Target did not hit the mark when it comes to young families

10/30/2009
Yesterday I ventured out to Target with the boys.  It was my first attempt at taking Brodie in his "big boy underwear."  I was a little nervous, but I decided it was now or never.  He made it on the car ride, we entered the store and I asked if he needed to go, but he declined.  He made it the entire shopping trip.  Just as I was about to check out is when he announced he had to pee.  So we went into the "family restroom." I was expecting a large private area with toddler-sized toilet and sink and maybe a place to sit Braden down that wasn't gross.  Well, I don't know what the big deal is about these "family restrooms."  It was nothing more than an oversized private bathroom.  I struggled to help Brodie pull down his pants, all the while holding onto Braden because there was no place to put him.  Then, being the germaphobe that I am, I wouldn't let him sit on the public toilet.  So I bravely let go of Braden, all the while pleading with him not to explore the bathroom.  I held Brodie over the toilet and had to talk him into going.  He did, but then I had to hold him to wash his hands.  We both got wet in the process.  Then I had to wash Braden's hands since he couldn't resist touching the garbage can.  When it was said and done, I was sweaty and ready for a NAP!  Target and all other public places that claim to have a family restroom, I plead with you to please make it "toddler friendly."  I think what it is really there for is to separate the little kids from all of the other customers so they don't have to listen to my little bundles of joy.

Mama's got eyes in the back of her head!

(This happened 2 weeks ago)
Brad and I took the boys to daycare and had a "date day" for Brad's 30th birthday.  We went to pick them up (earlier than usual) and opened the door to Brodie's classroom.  All of the kids were seated in a circle listening to the teacher read a story.  Right as I opened the door, I witnessed Brodie pushing another child next to him.  My mama instinct took over and I called out, "Brodie, what are you doing?" Well, since the teacher now knew that I saw it, I had to look like the disciplinarian that I am and follow through.  He jumped up and ran over to me, huge smile on his face, his arms outstretched for his hugs from us.  I stood still like a stone wall (Stonewall Mama) and refused to show affection until he went back to apologize to the little boy.  He drug his feet and kept saying no, until he saw I wasn't going to cave and he did the right thing.  The teacher didn't go into specifics, but it sounded like the other boy started it.  All I can say is, he doesn't have to finish it with his fists.  Ms. R explained that in the 3 year old class he is to use his words and tell the boy to stop.  Good luck at home with little brother Braden, he doesn't understand that yet!

Braden's "name" for Brodie

I've noticed lately that when we are going through the "who is who" with Braden, he will repeat us when we say Brodie with something that sounds like "Bobby."  Brodie has often had nicknames for his brother, or he will call him my baby,  but I never thought about what Braden might call Brodie.

Pediatrician's waiting room new place for playdates?

Yesterday was my day off and Braden was scheduled to have his 15 month pediatrician appointment/ turned into follow up appointment from his health issues this weekend (he is fine).  I decided that for a 10:00 appointment, I needed to be out of the door by 9, since I need at least a 15 min buffer zone (I hate being late.)  Well, needless to say, the boys were ready to go by 8:30, and in our house, that is what is referred to as the "window of opportunity."  This is the margin of time where the boys are ready, shoes are on, bags are packed, and they are itching to leave.  If you wait too much longer, then inevitably someone will mess their diaper, lose a shoe, or one of them will push the other one down... all leading to a cascade of events that will end up making us later and me more stressed.
So, since we got off so early, we arrived an hour before the appointment.  I was dreading going into the waiting room and having to entertain the boys and keep them off of the dirty floors.  To my shock, there were lots of other (non-sick) kids their ages in the waiting area as well.  They enjoyed playing with each other, trying to get into each other's strollers, etc.... Even the shots they received at the end of the appointment didn't cast a dark shadow over the good time had by all.  Next time they have a scheduled well appointment, I am going to make the best of it and show up early.

Let the punishment fit the crime

Today Brad and I were sitting on the couch and Braden was playing with us.  He kept trying to hit us, so Brad jokingly told him to go to timeout.  Next thing we know, he is over in the spot we use as timeout for Brodie.  I figured it was a fluke, so I told him to sit there, and he did! I guess he has seen big brother do it so much, he was already oriented to the idea.  We were so amazed at what he understands.  We'll see how long this "self punishment" will last.

Baby Boy Braden, not so baby anymore :(

Braden has really found his voice since he turned one a few months ago.  He is way more vocal than I ever remember him being as an infant.  He loves to have screeching contests with his brother (it usually ends up with a tie, and a headache for mommy.) The other day I was changing his diaper, he was fussing, and squirmed to the side.  There, his eyes met a dump truck.  He said, "ba da bider" -to the tune of "Bob The Builder." I wasn't sure if I heard him right until we were in the car and "Bob the builder" dvd was playing.  Sure enough, he chimed in once he heard the tune!

Funny things toddlers say

Brodie: It was obvious he needed to go to the bathroom, but he refused, so I picked him up    
              to carry him there and he said, "mommy, don't bother my doo doo."
         
              When we say our prayers before bed, we list our close family members.  After we say
              "grandad" (who plays guitar,) Brodie adds, "bless guitar."

               He is very routine oriented.  When I picked him up from daycare, he now is quick to
               tell me he had a good day (because I usually ask,) and asks "how was  your work?"

               When he wakes up in the morning or from nap, I will ask him if he had good dreams.
               He says,  "yes, I dreamed about God."