A word on potty training

Months ago we thought Braden was ready to use the potty. 

Or maybe we were ready for him to use the potty… yeah, that sounds right! 

I bought big boy undies + m&ms to bribe him, but it wasn't working! 

There were only accidents and lots of crying every time I sat him on the potty. 

I had a handful of people telling me he should be using the potty, 

but the freaking out every time I put him on the potty told me otherwise! 

That's the thing, others can tell you what you should be doing,

however, you really have to do what works for you and your child! 

This time, I took cues from my boy!

I decided that it was too much for us at the time and that I'd wait until after he turned 3! 

So I did and let me tell you, it was a completely different experience! 

Now, I'm going to tell you how it went for us and all, 

but remember I ain't your kiddos mama and I ain't you, 

so do what works for YOU! 

Maybe these things will work, maybe not! 

Clearly, we tried, failed, and then waited! 

I think that may happen with a lot of kiddos. 

A lot of trying, a lot of accidents, and a lot of waiting! 

I read a blog post that said wait until they were older because older kids will potty train quicker.

I would have to agree!

It was like a switch went off in Braden's mind and he just got it easier. 

Now, I'm not saying he went instantly, but he was more willing to go! 

There were way less tears and he sat longer. 

He also understood what was going on when he actually did go! 

Another big thing I learned is that you have to tell them when to go! 

I asked Braden a billion times if he needed to go potty. 

Every single time in the beginning I was met with a shake of the head and a, "NO!" 

Well, that wasn't true and then I had accidents to deal with. 

It was frustrating, but it wasn't his fault because really he didn't know he had to go. 

Not to mention he didn't want to stop what he was doing to go use the potty! 

When I made him go (sometimes there were tears) we had a lot less accidents. 

Know that there will be accidents. For a while. 

I'm convinced that Braden is mostly potty trained, but he still has accidents. 

He often tells me when he has to go. 

When he doesn't and has an accident, 

you can bet its because he doesn't want to stop playing to go! 

He isn't potty trained for night or number two, but that will come. 

I'm just happy that he's getting it and wearing a diaper most of the time! 

He still wears one at night time & quiet time (not giving that up…yet!). 

I would also suggest lots of praise when your kiddo does go! 

I would smile, clap, and say, "Yay Braden! You went in the potty! You're a big boy!" 

He would get so excited and give himself praise. 

He still does and its so cute! 

We're all pretty proud over here! 

Lastly, I would say… what you've probably heard a million times. 

Your child will get it. They won't be in diapers forever. They will learn to use the potty. 

It may just take some waiting and lots and lots of patience! 

Good luck to you and yours! =) 

Talking with a toddler

Once upon a time Braden didn't talk much.
We were a bit worried, as most children seemed to talk a lot more at the age of 2.
He's nearing 3 and is talking so much more.
I need to document things he says and this seems like a good place.
I know that the words that come out of his mouth...
are probably much more entertaining to us.
However, maybe something will make you smile or laugh.

One of Braden's current favorite things to do is pretending he is sleeping,
but he's not very good at it.
He will crawl up in our bed or on the couch,
pull a blanket over his head and say, "I trying to sleep!"
He's not. I wish he was though!

I had gotten a diaper and wipes out because Braden needed a diaper change.
I told him to come to me, but he wouldn't.
I pointed at him and said, "You stink!"
He pointed at me and said, "You stink!"

Braden is in the repeating everything we say phase.
This isn't always a good thing.
The other day we were getting ready for our day and James had said something.
My response was, "Oh James."
Not that long after we hear Braden say, "Oh James!"
He's been saying that a lot lately.
He's been saying his dad's name a lot in general.
I think it's hilarious, but James doesn't.
I know I'd feel the same if Braden could say my name.
I've also heard him repeat other things that he shouldn't.
We won't talk about that!

While changing his sister...
"Oh. Ew. Phew wee. Seriously?"

While changing his diaper...
Me: "Do you want to use the big potty?"
Braden: Closes eyes and shakes head, "No."
Me: "Someday you have to because big boys use the big potty...
don't you want to be a big boy?"
Braden: Closes eyes and shakes head, "No."
Apparently we have many conversations about potty issues

While talking about animal sounds, which he loves to do
Braden: "What's a giraffe say?"
Me: "I don't know what a giraffe says."
Braden: "What's a giraffe say?"
We looked it up... nothing unless you are restraining it,
then it sounds like a dying elephant.

And then James taught him this...

Which is super accurate, but the screaming needs to be a bit more high pitched!

Grandma talking to Braden about his new baby sister
Grandma: "Where's baby Sis?"
Braden: Closes eyes and shakes head.
Grandma: "Do you want a baby sis?"
Braden: Closes eyes and shakes head.
Apparently he doesn't want another one!

My little soccer player

A few weeks ago I signed up Braden for a soccer class that is on Fridays.

It lasts only a month, which means we only have one more Friday to go. 

I was hesitant to sign him up for this class because I just wasn't sure he'd enjoy it. 

I'm still not sure he fully enjoys it, but I'm still glad I signed him up! 

This week went much better and I'm super proud of my growing boy!

The first week was a hard one. 

He's still so little and really just want to do what he wants to do, when he wants to do it! 

Does that sound familiar to any mama's with a toddler? ;)

I was actually super surprised at how advanced this class was for 2-3 year olds. 

Braden's a smart boy, but I think it was a bit much! 

I expected them to just kick the ball around and play. 

There's a lot more instruction than that and he's not too big into being instructed! ;)

So, we go and we play.  We do our own thing! 

I was glad my parents came this week and played a lot more with him.

I was just happy to see him kicking the ball around and having fun

(clearly there was lots of watching too)!

Seeing him enjoy it, rather than get upset is a step up in my book! 

I'm also glad he gets a little more interaction with others

and he was pretty happy to make some goals! 

Some times doing things with a toddler is about letting them led and letting them be! 

I need to let him be more often because I know that's when he's at his happiest! 

And that's what I like to see! 

Baking with Braden

Last night as I getting Braden in his bed I asked if he wanted to bake cookies today.

He face lit up at that and he was so excited.

It's something I've discovered recently...

 that the little boy likes to make things in the kitchen.

I found that out when we we're making peanut butter playdough the other day.

He likes to mix things, but pouring things in the bowl is his favorite.

I wasn't really sure how he would do with this sort of thing.

The kid doesn't like to sit still for very long and if he does its because he wants the iPad! 

That is really driving me a bit crazy, but that's really for a different post! 

He did so well with the whole process!

It's really not as hard as I imagined it to be, but definitely as messy as I thought! 

"More, please?" 

He was asking for more flour because he wanted to keep on pouring it in the bowl! 

Silly boy, we had all the flour we needed!

His favorite of course was the chocolate chips! 

This kid is obsessed with chocolate... even more than me! 

I wish I would have captured the look on his face when I pulled out the chocolate chips! 

He was even reaching for them after I poured them in with the dough! 

Why should they go there? And not straight into my mouth!?! ;)

The cookies turned out pretty good.

Not as well as my aunt makes them, but pretty good for our first time.

I'm going to try to do more baking with this kiddo because I know he loves it just so much! 

A special bond

Watching these two be brother and sister is one of the highlights of my being their mama.

They don't always get along, but when they do,

I'm reminded of how special it is for them to be siblings,

to be brother and sister. 

It makes my heart so happy at how excited they get to see one another in the morning.

Just this morning soon after Braden woke up, he heard his sister awake.

His eyes got so big, his face so happy! 

He smiled so big, said, "SIS!" and ran to her room. 

The second she saw him she started giggling and moving her arms excitedly. 

They have their own special ways of saying hello, I'm so excited to see you! 

They hug and kiss. 

They play and share together. 

Braden will get a car, hand it to her, and say, "Here Sis!" 

They wrestle and get crazy. Too crazy some times and it ends in tears. 

Braden watches out for her while she's moving about. 

If she's too close to the stairs, he'll say. "No fall, Sis!" 

These things, I like to think this is how they show one another that they love each other.

At least, it's how I know they love one another =) 

I love watching them grow with each other. 

I know Braden has so much influence over his little sister.

Of course he doesn't realize this yet, but when he does, I hope he uses it for good. 

I hope so many things for these two.... that they'll always love one another and be close.

I hope they love this next baby just as much as they do each other.

Nothing could make my mama heart happier. 

Remembering the funny toddler

Toddlerhood is hard. I don't think any parent will deny that. 

These little people, that you love so much are growing and learning. 

They are trying so hard to be their own person, yet they still need you to guide them in the right direction and I gather they will for years and years to come! 

This usually involves, for us, lots of tantrums, whining, saying no and all those other crazy ways toddlers let you know they have opinions about what happens in their lives! 

I don't just want to remember the hard times though. 

I want the good things - the things that make me smile, the things that make me burst out into laughter more than those not so fun moments as a mom. 

I want the good times to outshine the bad. 

So, in being honest here, I need to start writing down those moments more. 

I can so easily get swept up in the toddler meltdowns and meltdown myself. 

I'll be documenting these moments here more because they are important and Braden grows and changes so much! He's becoming quiet the little character! 

P.S. DId I mention that this one will be a toddler next Tuesday? 

Oh my oh my. Where are the tissues? 

Okay, back to the current toddler and all things about him!

Braden is the typical toddler boy. Obsessed with cars, trains, planes and buses. 

Lately, its really all about trains and buses. 

When seeing a train, he usually tries to have a conversation with it as its whizzing by. 

"Hey train!" "Where you go train?" "Bye train!" 

Makes me smile every single time. 

He also never misses seeing a bus. I mean, how can you when its big and yellow!?!

He points and says, "A busss!" 

A few weeks ago we took him in a high school parking lot full of buses. 

He was so excited and wasn't very happy when he had to get back in the car!

He's super affectionate, but only when he wants to be, of course! ;)

He'll come to me and say, "Want kiss." 

Then he'll kiss me on the lips.

This is always followed by, "Want hug."

And then he hugs me. 

Last night this was done over and over again. 

Pretty sure because he didn't want to go to bed.

Melts my heart every time he does it. 

Braden doesn't jabber away when he talks. 

Its usually very simple. 

I'm trying not to worry that he's not where he should be develop mentally. 

Some times, actually often, when I want him to say something I will tell him what to say.

The other night James said, "I love you Braden." 

I said, "Braden say, I love you too dad." 

His response? "Love you too mom!" 

James and I both cracked a smile because he totally didn't realize what he said and it's what he's used to. 

When Braden wants something he's pretty persistent. 

Aren't all toddlers? ;) 

Well, he does this thing where when he's asking you for something, he nods like he has to convince you. 

"Want ms"

"Drink!"

"Play toys." 

All while looking at you with his sweet eyes and nodding like, 

"Is that okay mom? Yes, I can have it mom?" 

Adorable really and makes it hard to not give in! 

Maeva freaks out in the car. 

Lately it's been super horrible... 

screaming bloody murder and making everyone feel a bit crazy. 

The other night she woke up in the car and totally was not ready to wake up. 

She was super cranky and so I said, "Go back to sleep Maeva." 

Braden looked at her and said, "Go back to sleep....NOW!" 

It was shocking because that was an actual sentence, 

which doesn't happen often, he repeated pretty much what I said, and was super bossy! 

We laughed and of course shouldn't have...

 because if you know toddlers they repeat every darn thing you say! 

He kept on saying it over and over. Still, funny, but we need to work on how he treats his sister sometimes! 

This boy loves to go in my closet, which often results in a mess. 

He'll put on my hats, walk around, all smiley and say, "Pretty hat!"

He'll also put on my shoes and yesterday he was so happy to walk around in them and kick them off saying, "too big!" 

Yes, kid too big and you look a little funny in my sparkly shoes, but you're still so cute! 

I'm sure there are other things he's done that make me laugh or smile. I'll work on writing them down so I have others to share. Happy Wednesday! 

Fun in the tub!

I had an activity I wanted to share on the blog for about two weeks,

But I was having some technical difficulties, so here it is now! 

Sometimes (most of the time really) I struggle in figuring out what to do with my two year old. 

I ask myself what can he do? what will he do? what can hold his attention for more than 5 seconds?

The answer came to me - balloons and the tub! 

^^^added towels because he kept on slipping^^^

If you can't tell, he throughly enjoyed this. There was a lot of squealing and balloons everywhere! 

My first thought was that he would pop them and there would be water everywhere. 

I was okay with that, it's what I had planned for, but he's two, so he doesn't throw hard enough,

Plus it's in the tub, so it just didn't work that way. Fine by me, less mess! =)

This lasted at least twenty minutes.
It was fun to see him enjoy something so much. 

The only issue is now he thinks its okay to throw EVERYTHING in the tub. 

Stuffed animals, books, his pillow...

And of course right after bath-time when I had forgotten to drain the tub!

I think this is a great activity for a toddler to have some fun and get some energy out. 

Maybe some mom's think I'm crazy because it could be a huge mess, 

But sometimes I don't care about that and just want my kiddo to have some fun! 

He's pushing my buttons

 

My son. My first born. My almost two year old.
I love him so much...
He was the one that taught me I could love more than I ever thought possible.
When I see his smile, I can't help but smile.
His laugh is pretty much contagious and just makes me so happy to hear.
He's energetic and brings a lot of joy to my life,\
He's a great big brother - always wanting to kiss, hug, and hold Maeva.
But lately...he's been pushing my buttons like crazy.

I know he's reaching THAT age, that terrible two age, which by the way, I hate that term. 

He's not terrible. I know that, which is why I hate that term.

He's just trying to be more independent. He knows what he wants and when he doesn't get it...

There's screaming and yelling, there's hitting, there's ignoring me. 

There's putting his head down on the floor and crying, there's throwing things. 

And its driving me bonkers! 

Especially the yelling at me and hitting. 

I just can't believe that he acts that way.
In fact, the first time he hit me I laughed because I just couldn't believe it. 

I know all of this needs to change and that he isn't going to magically change.

If he's going to change then I have to show him how. 

I think that toddlers treat you how you let them treat you.
If I let him hit me, then he's going to hit me.
If I allow him to scream at me, then he's going to do just that.
This is a tough realization I've come to because its hard to change your toddlers behavior.
Its hard to discipline... gosh, so hard for me!
I don't want to tell him no.
I don't want to take things away from him or put him in time out.
I don't want to spank him.
But sometimes, those things have to be done.
And they need to be done now because if I don't work on controlling it now,
then it will be out of control later.
Scary to think about!

I know I've written about my struggle with discipling him many many times, but its still hard.

I feel like it always will be because seriously, what parent enjoys doing it?
Any tips on what to do and what not to do?
Especially when it comes to his yelling at me and hitting? 

I know really it all comes down to him listening and obeying me.

I'm praying I get better at this and if you'd be up to it, I'd appreciate your prayers as well! 

Thankful for toddlerhood

"Being a parent is the hardest job you'll ever have." 

All of us parents have probably heard that a time or two. 

It is something that pops into my head on the hard days because I know its true. 

When the toddler is fussing, throwing fits, won't listen, ect... I know its true. 

It really is the hardest job. 

I figure it always will be. 

It's tough when they are an itty bitty newborn with the crying and being up all sorts of hours.
It's hard when they are a toddler because...
they desperately want to be independent and at times you have to fight them on that!
Its hard when they are a teenager, I am sure, because I remember how I was with my parents.
I imagine its hard when they are adult too.
You have to sit back and let them be adults.
You have to watch them make their own choices...
and at times probably wanting them to chose differently.
Or seeing them in hurt through out life because that's how life is sometimes.

Toddlerhood has been really hard lately. 

Most days are tough because Braden so desperately wants to do things his way, when he wants too! 

I mean I get it, because well, aren't we the same way? 

But he can't always have his way, because everything he wants isn't always what is best for him. 

I've found it easy to get caught up in the bad moments. 

I've found it easy to complain about his fussing or fit throwing. 

However, I don't like that... I don't like that some days all I do is complain about him or seem to some like I don't enjoy being his mama at all because I love him dearly. Being his mama is the best job. 

So today I'm telling myself to be thankful for motherhood, thankful for my toddler.

Because truthfully, in my heart, even in the bad moments, I am so thankful for him. 

I wouldn't have my life any other way.

I am thankful for a toddler who is growing big and strong. 

Its so fun to watch him enjoy new things...

like coloring and actually using the crayons instead of eating them,

Or cars, cars, cars. Always cars. 

I am thankful for a toddler who enjoys being outside. 

He'd be outside all day if we let him.
Its his favorite place and I love that.

I am thankful for a toddler who sleeps in most of the time.

Who plays in his room in the morning until he wants to come out.

Who is, more often than not, happy when he wakes. 

I am thankful for a toddler who likes to kiss and hug.

Who likes to wrestle with his daddy...

And cries when daddy stops because apparently it is just that much fun! 

I am thankful for a toddler who eats well.
Thankful that he asks for yogurt, bananas, strawberries, and apples. 

Okay... often it is oreos too. 

I'm thankful for a toddler who likes to read books and play with blocks. 

Thankful for a toddler who likes to play with his parents but also by himself. 

I'm thankful for a toddler who is getting better at listening! 

So thankful for that! =)

I'm thankful for a toddler who is most of the time a happy little guy.

Full of smiles and giggles. 

Who really is just the most adorable little boy I know. 

So much to be thankful for when it comes to him. 

He really is a great little boy!
Love my Braden! 

Motherhood is hard

I've been awful at blogging lately. Not exactly on purpose. There have been days when I've been far too tired pregnant, there's been too much to do, and then there was yesterday when the toddler pulled the cord for the internet and the tv out of the wall, and I didn't realize it. Plus, I've just been a bit down on myself when it comes to motherhood, so I haven't felt up to writing. 


Motherhood is hard. They tell you that when you're pregnant, but you don't really get it until you have to get up five times during the night to feed the baby that for some reason cries a whole lot. Then, somehow you may forget how hard it is until you have a toddler who hits and bites you whenever you bring him inside because, "Mom, why would you? It's my favorite place!" Doesn't matter that its 100+ degrees outside and your less than a month away from having another baby. Some days its just hard because of the fussing that takes place for reasons you don't even understand. Some days its just hard because of you and not the toddler. Honestly, that's how I'm feeling lately... like its hard because of me. I'm not impressed with the job I'm doing lately, not impressed with my mothering. 


The other night as my husband and I were laying in bed talking I confessed this and some of my fears. Toddlerhood is hard. Braden is growing and learning. He desperately wants to be independent, which is a great thing, but there are some things, we, as parents, can't let him do. We can't let him get out of the tub himself because even though he thinks he's big enough, he's not. We can't let him just eat the m&ms in the trail mix because his teeth will root, we can't let him stand directly in front of the tv because it will hurt his eyes. But these things... he wants to do... and when we tell him no or take him away from it, he loses it. He kicks, he hits, he's bites, he screams. You know, all the normal toddler stuff. I look at him like I don't know him sometimes and a lot lately, I catch myself yelling. 
"Braden, NO!" 
"Stop it!" 
"I'm not doing the fussing today!" 
I hate the yelling... it makes me cringe. It makes it worse. It makes me feel like an awful mother. It also makes me fear that I am hurting him emotionally. That's probably one of my biggest fears. I don't ever want my son to feel like I don't love him, to feel like I don't care. I love him with only the love a mother could give her son. I'd do anything for him and I hope he comes to understand that as he grows. I hope he also comes to realize that everyone has bad days some days. He does. I do. We do, as parents. I hope he realizes that even though we have bad days - days of yelling, of being the people we don't want to be, but that doesn't mean, we don't love. Because we do, we love a whole lot. 


Trying to be a better mom. Trying to have grace with myself and my sweet boy. 

Photos taken by Nikki Wiarda. 

Toddler Basketball

These past fews days as a mom have been a bit of a struggle for me.

I'm doing good in some areas, losing it in others. That's how it goes sometimes, I guess.

I think its being pregnant, but his fussing has been driving me a little nutty. 

I find myself snapping and getting easily frustrated. 

I know I shouldn't get upset with him and say, "Stop fussing! I can't do it today!" because well, he is only 19 months old. I get mad at myself after I do this because its not loving, but I just lose it.

Any suggestions? 

I'm trying to be a better mom. Trying to figure out what he enjoys doing and do those things. 

He likes to read, play with his cars, and splash in the tub. 

Oh, and wrestle, but that hurts, so I leave that to daddy! 

We do those things sometimes, but I want to do other things as well. 

So, today I tried something new. 

I took a box we had laying around, cut the bottom out, and taped it to the wall!

Basket ball! 

I think he liked it. For a whole 10 minutes anyway. 

I'm trying to be more creative because sometimes I just don't know what to do.

I feel like a lot of the time he rather play by himself 

or his idea of playing is crawling all over me like I'm a jungle gym 

and at almost 32 weeks pregnant, that is not enjoyable to me or his baby sister! 

What do you do with your toddler? I need more ideas for my 19 month old!