Mom is a grump

2200
One mom goes to bed

2300
The mom is awoken to her wild dog wanting to play.
Her husband comes to bed at this time and reads quietly but she needs to find sanction away from crazy dog.

0030
Baby awakens to be fed. Mom feeds her and then stumbles back into bed.

0230
Baby awakens again. Mom doesn't know why but rocks her back to sleep.

0300
Big mystery bang in house wakes mom up with a start. She rushes around to ensure everyone is asleep and safe. Baby stirs, but everyone is fine. It's still a mystery.

0400
Husband leaves for class trip. Baby chooses that time to wake up. Dog chooses to follow husband out unbeknownst to anyone in family.

0445
Mom retrieves wet dog from front of driveway. Baby continues to cry.

0500
Mom hears the neighbour begin their day. Mom is awake and decides she might as well blog.

Mom knows that some mornings are hard...this one looks to be one.

Spring has sprung

"Smells so green and skies so blue, Spring has sprung and now, me too!"

K. Guilmartin

We did the unthinkable. Yes, we planted plants prior to the May long weekend. 

It started with Mark really. On a January evening he was surfing the internet. I wandered into his midst in my sleep deprived state. "I think I want a greenhouse, I think I am going to build one." I nodded and didn't really think much of it (Did I mention my sleep deprived state).

On a February evening, in another sleep deprived wander, my husband said to me. "I think I am going to build 4 garden boxes for the backyard." 

Then March came along and he found some bay windows. "They are going to be for my greenhouse." At this point I think I was getting 4 hour intervals so I had a bit more wakefulness. I paused. Thought how do bay windows make a greenhouse?! He posed a few ideas in his pre-existing garden. I couldn't quite visualize but nodded in agreement.

The end of March neared and the garden boxes were completed and placed in the back. 

The first weekend of April came upon us and a greenhouse was built and completed with the assistance of a brother in law, Jimi and neighbours for the heavy lifting. Where? Beside his garden bed. My reaction...impressed very much so. 

Soil came in the middle of April...by the truck full. Shovelled in to the boxes. Placed in the greenhouse.

Then the planting began. As the above song says, "It's time for gardening." And the plants grew and grew and grew. The hardier of the seeds were planted in the back and watered with a hosing system in place. 

Then this last week more was planted in the back as the greenhouse was just getting to big. So I guess you could say that I had a baby and so did Mark. Mark had multiples raised from from seedlings. How does he do it? ;)  

All jesting aside, I then jumped in. I bought some flowers and planted them in the front.

So we wait. We wait for no frost. No snow. Sheets are ready and waiting just in case. So May long weekend surprise us. Be good. Mainly cause I am on my own with seedling babies and our little baby!

love

A general day in the life of this mom

0645-0715: Baby stirs to get up, Mom gets up and BF her.
0730-0800: Baby and mom listen to the radio and have breakfast...right now its oatmeal for Mom and baby cereal for Baby. Mom cleans up.
0800-0840: Mom gets baby dressed and does some freeplay with baby
0850-???: Baby goes down for nap. Sometimes its for 25 minutes, other times its for 45 minutes. It's a mystery. During nap time mom gets dressed and does household chore (dishes, laundry, bathroom cleaning, floor washing....or if tired from previous night, mom naps).
??? (probably 1000): Mom and Baby take dog for walk
1100: Mom BF baby and feeds baby. Baby and mom usually have sandwiches. Mom then cleans up after meal
1230-????: Baby goes down for second nap. Again mystery time. Mom usually prepares some kind of supper during this time
??? (probably 1300) Mom and Baby go out somewhere potentially (grocery shopping, library, run an errand, see a friend, or if its really nice hang out in the backyard...right now sticking close to home to get a sleep schedule in).
1500-??? Mom BF baby and potentially puts her down for last cat nap of day
??? (probably 1600) Mom gets supper ready, baby free plays or if Dad comes home early he takes baby to the garden or upstairs.
1700 Mom BF baby and feeds baby supper, then cleans up after meal
1800 Mom bathes baby
1830 Mom does night time routine and puts baby to bed
(OR if its Monday or Wednesday Mom has time to herself as Dad takes baby to the library).
1900 Mom watches netflix and plays on her computer...and wonders what the night will bring with baby.
This is just general...sometimes Mom hits the town too...ha ha.
Regardless, this baby is going to get quite the overtime bill when she is older ;)

So I like gossip sites

Yes....confession. Really is it a confession. If you know me well enough you, you probably know that I love gossip/entertainment magazines. And with this...i stumbled on this....

http://celebritybabies.people.com/2016/04/15/christine-lakin-blog-daughter-georgia-life-with-newborn/

It doesn't really matter who the actress is...but it is Al from Step by Step. Friday night television and my favourite character on that show. Not that I have thought of her since that show left the air (or when I stopped watching, don't know which came first).

Regardless, she wrote a little piece of what she has felt like since her daughter has been born. And this is what I felt: #truth.  Ha ha. This is my personality to a tea and what I really had to let go (and continue to do and practice to do).

Reading this has helped me today as I am determined to do a bit more scheduling for my little one to maybe make both hers and my life a bit easier. I think I sometimes focus on doing so much (library, swimming, dog walking, shopping, mom's group, stroller size) and forgetting that my little needs some certainty and rest too. It won't be perfect. But I think it will help in the long run! :) So operation lockdown commences....

love

Happy Mother's Day

My first mother's day. I really had no expectations and all expectations rolled up into one. But really what can a little 7 month old do for you?! Ha Ha.

She didn't have to do anything in all honesty. She was just present. She has put me in a club that I knew existed but didn't realize I would enjoy so much. The mom club. They are all out there. They have to be or you wouldn't exist.

Becoming a mom has made me have a greater understanding, appreciation and love for my mother. Kind of sad that it took me 36 years to realize this! :) But that is a pretty cool gift that my little one gave me.

What did I do? It started in the wee hours chatting about our little one with my partner. All while watching the northern lights. French toast and homemade bread for all. A dog walk. The first trip to the outdoor market for the summer. Cheese empanadas. Chocolate Croissants. And now settling in for a movie. Pretty darn good. Expectations fulfilled.

So happy mother's day to all the marvellous moms out there. You deserve it. And know that you are loved!

love

Lucky 7

In two short days you will be 7 months old!!! So what has happened to you lately?

Well you have really upped your eating during meal times. And let me tell you this. You have learned to sleep a teeny bit better since the food increase. Hallelujah! It has happened. All those before me said it would and it has! Ha ha. 

With food you have learned to feed yourself with your hands. And if food is put on your spoon you will feed yourself then too. And let's just say that if one of us tries to help you, your little independent streak seems to throw a wild little temper. You little goober. 

Meal time usually involves a bath or a full on wipe down as a result as you really know how to be messy!! But you and Bentley have gained a newfound appreciation for one another. He licks your hands and feeds on your scraps. And he lets you pet and touch his paws if you manage to inch worm to him. 

You have also discovered that we have another animal. The elusive white cat that you see on occasion. He hasn't really taken with you as you have to him. It could be that you have taken to pulling his tail. 

You seemed to have "discovered" quite a bit. You look at me, your dad, and both sets of grandparents with quite a bit of remembrance and excitement!!! The other day your dad went into the bathroom and in your inchworm crawl (haven't quite figured out how to move your legs) you went from the hall upstairs right to him, panting away in excitement with a huge smile on your face. And boy you can move fast. You move fearlessly with fervour. Baby gates are on their way! 

You have been keeping busy. Music class with Granny. Library time with dad. Facetiming your Grammie and Grampie. Swimming and stroller aerobics with me. Plus swinging on the swing and sliding on the slide with both your parents! 

We even caught a movie in the theatre this week. Grampie said he didn't go to his first movie wasn't until he was eight. You have been to three. Ha ha. All mom's picks. 

You have also cut another tooth. So two on the bottom. And today a potential top one is on its way with your rosy cheeks and other teething signs.

You are really such a cutie. Some nights i think of the revenge of what I can do to you when your a teenager when you keep me up late or in the early morning. Then you give me that an adoring open mouth smile and squeal and all is forgiven. 

Mother's Day is two days away (on your 7 month bday). My first Mother's Day. It's a pretty cool feeling to be a mother. And it's made that way because I have a pretty cool kid. You are kind of awesome. My thrill seeking warrior! 

Love

Counting my blessings

So lately my life has been kind of absorbed. Self absorbed really. With sleep. How to get it. How to help a little one achieve it. How to survive on the little I get. Etc. Etc. Etc. 

It started to become an obsession really. A boring obsession. But it was all I could think about. Talk about. All I craved. All I wanted. Something I never thought I would get again. 

Then I went to a moms group and the optometrist speaking talked of these newborn triplets born with retinoblastoma. 

I looked it up that evening and found the families personal blog. Reading page by page all I could think of was how truly lucky I am. Newborn triplets trekking to Toronto and back every two weeks. I thought having one healthy baby was hard. Ha. 

I was in awe as I read what they had to say and what they went through. It was quite extraordinary. It clicked my brain out of my self centred thoughts. 

To think of the pain and anguish that others went through and to remain upbeat and positive. To watch this family have a wonderful community come to their aid as they moved forward in a proactive manner. To have an older child taken in by family during the visits to another province to receive medical care. People helping people. People thinking of others. Makes me feel happy. 

Then the fires in Fort McMurray happened. This has been on my mind ever since the news broke out about it. Social media blasting pictures. Headlining news. On the radio. 

And my thoughts have just been wandering. I'm so sad that others have lost their homes, their belongings, prized possessions. I can't even nor want to imagine what they feel. It's too heart wrenching. I'm so sad that an entire city, a community has been evacuated. Upset that with this devastation that people (very few) go straight to finger pointing and blaming of the cause using disgusting words and name calling instead of articulating their point. 

But with sadness and disgust comes awe at this amazing province. Red Cross donations. Emergency relief donations. People giving up their homes. Taking in animals. Businesses giving free meals, free coffee, hotel stays, vet visits and board. Free activities for children in malls. Volunteers galore. People driving up north with gas to fill up cars. Having so far no fire related casualties. Having friends go up north to offer aid. 

It makes me proud. Grateful that I am surrounded by people that want to take care of people. Happy to live where I live. Thankful that my family, friends, loved ones are safe and sound. 

Makes little sleep feel insignificant. To think of others and to redirect my energy to those that need it. To my little one that needs it. Sleep will come. And has in fact come presently. 

The obsession dies. 

Love

6 mos strong

"The days are long the years are short"

That is what a gentleman said to me in passing as he observed you. And boy is he right. 

You are growing growing and growing some more. And learning in between. I guess just doing what babies do best!! 

Presently you are a whopping 16.8lbs. Golly Miss Molly! I've increased your food intake a bit more as you seemed to need a little extra tastes in the day to decrease your snacking at night. Sometimes it works other times no. But so far you haven't been having parties at 2-4am like you did a few weeks back (putting your mom in a tearful state). 

Speaking of food you have increased your cuisine. Parsnips, pears, beef, chicken, eggs, cheese and yougert, just to name a few. 

Feeding you can be a little challenging at times as you like to get your hands on everything! And I mean everything...that isn't food. Whether it's the fruit basket, books, or even your bumbo tray. You seem to be showing indicators that you are going to give me a run for my money. 

And back to the sleepless nights. We are fully comitted to sleep training you now. And some days are fantastic. Especially if we get those naps in and catch you at just the right time for bed. You will just turn your head after your book and song and fall fast asleep. Other times you may cry for two hours straight. And boy can you cry/scream! Yikes!

You are a monkey. But I see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Who knew I would be this obsessed with sleep but as my mom put it, I haven't had a full nights sleep in 6 mos. and really before then two mos. with sleepless pregnancy sleep. So guess what?! I want sleep too! Ha ha. 

In all seriousness we are having lots of fun. I've enrolled I stroller aerobics and you are the cutest. As I am working out you are rolling around and shrieking your baby shriek with your toys.

We continue to go swimming and you love it you water baby. You particularly had fun when we were in the pool in Jasper with Granny and Daddy. I think baby swimming is in your future! 

Speaking of Jasper we had a great time with your first visit to the mountains. And the weather was fantastic!! Sunshine shining. Little walks around the hotel. Eating fudge, making smores (more your dad and mom and grandparents...you had cantaloupe and watermelon). 

And you even did another milestone...you got on all fours! And since then you have learned to motor around the floor without crawling. Rolling front to back and catapulting yourself forward. Sometimes doing a few face plants in between (hence your nose and forehead is looking a little rosy).  Poor thing. 

If we really want you to do some moving we just have to put the phone in front of you. And you manage to move right towards it. Not to mention your biggest cheerleaders, Grammie and Grampie encouraging you along via FaceTime. And let's face it you love FaceTime, or you love my phone. Either or. 

We continue with moms group and are having lots of fun. And we have joined another new fantastical group. A music class with Granny on Saturdays. It's full of songs and dance. And you seem to love it. The bouncing and singing. 

Like I said we are having lots of fun. I love you my little munchkin. And summer is coming so the fun in the sun is just beginning. 

Love 

Let's here it for the girls

Really lets here it for them! I have had a wonderful week from last Saturday to this talking with my girlfriends, my mothers (mom and mother in law), my great aunt and even my boss and with that being said I just have to say...I'm one of the luckiest few to have so many amazing women in my life. 

This last week has had many highs for myself. It is the first time I have gone out for dinner on my own since babe arrived. Thanks to my partner in life I had a blissful three hours in a restaurant with a fantastic friend. And a friend that is not on any social media so it was especially important that I saw her!! We caught up since I hadn't seen her since Christmas. Talked of work, dogs, movies and life. Mark said I talked about it for two days straight so he knew I had a great time. 

Not only that but I got to see another beautiful friend as she picked her wedding dress. One word for her: stunning. So glad I got to partake in that moment with her. 

And to be with two extraordinary women and talk and watch them do things that don't revolve around sleep patterns and diaper changes left me feeling a little more balanced. 

Then the week continued. I went to stroller aerobics and with our babies in the background we squatted, crunched and pushed muscles that may have never been used before. And I laughed and joked with moms how I wished my girl would burst out crying and need consoling so I can stop working out. Women around you in the same walk of life is so important. I can't stress enough. We laugh and stress about the same things. We are full of advice that seems to be shattered in an instant as our little ones constantly change and show that they are little humans with vivacious personalities. Then we laugh again. 

I love hanging out with new moms, new parents. I'm so grateful to my aerobics class, my moms group, library programs, coworkers with little ones and future classes that I will join. This is a new stage in my life and to walk with others in this journey gives me a feeling of community that I'm forever grateful. 

Then I have my tried in true girlfriend moms. The ones that have done this before. The ones that are in the midst of their own children drama but allow me to express my sorrow of lack of sleep or question if I'm doing it right. The ones that may have hid some of the little frustrations that occur when you have a little one and before I had one. But that's only cause this too shall pass and they will be there to support me until it does indeed pass. 

I love those girls with every fibre of my being. I should, they were my best ladies at my wedding. And I was lucky enough to spend time with one and talk to the other this very week. 

Then to see my great aunt on FaceTime there to listen and tell me of the going ons. Have my boss recommend some parent books that worked for her. Truly blessed.  

But the most important women are those that have lived to see their children have children. The mothers. The two ladies I talk to when I have had both extreme highs (she slept so well the other night and napped in her crib...I'm still ecstatic), to the lows (she cried the night away on the night before my interview). They dole out sympathies, empathesize, offer to granny sit. They laugh when I scoff. They understand. And they survived (and their husbands did too and are alive to tell of their adventures). 

I don't even want to comprehend what I would do without these two wonderful ladies. They tell me to savour the moments. They enjoy and love her just as much as I, but they truly understand the twisted emotions I sometimes feel from fatigue, monotony, and just plain old tiredness. And they love me all the same too. 

And finally I have to shout out to my little girl. You are incredible. When you are not around I truly miss you and wonder what you are up to but always know you are in safe hands. Your smile beams up a room, your tears make my heart ache. I love watching you discover and move about. You really are a firecracker and I don't think anything will hold you back. Nor should it! I love you. You are one of the most rewarding things in my life. My heart feels full when I think of you. 

And even if he is not a girl I should shout out to my partner. There are times where we drive each other crazy. We fight. We get frustrated. We get angry. 

Then we don't. We laugh, we joke, we hug. We go on family walks, go to the library, watch movies together and just run around and do errands. We eat together and talk of our days. You sweep in and spend time with the little lady so I can go out, have a bath or prep for an interview. You tell me you love me and I the same to you. 

This is a crazy new adventure that we have embarked. It's fun thinking of the future but trying not to get to caught up in it so that we can focus and truly enjoy the present. 

Today I feel grateful to you all. Thank you and to all my other lovely friends that I haven't seen in awhile but will be making plans soon (one in particular is you little miss night nurse). 

Love

And on this fine good day

Have a fabulous Easter weekend. 

Love

Best mom day to date

Why?

Cause my little one slept in her crib and got up at midnight and four vs the hourly trend she has been working on lately.

She napped in her crib for an hour and half this am

I got things done like prepping squash, laundry, picture prep on the computer, plus had a wonderful shower

She was in joyous mood for our Easter dinner

And I felt like I finally did something right. Until tomorrow....

Love

And this happened

No sooner than I write about my new favourite pastime this happens...

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/adult-colouring-book-craze-prompts-global-pencil-shortage-a6944401.html

Adult colouring book

Whenever I think about that title I laugh because my mother in law said it sounds a bit x rated. Muhaha

This has become my obsession and my love of something to do with a semblance of creativity as I just can't seem to find the time to scrapbook or work on any of my other diy projects. 

I was staring at them at Costco with my mom when we were visiting them. And low and behold what was in my suitcase as a surprise for me?! Mom's are the best!!!

Yes it's colouring. It is lovely. It is a stress relief. Helps me with mindfulness.  And lets me decompress. It's awesome. 

So sharpen your pencil crayons everyone! 

Love

5 months + 2 weeks more

A little late with this post but guess what?  You are 5 months old...plus a bit more and you have been a busy little bee. 

We have been to the doctor and last weigh in was 14.12. I feel like your heavier but scales don't lie. Ha ha. And you poor little thing had your immunizations and they were horrible. Three needles and syrup. You did not like it. Truthfully neither did I. Although when the nurse rang the bell to stop you from crying it worked...for her. I tried the same strategy in the waiting room and you pushed it away. Mommy is already feeling the blame of all bad that happens to you. I'll just blame my mother. ;)

You have gotten quite strong and learned a whole array of new skills. Spitting is number one of those discoveries. You seem to start spitting the most when you are angry. Although it also seems to be a favoured past time of yours. It really came to head when we were in New Brunswick. You were spitting this way and that. Grampie seemed to take pride in the fact and encouraged you to do it to  everyone. Funny enough that is how you two seem to greet each other on FaceTime. That and pud. 

That's not the only thing that has been discovered. Your hand has taken a whole new meaning for you. You will just sit and stare at it with wonder. And the grabbing and holding things is intentional now! 

You also have perfected the roll into your stomach. You so want to crawl but you seem to have a 'flying' movement going as you put both your legs and arms in the air. 

I have said it before but you continue to babble quite a bit. Grammie couldn't get over all the taking at the airport as you were squealing with delight. Apparently you are more enraptured with her face on FaceTime to delight her with your voice. And you continue to talk before you go to sleep. Or you just talk instead of going to sleep. The jury is up on that one!

Sleeping is still a trial and error. One day really good. The next you decide it's important to be up every few hours or so. Generally you go back to sleep unless it's 5am and it's time to party. 

We've had quite a bit of fun with you as you show us your enjoyment more. I sit on the rug and we play imagination in the sky as you talk to me and I sign animals. We tickle you. You will hot tub with daddy during bath tub. We play music and you seem to enjoy all the baby programs I and we take you on. I say you flirt with all the babies inviting them in with your smile. Daddy says you are just so friendly. Of course we think you are pretty perfect. 

And one of the bigger events is food. And you seem to be enjoying that quite a bit. In particular bananas, cereal, sweet potatoes and avacado. Others are a little bit in the air like kiwi and peas. We will try them again later. 

That's about it. You've already taken a plane ride but that has already been talked about. And you delighted many in the maritimes. I wouldn't think any less of you. 

Love 

No place like home...

Well I guess it's not my real home but it is where my parents live so it is my second home ;). 

We did it. We made it to NB and back in one peice. And I have to say. My first trip alone with an infant was a success. Sure there were minor meltdowns (one at the last stretch from Montreal to Fredericton that may have brought me closer to tears than her but my mom swooped in to take the babe once landed...and not give me a hug...running joke). But overall she was a very good traveller. From what I'm told this is the easy part as they get a bit more fidgety before they get better! So I will relish :)

We both a fab time visiting all the Robertson/Sansom realitives. The little one in particular was in true form. Especially with my 90 year old grandmother, smiling and laughing whenever Nan talked. I think Nan got caught under her spell. 

She saw many...just an FYI for her in later years...my Great Aunt Barb and Uncle Ron, Great Aunt Mary. My cousin Heidi, her little man and my Aunt Beth. My Uncle Ian and Aunt Karen and cousins, Uncle Keith, Aunt Cheryl, Marg, her partner, and Kat, Josh and their little one who is a few months older. Yes there were even a few baby babbles between them (and another little man as we saw Amy, Kim and Beth too).  Not to mention plenty of mom and dad's friends. It was a trip full of visits. 

But let's move on as it wasn't just about her! ;). There was quite a bit of snow in Stanley. Not as much as they normally get but more than what I'm used to and more than what I've seen this year in my neck of the woods. So I got to snowshoe with dad in the woods a couple times. 

Saw the twins (oaks that is) again. And his much loved maple trees. It had rained one of the days and froze. Treacherous roads I'm sure but the ice froze on the trees and sparkled in the sun. It was quite pretty. 

And if that isn't enough nature we would see the deer route around their house gathering food and trekking off. One day I think we saw five!! 

Plus the incredible ice jams that occur when you drive on the roads and look onto the river. 

We marketed. Visited the candle in the window. We watched movies every night and watched the little one hype herself up before bed. 

I warmed myself by their wood burning stove and attempted to put a log in and as mom puts it 'almost burned down the house'. That thing is a little intimidating!!

We had clam chowder. Date squares. Every morning I had doughnuts with raspberry jam. And chips and cherry frozen yogurt every evening (Yes I need to lose a few pounds now. Hee hee). 

I would soak in the claw foot tub. Catch up on television or a book. Colour in an adult colouring book. Sigh. It was every so relaxing. 

It was an absolute joy and a much needed break that I didn't know I needed. My parents seemed to have a ball watching their granddaughter. Even caught a few firsts while there. And I don't think that girl ever suffered from any lack of attention as there was a constant open arm always nearby. Something this week I am surely missing as my back has a few extra aches when I'm home alone during the day. 

It was a great visit and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in the summer and it's no doubt the little one is too! :)

Love

When mom is away part 3...although she has been away much more than that

And she returns to salt and pepa's ooooh baby baby in the background. 

Love all of it!

Weekend of fun

A weekend of fun for this group of three...four...five.

It started with a date night and movie that lasted three days as this mom was too tired to watch a two hour movie in completion. 

Continued with two lovely walks in the dog park where even the babe wanted to see the going ons in the world. 

A romantic dinner of nachos and root beer (ha ha) followed the next day with a lovely seafood dinner with grandparents and aunts and uncles (Edey style) 

Flowers, chocolate covered marshmallows...yum yum. 

Ending with a family swim in the tot pool. 

Lovely Family Day Valentine's weekend. 

And just so you know there were baby meltdowns during many of this, cranky moments from both of us and a runway dog at times. But let's just concentrate on the big picture. It was fun! 

Love

On a Saturday after a nap

You just chill on the couch babbling your dreams looking at the ceiling. 

At least that's what she does...

I take a picture....

Love

Terrible, horrible, no good very bad day

When you slam your finger in between the car seat and base

When your baby decides she doesn't need to sleep but instead cries from 12-4. 

When your dog decides once again that he doesn't need to walk with you but will go on his own (and goes the wrong way ruining your own personal need for a walk)

When you just have had enough and start crying in the back field behind your house showing yourself to be a crazy woman to all neighbours that could be listening. 

What is that? Let's chalk it up to a bad day for both this woman and mother. 

Good thing there is a good partner whose shoulder I can cry on.

I guess I won't move to Australia 

Love

Thought to contemplate

Will there ever be a day that my dog doesn't meet me in the parking lot after he has taken himself for a walk?

Dogs that walk with their families stay with their families. 

Love