Isaiah is nearly 6 months old now and we are dealing with our first real illness. He's been cranky, restless, and congested. The past couple of days he seems like he's in pain when he's laying down. I'm not 100% sure but I think he has an ear infection. I'm up at 5 am, snuggling my little baby boy and listening to lullabies. It all reminds me of another sick little guy- Elijah, who hasn't been sick since May (4 months) and it's the longest he's ever gone without requiring a trip to the doctor. I am so thankful to see him doing better.
So what changed? Well, it's hard to pinpoint only one thing because it's been a few things : ear tubes, adenoids surgery, diet changes, allergy medication, and no daycare. Staying home with me has changed our worlds. I can monitor and control all food, give him his Singulair, and more of my attention.
Elijah spent his first 2 years getting a constant stream of ear and sinus infections. Just when we were considering surgery, he seemed to get better and went a whole 3 months without one. Then January 2012 hit and my big guy had 9 ear infections by April (the earliest we could get him surgery). Elijah would literally finish one antibiotic and have to start another one a few days later. In early February, we found out he had some hearing loss and scheduled the surgery to put in tubes and take out his adenoids.
So, Elijah had the surgery in the very cool pediatric ENT surgery office. It was the hardest thing I've ever witnessed, and I unceremoniously became the oldest patient in the recovery. Elijah had been put under anesthesia and was only gone about 30 minutes when he was wheeled into recovered. He was already awake and coming out of it. He was furious to be hooked up to IVs and kept trying to rip then out. I teared up and just wanted to comfort him... Until I started feeling dizzy and nauseated.
Noah, my ex-firefighting husband had me sit down. I got hot and clammy but thought I could manage signing a few papers when the nurse called me out to her desk. Standing there, I tried to read and sign. But then things started to go black. I heard a muffled Noah say something and felt another nurse catch me and place me in a wheelchair. Next thing I know I've been wheeled down the hallway and I'm being handed apple juice. The nurse consoled me and told me Elijah was just fine and I needed to sit for a few moments. I started to cry. It was frustrating and I felt ridiculous. My boy needed me and here I am passing out.
We both recovered just fine. Elijah went home with us and it was so amazing to see and hear the differences afterwards. My son could hear! He went from mumbling a few words to talking more and more every day. His speech was delayed but he began progressing finally. He was less frustrated because he was able to communicate more. He didn't have to rely on baby sign language and started to articulate his needs. He passed his hearing tests at his check-up with flying colors.
It was such a blessing to see him healthier and happier. We haven't had any more doctor trips for ear infections. Elijah stayed well for a while, but then we began the battle of the allergies. To be continued...
*Update, we went to the doctor yesterday and yes, Isaiah has a double ear infection. Poor little man. Elijah was very concerned about his brother and kept telling him 'it's okay baby, Mommy's got you." Love my boys.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Be Like a Dog Chewing a Bone
Isaiah has this fascination with going after and chewing shoes and dog toys. Last week when he was only belly crawling a few feet it wasn't that bad to keep moving them. Zoey was the primary issue as she would bring the toys to him. I think it's all part of her poodle ploy to get me to take them and throw them. This week my 5-month old crawler is able to get from one end of the room to the other very easily. I'm going to have to get some new baby gates. Once he has his mind set on getting to something, he will not give it up. He loves to try and chew on Daddy's shoe laces, my crocs, my flip-flops, and Zoey's dog toys. It's bizarre. They can't taste very good at all! I always stop him before he chew them.
Today was interesting. Isaiah spent all his waking moments crawling away from his toys and toward the forbidden items. I move the shoes and toys out of his eye-line several times. I even hid the shoes out of sight and he crawled around until he spotted the new location. Elijah tried to help me by taking the shoes away from him and replacing it with Isaiah's blue blanket. He moved Daddy's big shoes only a foot away and dropped the blanket on Isaiah's outstretched arm. Then, to really drive home the point, he stood between the shoes and Isaiah and then said "no brother, No shoes." Isaiah just looked at him, grinned, and tried to reach for the shoes again. I intervened at this point and put back in the middle of the living room and as far away from the shoes as possible. I was sure to congratulate Elijah on a job well done. Noah and I both told him how he was such a good helper and such a good big brother! He was quite pleased with himself. Clearly the praise worked because not 30 minutes later, Isaiah was trying to get to Zoey's stuffing free bunny and Eljah intervened again. It's missing a face and I really don't see what the appeal is. Elijah carefully scooped up the faceless fluffless bunny and replaced it with a baby teether - he told Isaiah that "no Zay-uh, this is for Zoey." So cute.
I decided the next time he went for the toys I would snap some photos for memory's sake. Maybe my little guy thinks he is a puppy and not a baby boy. I didn't have to wait very long for a picture. The dog toys reappeared at his side with Zoey standing nearby.....
Now that I've got my funny photo, Zoey has lost access to her toys and all the shoes have been put in a bin by the front door. This should stop him for a while at least!
Now that I've got my funny photo, Zoey has lost access to her toys and all the shoes have been put in a bin by the front door. This should stop him for a while at least!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Mommy must haves for little kid survival
My oldest, Elijah, is now 3 and my baby Isaiah is already 5 months old. Between the two of them I can say what my must haves for my boys:
1) Boppy pillow with multiple covers (used every day for little guy for nursing him and just propping him up)
2) pack'n play - great for both boys. I skipped the crib this time because By the time Elijah would actually sleep in his room he could climb the rails of it.
3) medela breast pump- makes it possible to actually leave the house
4) tupperware impressions tumblers with dripless straw tops- I have tried multiple sippy cups and even just let Elijah drink without a lid on his cup. He can do either but we always end up with a mess. These have saved me from many spills!
5) receiving blankets, bibs, and lots of Carter's onesies and rompers for the spit up gang - makes changes easy since both my boys had reflux.
6) Amazon mom and prime membership - get fast shipping and discounts on baby items. You also get accesses to lots of shows for you and the kids! Saves money and a trip to the store with two little nutter butters :)
7) organic baby wrap. I got mine from lovey duds like this one : http://www.etsy.com/listing/58208027/pre-order-organic-baby-wrap-hands-free?ref=shop_home_active
8) access to Pandora or endless lullabies. I use my iPhone and it puts baby to sleep almost every time!
1) Boppy pillow with multiple covers (used every day for little guy for nursing him and just propping him up)
2) pack'n play - great for both boys. I skipped the crib this time because By the time Elijah would actually sleep in his room he could climb the rails of it.
3) medela breast pump- makes it possible to actually leave the house
4) tupperware impressions tumblers with dripless straw tops- I have tried multiple sippy cups and even just let Elijah drink without a lid on his cup. He can do either but we always end up with a mess. These have saved me from many spills!
5) receiving blankets, bibs, and lots of Carter's onesies and rompers for the spit up gang - makes changes easy since both my boys had reflux.
6) Amazon mom and prime membership - get fast shipping and discounts on baby items. You also get accesses to lots of shows for you and the kids! Saves money and a trip to the store with two little nutter butters :)
7) organic baby wrap. I got mine from lovey duds like this one : http://www.etsy.com/listing/58208027/pre-order-organic-baby-wrap-hands-free?ref=shop_home_active
8) access to Pandora or endless lullabies. I use my iPhone and it puts baby to sleep almost every time!
Apples, Carrots, Potatoes, OH MY!
J'ai survécu à la première semaine. [I survived week one.]
I spent my week working hard with Elijah and his meals. I took notes, I bookmarked over two dozen pages in my Nook Book version of French Kids Eat Everything. I survived the first week and lived to tell the tale. She tells her story in such a humorous way and she approached her situation exactly how I would have done: with lists, plans, and some mistakes along the way. I have to say that I enjoyed my week of learning and I loved getting to practice my French. I spent 6+ year of my life trying to learn it and it was a nice fringe benefit to know what her girls were saying before the author gave you the English translation. (I say trying to learn French because I can read it but conversing is a whole different story).
Elijah has been cut off from having access to the refrigerator and pantry for a couple of months now. Previously I had read in a leading parenting magazine that you should keep healthy snacks available for them to serve themselves. It seemed contrary to logic to allow this but I thought I'd try anything to get him eating his fruits and veggies again. The idea crashed and burned and resulted in a child that was serving himself Cereal, Organic Fruit Snacks, lots of juice and more cereal. He quit eating apples, carrots, and chicken around this time.
Learning this week is so much more about retraining myself and teach myself to eat a variety of foods. I'm starting with trying to make meals that are more natural, less preservatives. I know I can't make all the changes at once and I have to work with Elijah's food allergies, but changes are coming and my boy is already making progress. He gave up carrots a few months ago and apples earlier this month. This week, I managed to get him to eat both again. If you are having trouble with your child and eating then you absolutely must read French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon.
Notes & Quotes:
These are the first 3 rules just paraphrased a bit. These are the ones I'm working on first. My comments have the * underneath. The key to the rules is to make it about positive disciple and establish a routine.
The Rules:
#1 Parent's are in charge of their children's food education.
* I really never considered the idea of teaching my son about food. But it was a light bulb moment for me. Here I have been so concerned about his health, his allergies, he hearing, his speech, and I'm missing out on the keystone piece. If I'm getting him to eat better and teaching him about his food then his health will improve. The communication he gets from me while participating and learning will improve his speech. What an empowering rule. It's daunting but it's exciting. Elijah enjoyed making biscuits this week with me and eagerly ate them up afterwards. *
#2 Food is NOT a pacifier, distraction, a toy, a reward, or substitute for discipline.
*I have never wanted Elijah to play with his food but I have so been guilty of using it as a reward, especially for good behavior in a store. My issue is that I'm afraid to discipline my child in public via stern voice, smack of the hand, etc, because I don't want child services to be called. I'm really jealous of the "it takes a village" concept in France, where the nearest adult will reprimand a child. Really jealous.
#3 Parents schedule meal times and menus. Kids eat what the adults eat.
*I am a short-order cook no more. I am excited to have this affirmed and proven. Elijah gets what he gets and there will be no fit. I am sticking to my guns. He is strong-willed but so am I. I'm older, I'm smarter, and I have patience when I know something is possible. Karen Le Billon proved it is possible so I know we can make changes. Thursday night he was served Breaded Chicken, Carrots, and Mashed Potatoes made with Lactaid. It was a delicious meal. He refused to eat anything but after sitting at the table with me for 30 minutes. He begged and pleaded for cereal. When I remained calm and continued to tell him that cereal was for breakfast he eventually gave in and ate his carrots. We tried again at lunch time with leftovers and again he refused the chicken and mashed potatoes. He gladly ate several carrots. It was a small success but I was thrilled all the same.
So what's next? Well I'm going to continue to work on routine for Elijah. I'm about to start introducing fruits and veggies to Isaiah (5 months now!) and I think this will be a great time to retrain Elijah too. Now if I could just get my hands on a Babycook Baby Food Maker I'd be really in cooking. Yes,pun intended.
I spent my week working hard with Elijah and his meals. I took notes, I bookmarked over two dozen pages in my Nook Book version of French Kids Eat Everything. I survived the first week and lived to tell the tale. She tells her story in such a humorous way and she approached her situation exactly how I would have done: with lists, plans, and some mistakes along the way. I have to say that I enjoyed my week of learning and I loved getting to practice my French. I spent 6+ year of my life trying to learn it and it was a nice fringe benefit to know what her girls were saying before the author gave you the English translation. (I say trying to learn French because I can read it but conversing is a whole different story).
Elijah has been cut off from having access to the refrigerator and pantry for a couple of months now. Previously I had read in a leading parenting magazine that you should keep healthy snacks available for them to serve themselves. It seemed contrary to logic to allow this but I thought I'd try anything to get him eating his fruits and veggies again. The idea crashed and burned and resulted in a child that was serving himself Cereal, Organic Fruit Snacks, lots of juice and more cereal. He quit eating apples, carrots, and chicken around this time.
Learning this week is so much more about retraining myself and teach myself to eat a variety of foods. I'm starting with trying to make meals that are more natural, less preservatives. I know I can't make all the changes at once and I have to work with Elijah's food allergies, but changes are coming and my boy is already making progress. He gave up carrots a few months ago and apples earlier this month. This week, I managed to get him to eat both again. If you are having trouble with your child and eating then you absolutely must read French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon.
Notes & Quotes:
These are the first 3 rules just paraphrased a bit. These are the ones I'm working on first. My comments have the * underneath. The key to the rules is to make it about positive disciple and establish a routine.
The Rules:
#1 Parent's are in charge of their children's food education.
* I really never considered the idea of teaching my son about food. But it was a light bulb moment for me. Here I have been so concerned about his health, his allergies, he hearing, his speech, and I'm missing out on the keystone piece. If I'm getting him to eat better and teaching him about his food then his health will improve. The communication he gets from me while participating and learning will improve his speech. What an empowering rule. It's daunting but it's exciting. Elijah enjoyed making biscuits this week with me and eagerly ate them up afterwards. *
#2 Food is NOT a pacifier, distraction, a toy, a reward, or substitute for discipline.
*I have never wanted Elijah to play with his food but I have so been guilty of using it as a reward, especially for good behavior in a store. My issue is that I'm afraid to discipline my child in public via stern voice, smack of the hand, etc, because I don't want child services to be called. I'm really jealous of the "it takes a village" concept in France, where the nearest adult will reprimand a child. Really jealous.
#3 Parents schedule meal times and menus. Kids eat what the adults eat.
*I am a short-order cook no more. I am excited to have this affirmed and proven. Elijah gets what he gets and there will be no fit. I am sticking to my guns. He is strong-willed but so am I. I'm older, I'm smarter, and I have patience when I know something is possible. Karen Le Billon proved it is possible so I know we can make changes. Thursday night he was served Breaded Chicken, Carrots, and Mashed Potatoes made with Lactaid. It was a delicious meal. He refused to eat anything but after sitting at the table with me for 30 minutes. He begged and pleaded for cereal. When I remained calm and continued to tell him that cereal was for breakfast he eventually gave in and ate his carrots. We tried again at lunch time with leftovers and again he refused the chicken and mashed potatoes. He gladly ate several carrots. It was a small success but I was thrilled all the same.
So what's next? Well I'm going to continue to work on routine for Elijah. I'm about to start introducing fruits and veggies to Isaiah (5 months now!) and I think this will be a great time to retrain Elijah too. Now if I could just get my hands on a Babycook Baby Food Maker I'd be really in cooking. Yes,pun intended.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Upcycled Comic Coaster
Since I have resigned my position as teacher and no longer have an income to contribute, I am working hard on my Etsy shop: SkyBlue Creations & Finds. I don't know if I'm in love with the name but I've been SkyBlue online for as long as I can remember. My child art prints haven't sold in a while so I am trying to break into the "Dude gift" market as my college roomie calls it. The goal has been two-fold. 1) Get rid of hubby's excess comic books, 2) Make some money. I just posted them online last week so we will see how it goes. I'm really happy with all the sets I've made so far.
So how did I do it? You can use old comics, scrapbook paper, bits of books, sheet music, etc. If you are making them to sell then you absolutely CANNOT make copies of your comic book. You must use the actual comic book. This way you should be covered by the First Sale Doctrine but check with a lawyer. My comics that I'm using are generally ready for the recycling bin...they just aren't worth selling on their own. Covers are bent, pages torn, etc. The comics that I'm not using are the ones that were kept in pristine condition and are going to continue to live in the file cabinets in the closet. My husband tried to keep all his comics in good condition. But he's been collecting for over 20 years and many of the comics were pre-owned before that.
DIY: Upcycled Comic Coaster
Materials
-Square ceramic tiles (mine were 16 cents each and 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ from Home Depot)
-Decoupage glue, I used Mod Podge Gloss
-Paper
-Foam brushes
-Adhesive backed thin rolled cork (or felt)
-Paper cutter
-Heavy-duty glue
-Ribbon or raffia for tying, or small appropriately-sized boxes.
-Adhesive backed thin rolled cork (or felt)
-Paper cutter
-Heavy-duty glue
-Ribbon or raffia for tying, or small appropriately-sized boxes.
-Miniwax Polycrylic Protective Finish.
Instructions
1. Clean the tiles with alcohol to remove smudges/fingerprints. Be
sure you’re working on a non-stick surface like plastic or vinyl.
2. Cut your paper into squares 1/4″ smaller than your tile.
3. Use the foam brush to coat the tile with decoupage glue.
4. Center your paper on the tile. Press the paper to the tile firmly,
beginning in the middle and working your way outwards. Smooth out bubbles quickly! Decoupage glue is NOT very
forgiving! Check all the edges and allow this layer to dry, ~15
mins
5. Apply a layer of decoupage glue to the top of the paper. Make sure
your strokes run in only one direction. Allow to dry (~15-20 mins)
6. Add another layer of decoupage glue over the coaster. You can
make your brushstrokes in the same direction or the opposite direction
(horizontally). The latter will produce a hatchmark effect which I think ends up looking more professional.
7. Continue adding layers of decoupage glue until you are satisfied
with the look. I used three. Then repeat the process of sealing with
waterproof acrylic sealer, brushing on a layer and allowing it to dry.
8. When the coasters are completely sealed and dry, cut the cork to
the appropriate size to match your tiles.
9. Stack and package your coasters. I am using twine and a little tag for mine.
*Be sure you are in a well ventilated area and you follow the precautions on
the product! I wait at least one day before adding the sealer.
*Clean brushes out after each use. The decoupage glue dries fast and will quickly ruin your brushes.
Isaiah at 5 months!
Isaiah actually was 5 months old on September 11th, but I had trouble writing a post about my happy baby boy on such a somber day and chose to put it off.
So what happened this month? Well my happy guy didn't have a check-up this month or shots so I'm sure he was happy about that. I don't know his actual weight but I know my arms are getting sore picking him up. He is all muscle though as he is working hard on crawling. He has succeeded in crawling a few feet but he generally gets around the room by rolling, baby push-ups, and grabbing onto stuff. Much to my dismay, he is highly motivated to move when he sees a dog toy in reach. He loves to go for Zoey's green chewy bone...I wish he would go for his own teethers!
As far as trying to communicate, he tries to wave 'hi' and 'bye' at us when we wave at him and he has big smiles for both daddy and mommy whenever we come into the room. He has started paying more attention to big brother and even laughed at him this past week. I think Elijah was a little startled by it.
Elijah doesn't really try to play with Isaiah yet, but he gives him kisses goodnight and is definitely concerned about him and his toys/blankets. In fact, one day this past month I was sitting on the sofa using one of Isaiah's blankets to cover up instead of hunting for a sweater. Elijah took it away from me, smiled, held it up and said "blanket for baby!" He then ran off with it and covered his little brother up. He cracks me up. Another sweet moment was when we arrived at the beach for the church picnic and as Isaiah was getting some attention, Elijah points at him and says "brother" and then kissed him on the forehead. I'm proud of my little guys.
As far a food and napping goes, Isaiah is taking a few power naps during the and then sleeping for 8-10 hours at night. I thought maybe he was ready for solids but he keeps pushing the rice cereal out. I'll keep at it. My chunky guy is sure to give in eventually!
So what happened this month? Well my happy guy didn't have a check-up this month or shots so I'm sure he was happy about that. I don't know his actual weight but I know my arms are getting sore picking him up. He is all muscle though as he is working hard on crawling. He has succeeded in crawling a few feet but he generally gets around the room by rolling, baby push-ups, and grabbing onto stuff. Much to my dismay, he is highly motivated to move when he sees a dog toy in reach. He loves to go for Zoey's green chewy bone...I wish he would go for his own teethers!
As far as trying to communicate, he tries to wave 'hi' and 'bye' at us when we wave at him and he has big smiles for both daddy and mommy whenever we come into the room. He has started paying more attention to big brother and even laughed at him this past week. I think Elijah was a little startled by it.
Elijah doesn't really try to play with Isaiah yet, but he gives him kisses goodnight and is definitely concerned about him and his toys/blankets. In fact, one day this past month I was sitting on the sofa using one of Isaiah's blankets to cover up instead of hunting for a sweater. Elijah took it away from me, smiled, held it up and said "blanket for baby!" He then ran off with it and covered his little brother up. He cracks me up. Another sweet moment was when we arrived at the beach for the church picnic and as Isaiah was getting some attention, Elijah points at him and says "brother" and then kissed him on the forehead. I'm proud of my little guys.
As far a food and napping goes, Isaiah is taking a few power naps during the and then sleeping for 8-10 hours at night. I thought maybe he was ready for solids but he keeps pushing the rice cereal out. I'll keep at it. My chunky guy is sure to give in eventually!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Manger! [To EAT!]
Je voudrais mon fils manger la bonne nourriture. [I would like my son to eat good food!]
The battle of the food commenced sometime around the time my son Elijah turned two. He systematically quit eating foods that he normally ate. My once good eater was gone and replaced with this tantrum throwing, food pushing, self-starving creature. The doctor advised that it was a stage that he would outgrow. She said that two-year olds don't eat much anyway. They really don't. In fact, after the rapid lightning growth we see from birth-24 months, the toddler stage is slow in comparison - so their needs are different but nutrition should still be a priority.
With our son being so strong willed anyway, my husband and I decided that this was a battle we weren't going to wage. We were already trying to break his will without breaking his spirit. But the food issues just got worse when he was diagnosed with multiple food allergies (peanuts, wheat, corn, milk, soy). As I struggled to cook and experiment in the kitchen with food, he resisted further. He turned three this spring and showed no signs of relenting. I was forced into sneaking fruits and veggies into smoothies or bribing with promises of cookies or fun afterwards. It worked for a while...until it just didn't.
This past month, he has flat out refused all sources of protein and even his once favored smoothies. He would only eat cereal and bread. Desperate and convinced that things would have to change, we took the advice of my father-in-law and decided to remove any and all snacks. The same weekend my cousin, Courtney, posted about two books that I clearly needed as well. Both are books about French kids and I am already half-way through them. They confirmed the need to remove snacks and asserted that parents should not be short-order cooks. Thank you Lord!
We are already on Day 2 of no snacks and so far I have had some small triumphs. Last night my son went to bed hungry because he refused to eat what we were having. He began complaining and asking for food around 9 pm but I told him that if he was that hungry he could eat his carrots. He cried for cereal but was told that was for breakfast. At 9:35 pm, he broke down and was allowed out of his room to eat the agreed upon carrots. He hasn't eaten carrots in 6 months-no I am not exaggerating. I'm taking baby steps with this because we all have bad habits to break here. Eventually, my plan is that if he doesn't eat with us at dinner time, the he will just not eat dinner. Right now I just want to work on seeing him eat the food that is prepared for him and not put up a fight the whole way through. Victory #2 came today at lunch time when he began asking for cereal again around 11pm. I told him that cereal is for breakfast but if he was hungry he could have some mini-pizzas (freshly made with organic mozzarella I might add!) He said "No thanks, I don't want it" and asked for apple juice. Normally, I don't refuse him drinks but both my forays into French child rearing affirmed that drinks are not required at all hours of the day but given at meals. So, I said he could have his juice when he was ready to eat his pizza. Again, my strong willed child caved in when he was really. He ate all his pizza and had a nice cup of apple juice as well.
I'm working harder, but hey, I've got the time to do it now that I'm not teaching. So I will continue to read my books apply my new knowledge to change Elijah's appetite and help teach Isaiah about foods as he is starting solids now!
*By no snacks I mean that Elijah no longer has access to snack foods. He still is getting a late afternoon snack but it is something I choose. No more choices for him. He eats what I give him or he just doesn't eat. No battles, no pleading, no bribery.
The battle of the food commenced sometime around the time my son Elijah turned two. He systematically quit eating foods that he normally ate. My once good eater was gone and replaced with this tantrum throwing, food pushing, self-starving creature. The doctor advised that it was a stage that he would outgrow. She said that two-year olds don't eat much anyway. They really don't. In fact, after the rapid lightning growth we see from birth-24 months, the toddler stage is slow in comparison - so their needs are different but nutrition should still be a priority.
With our son being so strong willed anyway, my husband and I decided that this was a battle we weren't going to wage. We were already trying to break his will without breaking his spirit. But the food issues just got worse when he was diagnosed with multiple food allergies (peanuts, wheat, corn, milk, soy). As I struggled to cook and experiment in the kitchen with food, he resisted further. He turned three this spring and showed no signs of relenting. I was forced into sneaking fruits and veggies into smoothies or bribing with promises of cookies or fun afterwards. It worked for a while...until it just didn't.
This past month, he has flat out refused all sources of protein and even his once favored smoothies. He would only eat cereal and bread. Desperate and convinced that things would have to change, we took the advice of my father-in-law and decided to remove any and all snacks. The same weekend my cousin, Courtney, posted about two books that I clearly needed as well. Both are books about French kids and I am already half-way through them. They confirmed the need to remove snacks and asserted that parents should not be short-order cooks. Thank you Lord!
I'm working harder, but hey, I've got the time to do it now that I'm not teaching. So I will continue to read my books apply my new knowledge to change Elijah's appetite and help teach Isaiah about foods as he is starting solids now!
*By no snacks I mean that Elijah no longer has access to snack foods. He still is getting a late afternoon snack but it is something I choose. No more choices for him. He eats what I give him or he just doesn't eat. No battles, no pleading, no bribery.
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