Just when you thought you had the rules down for kids and carseats, they’ve changed.  My mom found out through a local news station in Peoria that recommendations for rear-facing carseats have been altered.  A quick internet check confirmed it:  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, new research indicates that toddlers are more than five times safer riding rear-facing in a car safety seat up to their second birthday.  Apparently the new regulation has yet to be implemented.  Good enough for me to keep Thomas facing backward as we switch him out of his carseat baby carrier into a permanent seat in each car this week.  I plan to keep him rear-facing until he’s 2.  Charlotte just turned 3 and weighs 35 pounds which means she meets the two criteria to continue facing forward.  She is over 2 and weighs at least 35 pounds.  Keeping up with all these safety mandates can be maddening.  But I knew a lot of you would want to know what’s changed my plan just as we were set to turn Thomas around.  Sorry, Son.  You’ll still be seeing Mommy and Daddy in the headrest mirror.

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 4:  One week until I take the fitness tests again to see how I’m doing.  I know I’ve lost inches but it will be interesting to see what I weigh.  I will let you know the results! 

Hayden from Holland

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

I remember when Charlotte was Thomas’ age and I was a bit overwhelmed.  Having a 10-month-old is so tiring, I used to think.  Then I had a second baby and I laughed at the simplicity I had failed to appreciate with only one child.  In fact, with Charlotte away this week, going it alone with Thomas has been relaxing.  It’s true!  Thomas and I take a quiet bath.  We nap for 1-2 hours uninterrupted.  He plays on the floor and doesn’t say much.  This baby thing is a cake walk compared to my current norm.  But you never get that until the game changes.  When you have a second child, no matter the age difference, life will get more chaotic.  All of your energy has to be doubled and shared between two needy human beings.  I remember feeling sorry for Charlotte when I was pregnant thinking about how much less attention she would get when her brother came along.  But spending this much time with just Thomas I realize he is the one who got the raw deal from the time he emerged from my belly.  It’s never been about just him.  Dave says that’s the way it goes and Thomas doesn’t know any different.  Maybe it will make him a better husband some day.  He’ll be used to letting the ladies run the show!

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 4:  Nice to have a resistance band day since I stayed up a bit too late talking to my friend.  That’s the great thing about this progam.  Cardio is every other day so it’s much easier to get up and to stay motivated when you get a little reprieve between kickboxing workouts.

Kate from Parkersburg

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

I don’t get the tattoo thing, never have.  Think about it.  Some of the hairstyles and clothes you wore even five years ago probably make you cringe in pictures, so imagine how that butterfly on your back will look when you’re wearing a strapless gown at your kid’s wedding.  As more and more people jump on the tattoo bandwagon, I keep thinking how genius it would be to start a tattoo removal business guaranteed to gain customers as fads fade but the ink doesn’t.  And I’m not saying there is anything wrong with them, before you fire off a comment.  I am just amazed that so many moms, especially, are so sure of wanting to express themselves in this way.  My husband has seen so many mommy tats at one local waterpark he almost went up to one woman WITHOUT one last summer to tell her how nice it was to see someone ink-free.  I have just seen too many cases of people regretting one in a highly visible location.  And have you seen how poorly the process turns out when you try to get one removed?  But maybe I’m just too conservative.  I never got my ears double-pierced and my nose and belly button are piercing-free.  Now that I think about it.  I could be in trouble.  Charlotte will likely turn up some day with an eyebrow and lip piercing.  Thomas may be inked from head to toe.  I may forgive him if one of his tats reads “Mommy Forever”!   

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 4:  An intense workout today… I just keep thinking about all the stuff I want to eat at My Waterloo Days.  I couldn’t last in this program without my FUN DAY, that’s obvious.   

Braydon from Cedar Falls

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

Dear Sissy,

     I miss you but it’s kind of fun being by myself with Mommy and Daddy while you’re gone.  Yesterday, I got a lot of attention and you weren’t around to block me from getting on Mommy’s lap or squeeze me too tightly in the bathtub.  I played with all of your toys, even your new birthday gifts, and you couldn’t take them away from me.  Since you’re not here talking all of the time, I have found my voice.  I have been shouting and making silly sounds when I play and eat.  I even waved and said “Bye, Bye” to Mommy yesterday.  Our parents were shocked!  I am trying to say ball, too.  When I heard you on the phone this morning, I could tell you were having a great time.  Good for you!  It is still cool to be here.  I am letting my true personality show since you’re not around to stifle it.  I know we’re only two years apart and it will be years before you leave for college but for a few days I like being the only one in the spotlight!

See you soon,

Thomas

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 4:  My triceps are weak.  The band workouts have confirmed it.  I know my arms are stronger, though.  So that’s good!     

Jordan from Frederika

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

Face-painting by Aunt Bird

I always think Midwesterners are nuts to plan anything, like weddings, outside.  Then I break my rule for Charlotte’s birthday party.  Naturally, it started pouring 15 minutes before guests were to arrive.  Too late to go with the rain date so the show must go on!  And it did, quite well.  Some 18 children and 15 adults hung out in our living room and kitchen until the skies cleared. 

At one point I was balancing plates of hot dogs in one hand, stepping over and around a lot of bodies and watching Thomas hanging on one of the parent’s legs.  Our first floor has limited space so you can imagine what a challenge it was for Nana and Aunt Bird to pull off a spirited sing-a-long and games like Duck, Duck Goose with so many 3-year-olds crammed in a circle.  I must say many people hinted at the whole thing being a disaster so my expectations were set very low.  Yet the reality was an entertaining mix of well-behaved children and easygoing parents who wouldn’t let a little rain keep them from celebrating a little girl’s special day.  The whole ordeal has restored my faith in humanity…. okay, I won’t go that far.  I’m just glad I didn’t let the naysayers win. 

The last hour was spent outside.  Beach towels quickly mopped the water off the toddler bouncer and the rain didn’t hurt the snow cone machine any.  Thankfully the cherry icees stayed out of the house. 

Snow cone, anyone?

My man, the Grillmaster and Green Grass Guru

But hotdogs, juice boxes, chips and cupcakes were had by all inside… and 24 hours later with the help of a vacuum, there is no evidence of the blowout.  Well, Hungry, Hungry Hippos and a tea set are still out… the toys are off the floor, though.  How long will the organization last?  Charlotte’s with Nana and Papa until Friday, so it’s up to Thomas to trash the place.  Fortunately Sissy doesn’t know he’s already played with all her new stuff!

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 4:  A packed house for the holiday workout.  We’re so dedicated!  Dave grilled steak kabobs and hamburgers for us.  Gotta have that protein! 

Ella from Douglasville, Georgia

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 3:  Just when I started to doubt the loss of inches, I slipped into a dress pulled from the back of my closet that I used to wear in much thinner days.  Well with the help of Spanx, that is!  It was just the Friday boost I needed to keep me motivated. 

Kiera from Waterloo

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

If not for an almost daily nap, I would not be coherent for the 10pm news.  Yes, I have more energy since resuming regular exercise but I can’t get more than 6 hours of sleep on weeknights.  After the news I come home, but by the time I get on pajamas and do my bedtime routine of teethbrushing and facewashing it’s 11:30pm.  And now I get up at 5:30am!  Three days a week Charlotte goes to young preschool 2 1/2 hours before Thomas goes to the same place for daycare.  So you can imagine how wonderful it is to look in the headrest mirror reflecting his precious, sleeping face in the carseat upon dropping her off.  Mommy needs her morning nap, too!  One of the calmest and more memorable moments of the day comes when Thomas, and previously Charlotte, cuddles on my chest fast asleep.  Yesterday during a nap my baby boy woke up next to me in bed, scooted onto me and laid back down for more shuteye.  It was great.  He’s a little cuddle bear, that’s for sure.  Dave predicts evetually he will end up in our bed like his sister.  At least she starts out in hers.  We are both so tired we no longer know when she comes in at night, until we wake up with her feet on Daddy and her head jammed in my back.  In one day, our bed may accommodate up to four sleeping arrangements:  Mommy and Thomas, Daddy alone, Daddy and Mommy, Daddy and Mommy plus Charlotte… and some times Daddy and Charlotte.  That reminds me, I need to wash the sheets.        

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 3:  Music is motivating and it helps that our workouts include such an eclectic mix.  Bon Jovi, Bonnie Raitt, Beastie Boys, you name it.  I am such a dork I even dance around a bit between exercises and mouth the words.  Come on, you have to when it’s Living on a Prayer!

Hunter, Cari, Jordyn and Cameron from Waterloo

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

I have known for years if I ever had a girl I would name her Charlotte.  See my maternal grandma, Charlotte, died when I was 5.  What a nice tribute to her and to my mom, I always thought.  My Charlotte’s middle name is Bette after Dave’s mom.  Her name is Pearl Elizabeth but she goes by Bette (pronounced Betty).  Thomas was another multi-family pleaser.  That’s my maiden name and my mother-in-law’s maiden name.  His middle name is my husband’s name, David.  Dave is David Thomas and his son is Thomas David.  I love that.  I knew their names long before they were born and often shared them.  I get, though, why people keep names quiet or wait until the last minute to pick one.  It is a huge decision.  And inevitably when you bring your selection up you risk having it shot down.  I once told Dave I would like to name a boy Lincoln because I am from Illinois, “The Land of Lincoln”, and he freed the slaves.  Without hesitation, Dave said, “No, because kids would call him stinkin’ Lincoln.”  Good point, I admitted.  So it was forever dropped.  That’s the problem with a family of teachers.  They all know children with names you like who were troublemakers in the classroom.  Sticking with family names eliminated this connotation problem!  My apologies to all the parents of Lincolns out there.

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 3:  I need sugar!  I am out of the sugar-free Jello cups I turn to when I need a fix.  Apple and cinnamon oatmeal will have to do. 

Ashton, Mikayla and Cole from Dubuque

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

Charlotte turns three May 26.  I am taking the plunge, for the first time, and throwing a party for her where people other than family are invited.  Think little people… some 25 of them to be exact.  Don’t worry, I have called in reinforcements:  Dave (teacher), Nana (retired principal and teacher), Papa (retired superintendent, principal and teacher), Aunt Bird (teacher) and Mrs. Fischer (Charlotte’s favorite teacher) plus Abby (her favorite babysitter).  At times like this, it pays to have educators in your inner-circle!  Two things are already working in my favor.  The party will be this Saturday of Memorial Day weekend so some of her classmates will have other plans.  And the whole affair will be outside complete with a giant toddler jumper and snow cone machine.  I figure we’ll pump them up with sugar then let them jump themselves silly.  (Note to parents of invited guests:  Really I am a good person.)  My mom, who has dealt with kids personally and professionally for years, says I need to stop talking about the party with Charlotte.  She predicts a meltdown when her granddaughter is overwhelmed by so many people at her house.  Oh well!  The guest list is growing and party favors are purchased… along with a Bob the Builder pull-apart cupcake cake.  After going through something like 30 potential themes for the cake, that’s the one the birthday girl settled on.  Believe me, I picked the snow cone flavor for me.  Bring on the cherry icee, hot dogs and cake.  I’m going to need the energy boost!

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, Week 3:  I have started drinking flavored water to get more of it down.  Protein shakes and bars get old fast so I am trying to avoid them.  Plus they’re so expensive.  I only got about 4 1/2 hours of sleep so I wasn’t too high energy for this morning’s workout.  Good thing it was a resistance day!

Kainen from Waterloo

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10

The doctor’s office called this afternoon.  The spot on my nose was caused by sun damage but it’s BENIGN!!!  Thankfully, once again, prayers were answered.  I am grateful so many took the time to talk with God on my behalf.  I was wrong about this being my second cancer scare, it’s actually my third.  In my early 30′s, I discovered a lump on my breast that turned out to be a cyst.  So boob, neck, nose… all potential sites for the big “C” on me and I’m not even 40.  So many of you know this is serious and scary stuff.  A co-worker was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last week.  We’ve been talking cancer ever since.  I told him that I hated to shove my biopsy result in his face in light of his diagnosis.  That’s the part about life that is so hard to accept.  We all know rough times will come…. but when and to whom is never predictable.  I am reminded from the tears and tension I’ve been through over this that no matter how much faith you have in God, you will struggle to cope with some of the challenges that come your way.  Better work on my relationship with Him now so I’m better prepared next time!      

Farrell’s Exteme Bodyshaping, Week 3:  I have dropped one clothes size, yet refuse to get on the scale.  It’s about inches right now!  

Bella and Jesa from Sumner

Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 10