Super Mom?

During my hiatus away from this ever-so-popular blog, there was so much that happened, that there is no way I can possibly begin to put it all onto the screen. Let me start by telling you that the good days have begun to outweigh the bad, which is great, because for quite some time it was the other way around! To help all of us get through the days, I have been staying away from my phone as much as possible, only logging on to Facebook about twice a day, and eating a LOT of cookies. Everything is better with a cookie, right?

I have also been reading up on several other blogs and such. The parenting blogs these days crack me up so bad. I have gone from reading ones like "We do not touch our Vulvas at the Table," to something like "7 Million things your toddler will do to piss you off today." Wait, I think that last one was just a title I'm coming up with....heh. ;)

Today I read a couple of very interesting articles. The first one hit right at home. It was about parents feeling the need to be Super Mom. Let me tell you, I am definitely not super in any way. While I may humbly laugh it off and act like I've got it together, I know the truth! The article goes on to say that parents are under so much pressure to be so involved in every part of their child's day, that they end up withdrawing themselves instead. It said that with social media, we see all of the amazing crafts, and workouts, and gourmet lunches, and projects, etc., that we tend to think that we can't live up to other people. This causes anxiety, and we start stressing over ridiculous things. For instance, I can tell you that I probably tell my husband at least twice a week that I am a terrible mother, and shouldn't have been allowed to be a parent. I lose my patience, I cry all the time, I leave the dishes in the sink sometimes, and sometimes I have to re-wash a load of laundry because I forgot it was in the washer. But you know what? So do other people. We feel anxious that we aren't doing all of the amazing things some people do, but, we also don't know what their lives are like OFFLINE. Online, I have a smiley little 20 month old, who is just the sweetest thing. My online self is a LIAR. This is not my child. She does not smile for the camera EVER, and is probably screaming in the picture that looks like a smile! She also has several tantrums a day and is like a rabid hyena hyped up on 17 Redbulls. Anyway, to get to my point, this article is basically telling us to just step back for a minute and realize that things are okay, and everyone has problems, and toddlers throwing fits over the most irrational things imaginable.

The next article I happened to read today, was about a dad. He said the doctors were concerned that his breastfed child was not getting enough to eat, and needed formula to help him gain. After talking it over with his wife, who was refusing to give in, he decided to come to the child's daycare everyday, and feed him a 4 oz bottle of formula. As a breastfeeding mother, I was also told to supplement for my baby, who was early and underweight. I also chose to disregard the suggestion and only breastfed. I understand the mother's reluctance, and I also understand the father's reasoning. HOWEVER, I also have to say, that if my husband was generally concerned about the well being of my child, I would hope that he respected me enough to tell me how he was feeling, as opposed to going behind my back to give our child something that we hadn't agreed upon. I'm not one to openly discuss controversial topics, but how does this sit with other parents out there?

Back to life as we know it. I recently celebrated my 2 year Nanny-versary! YAY me! Looking back over those two years, all I can think about is, holy cow time sure goes by fast! When I started this fantastic journey into Nannyhood, I was a mere 14 weeks pregnant, and was taking care of a 2 1/2 year old, and newborn. Now, just 2 short years later, I take care of 4!! My how things have changed! Lets see what has changed....

I am ready to go to bed, before I wake up for the day.

I base my days on how many kids are grumpy

My husband and I discuss poop and sleep schedules more than we discuss the news

I count the minutes until nap time and bed time

I hear Heavenly Angels sing every time I lay the baby down to sleep

Breastfeeding has given me a hunch back

And terrible boobs

And a whole new outlook on built-in bras

I have made the most amazing friends in my MOMS Club (Seriously, you know who you are)

I judge how important errands are, by how many kids I have to buckle in!

We base our Costco trips on what time the samples are out!

And last but certainly not least...

I feel more love and happiness from these children, than I ever knew was possible!

Children definitely have a way of dancing on your nerves. Seriously, they love to dance. But, even though sometimes I really don't like my child very much (I'm not ashamed to admit it), she is the only person who can make me smile no matter how I'm feeling. My boss and I always say that God made kids cute, because he knew that was the only way they could survive! Thank goodness for the cuteness, because otherwise, you would be seeing me on an episode of Snapped! ;)

So, I will now end my rambling! And, in true MommyNanny Jean fashion, I will end this blog with a spectacular photo montage of random moments from my (seemingly) well put-together life!! Enjoy!

 We took a family vacation to Florida, and Annabelle loved the beach

 The tiger was probably more terrified...

 Is there a better place to nurse??

 Like I said, Heavenly Angels sing when the baby goes to sleep!

 Love this girl!

 The reason I do what I do!

 Uncle Jac came to visit us for 2 weeks!! Annabelle adores him!

 She's crazy

 My Nanny-versary photo!

 They love the water!

 Singing the "Let's go Pee Pee" song...

 Surprise Birthday present, for the most deserving boss!

 Her baby had to nurse, too.

 

 Playground fun!

Her current favorite thing in the world, ICE!

 

Thanks for reading! Enjoy your back to school days!

You Are Enough

Hello! Yes, for those who are wondering, I am still alive! It has been over a month since I last updated the world on the craziness that is my life! I will try my absolute hardest to try and summarize everything that has happened in the past weeks, but I can't promise I won't leave out something or bore you to death with my rambling!

A funny thing happens when more children join the group you have...you really do begin forgetting yourself! I am so busy trying to please so many people, that I often times don't realize that I go entire days without eating, or drinking a cup of water! I remember thinking that some days were secretly 40 hours long, and would never end, but now it's 7 am one minute, and bed time the next! Don't get me wrong- a lot of days still feel like they're 40 hours long, but it's a busy 40 hours! Diapers, bottles, lunch, more diapers, more bottles, dinner! It's an endless cycle, and it's a tedious cycle! But, I have to remind myself, that someday they wont need me as much! I am helping to shape the lives of 4 little independent people!

Since it's been so long, I think an overload of pictures are necessary to help me remember how much happens in a day!

 The toddlers have been really into helping lately! They were bringing in the laundry, and putting it in the hamper, laughing hysterically, saying "There."  

 Jacob is telling Annabelle "Let's jump, it's fun!" I say it's not so fun.

 They're domesticated already. Helping each other with the struggle of household maintenance.

 One day, I went to use the restroom, and when I came out I heard Jacob say "Uh oh, Nanny..." Come around the corner to see Annabelle sitting on the table drinking from my cup, and Jacob rummaging through my bag looking for some hidden treasure. Vultures!

 Like I said, they really like the help each other...

 Annabelle is honing in on her Superpower. I'm thinking it has something to do with magically making food appear in front of her!

 She really loves climbing. On everything. The other day, she climbed up the oven. THE OVEN!

 "If this 'Easter Bunny' is so great, why did you get 3 packs of chocolate, and I got paint?"

 

We have A LOT of tantrums. Jacob and Annabelle are the definition of toddler. And Justin can't handle the stress that comes with being Super. Poor kid.

"I really thought the banana bread was for me and the dog!"

 Their latest activity is to throw all of the toys off of the shelf, and walk around on top of it. I have no idea...

 It might look like she's happy, but she was actually pretty angry that I put her hand in the paint.

 Jacob likes to play the game where one of them pulls the other around. It's cute!

 Apparently he thought it was his turn.

 They have to have everything the other has!

 

 We had a park playdate and toddler time at the library the other day, and it was so much fun! The kids love getting out of the house, and I do too!

 They love filling the pitchers and dumping them on each other!

 Monkeys!

This past month has been crazy busy, as you can see. With Mother's Day approaching, I've been thinking about my short time as a mom, so far. What a journey, really. Though I only have one biological child, the children that I nanny are definitely loved like my own! Annabelle loves being around them, and is often bored on the days that we aren't with them. I love that Annabelle is growing up with older kiddos to look up to. She chases Julianna around all day, and Julianna often calls her "little sister!" How sweet is that? Jacob gets annoyed with her, just as any older child does with the young ones! And Annabelle is obsessed with Baby Justin. She wants to help with everything. She brings over burp cloths, cream, diapers, bottles, etc... But it's usually at times when her help isn't needed or appreciated.

Getting frustrated is something that comes easily with toddlers, as they are so curious, and just want to do everything. They are so loud, and needy, that patience goes quickly. I have found myself having to take a lot more "deep breaths" lately, as I try to tread the waters! The fighting, crying, screaming, hitting, and climbing are exhausting! I have forks thrown at me, which is actually pretty funny, but instead of laughing I have to be stern and make sure they know behavior like that isn't okay. I was just telling my husband the other day, that Annabelle worships him, because he doesn't have to be the bad guy. I have to tell her no all day long, and by the time we get home, she's ready to play with Daddy, who hasn't been lecturing her and telling her no all day. The first time I really noticed this happened not too long ago. She had fallen, and I went to comfort her, but instead of cuddling up to me, she wanted down so she could go to him instead. What a heartbreaking moment! As mother's we always want to be the one who is there to help our babies when they are hurting, so to see them want someone else is a shock to the system!

Speaking of injuries, we have had quite a few this month! Myself included! One night, Annabelle decided to go potty, so she sat down on her little toilet. A few minutes later, she got up, and peed all over the floor, and was so proud of herself, she was clapping! I wiped it up, and gave her a bath. While walking out of the bathroom, I hit the spot where the pee was, slipped, and slammed into the doorframe! Oh man, Annabelle went flying into her activity table and gave me a look that said, "What the hell, mom?" I yelled for help repeatedly from my husband, who was two rooms away and "didn't hear me..." Sure, he was probably in here busting a gut, because I'm pretty sure seeing a 6 ft tall woman flying through the air and landing on her backside is hilarious. I would've laughed, too, if I hadn't been dying on the floor. Anyway, my diagnosis that I gave myself, was a concussion (I've had a few), a bruised ear, neck, shoulder, wrist, hip and ankle! Obviously, Annabelle is trying to take my life by peeing on the floor.

Children are hilarious, and will say and do anything they want to, at anytime they please. A few weeks ago, Julianna was asking us how old we all are. I replied to her that I was 27, and my husband is 42. She told me "Whoa, Jean. You and Charles totally have an age gap!" HA! I don't know where she learns these things, but that had my boss and I cracking up so bad!

It is so easy to get so upset with these little ones, who I'm positive plot against me in a secret language, but it melts away so quickly when they flash their big smiles, and say "I love you." Or when they say something so funny, that you forgot the reason you were upset anyway!

I watched a video today, that summed up most Moms' insecurities, and sent the message that, through it all we are enough, and are loved! So, in honor of Mother's Day, I'll share some pictures that are sure to cheer up anyone who is having a rough time getting through their day! If these don't help you smile, just remember "This too shall pass," and put "Jesus Take the Wheel" on repeat! These are necessities in our home! ;)

 

Happy Mother's Day!!

April Showers

Once again, it has been quite some time since I updated. While I do apologize for making you go through withdrawal, I can guarantee that it's because I have been unbelievably busy! Let's begin, shall we?!

So, my boss is a great photographer. She has taken some of my favorite pictures of Annabelle, since she was about 4 months old. Annabelle will give her more smiles than I can get, so I love it when we have picture days! Living in Texas, at this time of year, everyone takes their little munchkins out into the fields of the beautiful bluebonnets! They always turn out so cute! So, we decided that we would take all the kiddos out last Friday, and get some pics! We, obviously, thought the kids would be the most perfect little beings, and we would get amazing shots of them as they were frolicking around in the beautiful wildflowers. Dear Lord, were we wrong! Holy cow, this was a terrible outing!!! First of all, it took the two of us 2 hours before we even left just to get everyone good-looking enough to take the photos. Getting out the door, was a disaster... I don't know why we thought that once we got to the field that everything would be fine and dandy. Wishful thinkers, we are. Anyway, we got to the field (which is about a mile away from home), and after checking to make sure there weren't any killer rattlesnakes, we set the rascals free. My boss decided that taking Annabelle's pictures first was probably best, so that's where we began. She wouldn't even sit in the dang flowers. Not only was she trying to run away, but she kept losing her shoe (which the Stride Rite lady assured me was the correct size, but that's a whole other story). She wouldn't even look at her long enough to get a quick pic, because she was too busy trying to eat a flower that was most likely poisonous. Don't worry though, she's still alive. So, this is the best shot we got from Annabelle's photos...

Before we could even snap one photo of the other kiddos, all hell broke loose, fast. The older one fell into what can only be described as a swamp of pollen. The toddler boy wanted to run and run and run in no certain direction, screaming about who knows what! Annabelle was a hot mess spinning in circles, TRYING to get attacked by ants, I swear. And the boss lady and I were trying our best to set up an area to get ONE picture. Just one was all we were asking for. This did not happen. It was a valiant effort, but a failed one, for sure. We had to call it a loss, and realize that these pictures weren't going to happen. Better luck next time!

On a more positive note. let me tell you some fun things! I switched little man's carseat around in the back row. He can climb in by himself! Since I couldn't possibly describe the immense amount of excitement and joy this brought to me, I'll show you how ridiculous my face probably looked instead...

 

 

He was so excited to be turned around, flopping his feet! He held his sister's hand, and was laughing. It was the cutest thing. Such a sweet little man! Also, his legs are both intact, so that's good news.

 

Yesterday, my little one did the sweetest thing. After nursing her, she usually just pops off, and whines for me to let her down, so she can ultimately go destroy something. BUT, this time was different! She stopped nursing, and looked at me with her big blue eyes, and gave me the sweetest little kiss! How cute, right?! I get so excited when she has random moments of love, since she usually is all about climbing onto things, and throwing, and screaming, and destruction. Basically, I gave birth to Godzilla.

 

Yesterday morning, I took the 4 kids on our first outing (other than to school)!! We went to our MOMs Club playgroup! Exciting right? It actually went surprisingly well. It was nice to get out of the house, and break the bubble that we've been keeping ourselves in for a few weeks! Even though we were 30 minutes late, we still made it, and I think that's a big deal! I should have had someone snap a picture to commemorate the moment! I had an infant carrier on one arm, two diaper bags draped across my torso, a toddler in the other arm, a toddler on one leg, and a preschooler on the other leg! Get 'er done, right?!

 

Some days have been quite challenging, while we are trying to get into a smooth routine. But, the days are flying by so fast! When did it become April? I can't believe that little mister is almost 2 months old already, and the others are growing up, too! Time is flying, so I am trying to take in as many moments as I can! Cuddling, singing, and enjoying every single minute, even the chaotic ones, because tomorrow they will be another day older!

 

 



A Pet Reindeer

This past week, my boss' maternity leave ended, and I was officially on my own with all 4 little munchkins! What an adventure! The first day, was eerily smooth. The baby was so easy going, and took his bottles like a champ. The toddlers were, somehow, calm and playing well together (I know, right?), and the 4 year old was happy as could be in her pretend "Frozen" universe! The second day was just as great! Then, there was today....

First of all, I will start off by saying that when I bought my minivan, it seemed so big, and I was sure I could fit endless amounts of children in it. This was definitely a complete misconception. Once you have more than 2 kids in the seats, that van gets small! Not to mention, with the young kids, the latch system is the recommended way to restrain. Well, in my new fancy car, the designers decided to put the latch system in between 2 seats. Who does that? I just lost the capability for another kid! Conspiracy? Psh,...absolutely.  Anyway, I have a child under the age of 2, that needs to be rear facing in the back row. I thought that I could open the hatch, lift him over the seat, and buckle him in this way. No joke, I thought this was a pretty spiffy idea, and that I was for sure going to win some kind of super genius award. HA! No, the poor little innocent boy just about lost a leg on this endeavor! Nanny of the year, right here, people! Needless to say, we will be turning that seat around...

Oh! I will say, though, that even after a near amputation, he was still happy enough to hold his sister's hand in the car. Awwwwweeeee.....

After dropping off the oldest at her preschool, I decided a coffee was definitely in order. Good thing, too.

Here's the problem with toddlers....They don't stop. EVER. They touch everything. They eat everything. They yell about everything. They scream, bite, hit, kick, chew, and are basically dinosaurs trapped in tiny human bodies. However, during all of the chaos that was this morning, I must say, that I caught a rare moment of the littles getting along, and actually playing with the SAME toy!! Miracle worker? Heh, well.... if you say so.

Now, that we've covered the problem with toddlers, let's cover the (only) problem with newborns. They want to rest. All the time. Ever tried keeping a newborn calm and rested with 2 toddlers around? I have. Easy? NO! The poor little guy just can't get settled, because every time he opens his little crazy eyes, there's an even crazier set of eyes staring at him like he's flesh in a pool of ravenous piranhas. Then, when he cries, the toddlers cry. Do I cry at this point? I'm not sure if this is the way the cycle goes... Anyway, just to calm your curiosity, I did eventually get ALL of the children calm enough to allow happiness all around! YAY! ;)

Also, as I previously mentioned, the little girl in my care, might have a slight obsession with a little movie, known as Frozen. I'm pretty sure I should probably have my name officially changed to Anna, and she will henceforth be known only as Elsa. This is my life now. Non-stop imaginary play where I must follow the rules and instructions given to me from the Queen. Though, I can't say I mind replaying "Let it Go" over and over in my head! Let it GOOOOOOOOO! But, I know the rest of my mommy friends are most likely experiencing the same obsession, so I think it's pretty fun! Do you think they make the princess dresses in my size?! Also, where can I claim my pet reindeer?

I should also point out that I am not complaining. I love my job, and I adore the family that I get the distinct privilege to work with. I mean, how many other people get to give love and cuddles for a living? It may be stressful sometimes, but it makes for a good story! And what is life, if you can't remember the good times and laugh at the bad?! Not a life of mine, that's for sure!

P.S.- You wanna build a snowman?!