The flight to and from New York were pretty uneventful, which is a good thing these days with airline travel! There were body scanners at all 4 security checkpoints, but were not used when we were there. I did get a full body pat-down, which wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it still would have been nice for her to buy me a drink first! tee hee hee...
Enough about that; New York was terrific! We landed before they closed down the airports, and the next day, we could see the havoc that 20 inches of snow creates. We were close to a subway line, so we were able to get out a couple of days later into the city. I guess what I love so much about the city is the energy you can feel when you're walking down the streets. At one point, Michael and I were carrying the girls on our shoulders for at least 15 blocks!(ok, so 10 of them were short blocks, but still!) Michael asked if I was tired, and I said, "Only when I stop!". I kept wanting to see what was around the corner. Times Square was insane, and we went on Dec 29th, not on New Year's Eve, when it's packed with 1 million revelers!
We took the girls to the Children's Museum of Manhattan, which isn't huge, but the right size for little kids. We stopped by Rockefeller Center, ToysRUs at Times Square, wandered all about Madison Square Garden (which includes the maze underneath that is Penn Station), saw the Empire State building from there, but no time to go up, but we did admire the view-I would have taken a picture, but there was a child on my shoulders! I found that with 2 kids under four (and no stroller), you can only really do 2 things properly in the city per day.
Even the subway rides were fun. At one stop, 4 guys get on with drums, and for 2 stops, they drummed out a song that had all of us bopping our heads up and down.
The kids had a great time with their grandfather; he wanted them up all the time, and I think that he was more disappointed than they were when it was their bedtime! It was great having them get to know him better; since they're not too chatty on the phone yet, face to face is the best way to go for them(or when I stop being lazy and get Skype up and running!).
Today is my last day of vacation before I go back to work, and it looks like Santa's workshop exploded in here! And I know that the girls are happy that Santa got them PlayDoh(in 20 different colours, no less!), I'm starting to think that the old man has it in for me!
Monday, January 03, 2011
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Rocking New Year with Dick Clark
Ah, what an apt time to re-start my blog. It's been too, too long, but I feel ready to start again. There's been a lot going on with my girls and Michael, and I am very optimistic about 2011. When we started 2010, it was not too long after Jillian's Autism diagnosis, and we were navigating the system, trying to find help for her, like regular speech therapy, a nutritionist to figure out which foods were helping her, and what was hurting her.
The hardest thing was to find a daycare that would accept her, and then get a bilingual helper to come in to help her in her day-to-day activities. Thank goodness for being in Quebec, though, otherwise had we been in Ontario, we would have had to wait 2.5 years.
But I digress...
What do I want this year? Well, I've already got 2 healthy girls that are doing well, and a handsome hubby (awww). And I want a body like Heidi Klum, but apart from tearing her head off and putting mine on, there's no way I'm going to be 6 feet tall! ;)
More soon-promise!
The hardest thing was to find a daycare that would accept her, and then get a bilingual helper to come in to help her in her day-to-day activities. Thank goodness for being in Quebec, though, otherwise had we been in Ontario, we would have had to wait 2.5 years.
But I digress...
What do I want this year? Well, I've already got 2 healthy girls that are doing well, and a handsome hubby (awww). And I want a body like Heidi Klum, but apart from tearing her head off and putting mine on, there's no way I'm going to be 6 feet tall! ;)
More soon-promise!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Cold Season
Susan sneezes. I turn around to see two massive boogers, one past her chin.
I turn around to grab Kleenex. When I turn back, one has mysteriously disappears.
Then I wonder why she's not hungry for supper...
I turn around to grab Kleenex. When I turn back, one has mysteriously disappears.
Then I wonder why she's not hungry for supper...
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Autism Awareness Month
I will be going into full details later, but long story short, Jillian has been diagnosed with Autism. It's been a huge change in our lives, and the most difficult, and the most exciting changes in Jillian. In short, a real roller coaster.
In the meantime, please check this out:
Canada AM’s week-long series takes an in-depth look at Autism, beginning April 26
Beginning Monday, April 26, CANADA AM launches a week-long special series on Autism. Each day, CANADA AM will examine different issues, treatments, perspectives and resources for Canadian families. CANADA AM airs Monday – Friday beginning at 6 a.m. ET on CTV.
Monday, April 26 – The Value of Early Diagnosis
Today CANADA AM introduces Canadians to a family who believes that an early diagnosis changed the course of their son’s Autism. Beverly Thomson and Seamus O’Regan sit down with top experts for tips on how early to have your child assessed, signs to watch out for and why early diagnosis is crucial in an Autistic child’s long-term progress.
Tuesday, April 27 – Therapy
Today CANADA AM focuses on a Montreal father who began communicating with his non-verbal son, through drawings. He has now broadened out his ‘discovery,’ teaching his method to other Autistic children and their families. In studio, Thomson and O’Regan speak with a behavioural therapist to talk about mainstream Autism therapy, and a renowned Autism researcher, who will cover alternative treatments and therapy, to focus on what works and why.
Wednesday, April 28 - Day in the Life
Today CANADA AM follows a family with an Autistic daughter, from morning until night for a first-hand look at the challenges and the small daily triumphs each day brings, for a family living with Autism. Thomson and O’Regan host a panel of parents from across the country – each with a different perspective on how an Autism diagnosis changed their lives and how they cope with the challenges of raising Autistic children.
Thursday, April 29 – Adults with Autism
Today CANADA AM looks at the issue of adults living with Autism, profiling a 30- year-old man, his boss and his co-worker. In studio, Canada AM will interview his parents and an expert on adults living with Autism, to discuss the lack of support and resources for families and why so many Autistic adults seem to fall through the cracks when they leave high school.
Friday, April 30 – Canada a Leader in Autism Research
Today CANADA AM profiles Dr. Stephen Scherer, currently a world leader in Autism research, relating to genetics. Thomson and O’Regan sit down with Scherer and his colleague Dr. Peter Szatmari, to talk about their pioneering research, which could lead to a diagnostic test for Autism. They will also announce the results of what they say is a major discovery regarding Autism and genetics, based on their latest research.
In addition, will provide additional resources for parents/families including links to support groups, different types of therapy available in Canada, a province by province breakdown of funding, and an interactive element where Canadian families can send in photos of their families and share their stories about living with Autism.
In the meantime, please check this out:
Canada AM’s week-long series takes an in-depth look at Autism, beginning April 26
Beginning Monday, April 26, CANADA AM launches a week-long special series on Autism. Each day, CANADA AM will examine different issues, treatments, perspectives and resources for Canadian families. CANADA AM airs Monday – Friday beginning at 6 a.m. ET on CTV.
Monday, April 26 – The Value of Early Diagnosis
Today CANADA AM introduces Canadians to a family who believes that an early diagnosis changed the course of their son’s Autism. Beverly Thomson and Seamus O’Regan sit down with top experts for tips on how early to have your child assessed, signs to watch out for and why early diagnosis is crucial in an Autistic child’s long-term progress.
Tuesday, April 27 – Therapy
Today CANADA AM focuses on a Montreal father who began communicating with his non-verbal son, through drawings. He has now broadened out his ‘discovery,’ teaching his method to other Autistic children and their families. In studio, Thomson and O’Regan speak with a behavioural therapist to talk about mainstream Autism therapy, and a renowned Autism researcher, who will cover alternative treatments and therapy, to focus on what works and why.
Wednesday, April 28 - Day in the Life
Today CANADA AM follows a family with an Autistic daughter, from morning until night for a first-hand look at the challenges and the small daily triumphs each day brings, for a family living with Autism. Thomson and O’Regan host a panel of parents from across the country – each with a different perspective on how an Autism diagnosis changed their lives and how they cope with the challenges of raising Autistic children.
Thursday, April 29 – Adults with Autism
Today CANADA AM looks at the issue of adults living with Autism, profiling a 30- year-old man, his boss and his co-worker. In studio, Canada AM will interview his parents and an expert on adults living with Autism, to discuss the lack of support and resources for families and why so many Autistic adults seem to fall through the cracks when they leave high school.
Friday, April 30 – Canada a Leader in Autism Research
Today CANADA AM profiles Dr. Stephen Scherer, currently a world leader in Autism research, relating to genetics. Thomson and O’Regan sit down with Scherer and his colleague Dr. Peter Szatmari, to talk about their pioneering research, which could lead to a diagnostic test for Autism. They will also announce the results of what they say is a major discovery regarding Autism and genetics, based on their latest research.
In addition, will provide additional resources for parents/families including links to support groups, different types of therapy available in Canada, a province by province breakdown of funding, and an interactive element where Canadian families can send in photos of their families and share their stories about living with Autism.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
7 months and counting
Yes, it's been a while since my last post (ahem...Andrea!), so let me try to recap my summer here...
I am now well-acquainted with this chap called "5 in the morning" in order to get to work on time. The only side-effect is that I now want to sleep at 8:30pm, a luxury afforded only to Susan.
Work is going great; great boss, nice co-workers, Pizza Days on Thursdays at the cafeteria. My job is basically to help the nice people in Edmonton get paid on time. I also got a parking pass now, which is a relief because I don't need to move my car anymore so I don't get a ticket for parking on the street! One thing I'm still getting used to is my co-workers talking about when they're retiring-several of them will be gone by this time next year. Once, the conversation turned to when I was going to retire...July 2039 seems like a *long* ways away!
Jillian has been learning more words; we are doing sign language with her while we are saying the words and it has been doing wonders. We're quite happy with her progress. She said 'Susan' today-very cute! Now if she can stay off the coffee table...
She's also interacting with Susan more often. Most times this happens when they are sharing Susan's toys. Jillian's happy because she's playing with her old toys, Susan get ecstatic because Jillian is gracing her with her presence!
Susan's growing and changing in leaps and bounds. Earlier this summer she was rolling from tummy to back and reaching for objects; now she can roll from back to front, sit up for long periods of time without falling over, and does a quasi shimmy/wriggle/crawl. She is definitely motivated when there's a toy or her sister in front of her! She can manage going backwards, but I'm sure it won't be long before she's full-out crawling. She's started eating solids, and although she's not too crazy about cereal, she does enjoy sweet potatoes, peas and carrots. She can also feed herself MumMums - think of when you have communion at church; it pretty much tastes the same. Other things she enjoys; drinking water out of my glass, Goldfish (crackers, not the swimming kind), and bread. She's also outgrown her baby carrier and infant carseat(according to my poor back!), so we've gotten new seats for the car.
Michael and I have pretty much made the mommy/daddy transition. Case in point; Jillian was sick a couple of weeks ago, and who did she want to sleep with? Yup, Daddy. She tried to lie down on top of me, but decided that I wasn't comfortable enough. Michael even wakes up during the night if the girls wake up; I'm usually sleeping like a log unless he brings Susan to me to feed her.
So, yes, I am still breastfeeding. I'm bringing in a pump(it's the hospital-grade kind that you can rent monthly). No issues at all. If anyone asks me what's in the fluroescent orange bag, I tell them that it's my breastpump. Guaranteed conversation killer! I do plan on stopping by the end of the year. I've still got a bunch of milk in the freezer, which I rotate so I don't have to throw any out*, so that should be fine until she reaches her first birthday.
Home life is still pretty hectic now that my housewifey duties are crammed together, but I'm more productive now, I find. Laundry waits for no one! Michael has taken up the dinners and dishes, which is very nice to come home to! I'm very happy I married a man who can cook!
My next challenge is to get another posting out before Christmas...lol. Cheers!
*In accounting terms, First In, First Out-I thaw the oldest ones out and Susan eats it. Then I put new milk in there to replace it. I do not reach in the freezer and turn the bags around...lol!
I am now well-acquainted with this chap called "5 in the morning" in order to get to work on time. The only side-effect is that I now want to sleep at 8:30pm, a luxury afforded only to Susan.
Work is going great; great boss, nice co-workers, Pizza Days on Thursdays at the cafeteria. My job is basically to help the nice people in Edmonton get paid on time. I also got a parking pass now, which is a relief because I don't need to move my car anymore so I don't get a ticket for parking on the street! One thing I'm still getting used to is my co-workers talking about when they're retiring-several of them will be gone by this time next year. Once, the conversation turned to when I was going to retire...July 2039 seems like a *long* ways away!
Jillian has been learning more words; we are doing sign language with her while we are saying the words and it has been doing wonders. We're quite happy with her progress. She said 'Susan' today-very cute! Now if she can stay off the coffee table...
She's also interacting with Susan more often. Most times this happens when they are sharing Susan's toys. Jillian's happy because she's playing with her old toys, Susan get ecstatic because Jillian is gracing her with her presence!
Susan's growing and changing in leaps and bounds. Earlier this summer she was rolling from tummy to back and reaching for objects; now she can roll from back to front, sit up for long periods of time without falling over, and does a quasi shimmy/wriggle/crawl. She is definitely motivated when there's a toy or her sister in front of her! She can manage going backwards, but I'm sure it won't be long before she's full-out crawling. She's started eating solids, and although she's not too crazy about cereal, she does enjoy sweet potatoes, peas and carrots. She can also feed herself MumMums - think of when you have communion at church; it pretty much tastes the same. Other things she enjoys; drinking water out of my glass, Goldfish (crackers, not the swimming kind), and bread. She's also outgrown her baby carrier and infant carseat(according to my poor back!), so we've gotten new seats for the car.
Michael and I have pretty much made the mommy/daddy transition. Case in point; Jillian was sick a couple of weeks ago, and who did she want to sleep with? Yup, Daddy. She tried to lie down on top of me, but decided that I wasn't comfortable enough. Michael even wakes up during the night if the girls wake up; I'm usually sleeping like a log unless he brings Susan to me to feed her.
So, yes, I am still breastfeeding. I'm bringing in a pump(it's the hospital-grade kind that you can rent monthly). No issues at all. If anyone asks me what's in the fluroescent orange bag, I tell them that it's my breastpump. Guaranteed conversation killer! I do plan on stopping by the end of the year. I've still got a bunch of milk in the freezer, which I rotate so I don't have to throw any out*, so that should be fine until she reaches her first birthday.
Home life is still pretty hectic now that my housewifey duties are crammed together, but I'm more productive now, I find. Laundry waits for no one! Michael has taken up the dinners and dishes, which is very nice to come home to! I'm very happy I married a man who can cook!
My next challenge is to get another posting out before Christmas...lol. Cheers!
*In accounting terms, First In, First Out-I thaw the oldest ones out and Susan eats it. Then I put new milk in there to replace it. I do not reach in the freezer and turn the bags around...lol!
Friday, August 07, 2009
High School Health Ed Course
What they should really be teaching to try to prevent teen-age pregnancy!
Chapter 1. Why stretch marks are like tattoos-they stick around!
Chapter 2. Sleeping-what is that?
Chapter 3. Disposable income - the new myth.
Chapter 4. Dirty diapers and baby puke- welcome to the new perfume that you will be wearing this season.
Chapter 5. Remember that cute outfit you bought last week? It will *never* look the same on you again.
Chapter 6. Yes, the baby has to come out of you one way or another.
Chapter 7. Pain management - it still hurts like a mother-f******!!!!
Chapter 8. Celebrities look amazing 2 weeks after birth thanks to their best friend - plastic surgery.
Chapter 9. Breast-feeding helps you lose weight - and other myths.
Chapter 10. Babies- they grow up to be teenagers, just-like-you.
Chapter 1. Why stretch marks are like tattoos-they stick around!
Chapter 2. Sleeping-what is that?
Chapter 3. Disposable income - the new myth.
Chapter 4. Dirty diapers and baby puke- welcome to the new perfume that you will be wearing this season.
Chapter 5. Remember that cute outfit you bought last week? It will *never* look the same on you again.
Chapter 6. Yes, the baby has to come out of you one way or another.
Chapter 7. Pain management - it still hurts like a mother-f******!!!!
Chapter 8. Celebrities look amazing 2 weeks after birth thanks to their best friend - plastic surgery.
Chapter 9. Breast-feeding helps you lose weight - and other myths.
Chapter 10. Babies- they grow up to be teenagers, just-like-you.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Back to Work
Well, I've now finished 2 weeks of work. I remember crying at leaving Jillian behind; I felt like I was abandoning her. It didn't help that she was in tears at the sitters. This time, it's been really good. I usually leave before the girls wake up, and I get to see their smiles when I get home, which is great.
The girls don't seem to be too fazed at the new arrangement. I think the greatest change is with Michael since it wasn't often that he would be at home all day with the girls by himself! I enjoy that he's really getting to know the girls in-depth, the kind that happens when they're stuck like glue to you all day!
Susan's fine with the bottle during the day arrangement. I'm still there for her last 2 feedings, so I can get her to sleep no problem.
Jillian gets to play with Michael a lot now, which she loves-I know he's the more 'fun' parent for playing games for a long period of time. In particular, she enjoys the playground at the local elementary school, which he tries to get her to every day if the weather is good.
My work has been awesome with letting me pump milk. I tried it in the bathroom the first day but:
A) it was very awkward trying to relax when sitting on a toilet, and having your co-worker make musical sounds the next stall over...bleaugh!
B) 'sanitary' & 'toilet' do not belong in the same sentence.
So I am able to go into a (female!) co-worker's office with a dividing screen, and get my business done. My boss says it's the first time in 23 years as a manager that he's ever been asked for this particular request.
Things I'm excited about at my new work:
-nice boss
-nice co-workers
-great hours (and flexible too!)
-photo id pass that says, 'hey, I belong here'(you can stop laughing at me now!). Plus my picture isn't too bad either! I just look short in it, that's all. Imagine my head at the bottom of the picture, and a *lot* of background in the top half of the picture.
The girls don't seem to be too fazed at the new arrangement. I think the greatest change is with Michael since it wasn't often that he would be at home all day with the girls by himself! I enjoy that he's really getting to know the girls in-depth, the kind that happens when they're stuck like glue to you all day!
Susan's fine with the bottle during the day arrangement. I'm still there for her last 2 feedings, so I can get her to sleep no problem.
Jillian gets to play with Michael a lot now, which she loves-I know he's the more 'fun' parent for playing games for a long period of time. In particular, she enjoys the playground at the local elementary school, which he tries to get her to every day if the weather is good.
My work has been awesome with letting me pump milk. I tried it in the bathroom the first day but:
A) it was very awkward trying to relax when sitting on a toilet, and having your co-worker make musical sounds the next stall over...bleaugh!
B) 'sanitary' & 'toilet' do not belong in the same sentence.
So I am able to go into a (female!) co-worker's office with a dividing screen, and get my business done. My boss says it's the first time in 23 years as a manager that he's ever been asked for this particular request.
Things I'm excited about at my new work:
-nice boss
-nice co-workers
-great hours (and flexible too!)
-photo id pass that says, 'hey, I belong here'(you can stop laughing at me now!). Plus my picture isn't too bad either! I just look short in it, that's all. Imagine my head at the bottom of the picture, and a *lot* of background in the top half of the picture.
Friday, June 26, 2009
500 Ounces
Odd title for a post, I know. But what does this mean?
It's the exact amount of breastmilk in my freezer.
You're asking yourself: Why the heck are you telling me this and why do you have that much stashed away? Is there another baby you're not telling us about? Did Madonna have a 2 for 1 special in Malawi and giving you one?
Nope.
I'm heading back to work as of June 29th. I got a call from the government with 'an offer I couldn't refuse'. Full-time permanent position. This means that I will be giving up half of my maternity leave and going back early. Michael and I talked about it, and he will be taking the rest of the parental leave, until the end of the year. Michael's always joked about taking 1/2 of the parental leave, since he was 1/2 the reason we had a baby in the first place!
Some other reasons why it's easier to go back before scheduled:
-Susan's my second baby, so I've already gone through this going back to work scenario.
-In Taiwan, women return to work after 1 month. In the US, women return after 6 weeks. I've been off work almost 8 months so far-I'm pretty damn lucky to be in Canada.
-Michael's great with the girls, and I know that he can handle them. They are pretty easy kids to take care of.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be at home for the rest of the year, and I'll probably cry my first week of work(but not at the office!). But I'm also very excited.
It's the exact amount of breastmilk in my freezer.
You're asking yourself: Why the heck are you telling me this and why do you have that much stashed away? Is there another baby you're not telling us about? Did Madonna have a 2 for 1 special in Malawi and giving you one?
Nope.
I'm heading back to work as of June 29th. I got a call from the government with 'an offer I couldn't refuse'. Full-time permanent position. This means that I will be giving up half of my maternity leave and going back early. Michael and I talked about it, and he will be taking the rest of the parental leave, until the end of the year. Michael's always joked about taking 1/2 of the parental leave, since he was 1/2 the reason we had a baby in the first place!
Some other reasons why it's easier to go back before scheduled:
-Susan's my second baby, so I've already gone through this going back to work scenario.
-In Taiwan, women return to work after 1 month. In the US, women return after 6 weeks. I've been off work almost 8 months so far-I'm pretty damn lucky to be in Canada.
-Michael's great with the girls, and I know that he can handle them. They are pretty easy kids to take care of.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be at home for the rest of the year, and I'll probably cry my first week of work(but not at the office!). But I'm also very excited.
Monday, June 22, 2009
5 Months Old
Susan's still going strong. Her rolling over is getting better. In fact, she rolled on her back last night at 3AM(yes, she sleeps on her tummy and I can hear you yelling at me!), woke up completely, and called me. When I showed up, she was wriggling and proud of her accomplishments, and wanted to celebrate by eating.
I managed to stumble to bed about 20 minutes later...
Something new I learned with Jillian the other day:
She was eating her rice and enjoying it. As she was working on her last mouthful of food, I placed a bowl of applesauce in front of her. She immediately spat out her rice so she could enjoy her dessert.
Lesson learned!
I managed to stumble to bed about 20 minutes later...
Something new I learned with Jillian the other day:
She was eating her rice and enjoying it. As she was working on her last mouthful of food, I placed a bowl of applesauce in front of her. She immediately spat out her rice so she could enjoy her dessert.
Lesson learned!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Oink!
We were sick this past week. Michael picked up a bug on Thursday, and I didn't get sick until Sunday. Luckily, both girls are fine. Hopefully, they're past the point of infection, because there's no way I'd want them to get what we have. It was like a really bad cold, or a flu. I was looking at the symptoms of swine flu, but it didn't seem as intense as what they were saying.
I left 'my' Michael at home on Saturday, June 8th so I could visit Fawn, 'her' Michael, and their girls. Now that I think about it, we hadn't seen each other in about 9 years, but I felt very comfortable and we were chatting as if we had seen each other only last week. Ahhh, the power of the internet! Fawn, I hope you guys didn't catch this, but if you did, I am really, really sorry. It was only the day after I saw you that it hit me.
So I spent this week in isolation. I didn't even really call anyone because I sounded like one of those people who are trying to disguise their voices on the phone. Really, I sounded like a robot who coughed a lot.
Anyway, we're on the mend, and we should both be 100% by the end of the weekend.
Speaking of health issues, I saw my doctor yesterday about the dermoid cyst that he removed. I thanked him for doing a really great job. His reply? "Of course!" What a confident man. Anyway, they poked at the cyst and determined that it wasn't cancerous- it wasn't showing signs of being cancer anyway during the ultrasound, so I never worried about that. I asked if they found anything cool in there, like my twin sister(can you tell I watch too many wonky shows?), and he said no, just the usual stuff, nothing exciting. Everything is smooth sailing from here on in. Case closed!
I'm happy that the weather is finally getting nice and warm. I was afraid that summer was never going to show it's face. I'm even able to get the girls all dressed up in their cute summer outfits! I must say that that's one of the perks of having girls. Do I dress them up in *this* cute outfit,
or *that* cute outfit?
Or Jillian could just step on her sister and avoid all of this:
I left 'my' Michael at home on Saturday, June 8th so I could visit Fawn, 'her' Michael, and their girls. Now that I think about it, we hadn't seen each other in about 9 years, but I felt very comfortable and we were chatting as if we had seen each other only last week. Ahhh, the power of the internet! Fawn, I hope you guys didn't catch this, but if you did, I am really, really sorry. It was only the day after I saw you that it hit me.
So I spent this week in isolation. I didn't even really call anyone because I sounded like one of those people who are trying to disguise their voices on the phone. Really, I sounded like a robot who coughed a lot.
Anyway, we're on the mend, and we should both be 100% by the end of the weekend.
Speaking of health issues, I saw my doctor yesterday about the dermoid cyst that he removed. I thanked him for doing a really great job. His reply? "Of course!" What a confident man. Anyway, they poked at the cyst and determined that it wasn't cancerous- it wasn't showing signs of being cancer anyway during the ultrasound, so I never worried about that. I asked if they found anything cool in there, like my twin sister(can you tell I watch too many wonky shows?), and he said no, just the usual stuff, nothing exciting. Everything is smooth sailing from here on in. Case closed!
I'm happy that the weather is finally getting nice and warm. I was afraid that summer was never going to show it's face. I'm even able to get the girls all dressed up in their cute summer outfits! I must say that that's one of the perks of having girls. Do I dress them up in *this* cute outfit,
or *that* cute outfit?
Or Jillian could just step on her sister and avoid all of this:
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Rolling, Rolling, Rolling
I was hanging out on the bed with Susan while I was talking to my friend Shawn. I put her on her tummy, and *poof*, she rolled over!
I told Shawn, and his response was, "OK". LOL... I found it funny because I would have had the same reaction before I had kids.
I was practicing with her every time I took her out of the crib or when she had her tummy time. She seemed to like it. Before this, she would move around like a minute hand on a clock when on her tummy.
One of my favourite things to do to her is to kiss her neck while sounding like Cookie Monster. She starts to giggle (then gets the hiccups). I LOVE IT!!!
Jillian's still indifferent to Susan, but today she's started drooling...on purpose?! And she knows that she's doing it too; she even makes little bubbles! What the heck is that about??? I guess she sees all the wet shirts that Susan slobbers on? At least she's still feeding herself. She can really put away Shepherd's Pie by herself. And I'm thrilled that she was asleep by 8:30pm tonight. For the last week, she's been up till midnight. I've had to wake her up before 7am, and make sure she gets little or no naptime. It finally worked! Now I have to keep her entertained in the morning instead of crawling back to bed-boo hoo!
Susan's not ready to eat cereal yet, but I'm sure in the next month or two, she'll be rearing to go. She's already showing interest in watching us eat, and even makes chewing motions when we do. She's already got her fists in her mouth, and Michael helped her tonight with her toes.
Wow! This was really rambling. Hope I didn't bore you too much!
I told Shawn, and his response was, "OK". LOL... I found it funny because I would have had the same reaction before I had kids.
I was practicing with her every time I took her out of the crib or when she had her tummy time. She seemed to like it. Before this, she would move around like a minute hand on a clock when on her tummy.
One of my favourite things to do to her is to kiss her neck while sounding like Cookie Monster. She starts to giggle (then gets the hiccups). I LOVE IT!!!
Jillian's still indifferent to Susan, but today she's started drooling...on purpose?! And she knows that she's doing it too; she even makes little bubbles! What the heck is that about??? I guess she sees all the wet shirts that Susan slobbers on? At least she's still feeding herself. She can really put away Shepherd's Pie by herself. And I'm thrilled that she was asleep by 8:30pm tonight. For the last week, she's been up till midnight. I've had to wake her up before 7am, and make sure she gets little or no naptime. It finally worked! Now I have to keep her entertained in the morning instead of crawling back to bed-boo hoo!
Susan's not ready to eat cereal yet, but I'm sure in the next month or two, she'll be rearing to go. She's already showing interest in watching us eat, and even makes chewing motions when we do. She's already got her fists in her mouth, and Michael helped her tonight with her toes.
Wow! This was really rambling. Hope I didn't bore you too much!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Dora & Jillian
Jillian went to her first show on May 29th, to see Dora the Explorer.
(If you don't know who Dora is, she's basically crack for toddlers.)
Anyway, my mom took her to the 7pm show. She just loved it, smiling, dancing, and clapping her hands with everyone else. I wish I could have seen that! Once the intermission started, she got irritable and wanted to leave. Even when the show started up again, she was d.o.n.e. I think she fell asleep on the way home and proceeded to keep my mom up till midnight.
Saturday night was quiet. Chores during the day, and I'm pretty sure I was in bed by 9:30pm. And to think I used to wish I was an adult so I could stay up as late as I wanted to! HA!
Today, we spent the afternoon with Michael's sisters and their children. It was wonderful; great company, non-fussy and non-crying kids, and fabulous food. We would have stayed longer, but we needed to pick Jillian up. Got to spend time with Mom, but soon enough, we were back on the road home.
Well, it's 9:10pm now, so that leaves me about 20 minutes before my bedtime. Susan seems to think that waking up at 4am is a good idea. Yeesh. I guess I'm officially un-cool now.
(If you don't know who Dora is, she's basically crack for toddlers.)
Anyway, my mom took her to the 7pm show. She just loved it, smiling, dancing, and clapping her hands with everyone else. I wish I could have seen that! Once the intermission started, she got irritable and wanted to leave. Even when the show started up again, she was d.o.n.e. I think she fell asleep on the way home and proceeded to keep my mom up till midnight.
Saturday night was quiet. Chores during the day, and I'm pretty sure I was in bed by 9:30pm. And to think I used to wish I was an adult so I could stay up as late as I wanted to! HA!
Today, we spent the afternoon with Michael's sisters and their children. It was wonderful; great company, non-fussy and non-crying kids, and fabulous food. We would have stayed longer, but we needed to pick Jillian up. Got to spend time with Mom, but soon enough, we were back on the road home.
Well, it's 9:10pm now, so that leaves me about 20 minutes before my bedtime. Susan seems to think that waking up at 4am is a good idea. Yeesh. I guess I'm officially un-cool now.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Hair of the Dog
Most people think pregnancy lasts only 9 months. Yes, you carry the baby for that long, but the hormones like to party it up a big longer in the body, and now they are starting to realize that the party's over and it's time to go home.
My hair has started to fall out. This happened with Jillian too, and don't ask me why I'm surprised and shocked at the amount that falls out every day.
You wanna wig? Fake moustache? Beard? Lemme run my fingers through my hair a few times. There ya go.
Unfortunately Susan is going through this too, thanks to breastfeeding. I don't know if her hair would have fallen out any sooner had I been giving her formula from the start or not. Jillian's hair fell out and it looked like we shaved the bottom 1/2 of her head. Susan's heading in the same direction. I'm just glad it didn't happen in reverse, or she would be looking like a balding person with a mullet.
Luckily, Susan has fine, teeny-tiny adorable baby hair. You barely even notice when it's gone. Me? I look like I literally pull clumps out of my hair.
My hair has started to fall out. This happened with Jillian too, and don't ask me why I'm surprised and shocked at the amount that falls out every day.
You wanna wig? Fake moustache? Beard? Lemme run my fingers through my hair a few times. There ya go.
Unfortunately Susan is going through this too, thanks to breastfeeding. I don't know if her hair would have fallen out any sooner had I been giving her formula from the start or not. Jillian's hair fell out and it looked like we shaved the bottom 1/2 of her head. Susan's heading in the same direction. I'm just glad it didn't happen in reverse, or she would be looking like a balding person with a mullet.
Luckily, Susan has fine, teeny-tiny adorable baby hair. You barely even notice when it's gone. Me? I look like I literally pull clumps out of my hair.
Monday, May 18, 2009
T minus 3 days
Susan's almost at the 4 month mark already. Holy cow!
Her sleeping habits are changing-again! She'll still go to bed between 9-11, but enjoys waking me up around 5:30-6. She'll eat her early breakfast, then go back to sleep for another 3 hours. Then it's eat, awake for 3 hours, eat, asleep for 3 hours, eat, repeat. I've had to be careful with her being in her swing, as she enjoys taking mini-naps, which can throw us off and makes for one cranky baby and one sleepy mommy!
She's enjoying her various play structures, including her exersaucer, which means that she can actually be upright, which she loves. She likes making stepping movements as soon as she gets in there. She's also getting a kick out of reaching for toys and putting them in her mouth. Jillian gets a kick out of spinning the exersaucer around and around while Susan's in it!
She's really upping her babbling with us, and I could have sworn a couple of times that she repeated what we said! Then I drank more imaginary Caesars....
She's also really starting to laugh/giggle with us, and when she's laughed too much, she gets the hiccups! Poor girl, but we love it, so we keep at it!
She's really interested in the TV now; when we move her away from the screen, she turns her head so she can keep watching the show. Michael didn't like that, so now we make a point of having her facing us instead, or playing with one of her toys.
Trying to get a picture of both girls is not easy. I usually get something like this:
But I'll get the hang of it one day.
Her sleeping habits are changing-again! She'll still go to bed between 9-11, but enjoys waking me up around 5:30-6. She'll eat her early breakfast, then go back to sleep for another 3 hours. Then it's eat, awake for 3 hours, eat, asleep for 3 hours, eat, repeat. I've had to be careful with her being in her swing, as she enjoys taking mini-naps, which can throw us off and makes for one cranky baby and one sleepy mommy!
She's enjoying her various play structures, including her exersaucer, which means that she can actually be upright, which she loves. She likes making stepping movements as soon as she gets in there. She's also getting a kick out of reaching for toys and putting them in her mouth. Jillian gets a kick out of spinning the exersaucer around and around while Susan's in it!
She's really upping her babbling with us, and I could have sworn a couple of times that she repeated what we said! Then I drank more imaginary Caesars....
She's also really starting to laugh/giggle with us, and when she's laughed too much, she gets the hiccups! Poor girl, but we love it, so we keep at it!
She's really interested in the TV now; when we move her away from the screen, she turns her head so she can keep watching the show. Michael didn't like that, so now we make a point of having her facing us instead, or playing with one of her toys.
Trying to get a picture of both girls is not easy. I usually get something like this:
But I'll get the hang of it one day.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ultimate Garbage Day
Twice a year, we get to throw out household stuff. Like couches, appliances, etc, with a few exceptions. Why am I excited about this?
Last year when we moved in, we managed to get rid of a bunch of the previous owners' stuff, but our basement still had a lot of...random stuff. Then there was another large throwout day, but Michael was out of town, and I'm too prissy to be lifting heavy stuff. Oh yeah, and I was pregnant too!
I guess I feel like I'm on one of those TV shows where people de-clutter their lives and gain some real space and order in their home. Keep, toss, toss, toss. Yipee! Plus, it'll be our chance to finally make the basement 'ours'.
Does this mean that I'm going to finally get around to going through the boxes that are packed full of sentimental items? Noooo, but I swear that the next time to Costco, I will finally donate the glasses that I wore in university to charity. And the pair I had in high school. I'm pretty sure I threw out the pair I had in middle school...
Last year when we moved in, we managed to get rid of a bunch of the previous owners' stuff, but our basement still had a lot of...random stuff. Then there was another large throwout day, but Michael was out of town, and I'm too prissy to be lifting heavy stuff. Oh yeah, and I was pregnant too!
I guess I feel like I'm on one of those TV shows where people de-clutter their lives and gain some real space and order in their home. Keep, toss, toss, toss. Yipee! Plus, it'll be our chance to finally make the basement 'ours'.
Does this mean that I'm going to finally get around to going through the boxes that are packed full of sentimental items? Noooo, but I swear that the next time to Costco, I will finally donate the glasses that I wore in university to charity. And the pair I had in high school. I'm pretty sure I threw out the pair I had in middle school...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
You caught my eye across the crowded room. The attraction was instant; we had lots in common. I took you home.
Then I started to be afraid. Self-doubt crept in. Can we make this work? I turned away from you without explanation and stayed away for months, then years.
Then finally, I took a deep breath and approached you, ready for a new start and to leave the past behind. There were some mis-steps, but we're working through them. And slowly, we are getting closer. The knowledge that we can make things work between us. I don't need to be afraid anymore.
I can cook!!! Thank you, my cherished cookbook! Ours is not a monogamous relationship; there are others in your family that attract me, like your Thai cousin, and your Dessert-in-law. But I will always come back to you.
Love,
Me
Then I started to be afraid. Self-doubt crept in. Can we make this work? I turned away from you without explanation and stayed away for months, then years.
Then finally, I took a deep breath and approached you, ready for a new start and to leave the past behind. There were some mis-steps, but we're working through them. And slowly, we are getting closer. The knowledge that we can make things work between us. I don't need to be afraid anymore.
I can cook!!! Thank you, my cherished cookbook! Ours is not a monogamous relationship; there are others in your family that attract me, like your Thai cousin, and your Dessert-in-law. But I will always come back to you.
Love,
Me
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mother's Day
I had a great Mother's Day even though I'm still uncomfortable from the surgery. Michael's been a huge help around the house, and has been making supper for me.
Mom took Jillian all day Saturday and returned her on Sunday. It was great to have Jillian spend time with her Abuela, but we still missed her lots.
Michael got the girls to make me cards for Mother's Day; they each have their footprints on the front page-I love it! Hallmark's got nothing on these! It's even got their toe-prints on there too! Also got a few SD cards for my new camera that Mom gave me for my birthday-Perfect! I've been a bit of a shutterbug lately, so it's nice not to have to download the pictures every few days.
Don't know how on earth I can top that for Father's Day... I remember making a card for Michael from Jillian.
Picture of an 'eye'
Picture of a 'heart'
Picture of Jillian pointing to the camera 'you'
Better get my thinking cap on!
Mom took Jillian all day Saturday and returned her on Sunday. It was great to have Jillian spend time with her Abuela, but we still missed her lots.
Michael got the girls to make me cards for Mother's Day; they each have their footprints on the front page-I love it! Hallmark's got nothing on these! It's even got their toe-prints on there too! Also got a few SD cards for my new camera that Mom gave me for my birthday-Perfect! I've been a bit of a shutterbug lately, so it's nice not to have to download the pictures every few days.
Don't know how on earth I can top that for Father's Day... I remember making a card for Michael from Jillian.
Picture of an 'eye'
Picture of a 'heart'
Picture of Jillian pointing to the camera 'you'
Better get my thinking cap on!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Quiz
How long have you been a Mom?
March 1, 2007
Girl? Boy?
2 girls
How old were you with your first child??
27 years old
How much did your child(ren) weigh?
6 pounds, 15 oz and 6 pounds, 12 oz
Do you want more kids?
Maybe...
How many times have you been peed on?
Too many to count...
Is your child named after anyone?
Jillian-I just really really liked the name
Susan-after Michael's mom
Did you really brush their teeth even when they only had one or two?
Nope. Only the fear of rotting teeth got me in line.
One thing you did give up now that you're a mom?
Skiing(I was preggo during 2 ski seasons), drinking(preggo or breastfeeding)
Where is/are your child(ren) now?
Bed!
Birthday(s)
March 1 and Jan 21
Who was in the room when baby was born?
Jillian-Michael and the medical staff
Susan-medical staff
Any hair?
Tons!
Was baby early or late?
Both were about 2 weeks early-thank goodness!
Who drove you home from hospital?
Michael
When did baby start sleeping through the night?
Jillian 1.5 years, Susan 3 months
Breastfeed? If not, what kind of formula?
Breast & Bottle for Jillian, so far just Breast for Susan
When do you want to have another?
*if* we do, maybe 2-3 years from now. Depends on my sanity at that point!
What was your pain management?
Breathing. They both came so fast there wasn't time for meds.
Anyone spend the night with you the first night in the hospital?
Michael
March 1, 2007
Girl? Boy?
2 girls
How old were you with your first child??
27 years old
How much did your child(ren) weigh?
6 pounds, 15 oz and 6 pounds, 12 oz
Do you want more kids?
Maybe...
How many times have you been peed on?
Too many to count...
Is your child named after anyone?
Jillian-I just really really liked the name
Susan-after Michael's mom
Did you really brush their teeth even when they only had one or two?
Nope. Only the fear of rotting teeth got me in line.
One thing you did give up now that you're a mom?
Skiing(I was preggo during 2 ski seasons), drinking(preggo or breastfeeding)
Where is/are your child(ren) now?
Bed!
Birthday(s)
March 1 and Jan 21
Who was in the room when baby was born?
Jillian-Michael and the medical staff
Susan-medical staff
Any hair?
Tons!
Was baby early or late?
Both were about 2 weeks early-thank goodness!
Who drove you home from hospital?
Michael
When did baby start sleeping through the night?
Jillian 1.5 years, Susan 3 months
Breastfeed? If not, what kind of formula?
Breast & Bottle for Jillian, so far just Breast for Susan
When do you want to have another?
*if* we do, maybe 2-3 years from now. Depends on my sanity at that point!
What was your pain management?
Breathing. They both came so fast there wasn't time for meds.
Anyone spend the night with you the first night in the hospital?
Michael
Friday, May 08, 2009
Surgery
I have to say that Thursday went pretty well, and I love the staff at the Montfort Hospital.
Mom got me there for 9:30, and a nurse checked me in at 9:45. I was told to remove my clothes (and dignity), and place them in a plastic bag. You know, like in those prison movies! I then went through several checklists by 2 or 3 nurses. It might have been redundant, but I was happy that they weren't interested in making any mistakes. Got my blood pressure, temperature and oxygen level checked too. There was a student doctor there too, who was learning the anaesthetic aspect. Very nice, and had a tattoo on her left wrist that said 'Breathe'.
They wheeled me in around 11:30 or so, and it was a downright festive atmosphere in there! I laid down on the table, laid out both arms on either side, and the team got to work. I was given something in my IV to 'help me relax', and an oxygen mask to breathe through. I remember saying "Bye bye", then the next thing I knew, my doctor was leaning over me telling me that everything went very well and that it was all done.
I spent the next little while in recovery, and Michael picked me up after 4pm. I was still drowsy after everything they pumped in me.
I'm off the painkillers-I felt too out of it yesterday and was nauseous on and off. It was a morphine-based painkiller, and I was also a bit concerned about how it was affecting Susan. She slept a lot as well, but it's not something I want her to get used to!
So I'm feeling uncomfortable, but only a minute amount of pain. Stubbing my toe would hurt more. I'm going to have 3 scars; 1 in my belly button, and 2 below the waistline(no, I'm not getting into any more detail than that!). Hopefully I won't have to go through that experience again though!
Mom got me there for 9:30, and a nurse checked me in at 9:45. I was told to remove my clothes (and dignity), and place them in a plastic bag. You know, like in those prison movies! I then went through several checklists by 2 or 3 nurses. It might have been redundant, but I was happy that they weren't interested in making any mistakes. Got my blood pressure, temperature and oxygen level checked too. There was a student doctor there too, who was learning the anaesthetic aspect. Very nice, and had a tattoo on her left wrist that said 'Breathe'.
They wheeled me in around 11:30 or so, and it was a downright festive atmosphere in there! I laid down on the table, laid out both arms on either side, and the team got to work. I was given something in my IV to 'help me relax', and an oxygen mask to breathe through. I remember saying "Bye bye", then the next thing I knew, my doctor was leaning over me telling me that everything went very well and that it was all done.
I spent the next little while in recovery, and Michael picked me up after 4pm. I was still drowsy after everything they pumped in me.
I'm off the painkillers-I felt too out of it yesterday and was nauseous on and off. It was a morphine-based painkiller, and I was also a bit concerned about how it was affecting Susan. She slept a lot as well, but it's not something I want her to get used to!
So I'm feeling uncomfortable, but only a minute amount of pain. Stubbing my toe would hurt more. I'm going to have 3 scars; 1 in my belly button, and 2 below the waistline(no, I'm not getting into any more detail than that!). Hopefully I won't have to go through that experience again though!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Ovariectomy
I went to the hospital on Thursday for my pre-op appointment for the cyst that I have on my right ovary. Basically, they're taking out the cyst, and more than likely, my right ovary as well. The cyst is about the size of an egg, and if it bursts, it will be painful, as in labour pain-painful. There were no signs of it being cancerous when I was having my multiple ultrasounds.
So on May 7th, I'll be showing up, waiting around for 2 hours(much like an airport!), get sliced and diced, wait around for another couple of hours, then go back home that night.
My doctor says that it's still possible if we want to have more children, as chances are that Susan came out of my left ovary.
Am I nervous? Sure. Watching all those episodes of ER and Grey's Anatomy probably doesn't help! I suppose my biggest fear is them telling me, "Ma'am, we've found some rare disease/your twin/an alien in your abdomen." Or just not waking up. When I delivered my kids, I was just worried about the pain, not any possible complications.
In any case, I'll have lots of help when I get home. And hopefully I'll get some sweet, sweet drugs...ah, Tylenol 3's, here I come!!!
PS. If you want to see a video of the surgery, you can find it here. It's set to music for some reason...weird.
So on May 7th, I'll be showing up, waiting around for 2 hours(much like an airport!), get sliced and diced, wait around for another couple of hours, then go back home that night.
My doctor says that it's still possible if we want to have more children, as chances are that Susan came out of my left ovary.
Am I nervous? Sure. Watching all those episodes of ER and Grey's Anatomy probably doesn't help! I suppose my biggest fear is them telling me, "Ma'am, we've found some rare disease/your twin/an alien in your abdomen." Or just not waking up. When I delivered my kids, I was just worried about the pain, not any possible complications.
In any case, I'll have lots of help when I get home. And hopefully I'll get some sweet, sweet drugs...ah, Tylenol 3's, here I come!!!
PS. If you want to see a video of the surgery, you can find it here. It's set to music for some reason...weird.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Open Letter to the IOC
Dear Olympic Committee,
I do love the Olympics (IE. Men's gymnastics), but I am proposing a children's-oriented Olympics. I present to you the following events:
0-12 months:
-Spitting up - 2 categories of 'Consistent aim', and 'Volume'.
As in, always my left shoulder so I have run out of nice shirts to wear. Only *today* did it occur to me to wear my ratty shirts. Keep in mind Susan is 3 months now.
-Burps after a feeding - 2 categories of 'Number of burps' and 'Decibels'.
My little one likes to sound like a teenager after chugging a can of Coke.
-Farts - 2 categories of 'Smell' and 'Decibels'
-Diapers- 2 categories of 'Stink' and 'Decibels'. Have I mentioned that my little one does not do anything quietly except sleep?
Toddler:
-Whining. I'm talking Jim Carrey in 'Dumb and Dumber' making "the most annoying sound in the world" quality
-Feeding. This can include longest time spent eating a teeny-tiny amount of food. Also, you could include the most amount of food in mouth before gagging.
Then there are the tandem events with parents, like:
-Making it to an appointment on time
-Grocery shopping with 2 kids
-Feeding 2 hungry kids at the same time
-Getting a potty under a child as she's about to pee on the floor
-Cleaning up after a toddler - This is more of an endurance event, as it lasts from 7am to 7pm.
You may not know this, but some parents I know have been continuously training day in and day out. They're quite dedicated.
Anyway, I hope to hear back from you soon with your ideas.
Sincerely,
Idania
I do love the Olympics (IE. Men's gymnastics), but I am proposing a children's-oriented Olympics. I present to you the following events:
0-12 months:
-Spitting up - 2 categories of 'Consistent aim', and 'Volume'.
As in, always my left shoulder so I have run out of nice shirts to wear. Only *today* did it occur to me to wear my ratty shirts. Keep in mind Susan is 3 months now.
-Burps after a feeding - 2 categories of 'Number of burps' and 'Decibels'.
My little one likes to sound like a teenager after chugging a can of Coke.
-Farts - 2 categories of 'Smell' and 'Decibels'
-Diapers- 2 categories of 'Stink' and 'Decibels'. Have I mentioned that my little one does not do anything quietly except sleep?
Toddler:
-Whining. I'm talking Jim Carrey in 'Dumb and Dumber' making "the most annoying sound in the world" quality
-Feeding. This can include longest time spent eating a teeny-tiny amount of food. Also, you could include the most amount of food in mouth before gagging.
Then there are the tandem events with parents, like:
-Making it to an appointment on time
-Grocery shopping with 2 kids
-Feeding 2 hungry kids at the same time
-Getting a potty under a child as she's about to pee on the floor
-Cleaning up after a toddler - This is more of an endurance event, as it lasts from 7am to 7pm.
You may not know this, but some parents I know have been continuously training day in and day out. They're quite dedicated.
Anyway, I hope to hear back from you soon with your ideas.
Sincerely,
Idania
Monday, April 27, 2009
Dirty Thirty
Another decade is here...yikes! I have to admit that I was down in the dumps at the prospect of leaving my 20's behind. Goodbye youth!
But Michael did make me stop and think about my achievements: finishing University, traveling, marriage to a great guy, and 2 wonderful little girls. Plus, we're the proud owners of 1.5 waterfront acres(and all the responsibilites that come with it-HA!). Not to mention that I can cook without making anyone ill-that was a big step for me.
On my actual birthday, it was my mom, Michael and the girls, then I had lunch with my friends the next day.
We got our patio set and a BBQ last week. We've been putting together the BBQ since Friday. Today is Monday. If you're not a fan of putting together IKEA furniture, then I don't recommend putting BBQ's together. We would have put it together sooner, but either:
Jillian needs our attention, or
Susan needs our attention.
This has been way easier than putting together our PAX wardrobes (also from IKEA), but more time-consuming. I'm just happy that I'm not lifting 100 pound boards and I can just order Michael around instead.
Susan's spending more and more time on her tummy, and is learning how to turn herself in a circle. It's like watching a wiggly, drooling clock, with her speed somewhere between the second hand and minute hand. She was able to get to the 3 o'clock position in 5 minutes. It would have been even cuter had she not left a trail of spit-up!
Anyway, just waiting for Susan to demand her last feeding of the day, and then I can go to bed myself!
But Michael did make me stop and think about my achievements: finishing University, traveling, marriage to a great guy, and 2 wonderful little girls. Plus, we're the proud owners of 1.5 waterfront acres(and all the responsibilites that come with it-HA!). Not to mention that I can cook without making anyone ill-that was a big step for me.
On my actual birthday, it was my mom, Michael and the girls, then I had lunch with my friends the next day.
We got our patio set and a BBQ last week. We've been putting together the BBQ since Friday. Today is Monday. If you're not a fan of putting together IKEA furniture, then I don't recommend putting BBQ's together. We would have put it together sooner, but either:
Jillian needs our attention, or
Susan needs our attention.
This has been way easier than putting together our PAX wardrobes (also from IKEA), but more time-consuming. I'm just happy that I'm not lifting 100 pound boards and I can just order Michael around instead.
Susan's spending more and more time on her tummy, and is learning how to turn herself in a circle. It's like watching a wiggly, drooling clock, with her speed somewhere between the second hand and minute hand. She was able to get to the 3 o'clock position in 5 minutes. It would have been even cuter had she not left a trail of spit-up!
Anyway, just waiting for Susan to demand her last feeding of the day, and then I can go to bed myself!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day
I guess my only Earth-Day story happened at the supermarket today. Loblaws and it's other stores have chosen to not give out free plastic bags anymore, and will be charging customers 5 cents per bag now. Personally, I think that this is a great thing. A small way to feel good. Plus, I already have several reusable bags, plus a box that I always manage to leave behind at home. This is definitely a good incentive. I will miss my primary source for bags for the diaper pail though!
However, I feel sorry for all those poor employees that will be berated for implementing the change.
People, these low-end of the totem employees did not come up with this idea. If you really don't like it, give Galen Weston a shout (he's the head honcho around those parts). Heck, if you want to feel better, yell at the manager of the store. That's what he gets paid to deal with, not the lady getting minimum wage to support her family.
I did smile when I said "No thank you" when I was offered to buy a bag. I guess my only beef is that I didn't feel like they were really telling customers in advance. I only found out by accident. But I will keep that thought to myself.
Other that that, I wasn't very earthy. I drove into town and drank water out of a plastic bottle. I was trying to find a water fountain to refill it at the mall to feel half the guilt but couldn't find one. I bought 2 bags of disposable diapers. And I'm pretty sure I ate out of a styrofoam container at lunch. Guess I have a long way to go...
However, I feel sorry for all those poor employees that will be berated for implementing the change.
People, these low-end of the totem employees did not come up with this idea. If you really don't like it, give Galen Weston a shout (he's the head honcho around those parts). Heck, if you want to feel better, yell at the manager of the store. That's what he gets paid to deal with, not the lady getting minimum wage to support her family.
I did smile when I said "No thank you" when I was offered to buy a bag. I guess my only beef is that I didn't feel like they were really telling customers in advance. I only found out by accident. But I will keep that thought to myself.
Other that that, I wasn't very earthy. I drove into town and drank water out of a plastic bottle. I was trying to find a water fountain to refill it at the mall to feel half the guilt but couldn't find one. I bought 2 bags of disposable diapers. And I'm pretty sure I ate out of a styrofoam container at lunch. Guess I have a long way to go...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Three Months
Susan's reached the 3 month mark today. I suppose that doesn't really make her a 'new'-born anymore, but more in the simpler 'baby' category. She has changed a lot. She's able to recognize Michael, Jillian and myself (with an adorable smile when she does realize that we're there!), and really getting into her baby talk. She'll pinch me really hard too, but at least I know it's not malicious, just pretty painful! Her nails are getting stronger, and I've got a nice set of scratches just below my collarbones-hopefully non-permanent.
The hardest thing about last month was getting her to drink for the bottle, but I'm glad that Michael was able to pull it off.
The best thing (so far) is having her sleep through the night! It's definitely in the 6-8 hour range, and makes for a better-rested Mommy. Ahhh...
Jillian's grown even more accepting and is used to having her around. She even loves to help me out:
She's trying to give Susan her bottle, having watched me closely. She's also given me Susan's diapers when it's time to change her. I guess Jillian realizes that Susan is here to stay!
The hardest thing about last month was getting her to drink for the bottle, but I'm glad that Michael was able to pull it off.
The best thing (so far) is having her sleep through the night! It's definitely in the 6-8 hour range, and makes for a better-rested Mommy. Ahhh...
Jillian's grown even more accepting and is used to having her around. She even loves to help me out:
She's trying to give Susan her bottle, having watched me closely. She's also given me Susan's diapers when it's time to change her. I guess Jillian realizes that Susan is here to stay!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Olivia
I met my newest niece at Pam's house. (Maybe I should call her Banana Pam-see my last post). She was born earlier this month, but we only got to see her yesterday because either Michael was sick, or I was sick. No need to share that kind of love!!!
Anyway, it's only been 2 months since Susan was born, but she's changed so much, it was great to hold a smaller version. There's just something about looking at a baby asleep, with hands around the face, all wobbly and curled up, and the way that they relax against you...ahhh.
Oh, I still get that with Susan, but she's getting more physical too. My lap has been a jumping off point lately, and she doesn't just lay there unless she's totally asleep. Even then, she likes to fart on me. Constantly. But that's another story.
Another thing I enjoyed is that our first girls are 9 months apart. Huge in baby terms, but when they get older, it won't mean much. It'll be great for them to have cousins to play with.
Anyway, it's only been 2 months since Susan was born, but she's changed so much, it was great to hold a smaller version. There's just something about looking at a baby asleep, with hands around the face, all wobbly and curled up, and the way that they relax against you...ahhh.
Oh, I still get that with Susan, but she's getting more physical too. My lap has been a jumping off point lately, and she doesn't just lay there unless she's totally asleep. Even then, she likes to fart on me. Constantly. But that's another story.
Another thing I enjoyed is that our first girls are 9 months apart. Huge in baby terms, but when they get older, it won't mean much. It'll be great for them to have cousins to play with.
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