Coming on 4 months

Little lady you are coming on 4 months. What does that mean!? I really have no idea!

I have learned one thing during this new little stage, I know nothing!  Although I get to be with you and learn about you quite a bit as I'm essentially with you 24 hours a day, you are your own person and you certainly like to mix things up for me! 

For awhile I was enjoying my morning as you liked to sleep in till 9-10. I would do a little exercise, listen to the radio, eat my breakfast. Turns out you were hearing all the fun I was having and decided to join me. But you thought why not a little earlier so we have been getting up at 7am. Ha ha. 

However you have turned the other way going to bed earlier and earlier. Yesterday was 8pm! This has been good as you give your parents a date night in as we watch a movie and may indulge in a little bit of junk food when you sleep.

I kind of started a trial routine as I'm hearing that you may be headed toward sleep regression. Big accomplishment the other day as I got you to bed by just rubbing your head. It worked! Yay! However talking with your father that has been a technique he has been using for quite awhile with results. I gave him heck for not sharing. 

There has been another little thing I've noticed. You don't seem to like to nap. Unless you're in a car seat (except in the below picture).

And guess what?! You need those naps as you turn into a grump from 0-60. Lol. Unless I'm holding you and placing my utmost attention on you whether it's play or singing. And your father has already shown his displeasure with my singing. ;p You will probably have better luck recruiting him with your songs in the future. 

Speaking of your dad you two seem to be having a great time together. Getting into mischief when I'm not around and even some when I am! You can see what you've been doing in the below posts. You haven't thrown any little fits on him yet when you are both alone together, probably lucky for both of you!

You have also spent a day with you're Granny and Grandad. And just like your Grammie, they said you were very good. Again just like your Grammie, the truth is between you and them but I will take their word for it. You still refuse that bottle though. I've had some luck but I think you do it to appease me. 

I have to say this. I'm really enjoying you and spending time with you. You may be little but I'm seeing bits of your personality from your little protruding lip when you are sad to your rambunctious laugh when daddy makes silly faces or I do zerberts on your belly. 

You are attempting to roll to the side and have rubbed the back of your head bald from all the friction. You love to suck on your fingers, and your teething toys. Your new toy is the jumperoo but much to Grammie's delight you still love that mobile (it was once mine and I made fun of it when it came to our home) .I read to you at night now and you seem to enjoy it as you babble back to the book. 

Plus you have started to go on more outings that are for you. You love the library programs with the songs, scarves and bubbles. We go to moms group where you have been hit and miss depending on the topic. Baby massage and exercising were a hit, the pharmacist not so much. You still sleep on our dog walks but the other day much to your dad's delight you stayed awake as he talked about birch trees...then you fell asleep. 

It has only begun but the journey so far has been rewarding. I was looking at a two month old the other week and still can't get over how fast these moments come and go as you grow. It's fleeting and even with you "lip fits" I'm trying to enjoy and see the humor in them (easier when I'm well slept) as they too will be long gone. Just like your little pirate eye that I loved so much at 4 weeks old. ;)

Love

Dad and babe strike again

When the mom is away...

When one leaves her child with her father, your partner be prepared for some debauchery. 

Love

Almost three months chickadee and we had a Christmas!

Well my darling daughter you have almost reached the three month milestone. And my oh my you have grown. And I'm not talking weight. I'm talking height. When did this happen? Eek! I noticed quite a bit today when I put you in a sleeper that seemed to fit a little looser a couple of weeks ago and now is snug as bug. Yup you are growing!

It has been quite a few weeks. Lots of family fun and lots of visiting. Grammie and Grampie came from New Brunswick. Kind of a big deal as it is the first time you have seen Grampie in person. 

And I have to say that Grampie was quite taken with you. You both shared quite a few smiles back and forth as he tickled you and blew little puffs of air into your face. Sounds weird but you both enjoyed it. He also enjoyed 'helping you' work out pulling you up by the arms. Grammie didn't really like that exercise. ;) She worried about your little shoulders and if they could handle it. But you seem to be okay. 

Grammie of course jetted towards you as soon as we got to the airport and offered her arms full of cuddles first thing in the am (when you seem to be most cuddly). And you (plus Grampie) had alone time for 4 hours one evening. Because.....

Mom and Dad went out to Star Wars. And guess what?! I love you, but I was pretty pumped to leave. Had my coat on and waited by the door for you're father before it was probably time to go. Good movie and good time!  

Grammie said that you were pretty good too. Although you hate it, you did take a bottle once. And only cried the last 15 minutes. I hope that is the truth but only you two know! 

We did your first Santa visit. You seemed quite tired and didn't get the hype about the big guy in red. And the photo showed. Santa didn't miss a beat and did a pretty good imitation of you back. As it can be seen in a previous blog post. It was a cute moment. 

You seem to still fuss. Sometimes a little later than I enjoy. That's when I tell you I love you the most. 'Wink wink'. But you have tapered down a considerable amount. Maybe we are just getting better at reading you too?! Ha ha. I'm sure it will swing in high gear when teething starts. One thing that you have enjoyed immensely is Christmas tree lights. Our tree in particular! We have joked that we should keep it up till March. Something I'm sure your dad is all for. I however am not. Lol. Christmas is over. It's hard enough keeping it past January 1st. 

In terms of lights it's too bad you get so soothed from the stroller as you surely would enjoy the leg lights (you've been there twice), candy cane lane, or Victoria park skating. But some fun will come when you are older. You did see the Magna Carta. But that seemed quite underwhelming in you're eyes as you cried and promptly went to sleep. 

Now in other holiday happenings you of course saw you're auntie and uncles and cousins again...back from Guelph! Lots of good cuddles from them. Plus you had you're Granny, Granddad, Grammie and Grampie all in the same room. May not be a big deal for you but it was for me as sometimes visits from New Brunswick are farther than I like. It was lovely as we spent time with all of them on your Granny and Granddad's 42nd anniversary, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Lovely and fun family time. 

Now of course it was not always about you. But sometimes it's hard to do things as you like to be included in everything. It took me probably 6-8 hours to wrap all the presents between feedings. 

And Grammie certainly had to help with baking by either doing it or holding you so I could. But it got done...we both sure were tired but it got done. Mocha cakes, mincemeat tarts, Christmas cookies (okay the decorator extraordinaire, Jimi helped with those) candy cookies, and all the stuff Grammie made in a prior visit...gumdrop cake and butter tarts. 

Lots of Christmas movies watched, muppets, polar express, miracle on 42nd street, it's a wonderful life, and white Christmas. Love love love those. A few interruptions but I pretty much have all those movies memorized in my head. 

And unfortunately even a few people got hit with a bit of a bug on Christmas Day or after....your dad, Grammie and Uncle Jimi.   

Without the later, all in all it was a great holiday season once again. Gone to soon. But fun all the same. And it was your first...making it all the more special for all of us. 

Love

Our New Years wish

Sometimes you just can't control the future. So you live in the present. You enjoy life. You do things you love and spend time with those that you love. You see places. You love the job you do. That was us last year. And guess what we were happy. 

We were enjoying life.

Then one day before New Years in late 2014 we came before a New Years wish tree. And we both made a wish. 

Just for fun. On a whim. Cause we could. It was no big deal really. But we never shared it with each other. 

Until it happened. 

Yes. You came. We are still happy. We are still enjoying life. With you now. So happy New Years babe! Both babes. 

Of course we had to visit the tree again this year. But don't push your luck readers. A wish for continued love and happiness was all I need. 

I think it will come true!

Xoxox

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