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

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