McGrath Moments

Ed is back and the kids and I did survive, although barely. My head is pounding from all of the screaming Brenna did today. Every time she doesn't get her way, all we hear is screaming and this is LOUD, top of the lung screaming! As I type this, she is screaming because I will not let her hit the keyboard of the laptop. I have started putting her in time out because of all of the screaming and tantrums, but she just immediately gets up and walks away. I have learned from Super Nanny that you have to be vigilant and just continue to place them back in time out until they stay there. I always laughed at the parents on Super Nanny who had to keep putting their child back in time out like 50 times before they actually stayed there. Well, now I'm that parent and it sucks.




I know I make Brenna seem like such a terrible child and I don't mean to. She can be very sweet and she usually has a big smile on her face. I guess I have just been spoiled by how obedient and mild mannered Braeden is. Raising Brenna has been such a challenge for me. She tests me everyday and she is still learning her boundaries. All of this said, I love her so much and we really do have a tight bond. We will just continue to take things day by day.

Ed is out of town until Tuesday night. He had to go to Pittsburgh, PA for a conference. Why do they plan these things on the weekend? Nobody wants to give up their weekend to go to a boring conference. Anyways, it is just me and the kids for 4 whole days. I hope we all survive!!

I just wanted to publicly thank Johnny for cutting Brenna's toenails today. She never lets me get near them, so what ever you did to get her to cooperate, Way To Go!! Thanks for watching her!! --Kelly

Today an exciting event occured in the McGrath house and it all happened in the BATHROOM! I think everyone knows what I am about to say...Brenna poo-pooed (as she calls it) in the potty!! I was in the process of getting her out of her carseat after returning from the store and she said,"Mama, POTTY!" As soon as I got her into the kitchen she ran to the bathroom door and I'm sure everyone can get the picture as to what happened next. Brenna went poo-poo in the big toilet!! We clapped and cheered for her and she was so proud! We haven't even been working on potty-training, so that was why it was such a surprise to us when she told us she had to go. I can't imagine the whole potty-training thing will go this easy, but we can always hope, right?

Braeden loves when he is allowed to chew gum and he calls the gum that Ed and I chew "Spicy Gum". It is just mint gum, but apparently it seems much "spicier" than his normal bubble gum. Ed informed me that today on the way to school, Braeden asked for a piece of mint gum. Ed gave him a piece and when they got to school Ed asked him how his mint gum tasted. He replied, "silly Daddy, it isn't MY mint gum, it is YOUR mint gum!" Oh, how little minds work!

A little disclaimer: Being a Dental Hygienist, I don't allow much chewing of gum unless it is sugar-free. :)

Brenna and I had a rough couple of days this week--all due to EARRINGS! I decided to pierce Brenna's ears for her 1st Birthday. A girl at church had her daughter's ears pierced and told me that she was so glad she did it at a young age because now her daughter never even realizes she has them in. She is just so used to them. I thought that sounded like a good reason to get it done while she was young. Well, it had been a good decision up until this week. Monday, I noticed she had taken out one of her earrings and it was nowhere to be found, so I had no choice, but to put in her diamond earrings she got for her 1st Birthday from her Aunt Lala and Uncle James. I only let her wear those for special occasions, but I had to put them in so her holes wouldn't close up. Well, every morning this week I found them laying in her crib-out of her ears. My parents decided to buy her several new pairs for Valentine's Day with "kid proof" backs. Whatever!! Not kid proof. I put those earrings back in her ears 5 times on Friday and every time I had to deal with a screaming little girl who was throwing a tantrum! She must have realized that Mommy wasn't giving up because she hasn't removed them since Friday. Round II goes to Mommy!!

Brenna, you always keep me on my toes and I love your tough, stubborn personality. You are going to be such a strong little girl and I invite the challenge of raising you! I wouldn't have it any other way! Luv you, Brenna!

Not me! MY SISTER!!! I am so excited! We thought Lindsey had the flu and went to Urgent Care only to find out that she is pregnant. She was really dehydrated and had to go to the hospital for IV fluids, so please keep her in your prayers as she started out her pregnancy having a pretty rough time. We are looking forward to the months to come and the joy a new life will bring to our family. Braeden can't wait to meet "the baby in Aunt Lala's tummy!" Congrats, Sis!