Potty Training Update

So, we are on day three, and I must say that Owen is doing far better than I thought. We have had no accidents for the past two days! He even knew exactly what to do with his bm's (surprising to us because that was and still is a very hard thing for Micah.) He has stayed dry through his naps, so we have officially used only three diapers since Saturday (way to go Owen!) I am sure we will have set backs, but I think we are close to being able to try those cute little boxer briefs that await on his shelf. Right now, he is still wearing no pants in the house and diapers when we go out (just in case.) Next line of business: getting him off that potty seat and using the big potty.

Potty Training: Take One

So after receiving and reading some random Baby Center e-mail on potty training children under two, I decided this would be the weekend. We also had some encouragement from our pediatrician, who claims Owen to be a pretty verbal boy (communication is a key to successful potty training) and from Owen's never-ending attempts to be like his big brother and use the potty! Potty training is one of those things that is easy to put off: I mean who doesn't like the convenience of diapers. But since Owen was interested, I figured we would have to bite the bullet at some point, and I sure would like the extra $30 a month! So we have been talking it up all week and this morning, while I was still enjoying some "me time" I hear Matt, Micah, and Owen singing, congratulting, and talking about jelly beans. I quickly ran downstairs to discover that in less than an hour, we had success! Good job Owen! So, we continued on with our potty training Saturday: playing only downstairs, (hard woods make for easy clean-ups!) wearing no pants, (just Owen, we decided we could all keep our pants on) eating a yummy new snack-pretzel crisps, (buy one-get one free at Publix right now) and drinking lots of full strength juice and sweet tea. Micah enjoyed the festivities and helped tremendously in teaching his little brother how to use the potty. I really think this made it so much easier for Owen. We love you, Micah! Thank you for taking your role as big brother so seriously and helping us out so much! We called the day a success with three pee pees in the potty, only one accident on the floor, and two successful trips outside where he even pulled his shorts down. He ended the day with a temper tantrum, maybe his first real one ever. I guess all the excitement and frustrations of the day caught up to him. He was screaming over and over "more pee pees again" and hitting the floor, his own face, etc. Poor guy just got too overwhelmed and tuckered out. He is now power napping-we are going on four hours. I am interested to see how the evening fares.

Way Back Whensday (on Thursday)

Raechel, per your request, here are the belly pictures. An unexpected power outage last night prevented me from posting these pictures (certainly not the fact that I don't like to look at myself pregnant!) No really, as much as I loved feeling my boys move inside me, I can't think of a single thing I liked about getting huge, and I mean huge. I gained a whopping 42 pounds with Micah and close to that with Owen. It seemed to start from day one. By 12 weeks I was in maternity clothes and everyone would love to tell me how they didn't gain any weight until 20 weeks, or that "wow I was sure carrying a lot of weight around my hips and thighs." Ugghhhh! Needless to say, I wasn't the first time mommy who was snapping tons of pictures of my belly. I chose to not remember how fast I blew up. Matt did talk me into taking a picture the day or two before I had each boy so that I could have one to remember and, I guess, to show to the entire world. So here goes:

This is Micah. This shot was apparently the only one I would keep because I can't seem to locate any more. Oh, my was I uncomfortable at this point. Micah was stretched out so that his feet were always under my rib cage and his head was way down in my pelvis. I remember wanting to walk to help induce labor, but it was really hard to move much!



Here is little Owen. My belly doesn't look that big to be 40 weeks, but he was nestled way down in my pelvis and he was only 19 inches long. This was actually really good, because besides all the false contractions, those last couple of weeks were much more comfortable than with Micah. The downside (because his head was jammed up down there, he had tortocollis and still has a flat spot on his head where he refused to turn his neck those first couple of weeks. We had to do neck exercises and his neck is fine now-just still working on that head shape. Thankfully, he still has a rather large softspot (unusal for a two year old) so his head is still forming and reshaping. Bit of useless, but still neat information: Both the boys had ridiculously large soft spots covering almost the entire top of their heads. It was a little strange when I would feed them, and it would pulse with their heartbeats and look a little freaky.




Micah loved to kiss my belly and say "Hi baby Owen." He called him baby Owen until he was a year old!

There is Still Time

If you haven't already, consider popping a red envelope in the mail tomorrow. Or even better, just go to this website and you can sign up to have one sent.

No Nap Tuesday

So neither of my boys is taking a nap. It is my fault. I lazed around this morning drinking coffee, reading, straightening my room etc. and neither boy was up before 10. I guess the good news is early to bed! I also think we may be close to being able to let the boys share their room. I can't believe I am saying that. I know they will keep each other up late and wake each other up (no more enjoying those occasional mornings with only one boy). But, that is our plan-to move them in the same room, and I think it will be good in the long run.

Lately, we have embarked on a new season of parenting. My boys are ganging up on me :) They encourage each other to throw blocks down the stairs and cackle as they crash below. I want to blow my top, and unfortunately I have :( I am remembering that they are boys, and it must be so fun to watch those toys fly down and crash against my floor!-- I am still not okay with that game. Micah tells Owen what to say, and Owen is a parrot. So far, this has only been funny things and caused no real harm (except during church service), but I can only imagine what Micah will instruct Owen to do in the near future. Owen has hit the two's in full force. He wants to be independent by trying to do everything by himself. He gets very sad when I forget to let him "help" me, and he gets very frustrated when he just can't get it himself. He is also trying to learn independence from me as well as learning that we are different and that I am the authority. I know this is confusing for him, but it is still hard for me to take it when he is mad at me or when he takes his frustrations out on me for no apparent reason. Hopefully some of his moodiness will subside when his next set of teeth are finally in. I can hope right ;)

On a happier note, we have created a "Morrison Family Dance CD" with some oldies but goodies. I think it is hilarious to see what each boy has chosen as his favorite song. Owen loves "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane and Micah is loving "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors. I have got to capture some of their most recent dance moves and sing-along attempts to share! Happy Tuesday.

Very Insightful

"The bad news is: Dada has to work today. The good news is:
Jesus died on the cross for my sins!"--Micah Knox Morrison

My Little "Gentleman" Bug

Micah had an Ugly Bug Ball at school on Wednesday to celebrate the close of their bug unit. All the children dressed as their favorite bug (I was pulling for a bumble bee, but he insisted on a lady bug) and the day was full of festivities including a parade and fun bug snacks. Here is a picture I snapped when I picked him up. He had a very fun day (I think it had something to do with the chocolate spiders they had for snack time as he couldn't wait to tell us about them!) He was sure to inform us that "don't worry, they will NOT bite you. They are just a snack, not real spiders!"

Way Back Whendsday

My friend Raechel had this idea over on her blog. I thought it sounded great to relive some memories, and I too find it hard to post with no words. Thanks Raechel for a great new idea! So her goes a couple of cute "way back whens" of the boys.


Micah at 1 month. This is one of our favorite early pictures. Look at those seer sucker shorts and those adorable feet!

Micah at 7 months. I love this one because of his big eyes and pouty mouth.
Owen sleeping at two months. This baby loved to sleep! He looks so peaceful.

This is Owen at three months watching Micah play outside. I posted this one because it is so funny for me to remember Owen this way. This is how he spent month 3-6: laughing in his bumbo! Check out that mohawk!

A Really Great Day

Yesterday was perhaps one of my favorite parenting days. The boys slept in, Matt brought me coffee in bed, we lazed around a bit getting dressed and eating breakfast. Then, while Matt and I were packing up lunch, we watched the boys play together on our back deck. They were squealing in delight and laughing at each other. It was music to our ears. They have only recently, in the past couple of weeks, started initiating play on their own and continuing it. Before, it was always at our prompting and refereeing! Once lunch was packed, we headed to our new favorite park: Burns park in Kingston Springs. It has a great playground, a pond, a walking trail and lots of trails in the woods along the Harpeth River. We all had a blast getting some sun, playing on the playground, running in the soccer fields, eating a picnic lunch, taking a walk, and later a hike. The boys loved exploring and were both sad to leave. I think we will become frequent visitors this Spring though! I thought I would post lots of pictures to try to show you what fun we all had.

Some Meal Ideas

Well, it so happened that last week I was making a quick trip to the grocery while the boys were napping (it was one of Matt's early days). I timed it so that I would just get home in time to make dinner. We were planning on turkey burgers because it felt great outside and we could use the grill. Well, lo and behold, I get to the checkout with my basket full and realize I don't have a wallet. They won't take a credit card over the phone, so I had to leave all my things behind and head home empty handed. Not only was I angry because I wasted precious napping hours getting absolutely nothing accomplished, I also felt overwhelmed at the thought of feeding my family. I really couldn't think of a single thing I had to cook. Matt suggested we go out, but I was bound and determined not to waste our weekend treat on my own forgetfullness. So, I came up with this:

1 box of pasta (doesn't matter what kind, we had the end of 3 different boxes!)
1 can diced tomatoes
frozen peas (I just add these to the pasta water at the very end to dethaw)
chicken tenders from the freezer (ours were the Tyson southern style)

I cooked the pasta, added the peas at the end, tossed in some Extra Virgin Olive Oil and minced garlic, S&P, the tomatoes and plated it up. I cut the tenders up after they baked said amount of time and placed them on top. Then, I gave it some fresh grated parmesan cheese and called it dinner. Owen and Matt ate two bowls, and I must say I think I will add it to our family favorites list!

I stole this next one from Rachael Rae

Sausage, Peppers and Onions Stoup

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds hot or sweet bulk Italian sausage (You can buy turkey or chicken to save some fat)
  
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 to 4 cubanelle peppers, seeded and thinly sliced (I used green bell because I had them already)
  
• 2 medium-large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 (15-ounce) cans or 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced fire roasted tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup basil leaves, torn
• 1 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in deep skillet, add sausage and brown a few minutes then add garlic, peppers, onions and cook until soft, 6 to 7 minutes more.

Deglaze pan with a little vinegar, stir in stock and tomatoes and reduce heat to simmer, cook 5 minutes more then stir in parsley and basil and serve with cheese on top.

I bought a sourdough boule and we dipped it in the soup- delicious!

Hope you have a chance to try some of these easy, family friendly meals. If your kids don't like the looks of peppers and onions, try an immersion blender to puree them into the soup! I also dropped cubes of bread into Owen's soup to soak up the liquid; it made it much easier for him to eat and less messy.

On the Mend

I have taken health for granted, especially Owen's. He has never really been sick other than a runny nose here and there. Well he is on the mend, and couldn't be happier. He is back to his cheery, funny, good sleeping self, and we are so happy to have him back. Sometimes you just don't realize what you have until it slips away. Owen, we love you and are so glad you are feeling better.

My Little Helper

Micah has turned into quite the helper these days. He will (usually) gladly help Owen. Today he helped by taking Owen's shoes off for him. And here is a video clip of him playing with Owen by helping him review his animals. They are both congested and Owen definitely pulls a "mama, mama!" but I still thought this was sweet.

New Plant

I recently learned of a plant in my Real Simple magazine. It is a blooming succulent and looks gorgeous in our dining room. It was $7 and supposedly blooms year around and requires little to no care (seriously I have yet to water it these past two weeks and the soil is still moist.) If you want blooming flowers but don't want to spend tons on fresh cut ones, try out a kalanchoe!

Make A Difference

I copied this from one of Dr. Grant's blogs and thought I would pass it along to you!

During the month of March, thousands of pro-lifers from around the nation will be participating in Red Envelope Day. Why don't you join us? The idea is very simple. We all just send Red Envelopes posted to the White House to arrive on or before the last day of the month.

We will all write a very simple message on the back of the envelope:

"This envelope represents one child who died because of abortion It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world"

That's it. Some folks are gathering groups together to do mass mailings. Some have had a rubber stamp made to mass-produce the message. One enterprising group has even had postcards and postage stamps which can be purchased.

Regardless of how you do it, just do it. And make sure your Red Envelopes arrive at the White House on or before March 31, 2009.

The address is:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Send a letter. Make a difference. Save a life. Be a part of Red Envelope Day.

Recap

Our week has left little time for blogging. I thought I would do a bit of a recap.

Monday (around 4:30 am): Seal barking cough coming from Owen's monitor. Uggghhhhh. I am no stranger to croup this year, and I know what is happening. I get him up, steam up the bathroom with the hot shower after I blast him with some air from the freezer. I settle him down with help from Matt, get him some advil (he had a 104 fever) and am able to get him back to sleep by about 7am. Monday afternoon (Matt gets home early thankfully and watches Micah) I take Owen to the doctor. He confirms the croup and says it is a virus, so no meds can really help. We discuss a steroid, but decide to let him try to beat this one on his own.

Tues-Thurs: Lots of Advil, lots of movies (Finding Nemo seems to bring him some comfort-thanks Aunt Sarah!), lots of waking up in the night to help Owen breathe between coughs (which is growing more wet and disturbing). All the while, my usually high needs, melancholy oldest is being a true champ. He is entertaining himself, helping me with Owen by bringing me tissues and such, and just bringing a little cheer into our lives.

Friday: After being up all night long trying to keep Owen comfortable amidst coughing fits and moanings of pain, I call and make another appointment. This is about the 10th time we have been to see our pediatrician this winter. The nurses look at me when I get there and just say "sorry." I can only imagine what a sight we are having had no sleep and trying to cough up a lung. The doctor diagnoses Owen with a viral pneumonia (yep, no real cure). He does start him on the steroid to help him breath though. Thankfully, he only wakes once that night.

Weekend: Husband and I are ill, but trying not to complain as it is clearly nothing compared to our little boy. Matt graciously lets me sleep in both mornings and handles the boys solo (no small task with Owen's grumpiness). We try to keep in good spirits as we hear Micah start with a pretty nasty sounding cough. I am fighting the urge to de-virus my house and rest instead. Micah is still leading the group with smiles, jokes, and games. He loves Memory, an internet game called Block in Hole, (very addicting and he is getting very good) a made up ball game that the boys call "tricky ball," and a lot of "races" (really just running from one end of the house to the other.)

Today: I awake much better-only a few coughs and sniffles. Owen awakes a bit grumpy as he coughs up all the junk that has settled the night before. I instantly give him Advil (I have learned my lesson on not waiting to see if he really needs it) and his steroid. Within the hour he is actually smiling, and playing with toys! He even greets Dada with a big hug and smile on his lunch break. He really has had very little to do with Matt since last Monday (I guess I am just a source of comfort right now) so this is a really good sign. Matt is still a little congested but hanging in there. Micah is running a tad a fever and coughing, but somehow remaining in good spirits. Hopefully, I will write of good health soon! Hope you all remain healthy these last few weeks of winter. We cannot wait for Spring!

Zoo Fun

Matt had the day off on Monday. It was gorgeous again, so we went to the zoo. We haven't been in a while as a whole family and were excited to see the boys' reactions. Micah is in a new phase of curiosity. He wants to know specific details about things, instead of simply "what is that." I think the zoo got boring for him a few months ago because he knew what all the animals were, but couldn't see anything else to learn. Now we were talking about what the animals were doing, where they live, what they eat, and whether or not they would bite him. Micah has never been bitten by anything. I don't know what this new interest is in the animals biting him, but he apparently has a pretty big fear of being bitten! We also got to feed the lorikeets some nectar. Micah thought that was really neat. Owen loved being outside, strolling around and looking for all the animals. His favorite was the duck taking a bath. He loved to call out every time it would dunk its head under.

Just in Case You Were Wondering

I am in the process of making some changes to our blog-updating if you will. Many things will stay the same, just playing with colors, adding some pictures, etc. Our new header picture is courtesy of Taylor, who took some family photos of us back in October. Isn't it gorgeous? I am forever grateful to have these photos. I figured I would use this time to give a little history of the blog. We started this back in 2005 as a way to keep our friends and family updated about my late pregnancy and birth of Micah. For whatever reason, I was not into talking on the phone those last few weeks; I was miserable. Matt came up with the idea to start a blog, and would update occasionally. He also gave the blog it's name. We knew we were going to name our son Micah, and he thought of the Micah Mandate, which is the verse from the eighth verse of the sixth chapter of Micah. We had no idea at the time that our sweet boy would be born on none other than the eighth day of the sixth month, but it makes the title all the more clever. Anyway, we thought of changing the title when Owen was born-didn't want him to feel left out, but decided against it (Micah is the reason we started the blog after all. ) Now, I have completely taken over the blog; Matt hardly ever posts, though he still gives me ideas, critiques, etc. I love having a place to jot things down, and having a way to keep our friends and family a part of our daily life. But, I was feeling a bit of a block and was hoping the change in scenery might help channel my creative energy ;)

Funny Micah Quote

Micah is feeling a bit under the weather again. We went to the doctor today and his lungs still sound good, so we think this is just a virus. He has been a bit puny today, but for whatever reason when Micah's throat hurts, he will not lay down to sleep. I think the drainage must bug him. Anyway, one of his many attempts tonight to stay awake:

(So you can better understand the following reenactment: Micah will often say things that he really wants us to say, so he often refers to himself as "you")

MICAH (coming out of his room and yelling over the landing): What do you need?

MAMA (interceding on his behalf so that Dada wouldn't come up for some discipline): What do you need, Micah?

MICAH (in his most puny, I am so so sick voice) Do you think you need a gumball? Do you think that will make you feel better?

MAMA (trying extremely hard not to laugh, but cracking a smile just the same) That was very clever Micah. You may have a gumball tomorrow, now GO TO SLEEP!

Oh, the joys of raising a three year old!

25 Random Things

I was tagged by Lindsey, so here is my list:

1. I am not really good at coming up with "random" things, I do much better with a specific list of questions to answer.
2. I have never been very creative, but so want to be. I am actually sometimes envious of other's creativity. I am a great copycat though :)
3. I am a nutritionist, though I have never been employed outside of college with anything related to this. I am however always using my knowledge with Owen, who has several food allergies.
4. I require my children to eat fruits/veggies with every meal, and can become overly worried if they have had a couple of meals without them.
5. I love good food. I would rather go to a nice restaurant over getting/giving presents any day. I also love it that Matt will share food with me so we can try an appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert (though we are often too full for dessert). Matt and I actually always share a meal when we go out to eat. Thankfully, we have similar tastes.
6. Olives are the only food I cannot eat. This really annoys me, so I force myself to eat one every once in a while to try to overcome-still no love. My children, however, LOVE olives, and I often have to take them away after the third helping so that they won't get a stomach ache.
7. When I was in high school, I tried never to wear the same outfit twice (my friends and I would swap clothes). Now, I live in pj's and have a few select ones that I wear quite often. I do still love clothes though.
8. I love to go barefoot. I think I once went a whole summer without wearing shoes (except flip flops to stores) My feet stopped burning on the asphalt after a couple of weeks. I am barefoot right now even though my toes are icicles. Matt will often bring me slippers and force me to put them on because "my feet look too cold."
9. I don't think I will ever like it if my kids go outside without their shoes on (hypocritical I know).
10. Italy and Greece are on the top of my list of places I want to go. We are hoping to make it before we are too old to enjoy.
11. I love to read and watch movies. They are probably my two favorite leisure activities.
12. I love to sit/lay out in the sun, but I am way too worried about skin cancer to do it too often. I lube up with SPF 30 on my face and 15 everywhere else. I have a bottle of sun screen in my purse, in the diaper bag, and in the console of my car- Always be prepared right?
13. I cannot go to bed if my house is not put back into proper order. Matt is finally learning exactly what that is and is wonderful at helping me out.
14. I have to have coffee pronto when I wake up. I am hopelessly addicted.
15. I love babies-the way they smell, the way they feel, look, sound. I don't always love the hard work that being a mother brings, but I still hope to have a few more babies.
16. I have had too many cavities to count despite the fact that I brush, floss, and rinse EVERY day-it just isn't fair!
17. I am a planner and I have a hard time when things don't go according to plan. I do have to say that I am getting much better thanks to my laid back husband.
18. I love to check things off my list: read my Bible, pray, read to the kids, teach them something worthwhile, be silly with them, get some exercise, make meals, clean-up. I can become overly obsessive and upset if I don't get all these things done. Again, something I am working on and getting better at-it is a process.
19. We are all still in our pj's today-see I am not THAT uptight!
20. I love to watch the Food Network. It is often on in the background during all my down time-that is folding laundry, cooking, straightening up, etc.
21. Okay, maybe hot baths are my favorite leisure activity, but I have to take a shower first. I can't soak in a bath of dirt! I love to read something and light a candle when I am in there.
22. I can only drink spring water, but I love it and drink 3-4 bottles a day. I have tried in an attempt to save money and bottles to switch to tap, but it tastes horrible even with filters. I think Matt is going to get me one of those water coolers filled with cool Spring water soon-hint hint. They come and change it out for you when you run out.
23. I love ginger. I eat all the pickled ginger that comes on a sushi plate and sometimes ask for more. I am making double ginger cookies today and can't quit eating the candied ginger that goes in them. It looks like Owen has a new favorite too. Oh, and I love sushi.
24. I love my husband more than words. I often can't believe I am living a fairy tale with him.
25. One of my favorite places to go is the beach-gulf beaches to be exact. I am hoping to take Owen on his first ever beach trip this spring, except in utero-Micah has been twice. I think some of my favorite memories are from beach trips.

I think all of you who read my blog have done one of these lists; if not, well you're off the hook. I will say it has been a fun exercise to try to think of things that maybe most people don't know about me, so if you haven't done one-think it over.

Outside Time

We finally got to go outside and play this weekend. I know we could bundle up and go other days, but the boys really aren't into being cold (neither are Matt and I). We were very excited at the beautiful weather and headed to Home Depot to buy an experiment. We have a place for a sandbox, but since the boys and I aren't all that fond of sand, I was thinking of filling it with something a little different. Since Owen loves to "stoop and duuuummmmmppp" these days, I thought we would give pea gravel and shovels a try. It was a huge hit, for Micah too. The boys had a blast scooping up the rocks, filling buckets and trucks, and dumping them back out again. Looks like Matt and I will have a project the next warm day-cleaning out the area and filling it with rocks. Here are some pictures of our fun. Something noteworthy: Micah was very excited about all of this and spent the afternoon laughing and playing, while Owen took this new project very seriously as if he was doing the most important thing in his life to date. Matt and I laughed because if you know our boys, you realize they typically have reverse reactions to new things.