Big Baby Attacks and Too Many Questions

Not much is going on lately around here but working and playing "Tato Heads" and "Joker Castle".  My OCD child doesn't really like to switch things up too much which makes some days seem a little like 'Groundhog Day'.  Who would have thought that a potato could bring such joy to a child?  I try to add new scenarios, some of which he embraces, but you can always tell he doesn't like to get thrown off and gives a kind of courtesy laugh with uncertainty in his voice.  I guess that's the way you break OCD right?  The latest scenario?  Big Baby Attacks!

And boy does he ever!  Jack has become crazy, hyper, out of control wild child.  Who knew a 9 month old could be so crazy?  It is exhausting but comical at the same time.  Jack's days consist of speed crawling, continuously trying to climb the stairs as fast as he can as he squeals in naughty delight, climbing on EVERYTHING, happily kicking his chubby legs together as he is placed in the highchair to eat yet another meal that he can't hardly wait for, racing me to the dog food (throwing up in my mouth right now as I know there has been at least one time that I didn't get there in time), and nuzzling his face into every blanket, sheet, and article of clothing he can get his hands on.  He is crazy and can apparently live on limited amounts of sleep as this morning began at 5 am when I finally gave up trying to put him back to sleep and laid on his floor working while he happily played.  I'll post a video of him speed crawling and squealing because he knows he is being naughty.

Porter's curious questions are non-stop all day long.  Today's questions?  What is growing up?  What's college?  Where is an attic?  What is a dump?  What is trash?  (all inspired by our latest obsession, Toy Story 3)  The questions I am still at a loss of how to answer for him because apparently my answers have not satisfied him:  Why did Jesus have to die?  Who killed him?  Why did he come back to life?  Why did Heavenly Father send Jesus to Earth to die?  I realize the more I try to explain the more confused he gets.  The other day he was watching a show with Justin and was asking tons of questions after which he stated, "I'm asking too many questions."  On another note with Porter, I believe we may have mastered the Potty Training in full.  Ask me in two weeks to see if it has stuck.

My New Calling

Well folks, you are looking at the new Cub Scouts Den Mother for the Bears.  Yes that is right, my new calling is scouts.  Isn't that a man's job? I don't even know how to tie a knot.  I'm in charge of the colorguard this month for Pack Meeting.  Never done it in my life. And I get to go to cub country.  While I would like to believe I was meant for this calling, I think really I was the only one that would say yes.  Apparently this is a hard calling to fill in our ward.  I don't have the faintest idea why :)  I'm sure Porter will be in heaven! Oh, and since most of you have never or probably won't ever have the wonderful chance of getting this calling, yes I do indeed get to wear the yellow cubscout shirt.  I know you are all so jealous of me right now!

Oh, and on those resolutions?  So far, I have crafted, played and exercised.  As for the sleeping, not so much. If any mother out there has any suggestions, I'm open.  Over the past couple of months I've tried the 'Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child', the "progressive waiting" according to the Ferber method, the cry-it-out method, not allowing him to take longer than half hour naps during the day (this one isn't hard because he rarely sleeps longer than that most days), early bed-times, late bed-times, a very strict bedtime routine, and even co-sleeping on the really hard nights.  I am at a loss and so far so is my doctor.  The only thing I think is that it is TEMPER, but something has got to give.  Any suggestions are welcome, PLEASE!

2011

Although most people aren't for resolutions because they are usually broken, I look at it more as a way to re-focus.  Even if I'm not perfect, I would like to work on being the person I want to be.  With that said, here are my 2011 goals:

SLEEP-  I know to most of you this may seem odd, but at our house we average about 4-5 hours on a good night.  Jack has a HORRIBLE temper and wakes up screaming.  I've taken him to the doctor to be sure nothing is wrong and we can't figure it out.  He screams for hours, I've even recorded it for the doctor to ask him advice.  Combine that with Porter's bowl movement problem which usually creeps up at around 1am and it makes for a great night!

PLAY WITH MY BOYS-  Sometimes I take being a mom for granted.  Porter has a wonderful imagination and entertaining him can be exhausting.  Today alone I have been a nurse, a patient, a princess trapped in a castle, a pirate, and a house cleaner dancing around singing "almost there!"  Although I got virtually nothing else accomplished, I feel fulfilled and wouldn't have rather spent my day any other way.

CRAFT-  I attend craft night with my friends once a week.  It's late after the kids go to bed.  For the past few months I have either worked or just sat and enjoyed the company.  I would like to get back to crafting.  Here are just a few of the projects I have been considering:

ATTEND THE TEMPLE ONCE A MONTH:  This gets tricky with a baby that even his grandma's get weary of after a few hours and a husband that goes to school at night, but we all know how important this is.


EXERCISE AND EAT BETTER:  Believe it or not, I have slacked off on the healthy lifestyle.  When I was pregnant with Jack I developed some bad eating habits of pretzel m&m's, hamburgers, and diet coke (before then I had steered clear of these vices basically since junior high) and although they are fine in moderation, I've been consuming too many of them.   I need to get back to my P90x but finding time is the challenge.  It might have to be during afternoon naps.

Well, there you have it.  Basic goals that I hope I can work on.  Oh, and also to track and budget my grocery bill.  I won't tell you my goal, but I think with my rite aid savings I might just be able to do it!