2/23/12

Alayna ate all of her french toast and melon at breakfast.  She ate all of her lunch also -- turkey slices, crescent roll, squash and dried mangoes. 

Alayna pooped in her pull-up first thing, but did well the rest of the day.  I have been having her try to poop after breakfast and then again before nap and she basically goes every time.  She is doing pretty well with the peeing too -- usually dry and almost always goes when I take them.  She still isn't telling me, but right now with me taking them all, I think that it might not be necessary... 

Kenzie loved it when Alayna invited her to go "read" with her in the big chair.  They each got a couple books and took them over, looking at them both in parallel play and cooperatively.  One of them shut the book a little too energetically and it made quite the splat.  After that they had to "Splat" the books over and over, of course, laughing all the while.  : ) 

Alayna really enjoys playing with the dolls we have out, regardless of which set it is, it seems.   She has quite the mothering instinct and is always feeding them, patting, wrapping or singing to them. 

She is also nurturing with the kiddos to.  She goes over to one of the kiddos randomly and gives them a hug at least a couple times a day in addition to times when they are sad or upset about something.  It is really sweet!

2/22/12

This is going to be pretty brief, as I have had a very busy day between the extra time spent in the bathroom with the toilet training and having a fussy baby that has needed extra attention and could wake up anytime needing more. 

Alayna ate all of her toast and mixed berries at breakfast.  At lunch she ate everything also -- ham, bean soup, saltines and kiwi. 

She had a great toilet training morning, with the exception of telling me she didn't need to go potty after breakfast, then hiding and starting to poop in her pull-up.  I took her to the toilet and she did go some more in there too.  She also did all of her poop in the potty before nap, so...  : )  She was dry all morning also. 

She looked at books and played in the dress-up deal or with Thomas or Peyton most of the morning. 

2/21/12

Alayna ate all of her dried apricots and whole wheat mini bagel at breakfast.  At lunch she ate seconds on pea pasta salad and all of her tilapia fish and her applesauce. 

Alayna wanted to sit on or by either Gary or I quite a bite for the first hour and a half, then was very busy playing with toys after that.  We had done toy exchange this weekend, and since she wasn't here yesterday, they were all new for her today. 

We have been working on our sign language with the kiddos more again the last week or so and Alayna listens intently.  She hasn't done any of the signs or even verbalized what any of the signs are when I do them, but she seems to be quite attentive and interested. 

Alayna was dry (and not poopy) all morning today!  Hurray!  She was acting like she was trying to find an alone place not long before lunch (as if to poop) so I had her go in and sit on the potty.  She did go a little there and then she went more after lunch before nap. 

We have several little tikes pianos out in the back room and Alayna really enjoyed playing on them and singing.  Of course, "Jesus Loves Me" was the main one.  : ) 

2/17/12

Alayna ate all of her malt-o-meal and raisins at breakfast.  At lunch she also ate everything -- spaghetti with meaty sauce, mixed fruit and lettuce with ranch dressing.

Alayna spent about 30 minutes or so with the doll play again today.  I know that I mention it about every day, but it is a favorite with her and she does it so sweetly, that it merits mention.  : )

Today Thomas was playing on the mattress and Alayna decided that she needed to dance around him.  She was laughing as she was circling him and he was trying to keep his eyes on her and was getting dizzy turning around to watch her.  He fell down several times, which just seemed to feed her desire to do it!

Alayna wanted to wear one of the cow dress-up suits and brought it over for me to turn right-side-out.  She then put it one all by herself and was very proud when she got it on. 

Alayna pooped on the potty once and in her diaper once and peed twice in the potty in addition.  She was dry all morning until lunch time. 

With her curly hair, it sure looked cute in the little top pony this morning.  I loved it! 

2/16/12

Alayna ate all of her cinnamon raisin English muffin and blueberries at breakfast.  At lunch she ate seconds on  potato salad and all of her canned cherries and her canned chicken on saltines. 

All of the kiddos were quite entertained today when I showed her the sign language cards I just got and we learned several new signs.  We use some of the self-expression signs on a regular basis (please, thank you, move back, help me...) but not many beyond those.  This set of cards probably has about 40 signs on it and we will see how learning more goes. 

Potty training didn't go as well today for her -- only one time of peeing in the toilet and one poop in a very wet diaper.  

All of my "big" kiddos spent time looking at books.  They just can't get enough of them.  When I asked if they wanted me to read to them, they all made a beeline for the couch!  It is pretty cute to watch.  One of our goals is to sow an interest in and love of books, so we love seeing them react this way. 

We got out some purple bath foam and everyone, except Emily just dived right in, spread it around and started drawing on it with their fingers and otherwise exploring it.  It took Emily until about halfway through art time to get going, but then she also loved it.  I don't think Alayna stopped grinning the whole time.  She couldn't figure out why Emily wasn't as enthralled with it as she was to begin with. 

2/15/12

Alayna ate all of her biscuit and thirds on peaches at breakfast.  At lunch she ate thirds on baked beans and all of her steamed broccoli, pineapple and dinner roll. 

Alayna has developed a love of cuddling after waving "bye" at mom and dad.  This morning we were both kind of busy, but she had a hold of Gary's hand and was very determined.  She led him over to the couch and waited until he sat down, then told him, "I want up!"  She cuddled for about 10 minutes until he had to get up to help someone else.  : )

Alayna spent much of the morning playing with one of the dolls and accessories.  To watch her, you could easily think she was a little momma taking care of a really kiddo.  She feeds her doll, burps her, rocks her, wraps her up and puts her down for a nap, singing to her as if the doll was "real".  it is so cute! 

Alayna pooped in her diaper, but was only wet one other time this morning.  She peed on the potty twice to great cheering from the other 4 who are working on it!  : ) 

2/14/12

Alayna ate all of her hashbrowns and seconds on waffles at breakfast.  At lunch she ate all of her brown rice and shrimp, about half of her oranges and a taste of red pepper. 

Alayna and Thomas were parallel playing at the little picnic table with the food toys.  They each had a pan with a lid and had several things of food toys inside that they were "cooking".  Thomas tried to take some of Alayna's toys, and she did a great job of using her words, yet standing her ground.  She is very sweet with him, but also doesn't let her bully her. 

I had to get a TB test yesterday and when they inserted the needle it kind of bruised my arm.  Alayna saw it and was very concerned.  She kept asking to "see you owie" over and over and then giving me loves.  She is so sweet about giving loves when someone is hurt or upset.  She is almost always the first friend to give a sad kiddo a love!  : ) 

Alayna has had two potty successes (pee).  She has also had two poopy diapers though.  She loves it when the kiddos cheer for her when she pees in the potty, which has to be reinforcing for her. 

2/13/12

Alayna ate all of her grilled cheese sandwich, apple slices and tomato soup at lunch today and obviously wasn't here for breakfast. 

We have started the second round of toilet training and this is the plan I am using.  I will take all of the oldest 5 kiddos to try to use the toilet at 8:00. 9:30. 11:00/or before nap (depending on their level and interest), and after nap.  In addition I will take any of them that tell me they need to go (as long as they haven't already just gone), and if I see them straining or looking like they are about to poop or pee.  I have purchased some cute little hand print charts with room for 25 mini-stickers.  Each time a child goes pee they can put one sticker on the chart and each time they poop they get two to put on.  When they get their sheet filled they can take it home.  If you want to get them a treat or fun family night other reward for completing the chart, that is totally up to you.  Since I am investing a considerable amount of time and energy into this, I am asking that you make sure to dress your kiddo in elastic waists (or dresses) and no onesies, bib overalls, or pants with buttons or snaps.  We will do this intensive training for two weeks and reevaluate to see who to continue with at that point.  So far we have two kiddos with "successes" today (Alayna and Kenzie).  Alayna was thrilled with the chart and putting the stickers on. 

Since Alayna came late, there really isn't much else to write about outside of the pottying plan.  She was pretty cuddly with both Gary and I this morning and did play with the lego blocks for a while in the back room.

2/10/12

Alayna ate all of her oatmeal and craisins at breakfast.  At lunch she ate ate all of her apple sauce and ground beef and most of her pea pasta casserole. 

Alayna was a very good listener today.  It was one of the best mornings she has had for quite a while. 

Our friend's kiddo, Aaron, was here today and she just loves it when he is there.  She likes to perform and he will invariably laugh.  That just feeds here and on they go.  They had about three different 15-20 minutes sessions of laughter between them.  It was pretty cute!. 

Alayna was very engaged and busy today laying out blankets on the floor on top of each other.  When she got all of them then she started stacking the handkerchief on top of that until she had all of those too.

Alayna decided to try to crawl under the skinny part of the inside climber/balance beam today.  Either she has a touch of claustrophobia or she just thought she was stuck in there forever, because she kind of freaked out.  We obviously headed over to help her immediately, but she had gotten free herself before we could get there.  She was a little traumatized for several minutes. 

2/9/12

Alayna ate all of her blueberries and most of her blueberry bread pudding at breakfast.  At lunch she ate seconds on kiwi and turkey burger on a bun and all of her green beans. 

Alayna wanted one of the cow outfits on first thing this morning.  I thought she looked really cute.  She wore the suit part all morning, but took off the hat after about 5 minutes. 

Emily was being a little testy this morning and Alayna was determined to get in her space.  Emily is never aggressive, but bonked Alayna on the head with one of the doll bottles (to try to get her to move back presumably).  Alayna was just devastated.  I saw it happened and it wasn't that hard, so I am sure it was mainly the shock that her friend, Emily could do such a thing! 

She also was in conflict with Joslyn over a toy that ended up with Alayna scratching her and Joslyn biting her on the back of her left shoulder area.  She kind of had a rough day that way.  Poor sweetie!  We put a cold cloth on it and gave her lots of cuddles, but I think it probably will leave a mark. 

Alayna and Peyton were both sitting on the step today playing with dolls and blankets.  Peyton kind of flopped one of the blankets over close to Alayna and she was so delighted, saying "She sharing me!"  She is really a sweet girl and loves it when her friends are nice to her. 

2/8/12

Alayna ate all of her toast with jelly and thirds on dried mangoes at breakfast.  At lunch she ate all of her burrito, tropical fruit and sweet potatoes. 

Alayna has been extra cuddly with Gary lately, which he has no complaints about.  : )  This morning after waving at mom and dad (and being a little distraught because she thought she had missed you guys), she sat on his lap and then on the couch close beside him until breakfast time, except for when he had to get up to help someone else with something.

Alayna has kind of made it her mission to teach Peyton to keep the toys on the "right" sides.  If Peyton takes something from one side to another, she tried to take it from her to put it on the other side most of the time.  We usually remind her that she is still a baby and she has to wait until she puts it down, then she can be our big helper by taking it back to the other side.  She will then hover until she does put it down so she can right the wrong!  : )  In spite of that she just adores Peyton and the feeling is mutual.  Today after Alayna had been over talking to her, she came over to me and said, "I 'wuv' Peyton, Lauralea!"  I thought that was just so sweet!

We played in the back, rooms for longer than usual today because the large group things wasn't working well today -- too many nit-picky conflicts.  My kiddos all loved playing with the farm legos in one room and the fisher price farm stuff in the other one. 

2/7/12

Alayna ate all of her prunes and cinnamon roll at breakfast.  At lunch she ate all of her hashbrowns and waffles, most of her scrambled eggs and about half of her cantaloupe. 


There was about 15 to 20 minutes today when the couch was lined with girls reading their own individual books.  Alayna was right there in the middle of it, of course.  What made it funny was that most of them were "reading" their books aloud with no one doing the listening.  : )

Alayna has been so engaged with playing with the dolls in this toy exchange.  She has spent well over half of her time doing that yesterday and today.  She almost always has a cradle (cowboy hat), blanket (or two), bottle and baby.  During her play with the dolls has been the only time that I have actually seen her be unhappy to see Peyton coming to visit her.  She usually loves interacting with her, but she doesn't want anyone bothering her when she is in the middle of dolly play!  : )


The kiddos and I had a lot of fun singing songs and being silly for a while today.  We first sang all of the song they requested very exuberantly, then I gave each of them a stuffed animal to put on their heads and see if they could keep it there.  That in itself was fun, but then I put one on my head and started singing "If you're happy and you know it, nod your head".  Of course the animal flew off and they all roared and wanted me to do it "again" and "again" and "AGAIN!"  We had LOTS of fun! 

2/6/12

Alayna ate all of her Kix cereal and her mixed fruit at breakfast.  At lunch she ate all of her mandarin oranges, steamed broccoli and ham sandwich. 

Alayna really was enjoying first exploring then playing with the new toy exchange toys.  She spent time with about everything.  First she was riding on the horses rambunctiously and grinning all over. 

She then moved on to playing with the dolls.  She asked for help getting hers dressed, then wrapped it up and placed it gently in one of the cowboy hats and started rocking it back and forth like it was either a cradle or an infant seat!  It was really cute.  Several of the other kiddos must have thought so also, because they started imitating her. 

She was excited about the new dress-ups and had to try on some cowboy boots, a couple of the vests and a cowboy had.  It was great!  She makes a pretty cute little cowgirl!  : )

The farm/ranch legos are out in the back room and they were all very glad to see them out again.  They were really into building with them and also playing with the tractors, animals and people that go with the set! 

2/3/12

Alayna ate all of her raisins and most of her brown rice at breakfast.  At lunch she ate all of her dried apricots and her meatloaf.  She also had a bite of both cooked carrots and french bread. 

Alayna was very cuddly today with both of us, but drawn more to Gary than usual.  She was looking a little forlorn and he bent over and have her a little hug.  She immediately put her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.  I'm sure Momma's fall has been a little stressful for everyone.  : ( 

All of the "big" kiddos really enjoyed loading the dress-ups, doll blankets, and stuffed animals into the washing machine today.  It is amazing how something so mundane can be such a great and exciting activity for them!  : ) 

The kiddos also were really into coloring today.  We haven't done free draw for a while because they had seemed really bored with it, but I decided to try it today.  It was great!  They were talking about what they were creating, letters they thought they were making and their "names".  They spent about 15 minutes drawing.

2/1/12

Alayna ate all of her whole wheat bagel and seconds on peaches at breakfast.  At lunch she ate a bite of her salad with ranch dressing and all of her corn, her ham and her macaroni and cheese. 

I am beginning to wonder if Alayna isn't allergic to our laundry detergent.  After she came she wanted to cuddle with me and had her face in my shoulder for part of that time, cuddling.  With just a few minutes I noticed it getting red. One of the reasons I say that is that her face didn't look that broke out to me when she came this morning., but within half an hour it was bright red and she was scratching it like it was really bothering her.   I just thought I should mention it.  I have also noticed that her face is almost always worse after naps, too, which would be from laying on bedding washed in our detergent. 

Several of the girls were playing with the food items quite congenially together for some time this morning.  It was primarily my three "big" girls, but Jadey and Joslyn moved in and out also.  

Emily has an ear infection and mom came by after breakfast to put her prescription drops in her ears.  All of the kiddos just stood and watched the process with great intrigue. 

To the left is a picture of what we see frequently with Alayna -- the interaction with either Peyton or Thomas or both.  It is always really cute.  Today they also were "helping" with Riley.  All three of my kiddos wanted to help bring Riley toys, so this (below) is what we ended up with.  I would have stopped it, but Riley seemed to like all of the attention (if not all of the toys, so I just let it go!  : )