Visiting Santa

I know its a little late but, I want to share a heartwarming story from our recent family outing – our visit to see Santa at the mall. It was a day filled with excitement, a touch of magic, and those little moments that make parenting so special.

The day began with a buzz of excitement. Valerie, almost 6, was practically bouncing off the walls with joy at the prospect of meeting Santa. Vivian, now a curious little one-year-old, didn’t quite understand the fuss but seemed excited by all the energy in the air. And Vanessa, our teenage daughter, who we're reparenting to experience the joys of childhood anew, showed a mix of teenage cool and childlike wonder.

We decided to dress up for the occasion, with Valerie choosing her favorite red dress – “to match Santa,” she declared. For Vivian and Vanessa, I picked out comfortable yet festive outfits, complete with tiny reindeer antlers that they seemed to love. Equipped with a stroller for the little ones and a backpack filled with essentials (including a few extra diapers – just in case), we set off for the mall.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by the enchanting sight of Santa’s Grotto. It was a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, shimmering trees, and elves bustling about. The look on the kids’ faces was priceless – a mix of awe and sheer delight.

The line to see Santa was long, but it was worth the wait. The children’s excitement grew with every step forward. Valerie chatted non-stop about what she would ask Santa for Christmas, while Vivian’s eyes grew wide, taking in all the sights and sounds.

Finally, it was our turn to meet Santa. The excitement was palpable. Valerie, in her red dress, was practically skipping towards Santa, her earlier nerves forgotten. But just as we were about to step up for our turn, I noticed something – a familiar smell indicating that Vanessa had made a stinky. Oh, the timing!

With a bit of a red face and an apologetic smile, I quickly took care of Vanessa's needs. Despite the minor hiccup, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the situation – parenting is full of these unpredictable moments! Diaper changed and crisis averted, Vanessa, now fresh and clean, joined her sisters in meeting Santa.

Santa, ever the professional, didn’t miss a beat. He welcomed each of the girls with the same warm, jolly spirit. Valerie rushed up to him, momentarily shy but quickly warming up to tell Santa about the dollhouse she wished for. Vivian, wide-eyed and curious, looked on in awe. And Vanessa, perhaps a little more aware of the earlier incident, was initially hesitant but soon found her comfort in the magic of the moment.

The photos we took with Santa are treasures – snapshots of a beautiful moment in our family’s life. There’s one where Valerie is animatedly talking to Santa, another with Vivian cautiously eyeing Santa’s beard, and a heartwarming one where Vanessa is smiling broadly, holding Vivian’s hand.

As we left the grotto, I found myself reflecting on the day. It wasn’t just about meeting Santa; it was about seeing the world through the eyes of my children – the wonder, the innocence, and the joy. It was a reminder of the magic of childhood and the importance of cherishing these fleeting moments.

We ended our mall visit with a treat – hot chocolate for everyone. As we headed home, the kids chattered excitedly about their Santa encounter, already reliving the memories. It was a simple day in the grand scheme of things, but sometimes, it's these simple days that leave the most lasting impressions.

In this busy season, amidst the hustle and bustle, I encourage all parents to take a moment to enjoy these small yet significant experiences with your children. They grow up so fast, and it's these magical moments that we'll all cherish for years to come.

The World we Live In

As I sit down to write today, my mind is heavy with the concerns that I believe echo in the hearts of many parents. The news is a constant reminder of the risks that loom in everyday places, risks that our children, regardless of their age, might encounter. This reality shapes my parenting, prompting a more vigilant approach to ensuring their safety.

I often find myself wrestling with what might seem like overprotectiveness. In an era where even the simplest activities carry a shadow of risk, decisions like letting my six-year-old, Valerie, have a moment of freedom in a store, or trusting public spaces like restrooms, become complex. Every day, these typical parts of growing up are weighed against a backdrop of caution prompted by unsettling news reports.

This sense of protectiveness isn't confined to the younger ones. Even with my niece, Beth, who at 19 is stepping into adulthood, the idea of her navigating public spaces alone stirs a well of concern within me. Recent reports about child predators intensify these worries, leading me to question the safety of public restrooms and other common areas.

In seeking ways to manage these fears, I've encountered other parents and caregivers who face similar dilemmas. Some have adopted unusual measures to ensure safety and hygiene during outings, such as having older children wear diapers. While unconventional, I understand that these decisions are rooted in a deep desire to protect their children from potential dangers and unsanitary conditions.

These reflections bring me to contemplate the extent of precautions I am willing to take for my children's safety. Finding a balance between necessary protection and fostering independence is a continuous challenge, one that requires careful thought and consideration in these unpredictable times.

In navigating these challenges, I've had to consider various strategies to keep my children safe, especially when we are out and about. For Vivian and Vanessa, I mostly rely on using a stroller. It's not just a matter of convenience; it's a safety measure. The stroller keeps them contained and within my sight at all times, providing a secure and manageable way to navigate public spaces.

However, as my children grow and their need for independence emerges, I recognize that my approaches must evolve. Valerie, who is now six years old, is reaching an age where she is eager to explore a bit more on her own. Yet, the thought of letting her wander even a short distance away in a store or a park fills me with apprehension. To balance her growing need for independence with my concern for her safety, I am seriously considering the use of a toddler harness during our outings. While some may view this as overly cautious, for me, it's a practical solution that offers a compromise between safety and freedom.

This consideration isn't limited to Valerie. If Beth, my niece, were to visit again, I would likely extend the same level of cautiousness to her. Even though she is 19, the current climate of safety concerns makes me uneasy about her navigating public places alone. A toddler harness might seem unconventional for someone of her age, but in my eyes, it's a viable option to ensure her safety.

I understand that these choices might raise questions or even criticisms. The use of a stroller for older children like Vanessa, or a toddler harness for a child as old as Valerie, and even more so for Beth, is not typical. But these are not typical times. The news stories we hear every day about missing children and other dangers are a constant reminder of the world we live in. As a parent, my primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of my children, and I'm prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to protect them.

In sharing these thoughts, I hope to open a dialogue with other parents and caregivers. How do you navigate these challenges? What measures have you found effective in balancing safety with the need for your children's independence? I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences, as we all strive to find the best ways to protect our children in an increasingly unpredictable world.

On a different yet touching note, I recently had an enlightening interaction that I feel compelled to share. A kind young man with autism reached out to me through my blog. He bravely shared his personal story, including his struggles growing up as a bedwetter. His openness and vulnerability in sharing such a personal journey was both heartwarming and inspiring.

He was incredibly polite and inquisitive, asking thoughtful questions about my girls and my parenting style. It was a refreshing and genuine conversation that reminded me of the diverse experiences and challenges that people face in their lives.

What truly stood out to me was his willingness to offer support and advice. He even suggested some types of diapers that might be useful for me, considering the upcoming flights that Vinny plans to take us on. His thoughtfulness in providing practical advice, based on his own experiences, was both unexpected and appreciated.

Interactions like these are a wonderful reminder of the kindness and connection that can be found within our communities. It reinforces the value of sharing our stories and experiences, as they can resonate with and help others in ways we might not anticipate.

-Veronica

Our Journey of Love and Reparenting: Welcoming Vanessa as a Newborn Alongside Vivian

 

Introduction:

Hello to all you wonderful parents and caregivers out there! I’m Veronica Costello, a dedicated momma bear of three vibrant children, nestled in the heart of Marion, OH. In the spirit of sharing and community, I invite you all into our world as I unfold our extraordinary and transformative journey of re-parenting. This year, our hearts swelled with joy as Vanessa, a radiant 14-year-old, became a cherished part of our family through adoption. In this embrace of love, we chose to embark on a delicate path of re-parenting, treating Vanessa and our actual newborn, Vivian, as twin blossoms, growing side by side. Let’s walk together through our experiences and the insights we've gleaned, providing a beacon of support and understanding for all families threading a similar path.

The Decision to Reparent:

Embracing Vanessa in our lives unfurled petals of thoughtfulness and decision-making. Beyond the standard adoption process, we committed ourselves to a loving journey of re-parenting, a path laid with stones of patience, tenderness, and unyielding support. Understanding Vanessa’s unique needs, we chose to revisit the foundational stages of growth, fostering a warm environment ripe for blossoming bonds, robust trust, and deep-seated attachment. It’s a voyage where Vanessa and Vivian, despite the difference in years, are nurtured as twin souls, cradled in the same boundless love and care.

Navigating Reparenting:

Within the gentle bounds of re-parenting, Vanessa and Vivian are lovingly treated as twins, their worlds mirroring each other to cement the emotional and familial bonds:

• Bonding Time: Our days and nights are woven with threads of shared activities, from playful afternoons in the park to tranquil bedtime stories under the hushed whisper of stars. Vanessa and Vivian, together, explore the world's colors, their laughter and curiosity intertwining, reinforcing our familial tapestry.
• Emotional Support: In our haven, Vanessa’s emotions flow freely, a river of expression met with our unwavering love and support, mirroring the nurturing embrace provided to Vivian. We navigate the ebbs and flows together, hand in hand, heart in heart, solidifying our collective strength and understanding.
• Celebrating Milestones: Each step, each achievement of Vanessa and Vivian, is heralded with joyous celebration. Their milestones, whether a newfound word or a mastered skill, are beams of light, illuminating our path of growth and togetherness.

The Joys and Challenges:

In this harmonious dance of growth, the petals of joy and challenge unfurl together. Observing the blossoming bond between Vanessa and Vivian is a heartwarming sonnet, their shared laughter and mutual exploration painting our days with hues of happiness. Yet, amidst this melody, notes of challenge resonate, providing opportunities for learning, adaptation, and fortified resilience, ensuring our garden of love and care continues to flourish.

Reparenting and Diapering:

In our committed stride of re-parenting, the path of diapering unfolds. From her first breath, Vivian was gently cradled in the soft embrace of Pampers Swaddlers, providing her with comfort, security, and care. As we welcomed Vanessa into this journey, the warm clasp of Pampers Swaddlers extended to her, enveloping her in Pampers Swaddlers size 8, mirroring the tender care bestowed upon Vivian. This shared experience, down to the gentle rustle of the same diaper brand, underscores our unwavering commitment to provide Vanessa and Vivian with equal measures of love, support, and comfort as they grow together in our nurturing embrace.

A Story:

Embrace yourself for a heartfelt story, filled with giggles and the rich aroma of life. It was a serene Saturday afternoon, where the golden hues of the sun softly caressed the tapestry of our living room, bathing it in a warm embrace. The sweet melody of a lullaby softly whispered in the air, as the aromatic scent of vanilla and lavender wafted gently, setting the stage for a delightful tummy time session for our precious Vanessa and Vivian.

Four enlightening months into our beautiful journey of re-parenting and mutual growth, our darling Vanessa and Vivian have been tenderly blossoming side by side. Every day filled with shared activities, laughter, and exploration, as the vibrant hues of their lives intermingle in a beautiful dance of sisterhood.

On this blissful afternoon, Vanessa and Vivian lay side by side on a soft, colorful playmat, adorning pastel pink and soft lavender onesies respectively. The giggles and laughter painted the air with joy as they began their tummy time adventure.

Vanessa's tiny pigtails, adorned with pastel pink bows, danced with each delicate movement, while Vivian's soft wisps of hair flowed like gentle waves as they both explored the vibrant world on the playmat. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and delight, fingers reaching out to grasp at the hanging plush toys above them.

As their movements gently mirrored each other, a sudden aromatic whisper intertwined with the melody of their laughter. A gentle stink, a whisper of life’s humorous surprises, filled the air. With a twinkle in my eye, I playfully peeked at their adorable diapered bottoms to discover the origin of the fragrant interlude.

Amidst the giggles and the shared exploration, it was our darling Vivian who graced us with her timely gift, nestled comfortably in her Pampers Swaddlers size 2. A shared chuckle danced in the air as I tenderly changed her, the soft whispers of the lullaby continuing to cradle the room in a gentle embrace.

With fresh comfort gracing Vivian’s delicate form, the sisters continued their dance of exploration and bonding. Vanessa, enveloped in the cozy embrace of her Pampers Swaddlers size 8, mirrored her sister’s movements with graceful joy, their shared experiences painting beautiful strokes on the canvas of life.

As I reminisce about that warm Saturday afternoon, the gentle stink, the shared laughter, and the tender dance of sisterhood, I’m cradled in the warm embrace of our family’s journey. The path of re-parenting Vanessa, of nurturing her growth alongside Vivian, and of celebrating each precious moment, aromatic or not, fills our days with boundless love, understanding, and togetherness.

Closing Thoughts:

Through the lens of our story, let the rays of insight, understanding, and unwavering support illuminate your path. In the garden of parenting, where diverse flowers bloom, let us walk together, our footsteps a shared rhythm in the symphony of growth, love, and boundless support.

We're back!

 It's been a while since I've updated you all on our family. So much has happened in the past two years! Beth and Valerie were finally potty trained, and Beth went back to live with her father, my brother Robert. Beth is almost, 19 years old, and Valerie is almost 6.

In January of last year, Vinny and I welcomed our newest addition, Vivian. She's now over three months old and growing up so fast! We also adopted a teenage girl named Katie and renamed her Vanessa. Vanessa is 14 years old and has been such a wonderful addition to our family. We've decided to treat Vivian and Vanessa as twins and have them baptized together with the other infants.

Vivian and Vanessa are both still in diapers, but that's no problem for me. After all, I'm used to having two in diapers with Valerie and Beth. Changing them is just a part of my daily routine, and it doesn't bother me one bit. I'm just happy to have two beautiful girls to take care of and love.

As for their daily routines, it's a bit more complicated with two little ones. Here's what a typical day looks like:

7:00 am – Wake up, diaper change and dressing for Vivian and Vanessa 7:15 am – Wake up Valerie, diaper check and dressing 7:30 am – Breakfast 8:00 am – Tummy time for Vivian and Vanessa, Valerie has free play 9:00 am – Nap time for Vivian and Vanessa 9:30 am – Drop Valerie at preschool 10:30 am – Breastfeeding and burping for Vivian and Vanessa 11:00 am – Outside time (weather permitting) 11:30 am – Read aloud 12:00 pm – Lunch 12:30 pm – Clean up lunch, play time 1:00 pm – Nap time for Vivian and Vanessa 2:00 pm – Diaper change, Breastfeeding and burping for Vivian and Vanessa 2:30 pm – Pick up Valerie 3:00 pm – Screen time/Free play in the living room 4:00 pm – Read aloud for all three girls 4:30 pm – Free play/Dinner prep 5:30 pm – Dinner 6:15 pm – Bath time for Vivian and Vanessa 6:45 pm – Bath time for Valerie 7:15 pm – Quiet time in nursery for Vivian and Vanessa 7:30 pm – Bedtime breastfeeding for Vivian and Vanessa 8:00 pm – Bedtime for Vivian and Vanessa 8:30 pm – Bedtime for Valerie, with overnight diaper just in case

Note: This schedule is subject to change based on the needs and preferences of the children, and the family's daily routines.

Covid-19 Update 2

 Its been a while, a quick family update! The Pandemic is still raging on, and we have kept Valerie and Beth in diapers. At this point, neither of them is showing any interest in the potty. Beth has started making more stinkies in her sleep, at night and during her nap times. Valerie turned 3 since my last post, and Beth turned 17, but they are both very much still toddlers. 

Vinny, being an essential worker, has been out a lot working extra shifts. We never really get to see him too much, so its really just been the girls and I. We have their daily routine down to a T. 

7:30 am – Wake up the Beth and Valerie
7:45 am – Breakfast
8:30 am – Morning Diaper changes / Dressing
9:00 am – Screen-time/ Free play in living room playpen
9:30 am – Preschool lessons (for both Beth and Valerie)
10:30 am – Snack
10:45 am – Outside time (Weather Permitting Stroller Ride)
11:15 am – Read aloud
11:30 am – Free play
12:00 pm – Lunch
12:30 pm – Clean up lunch, play time
1:00 pm – Nap time
3:00 pm – Diaper Changes/Snack
3:15 pm – Easy afternoon activity
3:45 pm – Screen Time in playpen
4:15 pm – Read aloud
4:30 pm – Free play / dinner prep
5:30 pm – Dinner
6:45 pm – Bath time
7:15 pm – Quiet time in nursery / Bed time feeding
8:00 pm – Bed time.

COVID-19 Update and Beth back in diapers

Hi everyone, sorry for the short update. Having two toddlers in diapers is really hard on me. I have almost no time to blog anymore.

An update on Beth's potty training: it was a bit hand and miss. She was doing okay for about a week, with one or two accidents a week, but then in she starting slipping up and averaging two to three accidents a week. I decided after the 2nd week to put her the easy-ups when we went out, but by the third week, that changed to diapers while we out. Then COVID happened. It didn't make sense to potty train Beth while there was a toilet paper shortage, so we just decided to put her back in diapers full time, and treat her the same as Valerie until the Pandemic is over.

So now, for the last month and a half, I've had two rambunctious toddlers running around the house, and lots of diapers to change. Its so much easier having them on the same routine. I get them both out of the crib in the morning, and get them into their highchairs for breakfast. After their fed, I take them back to the nursery for a diaper change and to dress them for the day. They're usually both stinky by this point. Valerie usually will make a stinky in her sleep, and Beth will usually make one while I feed her breakfast.

One I have them dressed, I put them in the living room playpen so I can get some cleaning done, and they can watch PBS kids. I come and check their diapers and change them as needed ever 30 minutes. Once cleaning is done, and the weather is okay, I'll take them out for a stroller ride around the neighborhood before lunch and nap time. Valerie usually makes a stinky during her nap, but Beth wont make one until she's playing. We have a playroom with a babygate in the doorway, so I usually put them in there, and keep the baby monitor with me until dinner. After dinner, its bath time, followed by some breastfeeding, and then get them changed and into their crib.

I know I'm not the only one who is saving on toilet paper by putting older kids back in diapers. My friend Kathy, down in Florida has two kids, a 9 month old boy, and a 14 year old daughter. She told me that since the Pandemic started, she decided to put her daughter on the same routine as her son, to save on time, and money. She runs a home daycare, so she already had everything she needed. As soon as her daughter's school cancelled classes, she explained that they had to make some changes in order to ride out the pandemic, and one was that her daughter and son would be twins for the duration of the pandemic. Her daughter was used to wearing diapers just in case, from time to time, so she didn't put up any resistance as she was put into a diaper and onesie. She was carried to the living room and strapped into a baby swing, next to her brother. She said she saved a lot of money on food, feeding the two baby food and breast milk. She said that after a week, she had the two of them on the same schedule for feedings, changes, baths and naps. She said that her daughter has even started making stinkies in her sleep too!

Stay safe and healthy!

-Veronica

Daytime accidents.

I am getting a little concerned about Beth. She had a daytime accident yesterday. I keep her in diapers whenever we're going to be out of the house for a while without an approved bathroom for more than 45 minutes, or if we're driving for more than half an hour. When we do that, Beth is expected to pee and poop in her diapers as needed, just like Valerie does already, and I check both of their diapers regularly as we make stops. Those kinds of accidents don't bother me, because I expect Beth to have them, as the diapers are her only option.

The issue is, that Beth had a messy accident in her panties yesterday, while playing with Valerie in the living room. I was in the other room, organizing some paperwork for some upcoming things that I will announce later. I came in to check on Valerie's diaper, as I do about every 45 minutes to every hour, and immediately smelled it. I went over to check Valerie's diaper, as I always do, to make sure she made a poopie, and not just a fart. I pulled open the back of her pants and diaper only to find that she had a completely clean bottom. I was a little confused, but then I saw a bit of a bulge in the back of Beth's skirt.

I went over to Beth and lifted her skirt up, seeing the big lump of poop in the seat of her panties. "I guess it was Beth who made a stinky?" I cooed helping her to her feet. "What happened?"

Beth just looked at the ground, "I don't know, I thought I just had to fart, but then poop came out."

"Well...that happens. Did you know you had to poop thought?" I asked.

"Kinda, but I didn't think I had to go that bad." Beth admitted.

"Well, I think thats pretty immature of you. If you know you need to go potty, you should go." I said, "Maybe you need some more potty training?" Before Beth could respond, I took her by the hand and walked her to the nursery. I took her skirt off, and lifted her onto the changing table. I carefully removed her panties and threw them in the diaper genie. I took her ankles and cleaned her up with baby wipes. Once she was clean, I paused for a minute. I looked at the stack of Valerie's Pampers Cruisers, and almost grabbed one and to tape onto Beth, but decided against it. I lifted Beth off the table and sent her down to play in just her shirt.

After she left, I called Mary, my friend from the Church Nursery, and asked if I could barrow some training pants and the potty chair she had from her six year old daughter who had just finished potty training last year. She said she would bring the stuff right over.

I went downstairs to watch Beth and Valerie play. I could see that Beth was a little embarrassed to be naked from the waist down, but she was getting used to being dressed and undressed by me, and not caring about who she is naked in front of. Little girls shouldn't have to worry about modesty.

About 10 minutes after calling Mary, the doorbell rang. I went to get it, and let Mary in. She had a a couple large plastic bags full of things. I invited her into the living room to go through it all.

Mary looked over at Beth, and back at me, "So, Beth is going to be potty training again?" She asked.

"Yeah, we had a poopy accident today, and Beth said that she knew she had to go, but didn't, so we're going to have a bit of a refresher course in how to use the potty." I said.

"Okay, well, lets start with this." Mary said, taking out a pink potty chair, and handing it to me.

"Oh this is perfect, we can keep it in here, so that Beth doesn't need to go too far to use the potty." I said, getting up and setting it down next to the diaper bag and changing supplies I keep in the corner of the room. I went back to sit on the couch next to Mary as she opened another bag and pulled out two packages of Pampers Easy-Ups, one was already open.

"These should fit Beth, since she fits into the same size Pampers as Valerie." Mary said, setting the packages aside, and opening the last bag, pulling out a some cloth training pants. "These are all in one cloth trainers, they have a plastic layer inside the cloth outer layer to prevent leaks." Mary explained.

"Maybe we should start beth in the cloth trainers and see how she does, If she starts having more accidents, we can move to the Easy-Ups." I said. "Beth come over here, and let Auntie Mary put your training pants on you. Be sure to thank her for brining all of this too." I said.

I watched as red faced Beth stood up from where she was playing with Valerie, and walked over to Mary, who was already holding a pink and white pair of training pants open for Beth to step into. Beth slipped her feet through the leg holes, and Mary pulled the training pants over Beth's hips.

"Those fit her really well." I said, pulling at the waist, and leg cuffs.

"Yes they do." Mary agreed, she turned to Beth and said, "I hope you can keep them clean and dry!" She gave Beth a light pat on her padded bottom.

"Yeah, I think we'll be potty training for a few weeks, until we go back to panties." I said, "Or back to full time diapers, I guess, if things really go downhill." I added. "I don't mind having two toddler bottoms to change." I smiled at Beth.

"Mary, would you mind watching the girls while I put these in the nursery?" I asked.

"No worries," Mary said.

I grabbed the Easy-Ups and training pants and took then up to Valerie's nursery, and put some of them on the shelves of the changing table, with the rest going in the closet. Once I was done organizing, I went back to the living room to find Beth sitting on her new potty chair, and Valerie getting changed out of a wet diaper. I sat back down on the couch, and let Mary take care of the girls. Once Valerie was changed, Beth was stood up and wiped down with a baby wipe before Mary pulled her training pants back up for her.

"Thanks for your help." I said to Mary, as she lifted Beth into the playpen that she had put Valerie in.

I will fill you in how Beth is doing with her training.

-Veronica