This too, shall pass.

Photography by Mia

I know that I have been absent for a while. First it was morning sickness, then just being too darn tootin' tired and not it's being a mommy of four and four. And yes, still darn tootin' tired. In the last month not only have I been adjusting to being this new momma, yet again, but also my hard drive crashing. Now, I am kicking myself for not being better at keeping up with this blog. So, here is my attempt. The only reason I have the time for this is that my stubborn 3 year olds didn't nap again, so I managed to get them in bed by 6:30. Patting myself on the back. That was 3 days ago.

Oh what a week it's been. Livvy is a struggle. We had a brief hiatus from her major tantrums. They are starting to rear their ugly heads again. In addition, to a very attention seeking, Mia and extremely clingy, Sabrina, oh yes, and that 100% dependent newborn. I am a firefighter these days, putting out the most urgent fire and letting the others burn themselves out.

To use one of my favorite lines from my high school days, here is what constitutes "a day in the life" of Livvy. Yesterday, we had a very scattered mommy preparing for the early arrival of our handyman. While getting the smaller kids dressed I could hear the familiar sound of spraying, from a can. Despite being out of reach, Olivia found a way to climb within reaching distance of the air freshener and was spraying it in her sisters direction, laughing like it was as harmless as a squirt gun. Did you hear the bell too? That was the signal that the fight has begun. I attempt to iron the curtain panels going up in Nicolas room. I hear the sound again, this time it's spray starch. She had two accidents. Why? I don't know. She made it to the bathroom but somehow couldn't get her panties down in time to sit and pee. I had to postpone nap time, so that I could allow the work upstairs to be completed. Every time I said no or stop, she heard "I double dog dare you.

Finally, a use for leftover Pull Ups.

Nap time arrives, excuse me quiet time. Had the pep talk about being able to stay in same room with Mia, "you can do it".  NOT. Two warnings to stop jumping off the bed and she was booted to the nursery. (Going to be a problem when Nicolas is actually sleeping in there. Whole other can of worms.) She is quiet but Nicolas is extremely fussy, so I don't get a chance to go investigate. After about 45 minutes of quiet time,  I allow her to join me and Sabrina downstairs. Mia joins us about 45 minutes later. They proceed to fight, Livvy being the bully. Then, cue fit over water not being in the right cup. I am about to put her in her room for a cooling off period. This is when I discover, the artwork on the wall in the hallway. She is in trouble, capital T. I am furious. I am 100% sure, without a doubt that I lost it. I yelled. Loudly. I announce that Mia will be the only one accompanying me to the library. She immediately leaves her cell begging to join. I list all her offenses. She doesn't get it. She's three. I know this but periodically forget.

But wait, there's more. Library trip is a success with Mia and Sabrina. Not crowded, picked out stuff for the both of them. Both were able to play at the tables, there were puzzles, leggos, and a dollhouse ... oh my! Get home, my sister tells me Livvy slept the whole time we were gone. Hmmm, does her body still need to nap. Ummm, yea but she disagrees. Somehow we get through dinner, still not sure how. There were more tantrums, losing ability to feed herself, several "mommy do it" requests. The girls were even joking about the "mommy monster". Which is a completely accurate description of my behavior that day. Hearing it wanted to make me laugh and cry at the same time. One foot, in front of the other. Can't go back, just move on from here.

We play, sing, and dance to the cd we checked out. I am thinking, "whew, I made it through this day". Famous last words. We get to the girls' room to read some of the books before bed and I discover an entire art gallery of drawings on 3 walls, the footboard, and the fitted sheet. She sees my face and knows she is in trouble. I take her to the other room, no reading time. She begs to read with us and I can't see straight. I don't know where else to go with this. I am going with excluding her from fun things ... spankings, time out/cool offs, counting to ten, have all proven fruitless. Marble jar is effective but not all the time. The worst is, when I lose control and raise my voice, she smiles. UGH! She knows that she won.

Yes, I realize all of that made it sound like only one kid existed but believe you me, the other 3 added to that commotion yesterday. Mia with her bragging about taking a nap and earning her library trip. Princess Sabrina and how she dare not let her feet touch the ground. And baby Nicolas just wanting basic needs being met in a timely manner. Tomorrow is a new day, right?

Profile showing off cheeks.

Like my lipstick?

We spent all this morning cleaning the crayon off the walls. (FYI - baking soda and a damp cloth. Leaves no residue like Goo Gone. Toothpaste and vinegar did not do the trick like suggested in article 8 Ways to Clean Crayon from Walls. Didn't attempt the WD40, lighter fluid or mayonnaise.)  We repeat the rules over and over, "coloring is for paper only" and "you make the mess, you clean it up". I hope and pray this sinks in but who am I kidding. She is as stubborn as me and as mischievous as her dad. We are doomed and blessed, all at the same time.

So, from now on ... at least a few days to a week ... Livvy has to sleep in the nursery (in her bed) with the door closed. Which to her is cruel and unusual punishment. Today, she got her sister to break her out. I busted them in the play room and locked doors to both rooms. I worry about being too hard, for a second. Then I hear them talking to each other through the doors. Or should I say, yelling? ..."Livvy, I'm in here!" "Mia get me out!" "I'm coming Livvy!" "Can you hear me?" "Where's mommy?"
At one point, Mia was talking Livvy through her tantrum "Livvy count to ten. Okay? Together."
They even attempt to plot their escape, at the top of their lungs, as if I can't hear. Now, they sleep. Now, I can accept that I haven't scarred them for life as I listen to them laugh and sing through closed doors. ~Sigh~

Wiggles Concert

I do it!

To borrow the format from E! show recaps, here are some of my favorite one liners from the past week:

• Mia: Mommy, you're my girl.
• Livvy: I'm awesome.
• Livvy and Mia: Mommy, you're a teacher?! That's silly! (followed by lots of giggles)
• Mia: Mommy, you're a teacher and like a doctor.
• Mia: I can't, I'm holding the baby. (Referring to her husky puppy wrapped up in a blanket)