Time Out

So, We are trying to cut out the babyfits/whining/etc. as soon as possible. How much Wiley understands I'm not sure, but I have a feeling he understands more than we give credit for.

Did I mention that as I type he is having a babyfit?

That is, after he has already been to time out multiple times for whining about food when he has been eating ALL day!

And did I mention that he apparently LIKES time out?

We want him to understand that "no" means "no"; no questions asked, no whining, no crying. And he is almost 19 months (tomorrow) and I don't see why we should not start trying to drill this into him. He may not understand right now, but eventually it will click especially as we near the terrible twos. So our strategy is that we tell him that if he doesn't stop whining for example he will go to time out. Ideally that would stop him (and hopefully it will when he fully gets it) but right now, if I say time out he goes with a smile to his timeout corner.

He hit me in the face after I scolded him for reaching into a drawer for scissors. So off to timeout we go for like the 5th time (1 minute = 1 timeout sentence, by the way). I tried to be stern and use my "matronly look of disapproval" as a friend, Tom Knott deemed it. I think he got the point then that time out is not fun.

So, I guess point is, if anyone has any tips on time out, I'm all ears.
We understand that consistency is truly the key and if I say that if he whines anymore he is going to timeout then I dern well better follow through. If not that is partial reinforcement (shout-out Dr. Batten, Psychology 151, whoot whoot)and my discipline is ineffective b/c he will remember that one time that mom said she was going to put me in time out and she didnt, thus encouraging him as there is that chance (even if it is one in like 150 times) that I will be inconsistent. That's a lot of pressure re: consistency.

So, prayers for consistency and guidance in training up Wiley.

I have been quite struck by the concept that we are indeed responsible for "training up Wiley in the way of the Lord." That is a huge task that we have been blessed with. I just pray that I can do so and that he will love the Lord as he grows up. I suppose that will be a whole other post. Along with my thoughts on Daniel from my Beth Moore Bible Study...ahh my blog dryspell seems to be ending...

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm off to try to distract Wiley....

And here is a question that applies to what is going on now/scenario: He wants something he should not have until dinner like yogurt, I say no b/c dinner is in less than an hour. He cries. Do I let him cry and fuss until he is over it thus proving, I think, that he won't gain attention from his babyfits, or do I do something else?

Help Please!

Fall is my Favorite!

The picture on the left was taken on November 6th, from our apartment porch looking towards these amazing woods! The trees just look amazing, and it has been so fun to watch as they progress. The picture on the right was taken seven days later on the 13th. I think this is why fall is my favorite...(well, along with football and Caramel Apple Cider at Starbucks).

We are so excited about Thanksgiving next week, just trying to work through this week with classes and exams! We have so many things to be thankful for, especially this year. I think that Wil and I both have grown even more fonder of Wake Forest and our amazing friends here. For me at least, it has been a transition (that's a whole other post) and last year was wonderful, but this past semester has been so re-affirming and simply incredible! I am thankful for friends here that love Wil and I as we are, and love Wiley as well. They encourage us in our walk with the Lord in addition to always offering to babysit! :-)

Praise the Lord, for brilliant red trees and beautiful friendships. Amen.

Halloween

We had a great Halloween. After easing Wiley into his costume, we drove to the Teasley's house to trick-or-treat. Wiley cried a little on the way, but with the help of a banana to snack on, forgot about disliking his costume.

The Teasleys (our RUF minister and his family) were so kind to let us come with them. Kennedy was dressed as none other than Hannah Montana, Micah was Anniken from Star Wars, and Molly Jane was a princess. Wiley did a great job hanging in there with the big kids--although we think a wagon would be good for next year! The Halloween decorations are up, and now we are just getting ready for Thanksgiving!

We also just got back from visiting Birmingham and Tuscaloosa--Wiley stayed in Birmingham while we went to T-town for the Alabama-LSU game. Sadly the Tide didn't pull it out, but it sure was great to see our friends there!

I cannot believe that it is November! Before we know it Thanksgiving will be here and then Christmas! The fall has really flown by--it always does. In fact, there is a radio station here in Winston-Salem that is already playing Christmas music! I cannot believe it! I just am not quite ready yet to get in that spirit--I want to get through Thanksgiving first!

I hope to put a picture up of the view outside of our apartment. We look out on some woods and the trees are just at the peak of turning and are really beautiful. The entire Wake Forest campus is beautiful as well. This might be my favorite time of the year...