Jun
17
No amount of cajoling, excitement-drumming, or outright bribery has made any progress in our ongoing household efforts at Operation Poop In the Potty. (I should clarify that I’m talking about getting the toddler to poop in the potty, the adults have pretty much mastered this activity and the baby is still using his free pass.) I am fairly convinced it’s never going to happen. I know people say that all kids eventually get with the pooping program but do they really? Maybe there’s a whole subset of school age children secretly sporting tween-sized diapers under their Levi’s, you know?
I’ve said for months that I don’t feel any major rush to get Riley squared away in this department but that was before he started demanding corn for dinner. Enough said? Okay then.
He’s a champion potty pee-er, though, I’ll give him that. He also loves to announce that Daddy went poop on the potty like a BIG BOY so Daddy gets a MOTORCYCLE, RIGHT MOMMY? and I tell him that Daddy is taking the reward/bribery system way too far and that Daddy may have one (1) M&M instead.
As long as I’m bagging on the children, I’d like to complain about a noise Dylan is making. We have a neighbor that has some sort of giant white parrot bird-thing whose throaty jungle cries we can hear two houses away, and Dylan’s thrilling new squawk has a similar eardrum-smashing quality. It is vowelly and undulating and frankly quite impressive, but most of all it is loud. It is so very loud. He tends to get most vocal when he’s tired and I know precisely when we’ve crossed into the Should Have Put the Baby Down Five Minutes Ago zone by the fact that the house has taken on the general relaxing atmosphere of having transported itself inside a live jet engine.
So! One of the kids needs to tone it down a few thousand decibels, the other needs to embrace the theory of crap-free pants. Other than that, they are both awesome and cute and funny and each dwelling in a particularly charming stage of childhood. I’ll keep them, I GUESS.
Lastly, a few random questions:
• Is it wimpy to choose the elliptical machine over the treadmill at the gym?
• Cute sundresses that can be worn with a matronly bra (ie, no spaghetti straps allowed): do they exist?
• What am I going to do with my Friday nights until Battlestar Galactica comes back on?
• I need to get a new exersaucer for Dylan, because we foolishly stored Riley’s old one in the garage and it became coated beyond repair with sawdust crud. Suggestions for brands that didn’t drive you batshit crazy with singing voices/seizure-triggering lights/call-and-response programming?
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107 Responses to “Poop, squawk, Q&A”
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Yes, they all poop in the potty eventually. I’m remembering that I had the same fear with Steve when he was a toddler. I was sure he was going to progress from Pampers to Pull-Ups to Depends, but he figured it out. Now he’s thirteen and the big battle is getting him off World of Warcraft for long enough to take a shower. Yeah, you just trade one problem for another. I think it lasts forever. I’m pretty sure it does, anyway.
A motorcycle eh? My hubby got a giggle out of that one; then I reminded him that he never got the the bullhorn I asked for last Christmas. As far as the sundress: no clue. I’m a short, fat chick and they don’t exist for me in ANY form. Sorry!
Is it wimpy to choose the elliptical machine over the treadmill at the gym?
Nope. Any anyone that gives you grief, tell ‘em that your knees love you for the lack of impact.
I’ve got nuthin’ on the others. Especially the second. I gave up on sundresses about 5 cup sizes ago.
All I can say is, Cat is probably telling Riley not to poop on the potty. That is why they are so lovey dovey in that picture.
It’s expensive, but try the “Ocho Rios gathered sweater dress” at jcrew.
i run 5 miles most days outside, but if i am inside, it is the elliptical machine for me! i hate treadmills! but i find that i “cheat” more on the elliptical - i can go slower and still be going, where as with running you can only go so slow before you are walking.
We have the Evenflo Exersaucer® Mega Circus, and it does pretty much free of electronic sounds. except for one thing which we keep off. I love it.
Could your kids be any cuter?
Elliptical vs. treadmill is hard. I always assume that treadmill must be more of a workout, but I think it depends on how hardcore you get on the elliptical. They have those programs you can punch in on the elliptical where it goes easy for 2 minutes and then KICK YO’ ASS HARD for 2 minutes, on and off and on and off, and let me tell you, that WORKS those leg muscles.
so, I think elliptical workouts can hold their own as long as you’re not being a pansy about HOW you use the elliptical. plus, it’s much better for your joints. none of that pounding.
I’m not sure with the potty too though. I haven’t started my son yet as he is only 19-months old.
What is the appropriate time to start potty training? Oh, I’ll be needing to read updates about your son’s potty training. Need to learn about a thing or two about this.
My first two were trained by 22 months. Mostly because we couldn’t afford diapers and the wife stayed at home. The second two were closer to 30 months cuz were old and lazy and can afford the diapers.
There are few topics I know better than poop… well, that’s not true. I just think poop is really funny. Anyhow, my immaturity is not the point of my comment .. the point is maybe Riley just needs some musical inspiration. Over the Rhine is a great band that does a song called “Poopsmith” (it can be purchased on iTunes or on their website http://www.overtherhine.portmerch.com/stores/home.php?cat=250)
I think its hilarious and apparently it helps poop go in the potty.
Good luck!
The elliptical is better for your knees. So no, not cheating.
On the dresses, try something with a boatneck. Classy and covers your upper back and shoulders. For example (and this is not a sundress, but it has the right neckline): http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=317390&CategoryID=22120&LinkType=EverGreen
I always thought that an elliptical gave a better workout than a treadmill could?
In fact, I just googled “elliptical treadmill better workout” and got this:
“if you are looking for a quality cardiovascular workout with the maximum amount of efficiency, you will not be able to overlook the elliptical machine.”
…and…
“What is even more interesting, according to recent studies, is that the lack of impact on the joints allows the user to burn roughly the same amount of calories as treadmills with the impression of putting CONSIDERABLY less effort.”
(http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisegear/a/treadelliptical.htm)
Elliptical: probably is wimpy, but I can’t help myself. My rule, though, is that I switch machines every 2 weeks. So I make the rounds of the bike, treadmill, etc. and it’s like a reward when I get back to the elliptical machine. A reward in fewer calories burned, probably, but hey - at least I’m doing something, right?
I am terrified of the potty-training stage. I am waiting for your success story. I have faith there will be one.
Q&A
1. I can’t run due to bad knees, so the elliptical is the only choice for me. I have to echo the pro of the low-impact of that machine.
2. I got one from the Gap and one from Wal-mart, surprisingly enough. They’re both a little low-cut, but they have wide straps so a cami works underneath. Good luck.
3. I am too frightened to investigate how long the BSG hiatus really is. I will just start watching the older seasons until I can get the new fix again.
4. We have the Baby Einstein Jumperoo thingy, and it plays music on one little four-key keyboard, but they’re all classical tunes, though just as tinny as any other battery-operated toy. They’re not terribly annoying to me, but you can turn the keyboard off if you want. Also, it has lots of places to hook-up hanging toys with those little plastic rings. We bought it when Liam was 5 months old, and he’s been a fan ever since. Now, at 13 months, he still goes in it often when we need him to stay in one place for a few minutes.
I buy one or two things here every season. It’s a little pricey, but the clothes are good quality (I think) and they have sundresses with thicker straps, which I like as well.
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?popId=APPAREL&navAction=poppush&navCount=1&pushId=APP_DRESSES&id=APP_DRESSES
Also, boys take longer to train than girls, no?
I’ve solved the BSG problem. See, I download the episodes. And I’m about four episodes behind…so, i plan to watch one episode every six weeks, and I figure that should bring me almost all the way through til January. :p
Holy Crap! That smile is blinding me way over here in Seattle.
Oh getting boys to poop in the potty. My son was peeing in the potty for well over one year before he would poop in it. Let me preface this by saying that he is very smart :-) He started reading in preschool smart. Here’s his story (you sort of asked…) He was petrified to go in the potty. Not sure why. No amount of bribery worked. He would rather hold it for days on end. We would put him in a diaper to go poop when he asked for it because he would just hold it if we didn’t. He would then go to his pooping corner - not in the bathroom - and do his business. Finally, I made him at least be in the bathroom. Then, I made him sit on the toilet with the diaper on. Then, my husband cut a hole in the diaper which my son had no clue was there (no idea how not) so that when he pooped it fell into the toilet. This was the turning point for us. I would NEVER have guessed in a million years that this would work. Bribery did NOTHING. My advice in hindsight is to not let them pee standing up until they have mastered the poop in the potty. I feel that was my biggest mistake.
I just ordered this dress http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Dresses–Skirts/index.cat?viewAll=y#ppl={type%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2232856%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3Anull%2CcategoryId%3A%22100%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C1C3C100%22%2CcolorId%3A%22200%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB08IB_0177031_200B1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22B%22%2CcatPath%3A%22lineId%3D-1~~categoryId%3D3~~pCategoryId%3D1~~categoryName%3DEBpCategoryName%3Dnull~~%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22} in brown. Not sure if this link will work. There are a bunch on sale right now at Eddie Bauer.
LOOK AT ALL OF YOUR TWEETS! I don’t want anything living in my bowels, much less something with teeth. I might rethink things if there was something that could hang out in my colon and you know, move things along. Ahem.
Re: the pooping thing. I’m a big believer in just letting them go when they’re comfortable going (I don’t have any chirren, so please feel free to tell me to STFU)
Is the problem that Riley just doesn’t “get it” or is he afraid to go? I ask because I (and my poor parents) suffered for YEARS because I was afraid to poop in the toilet. Citing “monkeys and monsters” I just flat out refused to go. I don’t quite know what my problem was, my mom would have never badgered me into using the potty if I wasn’t comfortable or ready, so I think it was definitely a psychological thing. Maybe Riley’s going through something similar? If I remember correctly, Dooce’s little girl had a similar issue so I think it’s pretty common!
With regard to the elliptical I don’t think it’s wimpy at all! My trainer swears that it’s actually more challenging and works out more muscles than the treadmill. I’m all for switching it up as I get so bored with the treadmill!
I have a similar dress problem. There are no cute dresses for nursing women, and even the boring ones are super expensive. I do love our exersaucer though. It is baby einstein and it only has ONE thing that makes electronic noise, and you can turn it off. Although one of my kids likes to push the buttons with his mouth and would be so sad if he wasn’t rewarded with quacking ducks.
Oh, a topic near and dear to my heart. I just got two at H&M and I’m planning on wearing them all summer. I’d love to show you a link, but H&M doesn’t roll like that.
Re: a new exersaucer — we bought one at Walmart right before Christmas. It has only one electronic gadget - a rotating circus tent with a switch. When the twins figured out the switch, we opened the thing up and ripped out the electronics (very easy to do). The batteries were hardwired to the board so it was the only solution. When we got a jumper seat thing, we just never put batteries in it.
I find the elliptical sooooo much harder than the treadmill. So no, not cheating.
We have a Baby Einstein exersaucer and I really liked it. A bonus is if your kids like the Baby Einstein DVD’s, it has recurring characters on the exersaucer, like an old friend.
First, the treadmill is a better workout & will burn more calories; however, cross-training is important. It’s best to include a variety of exercises, so you shouldn’t do any one thing all the time, anyway. Also, the elliptical is easier on your joints. Conclusion: it’s not wimpy to keep your routine mixed up, work different muscle groups, and give your knees, ankles, shins, etc. a break! It is easier to cheat on the elliptical, though, so don’t forget to work hard.
Second, today I bought a cute sundress on sale at the Gap. I looked on the website but couldn’t find it there, so maybe it’s only in stores. It’s a soft cotton jersey, falls just at my knee, has thick straps over the shoulders that will comfortably cover any kind of bra, & has a modest scoop neck. It’s slightly empire-waisted with a tie that pulls back behind you. It’s nice enough that you could dress it up with heels and pretty jewelry for going out to dinner or something, but it’s equally good for flip-flops and BBQs. In my Gap, the dress came in light pink, heather gray, and navy blue. One sale now for only 21.99!!
someone else linked eddie bauer and i think they have some pretty cool stuff. if only i could shop right now!!
i have a chest myself a decent dose of modesty and picked up a SWEET sundress from banana republic factory store. SO pretty and only 45 bucks (i had a giftcard!). ill be looking around for more so do share if you find some! im always envious of those sundress people!
In no order whatsoever, sorry, but I’m supposed to be doing sixteen other things right now instead of blog reading (also, pardon duplication but I didn’t have a chance to read comments):
1) Good God, no, the elliptical is NOT wimpy. Wimpy is not even using the elliptical because you can’t seem to make it work, and using the ‘mill instead because thankfully, you did master the art of walking earlier in life.
B) That noise that Dylan is making? At my house we called it the “baby pterodactyl noise.” And it did finally end. But because my eardrums were shattered before that, I’m sorry I can’t tell you when.
IV) Someone please let me know about the sundresses. PLEASE.
Ah, you have my sympathy re the treadmill or, as I call it, the monotonous road to nowhere. I would rather run a 1/4 mile outdoor track in any weather several times. At least the dirt shifts underfoot and there’s a breeze.
Re BSG-free Friday nights. I know, eh? If you and JB haven’t seen The Wire yet, I recommend renting all four seasons (season five isn’t out yet) and treating yourself to one or two every Friday. You have to start at the beginning. This is one of the best shows ever made.
I believe Mad Men starts up again in July (not sure which night though) and it’s excellent. Worth checking out the first season.
I don’t want to wear a gosh dang tank/cami under the dress dude. It is HOT in Texas. Am eating up the dress links. I would like to be able to bend over at the grocery store without showing the world my enormous nursing bra!
Wow! I was blown away by the Cat & Riley photo! The happily corkscrewed tail, the nose rubbing against his wee knee, the bent over hug/pet. Cuteness overload!
Check out Once Upon A Child or a store like it for the exersaucer, they are so expensive new!
Btw, though I commented your Flickr site, let me add that the photo of Dylan is too funny. Please post more of these. Also video of his ear-splitting call would be amusing to see (nudge nudge hint hint). Perhaps he and the parrot are communicating?
And Riley is just so sweet in that photo with cat. Kids are usually a little rough on animals and he’s obviously very sensitive and gentle.
You have two very darling boys there, earth shattering calls and diaper issues notwithstanding.
P.S. Riley might enjoy having some of his favourite books near the potty. He’s probably not used to the idea of sitting down and waiting for it to happen. Also, I was told by a pediatrician a long time ago that kids unconsciously feel a separation anxiety when they see their own poo in the toilet and think (without thinking it exactly) they are flushing a part of themselves away. They’re somehow attached to the stuff. (This made no sense to me but anyway)…and he suggested books and toys around the toilet and he also suggested getting their hands in gooey stuff like cookie dough and garden mud to help with the sensory end of it. It worked for the little boy I was caring for but he was slightly older at the time.
When my daughter pooped her first time on the potty, she looked at it and said “I pooped a hot dog”!!
I told her that they come in ALL shapes so that maybe the next day we could see what new shape her butt makes.
She liked that idea. It became a ritual. She thought she was an artist. She would save it and show it to me and INSIST on showing it to her dad. She got over it, FINALLY. She was 2 then. She is now 18 and going to Art School in the Fall.
Dude, I’m not going to sugarcoat this - the pooping can take FOREVER sometimes. Luke started peeing on the potty in January. Today, June 17th, he pooped on the potty for the FIRST TIME. Six months. Can I tell you how happy I am today, though!!?!?!?
Re: elliptical.
Not wimpy. Do the “interval” program, and do it at the max resistence you can stand, and you’re absolutely getting as good, if not better, a workout than the treadmill. Plus less knee and hip damage. I actually like to do both - try 20 minutes of each. You’ll see you butt shrink to a ridiculous degree. Promise.
Ps - your children? Seriously? The cuteness is absurd.
Target and Old Navy have some good sundresses right now that you can wear with a supportive bra. Nice and cheap!
Try buying a spaghetti strap style sundress and layering a…umm…I don’t believe I am going to write this, but how else do you describe it, a “wife beater” underneath. It’s far to casual for work unless you can find one with some feminine detailing.
About the poop thing, does Riley have an older cousin/neighbor/friend a couple of years older, say 5 or 6ish? Preferably one that he adores, follows around, imitates etc… Have the kid over, bribe the cousin-neighbor-friend with the M&M’s, tell him to make a big deal about his poop. Perhaps Riley will be so impressed that his idol drops the kids off at the pool he’ll wanna do it too.
We bought our Excersaucer at Costco and a second one for my parents house at a used kid’s store for half the price and honestly the used one was better because the battery for all the noisy stuff was burned out. Maybe you could pressure wash the old one, inadvertantly destroying the batteries while getting rid of the gunk.
What was the other thing you mentioned…oh, the shrieky bird noise coming from your wee one. Have you tried diverting his attention by making a different noise? Works 70% of the time, everytime ;-) Get his attention,make a loud whistle, gasp, clap. My son would always stop midscream, a bit confused, but he stopped. If that didn’t work, I would sing “One little, two little, three little Indians…” and pat my hand on his mouth to turn his scream into part of the song…”WaWaWaWa, WaWaWaWa…” Not very PC but it saved my sanity a few times.
By the way, beautiful pictures this post!
-I always feel like I get a better workout from the elliptical.
-?
-?
-My daughter likes the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo that we got her, and it’s not terribly irritating.
I can’t answer one single question because after that last photo of Dylan, my ovaries exploded and now I am in pain.
gee thanks.
:)
I actually think the elliptical kicks your ass a little more effectively than running. And I would choose it ANY day because it’s so much easier on your knees and joints. So, no. You’re totally not wimping out.
Also? What’s up with the BSG sabbatical until FREAKING 2009?!? I’m with you on this one.
No help for you with the sundresses, but if you do happen to find some cute/appropriate ones, please post some photos on Flickr. I’m in dire need of a cute wardrobe update for my postpartum body and could use some ideas!
We got a Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo for my second boy, and it hands down beat the pants off of the Exersaucer that I had for my first. The kid has spent hours upon hours in that thing, starting from about 4 months (he’s 7 months now and still loving it!). There are some jungle-animal sounds that you can turn on, but I generally have it off and the boy doesn’t seem to mind either way.
What? Why would it be wimpy to choose the elliptical? I mean, I HOPE it’s not because I’d rather be on the elliptical any day, and I hate that sucker with a fiery passion. Plus it SEEMS like more work. To me.
I was told by my first pediatrician (and father of three) that for some reason..,boys…have an issue with saying bye-bye to their poops. They for some reason think they are losing part of their body when they do it in the potty. Hence the issue with doing the job in the toilet. He counselled patience, and not being afraid to develop a “bye-bye poop” ritual. There is also the famed Robert Munsch book “Everyone Poops” (it’s not just a Steve
Carell joke!)
As to your questions….
> I think the elliptical is way harder. You’re no wimp!
> If you come up with an answer to this one, let me know.
> Watch Doctor Who, if course!
> Haven’t got a clue….my kids predate the exersaucer - even the 11 year old.
“Is it wimpy to choose the elliptical machine over the treadmill at the gym?”
CHRIST no. I can easily manage 30 minutes on a treadmill, but 15-20 is my limit on an elliptical. It feels like a much more productive workout, but without all the ow knees.
I’m sorry, but I have no sure-fire potty-training advice for you. My little one FINALLY started pooping in the potty a couple of weeks ago; she’s three months shy of turning four.
A stubborn one, she was.
Is it wimpy? Um….For me, and I can’t speak for others, I know that I don’t get as good of a workout on the ellyptical as I do when I’m running on the treadmill or even huffing it at a really high incline - it has to do with the percentage of your body weight that you are propelling. That said I’m sure you could get a hard workout from the ellypitcal machine…I happen to be too lazy to push the machine to challenge me.
And the cute sundress thing: I’m going to say What is Hell to the N-O Alex? Goodness knows I’ve looked. There are a few from Ann Taylor that you could really work but they’re not so much cute as they are….country club appropriate.
This is my advise, DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE POTTY :)
My son was 4 by the time he was officially pooping on the potty. Although it was a long time and I too thought he would NEVER learn, he did. I was convinced that he would be wearing training pants to college.
He never had any interest in the training potty he only used the big toilet. Now his problem is (he’s 6) every time he poops he clogs the toilet!!!! That of course also has to do with the fact that when he was really little he flushed the toilet paper roll holder down the toilet, where I think it is still lodged somewhere.
- exersacure: hit the goodwill or craigslist etc for the ORIGINAL (ie: older and they quit making them) model with the plain tray. Add your own toys. Cleans up with wipes or 409- easy cheesy! They sell super cheap. If the seat is faded or gross- you can order a replacement seat for cheap or save your current seat and use that.
Hi! Just wanted to say that we experienced the whole potty training thing like you are - he would pee just fine but the pooping thing took forever!! Someone at my husband’s office told him this trick and it really helped our son get “motivated”…he loves cars and trucks of course, so we hung hot wheels or matchbox cars from the ceiling above the potty. Every time our son pooped in the potty he got to choose one of the cars. He totally went for this idea and before we knew it he was taking care of business on the potty! FINALLY! So, for us, the bribery with hot wheels worked!
elliptical interval setting on high setting is a major workout!!!
also, as a mom of 2 teens(boys)…my experience with potty training(what I remember )was closer to a little over 3 years of age. my oldest went off to preschool(where is was mandatory there was no shitting in there pants)…he was 3 and 4 months…..the first few months i would drop him off and then proceed to hold my breathe and pray there were no accidents…..believe me its true, no one starts kindergarten in a diaper!!.I also remember when I stopped making it such a big issue, it somehow happened!
good luck!!and enjoy the summer corn season!!!
Good lord, pooping on the potty is The Very Hardest Thing I have had to deal with, with my daughter. It has been a serious exercise in letting go (ha!) for me, because that, along with eating and sleeping, is one thing you cannot make them do. And she would hold it and hold it, and I would worry and fret and google things like encopresis and try all the advice other people had given, and still, nothing but tears and holding it in. We are finally — FINALLY — making baby steps toward getting there, but she is over four now and still isn’t entirely there. She has pooped in a diaper for ages and our doctor’s only advice was to wait it out. It’s been hard, though, I’ll tell you. I feel your pain.
In my gym experience, in which I lost 40 pounds in 8 months, the elliptical works you so much harder and burns more calories without kicking the crap out of your knee joints. It is totally NOT lame to pick that over the treadmill. In fact, we even bought an elliptical for our house, they rock that much.
See, I think the Elliptical is harder than the treadmill. I usually do the treadmill or bike, but decided to try the elliptical the other day and it about kicked my ass! I’d keep doing the elliptical, but you may want to mix it up a bit so you don’t get bored.
As for the dresses, good luck with that… I just had to hunt for a dress to wear to an upcoming wedding (in Seattle, I might add) and I had the damnedest time. I’m chesty and have to wear a bra. I tried on about 25 dresses before finding one that was suitable, however, I know that I’m going to freeze, because summer never offically starts in Seattle until July 5th and the wedding is on the 4th.
I love my elliptical. Granted, my knees can’t really take running on a treadmill as they somehow are 10 years older than me or something. In any case, the elliptical is awesome. I always feel like I get a good full body workout especially when you can set the workouts so that the incline goes up and down at various intervals. Your body will thank you for it.
Besides that, I feel more bored on a treadmill. Not sure the intelligence behind that, as they both have the same non-changing scenery (save people and the tv).
I’m out on the others. Love all the cute sundresses but sadly they just don’t seem to be made for anyone except for teens with pert boobs!
I recommend the Einstein exersaucer also. Mine has only one “musical” item and it can be turned off (genius!). Lots of toys they can pull down and chew on. Ben loves the stationary book with pages that turn and a mirror.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2861775&cp=2256079
Boys take longer. Period. Lower your expectations for it because it can take a LOOOONNNNgGGG time for them to get it. My son didn’t have a problem with pooping (it just took forever for him to be consistent with everything) but I have heard many that did. What someone posted about boys feeling like they are losing a part of their body is true–from what my Mom said and she raised five kids.
We have an elliptical and we love it–it definitely works more than the treadmill but it doesn’t Feel like it because there isn’t as much bouncing and impact. Or is that just me?
Re: elliptical - not wimpy at all. It’s how my Navy husband does his fitness test, and it’s not easy.
Re: BSG - I wish I could help. We’re mad as hell that it won’t be back until NEXT YEAR!!! But then again, we have Stargate coming back on in July. Hubby and I watches all the previous seasons of BSG, one episode a Friday night through the last hiatus. We’re uber-geeks like that.
Finally, on the sundresses - I’m chesty (38DDD/F, depending on bra), and these puppies are too much for a skimpy bra. When I do wear a sundress (I have two), I wear a coordinated bra and let my straps show. When the choice is between comfort/support and fashion, the first wins every time.
Wish I could help on the potty training front, but my 3yo twins haven’t even shown interest (they’re delayed), and my daughter was trained in like two days. My suggestion would be to keep him in undies he loves, and when he poops his pants, make him throw them out (if you can salvage them, do so behind his back). That’s what my MIL did with my husband. : )
Having gotten 3 boys from diapers to underwear I have to say that it’s just a patience thing. Mostly yours of course. And it’s all about when they are ready. No amount of pushing will do it. With 3 of 3, no amount of bribing worked either. He will get it when HE is ready. It might seem like he will never be ready but he will. Don’t give up. Just think! The next challenge after you get him to poop in the potty is to get him to wipe his ass thoroughly!
The elliptical is great, especially since you already run in your neighborhood a few times per week, so you are “cross-training”. Better to mix up your exercises to prevent burnout and injury. Keep ellipticizing!
ALSO… 45 minutes? Crank up that intensity by doing intervals (ie. 1 minute all-out-I’m-gonna-puke, 1 minute recovery) for 20 or 25 minutes and you can burn the same amount of calories during your workout in LESS TIME, but also continue to burn calories AFTER you step off the machine. I don’t think the same is true of a 45-minute steady-state workout. Cut that shit in half, woman!
Potty training - our son is 14 months old and I bought a potty the other day. You know, just to have around. Last night I was reading how you can do horrible psychological damage by introducing it outside of the teensy window of opportunity. Whatever, I seem to do everything wrong anyway (starts off sleeping at night in his stroller with a bottle, no less!).
Exersaucer - I say anything you can find in decent shape at a garage sale. I got one for $10 and I was glad because the baby only used it for a few months. I cleaned it up and replaced some of the toys with new ones from the store. I got the Evenflo circusy one, which, prior to having a child, I thought was the most ugly thing ever. ok, it kind of is, but it did the trick for us. Google image ‘evenflo castle ultrasaucer’.
Dresses - I wish I had your problem. I thought my boobs couldn’t be any smaller, but somehow after having the baby, they proved me wrong. Nothing looks good on me.
Elliptical? I’m beyond impressed at how much you squeeze into your day anyway. Wimpy? Not compared to the alternatives.
Good luck!
OH MY GOD it took SO LONG for my son to start pooping in the potty. It was MONTHS after he was pee-trained, for sure. And he was older than Riley so props to him for already being a champion at peeing in the potty!!
No real suggestions on the other fronts - but I do second the commenter that said you should start watching Doctor Who on Fridays. Love it.
I suggest both Weeds & Arrested Development.
Carrie’s suggestion w/ the hotwheels reminds me of what a friend of mine tried–put one of those nettings for toys above the toilet & filled it w/ various wrapped gifts. Poop in the potty–choose a gift.
I love the elliptical. I hate treadmills. But I think you are doing the elliptical much more hardcore than me. I need to get less lame & step it up!!
I have two Max Studio knit jersey sundresses cut like this:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,29739_aventura-clothing-by-sportif-usa-sasha-dress-sleeveless-for-women.html?cm_mmc=PaidPlacement-_-Shopzilla-_-WBIZ8-_-Aventura_Clothing_by_Sportif_USA_Sasha_Dress_-_Sleeveless_For_Wo
They are perfect! Flattering, comfortable, and bra-friendly. I found mine at TJMaxx for a steal, but now I’m eyeing this Aventura dress, too.
The ellipitcal can be even MORE difficult than the treadmill if you add resistance and use the arm things.
Check out JCPennys for dresses. I got a CUTE one (on sale!!) and it has 2″ thick straps as opposed to spaghetti straps.
Okay, y’all. What the hell is an exersaucer?
Check Jcrew’s sale section, they always have cute sundresses on sale!
i always thought the elliptical was a better workout. you might have to do it longer than a treadmill, distance wise, since it’s kind of like riding a bike rather than running…
all i know is that all the celebs seem to do it, so it’s gotta be good, right? ;-)
Don’t have time to answer the Q’s right now, but - those pictures - MADE MY DAY!
Try Ann Taylor Loft for dresses. They usually have way cuter stuff than just the regular Ann Taylor and lots of their dresses have wider straps versus the spaghetti straps. ATL rocks my world!
And just use the “I’m working different muscles” attitude when choosing the elliptical over the treadmill. ;-)
I second the Arrested Development recommendation. Awesomely hilarious!
Just found your blog from…somewhere, I can’t remember where, and I’m totally addicted to the sarcasm and the cute kids. Love it!
I find the elliptical SO MUCH HARDER than the treadmill! Oh and btw, you are at the gym, if it was me I’d say “good for me and have a smoothie and relax cause dude… getting out of the house is plenty of effort for one day!” LOL
Sundresses, they are plentiful (and cute) at Target.
BSG: whawhawhaWHAT??? I didn’t know I was going to be tortured by that vision of a decimated Earth until 2009!! Dude, fuck the SciFi channel. Fuck them outright.
Your babies make my ovaries hurt. :)
I feel your Battlestar pain. Was I the only one going, “Dude! Duuuuuude! Should have seen that coming!” when the got to Earth?
Hahaha….no advice to give, but I love that you used “bag on.” Ah, that brings me back to the heady days of the 80s. Question: when you were growing up, was the ultimate insult to tell someone to scratch their neck? Where I did - LA - it was, and once someone said that to you, there was no coming back. You were just crushed by the weight of it.
I can only comment on the sundresses…Macy’s (in downtown) had some cute patterned ones with 1″ straps (in the Jrs section) and I noticed a ton of others (not sure about the straps) in the ladies section. Not that the weather has been sundress friendly recently.
Good luck with the kiddos…
1.
ACK! My computer went crazy, let me try that comment again:
1. hell no, the eliptical is probably better for your knees in the long run - less impact.
3. I have no idea what to do with my Friday nights absent BSG. If they drag this last season out any farther though I’m going to kill someone - too extreme? Maybe I need to have a bit less caffeine today…
OK final comment then I’ll stop clogging the comments - just want to second the recommendation for The Wire. It’s intense and awesome and one of the best shows I’ve ever watched. My husband and I watched all four seasons on DVD in a three month period because it’s that compelling. Sadly, Season 5 isn’t out until August, BG is out until 2009, Dexter doesn’t start again until September. Christ, it’s a desert out there!
In praise of the elliptical: it was my primary form of cardio when I lost enough weight to get myself from a tight size 6 to a loose size 2 wardrobe, and body fat of about 15.5%. Plus, you can flip through a magazine and even read a book, which isn’t so true for the treadmill (in my experience).
• Is it wimpy to choose the elliptical machine over the treadmill at the gym?
No. As long as your heart rate is appropriately elevated, the elliptical is preferable (easier on your joints).
• Cute sundresses that can be worn with a matronly bra (ie, no spaghetti straps allowed): do they exist?
Try BCBG at Pacific Place in Seattle, downtown. I have great luck there. Also try shopping bcbg.com.
wait. no BSG till WHEN???!!! i would respond to your other questions but i have to go kill myself now. why couldn’t they have made the last couple episodes into, like, TEN episodes. i tell you, so much happened all at once my head nearly exploded.
ok wait. i will recommend the fisher price rainforest jumperoo. not exactly an exersaucer, but good to tire out a baby and the music is cute instead of irritating…
killing self now.
Um, JB might hate this shit, but What Not to Wear is on for like three or four hours on Friday nights on TLC.
Also, look for sundresses at Target - I think they had some cute ones.
I think the elliptical kicked my ass harder than the treadmill when I was actually *cough* working out. Part of that is my own silly fear of eating shit on the treadmill, which makes me not want to incline it or go that fast. The elliptical, I didn’t feel like I was going to fall off, so I worked harder. Also, the treadmill = shin splints of death.
PS - the photo cuteness…I don’t really want offspring….but it’s a good thing you also discussed disgusting things like poop and pterodactyl noises, because those pictures could wear down my resistance.
Not much help on the questions…no time for a gym at present, exersaucer days a couple of years past, but let’s talk poop. For some comic relief, you should visit www.mcnultyquads.blogspot.com as they are currently having “Poop-a-palooza” with four 2yo’s! makes me laugh and so cherish the fact that I had mine one at a time. As for the pooping…they do get it eventually, but be prepared. I recently learned through my 6yo’s issues, that boys are pron to something called Chronic Childhood Constipation. Typically as a result of a stressful situation like, say, maybe, starting kindergarten. We’ve struggled all year with horrific stinky poop accidents that come to find out, he can’t control and has no idea they’re coming until it happens. It was really hard for him and I had great fears of him becoming the Stinky Kid at school. Apparently they withhold pooping which creates a blockage. Then they experience these “leaks” around the blockage. He had to have some high dose laxatives and is still on a maintenance dose of Miralax six months later. Hang in there, Riley will get it soon enough and then he’ll want a motorcycle!!!!
The only question I can address is the elliptical: No, for Heaven’s sake, it’s not wimpy. I have an elliptical at home, and with the right settings that thing can kick my ASS. Plus, the variety is probably good - and no impact (although when I was using it every day, my tail bone started hurting, and I think it was all the grindage from the continuous circular motion).
I never really considered the possible wimpy-ness of the elliptical. I prefer to just think of myself as kick-ass when I use it and not think about it any further. Now that I AM thinking about it, though, I have to admit that the treadmill kicks my ass somethin’ fierce… and that’s just walking. So yes, MAYBE doing the elliptical makes you a wimp… but hey, you and me both, sister… you and me both
My son was three when he finally decided to start pooping on the potty and like Riley he had no problem going pee. I was complaining one day to my sister-in-law who is a child speech pathologist and she told me to put the potty in his favorite spot where he could see it easily and he’d start using it. I thought about it and realized that he always pooped over in a particular corner of the living room by his toy chest -so that’s where the potty went (with a big ‘ol towel underneath it) Now, I have to say I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of a pint-size crapper in my living room but I swear to God it worked like a charm. Within a couple of days, my son was pooping on the potty in the living room. When I moved it to the bathroom I told him that he could still use it in there. The rest is history. Now the only problem I’m having is getting him to use public restrooms because he’s terrified of those self-flushing toilets. Sigh.
The elliptical machine will give you a better workout than the treadmill (at least that’s been my experience), so no, it’s not wimping out.
I was watching a weight loss show called “X-Weighted” and the fitness trainer would NOT let them use the elliptical. They had to use the treadmill. He said he didn’t believe in the elliptical because it didn’t “simulate natual movement.” ?? Anyway, I’ve been wondering the same thing now, whether or not I’m cheating myself or if it’s just one person’s opinion.
It is TOTALLY not wimpy to choose the elliptical over the treadmill. Actually, I’m pretty sure it’s a better work out too!
Yes, there are sundresses that can be worn with the thick over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders. I found a few at Kohls, one at target, and….I think someone said Old Navy?
The Evenflo exersaucers are not too annoying. not too many bells and whistles: http://www.evenflo.com/Homepage/ProductList/tabid/203/navid/4/Default.aspx?productid=c0a1efd8-a67a-4d54-a648-da23989b0809
I am sure one of the other 90 commenters said something similar, but my old personal trainer said that the cardio machines, in order from best to not as good were: 1) Stair climber (not stairmaster, but that thing that actually has stairs on a conveyor belt thing. I hated that thing.) 2) Elliptical 3) Treadmill 4) Bike. I felt completely uncoordinated on an elliptical, and I hate stairs, moving or otherwise, so I normally went for the treadmill. I think bikes are boring unless you are outside or in a spinning class.
Dresses - have you checked out the sale pages at Anthropolgie.com? Cute dresses, more affordable prices.
I heard a good potty training tip recently, that the mom just puts out the kid’s potty and keeps pointing out how the kid is too little to use it. I thought that sounded like something to try.
Questions:
1. I think the elliptical is harder than the treadmill, but I guess it depends on how fast you go and if you use resistance.
2. I just got a sundress at Sears, which is not where I usually shop at all, but they were cute, and on sale- mine was not spaghetti strapped.
No.
No.
Rent the old seasons.
None!
I did the Baby Einstein exersaucer, which can have the music turned off and is not overly cutesy or have unrecognizable cartoon animals.
Also, try upping the count to TWO M&Ms for a #2. Double the motivation, double the fun!
the great treadmill vs eliptical debate. to be honest, i think eiter is FINE! the idea is to get your heart rate up and get MOVING. whichever one does that for you is GREAT. i, for one, use both and occasionally run outside when the nyc weather isnt too oppressive. often ill warm up on the eliptical for 10 or 20 minutes, then move to the treadmill to finish up for a total of 40 minutes to an hour, depending upon on frisky i feel. i find the treadmill is easier to stomach if ive already got everything warmed up and pumping. i also intersperse some cycling [both outside on a REAL bike and inside in spinning] to keep myself from getting too bored. variety is SO IMPORTANT for me, when it coems to working out. i get bored WAY too quickly.
i always find ny&co to have cute, comfy sundresses that often work with regular bras. theyre cheap too! bonus!
im no help on the exersaucer thing, but as a pediatric nurse practitioner i can attest to the fact that ALL [otherwise normal] kids poop in the potty eventually. he’ll come around to it eventually. give him time and continue with the praise. he’ll get sick of sitting in a poopy diaper soon enough!
No way we have a terradactyl at home too
We’re working on the poop-in-the-potty issue as well. One day he gets it, next he befouls 2-3 pairs of undies at daycare! Frustrating beyond belief, but he’s actually been better the last 2 days, so I have hope! He pooped in the potty last night and was so proud of himself, he wanted to call everyone! Maybe he’s finally got it, since he’ll be 3 next month! Now my 18 month old imitates big bro and actually peed in the potty last night, no prompting, just did it! WTH! If he is ready at this age, I will be praising the almighty that we’re out of the diaper stage, but I’m pessimistic and bet this is just a fluke and he’ll be just as troublesome to PT as big bro.
I found some really cute dresses at JC Pennys, and at Coldwater Creek, that aren’t too granny-looking, but have thicker straps. I have DD’s that require heavy duty support, so I understand what you’re looking for.
I love the treadmill, hate the eliptical, might just be my horrible sense of balance, but the elip makes me fall on my ass! At least with the treadmill I can stay upright!
We bypassed the saucer totally and got the Jumparoo. Both boys loved it and pretty much wore it out! We have the free-standing one with the kangaroo, it’s older but the new ones are about the same! Didn’t mind the music so much, it got drowned out by the boing-boing-boings of the boys bouncing and giggling hysterically!
I also have, and my son loves, the RainForest Jumperoo, I don’t even mind the insane music and light show that accompanies the cacophony of jungle animals. My problem with it is that it is SOO large that I have to twist it diagonal/downwards/sideways to get it through my doorways to move it from room to room. Even then it’s still scraping the paint off my walls & doorjams. I’d opt for the type that actually hangs from the doorjam next time, since it would be so much easier to move around or even travel with.
On the bribes, what if you told him “no corn for you until you poop it where it’s supposed to go?” Would that have an effect? Other than screaming? :-)
Believe it or not, I actually found a couple of cute, well-fitting dresses at Wal-Mart. Go figure, right? They were somewhere between 10 and 12 dollars, I think. Totally worth it. Really wide straps. Light and comfortable. Highly recommended.
I have been tempted to wear a t-shirt under strappy sundresses. But I think I have just been watching too much 90210 college years and resist.
I do, however, put a tank top under a sundress sometimes and that works.
This is not a sundress, but it is so lightweight it works even here where it is 103 today:
http://www.target.com/Juniors-Mossimo-Supply-Short-Sleeve-Tiered/dp/B0018ACM3Y/qid=1213907007/ref=br_1_13/601-6459900-8405730?ie=UTF8&node=391705011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
And if you have 9 million free hours to try things on (because they have a terrible return policy and nothing fits like you think it will) there are usually great finds at Forever 21.
That photo of Dylan is so cute it seriously looks photoshopped!!!!! Is he modeling the current season’s melon lip trend from Sephora?! I seriously want that picture blown up on my ceiling so I can wake up HAPPY looking at it (in a fully non-creepy way of course.)
Aaaaaannndddd….I got nothin’ on the pooping issue because my daughter is 3 1/2 and still won’t. And I’ve done this before and am still stressing. “Don’t worry about the poop” advice only goes (har) so far when you’re 5 bribes in and begging. I feel ya….
sorry, just fixing the spelling on my link. what? I blame it on the lack of sleep!
Dresses- Patagonia has an especially cute one right now- the Netty dress in the sunshine color….
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_SP_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.WOMENS.DRESSES&style_color=75536-613&ws=
Oh man. So I came here via A Little Pregnant. And I am blown away by the CUTE OF YOUR CHILDREN. My son is 26-months-old and I just found out my baby due in November is another boy. So, all of your brother-pictures on Flickr are making my ovaries twist into happy knots.
Re: BSG: I also have no idea what I’m going to be doing on Friday nights. Nothing good is on television and I’m too knocked up to find anything remotely grown-up-shaped to do. I’m going to be withering away until the fall .
Also, I hear you on the cute dresses/tops thing. I keep wearing spaghetti strap everything as much as I can in anticipation of being glued to grandma-bras for months on end. Sigh.
Hello!
Well - after 135 comments, I’m not sure you’ll read mine. But here goes, for solidarity’s sake.
I DON’T KNOW what you’re gonna do about Battlestar gone for 6 months. I DON’T KNOW. Because I don’t know what I’m gonna do. Replay old episodes, I guess. Start at the beginning. It’s what I did about X-Files. Pfff.
Breathe in, breathe out, and get them DVDs out. Smile, break out the cookies and milk.
Enjoy.
Oh! And visit me sometime! I very much enjoy what you have to say, just thought I’d share. Very best to you and your cute little family.
http://www.mademoisellecaroline.blogspot.com
They do eventually poop in the potty. My success with #1 hinged on waiting for ‘the face’ and doing a scoop and run to the loo, ignoring her tortured wails. Therapy, anyone? I am still in denial with #2, and am thinking of letting her decide…say when she’s 15 or so.