The school-ager is the same one who has been coming for 5 years. He comes at 5:45 in the morning and gets on the bus at my house. Adjusting to the early morning hours again after summer has been rough. I just hope Jay keeps sleeping in like he has been.
The toddlers are new. And me watching toddlers is a new thing. I've been doing school-agers for about 10 years. First at a center and now at home. Before that I worked with 3 and 4 year olds for a while, but that was a long time ago.
It's only mornings, which is good because it's so exhausting. Three toddlers at once is a lot. (Most days, just Jayden alone is a lot, haha.) Just when I think I've got things with them under control we'll have the kind of day where one gets stung by a bee while another one pees in the toy closet. Things can get out of hand fast when there are three tiny humans you can't really reason with who are at all times close to total meltdown and tantrum mode.
Jayden cried a lot the first week. It was a bigger adjustment for him than I expected. The biggest thing that sets him off is the other kids using the potty and he can't. He's done it a few times months ago, but he really isn't ready for potty training. So he freaks out every time they go. I thought at first it was because they were using his potty seat, but I've come to realize it's really the hand washing. He wants to go in and wash his hands too. And of course brush his teeth too while he's at it.
He can't reach the sink, even with a stool, but that doesn't stop him.
He jumped up on it after one of the other boys- with his clothes still on.
I think in the long run this will be a good thing for all three boys. It's just taking me some time to get used to it. And for every tough moment there are plenty of moments of toddler cuteness and laughter. I am hoping soon we can start adding in some arts and crafts stuff. I'm sure that will be a real adventure :)
WE STILL DO NOT HAVE OUR TAX MONEY. Yes, that deserved all caps. It blows my mind. I took the advice I received from many of you and contacted our local congressperson. They were wonderful and helped us a lot. Even got us to the point where we have signed the paperwork to have our money released to us. But, for some unknown reason, WE ARE STILL WAITING!! All they need to do is deposit the money into our account and it's been weeks. We check every single day hoping it will be there. Our forbearance on our student loans ran out this month because we assumed we'd have our tax money by now. We just keep saying any day now and try to get by. We've been doing that for months.
Jayden is TWO! Can you believe it? We had a Sesame Street birthday party last weekend and I can't wait to show you pictures. That will be my next post :)
I'll show you this one for now:
Mea is still obsessed with washing her hands. We will seriously go through a container of handsoap every two weeks. I only wish she could be a tad neater. She soaks the bathroom several times per day.
ReplyDeleteYou, my friend, need to start a party planning business, seriously. Jayden's party looks like it was epic. I know some pretty crafty people, and you top them all.
Jacob has a meltdown if he isn't allowed in the bathroom when Shawn goes because he wants to brush his teeth and wash his hands too! LOL Often times I myself will sneak in the bathroom when he isn't paying attention and get Shawn to do the same. It's funny how much they love to do those things as toddlers but will change as they get older...
ReplyDeleteMy son is obsessed with hand washing also. He's 20 months old, and started doing it at daycare where they have a little sink just his size. When he gets upset, I push a chair in front of the sink in the kitchen. I put dishes away while he washes his hands for a happy 10 minutes. Then we use a specially designated towel to clean up the floor, and everyone is happy. I'm so glad your finances have stabilized, and hope you get your check soon.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to your lovely family!
Sorry to hear about your money still being tied up! So not cool.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like his party was epic :) And you sound like you have your hands full!
Great to hear from you! I know it's exhausting, but it's great news that you have some new kids that you're watching. Between that and the Etsy business, it sounds like you're making it through. Yippee!!! So pissed that the check hasn't come through yet - unbelievable!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear all about Jayden's party - you sure do know how to throw them! 2 years old? Are you kidding me???
I can't believe the IRS is still holding your money. I also can't believe that Jayden is TWO. Where did the time go?
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the IRS is still holding your money. I also can't believe that Jayden is two! Where did the time go?!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the IRS still has your money. That is insane! I hope it comes soon.
ReplyDeleteCute store! Glad it is going well.
I would be all over the potty training! He is 2 already, there is no reason to hold him back. My oldest was 26 months (a boy) when he was completely trained, so I know it can be done. You don't want to squash the desire or it might not come back.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the IRS still won't give you your money, so sorry!