Small steps, big victories

Some things might not seem like a big deal to others but it's the small victories and steps that are the most important to acknowledge and celebrate.

Today we are celebrating Lance going to sleep without any dummies for the first time. I was so nervous about this and have been going back and forward on the subject. I wasn't sure when would be the best time to take them off him and how I would explain it to him. Or if I should just let him decide when he didn't want them anymore. As it happened he started chewing holes in the silicone a couple of days ago and I've had to bin one dummy after another and this morning the last one got binned. So for naptime we didn't have any left and there was no time to go buy new ones. After some whining he managed to get to sleep without it and I could not be more relieved and proud of him.

Another big step he has taken this week is sitting on the toilet without freaking out. He's not keen on the potty so I bought a toilet seat for him instead. On Thursday he sat nicely while I brushed his teeth and yesterday I managed to get him on it three times while we counted to 20. He is still to have a pee on it, but as I wrote earlier it's the small victories that matter. One little step at the time. Building the foundation for success and it will happen! It might not be a big deal to someone else but for us two big and very important steps towards a confident and independent wee boy.

Xx

Testing testing

Over the past few days I have had to run more than I have in the last year. This boy is testing me non stop. I have been so spoilt with a well behaved toddler, who would actually do as he was asked. I always knew this day would come but I was secretly hoping that maybe I was one of the lucky ones.

At least I know that he understands what I'm saying. Anytime I ask him to do something, he gives me a cheeky look and does exactly the opposite. And then looks over his shoulder to make sure I'm watching and hopefully chasing him.

I seriously need to get in shape if he's going to keep this up. And it does not make things any easier being 24 weeks pregnant and having to sporadically sprint off after a toddler. Hopefully it's a phase, please let it be a phase!

Xx

New era

First of all I have to brag about how great Lance has been in his new bed. He sleeps way better and runs to his bed when I say it's bedtime. He absolutely loves it and can dissappear in the middle of the day and I'll find his in his bed cuddling his stuffed toys. He can climb in and out but so far he's not left his bed during the night. I am so impressed with him and so happy he's settled in to his big boy bed.

I've started doing some reading on the potty training subject. I would like for Lance to be nappy free before the baby is due but at the moment he's not ready. So I will see how he is in a few weeks time. I think I have a plan now though, which is half the battle I believe.

We went to a new group today aswell. A 2s club playgroup, it was great to see him play alongside all the kids and he's starting to get a bit more confident. It's a great place for him to learn social skills as it's basically free play. I also met a few mums who have two or more kids and handling it with style so I'm hoping to get some inspiration from them and hopefully some tips on how to divide my time and not drown myself at the same time. They assured me I would be fine. Fingers crossed!

Xx

Mixed emotions

Today I went and bought a toddler bed for Lance. I'm so excited to show it to him, but I'm also a bit sad to see the cot go. That really means he's not a baby anymore.

I'm also starting to feel anxious and nervous about how Lance will take to the new baby. I hope he will not be too jealous and start acting out. It will be tricky to figure out a balance of making sure he gets the attention he needs and deserves while I look after a newborn.

I try to make sure I spend a lot of quality time with him now while I can and also enjoy him at this great stage where he's turning into a boy. In a few months he's not going to be an only child anymore and I'm having a lot of mixed emotions about that. It's hard to imagine loving another baby as much as I love Lance. Hopefully it will all fall into place!

Xx

Tantrums

I can honestly say I had no idea what to expect in terms of tantrums. I had prepared myself for a battle of wills and to stick to my guns and not give in to them. Usually you see toddlers throw tantrums in shops and usually because they want something that they can't have.

Little did I know that you can never foresee when a tantrum is going to introduce itself. It can show up when you least expect it and be caused by the slightest things. And I know I shouldn't but I can't help but laugh cause it's so dramatic and random sometimes that it catches me completely off guard.

Lance has a tendency to start running until he hits something and then tries to bite it, which doesn't always work on a wall or a door so he gets even more frustrated and runs in another direction. If I touch him at all things escalates about 50 levels, so all I can do is sit back and watch the madness unfold and make sure he doesn't hurt himself.

He's not even two yet so I'm not looking forward to what's to come on that front. All I can do is go with the flow I guess.

Xx

Little helper

It's so easy to forget how capable a 20 months old child can be. I try to involve Lance in any day to day activities that are safe and he wants to be involved in. It's such a great way to teach him these things and also show him that he can do whatever he wants to do.

It's easy to just quickly do things without thinking of the opportunity to include Lance or show and tell what I do. But I've realised it's a great way of engaging him while I do housework instead of having to keep an eye and an ear out to know what he's up to.

He loves helping me unload the dishes from the dishwasher, putting the washing in the machine and also shaking the clothes for me when I hang them up. If I am cooking and stirring alot I bring a pot and a spoon out for him on the floor so he can stir aswell. When we go shopping he puts the stuff in the trolley, unloads it all onto the conveyer belt and helps me unpack the bags when we get home. I think his favourite thing is to put his nappies in the bin🚮.

I love seeing the sense of pride on his face when he's helped his mummy and he gets lots of praise for the good work. Long may it continue!

Xx

Guilt free

Being pregnant I feel so much less stressed. I do what I can and have energy for and the rest have to wait. Of course there's things that need done every day and I need to make sure Lance and I get fed properly. But I think I put less pressure on myself and allow myself to accept that it's good enough to do whatever I manage to do that day. I don't feel guilty if I don't do as much as I had hoped.

It would be great if I could hold on to this even after I've had the baby. I can't always do my best at all times every day. It's not realistic.

Xx