Addendum

A couple of other interesting things happened yesterday that I forgot to share.  At the end of our dental appointment, the boys had to use the restroom.  One of the difficult things about having boys when they get to this age is the important question, "Do I take them in the restroom with me, or allow them to use the boys restroom."  Timmy is 9 and the answer is obvious--boys room.  Josh is 6 and because his older brother is using the boys room, he doesn't want to use the girls room.  He's also at that age where he understands gender difference and feels like he needs to be with the boys.  Danny is 3 and while the obvious choice is he should go with mommy....do you really think he wanted to go with mommy?  HA!  So....I allowed ALL THREE boys into the boys room (we had to have a key so I felt comfortable knowing that my boys would be the only ones in there).  All three boys used the potty--Timmy helped Danny (he's an amazing, awesome, tremendous big brother) and I couldn't have been more proud.  We've graduated from having a major poopsplosion last year to using the big boy potty this year.  AND--a plus was that I got to use the bathroom ALONE!

Our final stop yesterday was to the animal shelter because Clyde had been missing about two weeks.  I called them and left a message, but hadn't gotten a response so I figured it would be best to drop in.  Sure enough, Clyde was there!  They told me that when a pet is lost, we need to go in every 3-5 days.  I explained that with three children, this is the best I can do.  That being said, ever since Kitten was lost and turned into the shelter, I've tried to keep the cats inside.  With three young children, that's nearly impossible to do.  We have lots of neighborhood friends that come in and play and our house is constantly buzzing with activity--kids going in and out and in and out.  There are LOTS of cats in our neighborhood that go outside even though the HOA stated that cats are not allowed outside (weird since they're animals and have every right to be outside).....and two of my cats have been turned into the animal shelter even though they're taken care of, fed, loved, etc.  Clyde and Kitten have both been chipped and I'll bring Bonnie in August to get a chip placed in hers so this won't happen again!

Whew--what a day.  Looking forward to seeing Grandmom today and hopefully hearing some good news.  Love to all of you!

What a Difference a Year Makes!!!

Those of you who have been following me for quite some time will easily remember last summers trip to the dentist and doctor.  For those of you who can't remember or have no clue, read "The Worst Day Ever."

Well, as if I didn't learn my lesson last year.....  Ha!  I really did, but alas, I had already made the boys their dental appointments and the doctors appointments HAD to be squeezed in.  When I called the pediatrician, they only had September available.  Yes--I called in MAY and they were making appointments for SEPTEMBER.  Luckily, the receptionist was extremely nice and she was able to squeeze in three separate appointments for the boys.  Timmy's appointment was today after all three boys had their dental appointments.

Last year, I made the same schedule (minus Danny since he was only 2).  Danny had a poopsposion at the Dentist office that was quite embarrassing (read above blog post) and the doctors were giving me a hard time saying that Danny should be seen by a Dentist (when all along with me and my two other children....3 was the recommended age).  I was irritated about that and then Danny's poopsplosion put me over the edge.

Well, today was COMPLETELY different.  First, Danny was very interested in what was going on--he got to watch Timmy and Josh both get their teeth cleaned.  Danny wanted to be just like his big brothers and he couldn't wait for his turn in the chair!  The hygenist said that Danny was the best patient of the day!!!

All three of the boys have nice, clean teeth and NO cavities (YES--DOCTORS.....YOU HEARD ME RIGHT.  DID DANNY NEED TO BE SEEN BEFORE HE WAS 3??   NO!).

After the dentist, we were off to the doctor for Timmy's 9 year old well child visit.  Tim is as healthy as a horse--falling in the 75th percentile for weight and height as he always has.  He also has 20/20 vision and his hearing is perfect (so next time he doesn't hear me when I ask him to clean his room, I know that he just wasn't paying attention!).

That brings me to the title of this blog post.....what a difference a year makes!  While I love babies and I would have a million of them if I could, it is SO MUCH EASIER with a 9, 6, and 3 year old.  I am getting excited thinking about Danny being fully potty trained and all the fun excursions we can go on.  It's like a load off my chest!  Last year, I was chasing Danny around the dentist office and this year, he was sitting watching his brothers get their teeth cleaned.  WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!  I am going to relish in this wonderful moment!!!!

Look at my BIG boy!!!!