Parent Reminders

I said to Randy the other day that I feel like I need to get a bunch of things done so I can get back to my schedule. His response was that no matter what I do, each week will  be hectic for the next 18 years. :) Well...I guess he is right to some degree, although, I feel like I have experienced those weeks that just work out.

He wore this almost everyday for weeks before Halloween!

I don't know where these weeks come from and when I try and recreate a blissful week then something happens to keep me on my toes. :) So what are the lessons or reminders that have kept me on my toes so far this week?

Now for those of you that follow my blog and have been around for the Maxim updates. (He's my FAT cat that doesn't use his box at night.)

Somehow the kitty gods have answered our prayers and Max has behaved himself 5 nights in a row now!!! Is it the cooler weather? Maybe. Is it that I've increased the level of attention to that of a 3rd child? Maybe. Whatever the reason is...I'm thrilled! His vet even called me last night to check in on him. The vet's next suggestion was going to be kitty prozac. Max has no idea that he made the right decision just in time. I'm afraid to say "He's cured!" 
Reminder: Cats will do whatever they want, whenever they want regardless of our preference.

Nap time is one of my favorite times of the day right now because I just get to sit...well that's the idea. ;) The last three days Dylan has forgotten how wonderful it is to nap and how much he loves our routine to get ready for nap time. He is now being retrained to be a good and easy napper. Unfortunately for him, he is so headstrong that it takes a bit of time to fully grasp that nap isn't going away.

Here is a picture of the toys he has lost since Monday. There is another shelf in the back of the house that looks similar. :) Now he did earn two of these toys back before bedtime today so we're making progress with his attitude.
Reminder: When going through the retraining process stay calm, don't react and stay consistent.

So what's up with Ava? Today she is 8 months!!

I can't believe that 8 months have already passed, but when I see all that she can do...she has come a long way. :) Now with Ava, she is getting over being sick. So now she is regularly hitting the kleenex box. She is at the age where she HATES to be on her back! This makes changing her diaper and using the booger balloon rather challenging. So I got creative...I bet if she was standing up she'd let me take care of that nose. Bingo!
Lesson: Occupy Ava with a standing activity and she will let you do almost anything. She even laughed as I was clearing out her nose.

My reminder from last week was to keep the kiddos busy for a successful and happy day.  That is what I intend to do tomorrow which will be the end of my week. Randy has Friday off as well as my dad and cousin, Lizzie, both coming to visit on Friday. The park will be on our schedule

and I'd really love to squeeze in a workout. We'll see, but I feel excited for a smooth day. :)