Notes from the Potty: The Week Long Edition

 We began potty training last Tuesday.

Hans was still feeling crummy, and he was certainly not himself, but I figured since he was attached to me anyway and we weren't going anywhere with the single digit wind chills forcasted that week I might as well get started with the potty training.  That might not have been the best idea because the first day was *very* emotional, although I kinda feel like it would have been a struggle even on a good day.

Here's a bit of what training has looked like over the past seven days:

Tuesday:

• He got a diaper change from Daddy first thing in the morning.  After I dropped Freddie off at school at 9.00, Hans and I went home and I removed his diaper.  
• Not 20 minutes later he began crying and motioning for his diaper.  He had a poop and he wanted that diaper back.  He was distraught.  I was thrilled he knew he had to poop and he wanted the diaper.  
• After whining, fussing he finally pooped on the floor, with me right next to him.  I told him poop goes in the potty, sat him on the potty, showed him his mess, and that was that.  I know he was relieved the world didn't end when he pooped somewhere other than his diaper. 
• The rest of the day went similarly with him peeing on the floor, my scooping him up and placing him on the potty while repeating "pee pee and poo poo go in the potty," then showing him the mess. 
• He was generally unhappy about it and spent the majority of the day calling for "Dada."  That is typical when he's irritated with me about something.
• He wore a diaper for nap and night time sleep and when we left the house.

Success!  Finally.

Wednesday:

• The day started similarly with my removing his diaper and then his realizing not long afterwards that he had to poop.  He asked for his diaper and was generally whiny when I wouldn't give it to him.  
• He finally pooped on the floor with me nearby, and again the world didn't end.  He was relieved and got back to his normal self.
• We had a stand off during the day where he obviously had to poop, thighs pressed tightly together, and he wouldn't move from the spot where he was standing.  Finally the urge must have passed and he resumed normal activity.
• There was lots of peeing on the floor with my standard response, and he began pointing at his penis before peeing, although he wouldn't stay on the potty long enough to release any urine.
• He began to make the connection of the sensation and would sit on the potty before, getting up and peeing not long after, saying "mess" or "poo" when he'd go on the floor, and he'd go back to the potty after the fact. 

Thursday and Friday:

• Not a lot of time was spent pantsless.  He was in a diaper for most of the day Thursday because we hosted play group all morning and then Friday we went to a puppet show.
• The time he spent diaprless/pantsless showed he was really starting to make the connection between the sensation and the potty.  
• He FINALLY sat down on the potty long enough to make a deposit.  Freddie and I did the potty dance and sang "You're the man."  There were high fives all around.  
• Again I could tell he was withholding poop, walking around with his thighs clenched together.  He ended up not pooing at all on Thursday.  I was a bothered by this but wasn't giving in.  I made a note to get lots of raisins.
• He was making progress, but his timing wasn't quite there.  Very frustrating for me, but I went with it.  

Saturday and Sunday:

• Diaperless all day, both days as we laid low and hung out at home.  
• Lots of pee on the floor.
• He's passed the issue of pooping without a diaper.  He'd poop on the floor, and report it to me.  We even had a poop on the bed.  Yep, I am feeling myself start to crack.
• Sometime Sunday evening he manages a pee deposit while hanging out on the little potty while Freddie was on the big potty. Big whoops and high fives from everyone.

Monday:

• We spend the morning at MoMA so he's in diapers, but when we get home, off come the pants and diaper.
• As he's playing in the living room with the legos he says "poopoo" and goes over to the potty, sits and pees!  Hallelujah!!!!
• He does it three more times, including an instance where he poops in the potty!  
• The pooping in the potty required a bit of help as he said "poopoo," sat, stood up, sat, stood up and was a bit fussy.  At this point he was mid poop and I encouraged him to sit and he finished the job!
• NO PEE OR POO ON THE FLOOR on MONDAY!!!

Tuesday:

• Same as Monday, but now it has been an entire day of NO ACCIDENTS!  
• He is diaperless and just goes to the potty, says poopoo, and does his job.  I make a big deal about it, but he doesn't seem to really care so much about the big deal.  It is almost as though he isn't quite done with the job and doesn't want the fuss quite yet.
• He stood midjob today with poop and I encouraged him to sit back down and he did.  This is going to take a bit more reassurance.  

I knew he was making progress but man I was really feeling frustrated those first few days.  I don't remember feeling that way with Freddie, but then again I didn't have another kid to tend to when Freddie was training.  Charlie reminded me it was a process and to dig for a little patience. 

Although Freddie has been VERY helpful in demonstrating all things potty, doing cheers for himself and the rest of us when we potty, he does make things a little tricky.  He has stuff everywhere, stuff waiting to get peed on.  He needs things so I am not glued to Hans they way I was able to be when I trained Freddie.  And he also seems to have this way of making sure he's getting equal attention in all situations. 

Next steps:

• More of the same.  He needs more help with poop.  I also want to fully implement the routine of him sitting on the potty before we leave the house, as soon as we return to the house, and before sleep.  Freddie got to the point where he was able to "pee on command" during those scheduled potty visits and I want Hans to get there too.
• I am not sure when I will have him go diaperless out and about.  Right now he needs the potty about once every hour, so I imagine I'll wait until he can stretch that a bit longer.  I need to go back and figure out when I had Freddie go totally without diapers, but I do remember wishing I had done it sooner than I did.  It wasn't as monumental as I had thought it would be....isn't that how lots of parenting is?

Follow Up to the Follow Up

Hans returned to Dr. A this morning for another check. 

Breathing sounded good.  He still has a bit of congestion, but his ears were clear. 

She recommended holding on to the inhaler, and if he should begin wheezing in the future administer 2 puffs every four hours until I can get him in to see someone.  She stressed the importance of staying ahead of the wheezing and getting his lungs some support ASAP if his breathing becomes labored again.

Let's hope everyone manages to stay healthy from here on out.

Just a spoon full of sugar...

Last year was my first time dealing with a child who refused medicine because of taste.  Scientists can put a man on the moon but they can't formulate palatable children's medicine.  The pharmacist mixes in flavoring, and then acts as though my child is the only one who doesn't tolerate the flavor.  Come on.  Really?

I'm not fundamentally opposed to forcing healing antibiotics down my sick kid's throat, although it does feel like waterbaording.   Ok, so that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but I certainly feel as though I am betraying my little bub.  After all, mommy's job is to protect, and here I am pinning him down while he chokes down some awful stuff. 

I'm not one to bribe, ever, but in a moment of desperation I even tried lavish treats when Freddie refused antibiotic.  Even that did not work.  I pried apart those lips and got the dropper down his throat and he promptly returned it in my lap via puke.  Even when he kept some down or managed a few sips of juice or Sprite with medicine mixed in, it was never a full dose and there's no telling how much he even got.  Good times, I tell you. 

I knew when Hans had oral steroids and antibiotic to take we'd have to come up with a plan.  I tried a bribe, and again no dice.  Force again resulted in puking.  Dr. Sears' method of creating  pocket in the cheek and slowly dropping in medicine while avoiding it landing on the tongue (while he was pinned down) worked, but it took forever and lots of crying ensued. 

Finally, Charlie mixed the antibiotic and steroid doses with Hersey's syrup and handed the dose over in the syringe.  The child slurped it down, and wanted more. Yep, it was that easy. 

So if you should land here via googling "how to get my child/toddler not to spit out antibiotic," you have my sympathies because I know it was a rocky road that brought you here but the answer to your problems is just a supermarket trip away.

Weekend

He asked for a carrot (for a nose) to put into a baggie as soon as he saw the snow in the morning.

• Snow dusting
• Single digit wind chill
• Pajama days, as declared by Freddie
• Pancake morning
• Lego castle
• Naps
• Potty hits
• Potty misses, lots and lots of misses
• Potty dance
• Big boy bike riding
• Vacation planning
• Celebrating Australia Day with new friends
• Ice cream

Panera Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) package of rigati pasta (or other small pasta shells)
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups 2% reduced fat milk (or cream)
• 6 slices white American cheese, chopped
• 1 cup (8 ounces) shredded extra-sharp white Vermont cheddar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon hot sauce

Directions:

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in milk (or cream); cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat.
4. Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
5. Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat for 1 minute (or until thoroughly heated). 

Notes:

• This is really yummy and pretty close to Panera's, which Freddie LOVES.
• Definitely serve it right away.  It doesn't reheat so well.
• It makes a lot, so consider halving the recipe unless you are cooking for a big group.

Lovin'

• A prolific writer
• Snow flurries 
• Requests for a hat
• Flannel pjs
• Reading a book that isn't about parenting
• New music
• Christmas package openings, still
• Booty shaking dance sessions
• Play Mardi Gras with our bead stash
• Fizzy water 
• Eating ice cream, all alone

Day 3 on the Big Boy Bike

A bike isn't exactly the ideal gift from Santa in the Northeast. Since our outdoor playtime has been limited with the cold weather, this was only his third time being out on the bike. He just needs a bit of practice using the brakes and getting off on his own. He's a pro.

19 Months

Appearance:

• Getting taller
• Getting thinner
• Hair is thickening and continues to curl in the back.  Some days the curls are rather tight.  I think you may be a curly blonde headed brown eyed boy.
• Flat footed
• Pigeon toed

Personality:

• Shy but becoming more outgoing and confident
• Stubborn and strong willed
• Extra clingy over the last couple weeks...traveling and illness have definitely heightened this.  I think teething may be playing a roll as well. 

Vocabulary:

• Your vocabulary continues to explode.  I thought it was perhaps reaching a plateau but it continues to expand and you are putting words together.
• Mama hair choo choo (as you pushed your train through my hair)
• Boogie out trash (as you handed me the boogie you just removed from your nose)
• Reach my milk (reaching for your cup on the counter)
• White snow
• Puppy walk snow
• You are polite, saying "excuse me" when you burp or when you would like to pass and I am in the way.  I am impressed at your application of this phrase in two very different contexts.
• You will say "bless you" when someone sneezes.
• Help stuck foot
• Baby out walk (as you push your baby stroller out the front door)
• You also have lots of new words:  bagel, brother, keys, moon
• When you see yourself in the mirror you say "you"
• Lots of "My"...my milk, my puppy, my baby
• My absolute favorite new word is Freddie!  Finally.  Ir sounds like "Deddie" 

Diet:

• You seem to be getting pickier but you are still a good eater.
• Favorites include cheese, oranges, kiwi, crackers, and TREATS!
• You are drinking 12-20 oz of whole milk per day.  The amount varies wildly.
• You eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day for lunch.
• When we pick Freddie up from school the first thing you say is "lunch apple pretzel" insisting I open his lunch box so you can eat his leftovers.  

New favorite position

Motor:

• Your fine motor skills have really taken off.  You'll snap the duplo blocks together and take them apart.  You are proficient at drinking from an open cup, using utensils, and stacking blocks.
• You are getting better at the stairs and take lots of risks going down, doing it all by yourself.
• You are throwing the ball well, and enjoy kicking it back and forth.
• You'll sit on your little scooter and push yourself around.  I am ready for the weather to warm so we can spend some time outside on it.
• You make use to the stool and chairs to get exactly what you want.  You also climb on top of the toilet to get to the sink to fiddle around in the water, wash your hands, or get a quick drink.

Likes:

• Music!  You are so into dancing.  I love seeing you "shake it" when you put your hands on your knees and bounce up and down.
• You still love your choochoo trains.
• Hot wheels cars
• Books
• Hats
• Looking out the window
• Puddles and peering down drains
• Your baby dolls and your stroller
• Anything Freddie might have 
• Going to Freddie's school.  They treat you like a rock star here and you lap up the attention, giving high fives all around. 

Dislikes:

• Having your face wiped
• Diaper changes
• Having things taken away
• Sharing...oh goodness, this is bad.  If you see someone pick up something that is yours from across the room or on the playground you run over, screaming all the way, and snatch it out of their hands.

Sleep:

• Getting 11ish hours of sleep at night.
• Naps tend to be about 2 hours, although we have had a few poor naps lately, and I think it is because you feel so rotten when you are lying in bed.  I hope you are well soon and get back to being rested, because you are a beast in the evening when your naps are too short.
• You are in the big boy bed full time without any issues.  You call me and wait for someone to come in to get you in the mornings and at night.  You will crawl into Freddie's bed in the morning for snuggles. 

Potty training:

• It's on.  You know exactly what's going on.  That's all I'll say about that for now.  

A date

Freddie and I had a date over the weekend. We headed to Carnegie Hall's Family Concert showcasing Mambo music. Freddie was definitely interested when I mentioned there would be dancers. "When are the dancers coming out, Mama?"

 

We arrived early for the educational presentation where some musicians spoke about their instruments.  Freddie like hearing the baritone saxophone.  

He seemed rather impressed with the percussion, especially when the timbales player pulled out glow in the dark drum sticks.  He pretended to play the trumpet for most of the performance, but when I asked if he would like to play the trumpet he asked for a piano.  Of course, as soon as we move to a house.  I say that once a day it seems.

After the concert we strolled through the city, looking at this and that....sculptures, window displays, cracks in the sidewalks.  The city is easy with only one child!  He chose McDonald's for lunch, even at my listing nearly 10 other selections.  It has been quite a while since he's had "Old McDonald's" chicken nuggets. 

I loved my time to focus on just Freddie.  He seemed to like it too.  He's better at being just with me, not wondering what Hans and Dada are doing without him.  In addition to being amazed at how easy having one child is, I was amazed at how mature my baby has become.  I lose sight of how much he is changing in the chaos of our days. 

An added bonus of the date:  Freddie's been requesting Tito Puente when we turn on the music!  And we've found Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Cuba on his world map.  Arriba!

In case you are wondering about Carnegie Hall's family concerts:

• They are awesome.  I highly recommend them.  It is a perfect introduction to music and all things involved with watching a concert performance for young children of all ages.  They are truly family friendly events.  Freddie is definitely on the younger end of the range in ages, but you certainly don't have to worry about your child causing a scene, talking too loudly, or bothering anyone. 
• Reasonably priced with tickets as low as $9.
• I love being in Carnegie Hall.  Nothing like the grandness of an old theater.
• You can select your seats from an interactive seating chart.  I appreciate being able to do this so I can get seats on the front row.  The balcony works for us, and Freddie wasn't quite as scared of the edge this time around.  Not sure if that is a plus or minus.

Follow Up

Hans saw Dr. A this morning.  (A bit bummed that Gr. G is on vacation)

She said to continue with the inhaler and prednisolone as prescribed, and she added a three day course of antibiotic.  Great.  He's already gagging and choking down what he isn't able to spit out of the steroid.

His ears were filled with fluid, which may be related to his potential teething, although they didn't look infected.  His nose is a sight, and he's got a cough so she just thought an antibiotic might be able to knock out whatever it is that's attacking his little body. 

We return in a week for another follow up. 

January has been quite the month for medical appointments.

Back to the ER

 

 

Breathing treatment

Friday Hans came home from his play group's king cake party with fever.  It was about 101, and his breathing was labored.  I was worried, but Charlie was putting in a very late night at work, so I convinced myself he'd be ok.  I was concerned enough that I curled around him on the twin bed for the night.  It was a long restless night for the both of us. 

Saturday morning he was improved, somewhat, but as the day progressed he seemed to be struggling to breathe more and more.  His temperature was never more than 100 degrees.  I couldn't get us into the weekend pediatric practice Dr. G refers to when she's unavailable, so we headed to the ER.  The germy, crowded ER.  Sigh.

His temperature was normal, oxygen levels ok,  and hear rate elevated.  They got him hooked up to some breathing treatments pretty quickly.  He had three breathing treatments and a double dose of steroids.  His condition didn't improve as much as the doctor would have liked after the two hours of observation.  The physician felt a "case could be made" to keep Hans overnight, but in the interest of him being more comfortable at home he gave us a stern warning to return immediately if his condition should regress at all and sent us off with a prescription for an inhaler to be used for the next week and a three day course of prednisolone. 

He had a tough time that night with sleep and I was worried his breathing wasn't improving much at all.  I gave him puffs on the inhaler through the night and sometime around 3.00 am he seemed to have turned a corner and was breathing easier.  Sunday he was perkier, the congestion in his chest was moving around, and his breathing improved significantly.  We'll get in to see Dr. G either Monday or Tuesday.

I asked the ER physician about the potential for this to be the beginning of a chronic problem.  His general feeling was it is most likely a response to a virus, and much to early to consider asthma.  While it is common for such a reaction to become chronic, this may be a one time thing for Hans.

H-Man, 18 months old and 2 trips to the ER under your belt already?  I hope you're just getting it all out of your system early.

My mama lesson:  the ER is a place to be used.  I wish I had taken him Friday night.  The prospect of rousing both kids out of bed, bundling up, meeting Charlie at the hospital in the middle of the night certainly was a big deterrent.  But Hans was uncomfortable for longer than he needed to be.  I was even feeling as though we may just try to wait to see the pediatrician on Monday but a friend who is a nurse encouraged me to take him to the ER, and I am glad I did.  The doctor definitely made me feel our being there was the right decision.  Now I know. 

Conversation over baking

Freddie:  Mommy, where'd you get those rings.

Mama:  Dada gave them to me when we got married.  They are a symbol of our commitment to each other and our family.

Freddie: Were there trumpets at your wedding?  (big smiles from us both) Violins?  Guitars?  Flutes?

Mama:  How do you know about weddings?

Freddie:  I was in your tummy.

Sigh

Mama:  Hey you are wearing my glasses.

Freddie:  Noooooo, these aren't yours.  These are GAMMIE'S!

Notes from the Potty, Volume 2

Potty training 101 in Mama's School of Hard Knocks was on the calendar today.  When I put something on the calendar IT HAPPENS.  But today Freddie was home from school sick, and I just couldn't deal with a sick kid in addition to Hans peeing all over the house. 

PT 101 has been delayed until next Tuesday.  Such is the life of the second born, I suppose; someone else always interfering with the plan. 

Big Boy Bed, Volume 2

We're clicking along with all things "big boy" around here.  Freddie's riding his bike, and Hans is now sleeping in a big boy bed (the trundle). 

The transition to the big boy bed with Freddie was just that, a transition.  Sometimes he chose the bed, sometimes he chose the crib, an eventually he just no longer slept in the crib.  Well, little H-man didn't so much have a transition as much as he just had things changed on him.

Into the bed he went, and down came the crib.  And that was that.  No easing into it and certainly no looking back.  Something this Mama has learned is kids are capable of handling so much more than we (I) give them credit for, and generally speaking, things are only as big of a deal as Mama (or Daddy) makes them.  So sleeping in the big boy bed was a big deal, and the crib being gone was not a big deal.  Now if only Mama could feel the same way about parting with that crib.

He made the switch without issue.  Naps have been easy because he's in there by himself to fall asleep.  Evenings with Freddie just a few feet away have meant it's party time, but after the giggling subsides he settles down and gets right to sleep on his own, staying in his bed all night, and calling for me when he wakes about 7am.  This morning he crawled into Freddie's bed for some snuggles, and the two came running out squealing about getting morning snuggles from each other.  Yep, one of my absolute favorite Mama moments yet. 

Jane's King Cake

 

I used to teach with Jane and she'd always make one of these to share in the teacher's lounge.  She's a Yankee, but gets a pass for making such a yummy King Cake.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar plus 2 TBSP. sugar
• 2 pkgs. yeast
• 1/3 c. warm water (105-115 degrees)
• 1 stick butter
• 2/3 c. evaporated milk (small can)
• 2 tsp. salt
• 4 eggs
• 6 c. flour
• Filling: 
  
  • ½ box light brown sugar
  • 1 c. granulated sugar
  • 2 TBSP. cinnamon
  • 1 stick butter melted

Directions:

1. Combine 2 TBSP sugar, yeast, and warm water in large mixing bowl. Let stand until foaming. (Stir slightly to blend first). 
2. Place butter, milk, sugar, and salt in small pan. On low heat setting, heat mixture to lukewarm (105-115 degrees). Butter should melt. 
3. Beat eggs into foaming yeast mixture. 
4.  Add lukewarm milk mixture. 
5. Add flour a cup at a time. After adding 4-4 ½ cups, it will be easier to add the rest of the flour and mix with your hands, either in the bowl or on a large wooden board. 
6. Knead 5-10 minutes until dough is no longer sticky. It will be soft and pliable. 
7. Lightly grease a large bowl, put ball of dough in bowl and turn to grease all around. 
8. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until double (about 1 hour)
9. Mix sugars and cinnamon for filling
10. When dough has risen, punch down. Roll out dough on large floured surface to about 18”x 36”.
11.  Brush dough with melted butter and spread evenly with sugar mixture. 
12. Slice lengthwise in three 6” strips. Roll each like a jellyroll, sealing seams tightly. 
13. Braid and form into an oval shape. 
14. Pinch the ends together. Put on large greased baking sheet, like a jellyroll pan-sides are important! There will be seepage of sugar. 
15. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise about 1 hour.
16. Beat 1 egg with a little water. 
17. Into 3 bowls, combine ¼ c. sugar each colored purple, green, and yellow. 
18.  When dough has risen, brush top with beaten egg. Sprinkle sugars in alternate patterns.
19. Bake at 350 for 20-30 min. 
20. After cake has cooled, insert the MG baby in the bottom.

Notes::

• I didn't do steps 16, 17, and 18.  Instead I made a frosting with 3-4 cups powdered sugar and a few tablespoons milk.  I poured the frosting over the top after the cake had cooked and then sprinkled with colored sugars.  The purple is hard to achieve.  Any tips?
• If you have a stand mixer with dough hook, use that-much easier.
• Jellyroll pan is best, or you’ll have to clean up sugar mess in the oven.
• Use a covered jar to shake sugar and food coloring to mix thoroughly.

King of the Ice

Every visit he gets a little braver, a little stronger, a little steadier.

Lovin'

Being a good listener at library story time

• Eyes glued to the story teller
• Tiny friends
• Health insurance
• Wool sweaters
• Sunshine
• Skating dates
• Hot tea in the evening
• Quiet mornings
• Elaborate lego and block creations that CANNOT be taken apart
• Winter clearance sales
• Christmas cards arriving late

Cilantro Lime Rice

This is what I make to go with black beans, and it's especially yummy in a burrito!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice
• Coarse salt
• 1/2 - 1 cup fresh cilantro (I usually use closer to a cup)
• Juice from 1 large lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove

Directions:

1. Cook rice with salt.
2. While rice is cooking, blend cilantro, oil, lime, and garlic.  I pulse it with a stick blender until smooth.
3. When rice is finished cooking, stir in cilantro mixture until evenly coated.

I love being a Mama

Bryant Park's Citi Pond

Bryant Park's Le Carrousel

Pride

Breath Holder

The neurologist is fairly certain Hans is just a breath holder.  She said breath holding tends to begin between 12-15 months but she has seen it begin between 18-24 months.  She was surprised there were no other breath holders in our family, as it occurs in families and siblings.  We should expect high frequency at onset, a period of latency, and it will then reappear, and hopefully he will grow out of it by age 5.

His development is on par with a 24 month old and she had no concerns.  She warned of the potential for the breath holding to become manipulative.

She asked that I refrain from Dr. Google, and to call if the fainting is ever accompanied by convulsions as that would warrant and EEG.

Whew.

Freddie Skis

Freddie got some instruction on the bunny hill this year.  He was recovering from the flu and wasn't totally jazzed about being out there.  He woke up feeling well, and the first words out of his mouth after he crawled into bed with me were "I'm going skiing today!" but by the time we were fed, dressed, loaded up, and on the mountian he had changed his mind.

In that moment I decided all future vacations include only swimsuits, and that kid was going to ski.  No if, ands, or buts about it.  

 

I felt bad when we got home and realized his temp was back up to 101.  Bad Mama.  The next day took less convincing, although he didn't like not feeling out of control in his skis.  But he'd build enough confidence as he got near the bottom of the mountain to tell Charlie "I can do it, Dada," meaning, "get your hands off of me, Dada."

He enjoyed the second day more when he was really fever free.  Imagine that.

I was very proud of Freddie for being brave and trying something new.  Hopefully we'll eventually have more regular opportunities to get everyone on skis and enjoy wintertime.