I have always had a lot of respect and pure awe for my single mom friends because I can’t even imagine taking care of a house, the toddler, and everything else all by myself. This week Jon was traveling from very early Monday morning until tonight and I got a tiny little taste of what it’s like to parent alone. O M G help! I have been feeling like I am way in over my head since the minute he left. Yesterday I spent my lunch break running home to vacuum, do the dishes, put dinner in the crock pot, and taking out the trash. Between getting everyone ready, fed and out the door in the morning and then fed, bathed, and tucked in at night, I couldn’t figure out when I could possibly do all that other stuff. Needless to say, I am beyond giddy to have my partner back by my side.
It’s been a long while since I’ve shown you the actual belly and last night I thought I would try to take a couple of pictures.
And that’s when I was photo bombed by the cutest little toddler (not biased at all here).
My two beautiful girls.
And now I think I have my favorite photos of the belly ever.
Peanut has really started to understand the baby in the belly thing. From time to time she runs up to me, touches or hugs my belly and says, “baby” while pointing. ”Yes, sweet girl.” I tell her, “there is a baby in mommy’s belly and soon you will have a little sister.” It brings tears of joy to my eyes almost instantly.
Switching gears. The tot’s been sleeping in her toddler bed almost a full week now and it’s been going well. She fell off a couple of times at night the second and third night and I ended up putting a rolled up blanket under her sheet and she’s been sleeping great ever since. (Before you all comment on the whole pool noodle thing – yes, I would love to get a pool noodle to put in there and will once it’s not snowing in CT and our stores actually start carrying them again…and I have time to leave the house and get one.)
We’re still trying to find our way with the new set up without a pacifier and a rail and Peanut will whine or cry for about 30 seconds at bedtime but calms quickly and easily. She also sometimes wakes up once or twice a night crying out for her nunu and mama. Usually I just walk into the room, cover her up with a blanket, tell her everything is ok and she falls right back to sleep. Overall it has been such a good transition that I’m not stressing this.
On that note, there have been some messages in various places about us “letting our kid just fall out of bed.” I feel like it’s only fair to clear it up – the bed is less than a foot high, we have an extra thick rug with an extra thick rug pad underneath. Next to Peanut’s bed we also put pillows, blankets, and her changing table pad. Her “falling” is about 6 inches onto a softer surface than her bed. I promise you guys, we love our little Peanut and don’t want her to be hurt. I do believe that she can learn the length and width of her bed, with time.
I know many of you bloggers are used to having less than positive, encouraging, or non-judgmental comments on your blogs but I’m not. And I find it just hurtful that some of you deal with these types of comments daily – why do we judge so quickly and easily, not knowing the full story? A friend of mine actually got a comment that said that her recipe tasted like dog sh*t. Between trying to figure out why one would take the time to write that and how often this person tastes dog sh*t for comparison, my mind is just boggled. I’ve seen posts from some of my favorite bloggers telling their readers that their blog is a tiny glimpse…it’s not the full story. I guess I just always thought we all know that…I was wrong.
Well, any who. I finally finished (omg I’m so behind) Jon’s gift from Peanut and I cannot wait to share it with you guys tomorrow (as soon as I actually give it to my husband).
long time reader/lurker, first time commenter. I would love to hear your tips for transitioning to the toddler bed. My daughter will be 2 in April and we have baby #2 coming in August. How did you know P was ready? I hated sleep training and I’m just dreading this move (along with giving up the paci).
Megan- I’m shooting you an email because my comment is getting so darn long lol
ugh, people suck.
LOVE the pictures of the toddler and the baby belly! too precious… how wonderful will that be to show them in 15 years!
Leslie- I was thinking the same thing! I can’t wait to show them this pic when they’re becoming moms themselves (or not…whatever they want)
Awe!! I LOVE those pictures of P & the belly!!!! So precious! You are just too cute!!!
As for mean people…..if they don’t like what you are writing about then there’s that magic red box with the X at the top right of the screen. You know I have your back, dear!!!!
HAHAHAHAHA Carrie.
OK this post made me think of the 30 Rock finale. Liz posts general, rational questions and the internet world responds with fury and judgement
People will always be crazy and some will always think they know more than you and need to teach you a lesson. The only one who knows what’s best for you and your family is you. Don’t let the nut jobs make you think twice about the amazing job you’re doing with Addi and will with the new addition. We love you and think you’re wonderful, so please don’t let people who have no clue have any impact on you. Love you!
i love you little sis
Love the pictures! Too cute, and something that will be so fun to look back on when the kiddos are older.
Re. the nasty comments, I truly am amazed at what some people will write. Not sure what happened to the old adage “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I understand how sometimes people may have genuine concerns…in which case they should send an e-mail to the blogger…understanding that 99% of the time, something just hasn’t translated properly between the writer and reader.
I just started my blog, so have actually only had to deal with this once…and simply deleted the comment. A few months ago I came across a popular blog that doesn’t allow any comments…and I understand why!
You know you have made it as a blogger when haters gonna hate.
Sorry you had to experience that. I admire your method and will most likely do the same with my baby girl.
Cute belly shots! Also go you for taking care of a toddler, the dog, the house, yourself and being pregnant. You deserve a foot rub and a medal.
Thanks Tawny….mind if I forward this to the hubs? JK
he knows…
Okay, that last shot is just adorable!
LOVE these photos! Will you also be having “professional” maternity shots done by someone else? It looks like Peanut is really taking to the idea of being a big sis!
Don’t ever feel like you have to explain your parenting decisions to anyone. It’s pretty darn obvious you guys love your kid(s) and have their best interest at heart. Like the previous commenter said, you know you’ve made it when you get the nasty comments. Just can’t let it get to you!
Julie- I want to! I need to get on top of that and get some done!
People are dumb. Falling out of bed is part of the whole transition for toddlers. Jax did it a few times, we never put anything on the floor, and he’s just fine. In fact, it has even happened once or twice over the past year and we always crack up. It’s not a big deal! Sorry you had mean comments
And the belly pics? SOOOOO adorable. Love the ones of P poking your belly button!!
I thought it was as well. P’s sleep was disturbed so we put the blanket in there but I’m hopeful that she won’t need it in the next week or so.
I can’t believe people are that mean. Occasionally I’ll disagree with what someone on a blog writes but I’d mover even for a second consider writing a comment. Life is too short for that and too short for you to pay them any attention! Keep up the good work!
PS I know someone who had 4 kids in 5 years so each of them was out of the crib very early, and they are all fine!
wow. those pics are amazing…and your belly is adorable. you should be a belly model! mine was just NOT that cute!!! as for the rude comments, i just dont get them. like if you dont like what you are reading about or the person who is writing it, just dont read it. why people feel the need to comment, change or “correct” others is beyond me. I had one anonymous person comment on my post about putting AM’s nose to the wall …which is our way of time out. everyone in the world uses time out, right??
this person said that “when children are small, their parents judge them. When children are grown they judge their parents. Bear this in mind when you punish her with pain and humiliation. One day she will choose whether you get to be in her life. My mom was like you. Now she’ll never see her grandchildren. When she dies, she’ll die alone.”
Can you believe that?!?! I really thought that the time out thing was WAY better than most. I usually talk calmly, I dont hit, I give her a few chances before she goes to time out and then we talk about why afterwards. but apparently to this person, I am a horrible mom and human being and I will die alone.
Anyway, I am right there with ya – and I for sho got your back!!!! Dont worry about the meanies and dont bother giving them the time of day. You know yall are great parents and you have one HECK of a cute kid!!!
Lauren- OMG that is a TERRIBLE COMMENT!!!!! Just terrible! I have had many conversation with Jon about timeout giving both the parent and the child a minute to cool off and remove themselves from the situation. It is less about punishment than it is about removing yourself from the situation and taking a moment to think about your actions. How people equate that to anything mean I’m not even sure! And your’e so right – it is such a good response from a parent while other might hit or put their kids down.
What beautiful photos! Peanut is going to be such a great big sister!
The mean people that leave comments on open, honest, and sweet blogs like yours are just bored and mean.
I do have to admit that it is comments from such mean people (and the general “what will people think”) that have me a little scared to create my own blog.
Irina, I’ve been blogging for 3 or so years and those comments are rare, especially compared to those of encouragement. It doesn’t make them hurt any less but like many things in life, with the good comes some bad.
*bliss* Cutest baby bell photos ever, I love the toddler photo bomb too
Kat, these pictures are seriously the sweetest! And whew, parenting on your own a toddler and while pregnant…hats off, girl!
ALl I have to say is thankfully I have a wonderful, super helpful husband who is there most of the time.
I LOVE these pictures! Beautiful!
Sorry you’re getting negative comments. I’ve not had many, but the ones I have had are totally wrong and inappropriate.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG! I started a blog myself a while back but have not picked it back up. I literally log on everyday to see if you have posted anything new. I love what you write! I have a 19 month old and sometimes I ask myself if my child is the only child that does certain things. Your parenting style is a lot like mine, and it is so comforting to read about it. I do not judge any of the blog that I follow. If people really look at the day to day activities of working parents and having dogs and getting home late, then they would not say half of the stuff that they do. It is hard work balancing all of the stuff that is jammed into one day. Your blog gives me ideas, hope and most of the time a good laugh – because I had the same thing happen somehow or another. Thank you for telling us the story of your family. I think you are doing a great job!
Aw thank you Sherry!!
My favorite blog hands down. Just please do not think I am a stalker!
You are too sweet – I would never. I’m a blog stalker myself hahahaha (wow…now I wonder if other bloggers find me creepy stalker)
Oh man, I’m so sorry you got nasty comments. Some people just say anything. They are just rude! Andrew’s never had rails on his bed and he moved to a twin bed right after his first birthday. I think he fell a few times, but it never even woke him up! He’s clearly okay! Ha!
And your bump photos are fabulous! I love how interested P is in her baby sister!
Those belly pictures are darling! You have the cutest bump!
I’m sorry you got negative comments. I’ve been there, and it does suck!