Bedtime for Quinten

Quinten asked to sleep in his big boy bed Saturday night. While I was not really prepared mentally, I said ok. Without an exact routine, it did not go well. He screamed and cried intensely when I left the room. I did the Super Nanny thing and inched my way out but each time I was near the door, he started again. Mark talked me into taking him downstairs to see if he would fall asleep. While he was quiet, sleep never entered his mind! I took him back up, sang to him and laid him down. This time he whimpered but he quickly fell asleep. Tonight we read our books; rocked in the chair; said our prayers and then it was time for bed. Mark put him down and that was that! Quinten has transitioned easily in all his growth and development phases-nursing to a bottle; cereal to food; walking without ever falling really; diapers to underwear. When he is ready for the next stage, he just does it. This transition made me sad as it emphasized to me that he is growing and does not need me all the time. That unconditional love, while still there, is demonstrated when he wants to show it.

Father's Day Weekend

We celebrated Father's Day by camping at Alum Creek State Park with our new pop-up camper. Mark, Janet and Quinten went up Friday night after work. Mark, as usual, organized almost everything! We ate dinner on the way and had set up camp by 7. Quinten was far too excited to sleep until it got dark. Unfortunately, he was then very tired and screamed about sleeping in his own bed. I rocked him and sang to him which calmed him but I had to lay down next to him. He would not fall asleep so I did what I swore I would never do-let him in our bed. Needless to say, neither Mark nor Janet got much sleep with him flopping all over the place. Plus, a major thunderstorm occurred over the night. I was quite happy to not be in the tent!

The next day started at 6:30am! Ugh!!! But, the sun was bright and beautiful. We enjoyed an early morning bike ride and played at the beach. Quinten was sooooooooo excited about the sand and water! Mark's dad arrived before 10 to spend the day and night with us. Hard as I tried to remember, I did not get a picture of Jim and the grandkids. Quinten did nap in his bed and so Janet took one as well! Mark and Jim picked up Lauren who joined us for the remaining afternoon and evening. She opted to sleep all alone in her tent Saturday night. We ended the night by grilling marshmallows (Lauren is an absolute expert in this area!). We are fairly certain that raccoons visited us during the night as the graham crackers and chocolate that were left out were eaten! Quinten did sleep in his bed without problems-yeah!!

After a Bob Evans breakfast, we packed up and headed home. With everyone helping out, we were unable to unpack quite quickly. Mark relaxed and watched a favorite sport-Indy car racing. Janet and Lauren made dinner and Mark opened gifts. A trip to Las Vegas and a book on Ohio State Parks for more camping adventures!

Zoo Days!

Quinten and mommy went to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium today. The membership was a gift from Janet's parents and has been used several times. Quinten always wants to see the gorillas. Today it was not overly busy and we got some up close time with Coco. As you can see, she is checking us out! Quinten would not pet any of the animals but he loved watching them and listening to them make noise. We did get to see the new baby boy elephant and his mommy out in the yard. He looked so small next to her that I cannot imagine that he is weighed over 300# at birth. Mondays are mommy and Quinten days and we both love them. It gives us that little extra time together that are being used to make memories.

Back Home!

I am back home after being at a conference for 4 days. Working outside of the house is a delicate balance and one that it is not easy for me. The conference was stimulating and having evening social enjoyments for a few nights was nice. So, am I a bad wife and mother for enjoying being out of the house? Am I a bad person for just wanting to veg around the house after a very late return and spending ten hour days at the conference (and then going out in the evening)? Mark and Quinten had a great time and a few things changed around the house. Can you imagine? But, the house remains intact, and Quinten is still in underwear. Mark put him in diapers one time after an unfortunate GI incident! The best news is that I want to be home and I want to be a good wife and mother. Quinten said he was not tired but I was so he had to have "quiet time" in the crib. Alas, he has been up there over 2 hours asleep!!! An addendum-Quinten was calling as I was finishing up this blog. I went up to find quite a bit of poop which require a bath. I am rethinking I should go back to work!

Potty Training Going Well!

Though we have tried a couple other times (the last in mid-April), Quinten is doing extremely well with potty training! He has not had a poopy diaper in ~1 week and has been without a urine accident for three days!!! Today he is in his Thomas underwear with vinyl pants. I decided against pull ups and am going for the big boy pants! He even stayed dry during camping. He usually goes potty about 30 minutes after going to bed but he asks to get up, takes care of business and goes back to bed. We have not given him treats or gifts for going in the potty; a few months ago he could blow bubbles after potty but this time he does not need/ask for anything.

The Zappe's did go camping at Alum Creek State Park for one night this weekend. Everyone had a great time. Quinten was so excited to sleep in the tent though mommy got bumped more than once with an elbow! He did stay up later than usual but was not cranky. Mark did an awesome job packing and preparing for the experience. I am really grateful that he can pull this together smoothly which allows a wonderful experience.