Where is Super Nanny when you need her? She would know how to fix the scream. About makes your ears bleed right? I can only tell you what I did. I would place my hand over son's mouth. Just three fingers actually and calmly tell him that it was not necessary to do that. DH would make a loud noise of his own and that generally distracted son and they would then just laugh. But I do remember that son did it for the shock value. Heck, he still makes horrible noises just to mess with me. I am betting others have better thoughts for you!

Trish in SC

She's learning how to use her voice to get attention.
As she develops language skills, her pitch will decrease.

MY GD (10 mos) just passed that phase, it lasted about a month, and now she is making more intelligible sounds.

Her first word was "Hey!"...and she yells it to everyone.

I am glad she likes school and doesn't mind being away from you. Thanks for the update.

About the screaming, it's pretty normal I think. She's discovering her voice. Just ignore it when she does it and she'll realize it gets no reaction from anyone and it will become boring after awhile. The more you acknowledge it, the more she'll do it.

Question: Are you tired all the time? I am exhausted!!! The girls sleep through the night...for the most part...but by the time I put them in bed I crawl to bed and die. I used to take a long hot bathes, read and unwind when I went to bed. NOW half the time I sleep in the same shirt I wore all day because I am too tired to put on pajamas. I can't tell you the last time I had a bath or read a book that wasn't written by Dr. Suess.
I know having DH gone is super hard...how single mothers do this is beyond me. When he's home I can pass a kid or two off to him. He keeps them busy while I'm cooking dinner, he helps with bath time and is the greatest when it comes to reading the girls their bedtime stories. He gets into the whole voice thing and they love it.
I thought having Tanna start kindergarten would give me a little bit of a break...WRONG! Now Trace want to play with me becuase her big sister is gone. I have made laundry and other household chores games with her so I can get something done!
Thanks for letting me vent!

Sounds like life to me...I will tell you exhausted gets replaced my other emotions and feelings as they grow...

You are smart to have the girls helping you even a little..

I have spoiled rotten boys...they are used to me doing everything and now when I want their help....they still believe in the cleaning fairy, the dish fairy and the toilet scrubbing fairy...

Monica is right - she wants your undivided attention. Just pick her up, hold her close and sing to her until she feels satisfied. Hang in there - this, too, shall pass! I think you are a candidate for sainthood, with all you have done for these beautiful little girls!

Since motherhood was istant for you, and you haven't had the privilege of 'growing' into the position, consider hiring a trusted highschool girl to come over for a couple of hours each day to watch the children so you can regain your composure. It sounds to me as if everything is normal, but stressful - hire that sitter TODAY!

Is there any preschool in your area? Church: YMCA? Even for a couple of days would help. If you have a library, you might look into videos to rent. That could be her time. As to screaming--my DH would say to the child-quietly--does that make you feel better? Me, I just screamed back. Time out is good too. If you are tired, maybe vitamins would help. Have YOU had a good check up lately? Maybe you are lacking something. Remember YOu will survive. We all did. Thanks for the update.

No, I would not look into preschool for the middle child. Let her be home with you. She is still adjusting. A mother's helper might be a good solution now and then though. Find a young girl who likes to play with the kids.

It will get easier as Trace gets used to big sister being gone..She will find her own thing.. I had 3 little ones at once and it is exhausting but well worth it. You are doing a terrific job...

Just a thought - if you know that your husband will be gone for extended times, have him record stories for the girls to listen to at night. He can video tape himself reading the stories and showing the pictures or just record the voice and you show the pictures in the book. Servicemen do it for their families.

FMW, I am sorry to say but the tired thing is just the way it is:) I have 4 little ones under 7 and I am pooped and look foreward to my bed time every night. One thing that my mom taught me and I follow religiously, is that if the kiddos are asleep aka nap time then the mama needs to rest too. I don't always fall asleep but just turn off all noise, lower the lights, and lay down for a little bit, I wouldn't make it through the day with out it. I also will lay down on the couch and let the kiddos bring in blankets and pillows and they "camp" out on the floor, fun for them, and you are right there if they need you.

((Hugs)) and keep up the great job,

Stacie

sounds like you are all having fun! I'm glad little Tayler is feeling better.
I can relate to the scream,oh boy can I relate!LOL As most of you know we have 2 year old twin grand babies that we are helping with at the moment.Little Rowdy has always had a high pitched cry so we were pretty much use to it.When we moved into this house they were just crawling and the house has hardwood and tile floors.The kitchen is totally seperate from the other rooms and has tile floors.Well,right off the bat Rowdy discovered if he crawled into the kitchen and screamed it would echo! Same with the long halway.He had a screaming good time and got in a lot of crawling experience!Even after we moved everything in it still had a bit of an echo.He still loves to scream and nothing we do can deter him.It sounds more like a very high pitched whistle!I have often thought of earplugs.LOL Hopefully Tayler will outgrow it but Rowdy is 2 and it doesn't look like he's going to stop any time soon.

Tired all the time-Yep that's the life of a mom!

You scared me thinking Tayler had injured herself and broken three of her teeth! But I know it can be awfully painful for new teeth. I used to roll up a wet washcloth and freeze it to let them chew on.

It is funny talking about Trace-She is latching onto you while missing her sister. I always try to give my kids lots of attention, but sometimes the more you give the more they want! lol I usually have them play in the same room as I am cleaning, fixing dinner etc, so I can at least talk to them, ask them questions and still get a little work done. And you will find little jobs they can help you with and feel proud of themselves. My girls (2&5) can dust, put away silverware (knives removed), vacuum with a dustbuster or windex windows. Is their work perfect? Not really, but usually good enough.

I absolutely second the idea of finding a Mommy group, or church group. I have found some great friends. The kids can play together, and the moms can ask advice, compare notes or just vent to each other!! It can be isolating to stay at home with little ones all the time.

I hear you about being a "single" parent. My DH doesn't travel much but when he does I am counting the minutes until he gets back!

Hang in there and good luck, although it sounds like you are doing great!!

I was given one good piece of advice when my daughters were little: When they nap, you nap. Don't try to squeeze in some housework. You need your rest.

From someone who's child rearing days are long gone, it sounds like your KT friends have given you some good advice. I just want to say, your doing a bang-up job, and thanks for the up dates.