Sticker Chart

As you know pooping at our house as been a major challenge.  Or disaster.  Or a cause of my severe wine addiction.  So as a last ditch effort, I implemented a sticker chart.  The categories are poop in the potty (versus holding it for days and then shitting our pants), Nap time (go down without a fight), bedtime (same thing), and staying in bed (stop the 3 AM wake-ups for requests to put your blanket back over your toes.  Seriously).  

Honestly, I was not hoping for very much.  But I made it a big deal, posted it in our kitchen, and told Paul once we filled out the entire chart we would go to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate.  It is to our benefit in this situation (and only in this situation) that our kid loves Chuck E. Cheese.

And guess what?  It worked.  He loves getting stickers, he will actually shit in the toilet (even though I continue to be a HUGE part of the process-- baby steps) and he is not such a jerk about going to bed.  We "got" to go to Chuck E. Cheese and he had the time of his life.  Ryan and I had a beer (yes they see beer at the Cheese.  The only upgrade) before 11 AM and people judged.  We didn't care.

Happy Friday!  Have a wonderful weekend.  If you do, I'll give you a sticker.

Potty Training Woes

A few years ago, we went to dinner with some friends and spotted what we assumed was a five year old boy with a pacifier.  Obviously, we all had something to say about that.  How could a 5 year old still be using a pacifier?  What were his parents doing?  We would never let our kids do that!  As usual, karma has come back to bite me in the ass and the universe has said fuck you.

Potty training is a bitch.  There are no other words.  We started and he usually does okay about going pee, although he is still not telling us when he has to go but when he starts dancing around like a fool, we can put two and two together.  But the kid will not poop.  He holds it for DAYS.  And then when he can't hold it any longer, he starts leaking poop.  He sharts.  Then I do laundry all day and I get really pissed.  Sometimes I can put him in the bath, which I guess relaxes him and I can watch his face and then put him on the toilet and he will go.  But during these instances, I literally turn into a labor and delivery coach, my hands on his thighs yelling, "You can do it!  PUSH!  I can see it, keep going!  Don't stop now."  I mean, come the fuck on.  

I'm not even asking for advice because I know it is some control thing on his part, and he won't do this forever, and blah blah blah.  But right now?  It sucks.  And frankly I hate talking about it and then getting those "eyes" from another mom.  You know the ones I'm talking about- they look a little concerned and empathetic, but they are really thinking, "I'm glad my kid doesn't do that."  Well guess what mom at the park--- you better hold on to your hats.  Because I would have never thought my kid would literally leak shit.  Your kid my not have any bathroom issues, but he or she will do something else that is just as awful.  Or worse.

I'm tired.  Just like I'm sure that pacifier mom was tired.  Tired of trying to stay positive.  Tired of the negotiations.  Of the bribing.  I'm tired of relinquishing all control to my three year old.  And I'm tired of washing all of his laundry. 

So, if you see us at the park in three years and we are still wearing diapers, I hope you won't judge.  I hope you will offer me a beer you have conveniently packed in your park cooler.  Because (1) I like beer and (2) I like moms who drink during the day and (3) if Paul is still in diapers at age 6, I'll obviously need one.  Or an entire case.  

Seventh Generation Baby Wipe Giveaway!

My sweet Paul will be three in just over a month.  I cannot believe that I will have a three year old.  Everyone is telling me that three is hard.  Like really hard.  Is this true?

Before you ask, no he is not potty trained.  Should he be?  Probably.  I told myself I wasn't going to worry about it until after Charlie was born.  Now Charlie is almost three months old, and I still don't want to worry about it.

Anyway, wipes are a very popular product in my house as we have two in diapers.  And I have two boys.  In addition to dirt diapers, they have a lot of boogers.  I hate the word boogers.  I hate that I am writing about them right now.  But you know who likes boogers?  Boys.  Especially two year old boys.  They come up at the dinner table almost every night.  But I digress.

We use a plethora of wipes everyday for booties, noses, hands, faces, and lord knows what else.  Recently I tried out a new brand of wipes from Seventh Generation.  I was intrigued because these wipes are free from fragrances, dyes, parabens, pthlates, and alcohol.  When I look at my babes, especially brand new Charlie, I can't imagine putting all that "stuff" on his innocent body.  Seventh Generation allows me to clean up the dirty work without the worry. 

The plastic package comes with a close able lid which is great because you can easily throw them in your purse or diaper bag or car.  The wipes are thin with the perfect amount of moisture.  Have you ever tried to wipe crusted macaroni and cheese off a toddler's face with a dry wipe?  Will not happen and will most likely end in tears.  From both of you.

The suggested retail price for  64 ct. of these wipes is $2.99 and they are available at Target, Whole Foods, Diapers.com, and Amazon.

The good news: 

Seventh Generation is providing a box of Free and Clear Baby Wipes to one First Baby Bump Reader!

To be entered for a chance to win, leave your best baby care tip in the comments:

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments

You may receive (2) total entries from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion including @SeventhGen and @babybumpmama and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

This sweepstakes is open to US Residents age 18 or older.  Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.  Winner will have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

This sweepstakes runs from 3/8-3/15

GOOD LUCK!! 

 

This picture has nothing to do with anything, but look at those sweet boys! 

Disclosure: I received a stipend and complimentary wipes from Seventh Generation for this review.  However, all opinions are my own!