Updates

Rowan took a nap for over 3 hours and is eating again. Luckily, I had the foresight to switch to disposables diapers while he was sick and that really paid off today if you know what I mean. So we are done with the puking it looks like and have moved on to other things. Not too bad at all.
Athena stayed for lunch at school again. She wants to stay every day now. That will be an extra $60 a month which isn't a lot, but still maybe not in the budget. I'd like to keep it at once a week.

Today we looked at a house that we might rent. It fit our needs in every way except it smelled like dog pee. The managers are having the carpet specially pet treated tomorrow since they really want to rent it to us, but I'm not very hopeful. I think I will still smell it. Too bad, as looking for houses is bad news, and really stressful on Athena. She started having major tantrums again just after we started discussing moving (again). It will be for the better in the end, but I don't want to have to keep moving.

I walked with the kids to Whole Foods today and Athena brought along her doll stroller and then I let the kids push around a kids cart. It was one of those experiences that usually turns into a nightmare, but I tried to remain calm and upbeat and it all worked out. Plus Rowan stole an apple and then willingly went back into the stroller so that was nice. We've hit a rough spell with Athena as I hinted to above with lots of tantrums and just a really contrary attitude. It is so hard to stay patient with her. I'm trying out some techniques, or I don't think you could really call them that, but I guess what I'm trying to do is not lose my temper immediately (which is how I've been lately).

For example:
Today, after we returned from the house search Athena entered the house before Rowan and I and then blocked the door so I couldn't get it open. Lately, my lack of patience, would have had me raising my voice to tell her to move out of the way, then probably making some silly threat. Today, I took a breath and then pretended that I didn't know she was blocking the door and was like, "oh, this door is stuck and I can't get it open, hey Athena, could you help me see what is blocking it?" Voila, the door opened. Wish us luck with parenting this spirited girl. She is really pushing our buttons right now.