Thursday, December 31, 2009

All I Wanted For Christmas....

was my two front teeth. 

I used to hate that song.  What a silly song.  I guess if you were 6 years old, with two big gaping holes in the front of your mouth, it would make sense.  But for the rest of us...  kinda silly.  Mind you, there are Christmas songs about Donkeys and Hippos, so I guess it's not the silliest song out there.

Well...  I have my two front teeth, and have never known a child to get their two front teeth for Christmas.  Until now.

Besides a tonne of presents and clothes, Ethan got his two front teeth for Christmas.   One cut through on Christmas Day, and was in by the 27th.  And yesterday, he cut the second one, which is in today.  These teeth moved very quickly, and provided a few rough nights of sleep.

But something changed this teething time around (they are teeth 5 and 6 if anyone is keeping track).  Ethan slept!  During the day, he slept a lot - not at one time, but the days have been filled with naps.  He wakes up, has something to eat and goes back to sleep.   Wakes up, cuddles for a bit and falls back to sleep.  Wakes up, plays with some toys and starts yawning, cause it's time to go back to sleep.

Night time doesn't allow for a long- through the night sleep.  But he's waking up between 5 and 6:30.  Next week he'll be getting up at 6:30 anyway to get ready for daycare. 

So forget the Hippos and Donkeys.  (Ethan didn't get any of those - but cute puppies that say his name, and Elmos galore)  Ethan got something every kid sings about at some point in time.  He got his two front teeth for Christmas. 

Six down, Fourteen to go!

Monday, December 28, 2009

SAHM No More

What a weekend!  Christmas was busy, throwing Ethan way off schedule.  We had 4 Christmas' in a five day span.  And I'm kinda glad to be home today, cleaning up the house, packing away the Christmas tree and trying to find a place to put all the new toys.

Yes, I've been so excited for Christmas, but took down my tree today.  You see, in the past 3 weeks, Ethan has become extremely mobile, making it difficult to do anything without putting him in his exersaucer - which he is very tired of.  If I'm not sitting beside him on the floor - I find him in the tree or pulling stuff out of the TV stand or headed down the hall in search of a garbage can or return air-vent.  So removing the tree was almost necessary.  One less thing to get into. 

Today is back to work day for everyone.  And I'm at home with Ethan, alone for the first time in 4 days.  I have so much that I want to get done this week.  Before going back to work next week, giving up my SAHM status for a little while at least.  I want to make cookies and give the house an incredibly good cleaning, and make a menu for next month (one of my New Years goals, hoping it will relieve some stress of 'whats for dinner-lunch' making Daycare packing a little easier too).  I also want to spend some good time just hanging out with the boy, cause I'm pretty sure I'll miss that the most.  I love reading him stories, and singing and dancing with him. 

Going back to work is the hardest thing most Mom's I talk to ever experience.  Maybe harder than child birth - cause I think you remember how you feel going back to work forever - and the pain of child birth doesn't stay with you too long.  I'm looking forward to going back, but I'm also sad that I can't just stay home till we're done having kids and they've all gone to school.  But I can't.

Time has just flown by.  It's so cliche, but it really has.  There was a baby sitting in front of us yesterday in church.  She was so tiny, and sleeping quietly.  Seems so long since Ethan was that small....  but it really wasn't.  I'm happy that he's developing, but I'm going to miss cuddling on the couch and rocking him to sleep. 

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas To You!

Being Ethan's first Christmas, I'm sure that there will be some spoiling.  I know there will be.  I'm sure that he will get more gifts than he needs.  I'm okay with that.  However there is one thing that I'm so happy Ethan will get this Christmas.

Okay, here's me getting Corny; Family. 

He's such a lucky boy.  He has a huge family, right here close enough that he can spend Christmas with them. 

This is his Great Grandma Janzen, sharing such a nice kiss with him during our Christmas on Sunday night.  What a great picture (captured by my Aunt Mary).  I'm sure that I'll cherish this picture for years to come. 



Out of all of the things wrapped under the tree, nothing can replace the rituals and the traditions that we create with our families over the holidays.  It's true.  When your Christmas changes for the first time in years, it doesn't feel quite the same. 

I'm so excited to start some new traditions with our family this year.  And I'm so happy that we have so many wonderful people in our lives that will be part of those traditions.

Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours!!!!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Soother? Yes I Am

Ethan's been having problems sleeping at night again.  I'm not sure exactly what the issue is this time.

He is teething again, but not horribly *I really wish teething was a 2 day process*.  Sometimes some teething gel is required - or Baby Crack as I call it....  Ethan smacks his lips in anticipation when he sees it coming.

I also cheaped out on diapers and bought the none-brand named brand, as I'm cheap and I didn't have a coupon for my favorite brand name.  Around 3am, Ethan yells to let me know that his diaper has reached full capacity.  Then it takes a while to get him back to sleep.  I will be picking up a package of my favorite brand named diapers today.

Ethan is also giving crawling a huge try, mostly at night.  He sits up in his crib, lies back down, crawls to the edge, sits back up, lies back down, rolls around, pushes his face up against the edge, and SCREAMS!  In the past, I usually have given him a few minutes of screaming in hopes that he will calm down and fall back to sleep.  I've found that if the issue is a face against the bars of his crib, promptness is necessity, or a lot of Mommy soothing will follow.  I'm considering purchasing some crib bumpers today as well.

Another issue that we've run into is Ethan throws his pacifier out of the crib, then has trouble soothing himself back to sleep.  He will be a great ball player, he's got quite an arm on him.  If the soos (as we call it) has left the crib, the chance that he will fall back to sleep is about a zero.  Going into his room, getting another soos and getting him back to sleep is also necessary.  The bumpers will probably help his issue too.

Last night at 3 am, the diaper, Ethan's face against the crib and the missing soos were all issues.  It took about 4 trips to the nursery, a diaper change, a bottle and a big long cuddle with Mom to settle him down.  While I was crawling back into bed, Ryan asked "soother?"  I took it as a statement.  Maybe it's my title now.

I am the Soother....  Just call me Soos.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Manitoba Mutts

How can you tell that we live in Manitoba???  Read on!

Our dogs, Pitunia and Reese wanted out this morning - not really.  They actually wanted to wrestle on our king-sized bed, but as I just put Ethan down for a nap, I didn't think this was their best idea.

So....  I opened the door to the backyard, leaving it open so they could take shelter in our un-heated garage if need be.  Then I walked back to the bedroom to watch the show.  And what a show.

Reese proceeded to do about 100 laps around our backyard (not a small backyard as city lots go).  Pitunia would run out every 5 laps or so to see if she could catch Reese's backend as it passed by.  Then she would run to the garage door to heat up (I think) and try again in a few laps.  Reese paused every so often to eat some snow - none of which was yellow I don't think.  Then continued her laps.

The strange thing is that Pitunia has very little fur (as dogs go) and Reese loves the snow, but is definitely a house dog.  However, it is ONLY -10 degrees celsius out today.  And that seems to feel like Spring to our pups.  How sad.  But it got so cold so fast here that I don't think they had much time to adjust.  They seem to be happy about the milder weather.

And that's how you know we have Manitoba Mutts...   when -10 degrees celsius feels warm.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Don't touch the tree.... Even if I place you in front of it



I must say, What a cute kid we've got!
Ryan and I did this picture in our livingroom the other night for Christmas cards (pretend you haven't seen it yet when you open your card) 

Things that I thought were important for the picture -

Socks...  I wanted to have Ethan in his cute little shoes, but he only has one pair right now that fit (besides slippers and boots) and they didn't go with the outfit.  But socks go with everything.

Turtle...   Ethan loves his turtle.  Turtle goes everywhere with us.  I bought it when Ethan was 3 months old so he could have something new to entertain him when we took our first plane ride to Montreal.  That's right, Turtle has even been to Montreal.

Corny Christmas Sweater-vest...   We can only dress them like this for so long before they start to protest - except my brother.  He wore 3 piece suits for school pictures well into elementary school.  Long even that I knew they weren't cool anymore Mom - and I'm 2 years younger than him.

Decorated Christmas Tree (with presents)...  It really sets the Christmas tone.  Otherwise it would just be another picture of Ethan, only with him in a corny sweater-vest.

Things I wish weren't in the picture-

The poor excuse for window treatments...  Scroll back up and look again.  You'll understand.

Finally I would like to say that to acheive a fabulous picture like this, it requires teetering your 8 month old on a box covered in blankets, surrounded by pillows, with a Daddy hovering just in case.  They did a good job, didn't they?

Monday, December 14, 2009

All Wrapped Up


Started wrapping Christmas gifts this afternoon....  Got bored of that pretty quick and moved on to more challenging things.  I'm convinced that dog on that commercial that's all wrapped up with a wrapped up tennis ball in his mouth...  not real.  Impossible!


Saturday, December 12, 2009

Claustrophobia - Check!

Ryan and I went Christmas shopping yesterday!  And it wasn't even that bad.

I actually started shopping over a month ago.  I think it's really easy to buy gifts for kids.  In fact, I could buy presents for Ethan and our friends kids anyday.  I had a hard time stopping.  Ryan told me to stop buying and when we were done getting everyone else's gifts I could continue to buy for Ethan (money allowing).

Ryan had yesterday afternoon off, and we hadn't bought any of our adult gifts yet, so I suggested a quick trip to the city.  With only one more Friday left before Christmas, a trip into Winnipeg would hardly be a treat.  Ryan tends to get claustrophobic (note to self; CLAUStrophobic - must of stemmed from the Greek word for fear of Christmas Shopping Crowds).  It can be so bad that on boxing days, I can tell when he reaches the point that he is extremely angry and would love to start punching people in the head....   He's not an angry person, and it wouldn't be funny...   But picture it!  This huge guy punching people in the head because they're standing too close and there are too many of them!   The image is hilarious in my brain.

So we trodded off to Polo Park in search of the perfect Christmas Gifts for all the people on our list.  (I am all about buying stuff in our home town, but I had a few gifts that just aren't available in our small town - I looked!)  There was a tonne of people in that mall.  The food court was full, the stores were full.  There was even a wait to use the elevator in the middle of the mall.  And the bathrooms!  UGH!  The bathrooms were gross!  Holiday shoppers are animals!

We spent 7 hours walking around various stores and got about half of our shopping done.  Shopping with a 8 month old in -30 degree weather is not fun.  Whoever told me that a Winter baby wouldn't be good didn't calculate that a Spring baby is too big for a carrier car seat, and to small to walk, and hates being dressed in snowsuits, mitts and touques.  I think a winter baby would have been easier this time of year.

With just a few more thing to get, I think I can get it done.  I might run to our 24 hour Walmart one night this week after Ethan goes down for the night.  Christmas shopping has definately been more difficult than normal.  But it's almost done.  Infact, in 2 weeks it will all be over for another year.  And if you get a gift from us that you hate this year....   It's the thought that counts.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Making Memories

We've lost two great uncles on my father's side this week.  Rough week for the family.  And it's kinda got me thinking about family. 
My Grandma and Grandpa have been gone for a number of years on my father's side.  But some of my best memories of them is Christmas Morning at the farm.  I remember the year that I got my grocery set.  A whole bunch of plastic canned goods and "fresh" plastic produce.  I remember pushing my little shopping cart around their tiny livingroom.  That same year Grandma gave me a whole bunch of knitted ball gowns for my Barbie dolls.  One of them was burgandy with white trim...  and a matching cape for her cause it's cold here at Christmas time.  Come to think of it, dressing my Barbies in high fashion probably is to blame for the abundance of very fancy dresses in my closet - including an unworn wedding dress with a cape.

I think that was the same year that Grandpa was fairly sick.  But I don't remember him being sick.  I don't remember much of Grandpa at all.  I was 5 when he passed away.  But I remember the farm, and I remember that Christmas. 

I was lucky to have my Grandma Blair for quite a few more years, till I was 17.  We made some great memories together. 

I am especially lucky to still have both of my Grandparents on my Mother's side and one of Ryan's Grandmothers.  Great Grandparents for Ethan. 

We'll be surrounded by people this Christmas.  People we love, and we'll be making some very special memories I'm sure.  But I think I'll still be thinking about the people left behind; the ones who have lost someone they loved this year, dealing with the heartbreak of the holidays without them. 

This can certainly be a rough time of year.

HOHOHO!!!!


Everyday is like Christmas when Grandpa comes to visit! 

Monday, December 7, 2009

Sunday Sleepers



I stole this picture yesterday while I was busy getting ready for Church.  Everyone says Ethan looks just like his Daddy, Ryan says he can't see it.  I think the similarities are endless!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Baby Phat

So it's official....  It's Winter in Southern Manitoba.  and I'm cold.

I miss being pregnant.  Pregnant women really do have a glow about them.  They look awesome most of the time - they're excited and living in two worlds - yours and one they share just with their baby.  As a new mom I look pretty mom-ish most of the time...   Undone.

This time last year I was fairly pregnant.  Five months along if I remember, but big enough that I felt awkward wearing my bikini in the pool in Fargo.  (there was quite a baby bump....  in fact I had a Baby bump fairly early on - carried all my new weight out front).  Sometimes that was good, because no one mistook me for just putting on some extra pounds, it was fairly obvious (at least to me) that I was pregnant.

Around this time last year I think I could feel Ethan kicking me.  He kicked alot, and I told Ryan I would miss being able to feel him that way.  I was scared of Winter, because we get a lot of ice around here, and I'm not great at staying on my feet most of the time anyway.  I had to wear Ryan's jacket because I kept breaking the zipper on mine.  But I could eat almost anything I wanted (a good thing around Christmas) and any extra holiday weight became baby weight.  No one expected me to shovel the driveway or clean the snow off the van.  Carrying heavy packages was strictly off limits.  Being Pregnant this time of year was great.

But the best part about being pregnant in the Winter was that Ethan was a warm baby.  (he still is very warm most of the time - Daddy's thermostat too I guess)  I was always hot!  I could wear just a short sleeve shirt at work, and be fine.  Even with all the windows!  A sweater was hardly ever necessary.

It really isn't cold here at all.  Our house is 21.5 Degrees, outside is only -5 Degrees and I've been wearing sweaters for a week straight.  It's going to get much colder - and I'm already missing the warmth of my baby fat.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

My Favorite Winter Sport




How exciting! Snow!  (the picture was actually last year, from the picture folder titled "fun in the snow")

I say that I'm not a snow person, because I don't like the cold, I don't "play" in the snow on skates or sleds or snowmobiles. However I am a snow person when I'm sitting in the front seat of a 4x4 truck, watching all of the idiots who have forgotten how to drive.

I'm sure that some people forgot how to drive this morning in our town. Just a light dusting of snow really.... a couple of inches. Nothing to get too excited about yet.

I'm always happy the first day after a good dump of a foot or two, Ryan and I get in the truck to head to work and pull out multiple people in little cars and minivans on the way. It doesn't matter that we're late, cause we're saving people from the snow drifts they've plowed into. The very best is when you get to pull out a 4x4 of a different brand. (Ford and Dodge men hardly enjoy it, but sometimes our GMC just wins)

But this year I'm not getting up first thing in the morning, going to work with Ryan. I'm home with Ethan. So Ryan gets to pull people out without me. And I will likely be one of the minivans stuck in a 4 foot drift that I didn't see until I was on top of it. I'll just make sure I have my cellphone with me everywhere I go.

It won't take long until the Portage people stop driving 30 kms/hr through town, scared of the slippery streets, and begin to drive 60 again. But I'm sure the drive to work was fun today, kinda sad I missed it.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

An Evening for Everyone

Ryan and I attended our Christmas Party this past Saturday. It was a nice evening. Supper and a comedian at Boston Pizza. Not a long evening, (partly our fault, we were late - go figure) but a nice evening.

Ethan did not come with us. Grandma and Grandpa Blair (so strange to say that - my Grandma and Grandpa have been gone for years), anyway, G and G Blair babysat Ethan for the first time for longer than 2 hours. Auntie Cassie babysat way back when Transformers came out so we could see a matinee.

And Ethan was fine! He had a great evening playing with his Grandparents. He was a good little guy and Ryan and I had a good little evening. Grandma and Grandpa had a good evening spending some time with Ethan. A good night for everyone! Maybe we'll have to do it again soon.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Tis the Season!



Ethan met Santa yesterday.(not the one pictured above, but a real life Mall-Santa) And he wasn't even that scared. Tried to pull his beard off (was almost very successful). But we've been telling Ethan that Santa works at Craig Dunn Motor City the other 364 days a year in the service department. I personally like our Santa better than the one at the Mall.

And yes I am one of those people who dress their dogs up, but only on occasion.

The elf is my favorite!


Wednesday, November 25, 2009

What A Monkey



Left to his own devices, Ethan decided to play with ALL of his toys last night (with Daddy looking on).

When Did I Get So Old

I can remember thinking that I would always be a hip Mom. I prided myself in knowing that kids are kids and that I would be cool by the time my kids reached my age *way back in high school*.

But I'm slipping already.

I was recently disgusted about Adam Lambert getting "carried away" at the AMA this weekend and grinding some poor dancer's face into his crotch, and groping another. Really... You're here for our entertainment? I didn't find it entertaining. Perhaps you should go back to singing covers Adam. You were good at that.

And Britney??? 3? Maybe 4? Living in Sin is the new thing? You have two kids yourself young lady. And you're not even young anymore. Do you really want your kids to see what you've been up to in your music videos? You're a role model to young women everywhere, and all you're doing is teaching them that Sex is how you get famous. (unless I'm miss-watching this)

When did I get so old? I miss the music of my generation. Some good old late 90s alternative. I was GaGa about it.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Formula Follower

If you've been following for the past few weeks, you probably know I've been struggling with a Baby who is almost 8 months old, who refuses to sleep through the night. Up until about a week ago, Ethan was completely Breastfeed.

I am pleased to say that Ryan and I have won the Bottle-Battle. Ethan downed his 7 oz bottle of formula last night in about 10 minutes! Yay Ethan, go Ethan, Yay Ethan.... (happy dance)

My goal was to get him to take 1 bottle a day, right before bed, in hopes that he will sleep better. (some say that formula feed babies sleep better, breastfed babies wake up hungry in the middle of the night)

I am sad to say that Ethan is STILL waking up in the middle of the night, hungry. I know he's hungry, because I go in when he wakes up, make sure that teeth aren't the issue (he's not trying to pull the top of his head off) and give him his Soos (pacifier). Ethan will fall asleep, and wake up and cry and fall asleep and wake up and cry. I let him do this for about 50 minutes on Saturday night before Ryan finally went in to get him. Ethan latched on and had a full meal, then Ryan took him back to his crib and he slept for another 5 hours.

A growth spurt? A spoiled baby with trained parents? An extremely hungry 20 lbs 8 month old?

I'm not sure, but I prefer the sleeping Angel.

My Man in Fire-Retardant Gear




Last night, Ryan was presented with his "Congrats on Becoming a Real Firefighter" cake. Please note the flames and fire hose, complete with water to put out the blaze.

It was in honor of Ryan passing his written exam for Level 1 Firefighter, following his practical exam last spring. Way to go Babe!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

One Mans Junk...



I decided to take yesterday's warm weather as possibly one of the last days of above average temperatures this Fall and went for a walk downtown with the boy. Going out during the day can sometimes get expensive.

I like to shop. I admit it. I like to have money in my account and to buy things, resulting in less money in my account. Going for a walk downtown can sometimes result in WAY less money in our account. But I was good yesterday.

I stopped at the two second-hand shops, spent $10 total and came out with a jacket and pair of pants for the boy and two new toys! (though slightly used). The best part was that I could remember playing with a similar toy as pictured below when I was a kid.

When we got home, the boy went down for a nap and I proceeded to give the new toys a good scrub in the sink... and when he woke up, Ethan was delighted with his new treasures.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Boob-man

I think that there is always a sort of stigma towards Moms when it comes to breastfeeding. Everyone has an opinion. Even if they say they don't, I think they do as soon as a Mom pulls out a bottle or a boob to soothe that screaming child. BOOM! There it is; People's opinions.

Old ladies judge you before you even give birth to that child. Walking through Walmart 8 months pregnant, they'll stop you to ask "are you going to breastfeed?" (had this happen, didn't know the lady). She anticipates your answer and has a look of approval or a judgemental scowl ready for you.

If you choose not to breastfeed, I think you deal with it all head on. You're already armed with why you don't want to or CAN'T and you tell people (even though it's none of their business) that you're not, and this is why. And if they think less of you, just know that you can pull a bottle out anytime to quite your kid without them thinking you should leave the room to feed him/her.

There's even a stigma when you stop feeding off the boob or God-Forbid you feed them for too LONG on the boob! When is it time to stop? When your child walks up to you and demands baba? (Ethan started asking for Baba around 6 months old, and yes, it means boob) So if you're behind us in church and he starts screaming "BABA-BABA-BABA" feel free to laugh, I'm trying to get it out as fast as possible.

I choose to breastfeed. (Man! how many times can I reference a boob in one blog? I'm not done yet) I'm pretty liberal (at least when it comes to breastfeeding) and refuse to feed my boy in another area, let alone a little room strictly for the purpose of feeding babies. I became very good at covering up fairly early, so if you're not staring at my chest, you won't see anything. Get over it. He's hungry.

In two weeks Ethan will be 8 months old. He has 4 teeth and has gone through the 'I can make Mommy squeal if I bite her' stage and we've gotten through it. My plan was to breastfeed Ethan until he's a year old. But I confess, I'm starting that downward spiral towards formula. (just joking formula Moms!) I'm giving up his before bed feeding, in hopes of getting him to sleep better. When he sleeps through the night, he is a happier boy during the day. And I'm a happier Mom. So I see no harm in trying to get him a better nights sleep.

But even my almost 8 month old boy has some stigma towards breastfeeding. He is a boob-man. He's had bottles (not for a couple month though) and will take a sippy-cup anytime during the day. But giving up his Baba right before bed has been a challenge... that I haven't won yet. But with lots of encouragement from my going-through-it-too friend and my family, we'll get through it.

I know that once I give up one feeding, I'll probably have to give up most of them. He's eating little people food, and doesn't BF that much during the day already. I'm pretty sad about giving up. But I'm tired, and pretty angry about not sleeping, especially at 2am then 4am or 6am....

On the positive side, I'll be able to give up my Maternity bras (they are pretty horrible!) and will be able to wear my pretty shirts again without thinking about if I can feed the boy with that shirt on. I'll be able to leave the house without Ethan every once in a while (I've only been away from him for 2 hour spurts, and not that many) and Ryan will be able to feed him, and bond in a way that I've been able to for months now.

And when someone asks "Are you still breastfeeding" I'll be armed and ready with my answer. Even though I'll be a little sad that it's ending.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

My Sad Little Man

What a rough night! Wow. Our poor little guy is teething again, or maybe coming down with something. We knew it would be a rough night, cause it was a rough evening.

I really wish that babies could tell you what was wrong. Sometimes I feel like an awful Mom cause sometimes I just don't know what's wrong. I can tell when he's hungry, or when he needs a bum-change. But it seems any time he's angry, Ethan will put a thumb in his mouth and start pulling at his gums. I'm not convinced that it's his teeth all the time.

Anyway. I had a happy baby on Saturday and Sunday. Two days of happy baby. I realized that it's been months since we've really had a happy baby. We only have happy moments. And I love happy baby. Ethan is so cute when he's happy. He just giggles and giggles, and plays and doesn't need to be held 24/7.

On that note. I finally found the new Elmo doll while in the city this weekend. Turns out it's not a new Elmo doll at all, just last years doll, re-vamped. I had Ethan in his stroller, going through Sears in Polo Park, spotted the doll and showed it to him. Ethan's face lit up! Then I pushed Elmo's foot and he started singing "Elmo's World" and my baby was the happiest baby in the world! Elmo even told my boy he loved him and blew kisses. (I really don't understand the infatuation with the red guy... but there is one there. Ryan You-Tubed Elmo last night - on our horrible evening and Ethan again started smiling like crazy at the computer.) I was so excited about finally finding the Elmo... Then I saw the price. $69.99! For a Toy Doll! Maybe he'll get one for Christmas if we win the lottery between now and then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WOksBSonEU

Thursday, November 5, 2009

7 Months Going On 2 Years Old

I love my son. He's a beautiful carbon copy of his father. (whom I think it the most handsome guy I know)

Ethan just turned 7 months old yesterday. He does a lot of things (IMO) for a 7 month old, however he doesn't crawl or creep along the furniture yet.

Ethan does a lot of things that a 7 month old shouldn't do. For instance, He pulls hair (my hair) and pinches (my face and arms) when he gets angry. In fact, if you put him on the floor, he will even kick and scream when he's angry. Full Blown Temper Tantrum.

Is it possible for a 7 month old to have a temper tantrum? I Googled it, and apparently lots of babies have them. Daily. Just like my little guy. When he's tired and woke up half way through a nap, but refuses to go down again... When you want to do something and put him down with a toy and he really doesn't want to be put down... When you want him to have a nap/go to bed for the night, and he doesn't want to... All of these situations result in Daily temper tantrums.

And my little guy just turned 7 months old.

So next time you see me and ask if Ethan is a good boy and I hesitate, I'm just counting the tantrums today.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Me? Modest?




Reese's everyday wish; That someone will scratch her belly.

Letters to God

While watching The View this morning (Time change means Ethan's morning nap falls during The View! Really it's the only daytime TV I enjoy), the ladies were talking about a little girl who wrote a letter to God after her dog died. Apparently a Postal Worker responded to the little girl's letter, writing back to her as God. Here's the link....

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/abbey.asp

I've often written to God, in the form of my Diary. For years I started every entry with Dear God, instead of Dear Diary. I've never sent a letter in the mail, and I've never got a written response. Though I like to think some of my prayers have been answered..... *insert picture of loving husband and beautiful son here*

Our church recently did the "postcard" thing for their series on Sex (that's right... a church talking about sex, without the don't do this and don't do that! It really was a great series Nathan!) The congregation were encouraged to submit postcards about their experiences, the good and the bad. I confess, I didn't submit one. I guess I was too scared someone would recognize my postcard, or maybe too scared to put my thoughts down on paper. I definitely had postcards running through my head, and it was very interesting to see everyone else's. I do love the postcard Internet site as well (what a great idea!)

So this little girl with her dead dog got me thinking, which usually results in my Googling of something. I couldn't believe the websites with Letters to God. Wow! One of the sites even had the letters in categories. There were no religious affiliations to the site, no government groups. Just the ability to put your thoughts down somewhere, good or bad, for someone else to read. How Therapeutic!

What if the post office had a whole section set up, just answering letters to God.... They would be working non-stop I'm sure. (They do it for Santa Claus - so don't scowl at your computer screen.... Santa and God are confused for each other every year... remember that Christmas thing)

And even if you don't believe in a God, are you sure that you wouldn't find yourself addressing a letter to Him every once in a while, if there was a chance for an answer? What would your letter say?

That postal worker gave that little girl a beautiful gift, Hope. It didn't cost him anything, just a little thought and time. Hopefully he didn't get into any trouble for it.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Who Pays the Tooth Fairy?

The tooth fairy has a pretty sick sense of humour. Ethan is getting a bunch of teeth, all at once.

His bottom front teeth came in over a 3 week period (not counting the 4 months of "teething" in preparation of them breaking through). It was pretty horrible in the house for a few days at a time when they were cutting through the gums. Then he started smiling again, playing with toys and sleeping at night. Not too bad.

But on Monday, after a horrible weekend of not napping, I realized that his 3rd and 4th teeth came in on top (not the middle ones though). So Ethan could go as a vampire this Halloween! To relieve pressure, he even does the Vampire bite on your neck if he hold him the right way.

Now he won't let me look in his mouth to see what's going on in there... The top Vampire teeth are cut, but haven't "come in" and definitely hurt. Last time he let me look, his gums were very swollen on the bottom, the 5th and 6th teeth are obviously on their way. And I'm pretty sure that maybe even 2 more are coming in on top now. (8! Could he really have 8 teeth all of a sudden!?!)

So for the past 2 nights, I have been on the couch with him. Tylenol and Ambisol have little effect anymore. (I guess, with all that happening at the same time) When his pacifier comes out, he starts to yell, and when he's sleeping it falls out about every 20 minutes.

My poor baby. He's pretty sad right now, but maybe when all these teeth come in, we can get a bit of a break from teething for a few months.

Hopefully they don't fall out all at the same time. I'll be broke! I mean the tooth fairy will be broke. How much does a tooth run at right now? And with inflation over the next 6 years. Forget retirement! We need to start putting away for teeth!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

What Does Elmo Have That I Don’t?

Elmo My baby loves Elmo.  Ethan loves Elmo so much that he will de-latch while eating when he hears the Elmo’s World song come on the TV.  He will push away from me and roll to watch the 20 minute show.  And he loves to eat! 

It all started when Grandma and Grandpa dropped off a Tickle-Me Elmo doll a couple months ago.  Ethan loves when Elmo laughs….  He’ll put the big huge eyes in his mouth as Elmo vibrates.  I think it feels good on the teeth.  (He now has 4!  Two more appeared yesterday!)

Now he makes out with Elmo all the time.

He also loves the Huggies commercial, and will de-latch for that as well.  You know, the one with the guy in the red and white running shoes chasing the giggling baby.  I think he’s imagining running away from Daddy in the park next year.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Man of My Dreams

I dreamt about bears last night.  Not cute cuddly cartoon bears.  I’m talking about the big, brown scary ones.  But the bears weren’t that scary.  They were just there.  I can’t remember anything else about my dream, but that’s ok. 

Non-threatening bears were better than the Nazi-zombies I dreamt about the night before, thanks to Ryan and friends completing Call of Duty, War of Worlds and finding the hidden level.

Back to the bears, they were kind of growling, a low constant growl.  And then Ethan woke me up with screams of “Mommy I’m hungry!” at 4am.  I know that he can sleep through the night, even though he’s breastfed.  He started sleeping through the night at 2 months…  so many months ago, and stopped at 3 months when teething began.  How many mothers have seriously considered a bottle of formula right before bed and Mom’s Milk the rest of the time?  Not tonight, carry on Mom, don’t cut any corners or I’ll wake up as soon as you crawl back into bed and demand more.

I took the boy out to the living room to top up his tummy, sat down on the couch and turned on Much More Music.  It amazes me that I watch more music videos during night-time feedings than I do during my days at home in front of the TV.  Mind you, music video stations play music videos all through the night, and just junk-shows during the day.

So for half an hour, that is what we did.  Ethan ate and I watched Nickelback videos from 2002 (wow!  Chad Kroeger really needed a haircut) and new Michael Buble looking for the woman of his dreams in a grocery store.  I’m right here Michael!  *just kidding Ryan, you’re definitely cuter than him*. 

And as I put Ethan back in his crib, a heard a familiar sound.  The constant low growl from my dreams.  The bear.  And there he was, sprawled out on our King-size bed, sleeping on his back, which causes him to snore.  At least the night-feedings aren’t keeping him up.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Balancing Act

 DSC00735

Come on Reese!   It’s easy!  

Ryan spent a long time training Reese how to balance a Kong on her head.  Whenever someone asks me “What do you do at home all day?”  I’m going to say I taught my son how to balance rings on his head.  And it was hard work!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Just Like Daddy



I was trying to get a picture of Ethan's new tooth, and he didn't want to cooperate. I just got a whole lot of attitude. All I can see is Ryan when I look at this picture.

Christmas is Coming!

I'm not normally this person, however.... It's officially 66 sleeps until Christmas! For all of us new Moms out there, you can probably double or maybe even triple that count, cause I know your baby wakes you up just as you fall back to sleep at night. OK... it's 66 nights until Christmas, sleepless or otherwise.

Christmas has never really held much excitement for me. How horrible. I guess I spend too much time worrying about what presents to get people, and how to include everyone that we love on December 25th.

We've had our share of funny moments around that time year. Reese chasing a ball that was accidentally thrown into the Christmas tree. You could see the look of terror in her eyes as she turned to run before the tree collapsed on her, ears back and body low to the ground, toe-nails trying to grip the tile floor. Glass decorations fell to the floor like bombs around her fleeing body. If it was caught on tape, I know that we would be $10,000 richer now, thanks to a popular funny video TV show.
We know nothing chocolate can go under the tree until the morning of, cause Pitunia will sniff it out and it will be no-more.
One year Ryan went on the ice-covered steep-pitched roof to put up the Christmas lights in the freezing cold because he was tired of my requests for twinkling. (I don't nag, I request over and over again until you get the hint) My brother held the rope that was tied around Ryan's waist for safety reasons, but as I said, the roof was steep and covered with ice. You can guess how that story ends.

But I think this year will be a little more exciting for me. Our baby will be 9 months old, maybe even walking if he has his way. And we'll spend our first Christmas as parents.

How exciting to wrap the presents and watch as baby tears them apart only to play with the paper and boxes that toys came in... How exciting to share with our parents a first Christmas as Grandparents.

I'm excited already. And wondering if it's wrong to put up your tree before Halloween. I think Ryan should at least attempt Christmas lights before the ice comes.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Avoiding a Bump on the Head

I've become a creature of habit since Ethan was born. I read somewhere in my Mommy-books that babies love structure and have done my best to become more structured for the good of my son.

In the morning he wakes up, latches on for breakfast, gets a new diaper and changes into "daytime" clothes. (I can't wear my PJs all day, so neither can he.) Then we make our way out to the livingroom for some tummy time.

Ethan hasn't always been a fan of tummy time, but the Mommy-books told me that it was important too. So every morning I spread out a blanket on our beautiful laminate flooring and plop my baby on his belly with a few of his favorite toys.

Ryan and I purchased our home when I was 1 month pregnant. We loved the laminate floor throughout the house. We grew up in the generation of horrible carpeting. You know the time. Picture it... short, red, with paisleys on it, or the green shag, Ugh! Yeah, we loved the laminate. However the flooring has created a fear in me for my baby.

Baby's have small, tender heads. Early on, they can't handle a bang on the beautiful, easy to clean floor. Ethan is 6 and 1/2 months old and has been rolling around for over a month now. But every morning I put him on a soft cushy blanket for tummy time. I go into the kitchen to get my breakfast and rush back when I peer over to see him teetering on the edge of the blanket, small tender head so close to hitting the fake hardwood. I know that he can handle the bump, he's done it enough now. But something keeps me coming back to protect the soft spot on the back of his precious melon. As soon as I go back to the kitchen to get my coffee he throws all of his toys off the blanket with the intent of rolling to get them.

Ethan knows that rolling requires the occasional bump on the head. You can tell he knows by the squint of his eyes as he leans over to roll. He's a go-getter. He knows leaving the safety of the blanket is going to hurt sometimes and he's ready for it. All babies do it, that's how they get what they need. Putting themselves out there, trying, knowing that it'll hurt sometimes. We could learn something from them. Imagine if we were never afraid to leave the comfort of the blanket.

Think Pink


So you know that you're going to buy at least one calendar this winter. Whether it's for your Mom for Christmas or for your own house to keep track of all of the important things, like doctor's appointments, birthdays and days you promised to give blood.

You could go to that place in the Mall that appears at this time of year with a calendar for everyone. Puppies, Motorcycles, Funny cartoon characters, your favorite Celebrity, Chickens. They really do have a calendar for everyone. You can buy that calendar, supporting the company that makes it, getting rich putting pictures on days that have been determined since the calendar was created. Or you buy a calendar for a good cause.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It seems that we all know someone who's been touch by it. A local photographer is doing her part to raise awareness and funds for research. Proceeds from this tasteful Black and White spread are going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. So check it out. Everyone needs a calendar.

www.pinkforthecure.ca

Friday, October 16, 2009

In The Beginning

There was Man and Wife... Then they added a couple dogs, and finally a baby. Then the baby got a tooth, no one slept through the night, a Wal-mart worker asked the Wife if she was sick (I must look horrible!) and the dogs decided to bark at everyone who walked down the street.

This is our life. It's a good life, though it has its challenges. But life is pretty good.