Potty training, legal issues, and abnormalities

Started hardcore potty training this past weekend. Going...well...even if it's on and off, depending on his mood. Though he still won't have a bm where it's supposed to go. And it doesn't bother him when he's soiled. Patience. And lots of hand-washing.

A week-and-a-half from now I attend a child support hearing via teleconference in Virginia. Ronan's "father" wants to reduce the amount of child support by over 50%. I would love to just say, let him. But I wouldn't even be able to afford daycare then...So I'm telling myself I did the right thing by my son's future in hiring an attorney in Staunton, VA to petition his MOA. Did I? I don't want Ronan to wonder who his father was the rest of his life, like I am now, but I also don't want him to be heartbroken by Jonathon's blatant disregard for his existence, let alone his welfare.

Next up to bat: After two years of struggling to pay retainer and filing fees, I finally have everything aligned to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Just waiting for the 70-odd page petition to be drawn up for my review and signature. Then off to court to feel even more humiliated about the whole thing than I already do. But, it will be over, finally. And I will have a chance to start rebuilding my credit. I'll never be able to afford a house on my own, but being a good influence and teacher for my son is priority.

And last, but certainly not least - the most recent news. I had my annual "lady" exam last week, and the results came back abnormal. Not just sort of abnormal, where they would just do another test in a few months. I have to have a colposcopy, which involves taking a biopsy of the affected tissue. This bothers me greatly because I was infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) years ago. I had to have exams every three months and colposcopies every four or so months. The reason being, HPV is the main cause for cervical cancer. My last biopsy showed suspicion of pre-cancerous cells, and so a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) was performed to remove all of the affected tissue. Deep breath. This abnormal test could very likely be the result of the HPV returning. Deep breath. It might be a little easier to process if I didn't contract the virus in the first place because of a very horrible experience for which I had to seek therapy. All I can do for now is wait for my appointment and hope that it's something else. Something less...sinister.


Depressing post, I apologize. But if I don't get this out of my head I won't make it to the pillow tonight.

He's really three...

Ronan had his 3rd birthday last week...I can't even believe it. At the same time, I can't believe I don't have him potty trained yet :) Starting this weekend, no more diapers. Ever. Have ordered plenty of reusable training pants and bought lots of first- and secondhand easy-pull-up pants for him to get through the many accidents he'll surely have at first. But he's not interested, so I'm just going to have to go for it. We broke "bobby" this weekend, even though he was only getting the paci at sleep-times he seemed to be becoming more dependent on it again. I know Chris moving out has been hard on him - which if nothing else is evident in the lack of motivating to do anything I say. But if I baby him for too long, well...

About to officially file my bankruptcy, after two years of paying my attorney what I could, sometimes nothing for months at a time. Then I will finally be able to build my credit again and eventually buy a home for us. Aah, baby steps.

Almost 2 months being Vegan, and I've never felt better. Still working out working out...Between studying, work, toddler, meals, sleep, and whatever else I have to get done I just don't know where to put it. But hopefully my amazing organizational skills will figure it out soon.

It's been a while

Ronan and I have been living with my boyfriend Chris for six months. Although I know it will be a very heavy blow in Ronan's life, Chris and I have decided to live apart for a while. Keeping it brief, I've been dealing with my issues of depression and can no longer truly function in this relationship.

I'm really concerned how Ronan will react to the change. Being his age, you can't just explain any of it to him. He won't know there's a difference until Chris is no longer coming home.

His 3rd birthday is just around the corner, and I hope it will still be a good experience for him. This past christmas was exciting, since he got excited about Santa and the lights and presents. It's so wonderful to try to see the world through his eyes. I really hope I'm making the right decision for us.

My Review of Triangular Crayons

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Never break or lose another crayon! These colorful, high-quality crayons are triangular in shape, so they can't roll away. Thicker and easier to grasp than others. Very long-lasting. Includes 24 crayons in a sturdy, flip-top case. Non-toxic.

Triangular Crayons

Fun and Easy

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 11/4/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Creative, Comfortable Grip, Good Color Variety, Glides Smoothly, Fun

Best Uses: Fun With Kids, Art

Describe Yourself: Quality Oriented

Primary use: Personal

Was this a gift?: No

These are really easy for my 2 1/2 year old to use, and the case makes it easy for him to put them away by himself, and see all the colors at once. The case closes well to prevent spilling.

(legalese)

My Review of Potty Watch???

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Half the challenge of potty training: reminding kids when it's time to go! Potty Watch does it for you, alerting kids with music and lights that truly gets their attention. Set at regular 30, 60, or 90-minute intervals. Bonus: in "play" mode kids can sing along with the music while th...

Potty Watch???

Helpful for Parents AND Kids

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 11/4/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Portable, Playful Design, Easily Stowed, Easily Cleaned

Best Uses: Traveling, Toilet Training, Potty Use

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

We had a hard time remembering to do "potty practice" every hour until we got this watch. The music that plays when it's "time" gets him excited about going to the potty, and we don't get too caught up in things to remember when to go.

(legalese)

My Review of KidSwitch

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Now your child can say, "I did it myself"! It's so important to help our kids build self-esteem and independence. That's why these light switch extenders are perfect for children's bedrooms, plus the bathroom, of course. They attach easily, so tots can turn their lights on and...

KidSwitch

Works great for toddlers

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 11/4/2011

 

5out of 5

Pros: Strong Construction, Useful Application, Easy Use, Playful Design

Best Uses: Toddlers, Kitchen/Bathroom, Bedrooms

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

I have one in my son's bedroom and one in the bathroom. It's easy for him to use and he enjoys being able to turn the light on and off by himself. He's potty training, so it's even easier for him to be independent when going to the bathroom.

(legalese)

Some things to catch up on...

We moved, again. But this time for a great new change in our lives. We moved in with my boyfriend, Chris, in Norman. It's been a month-and-a-half and things are great. Ronan took the change quite well and is really comfortable with the new living situation. Chris and I are even closer and more in love. We certainly won't stay in this tiny apartment forever - maybe not even for the full lease - but it's a good start. I'm still looking for full-time work but I think that problem is finally solved. All in all, life is great.

Ronan unfortunately has lost any interest in the potty or even letting me know he needs a new diaper, but his awesome new daycare let me know that most of the boys there are in their late 2's to early 3's before they start really training. That's definitely a reliever.

Success! And a new road trip.

Ronan made his first pee-pee in the potty this morning! He had a dirty diaper and went to the bathroom and wanted to sit on the potty. He very patiently wanted to keep sitting, and we read a couple of books, one about the potty. I left the room for a moment and when I returned it had happened! He was still sitting there, looking down into the potty, like he thought something had happened but wasn't sure. So I told him, hugged him, high-fived him, then we emptied the potty together and he put on his super soft, reusable training pants for an official start. He got a special sticker to put on the wall behind his potty. I'm so excited, and proud. I know it will be a somewhat trying and difficult time for both of us, but I'm just glad he's getting to know what's going on at last.