Lennox's Big Boy Bed and Help from Super Nanny

Well... Since Lennox was climbing out of his crib faster then we could shut the door on his room, I figure its time for a Big Boy Bed. Xzavier was a little older when we moved him and he had been going to daycare, where he had to nap on a cot and could only get off when his name was called so needless to say his transition was quite easy. Until just recently he wouldn't even get out of bed in the morning until you went and got him.

Things haven't been so easy with Lennox. He loves running around like a crazy man, jumping off his bed, messing with Xzavier, playing with toys or running out of the room. Night after night we would stand at the door and watch the monitor. Out of bed... First Offense, hug kiss and say goodnight. Second Offense, hug kiss an say goodnight again. Third and on, put him back in bed saying nothing, cover up, hand him "Big Bear" and walk away. Some nights I felt like we would go in about a hundred times... Nap time on the other hand is great. I read him a book, say night night, and he lays right down. Why, Why, Why. Well as usual when I have an issue with parenting, I turn to "Super Nanny". Thank Goodness I have all episodes on Hulu and I can watch and rewatch episodes that deal with my specific issue. Jo Jo suggested the technique I was using (which I learned from the show previously) and also to shorten his nap (which I have now done). Another issue that the show has helped me with is Time Out. I was having a hard time with Lennox taking me seriously but now I got it down. First, Get down to his level and in a low toned voice tell him what he did wrong then take him to his time out area (the time out rug in my house) and tell him he is to stay there until Mommy comes and gets him. When his time is up (one min for every year of age) tell him again why he was in time out and make him say "Sorry" and give a hug. Once again Jo Jo is a Genius. The technique works like a charm. Its even got him to now stay in his dinner chair :) :) The show also helps me when I feel like my routine is out of whack or if the kids are starting to become unruly and I just need to know I'm not the only one...

Honestly my kids are really good and I shouldn't complain but this is the reason why small things seem so big. I'm blessed or you could say spoiled by not having to deal with really bad situations. If you are having trouble dealing with a child or just going through "growing pain" in your life I suggest watching some "Super Nanny" and putting some of her discipline or routine techniques to work.

Although Lennox has been sleeping on the floor, most nights, I know its only a matter of time until he understands and stays in his bed. This is just another story to tell at his wedding :)

What a Crazy Guy!! Found Passed out upside down!

Decorating the House and Christmas Festivities

Living in the south it never truly feels like Christmas until the house is decorated. Once we get the tree up and the house sparkles with twinkling lights I often forget that its still 80 degrees outside. Many times the boys get dressed in pants and long sleeves and end up having to come back in and change into shorts :)

Decorating the Tree; This is the first year I didn't follow the kids and Trevor around, behind them, moving ornaments around and making them evenly spaced. I must say it did feel good to see the boys stand back and be really proud of what they created.

Wanting to be just like Dad

On top the Ladder... This is becoming a traditional decorating experience.

Wow Big Boy

Here Goes Xzavier

Decorating the Tree

X did such a great job this year. He pretty much decorated the whole lower portion of the tree.

"Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas"

Nixon getting some love from Lennox.

Xzavier, Liam and Lennox Decorating the kids tree.

Even though most decorations were on the same branch, it looked Great!

They had so much fun.

Dad did a great job putting up lights outside. He says our Tree has become a Christmas Staple in our neighborhood. Seriously we do get a lot of compliments.

Lennox relaxing and enjoying the lights in our courtyard.

Visiting Santa and Having fun in (Fake) Snow!

Snow Angels

Chubby Cheekies!

Wow its Snowing

My Boys

Touching so Cold Ice. Brrrr!

Christmas Baby

Watching the New Ice Age Movie while waiting to see Santa

I had to jump in since Lennox wouldn't turn his back on Santa for a Picture.

That Crazy Elf, Nigel. You never know where your going to find him!

And Introducing this years newest addition. Num Num, Nigels Crazy Elf Brother. After drawing this silly elf for Xzavier and Dad to color, he has now become a character in many made up Christmas stories.

Lennox's Birthday Dinner "2"

I need to back track a little. I just noticed that I didn't post pics or anything from Lennox's Birthday, Day and Dinner...Bad Mom :( Poor guy, being the middle child is already proving to be tough.

GJ was in town and it was a fun filled day of playing pretend at the park and a yummy dinner. Happy Birthday Baby Boy. Mama is so proud of the Smart, Strong willed lil turkey you've become. I have a feeling you are going to be my lil trouble maker but that's okay every family needs one and that's what makes you special. This year will be full of a lot of mile stones and I am excited (and scare) to tackle them with you. Big Boy Bed, Potty Training, Talking.... Good Luck Baby, its going to be a fun year.

Good Morning, Its your Birthday!

Pepperoni and Cheese for Breakfast... As Requested by the Birthday boy! (nose all cut up from taking a dive thru the dog door)

Burger King Breakfast, picnic at the park.

GJ playing Peek A Boo with Baby Nixon

Browns Helmet form Grandpa Bob

We might need to get a few more of these. They seem to want to wear them all the time.

Chicken Parm and Pasta Dinner

Yummy!!!

No quite sure what hes thinking. Hhhmmmm

Cake Time! Chocolate Cake, Butter Cream Frosting and Cheesecake Filling. So gooooood!!!!

Hey, be nice to your brother, its his birthday!

Needless to say... they loved the Cake!

So many great new toys to keep me out of trouble... Yea Right!