Potty Training Success

Jonah is officially potty trained during the day! I have to admit, I was a little leery of the different approach I took, but it worked so much better and faster than the one I took with Cole (a.k.a. the "PottyWise" approach), but that could be attributed to the differing personalities too. It also helped that we went nowhere during the week so he could learn how it "feels" to have to go and then go. The first day was not so fun with about half a dozen accidents, but by Friday (only 3 days later), Jonah had no accidents. He made it through church Sunday morning and then playing at Chick-Fil-A on Monday. The real test was Mother's Morning Out this morning for 3 hours. If he was going to have an accident, it would be today. Nope. He did fantastic! Now if I could just get that night time diaper gone...

Thursday 13

When we went to Summerville to have our “Bunny Pictures” made, the Baileys and Wrights invited us to go eat with them. They have precious, sweet, contained girls. We have 3 boys. I wanted to give some insight as to why we RARELY- if ever- go to a sit down restaurant with our crew.

13 Reasons I Can Not Take My Boys Out to Restaurants

1- We can’t afford it. This is not an implication of being broke, but it is expensive for us to eat out. It easily costs us over $20 for all 5 of us to eat just at McDonald’s.

2- Cole and Jonah think it is absolutely hilarious when they burp; therefore, guess what I have to listen to while we are eating. And don’t give me “Train the child” stuff- as soon as I fuss at them for fake burping and explain we don’t do that, they burp for real and start busting out laughing!

3- CJ can not handle extra noise. Really, it drives him bonkers when we go out and the boys are just talking loudly. He loses his patience pretty quickly.

4- The tables aren’t big enough. When everyone is seated and all of the meal comes, plus drinks, plus napkins, plus condiments- there is no room to eat!

5- I always feel so badly for leaving a huge mess on the floor and table. I used to clean the floor myself, but I can’t bend down very well right now. I do try to stack the dishes, though.

6- Something always gets spilled. It’s just inevitable. There are days when I wish my boys were catatonic for an hour or two, but it just ain’t happening; they are busy, expressive, and curious.

7- They always want what the other brother wants.

8- Have you met Judah?

9- They always finish eating before we do. No coloring page is going to hold my boys’ attentions. Nope: puzzles, table games, or books won’t do the job either. My boys like to be in the know and involved.

10- They love an audience. What better audience than a bunch of strangers we will never see again at a restaurant. So they will dance and sing and have an all out WWE match!

11- They like to eat sugar packets. Yeah, I know, gross. But I usually have to hide the fake sugar and sugar packets from the table.

12- The waitress/ waiter usually gets something wrong on our order b/c of all of the business at our table. It’s not always loud, just little hands everywhere and moving around. I’m sure it’s a sight for someone who isn’t used to it. We don’t know any other way.

13- I don’t have the energy. Really, it’s exhausting for me to take them on an outing like that. I use less energy just going through a drive-through and going home to eat.

We know this is just a season, so it doesn’t bother us. Our friends think we have lost our minds, but the true ones invite us out regardless- those brave souls!

Potty Training- Round Two

I must admit my least favorite parental chore is potty training. It's very messy and just gross! However, with Olivia coming in July, I really wanted to get Jonah potty trained so we would only have 2 diaper-ees at a time. So we started Tuesday (I meant to start Monday, but forgot). Instead of making a big deal about it like I did with Cole (getting a new potty, giving him lots to drink, giving out candy, etc.) I just put some underwear on him and said, "We aren't wearing diapers except for nap time and bed time. When you have to pee-pee or poopey, we're using the potty." Then we have lots of praise when he uses the potty! We have Spring Break this week and made no plans so we could be home all week hoping it would stick. Yesterday we had about 6 accidents and this morning we've had 1- but it's only 10:15. I'm hoping with Cole using the potty it will encourage Jonah. But those of you who know my Jonah knows he isn't easily influenced by others. These are the times I hate my camera is broken because he is so cute walking around with his Lightening McQueen big boy pants with his little belly poking over the waistband a little (Jonah has my appetite) and his new Lightening McQueen croc-like shoes! Just envision it. Darling! Wish us success. I don't want to be doing this with a nursing new born.

Easter Fun!

Most of us were well enough to enjoy Easter this year. CJ ended up getting what we think was the flu so he was quarantined. The rest of us enjoyed the yummy food and candy- ALL DAY. We started at my parents for breakfast and then headed to the lake to my grandparents for lunch. The boys ran for 3 solid hours. My uncle did manage to capture Judah on his camera phone while he stopped long enough to eat some cotton candy in the grass. I'm sure some grass got mixed in along with the candy- but the Jeffcoat boys don't discriminate when it comes to candy. They would eat it covered in mud!

UGH!!!

That is pretty much how we can sum up this week at the Jeffcoat house. Last weekend CJ was gone to drill and the boys were ALL sick. I thought it was actually going to be a slow weekend until Judah woke up with a 103.7 degree temperature Sunday morning at 2 AM. We didn't get back to sleep after that. All of us slept on and off throughout Sunday. CJ got home Sunday afternoon exhausted as well after a very long night himself. Monday and Tuesday I spent in the bed or on the couch ALL DAY. CJ played Mr. Mom and kept the boys fed, clothed, and drugged as they were all off again/ on again with fever. When Wednesday rolled around, I was better, Cole was better and off to school, but Jonah and Judah were still plagued. Poor guys.

So here we are on Friday and everyone is fever free although still a little snotty. My house is a tee-total wreck, laundry is piled up and so are the dishes, and I'm blogging. A girl has to have priorities! There is good news, though: My sister-cousin's baby is due this Sunday and we are so excited about Emily Claire's birth. AND last night I got a call from my very good girl friend who is expecting her 2nd child soon too. Of course it's a girl and we are SOOOO excited and wish the best!!! We can't wait to meet our new baby girls! So,I guess I need to get some domestic stuff done before something starts growing.

You Vs. Your Spouse

Carrie sent this in an email and I thought it was cute. Since this is our family blog, and I rarely say a whole lot about "The Man" in the house, I thought this would be fun to post. Copy and paste and post it on your blog too!

1. Who eats more?
Right now CJ b/c I haven't had much of an appetite; but usually, I can out eat him.

2. Who said "I love you" first?
CJ and then I just looked at him.

3. How long have you been together?
This August we will have been married 9 years- WOWSA! We were "together" for about a year and a half before that.

4. Who sings better?
CJ definitely. He actually has a nice voice. I am tone deaf!

5. Who's older?:
Me, Baby! By about 3 months.

6. Who's smarter?
CJ is WAY smarter than me; however, I see things from a completely different perspective than him which gives him insight he did not have before.

7. Who's temper is worse?
Hmmmm, that is a toughie. I get upset quicker. It takes a lot to make CJ mad, but when he is, forget talking or reasoning with him for about 24 hours.

8. Who does the laundry?
Me; but CJ will wash his own stuff if there is something he needs I haven't gotten to yet.

9. Who does the dishes?
Usually me; but since our dishwasher is broken, he has done them a few times. I think they started to smell and he couldn't take it. :)

10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
CJ; he wants to be closer to the door in case we ever have an intruder.

11. Who snores?
I do more , but we both have been known to.

12. Who's hair is longer?
Mine totally. CJ grew his hair out when he was a teenager and he had a man whistle at him at the mall (becasue he was so pretty). He cut it pretty soon after that and says he won't ever grow it out again. LOL!

13. Who is better with the computer?
That is SOOOO CJ; I would still be using a word processor and rotary phone if it weren't for him.

14. Do you have pets?:
Do our kids count? They pretend to be animals sometimes. We do have our dog, Emma.

15. Who pays the bills?
CJ pays them; I remind him when they are due.

16. Who cooks dinner?
Me, me, me- except on Valentine's Day. CJ cooks and cleans then.

17. Who drives when you are together?
It's usually CJ, but I will if he has something he wants to do while we are driving.

18. Who pays when you go out to dinner?:
CJ always pays.

19. Who is the most stubborn?:
Another toughie.. I'm gonna go with CJ on this one. I can be reasoned with, but once CJ has his mind made up, there is no stopping him.

20. Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong?
Me- see above answer.

21. Who's parents do you see more?
Mine totally. We see CJ's mom MAYBE once a year. Yeah, she lives here in Columbia.

22. Who named your pets?
I think I named the girls and he has named the boys.

23. Who kissed who first?
He did, but the first time it was just a peck to say good bye. The next time, I think he did too. I can't remember that one.

24. Who asked who out?:
CJ and I didn't date. We always went out with friends and when we believed God wanted us to pursue a deeper court ship, we talked about it and it was a mutual decision.

26. Who's more sensitive?
HA HA HA! Me totally!

27. Who's taller?
CJ- 5'5= me, 6'1= him

29. Who has more siblings?
We both only have one each. He a younger sister and me a younger brother.

30. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
CJ does; but when something comes up I believe in enough to stand up to him on, he usually takes me very seriously.

Foundation Friday

Thursday 13

13 Things I Can Not Get Enough of Right Now

1- Sleep- Really, I think I could sleep for days!

2- Cereal and milk- I would eat these for all meals if I could

3- Sweatpants/ gauchos- My mom's LEAST favorite part of me being pregnant. She hates gauchos!

4- A clean enough house- Never gonna happen in this season

5- Water- My pee is almost clear, yet, I still can't get enough!

6- Mascara- Something to make me look awake!

7- My super soft red house coat- Again, the fashion diva I am. I actually use this as a blanket when I'm napping.

8- Lost- I got hooked on this while pregnant with Judah. CJ and I would lay in the bed and watch the old episodes to catch up. Now, I can only watch one a week- sad.

9- Air fresheners/ candles burning- My ole factory senses are crazy! I can smell trash with a new bag in the can.

10- De-cluttering- WHOO HOO! I am getting rid of the boy clothes tonight! I hope that ultra sound tech was right.

11- CJ’s pillow- I got used to sleeping on this when he was working nights, and now I can't have it anymore and can't find one just like it! It's so fluffy!

12- Obsessing over my hormone chin hair- yes, I have this one witch hair that grows from the corner of my chin when I'm pregnant. Thankfully, it's light-colored and soft so it doesn't protrude out, but still. I'm constantly looking to see if it's grown back yet so I can pluck it!

13- Hot fudge cake sundae with peanut butter from Sonic- I gotta figure out how to make these myself with way fewer calories! Also, Oreo cookies. It's sad they are now fun spring colors b/c it makes me want them even more! I haven’t gained any weight so far, I think this month’s visit will be a little different!

Wordless Wednesday

Foundation Friday

“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:27

We have a healthy baby girl on the way. Olivia Neil’s measurements look good, she has a strong heart beat, and is very active.

May God bless you and watch over you.

May God shine His face toward you and show you favor.

May God be favorably disposed toward you,

And may He grant you peace.

Thursday 13

13 Ways I Am Getting Ready for Warmer Weather

1- Switching my bed linens. Thanks to Les I got some white sheets which are SO much cooler. All I had was a set of dark sheets.

2- I’m trying to sit outside more to get some sun. I’m a little pasty!

3- Thinking about going shorter with the ‘do; but I am prego- and the my hair may not cooperate as it should.

4- Shaving my legs. That’s right, I can count on one hand how many times I shave my legs during the winter. That’s how we roll here.

5- Bathing my dog more. She is losing her winter coat.

6- Slowly switching my long sleeves for my short sleeves in my closet.

7- I packed the boys’ coats up last weekend.

8- Rubbing on the coconut foot cream at night getting ready for constant wear of flip flops.

9- Trying to keep my toe nails clean. That’s a little tough with the protruding belly!

10- Cooking lighter meals at night.

11- Cleaning out the fireplace and replacing the wood with some flowers- fake ones of course, because I don’t keep those things alive!

12- Getting my white shoes ready to wear after Easter. I’m glad Easter is early this year (Yes, I follow the “Grandma Rule” of not wearing white shoes between Labor Day and Easter. I can’t help it, it’s ingrained. And, no, I don’t do “winter white.”)!

13- Finishing up indoor stuff so I can focus on doing some outdoor yard work- minus planting stuff, see #11.

Wordless Wednesday

Newborn Jonah in deep thought.

What a Weekend!

We had a very busy and exhausting weekend! Friday night we got o go see the Playhouse Disney Live show thanks to our awesome Mimi! The show was a little tortuous for me, but the boys really enjoyed it. Then we spent the night at a hotel with our super duper friends like it was a co-ed slumber party at the preschool level. We all got to see how immodest my Cole is as he had no problems running around his "Princess Abby" with no clothes on. Thankfully, Ms. Leslie thought it was funny too (I hope!) The room had 2 queen size beds and the boys I shared one which actually went well- sans Judah. I got more sleep than I thought I would with only one set of feet (Jonah) in my belly :). Saturday morning was breakfast at the hotel (anywhere I don't have to cook and clean is alright with me) and then off to the ba-zoo! Notice the man-grip Cole has on Abby!

My camera is still out so these pics were courtesy of Ms. Leslie (The one of Judah was actually at Chuck E. Cheese's a few weeks ago; but we couldn't leave him out).

Sunday Funny

The Woodpecker Might have to go!