Let's go to the east!

We were off again. Myself and babe. New Brunswick bound. This time for a whopping three weeks! And you know what?! It was pretty fantastic! As per usual I was nervous flying. Why oh why would I choose a midnight flight with a baby??!! But guess what. It was only one (slightly) rough day with no jet lag for both of us as we recovered nicely with our lack of sleep one day to our tremendous amount of sleep the next in the right time zone! Yay! Note to self: would totally do that again (although not with Mark, he hates those flights).

Once there mom and dad had all my favourite foodie things: sugar doughnuts and raspberry jam, mussels, lobster rolls (and lobster), tuna burgers, poached apples and pork chops, gumdrop cookies, and butterscotch pie. YUM. And yup, time to start working out for moi!
For the first little bit the babe did a bit of strangeness with everyone. But slowly and surly she warmed up to Grampie and Grammie (or Gam, or Ga as that seemed to be said by babe and Grammie exclaimed, "She knows my name!"). Every morning she would have some grandparent time as I would sneak off to bed. Lots of play and then her outdoor walk with Grampie as he tossed her on his shoulders and paraded down to the woods. Apparently they did lots of chatting throughout.

Then we would all rest for a morning nap and be off to whatever the day brought. That would be visiting relatives, going for ice cream down the street, and visiting relatives. Uncle Ron, Aunt Barb, Aunt Mary, Nan, Cheryl and Keith, Margaret and her partner, Kathryn, Josh and their little man, Ian and Karen and their kids, Rino and Beth, Heidi and Ryan with their little man, Jason and Angela and their three, and let's just say the whole village of Stanley.

No joke about the last statement. On Canada Day everyone that I saw with Grammie would go, "This must be your granddaughter." Yes it looks like I am related to a little mini celebrity. Speaking of Canada Day, Grammie had their own float for the "Quilters" that Grampie drove down. Very exciting. And the parade, although small had heart!! Wheelers, farm animals, fire trucks, with candy, chips and freezies to hand out to all the littles.  And there was the "Village of Stanley" float where they did an honorary mention to both MY Grammie and Grampie for their work on the council. Way for me to think about the generations and the history of this place (i.e. my summers with my grandparents and my little love for that place). Plus I had the added bonus of seeing the fireworks with my husband on FaceTime as my dad was on fire duty and my mom was babysitting.

Another trip involved seeing the camp that my Grampie helped build. I don't think I had been there since I was a little girl. We had sandwiches, did the tour around the place, walk the beach, admire the lake. AND admire the butterflies, sample the wild strawberries and catch a look at the tadpoles. Downside those blackflies were out. Upside, babe seemed to have to reaction to them even as she got bit, poor thing.

here was some downtime away from the little one at times. Mom and I went to bootcamp a couple of times, yoga and of course got to see a bunch of movies on their android box. PLUS my indulgence Orange is the New Black and Game of Thrones, the later that I still haven't stopped thinking about. Gosh I love that show!

AND I had some Dad time too, kayaking the Nashwaak, twice! The first was slightly shallower than the second as I may have had to get out and push my kayak out of the rocks. Nashwaak 1, Tracey 0. But then the second time around I rocked it. Nashwaak 1, Tracey 1. Plus at that time my husband had come so that is always nice.

Plus I got the ultimate tour of the firehall. That's right, fireman's daughter right here. I got to try on the uniform (heavy), go in the truck and look at the whole hall and check out the vehicles. Very cool. Don't think I could do it though, even though Backdraft is still a favourite. That is tough stuff as that uniform is heavy and I wasn't even hauling a hose or anything. YIKES!

AND so I don't go on and on here are a few other things done. I got to go running in the evenings. Running legs are a little rusty but they got activated! We visited Killarney Lake where sand was eaten and baby tossing in the water was had. Hysterical giggles had by all as many spectators couldn't stop laughing as well. BBQ's with family. Dipping in the kiddie pool. Dipping in the river. Visiting a covered bridge, suspension bridge, oh my!

And then Mark came for the last week. Tours of the Woodsman museum, Fall Brook Falls, Region Museum in Fredericton where we saw my Great Grandfather's crutches. Walks on the bridge in Fredericton. Real fish and chips by the lake. Tours of Stanley where we had some ice cream and saw a black bear! Church dinner with real strawberry shortcake and three jelly salads with marshmallows!! Then walk through the Baptist and United church cemetery.

And my personal favourite thing to do was sit on the veranda in the screen room at night swinging on the swing. I loved hearing the bullfrogs croak and looking at all the lightening bugs in the night sky. Another fond memory of my childhood as I remember when my cousins would collect them in jars with grass on the bottom (they never stayed lit...i wonder why? wink wink). I would in turn sit with my grampie, aka my buddy, as he would make moose calls out in the distant. AND he was pretty good too.

Then we were on the plane again. And might I say, flying with two is way easier than flying with one! I even caught a movie this time around. And we survived with fewer meltdowns than usual, even with a three hour delay.

I found this visit brought on quite a bit of nostalgia for me as I was bringing my little girl to a place that I would visit from the very city that I am currently in. I will treasure this trip just for that.

love

nine, nine oh so fine

Well well my little monkey you continue to amaze me with all the changes that happen in just a mere four weeks! AND to see such a little personality shine through at such a young age is just really cool! So what is going in this last month....

Well lots of climbing climbing climbing and with that comes the occasional fall. One particularly traumatic one that involved you climbing and falling on a toy after that resulted in a bit of blood and a resulting shiner. Baby's first black eye....argh. You took it better than I did.

You officially have four teeth and your little toothy grin is pretty darn. Two top and two bottom. And when you are happy you squint those big blue eyes and give the widest grin. And sometimes we are lucky and get to hear that wonderful little laugh, squeal of happiness. Speaking of happy your emotions are big. When you are happy, you radiate big happiness. When you are sad (you may) cry, sob, attempt at hyperventilating (just so you know I am the queen of blueies so you got nothing on me!). You give us big drama and I kind of love it.

You just make us smile and give us big laughs. You are full of sillies with blowing bubbles and spitting and smacking your lips. Always seem to look to us for reactions of reinforcement (we don't really encourage the spitting part, wink wink). You love to clap your hands and "if you're happy and you know it" is probably a big favourite right now. You love tickles, arm rubs, and being chased around the house. Plus peek-a-boo is a big thing and you love to do it with a blanket to anyone watching.

We are starting to hear more talking with my favourite wolf howl as you round your mouth and sing a wolflike tune. I think you enjoy the sound of your voice (as your father would say...just like your mom). I may be inclined to agree as you do lots of chatting around the house and to all the people that you know. And I think that we have had some pretty awesome conversation myself :).

I stopped doing the official mom's group as you seem to just crawl away and I spend more time chasing you. Actually that is basically what I am doing right now. You have probably outgrown the library too really but the mom's I have met told me to continue to go as we enjoy seeing each other too. I now have an unofficial mom's group that is starting with lots of outings, something you should enjoy!

You and your dad have been having a routine going for awhile now which involves bath time. Why you say? Cause you like to move and climb in the tub too and really it is just easier to hop right in than constantly helping you sit. ha ha. AND it is a bonus for two little ladies.

The summer is about to start now. And your father is pretty pumped to feed you all his vegetables from his garden. And I think you will be excited to eat them too. Especially the potatoes and carrots. Right now you are digging the "baby baking" I am doing too, with banana bread and fruit muffins.

I know I tend to say it a lot but you really are just pretty awesome. Until 10 mos...
Love you lots!

White Wonder aka Kitty

When tomorrow starts without me

Don't think we're far apart

For every time you think of me

I'm right here inside your heart

Margi Harrell

I first met Kitty in January 2007. I saw him in a flash as I was picking up the bachelor. White cat with bright blue eyes. He was shy and quickly retreated to his room (what later became my office). I had never been a cat person. Truthfully I just never got them. Cats in general seemed to show a certain aloffness that I didn't fancy. Little did I know that in that instant me and Kitty would be taking a long journey together.

It was a wonderful relationship that the bachelor had with his pet. I listened to the stories that both Kitty and the bachelor shared. Hockey with bottle caps, where Kitty could retrieve them in his mouth. Kitty reminding the bachelor when it was mealtime for both. Kitty kept a tight ship of fun and work that they both seemed to enjoy.

Then I came along with my loud, squeaky, dancing self. Kitty and I didn't really see eye to eye in the beginning. But I came up with a plan...I love animals. I love holidays. In fact the two should go hand and hand. HA HA. One of the first fights I had with the (now) boyfriend involved dressing up Kitty in holiday garb. I am pretty sure there was a holiday collar involved and there was definitely bells. The boyfriend (and Kitty) would not be degraded in such a way. Imagine dressing up a cat. Who is this woman coming into our home? ha ha.

A snowball fight occurred on another day. I greeted the boyfriend with snow in the face one winter afternoon. Snowballs quickly made and thrown in the house. Screeches coming from my direction as snow managed to go down my shirt, water dripping from my face. Retaliation was on my mind but Kitty would not have his best buddy be attacked in such a way. That was the fateful day that Kitty bit me. Blood even rolled down my leg. I jested, "how dare he bite me" but couldn't help smile that he was so protective of the people he loved. Not aloof at all.

I was now the girlfriend in the boyfriend's life and I chose to live with both Kitty and man. That was when we both started to adapt to our new life together. Kitty indeed had to compromise. I took his spot in bed and possibly some cuddles. A diet was strictly enforced (as per vets orders). At times I would see him shoot off to his scratching post taking out some frustrations.

Then the games would ensue. We would all take turns hiding behind the couch and creeping around, "psyching" each other out. Bat the ball back and forth. Zig zag across the carpet with feathers. Play with bags on the ground. Slide ice on the floor. Sometimes a scratch would result but it was all in good fun. He was a garden cat (you had to be with the boyfriend) and he loved it. Kitty would smell the flowers leaving a trace of pollen on his face, or munch on the bit of cat grass that was planted for him.

Kitty became accustomed to my early morning wakings. So much so that if I decided to sleep in on a Saturday or Sunday he would come into the room at 6am and remind me that he is in need of food (as it was me that had enforced the diet...or what he thought as it came when I came). He would meow in my ears at first. Rubbing his face on mine. Purring persistently. I would roll on to my stomach so he couldn't bug me and he would hop onto my back and meow straight into my ear. I would try to buck him off but he would brace himself onto my back so that there was no losing him. Little doubt that of course he got fed.

There were times though that Kitty felt the need to take a little vacation. He would take a little jaunt out in the alleyway of our apartment or to the park out in the back. I swear he would watch as we all scrambled to find him, calling his name. And it wasn't just me and the boyfriend. The brothers, the mom and dad, friends have all been seen out in the alleyway calling Kitty's name. Not one summer would go by when we lived in that apartment where we would not be looking for Kitty. Always finding him in both exasperation and relief. Because in the end we all loved Kitty. And Kitty loved us.

His cuddles were the best. Most of them were reserved for his buddy, and his friend, my boyfriend which later became my husband. Kitty would hop on his lap while he was on the computer and just snuggle getting pets and warmth. He loved being petted right at his shoulder blades or right under his neck at the collarbone. Sweet deep purrs of gratitude would be returned when you gave him just the right amount of love.

It was a special bond they both had and I the opportunity to see and participate. They lived a lot of life together. 16 years in fact! They had seen people come in and out of their lives. Some stayed, others didn't. Some moved in and stayed for the long haul (me). And those some brought in more family (me again and welcome Bentley). And more family again (little babe).

Kitty saw a lot of changes and managed to adapt to each one with the Kitty ease that made us love him all the more. He moved to many places finally settling in on our last home. With that he enjoyed many views out the window, many rooms to hide, many plays along the banisters swatting our hands, many things to scratch (ahem the rugs...and the scratching posts) and many places to go out in the yard and remain safe.

He was an incredible cat. He was our Kitty although like his name he was quite a wonder. We loved him and we will sorely miss him.

Thanks for all that you gave us little guy. Rest easy now.
XOXOX

Sleep Training Day 27

So what has happened since that late night of 12, 2, 4 am! ugh. The thought of it still makes me sleepy!! ha ha. I have stuck to your nap times when I do you nap. Not necessarily long...sometimes an hour, sometimes 45 minutes but more often 30 minutes. But you do nap.

And you seem to cry right before nap time as if to tell me...yes it's time (or maybe, it's getting late?!) ha ha. Regardless you show you need it. And you get them. More often three times, sometimes two (believe me, when you drop that third I will be so happy as that is the hardest one to get).

The biggest thing I noticed was putting you to sleep an hour and half earlier than we usually do. 6pm in fact. And guess what?! You usually fall asleep in 5-10 minutes and stay asleep. I've had to move up dinner for you and you have a longer bath time (usually with your dad) so you can do a bit of extra play before bed, but you are a goner at 6.

Now the tricky part. Do you wake up every two hours or no? For the week I started you got up twice at 2 am, then put yourself to sleep. I would feed you when you woke up first in the night between 9-11 and then I wouldn't go back to your room till about 4-6am pending time. But usually you slept so you got it. No waking at 7, or 8, or 9....and then no waking at 12, 2, 4. SAY WHAT! Who knew?

So where are we in the sleep? Twice a night max which I can totally handle. You get up once in the late night 10-12 and once in the early morning 4-6. Or the odd 2am then 6am. OR MY FAV the just 4am!

You still do the occasional cry it out and unless you are overtired, it lasts less than your mobile (and I have timed that its 15minutes). I don't go in as really I now think I just peeve you off when I'm there to just settle you.

So what have I learned? You know what, I think I can read you a bit better. I understand sleep a bit better from that book. I've noticed you settle in more to a regulated pattern that you have never shown before so that's cool too. AND I know things will change. Naps will get dropped, you will slowly be awake more in the day, naps (rumour has it but I won't believe till I see it) will get longer, and guess what nursing will eventually cease to exist in the night (that is the one I'm dreading as sleeplessness although probably for a short time will come again).

Regardless I feel good about everything. I think all of us in this family of three have done a good job. Until the next sleepless night....(let's hope it comes later rather than sooner).

Oh and that book I read (which many in my mom's group have apparently used as well..with similar success) Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth.

oooooooo james corden

so this guy i have a teeny little crush on...mainly cause he loves to sing in his car the way i do and his laugh makes me laugh....AND now he has done a carpool karaoke with broadway showtunes!

love. too bad the last song brought on crocodile tears from the little one. need to teach her the awesomeness of broadway as i need dates in the future!




love

Eight is great

You are nearing 8 months in just three short days. Say what have you been up to...

Well you can probably guess quite a bit from the previous blog posts.



You have been mighty busy! And that is no joke. You are an official crawler. As soon as you mastered that (just shy of a week ago), you started to pull yourself up in standing position, with whatever object you can find. That means laundry hampers, dishwashers, and even people (your dad's leg hair included). I started to bath you in the laundry hamper about two weeks ago just to keep you from falling but it seems to just entice you to stand more...you are an active monkey!



But you don't always need to be on the move. You love to play with balls, spatulas, tupperware, macaroni rattles or just sit on the floor clapping your hands squealing away. If we hide things under blankets, or behind us you look around for it. You love to drop things and have your people pick it up for you. But number one is playing with you parents. Zerberts galore from your dad and mom throwing you in the air and flipping you upside down. Those are your favourites.





And right now we seem to be your favourites. If one of us disappears and leaves you (with not one of us) you seem to get a little strange. And lets face it, at dinner time or when you are eating if you hear your dad, you give big smiles and if he walks away I will hear your cries. You don't like it when he leaves your sight! I guess I am 49% in your eyes and your dad is 51%!



You and Bentley have become better friends and it's only a matter of time (and when you get a bit bigger) where you will be best friends. He really enjoys your snacking time and you enjoy climbing on him. There have been some run ins as he may have stepped on you or bumped into you. He can be a bit clumsy and not realize where he is walking. But you are a champ and are quick to forgive.

You have started to just eat what we are eating as you have taste tested quite a bit. The only time you like help is at breakfast. Other than that you insist on feeding yourself with minimal help. And you have cut another tooth giving you a grand total of three teeth two on the bottom and one on the top. Toothy smiles to come.

We have spent a lot of time outside enjoying the weather. You love eating the grass, dandelions, and picking some of your mother's flowers (stay away from those...ha ha). Going on walks with your family, going to the market on Sundays or Saturdays. Strollering around. Playground time. Attempting to go in the dog pool. Lots of sunny outside time.



We are doing mom's group one last time although due to your new sleeping arrangements we miss a bit of the beginning. You had one more photoshoot where I think you looked pretty darn cute. We have gotten together outside mom's group which has been kind of awesome as that's the whole point of it if you ask me!



And lastly your sleep. Well that's a whole post in itself but as of right now since the new sleep regime (I think we are on day 16) its working well.  I think your father and I are a little astonished that it is working pretty well. I am sure regression will occur but we are a bit more educated on it so hopefully we can progress back.

love you to the moon and back
xoxox

When I am not a mom

Guess what?! I am not always a mom (well I guess now I am always a mom, ha ha). But I can have a little alone time now and again! And with that alone time I have become super efficient doing things that give me a wider sense of self. I get to expand my role to more than a mom, but again be a friend, daughter, wife, etc.

So what have I been doing?
I have the honour of being a bridesmaid this year to one of my very great fantastic friends. I have already got to see her "say yes to the dress". AND I have to say, she looks fantastic in it. We have done the very awesome Bridal Fair (and sought out all the samples...maybe me only, but come on there were ice cream machines!). AND I got to help make the wedding invitations and just hang out during little one's bedtime (I love anything crafty so I was all over that).

I have managed to sneak in workouts. Stroller aerobics was my go to for awhile and it was hard core! But now they are falling in on nap times and mine won't sleep during a music filled work out. So I do a bit at home, dog walks 5 times a week, and have dusted off my most favourite bicycle and started riding it around in the evening. Soon I may add running and the gym to my evening routines if this little one keeps up the sleeping.

I have enjoyed starting my scrapbooking again (2012 album done! Yikes and YAY). Watching lots of movies, netflix. Loving my new computer and using it daily as there seems to be lots to organize in my "digital world".

Enjoyed hanging out in the front and back yard. The smell of the freshly mowed grass, admiring the solar panelled lights as they come on (and realizing I need to hang outside more often during the night). Loving the flowers in the front and veggies in the back.

Hanging out with my friends. Co-workers discussing work life. Going out for dinner with friends. Seeing movies in the theatre (summer ones too, my favourite). Planning events with my mom's group outside my group.

And thinking of other projects, activities that I would like to attend in the summer and fall. Possibly our community league and a church that I think I would enjoy. Doing a photography course. Plan a sign making class. Finish the cabinet in the basement. And of course fitting time in to be with my partner in crime. Oh the plans!

Being a mom is pretty fantastic, lovely, rewarding and a whole bunch of feelings that really are hard to articulate. But it isn't the end all. I am glad that I can stretch my wings out a bit more and be part of a greater home, community and world incorporating my little daughter in it.

xoxox

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 6

Oops! The mom forgot to write last night. She was very tired. No reason in particular. Just having a tired day. So she will resume today.

The dog has become a bit more wiley the last couple of days. He has been walked and he even got a new squeaker toy that he ran with in the yard yesterday. Nevertheless he stopped sleeping with the mom altogether and has stayed up late in his "window watching" chair coming only to the foot of the bed. The mom doesn't mind as he is a big dog and kind of a hog. However the mom did have words with the dog this afternoon as he took her muddy rubber boot to her bed while the baby and mom went to the library. The mom was especially displeased as she had just washed the bedspread yesterday and put it on the bed that very morning. The dog always apologetic (yet will always do it again) gave the mom kisses and waggles to save grace. The mom seems to fall for that every time.

The baby's last two days were full of events. She is really enjoying her baths as of late as she can "somewhat" sit in the laundry basket in the tub and play with toys. She likes to look up and try to pull herself up to get closer to the mom. And then changes her mind and resumes playing with her toys again. She has been out and about shopping. She visited the mom's old co-workers in homecare. They kept telling her she is beautiful and giving her cuddles. She knew exactly what they wanted so she returned it with giggles and bouncing

It has not all been good though. She seems to have caught a bit of a cold again. Not that that is a huge deal. She is becoming an age old pro with colds and building up her immunity. She did have a collision with hot water though. She was busy crawling at her mom's feet begging her to pick her up. The mom was just finishing making dinner and was straining the macaroni in the colander. She brought it back to the stove top when some hot water fell and dropped on the back of the babies head. OH NO!!!!!!
The mom worked fast throwing the baby under cold water in the sink, slathered aloe vera and quickly nursed her. The baby was full of cries. But calmed down soon after. After dinner, the mom washed the baby and she was full of her usual giggles and smiles. No red marks noted. Sigh of relief for the mom...and the baby too (I'm sure).

The mom's last two days have been busy. Some good and from the above some not so good. She did some errands yesterday. She fixed the kitchen chairs so they don't scuff the floor, she fixed her hot plate so it sticks to the counter, she put up plant cages to protect the plants in the back from the dog and she hung up some pictures that her and the dad have bought and received over time. She scrapbooked, watched netflix, did laundry. She dusted the bedroom. She visited her old co-workers as she hasn't seen any of them since December. She enjoyed seeing them, laughing with them just like she had 8 months prior. She has also sat in the back enjoying the rain, listening to the frogs, smelling the humid air. And she has talked to the dad and enjoyed hearing his adventures on his trip.

But just like the baby it has not all been good. She went out today and just as she was approaching the traffic light she gave a second thought and pulled over. Her cell phone was on the roof of her car. Yikes.
She went to go buy cupcakes that she has desired since she bought them for the dad on their anniversary last year. The dad loved them but the mom had only one then as she was pregnant and became quite full fast. And when the mom wanted to get more she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. So the mom sought out these cupcakes. Brought them home. Just as she was opening the door she dropped them on the front step. Sigh. But let's be honest, the mom has no shame when it comes to food and she will eat them regardless. Especially after the day she had. Good thing the mom also has a mom and dad that she can share this with. They listened to her and made her feel better, as most people/parents have these kinds of days.

The cat continues to wander around. He has taken to the chair in the babies room as it used to be his chair and he is quite resentful that she has it. He also likes the "big" things as he has realized that when the baby crawls after him, she cannot seem to get up on the furniture on her own. The beds, couches, and chairs have now become his refuge.

That is all for the adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat. Hope you enjoyed them! Until next time!
xoxox
Love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 5

The dog decided to take the dad's spot in the bed last night. But his thoughts were not far from the dad as he kept his face glued to the bedroom door in hopes of seeing him come up the stairs. No luck this day. But that didn't keep his spirits down too much. It was a beautiful day out and the mom decided that it was a good day for a dog park walk. The dog loves the dog park with all his might. He thought however that it was unlikely that he would be going to the dog park again this week so he was going to take himself for an extra long walk just to make up for it. It's too bad the dog wasn't thinking another way as he would be more likely to go on more dog park walks if he stuck with the mom and baby. Alas he does not and is probably right in his prediction.

The baby had a great day. She got to see some of her older friends come for a visit after her little micro nap. She enjoys watching her older friends play with her dad's old dinosaurs and army men. She kind of wishes she could join in but she just can't move as fast as them. But they do come and say hi to her and say she is cute. Something she already knows. They all even went to the park and the baby enjoyed the swing, laughing away. It was pretty fantastic.

The baby has had a few different meals this week. Perogies which were fun. But then the mom made her salmon, green beans one day and a fish chowder the next. The mom tells her it's good for the baby. The baby wishes her dad would come back so she could go back to beef. The baby does eat it with smiles but occasionally gives her mom a two-tooth smile and a spit (disclaimer for when your older, you actually liked the fish, this is for your dad's benefit).

The mom had a good time seeing her life long friends and lounging in the front yard. They had good chats about life. They relished in what the mom thinks is a new sleeping pattern for the baby. The mom enjoyed listening to the party planning of one and the vacation of the other.

The cat was feeling a bit disgruntled today. Children ranging from 4, 3, 2 (and if you count the little one that never leaves this house) were here. The cat doesn't understand them. He expresses absolutely no desire to associate with any of them yet they only feel complete desire to associate with them. Thus he spent the morning hiding upstairs. And by hiding, he was on the mom and dad's bed. Children aren't allowed in that room. Atleast he thinks that to be true.

xoxox
love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 4

The dog has decided to relent slightly in the sleeping situation moving to the direct middle of the bed. But don't get him wrong he still does miss the dad. He did go for a nice long walk today and met a playmate in a german shepherd. They had a great time wrestling. The mom tried to rein in the dog but to no avail. So what if he was playing in a mud puddle. The mom just doesn't understand the importance of fun for a dog.

The baby enjoyed the long walk to. There were a couple of times that she got out of her stroller and played in the grass, smelled the grass and ate the grass. And she even managed to find a bit of mud to roll in her fingers. The mom put her back in the stroller when she found the baby chewing on little tree saplings that had fallen from the tree. The mom just doesn't understand the importance of fun for a baby.

The mom has done a bit of rearranging and looking to hang some things in the kitchen. So she gathered an inventory of a potential shopping trip in the future. She also installed a baby gate in the kitchen to keep the baby in eye's watch. If only she can stop the baby from going after that dog food. She too enjoyed the lovely walk as the sun was coming out just as they were finishing. She even managed to encourage the cat to get a breathe of fresh air.

The cat decided that 5 am was the perfect time to come in for some love and attention and demanded it so to the mom. The mom wasn't too upset as she remembered a day when the cat was younger and he would come to the bed at 6 am, hop on the mom's back in a bracing position and meow directly in her ear as it was time to be fed. The mom remembers trying to get him off her back with a few turns and he would continue to jump back on. She chuckled as she petted him and fell back asleep. Then the cat, as if remembering hopped on her back and purred in her ear. The mom just doesn't understand the importance of fun for a cat.

xoxox
love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 3

So what has the family been up to today?

The dog has relented slightly in the bed sleeping situation. He moved a quarter over to the dad's side. But he made sure that the mom knew he was there by lying his head right on the mom's legs. In the morning the dog went for a walk with the baby and mom. He found some ducks in a "made up" pond due to the increased rainfall. He went over to say hi but they really weren't interested in talking with such an eager looking animal.

The dog then decided to make nice with the baby as he felt he was too hard on her yesterday. AND by being nice he took her peanut butter sandwich right out of her hand during lunch time. Mom wasn't impressed. But the mom extracted her own revenge by making the dog wash his feet in the pool prior to coming in the house. HA HA HA. The dog got the last laugh though as he made the mom chase him around the yard first.

The baby had another eventful day being a baby. She didn't sleep the greatest last night...but it has been worse so she figured her mom would and could put up with it. Plus she knows how to put on the smiles and charm in the morning.

The mom was busy cleaning the floors. The baby really had no opinion of such however she has noticed that she has done more cleaning this week by crawling on the floor and scraping all the hair/dirt/fur with her pants. She was however insulted that the mom decided to but a mat under her highchair. It was like she was insinuating that the child makes a mess at meal times. hmpff.

There was a surprise phone call from the dad today in Costa Rica. The dad says he is very warm where he is and is having a good time. He told the mom and baby that the plumbing is a septic system and that all the toilet paper has to be thrown in the garbage. Can you imagine? The mom doesn't want to and the baby really doesn't know what that means. As far as she is concerned all her garbage magically disappears unless she can get her hands on it....

The mom is feeling really good today as she managed to set up the wireless printer to her computer yesterday and print. All she needs is ink cartridges! She is massively enjoying her new computer and finding it even more user friendly than she thought! She also had some company over. Her brother came in the afternoon. And one of her good girlfriends came over in the evening bringing sushi! She had a fun visit with both and even got her crafty side out as she helped the girlfriend make her wedding invitations.

The mom continues to keep her eye on the weather. There is not a direct frost warning heading their way but the temperature is suppose to drop this evening to about a 5 and the clouds have disappeared. This makes the mom a little ansy with worry re. the plants. More for the plants that have a greater exposure to the elements in the back then the ones by the shelter. She is keeping her fingers crossed and laid out a few sheets to protect the more exposed seedlings.

The cat is a bit disgruntled today. When the mom went to feed the baby last night, the cat decided to surprise the mom with his presence by lying on her pillow. He decided that it would be her second chance to give him all the pets he deserved. And what did the mom do? almost laid on top of him. 1 more strike and the cat will extract his revenge. He already gave a warning with a little bit of surprise indigestion on the floor after the mom cleaned. "Beware, beware" says the cat to the mom.

xoxo
love

So when you are up late at night or waking up early in the morning...

try using one of the snap chat filters...seriously. Makes me laugh everytime I do it!

love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and cat Part 2

The dog continues to miss the dad in this house. The mom ruined all his fun on the walk today. He found an appealing 'thing' to roll in. It was wet and it really would have stuck to his fur just the right way. But the mom ran so fast that just as the dog dropped to the ground he was up again. Now that the dog thinks about it, the dad doesn't like that either. Sigh sometimes this family is no fun.

There is more. The dog was further traumatized over the baby. She keeps continuing her new rampage of inchworm, gorilla arm crawl. And her eyes seem to be only on his food, his toys and his water bowl. She even had the nerve to come over while the dog was eating his food. Although as the dogs thinks he does enjoy when she shares her food. Oh how life twists and turns.

But that is not all. The dog brought his ball to the mom today. It's just not the same as the dad would do it. Let's face it the mom throws like a girl. So the dog has resigned to his fate and snuggles with the dad's shoe on his "keep watch" chair. Someday he will return, right? 

The baby appeared to be doing pretty good today. She went grocery shopping with mom and even went for a walk in the rain to let the dog burn off some energy. She enjoyed touching the wet leaves on the trees and tried to drink the water. She is practicing actual crawling a bit more by pulling her arms out in a "gorilla like fashion". She even showed her grandparents in NB as she chased the phone from one side of the kitchen to the other.

But the baby seemed to notice something was astray. She couldn't say what...well because she doesn't know how to talk but when Mom walked from the living room to the kitchen the baby went hysterical. Inchworm crawled right to be with her and cried in her arms. The mom thought the baby was hungry and seemed to be better after that.

But then the baby went over for supper at Uncle John's and Aunt Marie's and took one look at all the adults and poured her sobs into her mom's shirt. Even Granny, Auntie Ruth and Grandad couldn't make it better. And they tried. Finally the baby got hugs from Granny but kept a watchful eye on her mom and if she dared to go more than 5m away the baby would let her have it.

It wasn't all bad though. The baby was full of smiles at dinner time and she made sure to give mom hugs when her hands were full of mushed up food. The baby even had a Welsh Cake and ate the entire thing. No doubt pleasing the entire table. And her dad called after and she was full of smiles for him to see and for her to give. 

The mom had an eventful day. She slept great the night before as the baby decided that sleeping on that fine weekend evening is just something that she should do. The mom went to the market, even if it was rainy and splurged buying her self a pain au chocolate and a steak empanada. She enjoyed both but needed to tell the dad that he may not enjoy the steak empanada as much as it had eggs and olives in it as well as beef.

She then went to the grocery store with the baby and splurged again buying chocolate covered jube jubes. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed them when she was in her pregnant days so she thought she would trigger her memory (on the chocolate, not being pregnant...she still remembers the pregnancy).

A dog walk, a check on the garden, (so far fingers crossed it is still safe with again no warning of frost or snow) the greenhouse (not as warm as it usually is but still wet and safe) and then she was off for dinner with the dad's family. It was nice to see adults even for a short while. Even if the dog and baby keep her busy they don't converse nearly as much as the mom likes...this may be famous last words when the baby starts to utter the many words that are likely to come in the years ahead. The mom is about to settle in and watch Game of Thrones, although she continues to wish that someone on this planet watches it as the same time as no one can talk with her about it.

The cat has kept to himself today. He has gone from the bed, to the orange kitchen upstairs to the couch. He has looked longingly outside for some sanction away from the dog and baby but it continues to rain so he retreats. He may come out later to be petted...but he has yet to decide.

That leaves another day in this home. Hope your day has been full of adventures and misadventures too!

love

The adventures/misadventures of a dog, a baby, a mom and a cat: Part 1

When dad is away the family carry on. They find the house a little quieter, surprising as the dad is really not the chatty type. But the mom has one less person to chat with. ;)

The dog seems to have taken his absence the hardest at this time. He has scoured the office looking for the dad. He looks longingly out the window for the dad's return. He even takes mom's side of the bed in hopes of leaving the other side ready for the dad. He was really excited today as he dug a hole on his walk. Oh how he longed to show what he dug. Mom is thinking she may need to find someone for the dog to talk to in the dad's absence. 

Baby was pretty fussy today too. She was still chatty but a little bit more on edge. Mom tried to occupy her time going on multiple walks, singing songs, playing with toys. Baby has tried a few new things, like bathing upright in the bathtub (but within a laundry basket). And she has tried out her crawling legs a bit more. Something she knows dad would cheer her on for as he has been her number one supporter in the movement department. 

The mom has been probably the busiest. She has packed up the winter coats refusing to believe that winter will make its way back. Even so she is checking the weather four times a day as she does not want any plant death on her watch. She has changed the sheets, cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed. She even sent a few inquiries about dayhomes, something she has been avoiding. But she has been tired. After giving herself a bit of a Full House marathon last night on Netflix she went to bed at 9! Yikes. 

The cat is pretty laid back. Missing office cuddles but came into bed in the night and demanded some from the mom. When she didn't comply she found a bit of kitty spit on her face as he decided to bath himself instead. She will give him more love later. 

They are all thinking of dad though. And although he is there for work they all hope he is having some fun! 

Xoxo

Love

Sleep training day 1

The time has come little one where you must learn to sleep a little bit more and with a little bit less assistance from mom.  Why? Cause I am continuously tired and having one week good, one week bad and switch is making for a very irritable mom. And when I'm irritable I don't want to be around anyone. And let's face it, there are people in the world that want/need to be seen. And they want to see you and me. So before I drive them all away with my fatigue we need to accomplish a little goal called sleep. 

I realize it's a small world problem in the grand scheme. But it's my small world problem. And I need to fix it. 

I've learned a lot about sleep since having you. That seems to be the number one thing that parents want after having a baby. And let's just say informational overload. Doctors, nurses, Internet, family, friends, books, sleep coaches: they all have opinions. Ferberize, cry it out, attachment, co-sleep, gentle approach. You want something and you will find a method out there. And me being desperate for increased zzz's has sought these numerous resources to get it. 

The first real method we tried was ferberize. And your dad gave a pep talk. Commit to it for two weeks and if it doesn't work move on. We committed and I started to see a rainbow in the horizon. That pot of gold promising a happy slumber. Then you regressed. Got better. Regressed. I think the problem for me was that at 2-4am, even 6am I just didn't have the capacity to do 3 min, 7 min, 10 min intervals. We would go back to our old ways of you soothing yourself in my arms. 

I then read a book. It made me cry. Your Grammie told me to put it down. But I kept reading. And in terms of its overall explanation of how your little baby brain has worked in the past and continues to work it started to call out to me. 

You needed consistency. You apparently needed more nap time that I really wasn't giving you. You exhibited signs of over tiredness. You showed a lot of unexplained fussiness that I never thought was sleep related, I equated it to overstimulation. And the authour recommended but was not adamant in the cry it out method. 

Now this was and is a bit controversial for both your father and I. No one wants to hear a baby cry out and not get any love in return. Especially from their child. We are both people that like to help and take care of people. It's our line of work. This goes against everything that we are trained to believe. But when you are desperate....and I am....

So tonight I fed you at 2200. I don't think you needed it. Let's face it you woke up after only 3 hours of sleep when in the past you have slept for 8 full hours. I put your overtired little body down and you fell asleep. You then got up at 2315. And cried. And cried. You just stopped actually, it's 140. It took every ounce of strength for me not to barge in your room and help you through it. 

I stayed awake though. I just kept saying she needs to learn how to sleep (also that's a thing you know, it doesn't just occur spontaneously you need to learn!). Long term goal. I am told this will be worse before better. But I'm also told that it's good to do now rather than later when you become a little escape artist. 

This is our first real test with you if I'm honest. It's probably small and insignificant for the years ahead. But to me this is our first parental responsibility that we have taken, besides the easy ones which is love, food and shelter. 

We shall see what the week brings. If it works I will put the book on here for your future life (maybe you will want/have kids someday that sleep). And who knows what info you will encounter. 

Xoxo

Till I hear you again.