CRM is an Amazing Kid!

What a change six months can have in a child's temperament and development.  CRM is turning out to be a really great little man.  I was wondering how he would turn out after all the hitting, pushing, biting, and all other 'ing words he shouldn't have been doing.  After trying out timeouts, a swat here and there, and raising my voice, I had had enough.  The solution?  It was so simple it's embarrassing, I turned the TV off for most of the day.  Now it's usually on during transition times: wake up, before nap and bedtime.  I've been using this strategy now for three weeks or so, and it is like night and day in my house.  The stress level went down, the kids are happier, there is less physical outbursts, and they get along much better.  OMM no longer shudders at the thought of his brother coming near him.  CRM still does things he shouldn't, he's only two and a half, but the TV had a tremendous impact on the way he behaved.  I never occurred to me it would since I don't have violent/angry shows on.  And, I am so thankful I didn't hit and scream my way to force the change.


So, here are the reasons CRM is such a fantastic kid:
- says I "yuv you mom: all the time, unprompted
- gives hugs with a squeeze, and sound effects
- says "nigh nigh mom"
- gives OMM hugs and kisses, especially when OMM is upset
- shares his toys (most of the time)
- trades pacifiers in the morning so OMM won't be too mad
- has helped feed his brother when I'm busy and can't get to him right away
- gives OMM water if he needs it
- listens pretty well now, and doesn't run into roads
- is just about through the temper tantrum stage, he may have two a week if that
- follows directions


I could go on and on, but you get the point.  He is a fantastic two and half year old and I'm having a blast watching and learning from him!

The Sickness Has It's Grip

I have been sick going on two weeks now. It's an awful sick too, really sore throat, swollen tonsil (that's right, just one), stiff achy neck, bad cough. To top it off Husband has been away quite a bit so it's been up to me raise the kids while sick. Now Gumba (herein referred to as CRM) has it. Last night I gave up my bed and slept on the couch so that he (really we) would get some sleep. Today wasn't too bad. Only bad part is he gets so worked up over coughing that he cries, and then throws up. I can't wait for this phase to pass. This boy throws up a lot.

Gumba-ba (herein referred to as OMM) is doing well. We finally have him sleeping well at night, now I'm trying to get him to take naps during the day. He's not too happy that I put him in a crib in his own room. Pretty sure that OMM is teething, not sure how long it's going to last. He's been really fussy lately and wants to nurse all the time. Luckily he is still a happy baby that likes to smile.

Tonight was a lot of fun. CRM was entertaining OMM and both were laughing and playing a lot. It would be nice to get it on film, but, as we all know if the camera comes out the fun and games end and all attention is diverted to said camera. So, you'll have to remember when you had kids and how much fun it was to watch them play together. If you don't have kids, think of something lovely.

Oh, and I should mention how amazing my Husband is. This week we gave me a pass for the evening and I went to a hotel for the night. It worked out well because it gave me some much needed sleep from being sick and miserable. So, thank you wonderful Husband who is working a ton and supporting our family, you're the best!