Pardon my fatigue....

Okay, so you may remember a post not all that long ago in which I pleaded for help in getting my children to sleep longer.  They have developed this habit of waking up earlier and earlier.  Now, I am no idealist complaining that my kids wake up too early at, say, 6 a.m.  People, listen, I am talking about 5:30, 5:00 and most recently (this morning) 4:00 A.M.!  You see, I am not just whining, this is a legitimate problem that requires an intervention.  I am NOT a morning person but have always had early rising kids so have just accepted the fact that I have to get up early.  The lack of sleep that comes with parenting is probably my biggest challenge as a mother (well, that and staying calm when I don't get it)--I LOVE sleep.  I can handle 6 a.m. (barely--it takes all my strength not to bite everyone's head off) but anything earlier is completely unbearable.  The problem is Tyler.  He wakes up early, then I hear him say, "Jacob, Jacob, wake up!"  I have tried in vain to explain to him that when he waked his brother and mommy and daddy up so early, it makes for a grumpy family.  Yeah, that went in one ear and out the other.  I have tried everything I can think of and taken all the previous suggestions--putting to bed later, putting to bed earlier, getting a digital clock in his room and telling him he can't get up until it says 6:00, putting snacks by him in bed, punishing him (no tv), and everything else in the book.  My kids do get to bed between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m., mom and dad need some quality time together (which entails sitting in front of the tv for an hour or so to decompress--quality time for the 21st century).  So, if you have advice, I'll take anything (I do draw the line at duct taping him into bed though--although the thought has crossed my mind a few times in those wee hours of the morning).  If you have no more ideas (like myself) then just have sympathy!  Poor me.....zzzzzzzzz.........

Tyler's Rules

The above picture has no story, it's simply because I think Maggie is so stinkin' cute...  The next picture was a funny moment.  I was in the other room making dinner when I realized Jacob was being too quiet (all mothers know this is a dangerous sign).  So I went to look for him.  I came around the corner and there he was sitting at the desk on the computer.  I asked him what he was doing, "I'n on duh compooder.  I'n workin'."  I thought it was funny and cute, and besides, he was being good leaving me alone so I made the mistake of letting him play on it (I know, I know, big mistake).  Well, the next time I get on the computer it keeps yelling at me all the things I am doing, "Open Safari."  "Close Safari."  "Web browser open." etc. etc.  Apparently he had turned on something called "voice over" I assume for visually impaired people or what I have no idea.  Everything I did it announced out loud and I couldn't even mute it!  For the life of me I could not figure out how to turn it off so until Eric got home I had a verbal play by play of my computer time....
Again, just 'cause she's so stinkin' cute....notice her shirt...
Lastly, as you all know my boys have been waking up around 5:30 a.m. or earlier.  We've put a clock in their room and that keeps them there until 6 a.m. but then it is up and at 'em.  Well, the boys often fight wihle they are awaiting their time to come out and yesterday morning Eric and I heard this from their room, (it is Tyler speaking), "Jacob, these are the rules,  Rule number one, no jumping on me.  Rule number two, no hitting me.  Rule number three no climbing on me.  Rule number four no taking toys away from me.  Rule number five, no screaming at me.  Do you understand the rules Jacob?  Will you obey the rules?"  Jacob thinks for a moment and replies, "Um, no."  Well, it's no wonder Tyler gets frustrated with Jacob!  Now he knows how mommy feels.

It can't be this easy...

I have quite a few things to talk about.  First is that Fort Irwin really isn't all that bad.  Everyone who comes here says how ugly it is, and it certainly is lacking greenery.  However, Fort Irwin has the most beautiful sunsets every single day.  The sky lights up in bright pinks, purples, oranges and blues.  I tried to capture one on camera, but it doesn't even come close.  So days when I feel like I need more color than brown and beige and brown, I know I can just wait until evening!
Secondly, I have to say what a master Lego builder Tyler is.  He builds all kind of things, usually space-rockets like this one.  But they are always so amazing--you can't tell in this picture, but it is perfectly symmetrical and has several layers to it--it's about 1.5" tall--and in between layers he has left spaces strategically and on and on.  He really is talented.  I doubt I could build like he does!
Okay, don't look at this picture if you don't have little kids.  But I had to show it.  Jacob was so proud of himself.  Now this refers back to my title--it can't be this easy.  Ever since the day I said he went poop the first time he has not had ANY poop accidents and only had a couple of pee pee accidents.  And I haven't even done anything!  He just tells me when he has to go, I take him, and he goes!  No fear, no whining, just sits down and does his thing.  It is amazing.  I've been afraid to say anything for fear of jinxing it, but it has been almost a week now!  I guess this is recompense for his first year of life (for those of you who forgot, Jacob screamed almost non-stop for his first year and a half...).  Hooray for Jacob!
And to round it out a few pics of Maggie, or "Mags" as Jacob calls her (I know, the boys keep giving her different nicknames).  She is so smiley now it is so fun.  I can always (almost) get her to smile, she's definitely a momma's girl.  The boys don't have as much luck.  But she is just the most precious little thing when she has her big smiles.  I can't capture her cuteness on camera, but let me assure you she is as cute as can be!



She is really chunking out too--her big chipmunk cheeks are so kissable!  She is about 13 pounds now!  And is starting to outgrow her 3 mo. clothes!  Man, they grow fast.  Anyway, happy day to all!

My favorite Boys

Well, I know most of you that read this blog are family and have already (or soon will) see these pictures but I just loved them so much I had to pic a few to put on.  I must thank my sister-in-law Katie for taking them!  These are a few more pictures of the boys playing in the snow in Utah.  Tyler loved it so much and is already asking to go back!
Eric was so great while we were there.  He was out with the boys all the time--it was too cold for me (although I could use the excuse that I couldn't take Maggie out in it...)!  Jacob loved the 4-wheelers.
And this pic is my favorite.  All my boys, happy as can be!  What fun.  Now it's back to the grind.  You know with kids it is always something.  They always seem to be in some annoying phase and once they get over one thing, they move on to another.  Tyler's current phase is waking up at 5 a.m.--no exaggeration--and waking up everyone in the house.  I hear him from his room, "Jacob, Jacob!  Wake up!"  Then the two of them skip into our room asking for waffles.  We've tried it all--saying they can be up as long as they stay in their room, telling Tyler he has to wait until the sun comes up/clock says 6 a.m., threating punishment (I am not a happy camper at 5 a.m., especially after already being up twice with Maggie), I am fresh out of ideas.  I am at the point of hoping against hope it will end soon!  I guess it will just make me appreciate the nights I do get to finally sleep again...whenever that may be!

Iron Chef

Well, for those of you familiar with my children, you may know that they haven't eaten dinner in about a year and a half.  It's amazing that they are still alive.  My rule is that I make a family dinner and if they don't eat it then they go hungry for the night.  I NEVER give in and all the "experts" said this is the best way to get your kids to eat.  According to them it should take a few weeks and "your child will get the idea they have to eat what you make."  Well, they didn't count on the stubborness of the Swenson children.  So as I said, my kids live on breakfast and lunch alone.  So last night Eric and I decided we were sick of it and going to implement a new system--what they don't eat for dinner they get for breakfast.  If they don't eat it then, they get it for lunch and so on.   This morning was my first attempt at this and Tyler took an hour to eat, whining the whole time, but I was steadfast!  Then there is Jacob.  He actually ate all his chicken pretty well but when it came to the potatoes he had a harder time.  I put a bite in his mouth and he went to spit it out but I told him he had to chew it up and swallow it.  So he tries to chew it then gags.  I look up from the sink just in time to see him puke all over the table.  It wasn't a sick throw-up, just an "oh my gosh I hate this food I can't even chew it" throw up.  Regardless, it was disgusting.  So what do I do now?  Do I risk a vomit session each morning or just let him have his Eggos?  Ah, the joys of motherhood.

On a happier note, guess who pooped in the toilet yesterday?  JACOB!  Hooray!  Of course, he pooped in his diaper later too, but it does give one reason to hope that potty-training is near.  I actually have a pretty awesome picture of Jacob admiring his "business" but I thought that might take the blog a little too far!   You'll just have to use your imaginations.