Family Roadtrip!! Party of 4!

Jodi's driving home and so I decided to blog our family vacation! Be warned I'm tired and its a little detailed :) 

First I should mention that whenever possible(almost always) we drive. We love having our own vehicle, being able to change our plans and stopping where and whenever we want. With a potty training toddler and a breastfeeding 2month old the stops are frequent! But that's ok it all adds to the memories of a great vacation...

On Friday October 18th Jodi left work at 2pm, he came home and we packed up our little family and at 6pm we finally left for our drive to Vancouver. To put it into perspective a trip that took the two of us 13hours to drive took us 19. 

Mr B realized quick that whenever he was bored and didn't want to be I'm his carseat anymore he just had to say two little words"I Pee" and he was free. Haha! I don't mind because he did make sure to tell us when he actually had to pee also. Which resulted in a 19hour drive with no accidents!! Just 16 days after starting potty training(see potty training blog). We had made the decision to drive overnight so that hopefully the boys would sleep through the drive. Well my Lucas slept but Mr B decided that road trips are way to much fun! He had a few 30min cat naps but mostly was awake.. All night! Poor boy was so tired. Also it was so cold overnight that from midnight to 6am Brycen couldn't pee it was too cold outside. He kept trying but was shivering and everything we passes was closed. But my big boy held it and waited until we found a gas station open! :)

Once we got to Vancouver we were staying with my grandma in her retirement home. They have suites they rent to family for CHEAP! We said hello then settled in and tried to take nap. Well again things were much too exciting for that so Brycen just ran around for 2hours until it was time for diner. Two under two + a complex of seniors... My boys are traffic stoppers! Our entire trip Brycen was in his glory as everyone wanted to stop and say hi to him. This is his second year so some of the people remembered him and others just were compelled to meet him. He puts a smile on everyone's face who meets him. Of course having a new baby draws attention to so Lucas got plenty of his own. I was told repeatedly what beautiful polite boys I have, which as a mother made me happy. Lucas sat in his bouncer and was gawked at during meals. Thankfully that night we bathed Brycen and then went for a walk. He fell asleep 2min outside the door so when we got home he went potty then to bed. 

Well our second day we found a little kids carnival and pumpkin patch! Brycen loves all of the rides and had fun looking at all the pumpkins. He is such a joy. Lucas decided it was too much for him an slept the whole time. After lunch Brycen had a little snooze then it was time to head to Jodi's cousins for a family diner. His cousin Kelli has 4 children and her brother Patrick has 1. Lucas was passed around and Brycen had such a great time with the kids!! It was so nice to catch up with them as they have far to drive and so we don't get to catch up every year at the reunion. 

Day 3 we went to the aquarium! We met up with my dad and his partner Wanda which as I may have mentioned is a new occurrence. It was incredible! Brycen ran around and was interested in everything! Lucas again mostly slept but grandma and grandpa very much enjoyed taking turns chasing after Brycen and carrying Lucas. I am so happy to have this opportunity to build a relationship with my own dad and be able to give my boys their grandpa. When we parted we made plans to get together the next day. 

I'm not sure what to call Wanda.. My step mom of sorts? So when I say we went to meet them at her daughters, Laurie is kind of my step sister... Well grandma and grandpa had of course lots of presents for the boys! Clothes toys and books. But the best part? They had plotted with Jodi and surprised me with a 1hour massage!! See Laurie is a massage therapist and so once I fed Lucas, daddy and the grandparents took the boys for a walk while I got pampered! Oh my goodness, it was incredible. I am so lucky to have people in my life who do things like that to take care of me. It also gave me a chance to talk with Laurie and find out so more about my dad and Wanda. 

Saying goodbye was sweet. 

The drive to Kelowna went really well. 

A few stops for feeds and potty breaks but we made decent time. We dropped off our things and made our way to my other grandmas for a visit and stayed for diner. She lives in a seniors center also so again the boys were real attention grabbers. 

Our final day of vacation we had lunch with my grandma M and grandpa R and his SO Maretta. I was glad they all got to meet Lucas but the trip was starting to take its toll on Mr B who had a meltdown partway through the meal. Thank goodness we were able to talk him through it so we could visit a little more. 

That afternoon we visited the tressel bridges and went for a walk. Part way through we had the fortune/misfortune of coming across a black bear!! It was fairly young but somewhat close to the path. We had a stroller, babies and no safe cover. The bear was fairly young and thankfully near a bridge. Jodi went well ahead and stomped on the bridge with his cowboy boots which was enough to scare the bear down the hill! We turned around and sped back to the jeep! I was terrified. I don't think ill visit there in off season again. Usually there are guides along the way to help and for safety but of course weren't there when we went. 

Jodi took Brycen swimming at the hotel pool which was indoor/outdoor! I took pictures then got a nice workout in the gym. 

Finally our drive home. Well up until Calgary it was great. We hit Calgary around 630pm so close to Brycens bedtime. He was/is miserable. So tired and not sleeping more than 45min. When he isn't creaking out Lucas has been. My poor boys are all done and exhausted. We need to break away from the jeep! Jodi too. My love needs to rest his poor eyes. 

Such an amazing relaxing vacation. I got away like I needed and we got a lot of family time. Jodi was amazing! He has really taken charge of Brycens potty time while on vacation and let me relax and just deal with the constant demands of a 2month old. I am so blessed to have such an amazing little family. We make a great team. I know that vacations will only get easier as the kids get older(with different challenges).

Almost home now, I can't wait to tuck into bed for the night. 

❤😴👶❤

Watching Lucas Grow

It's 4am and I've just gotten Lucas back down. I should be sleeping but I can't help watching him. He's so perfect. Everyone comments on how small he is but in my eyes I'm so proud of how big he's grown! I need to take him tomorrow to get weighed for his 2month checkup!! 

I think my biggest joy in watching him grown is he's doing it all by me! I exclusively breast feed him. He hasn't had a bottle since the day he left the hospital. Every ounce he's gained since birth has been thanks to the milk I pumped for him in the hospital or provided him once we got home. I am so thankful to be able to breast feed as there are mothers who can't. For one reason or another it doesn't happen for them. But for us looking down on my little miracle knowing that I am nurishing him, that I am the reason he's growing and gaining is the best feeling in the world! 

I find breastfeeding incredibly exhausting at times but mostly just incredible, beautiful, and so rewarding. I am not saying there is anything wrong with formula. We all feed our babies the best way for us. I'm just saying I love watching my healthy baby growing knowing I'm the reason behind it. :)

The Crack

As most moms can attest, within the first few weeks of a new baby you have at least one night where you break. Your exhausted, baby refuses to sleep, but won't stop crying. They are fed, changed warm cuddled and no matter what you do they just won't sleep. So you do what the rest of us do, cry. Man does that cry feel amazing! 

Well my break was stolen from me. My tiny love was in the hospital so I didn't have the constant newborn + toddler the first two weeks of his life. I wish everyday that I had but I'm happy he's healthy and home. 

Well today first thing Brycen peed on the floor. I cleaned it up and made breakfast while he tried to grab everything out of my kitchen he shouldn't touch. I was so tired I felt nauseous. Brycen went for a nap after lunch and so did Lucas and I. Brycen needed to poop and wouldn't. 

I was tired, dealing with a 23mo potty trainer who is curious and adventurous and I just started losing my mind. I was exhausted. I finally begged hubby to hurry home after work, he took over toddler duty and I lied in bed and rested with Lucas who was content. I felt like crying and wanted to break but I just cracked a little. I know that potty training is a lot to lean and adjust to. I know that my son is not even 2 yet and is doing an amazing job. But today I was getting frustrated so I knew I needed to step back. I needed to regroup because my frustrations were not Mr B's fault.

As a parent I think its important we take these moments. Our kids depend on us to nurture and take care of them: all of them, not just physically but mentally as well. I do my best to smile when I'm sad so that my boys can grow up in a positive household. I crack and Hubby and I argue but we get over it. 

I've mentioned before I love Brycens creativity. I love that he has a rebel streak because it means he pushes the bounds and continues to grow. He's fearless! But today because I was tired I was frustrated. Neither of those things were B's fault. When its not our babies fault we need to make sure it doesn't become their problem either. We need to step back and calm down. Walk away for a minute or have them play in their room for a minute. Take a caregiver break. 

The best advice I've heard us out yourself in their shoes. They aren't doing things because they want to annoy us. Why are they doing it? Are we not paying attention so thy are looking for a reaction. Do they need reassurance or love from us? Maybe they just need our attention or for us to sit and read a 5min story to tell them that in all our rushing around they MATTER. 

I'm writing this after another 12am feesing with an early morning wake up call so ill semi pretend to edit in the morning if I remember. But you all need to remember; its ok to break, crack, rattle. We're human and raising tiny people is hard work. We all have a line and we just need to make sure we take time to strengthen our mind so we can handle day after day of accidents, crying newborns, messes, screaming toddlers. We all get there :) 

Happy Thanksgiving 2013!!!

Today is thanksgiving. A day where we reflect and give thanks for the things in our lives. 

I am thankful for the people. I'm sure I mentioned in the beginning, the only thing I've ever wanted growing up was to be a mom and a wife. Well I am both of those things, and its more than I ever imagined it could be. I love my family more than anything. I am thankful every single day for them. They complete me. As long as I have them, I have everything. Anything else is just extra and that's nice too. 

❤❤

POTTY TRAINING!!

Day 1

    Well its begun! At 11am I got home from the doctor, took the last diaper off Mr B and put some big boy underwear on him! Our day was a success. Not because Mr B peed on the potty, which he didn't, but because I never caved. 

Its the end if day 1, Mr B is in bed with undies on. I know more than likely they will be a mess in the morning but "not so baby anymore steps". 

Potty log:

Brycen Peeing on bathroom floor x2

Brycen peeing bed x2

Brycen peeing in potty x0

Mommy not stopping Lucas eating fast enough and Brycen peeing on stairs x1

BUT the mommy not being fast enough was the last accident so Ive got my fingers crossed for tomorrow. :)

Day 2

Potty Log:

Brycen peeing pants x6

Brycen peeing bed x2

Brycen peeing in toilet x1

I have to admit that half way through this day I wanted to quit. If I haddnt read that its common for kids to not use the toilet the first two days. It's usually day 3 it starts to 'click' so another day of constant messes. After that it could take a few weeks before we're completely accident free. We leave for BC in 15days so I'm hoping to have him mostly accident free by then :) 

Day 3:

I HATE POTTY TRAINING! 

Well we started day 3 with peeing in the potty! It's now almost over and he hasn't peed in the potty since. I was feeling discouraged earlier but I just need to keep up with it. Potty training has by far been the most difficult parenting step. Staying calm when you just want to beg them to please use the toilet. He hasn't gotten the hang of it yet but I know that as long as I keep it up eventually he will. It may take weeks but he will get there :) . I love him so much and I'm so proud of the progress he's already made so far. He's growing up quickly and this is just one more step for his independence. 

Pee log:

Brycen peeing in Potty x2

Brycen peeing in Pants x 9

Brycen peeing on Floor x3

Brycen peeing in Bed x 0

Brycen pooping in potty x1

Now that its day end... I still dislike potty training BUT a pee before bed and a poop in the potty earlier makes all the accidents worth while. Each progressive step gives me hope and a glimmer if light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrows a new day! It has the potential for fewer accidents and more success!

Day 4:

Well I was gone for a few hours during the day. Lots of accidents and only 1 pee in the potty

Day 5:

Much better than yesterday! 4potty pees and only a few accidents! Hoping for a few less accidents tomorrow. 

Brycen sometimes after 10min on the potty will stand up and then pee. I learned that this can often mean that they don't have full control of their bladder and he hasn't learned how to relax this bladder to allow pee yet. We just need to keep up with the potty training an he should get it soon. We have found that playing a video for distraction works so he relaxes while on the potty.

Day 6:

NO ACCIDENTS!!! 

The day started at 930. I woke up late so Brycen had peed but I don't count that because its my fault not his. From 930a. To 1230 I kept trying to take Brycen to pee. No accidents but no potty pees for 3 hours! Then he had a nap and woke up dry! He continued like that all night the at 630 for the first time ever he TOLD us he had to pee!!! We ran him up and he peed on the potty!! I was so excited my normally sugar free boy got a marshmallow because I needed to give him something! 

Day 7:

Brycen woke up wet at 2am but then was dry when he woke up at 730! :) he then had mostly accidents all day. Feeling a little discouraged but 2 potty pees before bed has me hopeful for tomorrow!

Day 8:

Accident free day!!! Mr B hasn't pooped in 2 days but that's common with potty training. I'm so thankful my two besties are training their girls at the same time. It's nice not going through this alone. Fingers crossed for tomorrow ☺

Day 16:

Sorry for skipping some days!! We have had HUGE success. Only one or two accidents here and there. 

Today is Friday and Mr B haddnt pooped since Monday!! We had to take matters into our own hands with a little Vaseline and a QTip. It worked! I think we all felt better once he was done. 

I can't believe that my little man is almost potty trained!! We are on our way to BC.. It's a 13hour drive and I'm a little nervous about how he'll do. I promise to update on our way home.

Day 23:

Well my Mr B has been accident free for 8 days! With the exception of one night when he had quite a few pee accidents. We are currently on our way home from BC. The drive there to 19hours and he let us know EVERY time he had to pee and poop!! I am SO incredibly proud of my little man!! There was one time where he couldn't get his undies off so he sat on the potty and peed through them but I sit really count that as an accident, he was on the potty after all :). He is amazing. Although, he has figured out that when he wants out of his carseat or bed all he has to do is yell "I have to pee" and its a guarantee. We are smart enough to know that the first time we don't believe him he's going to have an accident! Lol 

I hope you get some relief from my struggles and I hope that your potty training journey is short. I know that there are still likely to be accidents. But my boy is doing so well! 3 weeks before his second birthday and he is potty trained. The "3day potty training method" works!! It took a few more than 3 days but stick to it and you will see results!! 

Potty training - the night before

Whew well tomorrow is one of the scariest days of my life. I start potty training Mr B. I don't know why I'm so scared. Not of the accidents I mean I clean enough diapers and bums that's not concerning. But more the fear that ill screw up. This is the first real thing we need to teach our children. Everything else the mostly teach themselves by example. Not only that but I have the excitement of no more changing toddler diapers for another year! 

I really hope it goes well. Mr B picks things up so quickly hopefully this will be one of those things.

 I'm sad that my baby is growing up but SO excited for this new step in his life and the relief in mine haha. 

Fingers crossed for a smooth transition. Ill post to let everyone know how it goes :).