Have you ever had one of those days where you really "know" like the second you get out of bed that today is NOT going to be a good day? Well, that was my day. I woke up like any other day to grumpy little teething gooses in the room across the hallway. Screaming...not crying just yelling, clearly for no other reason than to get my attention. Chicken was contently sleeping but awoke a couple of moments later with one of those pucked lipped "I am so upset" crys. Fair enough. This was the standard morning in the Mayo house. But, my mommy radar told me it was going to be much worse than standard.
Let me start by saying I am not one to talk about poo...I find it gross, disgusting and nauseating and can still not believe I have been pooped on and puked on...they are lucky they are my children.
So, blow OUT # 1-Brendan. This was truly...the BLOW OUT OF ALL BLOW OUTS. I am not sure what I fed him last night but clearly it did not mix well with his little belly and his diaper was no match for its vengeance. There is no greater horror when it comes to diapers than realizing it is not only UP the back but OUT the sides.
blow OUT # 2-Adelyn. While I was still adjusting my nostrils from blow out number 1...I was eating breakfast...great, right? Well, Adelyn cute as a little button, no joke, passes gas louder than her big brothers. And it makes me laugh. But, there is a very distinct sound between the 'passing gas to pass gas and the passing gas to handle business' noises. Well, these gas sounds were the later of the two and within 10 seconds I smelt that awkwards breastmilk poopy smell that smells like a bad combo of buttered popcorn and mustard. Now that I have assaulted your senses with my graphics I will continue. Well, I picked her up...and realized she was COVERED in this nonsense. Up her back, up her belly, down her legs. LOVELY. There was no way this onesie was coming off without it getting everywhere. This is one of those 'I warrant a both poops'. Like I said not a great way to start my day.
Now that we have covered the blow outs...let's move right along. Fast forward two hours. Put ut in our cadillac 6 foot long stroller in the baby aisle at target. As I looked at the damn product numbers trying to fulfill a few items on a registry I heard the fusiness start. Their spoons were no longer holding their interest. I MUST HURRY. But within seconds spoons, sippy cups and snack containers were being pelted passed the diapers and landing near the newborn clothes (my boys have great arms...while I hate public meltdowns I am nervous about discouraging a behavior that could potentially make me the mother of professional baseball players). I ran, picked up the items and returned to my Cadi to hurry to the check out stand. I couldn't go fast enough...I knew this. Today was just not a good day. Before I reached electronics, mind you I am in a slow jog at this point pushing 100 + lbs of children and stroller, Colin turns around to the best of his abilities smacks Brendan upside the head and starts SCREAMING! Like really...screaming. My kids don't scream like this...they did today. Both of them. As I realized I was that person today, the one that you look at and wonder "who the hell gave them the license to breed?". Yea...well, that's me and I have three of them. They screamed all the way through check out stopping breifly when crazy old women tried to talk to me when CLEARLY I didn't have the time (that is another blog for another day).
While exiting the building a mother with a young child approached me and said "You are so patient. I melt down with one." I don't judge parents of singletons. Their one child may be a nightmare and my 3 incredibly well behaved though at times demons of children may treat my sanity much better than hers. I couldn't help but just smile and laugh. I meltdown...I have my moments...but I certainly do not do it in public. What is the point of that? I have never understood the parents who yell and scream and grab and pull. That isn't me and isn't my parenting style. But, did she really think screaming and crying in public (which I would have loved to do) was going to help my situation? Oh holy heavens no. Meltdowns happen in private places. Like the shower. I find catharsis in tears and screaming but it won't happen in front of my family let alone the general public.
Today we got no where with potty training...I had to much poop on me to try to focus on keeping it anywhere but the diaper. As far as language development goes...we didn't get very far but their vocal chords are in good shape when they are ready to try and the spoon issue...but bought new utensils at Target...dinner will be the first try.
Now, I would really like Steven to get home so I can take that shower.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Toilets. Words and Spoons.
Toilets. Words. Spoons.
My life revolves around these three things. Funny how things change.
We have officially decided to introduce the boys to the toilet. I am not hoping for miracles here but I figure SAHM used to do it all the time "back in the day" no reason I shouldn't try. To be honest the boys aren't interested or not as interested as I would like them to be. They would much rather pull the potty part out and wear it as a hat. They have sat down on occassion but I am not sure that it was out of understanding or just thinking they had aquired a cool new chair. They let me know when they have gone "number two" so there is an understanding of bodily functions occuring now if I could only get them to let me know when they are going. But, I am sure that will be a challenge for another day. Today I will focus on keeping the potty in the potty seat.
Twins are funny little creatures. Have their own little language and really no desire to communicate with anyone but each other...unless they want something at which time the decide it is best to scream about their needs being fulfilled. We are working on language development and I am not sure it is going as quickly as I would like it to. We get basic words. "hi", "bye", "mommy", "daddy", "I love you" (or at least what sounds like it) an occassional "up" and "down" but really nothing more no matter how much I prod and pry at it the dang kids don't want to say "cup", "food", "all done". They would prefer sign these things to me though I know their language abilities would allow them to use them. So, how do you force a kid to talk? I guess you really don't. I would feel like a bad mother with holding their desired items until they tell me in their "big boy words". So, I am stuck. We read. Everyday a lot. I talk to them all day about what I am doing. Describe everything to them as I am doing it. Watch 'educational' cartoons and try to interact within as much as they let me...and I feel like I am at a point when there is nothing more I can do. I hate feeling stuck as a parent...feeling like there is nothing more I can do and that all of the work I am doing is getting me no where.
Now, as far as utensil use goes. My kids don't get it. Or maybe I don't get how to make them get it. They love their spoons. They don't like using them for their intended use. They would prefer throw them at each other, sword fight with them and attempt to drink whatever I have placed in their bowls. I show them how to use it make sure I eat using whatever utensil I give them in hopes that they will mimic me and still nothing. I end up with yogurt in the hair...cheerios on the floor and a royal mess. And messes and me aren't getting along right now. Messes mean I have to clean them instantly and if I don't face a considerable amount of anxiety. Maybe they pick up on this. Is it possible that children that young know how to "get me" so to speak. No...can't be. But, then again they are Mayo's.
Well, nothing better than feeling defeated as the end of another long week comes to an end. Tommorrow is another day. Another day to master the art of using a spoon. Another day to work on the learning of words and another day to have my children pour yogurt, pudding and oatmeal on the floor and me clean it while happily singing my crazy little song.
My life revolves around these three things. Funny how things change.
We have officially decided to introduce the boys to the toilet. I am not hoping for miracles here but I figure SAHM used to do it all the time "back in the day" no reason I shouldn't try. To be honest the boys aren't interested or not as interested as I would like them to be. They would much rather pull the potty part out and wear it as a hat. They have sat down on occassion but I am not sure that it was out of understanding or just thinking they had aquired a cool new chair. They let me know when they have gone "number two" so there is an understanding of bodily functions occuring now if I could only get them to let me know when they are going. But, I am sure that will be a challenge for another day. Today I will focus on keeping the potty in the potty seat.
Twins are funny little creatures. Have their own little language and really no desire to communicate with anyone but each other...unless they want something at which time the decide it is best to scream about their needs being fulfilled. We are working on language development and I am not sure it is going as quickly as I would like it to. We get basic words. "hi", "bye", "mommy", "daddy", "I love you" (or at least what sounds like it) an occassional "up" and "down" but really nothing more no matter how much I prod and pry at it the dang kids don't want to say "cup", "food", "all done". They would prefer sign these things to me though I know their language abilities would allow them to use them. So, how do you force a kid to talk? I guess you really don't. I would feel like a bad mother with holding their desired items until they tell me in their "big boy words". So, I am stuck. We read. Everyday a lot. I talk to them all day about what I am doing. Describe everything to them as I am doing it. Watch 'educational' cartoons and try to interact within as much as they let me...and I feel like I am at a point when there is nothing more I can do. I hate feeling stuck as a parent...feeling like there is nothing more I can do and that all of the work I am doing is getting me no where.
Now, as far as utensil use goes. My kids don't get it. Or maybe I don't get how to make them get it. They love their spoons. They don't like using them for their intended use. They would prefer throw them at each other, sword fight with them and attempt to drink whatever I have placed in their bowls. I show them how to use it make sure I eat using whatever utensil I give them in hopes that they will mimic me and still nothing. I end up with yogurt in the hair...cheerios on the floor and a royal mess. And messes and me aren't getting along right now. Messes mean I have to clean them instantly and if I don't face a considerable amount of anxiety. Maybe they pick up on this. Is it possible that children that young know how to "get me" so to speak. No...can't be. But, then again they are Mayo's.
Well, nothing better than feeling defeated as the end of another long week comes to an end. Tommorrow is another day. Another day to master the art of using a spoon. Another day to work on the learning of words and another day to have my children pour yogurt, pudding and oatmeal on the floor and me clean it while happily singing my crazy little song.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Vaccinations and my little chicken
Let me start by saying I AM NOT AGAINST vaccinations. I DO believe that they serve a purpose. I DO NOT believe that they 'cause' autism. I DO believe that without them we would be facing nationwide epidemics of diseases. I DO NOT believe that parents should choose to forgo vaccinating their children hoping that their child will not be exposed to the condition.
But, I DO believe that there is a certain amount of vaccination education that is being with held from parents. I am sure as a mommy or daddy you have taken your child to receive their well-child check-up are handed a stack of papers regarding the vaccinations your child is about to receive and you tuck them away as you prepare your little one for their shots...not thinking twice about reading them. I know most parents do not question their child's pediatrician and unfortunately, we have become a nation that relies to heavily on others doing what is right for us, our children and our families. I know I never questioned the vaccinations that my children were receiving...I never asked whether or not they were preservative free. Whether they were a combo vaccination. Whether they contained live viruses. (The first time I even considered these questions was while pregnant and debating on the H1N1 vaccination).
But, recently, I have been forced to question these things. Upon returning to Ventura County, after spending a year in Monterey, I was told by my new pediatrician that my boys were behind on their vaccinations and basically told I was a miserable parent for allowing this to happen. Behind? There was no way they were "behind" they were in daycare while I worked. I didn't question whether they were or not and just went along with their "new" catch-up schedule. I listened to their pediatrician tell me they were "missing" their chicken pox vaccination and they were behind on their HIB and MMR. Sure. Okay. Whatever you say. After all you are the doctor.
I knew that my boys vaccination schedule was slightly modified because of their previous pediatricians preference which included delayed chicken pox vaccination to allow time for children to catch the chicken pox which is what he preferred and I felt his reasoning behind such was sound. And I also knew that he had "spacing" between others to allow their bodies time to adjust between individual vaccinations...but I was certain they weren't "behind". When I contacted my previous pediatrician regarding this they told me that they were NOT behind. They were being vaccinated WITHIN CDC guidelines just not on a traditional vaccination schedule. Yet, our current pediatrician said nothing to us about being within guidelines...simply told us we were behind. Either she wasn't happy with our non-traditional approach or knew nothing about the guidelines existing that varied from standards.
At my daughters 8 week appointment, I again, didn't really question the quantity of vaccinations she was receiving (6 in total). She received rotavirus, polio, DTap, Hep B, HIB. PCV. SIX VACCINATIONS!!! I got my stack of papers shoved them into my purse and readied my chicken for her shots. She handled them like a trooper. Then minutes later while attempting to feed her, I felt ever muscle in her petite little body tense up, her eyes rolled into her head and she began projectile vomiting. I am not sure if I yelled for help or just began screaming but within seconds doctors, nurses and a handful of EMT's surrounded my daughter. I couldn't see her as they encircled her. I NEVER felt so helpless. My heart broke a thousand times every time I heard her make a sound and I sat broken. Not knowing at all what to do.
After she was deemed okay but all present parties we sat. I held her so tight not wanting to let go. I couldn't even imagine what havoc just happened in her little body.
That experience as horrible as it was prompted me to get educated. I have read more about, talked to more people regarding and found more information on vaccinations than I have ever wanted to know. And it has also prompted me to advocate not only for myself, but for my children. Though the incident that happened to my daughter occurred within minutes of vaccination the CDC prohibits physicians from saying that any event is caused by the vaccination and instead they must say that there MAY be a correlation between the two. There MAY BE a correlation? I am pretty sure that is a pretty positive cause and effect relationship. But, hey, I am not the US government so I will just go with what they have to say. According to the statistics on the DTap vaccination (the one that the pediatrician suggested may have been responsible for the episode) 170 children have suffered a "major convulsive episode" within minutes of receiving the vaccination within the last 5 years. 1,800 more have suffered from another severe event including: catatonic like state, severe unstoppable crying lasting 3 or more hours, severe vomiting, and other brain reactions. That equals nearly 2000 children suffering a severe reaction...and you know where this was listed on my cheat sheet of sign and symptoms to watch out for? IN FINE PRINT ON THE BOTTOM. Where is says "rarely these symptoms will occur". I understand that putting those effects in bold letters at the top of the page might discourage people from vaccinating their children but it would also force them to understand the risks they are taking. I could care less about "redness, swelling, fatigue and tiredness"...hell, I get that when I get vaccinated.
Like, I said...I DO NOT believe vaccinations should be avoided but I think parents should be fully aware of the risks that they are taking. And should advocate for themselves and their children. I have learned that I can now split up vaccinations, meaning no vaccine will be given as a combo vaccination, I can ask that all vaccinations be preservative free, I can follow the vaccination schedule I CHOOSE not the one dictated by my pediatrician or even the CDC for that matter.
The increase in vaccinations in the last 25 years is remarkable. It is a 260% increase. Not only that but vaccine combinations are NOT tested in their combo form but rather tested individually. It has been questioned whether or not the increase in vaccinations is truly necessary. Vaccines contain a number of HARMFUL substances to humans; including anti-freeze, disinfectants, known Nero-toxins and harmful preservatives. There is a conflict interest between vaccine makers and big government. Vaccinations are big business and big money and because of this information may be clouded along the pipeline and there has been recent concern over the efficacy of vaccinations.
It is up to parents to choose to vaccinate, not to vaccinate, to forgo some vaccinations, to follow their own schedule and NO ONE can force a parent to vaccinate if they are not comfortable.
So, that is my tangent for the day. My children...ALL THREE OF THEM...will now receive their vaccinations independently of each other, They will not be receiving any combo vaccinations and will not be receiving more than 3 vaccinations at any given time. I have educated myself and urge all parents to do so for themselves.
But, I DO believe that there is a certain amount of vaccination education that is being with held from parents. I am sure as a mommy or daddy you have taken your child to receive their well-child check-up are handed a stack of papers regarding the vaccinations your child is about to receive and you tuck them away as you prepare your little one for their shots...not thinking twice about reading them. I know most parents do not question their child's pediatrician and unfortunately, we have become a nation that relies to heavily on others doing what is right for us, our children and our families. I know I never questioned the vaccinations that my children were receiving...I never asked whether or not they were preservative free. Whether they were a combo vaccination. Whether they contained live viruses. (The first time I even considered these questions was while pregnant and debating on the H1N1 vaccination).
But, recently, I have been forced to question these things. Upon returning to Ventura County, after spending a year in Monterey, I was told by my new pediatrician that my boys were behind on their vaccinations and basically told I was a miserable parent for allowing this to happen. Behind? There was no way they were "behind" they were in daycare while I worked. I didn't question whether they were or not and just went along with their "new" catch-up schedule. I listened to their pediatrician tell me they were "missing" their chicken pox vaccination and they were behind on their HIB and MMR. Sure. Okay. Whatever you say. After all you are the doctor.
I knew that my boys vaccination schedule was slightly modified because of their previous pediatricians preference which included delayed chicken pox vaccination to allow time for children to catch the chicken pox which is what he preferred and I felt his reasoning behind such was sound. And I also knew that he had "spacing" between others to allow their bodies time to adjust between individual vaccinations...but I was certain they weren't "behind". When I contacted my previous pediatrician regarding this they told me that they were NOT behind. They were being vaccinated WITHIN CDC guidelines just not on a traditional vaccination schedule. Yet, our current pediatrician said nothing to us about being within guidelines...simply told us we were behind. Either she wasn't happy with our non-traditional approach or knew nothing about the guidelines existing that varied from standards.
At my daughters 8 week appointment, I again, didn't really question the quantity of vaccinations she was receiving (6 in total). She received rotavirus, polio, DTap, Hep B, HIB. PCV. SIX VACCINATIONS!!! I got my stack of papers shoved them into my purse and readied my chicken for her shots. She handled them like a trooper. Then minutes later while attempting to feed her, I felt ever muscle in her petite little body tense up, her eyes rolled into her head and she began projectile vomiting. I am not sure if I yelled for help or just began screaming but within seconds doctors, nurses and a handful of EMT's surrounded my daughter. I couldn't see her as they encircled her. I NEVER felt so helpless. My heart broke a thousand times every time I heard her make a sound and I sat broken. Not knowing at all what to do.
After she was deemed okay but all present parties we sat. I held her so tight not wanting to let go. I couldn't even imagine what havoc just happened in her little body.
That experience as horrible as it was prompted me to get educated. I have read more about, talked to more people regarding and found more information on vaccinations than I have ever wanted to know. And it has also prompted me to advocate not only for myself, but for my children. Though the incident that happened to my daughter occurred within minutes of vaccination the CDC prohibits physicians from saying that any event is caused by the vaccination and instead they must say that there MAY be a correlation between the two. There MAY BE a correlation? I am pretty sure that is a pretty positive cause and effect relationship. But, hey, I am not the US government so I will just go with what they have to say. According to the statistics on the DTap vaccination (the one that the pediatrician suggested may have been responsible for the episode) 170 children have suffered a "major convulsive episode" within minutes of receiving the vaccination within the last 5 years. 1,800 more have suffered from another severe event including: catatonic like state, severe unstoppable crying lasting 3 or more hours, severe vomiting, and other brain reactions. That equals nearly 2000 children suffering a severe reaction...and you know where this was listed on my cheat sheet of sign and symptoms to watch out for? IN FINE PRINT ON THE BOTTOM. Where is says "rarely these symptoms will occur". I understand that putting those effects in bold letters at the top of the page might discourage people from vaccinating their children but it would also force them to understand the risks they are taking. I could care less about "redness, swelling, fatigue and tiredness"...hell, I get that when I get vaccinated.
Like, I said...I DO NOT believe vaccinations should be avoided but I think parents should be fully aware of the risks that they are taking. And should advocate for themselves and their children. I have learned that I can now split up vaccinations, meaning no vaccine will be given as a combo vaccination, I can ask that all vaccinations be preservative free, I can follow the vaccination schedule I CHOOSE not the one dictated by my pediatrician or even the CDC for that matter.
The increase in vaccinations in the last 25 years is remarkable. It is a 260% increase. Not only that but vaccine combinations are NOT tested in their combo form but rather tested individually. It has been questioned whether or not the increase in vaccinations is truly necessary. Vaccines contain a number of HARMFUL substances to humans; including anti-freeze, disinfectants, known Nero-toxins and harmful preservatives. There is a conflict interest between vaccine makers and big government. Vaccinations are big business and big money and because of this information may be clouded along the pipeline and there has been recent concern over the efficacy of vaccinations.
It is up to parents to choose to vaccinate, not to vaccinate, to forgo some vaccinations, to follow their own schedule and NO ONE can force a parent to vaccinate if they are not comfortable.
So, that is my tangent for the day. My children...ALL THREE OF THEM...will now receive their vaccinations independently of each other, They will not be receiving any combo vaccinations and will not be receiving more than 3 vaccinations at any given time. I have educated myself and urge all parents to do so for themselves.
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