Happy birthday to you my love

Well I'm a day late but we did spend the day together excusing me of my late blog post. 

We had a pretty good fun filled birthday for you. Started off at the dog park with the little one and big black beast as we walked the woods. We went to the New Years tree and made a wish, like we had the year before (a post on that tomorrow). Then we went ice skating at Victoria park. In between and after birthday cake was enjoyed, famosa pizza was gobbled down and presents unwrapped. 

Happy birthday partner, husband and love of mine. A lot has changed in the past year. One big change in particular that has changed the course of our relationship, our family, and our ways of doing day to day routines. 

Yes. You are a dad. And a pretty good one at that. You are master at putting her to sleep...something that seems to be a work in progress for me. You have fun with the baby exercises...especially when it comes to getting burps and other unmentionables relieved from her tummy. And just general hanging out, you both seem to have a pretty good time. You hate to see her crying or upset which tugs a little at my heart strings. All in all its been pretty wonderful to watch. You are pretty intent to try to figure out and help her with her little problems already. She is going to be lucky to have you as she slowly grows. 

And in terms of us partner of mine. We have been through a lot. Tremendous amount of good, fun, and happy times this year. Road trips, dog walks, summer festival fun, winter treks with the dog, bike rides, market time, dinners out, nights in. I love you very much. By choice as people are keen on telling me. ;) Sure there has been small times of hard, sleep deprived, or hungry states that may lead to mini battles where no one remains victorious. In the end it becomes resolved and we are are victorious. 

Wishing you a wonderful birthday and year ahead. 

Love

Merry Christmas to all

And to all a good night!

A wonderful Christmas with all my families little and small!

Love

What to do

When your baby has her days and nights correct 

But you have yours mixed up....

Netflix, lots of Netflix 

Baby's first Santa visit.

Nice little visit in the hour long line

You would think someone on mat leave would be smarter

But grammie was sure happy to join in your excitement. 

Or slumber. 

You be the judge. 

It's pretty tiring being cute. 

Love

Cute moment

While you take a bath you hear rap music in the adjoining room. 

You take a look and see your partner shirt off in the warm bathroom and your baby naked in the bath. 

Just grooving to the music

While getting clean

Heart full 

Love 

My happy place

Every year I have a must...

Whether I do it alone

With my partner

Or my wonderful friends

I go to the leg grounds at Christmas time

This time I went with Jeaninne

And her wonderful girls

And mine

We listened to the music 

We admired the lights

I stood in awe of the big tree

Again

The girls jumped and played in the snow

Looked at the lit up reindeer

Searched downtown for an open coffee shop

And when found 

Savoured the candy cane hot chocolate

And doughnuts. 

Love

Two months and then some....

Every week we seem to notice something new about you. Not only are you growing in both height and weight but you are growing in your interactive-ness with those around you. 

You love your swings, mobiles, and little play centres. You like to look at those around you and give a big toothless smile. You are full of little babbles, chatter and squeals. Baby massages are good and so is 'Moo, Baa, La La'. 

But you are also full of screams, cries and wails! Particularly from 7pm-12am and maybe sometimes till 1am (or my least favourite 2). 

You are starting to reach for things. Mainly my hair, shirt or cling to my shoulders when you are sad. And speaking of your little hands I think you have really discovered them as I find them in your mouth more, even after you eat! Too bad you won't take a soother for very long...I'm working on it. 

Speaking of eating. You have started to take a bottle. It does require some coaxing but you have done it. Dad did a parenting hour (and a bit) while I worked on a Christmas urn display (which I'm in love with so thank you both for the opportunity). And it was pretty successful. However I could have used my pump a little. ;)

We've been on quite a few outings. Christmas shopping being the primary. Working on you're shopping skills already, sorry dad! Dog walks have been fun too! And we are going to start going to Baby Laptime at the library. I mean you own a library card so we must take advantage! ;) 

We have also been to a movie. Quite an experience as it was for babies and parents. Dim lights, reduced sound, change tables with complimentary diapers and lots of babies. Quite comical as there were cries and tooting throughout. You were pretty chill, sleeping. I was happy as I didn't really want you watching it. It was the final instalment of the Hunger Games after all. 

I'm having quite a bit of fun with you right now. You are entertaining and pretty good baby (although I have nothing to compare, but we are keeping you, wink wink). I think we all work well together. Dad and me are really starting to bring about the team work taking shifts during those fuss times. And he loves your cuddle times. 

Now we are just gearing up for your first Christmas.

Xoxox 

I love...

A warmish winter day

A dog walk in the park

Little one in tow bundled warm and tight

And seeing a friend from pre-child

Talking and catching up

Then home

Feeling warm 

With a hot cup of apple cider

That's what I love

Oh Christmas tree

You have already provided me with so many memories and stories . And Christmas has just begun. 

We came across you in a family lot with our tiny family of three. We circled around until I came across you standing there oh so proud. Mark took a look at you and cut you down with ease.

It was a wonderful afternoon. Quiet air, cool but with sun. We trekked, I carried little c and Mark carried you in the little red sleigh. Hot chocolate waiting for us with candy canes. The afternoon was quite perfect. 

Then controversy arose that evening when we brought you home. You couldn't fit in our home. So we lobbed your top. We sat you up in our living room and I was unsure about you. You were kind of sparse from what I'm used to. 

You see Christmas tree I come from a family that imported our tree directly from where Christmas trees are a business. My grandfathers business to be specific. Every year a tree would be in our mail. Crazy I know. And those trees tend to have a bit more bulk to them. I started klinging to the old memories. I know. Wrong. And it's not your fault. 

So the decorating began. Mark actually participated this year! And you looked okay. But old memories kept creeping back into my head. Then you did something in defiance. You decided to fall.

 

 

Wrong move Christmas tree. I was not happy. You took down our ornaments. You splashed water everywhere. Pine cones fell from your branches to the floor. And you even decided to drop some sap. Naughty naughty!!!

 

1130 at night we hoisted you up. But you left this family of three anything but happy. Mark downstairs constructing wood to stabilize you. Me holding the tree up as the little one screamed at us all from her car seat. It was no ones finest hour. 

 

But the next day came around. I took a look at you as the sun lit up our room. You looked a bit rattled up with ornaments on your back and falling off your branches. It was time to give you another try. I took out our homemade ornaments. Hung them up. Restrung the ribbon. Lit up the lights and put on the topper. 

 

And guess what Christmas tree? You are quite pretty. You have a uniqueness about you. You are different. But I think the family you chose (and vice versa) is too. 

 

You stand proud and tall. You are not dry. You kind of have an incorporation of both me and Mark. I kind of love you. I light you up and stare at you with glee and warmth. Cause you really do represented Christmas.

So thank you Christmas tree. You have given me more memories in this little week than I could imagine. Some of them are not mine or Mark's finest but then others have been more than incredible. And I think we will be looking at your brothers and sisters in the coming years.

 

Love 

Happy birthday to me

Well. I think it's safe to say that birthday week has gotten a little harder to have when there is a little one. So I think it's time to say goodbye to the week and be grateful for the little celebrations that happen in the day and may even happen during the week. But to not make a big to do. It's been fun!!! And my day was packed with celebrations that really what more does a girl need?

In the morning us girls stayed in and watched a little movie called how to train a dragon. Kind of a favourite of mine. We chilled as I wrote thank you notes and xmas cards.

Not before Mark woke me up to unwrap some birthday presents. Very spoiled with some lovely gifts. 

Well wishes via text and FaceTime came throughout the day. An edible arrangement from my sil and family arrived just before lunch. Yummy. Plus wonderful presents from my parents. 

And drumroll please....Dinner! At the Wildflower grill. A most fantastic restaurant. The babe was nothing but chill the entire time sleeping in her car seat (happy birthday to me!!!). 

And the restaurant was so fantastic in service. The hostess said that she was so surprised how good little c was and that she usually takes the babies and circles the restaurant to let the parents eat! Hello, I will be going there again for that statement alone. Ha ha. 

And the food was amazing. So rich but so good. I'm still salivating from it. Lobster crepe, bison tenderloin and red velvet cheesecake. Plus little something they would bring to our table in between dishes. It's a new fav for sure. 

A girl couldn't have asked for a better day. Special, fantastic and a little low key too. Love.

Heart full. 

Family of three

With all my wallowing and self pity who would of thought of a turn around? But when your in bed by 1100 and sleep in till 1100 (with a brief intermission of family bonding at 4-5am of hacking and sneezing) you can do almost anything!

That anything included a dog walk (with minor modifications that included breast feeding prior to walk starting). Love our carrier. And loved more conversing with my partner and love. Seeing my friend Bailey on the walk and her new foster pup. Hearing the ice slush against the water. Watching my dog bound through the woods. 

A visit to the hospital to check in with grandad and see how things are going. We may have shown our crazy cleanliness in there but I don't care as I'm done with us all being sick!!!

And last but not least going out to dinner! That's right 6 weeks old infant and we made it to a restaurant. Indian buffet the best kind of food too!  Maybe that isn't a feat but to us it seemed awesome and fantastic. 

Family of three adventures have begun!!

Love

Frustrating

Want to know what find the most frustrating thing? Being sick. And being sick three times in the last month is utterly ridiculous. 

So here I am on my blog wallowing in self pity about being sick. For a girl that gets ill maybe once a year, three times in one month can really peeve me off.

And I'm not the only one. Mark has the bug too. We haven't had the chance to spend the weekend with just the three of us since our little one has arrived. And this was going to be that weekend! Thwarted again!!!!

Well wish us luck next weekend. It should be our weekend right. I mean what are the chances of being sick four times. Slim to none right?!!

You're not a newborn anymore kid!

Well let's be honest you are....but you are growing! I took you to weight and see just to see how much and you were 8lbs 15oz! Man oh man! By now I know you are 9lbs as you are growing out of some of your newborn clothes...sniff sniff
 

Since I last wrote you have been to another baby shower you lucky ducky. My dear coworkers threw me one and it was lovely. I may have even snagged a cupcake or two ;) 
 

We also had a get together on your dad's dads side where they could meet you. Apparently your name is a hit! Added bonus is you got to meet your older cousins. And let's just say one of them in particular is quite taken with you...he was too cute!!!!

 

You also came out unscathed as the stomach bug hit our home. Thank goodness as I couldn't take you getting another cold this soon. But your poor dad was the biggest victim in our household. We were both so thankful and overjoyed how good you were during it all.

After that we decided we need to start doing fun things for just us three. Enjoy being with you. Especially now that we are settling into your routine. The visits have slowed and you get more daddy/mommy time so let's make it fun!!! 

Time to see the world. 

 

Love

Dear sweet child of mine

You are almost a month old but if I really get stickler about it you came into this world 4 weeks ago today.

So much has happened in those four weeks. 

First off I love you but my body felt like a war zone during that first week. Something every person failed to tell me (probably cause there was no going back at that point). The peri bottle became my best friend. Your dad was buying cold compresses for me and the hormones were surging where I would just cry in an instant. But since then my body has healed, I'm feeling somewhat normal, the engorgement phase has come and left (thank goodness) and I find you ever so fascinating every day.  

You have been to the paediatrician and have gained a whopping 7lbs 4 oz. that was just two weeks ago and I can see you continue to grow. May have to weigh you next week for proof. He said you were very healthy and gave me some tips of what to do if you ever experience congestion in the nose, eyes or have other bodily functions that go awry. 

And guess what? No sooner than those words were said you caught my cold at a mere 2 weeks of age. Poor thing. 

I was doing things that I never thought I would be doing. Nasal spray and using the nosefrida. Talk about diving into motherhood. Battling your first cold made me rethink your littleness and vulnerability. Something I took for granted. So thanks for the eye opener. We mended you to health with extra cuddles from daddy in the night (he, like me, hated hearing your coughs and grunts). Thank heavens for the healthy beginnings nurse as she reassured me we were all doing the right thing. 

Also during that second week you had a party in your honour. That's right little camper, you were given a baby shower! And let's just say it between the gifts and people generously giving you hand me downs the first year of your life is set for clothes. You are definitely loved just like your name. 

And the love didn't stop there. Visitors came to see you in plenty. First and for most your grammie from New Brunswick came for two weeks. Lots of pictures taken by her that I joked she was the paparazzi. She invented the girdle for you when you were uncomfortable. And she was your cuddle buddy for sure.  So much so that when you appeared distressed in the car she told me to pullover so she could sit with you. Looks like you have an ally in life my friend. 

Not to mention other people that you have met from your 89 year old great grandfather from lougheed and your 90 year old great aunt from Calgary. Plus numerous visits from granny and grandad, uncle jimi and friends and more family. And let's not forget your pet friends. Bentley seems to give you a lick daily and kitty...Well don't be offended by kitty he takes a lot of time to warm up to people. 

Over the last four weeks and this last one in particular you have lost your newborn look. Sad. But you are looking more baby like everyday. Your body has filled out. Your eyes open and you are more alert. You talk a lot with coos and caas and sometimes I get squeals of delight. You stare at everyone around you plus the toys and music I put in front of you. You love your baths and they are needed more with daily spit up attacks! 

Plus you fuss and cry a bit more. Sometimes it's hunger, other times it's an extra cuddle you need or we help bicycle your legs. More often I can put you in the carrier and do a little dance. But then others it's the dreaded cluster feed that exhausts me to no end as you kept me up from 2-4 am the day grammie left. You left me a very tired mama with probably about 2-3 hours sleep. But you made up for it last night with a sleep for a three hour stretch. 

We've already had one holiday but I did not take you trick or treating (you were just recovering from your cold). But you had two costumes! Even matched your pet dog Bentley. I think he was more impressed! Ha ha. But if your anything like your parents you will love that holiday for the rewards alone!! 

It's been quite a month my lovely daughter. I seem to find something to appreciate about you everyday. Hope it continues....

Love like you 

It's been one week.

One week yesterday I went to the doctor. She did a little procedure to induce labour.

I didn't think it worked until when it actually did. And boy did it!

Breathing through contractions, and possibly vomiting I realized then and there I don't need to be a hero. 

As the nurse said, there are no prizes in the end.

So I took the epidural. As Jeaninne said, it's like being at the spa. It truly was. Amazing. 

Then she decided to arrive in the morning. One week ago today. 

She gave me uncontrollable hormones that made me laugh and cry in an instant. 

I became sore in places I never even dreamed of. 

I had to give up sugar for a few months to ensure her safety and health.

And the sleep exhaustion is crazy making me pretty grumpy and according to some not easy to be around. 

But I wouldn't have it any other way. 

She is sublime. 

I'm enamoured every time I look at her. 

Her coos and caas.

Her little horse neigh when she is upset. 

Watching her little reflexes as she holds her head high, or does a cute little genie yawn or attempts to run out of the bath. 

She has made me and my husband very happy. Plus grandparents, aunts and uncles. We are so lucky. 

And I got my cupcakes but she is so much better!

Happy one week birthday. 

Love

Hijacked!

Okay so that was an overly dramatic title. Everyone is safe and no crimes have been committed yet.  Mark Edey has just taken over Tracey's blog without asking.  In my own defence I do it for all the best reasons.   This blog is for Tracey to share what is important to her to those she cares about.  It doesn't appear in feeds.  You have to care to read it.  It just won't find you as easily as other social media might.   

That's the where, now for why,   Today was the best day of my life so far and I want to brag to people who don't have to hear but would like too.  Tracey thinks and plans ahead and so has fabulous tools like these to use where I do not. So I took them (temporarily). I woke up, walked my dog, loved my girls.  Cuddles, kisses, and pets.  Tracey is a fantastic mom.  Everyone is healthy. My cup runeth over.  Drink in our joy and know that if you are in our life than you have helped lead us to these most wonderous of moments.  

Thank you.

Dear wee one: Part 6

This will probably be my last blog post re. in utero you. Mainly cause I'm 38 weeks pregnant and you could come any minute now. I'm slightly hoping less minutes and more a week or day after. Lol. 

Maybe I've taken on the nesting a little strong as I've been going a little crazy. Cleaned the garage, installed car seats (your dad strength finished that one off), put together the stroller, doing some last minute shopping trips, and seeing friends. Also carefully storing leftovers in the freezer for later cause I hear you will be keeping me busy and tired. 

There are a few more things I would like to do in the next couple days. We will see if you give me that chance. It won't be the end of the world. But as you will soon get to know I get a little list crazy and always like to finish what is on that list. 

This last bit I've been eating pretty healthy. But three weeks ago I suddenly became hungry. Crazy hungry. So some indulgences have occurred. A few chips here, a small cupcake there. I've figured out how to control it with the power of medicine so all is good. And hey you seem to enjoy those little indulgences as I get a few more kicks from you. 

Been doing a few more ultrasounds and your heart rate ranges now are 131-145. According to all those ol' wives tales that could mean anything for your gender. And me and your dad are excited to find out what you will be. One day we think boy and then the next it's a girl. Regardless we are excited either way. Both of us know we will love and enjoy you and we are not leaning towards anything. 

It has excited many people re. figuring out what you could be. So far through patients, clients, friends, co-workers and family it's split. I had an 87 year old woman positive that you are a girl. And mom had a dream you were too. But then other clients that are within their 80-90s think its a boy. Generally we are told "good for you" for not finding out what you are. It's kind of hilarious. I think people like the surprise as much as us, even if they may never find out. 

One little nuisance that I have not enjoyed is the absence of my belly button. It feels so weird when clothes touch it or the ultrasound runs by it. Ick. I never liked touching my belly button and I like it least now. Lol. 

Your room is ready. Plus a bassinet is by our bed. So we will be seeing you soon. And we love you already. 

Xoxox

Summer end and fall beginnings

Summer has ended. Actually ended three weeks ago. Although we never made it to a fancy place or a crazy hike we managed to keep busy. I worked quite a bit and between that we went kayaking (more than once!), gardened, lots of dog walks and a little escape to B.C. 

With summer winding down we managed to go to a few events. One was a Disney's Fantasia at Churchill square. So much fun. Listened to the Edmonton symphony live with the cartoon bits in the background. I enjoyed it immensely. 

Also went to our last wedding of the year (that we at least know about). An old co-worker of mine got married. Wonderful service at St. Joseph's Basilica. What a beautiful church. And the reception I got to catch up with another co-worker of mine with her little guy. 

Shopping became huge for me in September. I went with Jeaninne and we completed the 'needs to get' for when the little one decides to arrive. Some things were so complicated like strollers and car seats. It was nice to have a seasoned pro with me to show me the ropes. I don't think Mark and I could have wagered that alone. Especially since there were not a lot of customer service people around to help. 

 

Not all was fun and games. I had an internal and sometimes external war with managing my insulin. The management was relatively okay but other times just plain ol' frustrating. Mainly cause no matter how much you followed the food plan and the exercise you would still not come ahead. There were many times I would come home from my appointments pretty upset, just annoyed about how I was talked to. Overall though I have to say, the physician I dealt with was amazing. And speaking with co-workers that dealt with the same issue made it easier for myself to cope with it. Plus a great resource for me as they gave great advice and knowledge. I have learned a lot. Makes me want to set my competency goal next year to this as I feel it could be a great thing to keep increasing my knowledge on. 
 

With that, Mark and I prepared for baby. The nursery got completed with Mark taking on the installation of shelves, curtain ties, moving furniture up and down and aiding me in the cribbage assembly. I took on the painting, decorating, cleaning and organizing. AND curtain rods installation that ended in hilarity. Really happy with how it turned out. 
 

 

That and prenatal class came and ended. Mark stayed captivated for three out of the five classes. But he learned the power of massage so as long as he got that for delivery I am happy. 

 

Now it's rest and relaxation which is really not in my vocabulary but I'm finding my body yelps a bit more if I don't listen. Grrr. I've managed to enjoy the fall walks with some company. And then other times just me and my dog. Took in probably one of the last best views of fall in the river valley today as I got home and all the leaves on our trees are gone. The seasons are changing.....just like our lives are about too....
 

Love

The third trimester rant

So here is my rant. My pregnancy rant that is. It's been brewing for awhile. And it has finally come to form online. Ha ha. 

I have approached the third trimester. Yay. And really had very little complaints for the first two. Double yay! But then the third happened....and I had to take a test. A gestational diabetes test. And it came back positive. Ugh! 

I know. What's the deal. But for a foodie like me it has seemed to be almost catastrophic at times. I love my summer food. My summer fruit. My summer slurpees. My summer ice cream. And really I just love my summer sweets. Or really just any sweets. Let's not discriminate...ha ha. And I kind of suspected but was still kind of shocked as I don't present that I have it. I have had limited/healthy weight gain and I have managed to keep active for the most part. Good bye cheesies, chocolate, and sweets (for Mark too, ha ha. Love this pic of him pretending to have a food baby)

So why did this happen? Genetics, ages and that darn placenta is blocking all my insulin production. Little trickster. I have been assured that as soon as that placenta leaves my body, sugar is back on the table. Ha ha. Although this may be good for me in the long run. I have learned a bit more about food, speaking with the dietician and the team at the clinic I've been going too. But I still can't wait to get back to my fruit salad and smoothies. 

Second rant. I am thrilled that people are taking care of my baby and looking out for his/her health. Grateful in fact. But I have to say. As a nurse that incorporates a person into the plan of care (I can probably say always or almost always) it can be a little disheartening at times that people seem to look more at my stomach than myself. 

I have found this at certain appointments that I attend. I don't need to go into specifics. But its nice to feel like I'm part of the plan of care. And really all that needs to be done is just subtle rewording of what people want me to do. I'm not just a vessel. I'm a person. And I like to feel that I get to have somewhat of a say, input, etc. 

But I digress. That little ditty may be useful for any other health professionals that happen to come across this post. I know it made me think more about my personal practice and how proud I am of what I achieve with my patients/clients. But hey, I love empowerment!

Rant over. Time to move on and see what the coming months bring. 

Love

What you talk about with your husband

Pregnancy brings up questions that you never thought you would have. 

And answers that you never thought you would share.

And guess what. 

You do both. 

And your husband knows things he never thought he would ever know.

Mysteries disappear. 

And laughter ensues at the ridiculousness of it all. 

Love

A thought continued

It turns out to be true. And unfortunately found out in the poorest of circumstances that I really don't need to get into.

But in those times you see some people really come together to help me out. Mainly my mom and husband. 

My mom finding information on her end of the world to make me feel better. Trying to make me feel better. Telling me to avoid the Internet. Ugh. 

And my husband who finds a way to rectify the situation, calling as many people as it takes for someone to talk to me. Connecting me to a nurse within thirty minutes of being on the phone. And then doing his own internet research and making me a Canadian food guide meal, as a surprise during my work break. 

I am lucky to have such great support. And I love them both so much. 

Xoxo

Love 

A thought

A pregnancy thought. 

Is it bad that I found the gestational diabetes juice tasty for the test?

I could be in trouble.....

Love

Wells Gray

This is what I have learned:
glamping aka glamour camping is awesome
  AND by that I mean camping in a tent trailer, needing no air mattress and having so much more space, in an actual site and making real food on a coleman stove is fantastic!

 

day hiking is fun but not quite as exhilarating as doing a big km quest in a day.
  HOWEVER one can still see most fantastic things like waterfalls, big beautiful trees and raging waters











kayaking is fun wherever you go and it can still be enjoyable in the rain!







stopping in a town on the way home, like Jasper, has huge perks AND by that you can bulk up on more chocolate and fudge than you would normally never buy and you can take a lovely dip in the hot springs

even if your vacation is a short one you can still have loads of fun with your partner. AND by that I mean playing games, reading, talking, chatting and enjoying each others company







AND it is still nice to come home to our lovely pets!

love