Small steps of success!

I don't have long to post this evening.... we started back to school today and Chris went back to work. I have been away from the computer almost all day. So, I wanted to post these small victories that I had today, because who knows what tomorrow will be like!

1. Raspberries (spitting) At Mom When Mad
Like I mentioned ds3 has learned well to do the above when he is mad about something. Trust me it may seem cute, but it isn't fun to be on the receiving end. This usually lands him in a time out. Today he landed in time out 4 times. (All before lunch!) After lunch I needed to change his not so sweet smelling diaper, but he wanted to play with his toys. So when I guided him over and lay him down to change his diaper, I saw his mad face, and then I saw his little lips purse up and get ready to go.... and then I could see it. I could tell in a split second he thought about it, and stopped himself. Ah success... consistency, consistency, consistency. Naturally he got a big hug after the diaper change.

2. Nap time
After the diaper change, I could tell it was a little early for his nap. So I put in a Baby Einstein (on the farm) because he loves it. Then I just sat with him in my lap on the couch. His little hands held mine as we watched and made the animal sounds when they popped on the screen. What a nice time! Afterward, it was time for nap, so we read a few books. He didn't really want to be rocked, so I laid him down gently in the crib and rubbed his back. I left the hall light on and the door slightly ajar as I softly told him... "It's nap time now...mommy will be in to check on you in a little bit." Well, I went downstairs to continue schooling the boys and I could hear him on the monitor singing. The child loves to sing. About 20 minutes later and he was sound asleep! I snuck back up and closed the door, so no one would inadvertently wake him.

3. Shower
Yes, brave of me to actually state this... but while ds3 napped, I actually got a shower! Yay! I'd forgotten how difficult this can be with a toddler. I am not a morning person, so if I don't get up at the crack of dawn with dh, then I'm not gonna get clean until nap time. :-)

4. Bedtime
We followed our usual bedtime routine. Bath, lotion, jammies, reading, then I turned out the lights and left on the outside light with the door open a little. I just sat in the rocker and sang all my Christmas hymns again, and Edelweiss. I went over and brushed his head and asked if he needed a blanket as his feet felt cool. Then I said "Mommy will check on you in a few minutes. I'll be back soon. I love you." Guess what? No crying tonight! At all! He fell asleep, in his crib! Today was the very first day he has slept in his actual crib, in his room since we have been home. So that is a HUGE success! (I say this hoping that he sleeps peacefully through the night, or I will be writing of my lack of sleep in the morning!)

So I had to document the successes of the day, so I can look back on them when I need them....and remember. Thanks for all who have encouraged me! And thank you to the many who I am sure, have been praying for us.

Jackie