Talking it Out

From the beginning I have tried very hard to work with my children on how to appropriately express themselves. It's a hard thing to be able to identify your feelings, figure out where they come from, and then how to express them. So many people either just stuff their feelings or express them in inappropriate ways that I want to help them develop those skills.... as I struggle with them myself.

This doesn't always go well. There has been yelling, "I AM SO MAD AT YOU!" There has been crying, "No one likes me anymore..." There has been hitting. There has been silence.

Today the youngest Bures proved that you are never too young to tell someone how you feel. I was cleaning and he began to complain that he didn't want me to take away his plate. I snapped a little and said, "Grant please do not yell at me today," and walked into the kitchen.

He walked into the kitchen and calmly said to me, "I didn't yell at you mom."

"You're right. You didn't really yell. I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"It's ok mom. I love you."

"I love you too Grant. Thank you."

"Mom I think I need a little space."

Fair enough little one. Thank you for teaching me something today.

Things I Never Thought I'd Hear/Say.

We have been working on potty training with Grant. At his pace. Sometimes he asks to go sometimes you can't force him. But when he goes, he gets a treat. No matter what time of the day it is. (Treats are usually reserved for afternoon except on special occasions.) But Aid has been watching this and feeling the pressures of good ol sibling rivalry. Which at first just made me chuckle. But then I realized I could use this to my advantage.  Aid still has trouble wiping his butt. There I said it out loud. He starts but can't finish it up. But I have begun to suspect that there is a hint of laziness playing out. Sure enough. Told Aid he could also get a treat if he wiped his bottom all by himself without any assistance. Then they raced to see which brother could go potty, wipe up, and be done first. Can't believe that this is my day sometimes.


Was upstairs cleaning when Grant yelled up, "Mom!! Can I be naked and ride my bike?"
"Uh.....yes?"

(Will add more as they happen! Feel free to comment with your own whenever you need to!)

There's a Baby in the House!

I've started watching Bob's cousin's little girl.  Her name is Stella and she is darling. She is almost 5 months, but was born 2 months prematurely so I'm not sure where that puts her exactly. She is so little. And she's a girl!

The boys have done well on her first day. Grant much better then Aid, who is once again worried about his standing. He has been fretting all day and asking why I like her and if I still like him. Sigh. Grant has been my helper, getting her toys, her bottle, her blankie. Apparently he is my caretaker.

We have been all oogling over her and competing for her affections. Grant looks up at some point and excitedly yells, "There is a baby in the house mama!"

There sure is!

It's In the Genes

When we were in Oregon, my little niece Abby started soccer. She brought Aid along to one of her practices. I have been wondering if Aid would be interested in playing, but not wanting to push him into it because I want him to play it. And not wanting to put down money on equipment if he just wasn't into it.  He has also been asking to take swim classes again.

This morning our community rec book came. I asked Aid, "Would you rather take swim classes or soccer?"

"Soccer!!!!! And can I get a ball and shoes and a blue shirt?"

"Oh yes you can my love, yes you can!!"

Chip off the ol block!