Progress
I'm sure many of you are checking this and hoping for updates. Sorry we haven't had much - we've been busy parenting!!! (and too exhausted to do much else)
A few brief things:
- We are firmly in Mommy and Daddy mode. The girls have been calling us that consistently since the evening on day one.
- O seems to be through the worst of the temper tantrum phase. It seems clear to us that this worked for her in the past. The embarrassment or hassle of the screaming got her what she wanted. When she found out that no matter how much she screamed and cried that we were going to hold her and tell her she couldn't have/do/get/ whatever... but we were so sorry that it upset her and we love her very much... she decided that the tantrums really weren't worth it. They went from 20 minutes down to 5 and from four per day down to two. Today was tantrum-free for O. So that has been a relief!
- L is starting to assert herself which makes us happy. She is very quiet and definitely hides in O's shadow. We take this as a sign that she is feeling more comfortable. A few minor tantrums from her have actually been a welcome thing for us.
- Like any 4 and 3 year old, boundaries are always being pushed and tested. It is hard to be consistent, but we know what the right thing to do is. Plus it helps being married to about the most stubborn person I know :)
- Bedtime is probably the biggest challenge, but we have seen drastic improvement, and are putting a plan in place to have that be a more "normal" experience. The biggest obstacle is that O has so much energy. We lay her down and she kicks and tosses and turns in the sheets for a good half hour. I watch her and see her stare at the ceiling fan. I wonder what is going on in that tiny head. Her mind must be going a hundred miles an hour. L is no problem at bedtime. She sleeps like daddy does - pulls up the covers, yawns a few times, and she is out.
- People at church have been so kind to us to bring meals and flowers! We feel very loved. And it has been nice to have a grandma with so many years of preschool teaching experience. Her observations and time invested with the girls has been really helpful.
- We are starting to figure out the routine - and I was actually able to run four miles today! - Still haven't showered, though - I'm totally stinky, so I'm off to do that now :)
Thanks for your prayers!
8 comments:
So glad that things are going well and all of you are settling into a routine. Routines and consistency are so important to children as it gives them a lot of comfort knowing what to expect. Sometimes it is a pain and it would be way easier to give in, but that is not good parenting (I call it lazy parenting) and it creates little monsters:) So, great job Jon and Jenetta, we all knew you too would do a fantastic job being parents!!! We love you guys and can't wait to meet your sweet little girls:) hopefully Sunday. We have to see how Nick does with his oral surgery tomorrow.
The Pav 5
yay! We are praying for you guys and cannot wait to meet them!
It was wonderful to talk with Jenetta today and to get a glimpse from her about how things are going. It is WONDERFUL to hear how well they are adjusting and how many things seem to be improving already! I'm sure we'll be coming to you in the future for advice! :) You are doing a great job and we are so proud of you!!! O & L are SO immensely blessed to have you both as parents!
Congrats, guys! Your old life is gone (but replaced with one much cooler). Bless you for loving these little angels.
Greg (Jeremy's dad)
Thank you so much for sharing...I've been wanting so much to hear how it's going for you. Sounds like you are really getting to know the girls. Good for Jenetta for sticking to her guns! I need her backbone with mine sometimes :) Looks like you are in a huge learning curve and are taking it all in stride.
yay!!! Sounds like the smooth transition we have been praying for....the settling down into a NEW " normal" life (for all of you!).
Hmmm, parenting classes BEFORE parenthood is such a GOOD idea! Ought to be required before admittance to the hospital to have them :)
Their room looks DARLING by the way!! They must feel like they are in heaven!!
Cant wait to see you Sunday....(we'll be cool.....)
love & hugs.
Barbara & Gary
Thanks for keeping us updated. We are all so excited for you. I tell many about your wonderful story and am excited to meet the new members of our extended family! Two new little grand nieces and second cousins for Cristi, TJ, and Holli to play with. Cristi will love on them especially since that is her age of specialty! Hope to see you sometime soon.
So glad to read this update. It sounds like you guys are doing awesome! Glad to hear that you are being firm with rules...and not putting up with tantrums... that is so important....:-) I am so looking forward to meeting your beautiful daughters in Sunday School! I just wish that I could spend time with them...but they are past the Nursery Stage...:-) Hey, if you need a baby sitter for your "Date Night" (which is very important), give me a call....:-)
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