Night #7

I have no clue what to do with Bodey. The fireworks of the 4th of July have completely ruined him. He is now absolutely terrified of his bed. Sunday night he was so worked up he was shaking violently (literally convulsing) and shivering so bad he couldn't talk. So he ended up sleeping in our bed. Monday night he slept in our room in the pack n play. Tuesday he slept on his bedroom floor with Dusty. Wednesday night he slept in his crib with me on the floor. Thursday night Dusty slept on his floor. Friday night he fell asleep with me on the floor and then I tried to sleep in my bed. That only lasted until 2am, then I had to sleep on his floor. I am at a loss. I take pride in how well my children sleep. I feel like I have trained them (with the help of the Ferber method) how to love to go to sleep. And, until Sunday night, Bodey would run to his crib, we would lay him down and he was out. Cori suggested maybe setting the pack n play up in Booker's room. I think that would work, but I have to admit that even though this is extremely hard, I don't want to start any habits. I want him to get back to being comfortable in his own bed, by himself. Tonight we decided we may need to go back to Mr. Ferber and the cry it out method. Except, I fear Bodey will cry for hours before he gives in. We decided to turn some music on for him. Then we had Booker go in and tell him it was ok. I was out in the hall where Bodey couldn't see me. I have never been so proud of Booker. It made me tear up listening to him console his little brother. He walked in and said, "It's ok Bodey. You need to lay down. Just lay down and listen to your song. It's ok." Bodey stopped crying while Booker was in there. Booker asked him why he was scared. Bodey said, "I want momma." And what did Booker say? "Bodey, momma can't come in here. I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. I love you." And then he came back out. Of course Bodey immediately started screaming the second Booker left him, but I was just so proud of how much of a big brother was tonight. As I write this, Bodey is still crying. It has been 23 minutes, and I have a feeling it will be a lot longer. Wish us luck!

Man of The Wild

Tuesday night Cori and I were trying to kill some time before bedtime, so we decided to walk all 5 kids over to the high school. When we got there we told them to go run a few laps around the track to wear themselves out. While they were out running, Cori and I just stood there chatting. That was until I turned around to see Booker in the middle of lane 3, with his pants at his ankles, taking a leak. We couldn't help but laugh, but I was so embarrassed. There was a girl jogging around the track and quickly approaching Booker. I just turned my back to him, still laughing, and asked Cori if he was done yet... if he was pulling his pants up yet. She took a peek and busted up laughing. No, Traci, actually I think he's pooping now. HUH??? I turned around and sure enough, Booker was pooping in the middle of the Basehor High School track, right when the jogger was there. I had to have a little heart to heart with him... and then figure out what to do with the little rabbit turd he left in the middle of the track. Seriously? Does he think he's a caveman? What am I going to do with this child?

All Boy Day

Last Sunday Booker & Bodey got to have their boy neighbors over. Aidan and Cooper came to play while Ava was at her dance recital. They had so much fun. Aidan and Booker played - well, I don't really know what it was - but it was some sort of Power Ranger/Action Figure game that consisted of running around yelling and screaming, jumping, playing dead, tackling each other, and shooting each other. Bodey and Cooper just carried balls around and tried to keep up with the big boys. The best part about it was that they never faught. They never even argued. It was a great day! And I was so lucky to get to hang out with 4 pure BOYS!

Summer Fun

Tonight after dinner we went to Target to buy some new Transformers for the boys. They are mildly obsessed with them, and needed bigger ones. After that we went to Culvers for some ice cream. Why, Daddy, why did you order the boys CHOCOLATE?

We have been so hot in the evenings that the only enjoyable thing to do with the boys is get the sprinkler out. They have been having so much fun every night getting hammered with that freezing hose water. We've even gotten the shampoo and called it "bath night." Good thing we fenced our yard though, or the neighbors might really start to wonder about us.

Seriously, is there one rib on Booker's body that you can't see?

Avery likes to hog the water!

Booker's school project he brought home. Don't ask me what it is.

All I know is that we have to water it!

You Should Have Seen It In Color

Nothing makes me happier than taking pictures of my boys.

Happy Face = Happy Plate

It took me a while to understand what Booker meant when he kept telling me he was going to make a happy plate and get dessert. Then it dawned on my that he meant he was going to eat all the food on his plate, and therefore reap the benefits. That has been his goal every night lately.

Grandpa Mike decided to make a special dinner for the boys the other night. What was it? A Happy Face dinner made of mashed potatoes, sour cream, black olives, hotdogs and cheese. Result... 2 happy plates! Both Booker and Bodey ate all their dinner, no questions asked.

A Month Behind

Dusty and I took the boys over to the pond to fish... well, about a month ago. It was a lot of fun watching the boys "catch" fish. They each got to reel in a couple of fish and then we all enjoyed watching Harley and Avery swim.
Booker's favorite thing to do after fishing is drive dad's truck through the fields. He cracks me up because he is sooo serious. Good thing, I guess.

Rachel, Reese, Booker and I took a trip with Tots N Tales to the Topeka zoo. I really enjoyed how small the Topeka zoo is. We got to see several animals, up close, and it only took about 1 1/2 hours! Booker had a blast and is still talking about all the animals he got to see.

Over Memorial Day weekend, we got to go stay at Kim & AJ's family cabin at The Lake of The Ozarks. It was such a nice getaway! Booker is "Mr. Lake Man." There wasn't one thing he didn't LOVE doing. He loved swimming (even though it was pretty cold), fishing, riding the waverunner, riding the boat, and driving the waverunner/boat. When we were inside, he would just sit at a window and stare out. I even busted him when he was "napping" just standing on his bed peeking out the window. Bodey had a great time too, except for his little fall down the concrete steps. He bloodied up his face pretty good and had a fat lip, but it didn't seem to bother him. I am so glad summer is here so we can spend more time at the lake and in the pool!