a monster! He would rather clean then play with toys! He will make a great husband one day!

He is also in to wearing hats now. Everytime we leave the house he wants to wear a different hat. I'm glad because with the cold weather, it keeps his little head warm!

Busy lives!

Everyone says they are always busy, most people mean it, we definitely have busy lives right now. Mum works 10-11 hours a day 5-6 days a week with 3 jobs and comes home and then helps with Cullen who is her fourth job! I work 9-10 hours a day with one job and come home to care for my little one! Each night this week has had an extra curricular activity to keep us even more busy! Monday night we went to the main library for toddler story time, last night I had a union meeting so Cullen went to gym, today I stayed at school till 6, so Cullen went to gym, tomorrow I have a relay for life meeting so I will get Cullen late! Maybe Friday we can rest!

We enjoy our busy-iness, but love to rest too!

My little sponge!

I waited for so long for Cullen to start talking and now he is saying everything and remembering it all! He loves to count, sing and point out all the things along the road! He talks about the sun being a circle and hurting his eyes, but refuses to wear sun shades! Lol!

a lot to talk about

First of all, shout out to Kristina! Great to see you today! Thanks to my two followers, Joan and Kristina! Hope more people are enjoying this blog. I intended to write this blog for Cullen. I was thinking that when he grows up this will be a great memory for him to look back on. It's much quicker and more immediate than scrapbooking (which I miss doing)! My plan is to print it out at the end of each year and save it for him to read later.

Tonight I need to write for a different purpose.

I know Cullen will have the normal challenges any human will have as he grows up. Its our job as parents to help him along. He will however, have one more challenge that most other kids do not have. He will have two gay mommies. I did not intend to make this blog a platform for our cause, but something happened today that I cannot shake. I met a man today, who was very inquisitive. After he learned I have a female partner and we have a son, he had to tell me how he has a couple that he's friend's with that's "in the same situation as me." (what situation is that? one where two human beings love each other!) and then he tells me about his female boss who has a "wife" too! I just kept smiling through it all, so as to finish our business quickly and get the heck out of there! He procedes to tell me that I should just tell people "my spouse, or my other half " when I talk about her.. that some people get uncomfortable with the whole thing. (I'm not uncomfortable and I don't give a care if you are!) He also starts to ask about Cullen's dad....

Here's the whole story about Cullen's biology! Nancy and I had a committment ceremony Nov 21, 2008. No, it's not legal in Louisiana, but I don't need some judge here to declare that our union is not real. Our families support us and love us and are happy we have found that one person to share our life with. In 2009, Nancy and I decided to start a family. We found an anonymous donor, that matched the demographics we requested, through a cryobank. It took 4 tries and finally in Jan 2010, we got a positive result! Our beautiful baby boy, Cullen was born 10-6-10.


So... to the man I met today, Cullen does not need a daddy to show him how to pee, or show him sports, or to bond with. Cullen is lucky to have two parents that love him and give every ounce of our energy to him! Cullen will grow up and have some challenges in life, but with us to guide him along the way, he will grow up to be a faithful, loving, and accepting person!

Crawfish

We rarely sit at a table together at home to eat. We r usually on TV trays. Mardi gras we got some crawfish and set up a table and chairs in living room. So tonight, valentines day, we set up the same table and chairs for dinner and Cullen said ,"I want crawfish!" Gotta love it! I guess we have to get more this weekend!

Mardi gras with mum!

He said I LOVE YOU!

We have always said I love you to Cullen before we leave or at other times but today he said it back twice! It sounded like " I la you!"

Naps are wonderful! I'm off school all week for Mardi gras, so I have gotten to sleep when Cullen takes his nap! 4 more days to nap!

Oo-licious!

Cullen ate dinner tonight and after every bite, he said,"yummy oo-licious!" He's such a ham!


Well... We tried potty training boot camp today, and I'm worn out! He screams and cries and has no desire to use the potty! I'm thinking he's not ready. I'll keep asking him and not fight with him. If he says no, I won't make him. I don't want pottying to be traumatic!

The terrific two's

Splashing in the tub and laughing about it!

Going in bed naked and tee-teeing on sheets! And laughing about it!

Hitting your parents and laughing about it!

2 year old joyful moments!

1) saying no to every question asked
2) fighting to go to sleep
3)I want I want I want!
4) eating everything
5) running as fast as you can away from
The mommies!

Are al 2 year olds like this?

I figured out how to post pics!

Had a blast at parade down in Chauvin!

Parades!

Cullen had a great time this weekend at the parades! These were not his first parade, but it was the first time he "got it"! Kids make the greatest way to get some loot! Most of what we caught we gave back to friends who ride in the parades. But we got some cool toys and things he enjoys playing with! Nancy loves to carry him up to the floats and have the people hand him things. I want to make a shirt that says, "BEAD MAGNET!"

Electricity

How do you prevent them from taking things out and putting things in electrical outlets?! We put plugs, but he pulls then out! I'm so worried he will put the wrong thing in the outlet!

Counting!

He loves to count now and this afternoon he even counted to 12 all by himself! I thought he could only count to 10! He is really learning a lot in school!

Another funny saying: he had coleslaw with his dinner and I told him it was cold salad. He said, "cold A$$!" I couldn't help but laugh!

Very blessed

I feel so blessed today. I am very lucky to have a healthy child that does not have any disabilities. I send a special prayer to all the families that have children with disabilities.

Sick Day

Cullen started out the day at his school but they called us around 11 to tell us he had a temp of 103! Kylie had to go pick him up and she said he was so pale and his body was very limp. She gave him some meds and by the time I picked him up at 1:00, he was his ole self again! Running around and playing... you would never know this kid was sick!

So his regular pediatrician had no available appointments so I took him to a walk-in clinic. We've been there before, but this time was different. The doctor was not really understanding and did not take more than 5 minutes with us in the room. There were no other patients in the waiting room... what was the hurry! He did not want to listen to me when I told him how difficult it is to give him breathing treatments! He just said, well if he needs it, you have to do it! How can it be that there are 100+ meds if I need something for anxiety, but when a 2 year old has chest congestion, there is only one medication! WTH!

We were ordered to go get a chest xray for pnemonia check and a rapid flu swab. We are waiting on results as I type. All I keep seeing are dollar $igns! $$$$ This kid cannot be that sick if he is running around and playing!

Okay, enough venting for me! On the way to the doctor Cullen said his eye hurts. When I asked him about it, he said, " I have a bug in my eye!" Where does he get these things from! LOL

His 3 best friends

When we got in the car today after school, Cullen said immediately he wanted to go home. Then he said, "dainty" (blankie), "gook" (milk), "TB" (TV). I think those are his 3 best friends. I'm so exausted today so I turned the TV on Sprout right away when we got home. He knows the songs to all the shows! I guess he watches too much TB. But I  believe these shows are educational! LOL Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!

My Big Boy

Today at his school, one of his teachers said he often tells them, "I'm mad." Its so funny where he gets that. I don't ever remember saying those words to him! We also got a note saying that he is asking to use the potty at school! YEAH! If only he would do it at home! We ask him and he very rudely says, NO!

He was such a good listener at the store today. He had to get out of the buggy to "walk" next to me. When we got to the check out, there is all this candy at his eye level. He picked up three different candies and each one I told him we have candy at home and he needed to put it back. He listened, did not throw a fit and then started telling me the color of each candy! What a good boy! I wonder how long this will last?! LOL

Back to School

Yesterday was MLK no school holiday, so Cullen and I had a great day together. We went to run errands in the morning and when we left the house, he said, "no school." I told him it was Mommy and Me day and he did not have to go to school. SO.... this morning was a different story! He had to bring his drawing tablet to school. He told Mum, no school. But, she was able to get him to draw to distract him! She told him to draw a big boat! When they pulled up at school, he drew Ms. Brooke a big boat and he had no tears to go to school.

I think he is just being a 2 year old with separation and difiance issues. He tries to get away with a lot. But, I believe you give an inch, they take a mile. I don't believe in saying no, if you are just going to give in after they whine a while. Say no, and stick to your guns... just have a reason why the answer is no.

First parade

Today Cullen got to ride in his first Mardi Gras parade! It was just a kids' parade with a few laps around the parking lot of Rouses', but we all had tons of fun! It was his nap time so I'm glad it went as smooth as it did. We learned about the parade Thursday night. Nancy only spend $11 at the dollar store for the decorations and his wagon came out precious! It wasn't quite as made up as most of the others but we did a great job for pulling it all together in a couple of days. He wore a Saints tuxedo that a friend loaned us. Maybe next year we can plan a whole theme and go all out!

Once he learned he was supposed to throw beads out the wagon, he was just chucking them. We ran out of beads after one lap! Then he decided he wanted to walk so he pulled the wagon, but instead of staying in the line, he walked up and down the center! That's my boy.... always the center of attention!

Mr. Independent!

For a while after Cullen got sick in November, it had been hard to drop him off at school in the mornings. He would cry and scream as soon as we turned the corner to the road there. He even started telling me to turn around! But.... This morning he was Mr. Independent and walked right in on his own. Mum said he even wanted to take his jacket off by himself. He said, "I zip!" He is growing up too fast!

This evening, we were outside and he asked where the moon was. Then he said, "there it is!" and at the top of his lungs, he screamed, "HEY MOON!" I'm not sure if he thought the moon was going to talk back, but he waited for it. Then he told the moon, nite nite!

He makes the funniest faces sometimes. I wonder where he gets that from! Just now, he left the bathroom from taking his bath and he ran to his room holding his "dude!" A house full of women, how does he know to do that! He is all boy!

Mum's drink

Shopping in Walmart today and we pass by the Mardi Gras area with all the king cakes, music and beer! There is a giant sized cardboard cut out of some kind of beer. Probably bud light! Cullen points to the beer poster, and says, "Mum's drink!" When she drinks, she mainly drinks vodka mixed drinks. She doesn't often drink beer. It shows you how quickly kiddos pick up on things! We better start watching what we say and do more!

Then we are leaving the store and he sees the big freezer of ice, and guess what he said then.... ICE ICE BABY! I love him so much!

Going to church!

Going to church has gotten easier! Cullen used to run down the aisles, climb on to the alter and yell out loud! Well, today was much better! He goes to the play room for the first 40 minutes of mass and only joins us at communion time till the end. He walked up to the alter, did not run, but he skipped everyone in line! Once up to the alter, we kneeled and he began counting the candles out loud! He got it right, everyone chuckled! Then after the organist finished the song, he clapped and yelled, yeah!!!! Good thing we have a community of accepting people at our church! We love St.. Matthews!

He was so proud

Cullen just walked in the room so proud to show me his project! He had chipped a quarter size amount of paint off the wall by his bed! I tried not to laugh and we put him in time out but he's so cute! Now what do we do about the wall! Will he stop?!

ICE ICE BABY

So, Mum had a rough day today. The gym business is doing well, but the overhead costs are overwelming right now. It would be great to just win the lottery and pay off all the debt now. But, we would have to play to win! LOL

Since Mum had such a rough day, she needed an adult beverage when she got home. She put ice in her glass, and Cullen said, "ICE ICE BABY!" twice! I think he learned that from school! I love him!

And that sure put a smile on Mum's face.

everything happens for a reason

Everyone always says that, but until you experience you don't understand what it means. I have experienced many times where this is true. Cullen started recieving speech services when he was 14 months old. He was not saying one word, not even Momma. He learned so much from his speech teacher and now he no longer qualifies! At the time, it was tough to learn your child has delays and the whole process of going through an "Individualized Education Program (IEP)" was difficult. Cullen's delays were minor in comparison what some parents have to go through. All of those processes have given me the knowledge and education to be able to take part in IEP meetings in my new role within my school. "Everything happens for a reason." Those lessons have helped me to help parents through the process within my own school!

He's so smart!

I know as the mommy, I will always think my little man is the smartest kiddo around. But... He can count to 10! I know his teachers taught him that, because I didn't! Lol!

Mommy preference

I'm sure all kiddos at some point prefer one parent over the other. I know I will get my feelings hurt at some point when he chooses him Mum over me. For now, he is prefering me to do everything... feed, bathe, rock, talk to... I encourage play with his Mum too but he says No. What do you do then? I don't want to hurt her feelings, but he feels so good to be loved! :-)

I was on the phone with my mom and Mum was eating while Cullen was playing with a flash card app on her phone. The app shows a picture of a common word, and says the word aloud. He was repeating the word and had to show me. Being on the phone with my mom, I encouraged him to read them to Mum, he said no and kept interrupting me. LOL!

Next daily topic... He likes to pick his nose and then put his fingers in his mouth. How do we stop that? He thinks its hilarious. I don't laugh in front of him, but it is really funny!

More Einstein

As Cullen says, "Mo I-stein"! I feel like such a bad mommy sometimes. What is considered a lot of TV? He loves the Little Einstein shows! I think there are worse shows to be addicted to too. LOL

He spent the whole weekend with my mom, his Grams and my little brother, Uncle B. They had a fun filled weekend  of riding bikes, blowing bubbles and playing on the swing set! It was a nice break for these two mommies, but we missed him very much! Now he's home and we have to get back to a routine! Its a full week of school and work! Breaks are nice and definitely needed, but it is so hard to go back to school after being so lazy!

Favorite Words

He's out for the night! Earliest time all week, probably because he had such a fun filled day! Cullen's favorite words now a days are "NO" and "mine." I'm sure some pyschiatrist would tell me this is a phase that all two year olds go through, but we all think our child will be different. He can be the sweetest little boy every most times, but when he doesn't get his way, he yells and throws things. We don't yell at him or throw things. Where does this come from!?

Well, we are working on sharing and praising him when he is sweet, kind and uses please and thank you. (He says, "tay-choo, momma," while he twists his head to the side and makes sweet eyes. How can you not fall in love with that!

Its hard being a momma sometimes, but totally worth it! All I think about it is how I could have 4 more! Facebook is wonderful because you can put your life out there and ask questions and get instant feedback. I didn't want to post all of this there. Not everyone wants to read my mind's eyes.  I wanted to do this blog to put all my crazy thoughts and wild adventures with Cullen down in history!

 Cullen is going to Grams house for the weekend! Its time for the mommies to have a girls' night! I will miss him, but I know he is in great hands! I wish I lived closer to my mom!

I think this momma needs to tuck in for the night too! GN World!

First Day Blogging

January 3, 2013

My first day back at school with the kiddos. Cullen's first full day back at his school. He still cries when we drop him off in the mornings, but they say it is getting easier each time. I think he just needs to go everyday, not get sick and not have any holidays then he will get back into the swing of things and not cry when we drop him off.

One of my resolutions was to eat better... forgive me for I have already shot that one! I guess there is always tomorrow! At the grocery store, I was smelling the donuts and they called out to me! So I picked up two chocolate donuts for Cullen and I. He said, "kock-at d-nuts"! His speech is improving everyday! I just love the way he says some words... like milk = "gook" (rhymes with book). I say it right everytime, but he chuckles and says, "gook"! I love him!