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Nanny 911 Candidate?

Who would have thought that a two-year old could have so many vices? Arg! Chloe has grown attached to a few things I’d like to get rid of: Chapstick, Binky and the word “NO!”

Many years ago, as a teenager, I was warned about the addiction to Chapstick. I laughed. And, now – I’m kicking myself. Chloe is OBSESSED with chapstick. It started out as an occasional request; which has now morphed into this: “I need chapstick.” If her request is ignored she’ll have a quite dramatic meltdown. Last night I allowed her to possess a tube of chapstick, which she had stolen from my purse; and during the 20 minutes or so that she held it – she put it on, no less than 10 times. Somehow, I managed to sneak it away (ah! The brilliant undercover ops you learn as a parent). I wonder how quickly she’ll find another tube. Note to self: 1) google “chapstick addiction” 2) hide / relocate all remaining tubes of chapstick.

The fights over chapstick have been minimal in comparison to those over the Binky-boo. That’s right, Chloe still has a pacifier. A couple months back her Dad and I resolved to kick the binky habit… But, like many resolutions – we FAILED. ARG! Thankfully, on most days, I’ve whittled her “need” for the binky down to just night time (yes, she tells me she NEEDS binky-boo). But, we just can’t seem to kick it out completely. I know, this is mostly my problem. But, as a parent – I’m weak. There’s only so much screaming I can take before I just say to myself: “what’s an extra hour with the binky?” I credit most of this weakness to working full-time and being pregnant – admittedly, there are days that I wish I had a binky too (okay – being dramatic – but, clearly it helps her unwind – I’m looking for a figurative binky – which preferably does not include drinking or smoking – ewww).

She’s no exception. Just like every other 2-year old, Chloe LOVE the word “No.” She says “No” to everything! On especially bad days, I find myself arguing with her “No’s” By the end of the conversation, I’m flustered. And sometimes find myself starting the argument: “Well, I’m the mommy…” HA! It’s about that time I figure, she’s got me beat. And, my only recourse is time-out (which, honestly, is more for my sake than hers). I guess that’s what I get for being so stubborn: fate would have it that my child would be MORE stubborn than me. I’m open to suggestions on how to strike the word “No” from her vocabulary…

At any rate, I’m developing a plan: WAIT IT OUT! This must just be the norm for 2-year old girls. Meanwhile, I’ll just sit wondering if maybe I’m turning into a likely candidate for “Nanny 911…” OR wondering if I should just kick up my own chapstick, binky-boo and “No!” habit… That’ll teach her.

Shoes

Of course, fate would have it that I’d be blessed with a daughter who LOVES, LOVES, LOVES shoes. I have NO idea where she got it from (sarcasm definitely intended). The problem is: she LOVES my shoes. I can’t keep Chloe out of my closet. And, for whatever reason, she is attracted to my highest high heels. While, I’m in favor of her learning how to walk in heels at an early age – figuring it’s easier to recover from a rolled ankle at 2, instead of 15 – I need to teach her some of the cardinal rules in borrowing Mommy’s Clothes:

1) Don’t.

2) If you do: be sneaky. Always return “borrowed” item(s) in the exact condition and to the exact location from whence you borrowed.

3) Rock it. If you get caught wearing the “borrowed” item, at least wear it better than mommy – chances are she’ll get flustered and tell you to keep the item.

Disclaimer: Admittedly, I adapted these rules from “borrowing” clothes from my sisters. Sometime with permission; Sometime without. Sorry Ami & Mandi (not really).

Chloe Has Celiac Disease

Over the past year, Chloe’s pediatrician had becoming concerned over her failure to gain appropriate weight. At her “2 Year” check up, she had significantly fallen off the curve for weight gain, in comparison to her height and head circumference. Her doctor ordered a series of blood tests. The blood tests came back with a strong indication that Chloe has Celiac disease. Celiac Disease is a life-long autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. So, what’s gluten? Everything! Kidding: it’s a form of protein found in many grains including wheat, barley and rye. She had endoscopic surgery a couple weeks ago to confirm the diagnosis. The pictures from the endoscope were disturbing. My poor baby had sores lining her small intestines: no wonder she hasn’t gained any weight – her body can’t absorb anything. The good news is that a couple months on a gluten-free (GF) diet should allow her body to heal up, and then all we have to do is maintain a GF diet. Which, sadly, is easier said than done! But, we’re making it work.

This is a picture of Chloe eating her last "Gluten" Birthday Cake.

Thanks to Mom and Alex for the wonderful gift of the bread maker; now, whether I like it or not – I’m going to become the Betty Crocker of the Gluten-Free diet – who I NEVER aspired to be.

As a special plea: please keep your eye out for any products that are specifically labeled “Gluten-Free” or recipes that are GF. Thanks!

Baby "Caelyn"

Last Wednesday, I had an ultrasound appointment and found out that I’m having a baby GIRL! Yeah, for girls! The funny part is that I had myself CONVINCED that this baby was a boy! Why? Only because this pregnancy is the utter opposite of my pregnancy with Chloe! That’s right: little-to-no morning sickness, less fatigue, carrying SOOO low, great (too good) appetite, more back and leg pain. But, alas! It’s a little girl and she’s healthy and I’m healthy and everything’s going good. She was quite the ham during the ultrasound, she wiggled and moved so much – it was hard to get a good picture of her. And – like all girls – kept covering up her face with her hands (and feet :0)! ). Guess I’m really in for it. I already have a diva in-the-making at home, guess I’ll have to make room for two divas!

PS: Tom and I have decided to name her “Caelyn” (like Catelyn without the “t”). We’re just looking for a middle name, any suggestions?

Big Sister

Yep! Chloe’s already practicing to be a big sister. I caught her a couple weeks back changing her baby’s diaper. I forgave the use of 50+ wipes just because it was so cute! I wonder if she’s really going to be this helpful when the baby arrives.

My Little Girls

This blog is dedicated to my two little girls: Chloe and Baby "Caelyn." It's all about them, and maybe a little about me...