The Big O

So Owen is getting so big, and so fast. He is already 16 Lbs. and Mom's back is feeling it! But what a sweet little guy. I just love that face!

Forever 36

So the month of May has become my least favorite month for obvious reasons. However today I wanted to Wish my Mom a Happy Birthday. (and YES buddy, I know she's dead!)
For as long as I can remember when it was my Mom's birthday and I'd ask her how old she was, she'd reply, "36."
And I'd say, "but Mom you were 36 last year?" and to that she'd reply,

"Really? Hmmm that's funny, well I guess they forgot to change it, so I'll just have to be 36 again. Lucky me."

I completely believed her! Sneaky Mama.

I didn't realize then, that women have this fear of getting old. Anything past the age of 30, meant you were quickly on your way to joining the AARP and eating dinner at 4 O'clock so you could get the early bird special.
I guess she figured 36 would be a reasonable age to a 12 year old! Not too old, but old enough to be my Mom.
This continued every year. To tell you the truth, I didn't really know how old my Mom was until after she died and they put her WHOLE Birth date on the headstone. ( and since we're being honest here, I don't know what her REAL hair color was either. I doubt she even knew. That is a trait I am beginning to inherit. Moms are tricky like that.)
I guess I could have figured it out sooner, but if she wanted to be 36, then so be it!


So Mom, Happy 36th, again and again!

Potty Talk

So tonight I got Liam ready for bed and the last thing we do is go potty. I asked him if he needed to go and he said yes.
He sat down on the potty and sat and sat and sat.
Finally he looks up at me and says: "Oh no Mama. My pee pee's broken."
I laughed and laughed and then he laughed, but I don't think he knew why he was laughing.

Hot Like Me?

Don't you wish your 3 year old was hot like this??
Watch it Ladies. I'm the only girl in his life for the next 13 years, and even then I'm not sure if you can have him!
Bryn gave Liam a Faux Hawk. The brother to the moe hawk.
It turned out so cute, but added at least six months to his age. I told him to stop growing so fast, but gave him the permission to stop throwing tantrums instead.

The Poulson Parlor

So a few months ago a dear friend of mine and I were talking one day, you know just the regular chit chat. We said how much we missed each other and how we weren't sure when we'd be seeing each other again anytime soon.
This lead to,

Me: "you should come out for a visit." (Like I tell everyone. Who doesn't want to visit the sweetest place on earth??)

Bryn: "I'd love to, but I can't afford to come out there." (The same answer the rest of you give me!)

Me: " but I checked ticket prices already and you'll never believe it, but you can fly from New Orleans to Harrisburg (our tiny airport, but only 20 mins away) for only $220 with taxes."

Bryn: "that's a really good price, but I'm not sure if I could miss a week of work."

Side note: Bryn is a brilliant hair stylist

Me: "You know I've lived here for a year and have only gotten my hair done once and that was cause my dear sis-in-law gave me a gift certificate for Christmas to a salon out here. I still ended up paying $100 bones when it was all said and done, and that was without the gift certificate. (don't tell Nate, he still doesn't know.)
I'm sure there are a bunch of girls out here who would jump at the opportunity to get their hair done at a price that is reasonable."

Bryn: "OK, lets see if anyone is interested."

I sent out an email to the girls I go to church with. 15 minutes later I had enough people to pay for her ticket out here. And the next day, had enough people to book two days worth so she didn't really miss any work. I actually had to put people on a waiting list. (we couldn't make her work the whole time she was here!)

So a month later I picked her up at MDT airport, and the next morning we started what I called the Poulson Parlor.
She ended up doing 10 cut/highlights and 6 haircuts.

We had so much fun, we've talked about it becoming a regular thing if tickets stayed that cheap.

Thanks Bryn!

(We also had a few fun days of touring around the valley. She got to see her first Amish horse/buggy driving down the street, and we ate the worlds most delicious fudge. Only 120 calories and 4g of fat for a 1 inch square. That's right one inch. But so worth it!)

Who wants to come out next. We can get creative and think of a way to get you out here! New York is only a 3 hour train ride. People are always traveling to New York. There is no reason why you can't stop here on your way in or out!

"Swim Yessons"

I decided to put Liam into swimming lessons before our pool opens. I took him the first week and had to keep him from jumping in before the teacher got in.
He was just as excited the following week.
The third,fourth,fifth & sixth lessons he cried and cried and sat on the steps into the pool?
You might ask, what happened? Did the teacher make him go under? Did another kid in his class splash him? Did he let go of the platform and fall into the deep abyss....
To all theses questions the answer is NO!
He just decided he wanted nothing to do with swimming lessons anymore.
Lucky for him, I don't give up that easily. I made him sit on those steps screaming, "no no no. Out mama, out mama... all while I waved from the side acting like "who is that kid? I'm encouraging the other little boy who is blowing bubbles and floating on his back. Not that screaming one that keeps calling me mama."
I thought, great. Now he's going to be freaked about the water and my summer plans are ruined.
Then lessons seven and eight he had a new teacher. (his was on vacation.)
This guy was one of those tough love guys. He didn't make Liam do anything he didn't want to, however he put out some voodoo and whatever he asked Liam to do he did?
He let the kids dump a bucket of water on his head and had all sorts of water toys to entice them to play. Liam only cried half the time, and by the second lesson he was laughing again and having fun.
He had two lessons left and did great. I wouldn't trust him near water anymore than I did the month before but he ended on a good note and now asks me everyday if he can go to swim lessons. KIDS???

Ee am

So I just have to add this little blurb.
Last week my girlfriend came to town. (That'll be a whole other post.) We went to church on Sunday and Liam had had a runny nose so to be safe we had him come to class with us.
They asked if there were any visitors and I introduced my friend.
Me: "This is my friend Bryn. She's visiting us from New Orleans."
Teacher: " We're happy to have you. Are there any other visitors?"
Liam: "Me. And I'm iam (Pronounced ee am)
I couldn't stop laughing. He doesn't miss a beat that kid!

Good byes...

So it happened. The, "what i hoped would never happen," happened. My neighbors moved. I am so sad about it. Their little guy Sam was Liam's best friend. They played almost everyday.
His mom (Lisa) and I had baby boy's 5 weeks apart. We were just getting ready to attack the baby fat. We'd started taking walks to the "far playground" and letting the boys play while we got in some chatting time.
They were great neighbors. They had us over for dinner all the time. Had me over when Nate was on call. Watched Liam so I could run errands. And the two older boys were some of the cutest, well mannered teenagers I know.



They have been gone for two weeks now and just recently Liam has stopped asking to play with him EVERYDAY. He still says "it's Sam's house" anytime we go outside.
Here are the last pictures I caught of them before they left.
Thanks Dahls! You guys rocked as neighbors.

"Mr. BigStuff"

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

There are so many milestones in life that we all relish. The first time we drive a car, the first time we ride a bike, the first time we get a paycheck. But there is one milestone that surpasses them all.

The first time we sleep through the night without waking up soaked in our own urine.

Thats right folks, this post is about continence. All hail its glorious name.

Due to this wonder of bladder control, the wunderkind you see above is smashing through milestones like Oprah goes through a box of twinkies. It happens so quickly you are afraid that if you blink you might miss the whole thing.

And the boy is not just continent, he's three. That's right. Just ask him.

Above is a glorious montage that celebrate his dryness, his threeness, and to celebrate his movement into various superhero themed underwear.

P.S. this montage is brought to you by the video editing prowess of my wife, and by the thirty five dollars a week we were saving on diapers until gas went up to like a pound of gold a gallon. I wish there was some way I could switch the exchange so I could send my diapers to OPEC countries and oil companies instead of my money. Imagine how their cursed grip would loosen under 100s of pounds of baby pooh.

Yeah, whatever. Don't try to pretend you never spend you time thinking about these things.

No really, I am worried that I am losing my mind. You have considered it at least once, right?

Right?

I knew it. I will catch you guys later. Gotta go call my therapist. I knew he gave me his home number for a reason. I guess it was a bad sign when he gave Jenny a dart gun after our first session.

Anyway, enjoy the montage. And yes, in case you are wondering, those are oven mitts and Jen's slippers he's wearing. Jen didn't explain that he had to wear HIS shoes, gloves and hat in order to go outside, so he found what he thought a reasonable alternative. Some would say ingenious, others creative.

WARNING!!!

So my ever so funny girlfriend had a post on "Consumerism For Dummies", where she talks about warning labels and basically how dumb do they think the general public is?? Her example
"THE TOTALLY OBVIOUS:
In our frozen pizza's "Baking Instructions" for dinner tonight: (don't judge me, it's been one of those days)

"Do not eat pizza without cooking."

Whew, that was a close one. We would have been sitting at the dinner table, gnawing on our frozen pizza for hours if it wasn't for those instructions. Thanks, frozen pizza guys."

I laughed my guts out after reading this post late one night.
But then it got me thinking about a commercial that plagues my mind every time it airs. It's an add for the drug Requip. This is a drug for RLS (restless leg syndrom). At the end of the commercial you know when they double time the voice to tell you all the side effects, they casually slip in this: (and I have copied and pasted this from the website.)

"Some patients taking ropinirole have shown urges to behave in a way unusual for them. Examples of this are an unusual urge to gamble or increased sexual urges and/or behaviors. If you or your family notices that you are developing any unusual behaviors, talk to your doctor."

WHAT???

What are they putting in this drug? And how did they come to the conclusion that this is a possible side effect? Were the people during the testing given this drug and suddenly some of them broke into ranting and raving, clawing at the door saying let me out...If I can't get to a poker game immediately I will explode. Or were there a lot of unfortunate gropings involving the test pt.'s and the researchers?

If that's the case, I think I'll deal with my RLS by other means I just kicked my gambling habit.
But be on the look out ladies if your husband brings home what he calls a new "wonder multi-vitamin" called Requip.

Ode to Liam

I can't believe my little guy is already turning three. It seems like yesterday that I went in to EJGH to have him and came home 5 days later after 22 hours of labor, a C-section and a NICU stay for Liam.
There are no words that a mother can use to express the feeling that comes over you when you see you child for the first time. So much so that you are speechless. You can't hold back the tears. Not because you have just experienced pain and exhaustion that is unmeasurable but because of what you are given now that this grueling journey has come to an end. (Or is it the beginning?) What you are given is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. They place him in your arms and tell you congratulations. You look at his tiny little creature you've been waiting so anxiously for the last nine months. And think, how did we make something so beautiful?
This is what I thought after I had Liam. Once I could feel my legs again and could walk down to the NICU to hold him. He was the BIGGEST baby in the unit. And had the least serious problem(s). He had a high white blood cell count that they couldn't figure out. (and never did)
Four days later they let him sleep in my room for the first time, and the following morning we packed up and left the hospital and all the fun that goes along with it. For example, the never ending temperature and blood pressure checks every five minute, or a nurse waking you up to give you pain meds every four hours, walking to the NICU every 1 1/2 to feed Liam, and last but not least the ever so delicious meals that they somehow find edible.
The first night he woke up every 2-3 hours and around 3 am he decided it was noon and the whole house should be awake.
Nate took him downstairs, to give me a break, and I woke up to "just SHUT UP, SHUT UP...don't you get tired of crying?" That was when I stepped in and slowly and calmly asked for my baby back and told him to go to bed, he obviously needed the sleep. Then I did what every smart mom does. Fed him and took him into grandma and said, "here he's all yours. Enjoy. And that she did! And that is what Nana's are for. She'd be able to catch up on the missed sleep when she got home. Me on the other hand. I still haven't and don't think I will till the youngest in married and it's just the two of us.
After that, well, it's history. The last three years have been crazy. Yet some of the best years of my life, and mostly because of that white haired little boy that came into our lives April 18th 2005.
We love you Liam! Happy Birthday.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Liam the GREAT!

CAUTION: this is one of my extremely LONG and famous stories, told with extreme detail!
To start, I'm not sure what goes through my head sometimes???
About two weeks ago, I was in the kitchen getting dinner ready.
Wait, lets go back even further to explain this story...
The week we brought Owen home from the hospital, we went to run an errand. Now, having double the things to remember and to bring, I spaced the ever so important "Be Be" (for those of you who've only known Liam recently that is what he called his pacifier.)
Corinne had bought him a book called bye bye pacifier, (which we changed to Be Be) and had been reading at bedtime for the last couple of days.
The book is about a little boy who gives his Be Be to other babies cause he's big now.
When Liam asked for his while running our errands and after frantically searching all pockets to no avail, I reminded him of the book and how we had a baby now and that he no longer needed it cause he was a big brother.
He gave me this quizzical look like; "that makes sense Mom." and didn't ask for it again while we were out. Long story short we got rid of the Be Be that day. There were a few rough nights and days but after two months he didn't ask for it anymore.
He now can almost close his teeth completely (which is why I wanted him to stop. He was getting an open bite from it.)
But this milestone I did with the help of both Nate and his Mom.
Now back to two weeks ago. Back in my kitchen preparing dinner. I've noticed over time that when it would get really quiet and I went searching for Liam I would find him inside our pantry closet with the door shut and the unpleasant smell of a poopy diaper. This day was ALMOST no different.

I have been talking to people about what they did to train their kids and my sister-in-law recommended a book called toilet training in less than a day. (I recommend it to ANYONE who needs help in this matter.It has some quirky suggestions, however it was written in the 1970's and suggests having treats in your apron, which I have on all the time! Or asking a neighbor to train your child if previous attempts have been made and your child will no longer let you train. I almost called...)
I had bought it and read it but wasn't sure when to put its methods into action? That is, until I turned around to see Liam going inside the pantry to do his business. I just couldn't handle another poopy diaper that day. Owen had had a blow out earlier that day and I had had it!
I yelled, "NO No No Liam." Marched him to his room. Put on a pair of tidy whiteys, sat him down for a test drive on the pot and told him "we don't go pee or poop in these pants, only in the potty."
He got off and started to play. Sure enough five minutes later I had a wet floor and a crying child who hates to get dirty or scolded for any reason.
He then put on some "Diego" (Dora the explores counter boy part) big boys, which he had chosen a few days prior and I told him, "DO NOT GET DIEGO WET!!!"
This did the trick. He didn't have and accident the rest of the day, or night.
The next day I filled him up with more fluids. Apple juice being the key to keep Liam regular and we spent the day on the potty. Literally!! This kid would NOT have an accident so just in case, he had to be on the potty all the time. The minute I would take him off he would yell "potty potty." He got bruises on his behind from all the sitting.
He even went the dreaded #2 the second day. Which he calls "stinkies." We never asked him when he was in diapers if he was poopy, it was stinky, and it looks like that's what it's going to be for awhile.
After dedicating an entire week to these efforts, I can say he is almost fully trained. He has only had three accident's and is dry every morning.
I was off my rocker by the time Nate walked in the door in each night, and even then only I could help him for the first few days.
My sister-in-law asked if I cried. I said why cause he's getting big and no longer has to wear diapers? She said, "NO because it was the hardest most time consuming thing you've ever done!" And yes I would have to agree. It was awful and I am not looking forward to having to do it with Owen. That said.
WHY, you ask, would I do this? All while Nate was working and I am currently nursing Owen, and would have to do so on my lap while sitting on the side of the bathtub one hand ready to hold down the flow that could erupt at any moment???
The Answer? I get these Bee's in my bonnet and once I get going there is no stopping me. I've always been this way and I blame this trait on my Dad. Growing up when we were asked to do something. ie: take out the garbage, it didn't mean that day or within the hour. It meant that second and it better be a quick second. I know I didn't always jump when asked but you did not want him to have to ask you twice!
Although I would love the title, "Champion potty trainer of the world," I have to pin this victory on Liam. He's the real Champ in this oh so long story!!!
No one I talked to could give me advice on how to make him stop saying he needed to go potty every five seconds cause most kids have the opposite problem. This has since subsided and only happens when he needs to go "stinkies" and we have about 10 false alarms till he can't hold it anymore, but still goes on the potty!

I got a clip of him after going potty, and YES I bribed him with that sucker. And YES we sing the potty song after he goes each time.

A day at the station

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A bunch of the kids went to the Hershey Fire Station for a tour and a lesson on what fire "people" do, wear, and drive.
The kids had a blast and Liam wore his hat for a week straight till he stepped on it and it broke.
A great fieldtrip!

Easter Morning

So it happened again. The Easter bunny found our house. He was very generous and brought Liam some Backyardigan toys, which are currently his favorite.
Nana Poulson actually got the boys these outfits for Easter. Unfortunately for us it snowed the day before and was a windy 30 degrees Easter Morning. But I felt they needed to be included. Maybe a few more weeks and they can wear them. I hope I hope!
If you notice Owen was so excited for his new Paci that he spit Liam's old one out and was drooling at the thought of his new ones! Mmmmmm Paci....

Egg Hunters

My neighbor and I both missed the community egg hunt so we did one for our boys at the park. Liam understood what he needed to do this year much better than last. Next year, watch out. He'll be that kid that takes all the eggs and doesn't leave any for the other ones.

Happy Easter

If only there could be a double me for moments like this. We wanted a picture of all of us, other than a close up of Nate's arm, a shadow, and off center. We got one that had all of us in it. Not all looking at the camera, but there!

Sunday Best

These were the makeshift outfits for Easter. Oh to be back in the tropical weather and wearing shorts and capri's at Easter again. something I will remember for next year. Go with the pants.

Not so little anymore

I can't believe how big Liam is. Youd don't realize your baby has grown up until a real baby re-enters the family. He'll always be my baby, but at the rate he is growing, he'll soon pass me up.

Just a few more of Owen...

I promised myself there wouldn't be more pictures of Liam when he was a baby, and I'd still try and capture all Owens cute moments on film (well digital) too. So far so good.

Man of Honor

So my girlfriend Molly, feels that every child should have a party or shower after they are born. Whether they are a first child, or a fifth child.
She didn't want Owen to be an exception to her rule.
After we returned from Utah she threw him a "Sip and See." So all our friends could come meet the little guy and just have fun catching up.
I've been a bit of a hermit since he was born. Not because I didn't want to go out, but because I wanted to keep the RSV and other sickies away.
It was really fun to see everyone, and Owen is so cute, and yes I know I'm partial to him, but what mother isn't? After nine months of pregnancy, you'd think anything was beautiful once it no longer inhabited your uterus.

Eat your heart out Martha

Molly is such an awesome cook! She made everything so beautiful. Everyone needs a friend like her! (and she did it all in my signature colors! She's amazing.)

MyGuys

More babies to come

Both these fine ladies are expecting. And due really close to each other. I think they can both find out what they're having next week:)

Tuckered out

It's hard being so cute! Thanks "Ollie" for such a fun sip and see. You are the best!