All before 9am

***updated***
Spencer came in at 6am asking me to roll his tummy.
After showering (yes I showered before 7:30am) Spencer came in crying that I didn't roll his tummy again and now he felt like he was going to throw up.   He walked over to my toilet and proceeded to throw up.
Sydney cried for 37 minutes that she didn't want to go to school.    She said that she was sick and was afraid that she'd get the feeling to throw up at school.   
I didn't believe her, or I didn't want to believe her so I forced her into clothes gave her some Motrin and sent her to school with the promise that if she was still sick, I'd pick her up.
Spencer had diarrhea.
Nathan opened the closed childproof bottle of Motrin and drank nearly 1/2 bottle.
Did you know, according to poison control, a child weighing 33lbs can drink 1/2 bottle of ibuprofen without being hurt ?   Me neither.  hmm ?
Spencer's fine.   Nathan's fine.   Waiting to see if Syd is in fact fine.

**updated**
Syd's home.  Of course she is.   She was given the option to come home.
She's fine.
Nathan climbed over the gate to the kitchen.  He announced, "ta da, I'm in"
I'm not fine.  I haven't stopped crying.

Cameron Says !

Driving to pick Syd up from gymnastics.
Seat assignments are as follows :
-last row, Cameron - Ryan - Spencer
-middle row, Sydney (not present) Nathan.
Spencer starts, "Ryan, say Spencer "
Ryan repeats, "Spencer"
Spencer, "Say, Sydney"
Ryan, "Sydney"
Spencer, "Say, Sadie"
Ryan, "Sadie"
Cameron, "Say storm cloud"
WTF ????
Nathan chimes in, "storm cloud"


Me, "Cam ! Leave that baby alone."
Cam, "NO ! I don't want to be a zample mom, I just want to push him"

Cam, "Mom ! I just saw a black spider with brown spots.  NO, I just saw a black spider with orange on his belly"
Me, "you mean a black widow spider Cam ?"
Cam, "yes mom, a black widow, I just saw one ! Come on, come and see !"
Me, "honey, spiders hibernate during the winter.  There aren't any spiders awake right now."
Cam, "hibernate ?  black widows hibernate ?"
Me, "yip"
Cam, "Mom ! I just saw a tranchula"
Me, "Cam....tarantula's are spiders too, although the size of a small kitten, they aren't and they sleep in the winter too."
Cam, "oh.  can we watch the video of the spider eggs hatching again ? pleeeease ?"
(I let the boys watch several video's online of black widow eggs hatching and a tarantula being eaten by a centepede (seriously) and allegators and other cools stuff. (mostly peaceful and non threatening) We had also read a spider book (Cam's choice) the night before.  thus my non urgent response to his request to "come see mom come see !" :)

Cameron.   At 4 1/2 yrs old....you have hit the "I'm going to, I'm not going to" stage.  ie.  If you don't let me watch that then I'm going to hit your TV.  or  if you tell me to go to bed....I'm not going to.
I'm not going to put this away.    I'm going to throw this at you.   I'm not going to eat then. 
You will stand, arms folded, determined to look mad and unmoving.    I can gently reach out and hold your hand and your whole body immediately softens and you  concede.   Only one of my favorite things about you.  
You are the kid to pick up when you are mad or sad or tired.   Even if you are mad at me, you'll let me comfort you.    You melt in my arms and curl up on my lap.    I will be sad when you won't fit anymore.   I'm thinking that won't be until you are at least 17.  :)

You play with my hair.   You run your fingers through it, spiking it up or just messing it up.   I Love it.   Not only is it a great scalp massage....but you'll do it while you sit by me and talk.   You usually don't even realize you're doing it. 

You are so sweet with your baby brothers.  most of the time.   I catch you helping them, comforting them, babying them and just being a great example....even though you say you don't want to be one :)  you already are.    You will sometimes say, "I want him to let me hold him...to lay on me like that."  looking over at one of the babies curled up on one of our chests.    Neither baby was willing at that time....but you are still so loving with them.

You slow us down on pre school days.  but once there you love it and you always leave super happy.    You come home singing lots of fun new songs and can't wait to show me how well you are writing your name.

Like any mother I worry about you and I'm so very proud of you and I ache with the love that fills my heart for you.   You have the most gentle and calm soul.  I have no idea where you get it from.  I hope you never ever change.

Mental Health

Is overrated.
I've taken charge of it over the last month or so by seeing a new family practicioner, homeopathic and ended up back with my gyn today.    Talk about beating a dead horse.  
In those 3 people I was prescribed a new drug that didn't touch what was wrong with me, told that I am anal retentive and that is a big reason I have PMDD as well as constipation issues....today though.....today I saw a glimmer of a light....and although I have to go in a door, down a tunnel, along a hallway and up some stairs.....there is a light and I saw it for a brief moment.   
I saw my gyno. (the one who delivered my babies)  It was just for an annual.   An appointment I made over a year ago.   Yes, she's that good that she books out over a year - then you are put on a waitlist and then wait for a call 2 days prior that confirms your appointment. :)
She suggested a different medication from the one prescribed by my new doctor.   She has a bit of a history with me and that helps.
She suggested that I see a psychiatrist.    I said, "do you think that I'm that screwed up (nervously laughing)?"
She said that if this medication doesn't work, there are options that require a couple of medications and that it should be prescribed by someone that specializes in this sort of thing.
She also made mention of a possible ablation or hysterectomy (totally unrelated to the PMDD as it wouldn't do anything to the hormones) but boy did that light shine oh so bright and I drifted off to a beautiful place where I would never have to bleed brown or red blood for 3 weeks out of the month AGAIN ! 
   
I left and felt relief in the form of yet another little blue or pink or white with blue stripes pills with names that don't make me nervous anymore...because I am that desperate. 

I was tucking my big boys into bed earlier this week.   I apologized, AGAIN, and told them that tomorrow would be a better day.   Cameron said in his sweetest most optimistic voice, "yeah mom, tomorrow will be better and I won't be afraid of you tomorrow." 
(imagine, the self inflicted stab wound now being penetrated even further into my chest cavity)
It still breaks my heart.  

Hopefully the Jekyll and Hyde, Jekyll and Hyde, Hyde, Hyde, Hyde, Jekyll and Hyde will go away and my children can stop looking at my face to determine how they are going to approach me.   Whose it going to be this time. 

Bless you pharmacutical drugs.   Bless you.  (oh and please work) 
Much love,
Late bloomer but new supporter, Me !

Blog Readers

Ok, I've noticed that life in blog land has become almost non existent.    What I've recently realized though is that it's been SINCE my bloglines shut down was purchased again and then lost all of my feeds.
1/2 of the ones that are in there don't read new blog postings and I've lost a TON of blogs that I just can't find anymore.   
I came upon a blog I love and just thought that she, like everyone else, had stopped blogging, only to find that she's been blogging like crazy.

If I used to comment on your blog and haven't, please leave you blog address.
If you think I should read your blog, and I may be...just lurking I have a ton that I just read, please leave your blog address.

Bloglines sucks.
Any other good blog readers that are simple read, not read, mark all as read ?  Let me know.   Is there a blog reader that will tell you when private blogs post ?   Is there such a thing ?  I hate checking on those privates all of the time to see if they've posted ?  No offense privates.

Thanks !

Wordless Wednesday

6-26 in 1-2-3 pop !

My baby girl.   The one who refused to get her ears pierced...EVER...unless she was unconscious.
The one who I told could have them done when she was 8, but figured could make the decision for herself because her decision has always been no.     The one who keeps saying, "I'm going to do it on my birthday.  no, I'm not, I'm going to do it on my birthday, no, I'm not.
The one who said, "let's get my ears pierced today after pedicures."  and then didn't back down until she was dotted on both ears and sitting in the chair crying.  
That very same girl....got her ears pierced today.  

Syd's best friend giving lots of encouragement and comfort

Fear setting in

Emotions unravel (this is just before the 1-2-3 pop)

right after the 1-2-3 pop

Girls being girls, with suckers !

Thanks you guys for making it such a fun girls day out today !  
Syd, I'm very proud of you for finally doing it.    You can never have anything else pierced, dyed, tattooed or other wise on that sweet little body that I birthed.   GOT IT !

Potty Talk !

We went to the dentist for the 3 older kids.    Spencer was the only one who had a good seat, earphones, a movie and sunglasses on while we waited.      Syd went back and forth between making Spencer feel safe and comfortable to sitting down quietly in the corner.   Cameron bouced from my lap to the floor, peeked around corners to all of the other rooms...rooms that were all full of patients, families and dental assistants.    He was antsy and at one point even laid down on the floor next to the dentists chair so that he could watch what was happening on How To Train A Dragon on the ceiling.
I noticed his pants pockets were poking out, so the next time he stood in front of me I took that opportunity to tuck them in.    Cameron giggled and loudly announced, "MOMMY YOU'RE TICKLING MY PENIS !"
I closed my eyes and swallowed as I quietly corrected him, "I'm sorry buddy, I didn't mean to touch your penis, I was tucking in your pockets."    There's just no taking that one back is there.
Only one of the dental assitants smiled at me as she put some of the paper work on the trays in our room seconds later.   I'll of course never know if it was a courtesy smile or if she had overheard what he said.
(sigh)

I walked briskly down the hall to the bathroom tonight and as I entered I locked myself in.   aaaaaah I did it.   
I hadn't even sat down on the toilet before the door knob began to shake back and forth.
"MOM, let me in.  MOM, it's Spencer"
"Spencer, I'm going potty, hold on just a minute."
"MOM, I can't get in.    You pushed the doorknob and turned it and now I can't get in."
 :)  
"MOM, I need to go potty too."
of course you do.   "Buddy, I'm almost finished, I just need a little privacy"
"MOM,  can I come in yet."  I unlocked the door and start washing my hands.
Spencer immediately comes in and gives a little laugh, "Mom, I couldn't open the door because you locked it and I had to go to the bathroom"   He stands at the sink and plays with the cap to a water bottle.
"Buddy, I thought you had to go to the bathroom ?"
"oh, yeah, I do (laugh)"  walks over and does a courtesy pee.
(sigh)


"mama, mama, ouch (cry) ouch (cry)"
"What's the matter buddy ?"
"ah penis hurt. ouch."  Nathan pulls his pants down to reveal, the um, problem, "see? ah doctor"
"You need to go to the doctor buddy ?"
"yeah, ah doctor.  ah penis hurts. ah owie"
We played a crazy game of patty cake and things seem to "resolve" themselves.
(sigh)

For my Mormon raised and Utah born peeps !

This is an amazing woman, example and leader.   (standing ovation for getting it right)



Melanie, a married Mormon mother of five, a loyal member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and a self-described "disciple of Christ", made the following video in 2008 in reaction to the Mormon church's campaign to pass Proposition 8 and remove marriage rights from gay people.

After threats from church officials, she took it down, but this week reposted it.

Melanie writes :

I did not discuss the video with my local leaders before making it public, but they were directed to it by church headquarters. At the end of some very heart felt discussions, my speaking out with this video threatened my temple recommend and my calling, and I ultimately chose to take it down to protect my standing in the church.

I have lived to regret the decision. And so today, in honor of the Valentine legend and in support of the love that drives so many of us to share our lives with each other, I stand up once more in favor of marriage, all marriage, with my Prop 8 video.
(thank you M for sharing this site with me)

My daddy's bigger than yours is.

sigh
It was impossible to think that I could raise them without having "the dad" thing come up.

I knew it the 6 years prior to giving birth and even years before that when I was just a lesbian with a dream of having kids.
I do have to say that I've just in the last several years come to a really comfortable and confident place in my head and heart about being gay and having children. Seems weird that it would barely be now.
It was a process for me.  Still is when politics plays it's role in all of it.

My kids are still too little to get any of the political and religious persecution against gay families.   Telling us that we aren't a family and that we are evil etc etc. blah blah blah.
But until our families are accepted and recognized other little kids will still question "why don't you have a dad?"  "you can't have 2 moms"   "like a step mom...she's your step mom?"  because we will still be kept in the closet in a way.

J kissed Sydney goodbye Tuesday morning and said that she would pick her up from gymnastics.
At about 5:30 J rolled into the house, threw her keys on the counter and continued with her phone conversation.    Cameron asked her, "where's Syd ?"    J quickly ended her conversation and ran back out the door.   She had completely forgotten to pick her up. (gymnastics is out at 5pm)   I think J got there in record time at 5:40 pm  :)    After apologizing over and over....Syd tells her about a conversation she had with the teachers assistant.
"The girl who helps teacher asked me where my dad was.   Why he was late.    I just told her he probably had to work late."
J asked her, "why didn't you just tell her the truth ?"
Sydney's response, "I didn't want her to be embarrassed, you know...it might make her feel bad."

Every single conversation that I had created and discussed the woulds and coulds of in my head were wiped clean.   I was at a loss as to what to say.
I didn't want to disregard her feelings.    I wanted to find out if it was embarrassing to her and talk about what she could say instead.   
Needless to say this was the night from hell with the napped babies and right in the middle of me trying to find the words while laying in bed with her all I got out was that Syd isn't embarrassed....she just didn't want to get into it with her.  Embarrass her.
Funny part was.  I said, "well Sis, if you tell her that your dad is coming...how were you going to explain it when Mommy J showed up ?"
Sydney said, "oh, she was leaving.  I knew she wouldn't be there when Mommy J came."
"yes Syd...but what if you say this next time and Mommy J shows up...then what will you say ?"
Sydney says, "well, you know how Mommy J looks kinda like a boy any ways.   Nobody would be able to tell that she wasn't my dad."
"Syd, Mommy J doesn't look like a boy honey."
"Well, you know, how she has short hair and stuff and looks like a boy."
and then....all the hell part broke lose and that was the end.  she fell fast asleep and I didn't bring it up again.   I'm waiting to put all of the words together in my head.

Today we had insulation blown into our attic.   A nice looking bigger guy came to do it.    He was friendly to the kids and gave short quick answers to their inquisitive questions.
After it was all done he came in and sat at my kitchen table to fill out the paper work.    Spencer made little comments and asked a couple more questions and then said, "My dad is bigger than you"
I sat there, again, deer in headlights.   Do I say something now ?  Do I correct him ?  It will embarrass him...I don't want to do that.    Do I wait and discuss it with him later ?  what the hell.
After he left and the kids were playing in the couch pillows on the floor I asked him why he said that.
He didn't really respond so I just said again, "we have 2 mommy's buddy.  No daddy's.   Some houses have a daddy....but not ours."

This is tough people.   It's gonna be harder than I thought and I'm not even into the ugly stuff yet.
Someone is going to tell my kids that our family isn't normal.   Someone is going to make my kids cry.
I have GOT to keep my head together.   I think I'm going to write a go to situational book.   I can label it and flip to it as each situation arises.
Maybe I'll write a Disney Princess movie with 2 mom's or 2 dad's.    What ?  it will happen one day.
oooooh, can you imagine the one with 2 dad's.    Her room and dresses will be to DIE for. ;-)

Naps

 We have been skipping naps with the babies lately.     Which as you can see.....is almost impossible some days.

Our bedtime routine is, I put the older 3 to bed, J puts the babies to bed.    A task she didn't mind doing when their room was our room.....with a TV.....so that she could watch sports whildst putting them to bed I might add.
Now that they are in their own room the task can only take 5-10 minutes or it becomes exhausting.   ESPECIALLY if they've nodded off for a few minutes or 45, during the day.
If they don't have naps...these two are ready for bed (at 5:30 :) and asleep by 7-7:30 pm.    With even a 20 minute power nap, or sometimes 45.....they will still be laughing and screwing around at 9:30-10'oclock.   It really is a nightmare for us err mostly J.      
Plus, with the 7:30 bedtime we have been able to just be at night.   We can talk, or not talk and it's quiet and nobody is trying to share whatever late night snack you have saved in the back of the cupboard for youself.  It's WONDERFUL.

But what do you do when they are just too tired to keep their little eyes open.
I either A)  sit them on the counter and have them help me clean up lunch or cook dinner.  They end up fussing and then screaming for over an hour sometimes in exhausted misery.    Something I don't like to deal with.
or B) after catching them asleep on the floor, couch, under a bed.....leave them and take a picture.   Letting my wife deal with them laughing and playing for over an hour sometimes with no end in sight.

Again.   I think there needs to be a balance here.

Nathan slid down the couch after bob bob bobbing and ended up on Ryan's lap.   SO cute.   Now, had I not decided to choose option B.  This picture never would have happened for a few minutes or 45.  :)

Balance

Both babies woke up and ended up in our room last night.   Nathan peed out.
Well, we forgot to put a diaper on him last night before bed....so technically it was our fault.

There is a streak of poop on my glider in the babies room.  Looks to have been wiped by a small finger.   I have no idea where it came from and I've been smelling each and every room and drawer thinking that I'll come to some poopy mess that one of them "handled".     In the meantime....steam cleaner....I'm making a cape to attach to the back of you.   One that will blow out when you are turned on.   Because you are, my super hero.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentines Day.    No carbs or fat for me.   It was a super special day. (read : boring)

I can't WAIT FOR SUMMER !!!!!
  

Funny funny little people and sad sad times.

Happy Valentines Day !

I am celebrating this day by not eating any carbs.   (sobs, not the silent ones, scream out from under my arms and head as my head lands on the edge of my key board z.cnz/,.vzc./nzcvn.vzcx) 
I also made sugar cookies with my kids today.  (sobs, now escaping my wifes mouth clear from the other room, where she's made herself try to go to sleep to stop from eating one)

Any hew.   on to the little people.
Ryan stayed dry last night.
Nathan has slept in his bed the last 2 nights.   CLEAR UNTIL THE MORNING.
And I haven't had to stick my hands in the toilet to wash out poopy anything since the last time I posted that the boys were completely potty trained :)

NOW....if I could some how figure out how to expand those little bladders....so that I don't have to run to the bathroom every 4-5 minutes.    because if it's not one....it's the other one.
Also, how do I get my babies to clean...key word clean...up their pee, namely Nathan....he likes to stand now and isn't such a straight shooter.   He has to pinch it to help the pee feeling come...so when it first comes out, he pees all over the back of the damn toilet.   He corrects himself quickly...but quickly isn't keeping the toilet from being drenched in pee.   So back to my problem.  I have asked them to clean up after themselves and they either use a whole roll of toilet paper and make an even bigger mess...or a whole thing of wet wipes....because to them...they are toys not cleaning products.
I have them put away...so I have to physically go with them to the potty each and evey time.   Thing is...I don't wanna. (whine whine whine)  sometimes I just like to keep doing my thing while they goest and do theirs.
Any ways.   IF someone knows how to accomplish both...a clean potty and independent pee'ers...I'd like to know the trick :)

Tonight we were playing cards at my moms house.   The kids were supPOSED to be downstairs playing.  But weren't  We get a little sassy when we play cards and my mom says as I lay down my hand.  
"you know, nobody likes you"   J, reads the scores out.....I've just taken control of the lead...and she responds, "oh shut up"
Syd who was standing against the couch watching my hearing impaired (thank goodness) grandma knit turns and says, "you know, I get that from you"
Hilarious.

We have always said, mostly under our breath, but sometimes out loud if it's not dealing with the children and pain.   "oooh, that's aunt karma."   You know, anytime someone is an ass and then trips and falls right on his ass :)   "why, that's aunt karma."
When the kids are acting out and then get hurt....I can't stop it from creeping up my inside voice will say, "aunt karma kiddo"  and then of course I hug and kiss and cuddle whoever got hurt without them knowing that I took a small amount of pleasure in the action-reaction. 
Well today, Spencer had been bugging Sydney.   She walks over and wacks him in the arm and says, "Now That's Aunt Karma !"  
oh my hell I couldn't stop laughing.   I told J that we needed to listen and learn from her.
Next time I'm just going to bitch slap the next person who's bugging me and say, "that's aunt karma"
Give that woman a break any ways.  She works A LOT OF HOURS !

And sadness.
An old camping friend of mine lost her long time partner.   Her funeral is tomorrow morning.
On Valentines day no less.   ugh.   I just can't begin to imagine the loss that she is feeling right now.
I have too many damn kids and can't go. :(   I'm very very sad.
I have been thinking about you Kell, and even though I'm not there physically....I am sending lots of comfort and love with my wife.   Huge Hugs !

To one of my dearest friends.

When people ask me why I'm friends with her, I just sing this.......and also, because I love love love Debbie Reynolds and The Unsinkable Molly Brown.    TOtally worth the 6 minutes.
I couldn't find Belly up to the bar boys or I'd have posted that one too :)

Last..2 quotes by two very inspirational and loving people.

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
- Mother Teresa

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

Wanna know what I do.....

I always stand up super straight and tall and slow down as I walk out of gas stations and banks that have the height measurements on the door.    A) I wish I was taller   and B) I want the security cameras to get an accurate height on me.

I went to the dermatologist today for my cancer screening.   "Take your clothes off and put this gown on so it's open in the back.  The doctor will be right in. "
Those SIMPLE EFFING words send my stomach gasses rolling.  I'm immediately afraid I'm going to release those gasses at any minute.   It happens EVERY SINGLE TIME.   Didn't happen when I saw my new doctor.   Wasn't getting a pap.   but every time I took my damn pants off for the gyno or the infertility dr.  and BAM.  it's like I just ate a bean burrito and washed it down with a 48 liter sprite.  
NO.  I didn't fart and NO. I usually don't. (there was just that one time years and years ago that has me gun shy)  It's just that I have the feeling that I'm going to and will have no control because after birthing 5 babies none of the muscles down their work properly any more. (sigh)

I have this ugly ass mole on my neck.   I've always had it, but it's been growing and sprouting and it's bumpy now with a hint of sod.  ugh.   I lied and told him that this mole on my neck has been itchy.  (the mole was itchy and has been itchy...but it isn't constantly itchy...so technically NOT a lie)  but any ways.
I said this in hopes that he'd cut the mother off.    Nothing.   I could have it removed for cosmetic purposes.   but cosmetic purposes isn't listed on my insurance coverage sir.  
I was also hoping I could be laying down for this appointment.    I mean.   everything (except your boobs and face) looks better laying down.   I can suck in my gut standing up...but not the drapes of skin hanging down.   Gravity is not a pretty thing after having 2 full term sets of twins I'll tell you what.
LUCKILY that conversation came up before he started magnifying it all and he knew of my 5 kids 2 of them sets.   I was thinking about how I could bring it up as he started pushing it all around during my check.  nonchalantly add...."oh yeah, I had 2 sets of twins...I was huge....you should have seen my stomach.  well, now you can." but he already knew so I just sat there with nothing to say as he eye balled my bits and pieces at 110 times it's original size.
Speaking of my drapes.   He found a snag in them.  :)   he found a questionable mole.   he cut it off and sent it in.
I personally think the mother fucker was stretched 2 feet one way and 4 the other.   shit.   you'd be all discolored and out of shape after that too.   I didn't remember seeing it...but again...it could have been a very small freckle before the pregnancies.
Either way.  I have a bad owie on my lower belly now.   
He wouldn't remove any more of the drapes.  you know....just to be safe.   and again.   my 3rd eye blind with a bit of fuzz on my neck will just have to stay there for a while.  sadly.    maybe next time I'll try dressing it up a bit.   add some color.   give it some extra texture.  ha ha
My mom was diagnosed and treated for stage 3 melanoma a couple of years ago and is still being watched.   It's always better to be safe than sorry.   so she told me as she dialed the dermatologist to push me into making my appointment :)  and great.  Great.  now look.   now I have a 50/50 chance at having cancer for the next 2 weeks.  THANKS !



  

Top and 2 cute bottoms.

OMG did you just hear......mom said we're potty trained !
aaaaaaaaaaaah !

They were eating their skittles from going potty. Can you even stand it !

In other exciting and no I'm not rubbing it in...just celebrating with the people who read my blog...because there's nobody else out there that could really care less and since I posted that ridiculously cute bumalicious picture you have to act excited too.    (a little like, not laughing at you just with you, but it's all about me and it's not really funny so you won't want to laugh at me any ways)

Nathan slept through the night.   in his big boy bed.  didn't wake up until this morning at 8:49 am.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh (if you want you can imagine that we're now holding hands, jumping up and down and screaming hysterically with each other.    or you could sit there and wait for the punch line like an idiot.  yeah, I think jumping up and down and acting like idiots is WAY better)

Ryan came in at his regular time 4:52 am.   Not bad...not bad at all.
It's been Nathan who's been getting up and then Ryan kind of follows.  Maybe tonight will be EVEN BETTER !  (shudder) dare I dream.

I  know Nathan sleeping on a high bunk bed might scare some of you.   It made me nervous to think about it too...but remember...that kid has been climbing, laying and jumping off of this bunk bed since he was 15 months old.   He seriously jumps off of it...well it's kind of a slide to the other bed but still.  He rarely climbs up the right way, using the ladder, and will climb up the other end.
He's been doing this since the bunk bed was set up in the first place.   We haven't been able to keep him off of it.
Also.  He is my still sleeper.   Just like Spencer.  They barely move all night long.  Which is why Spencer was and still is my top bunk sleeper.
We do have a long crocodile pillow that we put to cover the opening by his head and then I tuck his covers around it so that it won't move.   Just to be safe.  but he doesn't sleep crazy like most babies/kids.    
Ryan.  he fell out of bed last night.  which is why he woke up and came to bed with us at 4:52 am.  No wait.  he cried and J went and got him and just brought him back to bed with her.  either way...poor kid.    The crocodile was purchased to help keep Cam in bed.   Thus his position on the bottom as well.
We have a bed guard.   We just need to dig it out and put it up. 
Cam and Ryan have ALWAYS been my bed faller out of's.   One day I'll say, "explains a lot"  Right now it'd go right over their fractured heads.  :)

So.  That's the story about why we are crazy enough to put a 2 1/2 year old suspended 5 ft off of the floor.
I'd like to stack them all one on top of the other one to save space...but J assures me that they wouldn't go to bed and would play.   (sigh)
Mama sure would like to have a craft room/office again.  

Ok.  one last time.   just for giggle sake (grab hands and jump up and down)  EEEEEEEEEEH !
I hope they sleep through again ! 
Nighty Night !

Giddy up cuh-boy !

Ryan did it.   Superbowl XXVIIX or whatever :) Ryan pooped in the potty.   He was hesitant and originally refused, requesting a pull up...so J left him alone on the toilet to get one...you know, so that he could put a pull up on and let it go on his own terms....and upon returning he had done a poo poo on the paw-tay.  We celebrated by cheering, singing, clapping and doing the poo poo on the potty dance.   Which ironically looked just like the, Greenbay scored again, dance.
I do like me some Steelers....just not the once, twice, three times a lady raper Rothlisberger.  and if anyone leaves me a comment about how he was never convicted on any charges each and every time,  I will stalk you and toilet paper your house.  before a big rain storm.    Come on man.   It's one of the reasons I like Eminem (his superbowl commercials was not another reason)....paying tribute to Big Ben in the bathroom (one of the places he had his body guards block the entrance to so he could rape ONE of the women he was accused of raping)
Any hew....off subject.   Sorry. 
Ok,
Both boys are in underwear during the day.   Neither has to be reminded to go.    No accidents.
I can o-fishully mark today down as the day my babies were potty trained.  
Strike that.   I WILL not say that out loud.   Like I need fate to come in and wash my mouth out with toilet water and soap or something.
teedly teedly tee.  not even paying attention.  just lettin' em do their thing.   :)  I'M JUST SO FREAKING HAPPY PEOPLE !  It's the first time they've been easy in 2 1/2 years.   First time.
They're always cute.

sorry camera phone quality

For the Boys !

Last night Nathan woke up to tell us that he had to go potty and then he proceeded to go.    He had a wet diaper on.  and he woke up with a 2nd wet diaper this morning (the first one was changed after going potty) but that he woke up and said "pee pee ah potty" was amazing.    And also not something I want to start.   I'm fine with him wearing diapers/pull ups until he's 5 if it will keep him in bed.
Thing is....he's sleeping in a new bed and his whole sleeping routine has been altered.
He starts out in his new bed and then between 1-5 am he and his brother make their way back to our bedroom.   Nathan will usually lay in his old bed which is still against the wall in our room.....Ryan crawls up and cuddles down under the covers between me and J.    Which basically is in fact his old bed.  
BUT.  that they are sleeping in their own beds, in their new own room, for 6 + hours has my internal orgnans doing a dance in my body.    Hope fills my soul people.  FILLS IT TO THE BRIM !  The tippity top.

Sleeping arrangements

My sweet boy.

We let them sleep together in the full on the bottom in the beginning.....this is what happens....for over an hour.   They can't NOT play so Nathan is now on the top bunk.    It seemed like the perfect solution.   Ryan likes the touch of skin and would reach over feel Nate's face and fall back to sleep.  :)  Maybe later on.

Cameron and Spencer have been moved downstairs to the guest/nanny Nicole's old room.    I didn't think they were ready.   J was ready.   We started talking about it and planning some fun things like a star wars themed room.....and both boys were hooked and fully on board.
Spencer has always been my best sleeper and continues to do so.   Cam will come up stairs one or two times and I'll either walk him back down or tell him he needs to go to bed and he does.   We leave the bathroom light on and it seems to help.

Next up....radon check.  
(no pictures...still working on details and their bedding is currently in the washing machine)

Sydney was distraught when,   "EVERYONE GETS NEW STUFF BUT ME !"
So we agreed to move her bedroom around.   She got to pick where everything would go and pointed while J and I lifted and rotated to get it just right.
I have to say.....she did a pretty damn good job.   I was a little hesitant (as I can be a bit of a control freak (shut up)) and would have done things slightly differnt if it were up to me....but it wasn't and it's all her room and it turned out perfect.

I have wood letters that need to be modged podged and hung up.    I've had them since she was 2 month I think.   Time to getter done.

P.S.  Both babies continue to potty in the potty.   We went to a jump house place for a few hours last night...Nathan in underwear and Ryan in a pull up.   They took several trips to the drinking fountain.   Nathan went potty twice.  Ryan once.   Neither time did I have to ask them if they needed to go.....and they both came home dry.   AMAZING !   Again with the dance party happening in my chest cavity right now.    eeeeeeeeeeh !
It was our turn though.   We earned this.     

Diapers extravaganza !

I've meant to post about this for some time.  
If  you buy your diapers through amazon, they offer a 15% discount AND they deliver them to your front door.  FOR FREE ! That's right.   No deliver charge.
No more running out.   And no more running to the store. :)
You can get whatever brand you use and then sign up for the 15% off discount.  
We get nighttimes, regular diapers and pull ups.
We calculated it and found that we were saving  $0.10-$0.15 cents per diaper....even over buying them at Cost.co.
Click here for more details.
We've only done it a few months, but I know someone who's done it for a while.    It's pretty sweet.
(also.  I'm not making any kind of commission for advertising this.   I just like to share a great deal)

This kid is EXACTLY the person I want representing our families.

I think he says it perfectly.   His moms have to be so proud !