Merry Christmas! Did Santa find you? He found us...
I am trying to be patient while my family sleeps. After all, it is only 4:30. It would be wrong to wake them up and tell them Santa came... wouldn't it? I've been awake since 3-ish. Time is CRAWLING by as I sit on the couch and stare at the tree. I checked - Santa ate his cookies and drank all his milk. He even set up Hailey's gift so she could see it and play with it as soon as she wakes up.
Bentley got his gift last night - a new bed! I figured at almost a year old, it was time to try a nice bed again. He chewed five or six of them before I gave up and gave him only blankets. This is a nice big round one from Costco. He slept all night on it, until he heard me get up and came to join me in the living room.
This time next year I doubt we will have a quiet Christmas morning. There aren't many gifts under the tree - Michael and I scaled back Christmas a lot the last couple of years, and we normally have at least another family's gifts under the tree as well, which is not the case this year. This is the first year in my whole life that I am not waking and opening gifts with my parents. I know, I am 28 years old and I have my own family now, but it's still really weird to be doing this without them. Plus, I wrapped all mom's gifts from Santa, and I really want to see what she thinks of them. She doesn't know it, but Santa "forgot" one of the gifts here at my house, so I will be able to at least see her reaction to that. And I plan to have my webcam all ready to peek in on them when they wake up.
My sister isn't home for Christmas, but I imagine she is having a lovely quiet Christmas with her fiancee. It's their first Christmas in their new home together. I am missing her and I know she will be missing home, but I hope she enjoys her holidays. I will be seeing her in about a week and luckily she is staying here so I will be seeing a lot of her.
I only have a week left as two tonne tony. Nathan will be delivered New Years Eve at 7:30 in the morning, supposing he doesn't try and make an appearance before that. I am hoping he hangs tight - I could use another 6 days of relative peace! Although I am getting a little sick of the swelling in my feet and ankles, the heartburn, the sore, stiff back and the fatigue. I was looking longingly in the Sears catalog at regular clothing. I know it will be a little while until I am back into my own clothing, but at least I can wear regular clothes fairly soon.
I feel like we are pretty organized and ready to go. Nathan's room is almost ready - Mike bought a blind but was sold the wrong mounting hardware, so we will need to make another trip to the hardware store. I'm also having issues finding a curtain rod and topper that I like. But there really isn't any hurry, as the bassinet my sister in law lent us is here and will be in our room for a while anyways. The hospital bags are packed, as is Hailey's overnight bag for her stay at Grammy and Papas. Not too sure what we are doing with the dog yet, whether he is staying here or at my parents, but he's not too hard to get organized. The car seat is chilling beside the door waiting for it's new occupant. And I packed a Happy New Year banner to brighten up the hospital room.
Now we just have to finish off this waiting game!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Kids and Santa
Does your kid like visiting Santa?
Mine never has. Mind you, she's always been a bit weary of strangers. And this year she has decided that the Santa's you meet in the mall and on the parade float are not the real Santa, but rather men dressed up as Santa. She watched her video email from "Santa" the other morning and then called my mom. She told her that she made the good list, and that Santa knows what she wants for Christmas, so she doesn't need to tell the fake mall Santa.
I remember being in elementary school and finding out that there was no Santa from an adult and being traumatized, so I wanted to try and do some damage control with this whole fake Santa thing. I told her that while she is right, the other kids likely don't know that the mall Santa's aren't the real article, and not to discuss this with them. The entire class is going on a field trip to see a mall Santa next week, and I am not sure how that is going to go. Also, on Sunday my work is having a kids Christmas party and there will be pictures with Santa. I will gage her reaction then and let her teacher know.
Did you do a video for your kid? Hailey was so excited about hers, she watched it twice that morning and has asked to watch it again. I love how they allow you to add photos and information. She loved it when Santa told her she'd been a good girl this year, because we'd been chatting about the naughty and nice list quite a bit lately. I hate using the "Santa is watching you" threat to get her to behave, because she will ask specifically "is Santa watching me now? Did he see me at this time?". I was chatting with a co-worker the other day who told me his little guy was asking if Santa could see him on the toilet. It is a sort of creepy concept. I told her that Santa stays in the North Pole but that he has lots of elves that help him assemble his list.
What do you tell your kids? Let me know at allisonleannegray@gmail.com.
Mine never has. Mind you, she's always been a bit weary of strangers. And this year she has decided that the Santa's you meet in the mall and on the parade float are not the real Santa, but rather men dressed up as Santa. She watched her video email from "Santa" the other morning and then called my mom. She told her that she made the good list, and that Santa knows what she wants for Christmas, so she doesn't need to tell the fake mall Santa.
I remember being in elementary school and finding out that there was no Santa from an adult and being traumatized, so I wanted to try and do some damage control with this whole fake Santa thing. I told her that while she is right, the other kids likely don't know that the mall Santa's aren't the real article, and not to discuss this with them. The entire class is going on a field trip to see a mall Santa next week, and I am not sure how that is going to go. Also, on Sunday my work is having a kids Christmas party and there will be pictures with Santa. I will gage her reaction then and let her teacher know.
Did you do a video for your kid? Hailey was so excited about hers, she watched it twice that morning and has asked to watch it again. I love how they allow you to add photos and information. She loved it when Santa told her she'd been a good girl this year, because we'd been chatting about the naughty and nice list quite a bit lately. I hate using the "Santa is watching you" threat to get her to behave, because she will ask specifically "is Santa watching me now? Did he see me at this time?". I was chatting with a co-worker the other day who told me his little guy was asking if Santa could see him on the toilet. It is a sort of creepy concept. I told her that Santa stays in the North Pole but that he has lots of elves that help him assemble his list.
What do you tell your kids? Let me know at allisonleannegray@gmail.com.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Oh Ranitidine - will you marry me?
Wonder drug. Ranitidine. I swear it.
I talked to my OB yesterday about all the aches and pains and nausea and sleeplessness (basically, I reiterated every whine I wrote the other day...) and she has so many lovely suggestions that have made my life better in just over 24 hours, but none as wonderful as Ranitidine. I told you about the heartburn, it was terrorizing me, keeping me up at night, making me nauseous and achy. I was popping 8 and 9 tums a day (the bottle says 2 max...) and I wasn't getting much in the way of relief. But BAM - one Ranitidine and I have the best sleep I've had in weeks, and today I am more energized, happier and less achy.
Why oh why didn't I say something sooner???
Speaking of my OB visit, I got some lovely news that has cheered me up quite a bit. As you know we elected to have a repeat cesarean section on New Years Eve. You also know that it was not an easy decision for us, but rather the lesser evil. One of the less pleasant parts of my first cesarean, performed in a hurry at the George Dumont hospital in Moncton, was that I got a glimpse of Hailey before my husband was summoned to take her to be weighed and measured. I didn't see them again for about an hour, while I was stitched and taken to recovery. I learned yesterday that at the IWK, the baby and the support person stays with the mom the entire time in the OR, travels with her to the recovery room, and only then are the scales brought in to record the babies size and weight. I am happy to report that I was told that things are much less traumatic, much more easy going and precise. So while I am still not looking forward to the spinal and the recovery, I am getting more and more excited to meet my new baby boy.
See you soon Nathan!
I talked to my OB yesterday about all the aches and pains and nausea and sleeplessness (basically, I reiterated every whine I wrote the other day...) and she has so many lovely suggestions that have made my life better in just over 24 hours, but none as wonderful as Ranitidine. I told you about the heartburn, it was terrorizing me, keeping me up at night, making me nauseous and achy. I was popping 8 and 9 tums a day (the bottle says 2 max...) and I wasn't getting much in the way of relief. But BAM - one Ranitidine and I have the best sleep I've had in weeks, and today I am more energized, happier and less achy.
Why oh why didn't I say something sooner???
Speaking of my OB visit, I got some lovely news that has cheered me up quite a bit. As you know we elected to have a repeat cesarean section on New Years Eve. You also know that it was not an easy decision for us, but rather the lesser evil. One of the less pleasant parts of my first cesarean, performed in a hurry at the George Dumont hospital in Moncton, was that I got a glimpse of Hailey before my husband was summoned to take her to be weighed and measured. I didn't see them again for about an hour, while I was stitched and taken to recovery. I learned yesterday that at the IWK, the baby and the support person stays with the mom the entire time in the OR, travels with her to the recovery room, and only then are the scales brought in to record the babies size and weight. I am happy to report that I was told that things are much less traumatic, much more easy going and precise. So while I am still not looking forward to the spinal and the recovery, I am getting more and more excited to meet my new baby boy.
See you soon Nathan!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Message from Santa
There is a great little site that you can send a message to your kids from Santa - it's super cute.
Here is Hailey's video:
http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/watch/guest/ZrjJlfI_xE1yUIjqYI7QUw
And here is the link to send them to your loved ones! http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/home
Here is Hailey's video:
http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/watch/guest/ZrjJlfI_xE1yUIjqYI7QUw
And here is the link to send them to your loved ones! http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/home
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sleep - my elusive friend
An Ode to my missing sleep...
How I miss you oh rest
With your sweet tranquil dreams
Uh...
Do you know how hard it is to write an Ode when you haven't had enough sleep in weeks and weeks?
Last night, Hailey had a bad dream and crawled into our bed. We have a Queen size bed. In theory, the three of us do actually fit into this bed. However, Hailey rarely sleeps like a normal person with her head on the pillow, preferring instead to wiggle until she is perpendicular to me with her feet and knees in my back.
Meanwhile, Nathan has decided 4 am is a great time for Boxersize classes, and is giving it to my guts, ribs and bladder.
It is no wonder I come to work looking like a zombie day after day. And then someone will so nicely tell me that it is nature's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights with a newborn. Lovely.
My memories of being pregnant with Hailey are mostly repressed, as I detested that pregnancy as much as this one, but I do remember sleeping. A lot. We had two cats then, and they loved to sleep as much as I did. It was the life.
So just to get it off my chest and maybe make my peace with it, I am now going to whine about my aches and pains...
Between the back pain, indigestion, fatigue (my iron is low again), nausea (the iron pills BLOW), and issues with the laxatives (to counteract the damn iron pills....) I am miserable. And counting down... 3 weeks and 3 days until work is finished, and 38 days until Nathan comes (5 and a half weeks!).
Ok, need to inject some positives into this post.... Got my haircut last night. I was really torn, because I love having long hair, but I have no time to do anything with it, so I needed to chop it in favor of an easier cut. Melissa did a lovely job and I feel a little weight lifted from my shoulders (literally...she thinned it three times!). So that's one less thing for me to worry about. See - I can be positive!
How I miss you oh rest
With your sweet tranquil dreams
Uh...
Do you know how hard it is to write an Ode when you haven't had enough sleep in weeks and weeks?
Last night, Hailey had a bad dream and crawled into our bed. We have a Queen size bed. In theory, the three of us do actually fit into this bed. However, Hailey rarely sleeps like a normal person with her head on the pillow, preferring instead to wiggle until she is perpendicular to me with her feet and knees in my back.
Meanwhile, Nathan has decided 4 am is a great time for Boxersize classes, and is giving it to my guts, ribs and bladder.
It is no wonder I come to work looking like a zombie day after day. And then someone will so nicely tell me that it is nature's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights with a newborn. Lovely.
My memories of being pregnant with Hailey are mostly repressed, as I detested that pregnancy as much as this one, but I do remember sleeping. A lot. We had two cats then, and they loved to sleep as much as I did. It was the life.
So just to get it off my chest and maybe make my peace with it, I am now going to whine about my aches and pains...
Between the back pain, indigestion, fatigue (my iron is low again), nausea (the iron pills BLOW), and issues with the laxatives (to counteract the damn iron pills....) I am miserable. And counting down... 3 weeks and 3 days until work is finished, and 38 days until Nathan comes (5 and a half weeks!).
Ok, need to inject some positives into this post.... Got my haircut last night. I was really torn, because I love having long hair, but I have no time to do anything with it, so I needed to chop it in favor of an easier cut. Melissa did a lovely job and I feel a little weight lifted from my shoulders (literally...she thinned it three times!). So that's one less thing for me to worry about. See - I can be positive!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Nathan will be one of the last 2010 babies!
We got our delivery date - December 31.
It's very different knowing the date your baby is coming (assuming he doesn't make an appearance before that!). With Michael's line of work, it is nice knowing that he will have a little over a week with the baby before he goes back to work. And it's nice knowing that as long as Nathan doesn't come early, Michael will be home for the delivery. I can plan childcare for my 4 year old for the day (thanks Mom!) and know that she will be able to come and see us when we are back in our room.
Planning a c-section is very odd. When I was pregnant with Hailey, it never once occurred to me that I would have a section. Sure, I read that chapter in my what to expect book, but I had had zero complications during pregnancy, and no one in my family had had a c-section. But as trouble free as my first pregnancy was, my labour was awful. After 17 hours of back labour and zero progression, Hailey went into distress and I was rushed to an OR.
It wasn't an easy decision to plan for a second section. There are risks due to scar tissue, and let me tell you, recovering from surgery and learning to care for a newborn at the same time - not the easiest or loveliest of tasks. But I've been so hesitant to try again and grow our family after the first experience, for fear of the same trauma. At least this way we know how it will all end up, because we've been through it before. It's rather heart wrenching to try to deliver naturally and not be able to do it. I don't think I could handle hoping for things to go right and ending up back on the table.
So we have a delivery date. December 31. Nathan will be one of the last babies delivered in 2010. Because that date is the cut off for school, we will have more choices of what year he can start. If he's ready for primary at 4.5, we can sign him up. If not, we can wait for the following year. And figuring out his age will always be a piece of cake! Ok, so maybe some of these "positives" are a little silly, but thinking them up has certainly been therapeutic for me, especially when the thoughts of epidurals and surgery become overwhelming. So I finish work in 4 weeks and 2 days, and Nathan comes in 6 weeks, or 44 days.
His room is almost ready. We have his crib together and his clothes in his dresser. I have to get a blind and valence, and put up some pictures, and then it will be ready. I will be sure to post a pic or two when it's done!
It's very different knowing the date your baby is coming (assuming he doesn't make an appearance before that!). With Michael's line of work, it is nice knowing that he will have a little over a week with the baby before he goes back to work. And it's nice knowing that as long as Nathan doesn't come early, Michael will be home for the delivery. I can plan childcare for my 4 year old for the day (thanks Mom!) and know that she will be able to come and see us when we are back in our room.
Planning a c-section is very odd. When I was pregnant with Hailey, it never once occurred to me that I would have a section. Sure, I read that chapter in my what to expect book, but I had had zero complications during pregnancy, and no one in my family had had a c-section. But as trouble free as my first pregnancy was, my labour was awful. After 17 hours of back labour and zero progression, Hailey went into distress and I was rushed to an OR.
It wasn't an easy decision to plan for a second section. There are risks due to scar tissue, and let me tell you, recovering from surgery and learning to care for a newborn at the same time - not the easiest or loveliest of tasks. But I've been so hesitant to try again and grow our family after the first experience, for fear of the same trauma. At least this way we know how it will all end up, because we've been through it before. It's rather heart wrenching to try to deliver naturally and not be able to do it. I don't think I could handle hoping for things to go right and ending up back on the table.
So we have a delivery date. December 31. Nathan will be one of the last babies delivered in 2010. Because that date is the cut off for school, we will have more choices of what year he can start. If he's ready for primary at 4.5, we can sign him up. If not, we can wait for the following year. And figuring out his age will always be a piece of cake! Ok, so maybe some of these "positives" are a little silly, but thinking them up has certainly been therapeutic for me, especially when the thoughts of epidurals and surgery become overwhelming. So I finish work in 4 weeks and 2 days, and Nathan comes in 6 weeks, or 44 days.
His room is almost ready. We have his crib together and his clothes in his dresser. I have to get a blind and valence, and put up some pictures, and then it will be ready. I will be sure to post a pic or two when it's done!
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Hottest Toys for Christmas 2010
It's on every parents mind this month - what does my kid want for Christmas, and is it going to be the popular toy that is impossible to find?
I'll admit it, I couldn't handle the pressure and the unknown, and I have already purchased Hailey's big Christmas gifts. I couldn't risk not being able to get my hands on it later in the season. It's risky though to buy early. They could change their minds on what they want, the toy could go on sale, and you could end up buying more things if you start too early. It's a hard line to walk.
Sometimes, you get lucky. Hailey wanted the Barbie Camper, and the Barbie Jet. I found the Jet at Costco for $99.99 with three dolls, while everywhere else had it for the same price with no dolls. It has since gone on sale for $79.99 at Toys R Us, but again it has no dolls. I ordered the camper with three dolls from Toys R Us online for $119.99, on a Monday, and on Friday it went on sale for $99.99. But - TRU was really great over the phone and credited the difference back on to my credit card.
Since then, Hailey has mentioned wanting the Toy Story Operation game she saw at Shoppers Drug Mart, and an Easy Bake Oven. We only get her one big gift for Christmas, plus her stocking, so I am planning to drop a couple of hints to family members looking for something to pick up for her.
My friend's daughter wanted the Fur Real Friends Go-go walking dog - and this item is showing up on a lot of hottest toys for 2010 lists. She was able to find one, but it wasn't easy. She had to get another friend pick one up in New Brunswick and bring it home for her.
What other toys do you think will be hot this year? I'd love to do up a list and see if our predictions are correct. What is your kid asking for this year? Did you rush out to pick it up, or are you waiting to get your shopping started? Email me at allisonleannegray@gmail.com.
I'll admit it, I couldn't handle the pressure and the unknown, and I have already purchased Hailey's big Christmas gifts. I couldn't risk not being able to get my hands on it later in the season. It's risky though to buy early. They could change their minds on what they want, the toy could go on sale, and you could end up buying more things if you start too early. It's a hard line to walk.
Sometimes, you get lucky. Hailey wanted the Barbie Camper, and the Barbie Jet. I found the Jet at Costco for $99.99 with three dolls, while everywhere else had it for the same price with no dolls. It has since gone on sale for $79.99 at Toys R Us, but again it has no dolls. I ordered the camper with three dolls from Toys R Us online for $119.99, on a Monday, and on Friday it went on sale for $99.99. But - TRU was really great over the phone and credited the difference back on to my credit card.
Since then, Hailey has mentioned wanting the Toy Story Operation game she saw at Shoppers Drug Mart, and an Easy Bake Oven. We only get her one big gift for Christmas, plus her stocking, so I am planning to drop a couple of hints to family members looking for something to pick up for her.
My friend's daughter wanted the Fur Real Friends Go-go walking dog - and this item is showing up on a lot of hottest toys for 2010 lists. She was able to find one, but it wasn't easy. She had to get another friend pick one up in New Brunswick and bring it home for her.
What other toys do you think will be hot this year? I'd love to do up a list and see if our predictions are correct. What is your kid asking for this year? Did you rush out to pick it up, or are you waiting to get your shopping started? Email me at allisonleannegray@gmail.com.
Ramona and Beezus
Remember reading Beverly Cleary as a kid, and the adventures of Beatrice and her crazy little sister Ramona? I was so excited to see these books being turned into a movie. However, my mom beat me to the punch and took Hailey to see it a couple of months ago in theatres. The DVD just came out and we all watched it as a family the other night. I loved it. I love Selena Gomez (she plays Beatice). She is my favorite kid actor of the moment. She's adorable and seems to have a great personality. It was the first time I had seen Joey King (Ramona) in action and she was really great. She really seemed to bring the character to life, with all her quirks and fun. My daughter really loved this movie, and I will now be on the lookout for Beverly Cleary books; stocking up for when she can read them, and maybe so we can read them together until then.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Baby checklist
I made this checklist using a couple of online lists and experience with my first little one so I could keep track of gifts and purchases and be sure I had everything in time for baby Nathan's arrival. I thought maybe it might be useful for other moms, so I am posting it up.
If you want to use it email me for the original file - tried to find a way to link it here... I'll keep working on it.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Kids and death
My kid has been asking a lot of questions about death lately. Her questions are all over the place. It's so hard to know what to say! On one hand, I am a very spiritual person who believes in God and Heaven, but on the other, I want to make sure she knows that these are my beliefs, and that no one knows for sure.
Lately she's been obsessed with reincarnation. She doesn't know the term of course, but she will ask questions like "after I am in Heaven for a long time, will I come back to earth as someone else?". Her thoughts are so deep and intelligent!
There are other times that she will simply state that she doesn't want me to die and will pout and tear up a little. We've had a couple of deaths in our family in the last couple of years, so we've had the opportunity to talk about Heaven and meeting God. But she wants real answers, like what part of you stays here and what part moves on, and how we get there, and what it's like. I tell her that we don't know but we will find out when we get there, but it seems like such a cop out answer! And then there are the animal questions and whether they get to go to heaven when they die, and is it the same heaven as everyone else.
I guess I knew I'd have to have these conversations with my daughter, but I didn't think she would be asking such things at only 4 years of age! I've been putting off taking her to church because she is so wiggly and has such a short attention span, but maybe she is ready to start learning about her spirituality.
When did your kids start asking about death? What did you tell them? Let me know at allisonleannegray@gmail.com. :)
Lately she's been obsessed with reincarnation. She doesn't know the term of course, but she will ask questions like "after I am in Heaven for a long time, will I come back to earth as someone else?". Her thoughts are so deep and intelligent!
There are other times that she will simply state that she doesn't want me to die and will pout and tear up a little. We've had a couple of deaths in our family in the last couple of years, so we've had the opportunity to talk about Heaven and meeting God. But she wants real answers, like what part of you stays here and what part moves on, and how we get there, and what it's like. I tell her that we don't know but we will find out when we get there, but it seems like such a cop out answer! And then there are the animal questions and whether they get to go to heaven when they die, and is it the same heaven as everyone else.
I guess I knew I'd have to have these conversations with my daughter, but I didn't think she would be asking such things at only 4 years of age! I've been putting off taking her to church because she is so wiggly and has such a short attention span, but maybe she is ready to start learning about her spirituality.
When did your kids start asking about death? What did you tell them? Let me know at allisonleannegray@gmail.com. :)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Out with Halloween, in with Christmas
In the car this morning on the way to school, Hailey started singing Halloween songs. I told her Halloween was over, and right away she jumped into her own version of Jingle Bells.
It seems Hailey and retailers have the same idea - the minute Halloween is over, the Christmas season, or at least the Christmas shopping season begins. And the scramble for the perfect gift! My co-worker and I both were planning to get our daughters the same Barbie accessories this year, and this afternoon she informed me that these particular items were going to be "Hot Christmas gifts" this year - which translates into hard to find. I know two stores that have the items right now, so I am stressing about getting them purchased and put away. Never mind that Christmas is still 54 days away. Actually, I am doing really well so far. I have well over half of my very large list done already, and items picked out for most of the remaining people. My husband and I bought each other an electric fireplace this year, so we aren't exchanging gifts. That certainly takes a whole lot of the pressure off.
The one part I haven't really gotten started on is my stocking stuffers. A couple of years ago my family (my parents, my husband and I, my sister and her fiancee) decided to do Secret Santa stockings. It's been a lot of fun and even though my sister moved away, we are planning to continue the tradition. I have had my pick (and my husbands - I mean really - you know I am doing the shopping for both!) since August, but I have only picked up two items! I can't tell you who we picked, because my family reads my blog, but I can put out a request for different stocking stuffer ideas! Let me know your favorite items to stuff in stockings, or your favorites to receive. I'd also love to hear about your family Christmas traditions. Send them to allisonleannegray@gmail.com.
Happy Shopping!
It seems Hailey and retailers have the same idea - the minute Halloween is over, the Christmas season, or at least the Christmas shopping season begins. And the scramble for the perfect gift! My co-worker and I both were planning to get our daughters the same Barbie accessories this year, and this afternoon she informed me that these particular items were going to be "Hot Christmas gifts" this year - which translates into hard to find. I know two stores that have the items right now, so I am stressing about getting them purchased and put away. Never mind that Christmas is still 54 days away. Actually, I am doing really well so far. I have well over half of my very large list done already, and items picked out for most of the remaining people. My husband and I bought each other an electric fireplace this year, so we aren't exchanging gifts. That certainly takes a whole lot of the pressure off.
The one part I haven't really gotten started on is my stocking stuffers. A couple of years ago my family (my parents, my husband and I, my sister and her fiancee) decided to do Secret Santa stockings. It's been a lot of fun and even though my sister moved away, we are planning to continue the tradition. I have had my pick (and my husbands - I mean really - you know I am doing the shopping for both!) since August, but I have only picked up two items! I can't tell you who we picked, because my family reads my blog, but I can put out a request for different stocking stuffer ideas! Let me know your favorite items to stuff in stockings, or your favorites to receive. I'd also love to hear about your family Christmas traditions. Send them to allisonleannegray@gmail.com.
Happy Shopping!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween Fun
I love Halloween. Seeing all the kiddos in the costumes, all revved up on sugar and driving their parents crazy. It's a wonderful sight.
We had our little Halloween party today and I have say, it was pretty successful! Although, if I am being totally honest, it's the last party I will ever plan at 7 months pregnant.
We had a dance party, played pass the pumpkin, went on a witch hunt, played hullabaloo, made some crafts, and made ice cream sundaes. We had rice, veggies and meatballs for supper, and there was cupcakes, cookies and timbits for snacking. We did a lot of snacking. The kids had a lot of fun with the games, and the adults had some adult conversation while they played in the playroom. They were all dressed so cute - Hailey was Cinderella, we had a rainbow witch, the Queen of Hearts, a green fairy, a witch, batman, a dragon, Buzz Lightyear, a vampire, Thomas the Train, and two baby girls - one was a butterfly and the other was a flower. Super cute.
I didn't take many pictures but my friend Lisa did so when she posts hers I will grab some and post them.
Today is Halloween, and we have some more fun planned. We are visiting some relatives and family friends during the afternoon, and then trick or treating in our subdivision tonight. Because Michael is away my neighbor said he would give away our candy, for which I am grateful. I am just going to rope off my front step and put up a sign. I wish I could take the dog trick or treating, but I don't trust him enough not to jump on the kids, and I have nightmares about him hurting one. Hopefully by next year he will be calmed down enough to some with us.
Actually this is the first year that Hailey and I will be trick or treating alone. Usually we are with my sister-in-law and her daughter, but they will be going around in their new subdivision this year. There are a couple of other friends I could convince to come out with us, but I wonder if Hailey and I wont have as much fun on our own. She rarely lasts very long, so our neighborhood is great in that the houses are really close together. We usually go as far as the stop sign and back and then she is kapput. I let her pick out her favorite candies, and then I steal a couple, and the rest goes to the scavengers at work! I mean really, who wants all that candy in their house anyways!
Here are some photos from Halloween:
This is Hailey getting ready to trick or treat
Here is all her loot from the day - it would take more than a year for her to eat this much junk food!
Here are some of the party attendees - Hailey is Cinderella, my niece is a rainbow witch, and the little girls from our neighborhood were the Queen of Hearts, a witch and a green fairy.
Still waiting on some photos from friends who were at the party!
We had our little Halloween party today and I have say, it was pretty successful! Although, if I am being totally honest, it's the last party I will ever plan at 7 months pregnant.
We had a dance party, played pass the pumpkin, went on a witch hunt, played hullabaloo, made some crafts, and made ice cream sundaes. We had rice, veggies and meatballs for supper, and there was cupcakes, cookies and timbits for snacking. We did a lot of snacking. The kids had a lot of fun with the games, and the adults had some adult conversation while they played in the playroom. They were all dressed so cute - Hailey was Cinderella, we had a rainbow witch, the Queen of Hearts, a green fairy, a witch, batman, a dragon, Buzz Lightyear, a vampire, Thomas the Train, and two baby girls - one was a butterfly and the other was a flower. Super cute.
I didn't take many pictures but my friend Lisa did so when she posts hers I will grab some and post them.
Today is Halloween, and we have some more fun planned. We are visiting some relatives and family friends during the afternoon, and then trick or treating in our subdivision tonight. Because Michael is away my neighbor said he would give away our candy, for which I am grateful. I am just going to rope off my front step and put up a sign. I wish I could take the dog trick or treating, but I don't trust him enough not to jump on the kids, and I have nightmares about him hurting one. Hopefully by next year he will be calmed down enough to some with us.
Actually this is the first year that Hailey and I will be trick or treating alone. Usually we are with my sister-in-law and her daughter, but they will be going around in their new subdivision this year. There are a couple of other friends I could convince to come out with us, but I wonder if Hailey and I wont have as much fun on our own. She rarely lasts very long, so our neighborhood is great in that the houses are really close together. We usually go as far as the stop sign and back and then she is kapput. I let her pick out her favorite candies, and then I steal a couple, and the rest goes to the scavengers at work! I mean really, who wants all that candy in their house anyways!
Here are some photos from Halloween:
Still waiting on some photos from friends who were at the party!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
My saucy kid
I remember fondly when my daughter was sweet and kind, polite and generous. I remember how proud I was and how I looked down on other peoples children when they misbehaved, threw tantrums, or were less than pleasant to others. I thought I was the best mother of all.
Then, my daughter hit three and a half, or so. Gone, at least in public, is the sweet polite little princess I sometimes still see when we are alone. She has been replaced by a center-of-attention, selfish, ignorant mini-teen. She rolls her eyes, talks back, lies, ignores, sticks out her tongue, and whines (ALOT). She's ungrateful when people buy her things, she is sneaky when she wants something she can't have, and she never thinks about other peoples feelings.
Where did I go wrong?
When we are home alone, snuggling on the couch, watching a movie and eating popcorn, and she is telling me how much she loves me, I wish I could hide a camera and show the world that there really is a sweet little girl in there. She speaks clearly, is intelligent and inquisitive, and is sweet and kind.
And then someone comes over, or we go to someones house. People will say hello to her and ask her a question, and one of two things will happen - she will either dance around and make noises instead of speaking, or grunt and hide in my side. I nudge her and try to get her to be social, but I rarely can get her to snap out of it, and usually have to cringe and shrug. When it's time to go, she will refuse to give hugs and kisses, or throw a tantrum that we are leaving.
In the car, I try to tell her about her behavior, and I get "Mommy, you are mean to me", or "Mommy, I will do better next time", or "Mommy, I don't like when you are mad with me". I put her in time out, I put her to bed early, I have even taken away the 1/2 hour of TV she watches before bed, and her story and song, but nothing changes my little monster back into my little princess. Is this the way it is from now on? Will I not get her back until she is 23 and ready to stop hating me and be my friend again? Is this how my mother felt; did it really happen for almost 20 years? I thought I would have more time before the "pre-teen" came out in her.
I adore my mom and the relationship that we have, but I have to say I was into my twenty's before we became as close as we are, although she was always, always there for me when I needed her. I hope Hailey and I will share a similar bond, but I am disappointed at the thought that I have to wait so long to get there.
Then, my daughter hit three and a half, or so. Gone, at least in public, is the sweet polite little princess I sometimes still see when we are alone. She has been replaced by a center-of-attention, selfish, ignorant mini-teen. She rolls her eyes, talks back, lies, ignores, sticks out her tongue, and whines (ALOT). She's ungrateful when people buy her things, she is sneaky when she wants something she can't have, and she never thinks about other peoples feelings.
Where did I go wrong?
When we are home alone, snuggling on the couch, watching a movie and eating popcorn, and she is telling me how much she loves me, I wish I could hide a camera and show the world that there really is a sweet little girl in there. She speaks clearly, is intelligent and inquisitive, and is sweet and kind.
And then someone comes over, or we go to someones house. People will say hello to her and ask her a question, and one of two things will happen - she will either dance around and make noises instead of speaking, or grunt and hide in my side. I nudge her and try to get her to be social, but I rarely can get her to snap out of it, and usually have to cringe and shrug. When it's time to go, she will refuse to give hugs and kisses, or throw a tantrum that we are leaving.
In the car, I try to tell her about her behavior, and I get "Mommy, you are mean to me", or "Mommy, I will do better next time", or "Mommy, I don't like when you are mad with me". I put her in time out, I put her to bed early, I have even taken away the 1/2 hour of TV she watches before bed, and her story and song, but nothing changes my little monster back into my little princess. Is this the way it is from now on? Will I not get her back until she is 23 and ready to stop hating me and be my friend again? Is this how my mother felt; did it really happen for almost 20 years? I thought I would have more time before the "pre-teen" came out in her.
I adore my mom and the relationship that we have, but I have to say I was into my twenty's before we became as close as we are, although she was always, always there for me when I needed her. I hope Hailey and I will share a similar bond, but I am disappointed at the thought that I have to wait so long to get there.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Driving on Auto-Pilot
Ever realize half way during your drive that you are going the wrong way?
The city of Halifax recently opened a new exit off of Highway 102. This exit leads directly to the street that Hailey's school is on, and saves me about ten minutes of driving time. I don't think many people realize that it is open, because it is still a pretty quiet street.
Two days in a row my intentions were to take this new exit, but I found myself going the old way, too late to turn around. It's funny how ingrained my old route is in my brain. I have to continue to remind myself on the drive of the route that I am taking, and this morning I literally had to stay in the left hand lane to prevent myself from taking the wrong exit.
Is this just preggo brain? I don't think. It's not the first time I planned to change my route in the morning and then found myself going the same old way. It's so easy to let your thoughts wander while you are driving, and your subconscious just takes over. I am hoping after a couple of weeks of taking the new exit, I wont have to concentrate so hard!
The city of Halifax recently opened a new exit off of Highway 102. This exit leads directly to the street that Hailey's school is on, and saves me about ten minutes of driving time. I don't think many people realize that it is open, because it is still a pretty quiet street.
Two days in a row my intentions were to take this new exit, but I found myself going the old way, too late to turn around. It's funny how ingrained my old route is in my brain. I have to continue to remind myself on the drive of the route that I am taking, and this morning I literally had to stay in the left hand lane to prevent myself from taking the wrong exit.
Is this just preggo brain? I don't think. It's not the first time I planned to change my route in the morning and then found myself going the same old way. It's so easy to let your thoughts wander while you are driving, and your subconscious just takes over. I am hoping after a couple of weeks of taking the new exit, I wont have to concentrate so hard!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Waiting Game
Is it January yet?
The old saying "Don't wish your life away" is lost on me. I hate waiting around for things. Currently I am impatient for Halloween parties, baby showers, Michael's return, Christmas and giving birth. Days that are normal seem excruciatingly long and boring. At work I long to go home, but once I am home I am longing for sleep, or fun. There is no relaxing and enjoying the empty time, or taking advantage of the relative peacefulness of my home, which is sure to change in two and a half months. Instead my brain is planning for all things that are coming, running in fast forward about all the things I need to do and buy and set up. It's exhausting.
Halloween is next weekend. Hailey has orange and black day at school tomorrow, so we have her outfit all laid out for that. Next Friday she has a Halloween party at school, and we are doing a costume contest at work. I am excited about my costume, as we are having a contest and I don't know if anyone else is planning to participate. I hope they do. It was not easy coming up with a costume at almost 7 months pregnant!
On Saturday we are having a Halloween party with our friends and some kids from the neighborhood. We started putting up decorations this week and I think I have all the contests and prizes under control. The other parents are bringing the food, which is a nice change. Nice on my pocketbook as well.
Oh I have an odd Hailey story to tell. My mom brought home some gifts for her from our shopping trip, and gave them to her the night we got home. At Khols there was a promotion to benefit needy kids in the area where they were selling stuffed characters from Dr Seuss books. Mom bought Hailey the "Grinch who stole Christmas", and one of the characters from the book "There's a Wocket in my Pocket". Hailey said thank you and played with both toys for a little while, and then all of the sudden, she looks at mom and says "Do I have to keep these?" I didn't know what to say. It turns out she didn't want the Grinch. She said he was scary. On one hand, I was angry that she would be so rude, and not use her manners when it comes to receiving gifts. There will be many times throughout her life when she will be given a gift that she doesn't necessary like, and she will need to learn how to be grateful to giver anyways. But on the other hand, I so rarely see her act assertively, it was nice to see her voice her own opinions and wants. Luckily, my mom was understanding, and said that she would give the toy to a child who would not be getting many gifts for Christmas. Hailey seemed happy with that.
The old saying "Don't wish your life away" is lost on me. I hate waiting around for things. Currently I am impatient for Halloween parties, baby showers, Michael's return, Christmas and giving birth. Days that are normal seem excruciatingly long and boring. At work I long to go home, but once I am home I am longing for sleep, or fun. There is no relaxing and enjoying the empty time, or taking advantage of the relative peacefulness of my home, which is sure to change in two and a half months. Instead my brain is planning for all things that are coming, running in fast forward about all the things I need to do and buy and set up. It's exhausting.
Halloween is next weekend. Hailey has orange and black day at school tomorrow, so we have her outfit all laid out for that. Next Friday she has a Halloween party at school, and we are doing a costume contest at work. I am excited about my costume, as we are having a contest and I don't know if anyone else is planning to participate. I hope they do. It was not easy coming up with a costume at almost 7 months pregnant!
On Saturday we are having a Halloween party with our friends and some kids from the neighborhood. We started putting up decorations this week and I think I have all the contests and prizes under control. The other parents are bringing the food, which is a nice change. Nice on my pocketbook as well.
Oh I have an odd Hailey story to tell. My mom brought home some gifts for her from our shopping trip, and gave them to her the night we got home. At Khols there was a promotion to benefit needy kids in the area where they were selling stuffed characters from Dr Seuss books. Mom bought Hailey the "Grinch who stole Christmas", and one of the characters from the book "There's a Wocket in my Pocket". Hailey said thank you and played with both toys for a little while, and then all of the sudden, she looks at mom and says "Do I have to keep these?" I didn't know what to say. It turns out she didn't want the Grinch. She said he was scary. On one hand, I was angry that she would be so rude, and not use her manners when it comes to receiving gifts. There will be many times throughout her life when she will be given a gift that she doesn't necessary like, and she will need to learn how to be grateful to giver anyways. But on the other hand, I so rarely see her act assertively, it was nice to see her voice her own opinions and wants. Luckily, my mom was understanding, and said that she would give the toy to a child who would not be getting many gifts for Christmas. Hailey seemed happy with that.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
There's no better shower than an after travel shower
*Before you read this entry - you need to know that I stayed in a motor inn. And while it was clean and cheap and fulfilled all the needs and requirements I had for my shopping trip, I could feel my heels clicking and may subconscious calling "there's no place like home.... there's no place like home...". I am sure that if I had stayed somewhere fancy and expensive, this entry would look a little different - and I would not have been able to get as much Christmas shopping done!*
My shower last night was one of the best showers I have ever had. When you shower in your own shower day after day, you don't take as much pleasure in your wonderful shower head that is set to the perfect height and pressure. You don't notice how easy it is to get the perfect blend of hot and cold. You forget how soft and fluffy your towels feel. When you go on a hard core shopping trip for four days, and you finally get home to your own shower, you finally appreciate how wonderful home is.
The same can be said for your bed. I didn't participate very much in the choosing of our mattress. I have to admit that my sister, and my husband, tried out every bed in the store before agreeing on one, and they all seemed the same to me. For a good month after we purchased our bedroom set, I felt like I was in a hotel, because the bed was so high off the ground and the mattress was so firm and soft. Add in new sheets and a duvet and it took months before I felt at home in that bed. But after three nights on the motel bed, my bed felt like paradise last night, and my sleep was one of the best ever.
Now that my complaining is done, there were lot's of great parts to my trip. The motel had a continental breakfast, which is really wonderful when you routinely wake up an hour before your travel partners, and want to get out of the room so as not to wake them up. There was a huge assortment of goodies - bagels and breads and english muffins, waffles and fruit and cereal and pastries. I generally brought the laptop with me and did a little surfing and eating while I waited for the rest of our party to wake up.
The shopping was really good this weekend, and I got 25 of 40 Christmas gifts bought. I like buying for people in the states, because I can get them items that are more unique - and I can make my money go a lot further! I was also able to replace some items my daughter had outgrown - sneakers and snowsuits and outfits. I picked up some prizes and decor for our Halloween party, and a couple of toys. Ooh - I got Nathan his very first pair of Nikes - some blue shocks. They are super cute.
I ate well on our trip as well. We went to the Texas roadhouse for supper, and I had the bbq chicken. The food was delish, except the chicken had three times the amount of bbq sauce that I would have liked. But I cleaned it off and all was well. I am sure I looked like a dork scraping the bbq sauce off my chicken and into a side dish. But they have the most delicious bread - and they serve it with a cinnamon spread. YUM. Hmmm, where else did we eat.... ooh - we had lunch at the Acorn restaurant near Fredericton. It's like a big stop attached to a shell station. The food was really good, and cheap! We all had a turkey dinner, since we wouldn't be getting one on Thanksgiving. Our last night in Bangor we brought a Papa John's pizza back to the motel - it was amazing. The only real downer food wise was our lunch stop on the way home yesterday. We saw an Irving sign at Sussex with a restaurant sign under it and thought - BIG STOP! But, it was this McCready's hotel and restaurant, and I have to say, it is an insult to Irving restaurants everywhere. The place was dirty, the service was terrible, and we couldn't wait to get out of there. We also almost paid too much for our food, since they wanted to charge us for platters when we only had sandwiches. It was an experience, and I don't think any of us will mistakenly stop there again!
All in all though - it was a very successful trip, but I am happy to be back home to my hubby and my girlie.
My shower last night was one of the best showers I have ever had. When you shower in your own shower day after day, you don't take as much pleasure in your wonderful shower head that is set to the perfect height and pressure. You don't notice how easy it is to get the perfect blend of hot and cold. You forget how soft and fluffy your towels feel. When you go on a hard core shopping trip for four days, and you finally get home to your own shower, you finally appreciate how wonderful home is.
The same can be said for your bed. I didn't participate very much in the choosing of our mattress. I have to admit that my sister, and my husband, tried out every bed in the store before agreeing on one, and they all seemed the same to me. For a good month after we purchased our bedroom set, I felt like I was in a hotel, because the bed was so high off the ground and the mattress was so firm and soft. Add in new sheets and a duvet and it took months before I felt at home in that bed. But after three nights on the motel bed, my bed felt like paradise last night, and my sleep was one of the best ever.
Now that my complaining is done, there were lot's of great parts to my trip. The motel had a continental breakfast, which is really wonderful when you routinely wake up an hour before your travel partners, and want to get out of the room so as not to wake them up. There was a huge assortment of goodies - bagels and breads and english muffins, waffles and fruit and cereal and pastries. I generally brought the laptop with me and did a little surfing and eating while I waited for the rest of our party to wake up.
The shopping was really good this weekend, and I got 25 of 40 Christmas gifts bought. I like buying for people in the states, because I can get them items that are more unique - and I can make my money go a lot further! I was also able to replace some items my daughter had outgrown - sneakers and snowsuits and outfits. I picked up some prizes and decor for our Halloween party, and a couple of toys. Ooh - I got Nathan his very first pair of Nikes - some blue shocks. They are super cute.
I ate well on our trip as well. We went to the Texas roadhouse for supper, and I had the bbq chicken. The food was delish, except the chicken had three times the amount of bbq sauce that I would have liked. But I cleaned it off and all was well. I am sure I looked like a dork scraping the bbq sauce off my chicken and into a side dish. But they have the most delicious bread - and they serve it with a cinnamon spread. YUM. Hmmm, where else did we eat.... ooh - we had lunch at the Acorn restaurant near Fredericton. It's like a big stop attached to a shell station. The food was really good, and cheap! We all had a turkey dinner, since we wouldn't be getting one on Thanksgiving. Our last night in Bangor we brought a Papa John's pizza back to the motel - it was amazing. The only real downer food wise was our lunch stop on the way home yesterday. We saw an Irving sign at Sussex with a restaurant sign under it and thought - BIG STOP! But, it was this McCready's hotel and restaurant, and I have to say, it is an insult to Irving restaurants everywhere. The place was dirty, the service was terrible, and we couldn't wait to get out of there. We also almost paid too much for our food, since they wanted to charge us for platters when we only had sandwiches. It was an experience, and I don't think any of us will mistakenly stop there again!
All in all though - it was a very successful trip, but I am happy to be back home to my hubby and my girlie.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Party Planning
I love to plan parties. Kids parties, specifically. Themed parties.
This months obsession: a Halloween party. I threw a Halloween party for Hailey two years ago. It was about a 7/10. I rented a small meeting room at a local facility for the party, which was great for clean up and tear down, but not good for keeping kids occupied. Despite the fact that I had three activity stations plus two organized activities, we still did everything in an hour. If we'd been at home, the kids could have played with toys for the remainder of the time.
This year I think I am going to keep it a little simpler. I am going to have it here at our house, and the play room should be set up by then for the kids to play in. I have three organized activities planned, and my sister-in-law suggested a pot luck would be best, which suits me fine! My husband wont be home at the time so taking the food issue out of the equation means it will be a lot more manageable. I have to say though, it is a lot harder to invite people to a potluck than to a regular party. I prefer to say "Come to my party" rather than "Come and bring something!". But I think that for the most part, the parents are looking for another place for the kids to wear their costumes and have some fun, so they are down with helping with the food.
If you have any ideas of fun Halloween party activities - post em up! After the party I will post pictures - and details. I don't want to ruin the surprise!
This months obsession: a Halloween party. I threw a Halloween party for Hailey two years ago. It was about a 7/10. I rented a small meeting room at a local facility for the party, which was great for clean up and tear down, but not good for keeping kids occupied. Despite the fact that I had three activity stations plus two organized activities, we still did everything in an hour. If we'd been at home, the kids could have played with toys for the remainder of the time.
This year I think I am going to keep it a little simpler. I am going to have it here at our house, and the play room should be set up by then for the kids to play in. I have three organized activities planned, and my sister-in-law suggested a pot luck would be best, which suits me fine! My husband wont be home at the time so taking the food issue out of the equation means it will be a lot more manageable. I have to say though, it is a lot harder to invite people to a potluck than to a regular party. I prefer to say "Come to my party" rather than "Come and bring something!". But I think that for the most part, the parents are looking for another place for the kids to wear their costumes and have some fun, so they are down with helping with the food.
If you have any ideas of fun Halloween party activities - post em up! After the party I will post pictures - and details. I don't want to ruin the surprise!
Baby blues
I think I have the colors picked. I bought a white blanket with blue and brown dots and my husband took it to Home Depot to match the colors with paint. They have this great tool that scans the material and matched the colors perfectly! I am still deciding between two browns, but if I was brutally honest with myself, they are so similar that it really doesn't matter which one we pick. They are Behr colors and you can actually go on their website and "paint" a virtual room, to see how the colors would go together. It's actually a really fun tool. http://www.behr.com/colorsmart4/colorsmart/main.jsp
Here are the colors:
The first one has an earthier brown, and the second has more beige to it. You see it, right? Let me know which one you like better. I like number one, myself. I think.
There is so much to do to get ready for Nathan's arrival. It's kind of exhausting, and I am not even the one doing the work! Today the hubby is finishing up the new playroom so we can move all the toys out of the old playroom, and get started painting the nursery. It's really nice knowing that the babies gender. Four years ago, when we were getting ready for baby #1, we didn't know, and we picked a Finding Nemo theme. It was really cute and all, but if I was really honest with myself, I would have loved to do pinks and purples for Hailey's room. I was so excited when we finally gave her a princess room in our new house for her third birthday. The blue and brown that we picked for Nathan's room should eventually transfer nicely into a little boy theme. I'll be sure to post up some pictures when it is all complete.
Here are the colors:
The first one has an earthier brown, and the second has more beige to it. You see it, right? Let me know which one you like better. I like number one, myself. I think.
There is so much to do to get ready for Nathan's arrival. It's kind of exhausting, and I am not even the one doing the work! Today the hubby is finishing up the new playroom so we can move all the toys out of the old playroom, and get started painting the nursery. It's really nice knowing that the babies gender. Four years ago, when we were getting ready for baby #1, we didn't know, and we picked a Finding Nemo theme. It was really cute and all, but if I was really honest with myself, I would have loved to do pinks and purples for Hailey's room. I was so excited when we finally gave her a princess room in our new house for her third birthday. The blue and brown that we picked for Nathan's room should eventually transfer nicely into a little boy theme. I'll be sure to post up some pictures when it is all complete.
Monday, September 27, 2010
6am - I hate you
Every morning I open my eyes and the clock reads 5:55. I glare at said clock, and roll over. However, my full bladder is urging me to empty it, and by the time I get back to my room, the damn thing says 6:00. It's 6 am and I long to crawl back under my warm duvet, back to my warm spot in my warm sheets on my warm pillow. Instead, the dog starts whining to relieve himself and I get to start another day.
The worst part, is that my body, and my dog, doesn't care when it's the weekend. Both still decide to wake up at 6 am. Oh I can try to get the washroom visit and canine feedings done quickly, and snuggle back under the covers, but it is always futile, as my mind is now awake and is ready to start the day.
To be truthful, I get the most done in the mornings. It's the best time for housework, and most Saturday mornings see me vacuuming the entire house, cleaning two bathrooms and a kitchen, and having the laundry done and folder by 8:30. But ask me to do those things after lunch, and it wont happen!
The downfall of an internal clock that rings "wake-up" at 6 am is vacations and group functions. Camping, for instance. It's 5:55, and I have to sneak out of my tent without waking the whole campground, and shuffle down the path to the washroom. I get back to my tent, starving, but afraid to start making breakfast for fear that I will wake my neighbors, who surely don't want to be up so early on their camping trip. So I crawl back into my sleeping bag and let my mind wander for two hours, until I absolutely can't stand it any longer and have to get up. And still, there are no sounds coming from any of the other tents, despite many of them containing young children. You can see how this can be an issue for me.
I wonder what will happen to my internal alarm clock when Nathan is born. I struggle to remember what my sleep was like when Hailey was a newborn, but I don't remember much, even though it was only four years ago. I remember sleeping at a lot of random times. I remember the first time she slept all night was the time we came home and didn't take her out of her car seat. Unfortunately, we didn't get the memo that she was going to sleep through so we kept waking up, expecting her to wake up. I remember snuggling with her on the couch a lot, letting her sleep in my arms. Really, I am not sure how prepared I am for a newborn and a four year old; for being up all night with one and all day with the other. I can't imagine how people do it with a toddler and an infant - or two infants! At least Hailey can feed and dress herself, take herself to the washroom and entertain herself, somewhat.
I'd better stop talking about sleep, and sleep deprivation. I am having a hard enough time keeping myself alert at my desk.
The worst part, is that my body, and my dog, doesn't care when it's the weekend. Both still decide to wake up at 6 am. Oh I can try to get the washroom visit and canine feedings done quickly, and snuggle back under the covers, but it is always futile, as my mind is now awake and is ready to start the day.
To be truthful, I get the most done in the mornings. It's the best time for housework, and most Saturday mornings see me vacuuming the entire house, cleaning two bathrooms and a kitchen, and having the laundry done and folder by 8:30. But ask me to do those things after lunch, and it wont happen!
The downfall of an internal clock that rings "wake-up" at 6 am is vacations and group functions. Camping, for instance. It's 5:55, and I have to sneak out of my tent without waking the whole campground, and shuffle down the path to the washroom. I get back to my tent, starving, but afraid to start making breakfast for fear that I will wake my neighbors, who surely don't want to be up so early on their camping trip. So I crawl back into my sleeping bag and let my mind wander for two hours, until I absolutely can't stand it any longer and have to get up. And still, there are no sounds coming from any of the other tents, despite many of them containing young children. You can see how this can be an issue for me.
I wonder what will happen to my internal alarm clock when Nathan is born. I struggle to remember what my sleep was like when Hailey was a newborn, but I don't remember much, even though it was only four years ago. I remember sleeping at a lot of random times. I remember the first time she slept all night was the time we came home and didn't take her out of her car seat. Unfortunately, we didn't get the memo that she was going to sleep through so we kept waking up, expecting her to wake up. I remember snuggling with her on the couch a lot, letting her sleep in my arms. Really, I am not sure how prepared I am for a newborn and a four year old; for being up all night with one and all day with the other. I can't imagine how people do it with a toddler and an infant - or two infants! At least Hailey can feed and dress herself, take herself to the washroom and entertain herself, somewhat.
I'd better stop talking about sleep, and sleep deprivation. I am having a hard enough time keeping myself alert at my desk.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Old friends and Ice Cream - two of my favorite things.
Got to sort of hang out with a friend at lunch today. I say sort of because it was a group lunch, and at these functions, you can really only converse with the person you are sitting next to, and the one you are sitting across from. So, since I wasn't sitting with her, I didn't really get a chance to chat with her. But it was a nice lunch all the same, and hopefully we will make another date to catch up.
I like lunch dates. Gives me a chance to sit and chat for an hour and breaks up my day nicely. Don't get me wrong, I like my lunchroom breaks, but lunch dates have a little something special and exciting about them. Especially when it is a time you can get updated on an old friend's life.
Ok, I need to talk about Ice Cream. So, I'm pregnant. Before I get started, I need you to know right away that I eat like crap. I know it's bad for me, bad for the baby, that it'll take me another four years to lose the weight, and on and on. However, no matter what my logical mind tells me I should be doing, I still eat my crap. On with the story.
Some people find they have cravings of strange things when they are pregnant, things they normally wouldn't eat. This is true as well for me, because for some reason I am craving salt. I am a not normally a big chip person, but lately, I am eating a lot of plain lays.
The craving that is not strange, is ice cream. I adore ice cream. When I was a kid, my aunt worked at Farmers and would bring home the monster buckets of cotton candy ice cream for me. You know - the giant ones that they scoop from at the ice cream parlor. She once even brought be the blue goo that they lace cotton candy ice cream with, to use as a topping on all my other lovely flavors of ice cream. So it should come as no surprise to you that I am thinking of ice cream all day long. My current favorite thing is an Oreo Mcflurry. Convenient too, as McDonald's is a hop skip and jump away. I try not to keep ice cream in my freezer at home, as I've been known to skip meals in favor of my favorite desert, but I caved during my last grocery session and bought a tub of vanilla bean. I also have to admit to being a very bad parent. On Monday night, my daughter and I planned an ice cream treat in the evening. Everything was going fine - we each had our dish and our spoon and we were headed to the living room for some Hannah Montana, when I looked into my dish and found it to be rather plain looking. An odd thought for me, as I generally like my food on the plainer side, and I love vanilla ice cream of all types - french vanilla, vanilla bean, cherry vanilla... you name it. So I made a colossal mistake and with a gleam in my eye, asked my daughter if she wanted to try something really cool. Well, when you put it like that, what four year old wouldn't? I reached into the cupboard for the maple syrup, and slathered our ice cream with sugary goodness. I had left the cupboard door open, and she spotted the sprinkles. Well, we already had a delicious, gooey, unhealthy mess going, so why not.
I've learned that this was a door that should not have been opened. Every night after supper, or sometimes even during, Hailey asks for our ice cream-maple syrup-and-sprinkles treat. Craving it myself, it is hard to be the good parent and suggest a healthier snack, but so far this week, I've been able to steer her away from tooth decaying goodness. My husband has way more self control, so I only have to make it until he comes home Monday night, and then he can take over. It's gonna be a long weekend!!
I like lunch dates. Gives me a chance to sit and chat for an hour and breaks up my day nicely. Don't get me wrong, I like my lunchroom breaks, but lunch dates have a little something special and exciting about them. Especially when it is a time you can get updated on an old friend's life.
Ok, I need to talk about Ice Cream. So, I'm pregnant. Before I get started, I need you to know right away that I eat like crap. I know it's bad for me, bad for the baby, that it'll take me another four years to lose the weight, and on and on. However, no matter what my logical mind tells me I should be doing, I still eat my crap. On with the story.
Some people find they have cravings of strange things when they are pregnant, things they normally wouldn't eat. This is true as well for me, because for some reason I am craving salt. I am a not normally a big chip person, but lately, I am eating a lot of plain lays.
The craving that is not strange, is ice cream. I adore ice cream. When I was a kid, my aunt worked at Farmers and would bring home the monster buckets of cotton candy ice cream for me. You know - the giant ones that they scoop from at the ice cream parlor. She once even brought be the blue goo that they lace cotton candy ice cream with, to use as a topping on all my other lovely flavors of ice cream. So it should come as no surprise to you that I am thinking of ice cream all day long. My current favorite thing is an Oreo Mcflurry. Convenient too, as McDonald's is a hop skip and jump away. I try not to keep ice cream in my freezer at home, as I've been known to skip meals in favor of my favorite desert, but I caved during my last grocery session and bought a tub of vanilla bean. I also have to admit to being a very bad parent. On Monday night, my daughter and I planned an ice cream treat in the evening. Everything was going fine - we each had our dish and our spoon and we were headed to the living room for some Hannah Montana, when I looked into my dish and found it to be rather plain looking. An odd thought for me, as I generally like my food on the plainer side, and I love vanilla ice cream of all types - french vanilla, vanilla bean, cherry vanilla... you name it. So I made a colossal mistake and with a gleam in my eye, asked my daughter if she wanted to try something really cool. Well, when you put it like that, what four year old wouldn't? I reached into the cupboard for the maple syrup, and slathered our ice cream with sugary goodness. I had left the cupboard door open, and she spotted the sprinkles. Well, we already had a delicious, gooey, unhealthy mess going, so why not.
I've learned that this was a door that should not have been opened. Every night after supper, or sometimes even during, Hailey asks for our ice cream-maple syrup-and-sprinkles treat. Craving it myself, it is hard to be the good parent and suggest a healthier snack, but so far this week, I've been able to steer her away from tooth decaying goodness. My husband has way more self control, so I only have to make it until he comes home Monday night, and then he can take over. It's gonna be a long weekend!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sleep baby!
It's 4:10 am and everyone in the house is asleep, except the creature in my belly. For some reason this baby picks two very annoying times to be active - when I'm driving, and when I am trying to sleep. It's very distracting. I'm not one to normally have trouble sleeping, but I opened my eyes with a full bladder about an hour ago, and I haven't been able to escape back into my slumber since. My mind is running way past the speed limit. I'm thinking about work, a little, and about my husband, a lot. He is in a hotel room tonight, having been evacuated from his Oil Rig due to a big storm headed straight for the Grand Banks. I'm grateful that they pulled him off, and he is relatively safe on land. But I am missing him. I wish I could have flown to spend these couple of days with him. My daughter was talking to him on webcam after supper and he looked really hot. Don't mind me, it is 4 am after all, and my ramblings are sure to be less than coherent. It's kind of funny, my husband and I will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary this winter, and I find myself sometimes a little shocked by how great he is. I catch myself being a little shocked when I see him sometimes, or when he does something extra special. I mean, subconsciously I always know how great he is, but I guess in my day to day life I forget how lucky I am. Yeah, I am really missing him tonight. You know what else I am missing? Summer. There was a definite chill in the air today. All I could think of was the complaining we all did when it was 40 degrees and we sought relief at the beach. The beach - oh how I love the beach. In honor of these wonderful memories, here are some pictures I captures at my brother-in-laws camp this summer.
This is my niece enjoying the sand.
My nephew has this smile that melts your heart, and helps him out of trouble.
My husband and daughter getting a ride on the tube.
And Hailey going for a ride in the boat.
It was a great summer, filled with day trips to Magic Mountain and Upper Clements Park, camping and cottage trips, and a couple of great birthday parties. I'm looking forward to being off next summer and spending the days with my kids.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Anxiety in Children
My poor daughter is having a hard time at school. She's convinced herself that she doesn't like it there, and begs me all day and night to stay home with me for always. Thursday and Friday were especially bad. The teachers said she cried the entire day and wasn't able to eat her lunch. She was still upset all Friday evening and Saturday, and some of Sunday. Sunday night she started crying as soon as we started our bedtime routine, and as soon as she woke up this morning, she was in tears. I stayed with her at school for an extra twenty minutes, and helped her calm down and play with some of the toys. My hope is that if I can spend some time with her calmly each morning at the school, she will become more comfortable in her surroundings.
I have to admit that this is not the first sign of this. Last year at school she would cry when I dropped her off, but she was fine after five minutes or so. The difference was that she only went twice a week, and only for three hours. The rest of her time was spent with me. During the summer she played soccer, and she would cry for the first twenty minutes of the class, wanting me to hold her hand and play with her. And she was going to a good friends house during the summer, while I worked, and she had a hard time at drop off time with that.
Anxiety and depression run in my family. My husband always gets upset with me for watching for it in Hailey. I knew though that it would manifest in some way, although I always hoped she would be exempt from it. I've been looking up tricks online for helping her cope, but each site has information that contradicts the site before. It is so confusing. I just want to know what to say and do to make this easier on her. I know what it's like to have the anxiety wash over you, and even as an adult, I have a hard time making sense of the feelings of irrational fear. I can't imagine being 4 years old, wanting your mommy, being sick with fear in your surroundings, and having to stay that way for 8 or 9 hours of the day. It breaks my heart to sit here and know that she is sad and scared.
I've made an appointment with the doctor for next week. I hope that I can get some literature or a pediatrician appointment. I just need some direction in how to help her.
I have to admit that this is not the first sign of this. Last year at school she would cry when I dropped her off, but she was fine after five minutes or so. The difference was that she only went twice a week, and only for three hours. The rest of her time was spent with me. During the summer she played soccer, and she would cry for the first twenty minutes of the class, wanting me to hold her hand and play with her. And she was going to a good friends house during the summer, while I worked, and she had a hard time at drop off time with that.
Anxiety and depression run in my family. My husband always gets upset with me for watching for it in Hailey. I knew though that it would manifest in some way, although I always hoped she would be exempt from it. I've been looking up tricks online for helping her cope, but each site has information that contradicts the site before. It is so confusing. I just want to know what to say and do to make this easier on her. I know what it's like to have the anxiety wash over you, and even as an adult, I have a hard time making sense of the feelings of irrational fear. I can't imagine being 4 years old, wanting your mommy, being sick with fear in your surroundings, and having to stay that way for 8 or 9 hours of the day. It breaks my heart to sit here and know that she is sad and scared.
I've made an appointment with the doctor for next week. I hope that I can get some literature or a pediatrician appointment. I just need some direction in how to help her.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The guilt of a working parent
I'm not in the greatest of moods after dropping my daughter at preschool this morning. She was clingy and sad this morning. I wasn't surprised; my husband left to return to work Sunday night, and she was pretty shaken by his leaving. It seems to get worse each time. But it was terrible to leave her there with that look on her face.
I imagine myself sometimes with the Little House on the Prairie background. I am living in a big old farmhouse with all my family. The men leave to work and the women stay home and teach the kiddos and care for the home. Don't get me wrong, I don't really want that life. But I can feel the need to raise my daughter myself, to be the constant in her life. The feeling that I am abandoning her wars with the need to have a career and support my family.
I was on the website for Hailey's preschool the other day looking at the cost for daycare for babies and toddlers. People pay $35 a day! That's $700 a month! If you had more than one child in daycare - you'd be spending most of your paycheck on their care, and the rest on gas to get them back and forth! There is zero incentive to work if you have two or more young children. We were lucky with Hailey, I was off alot while she was young, and we had the support of family when I did work. This year her preschool program is subsidized by the CSAP (french provincial school board) so we pay about $21 a day and it sets her up for grade primary. I guess I'm pretty lucky that my kids will not be both in daycare at the same time, as Hailey starts school next September.
I imagine myself sometimes with the Little House on the Prairie background. I am living in a big old farmhouse with all my family. The men leave to work and the women stay home and teach the kiddos and care for the home. Don't get me wrong, I don't really want that life. But I can feel the need to raise my daughter myself, to be the constant in her life. The feeling that I am abandoning her wars with the need to have a career and support my family.
I was on the website for Hailey's preschool the other day looking at the cost for daycare for babies and toddlers. People pay $35 a day! That's $700 a month! If you had more than one child in daycare - you'd be spending most of your paycheck on their care, and the rest on gas to get them back and forth! There is zero incentive to work if you have two or more young children. We were lucky with Hailey, I was off alot while she was young, and we had the support of family when I did work. This year her preschool program is subsidized by the CSAP (french provincial school board) so we pay about $21 a day and it sets her up for grade primary. I guess I'm pretty lucky that my kids will not be both in daycare at the same time, as Hailey starts school next September.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Back to school
It's back to school week across the region, and parents and kids alike are experiencing bouts of excitement, anxiety, dread, and relief.
Yesterday was Hailey's first day of full time preschool. She goes to a french preschool, so there are elements of unease for me because she can't always understand everything that is going on, but it's not a totally new situation for her, because she was there last year for two half days a week. She also already knew her teacher because she had subbed for a week last year, and four kids from her class are with her this year, including a close friend. However, 8-5:30 is a much longer day than before. Yesterday morning was a breeze; she was so excited about her first day that she slipped on her indoor shoes and took off for the toys and friends. This morning her little friend wasn't at school, so she was reluctant for us to leave. When we picked her up yesterday, she came out with her face all painted like a butterfly. Apparently at around 4 when some of the parents started showing up, she got upset that her parents weren't there. One of the teachers had their little facepainting kit with them and made her feel better.
I've been talking to friends who are very anxious for their grade primary kids going to school for the first time. It's hard to leave them when you aren't sure how they will make out. It was nice taking Hailey to a place that she was familiar with, and I think it worked out well introducing her to school gradually. She will go to primary at the same school next year, and it's likely that she will already know most of the kids and her teacher too. It helps to ease some of that when we are asking her to be in an environment where the language is different. Even though we read in french and she knows a lot of french words, she is still far from fluent and struggles throughout the day. The teachers are great though, and they make sure she understands what is going on (the program is designed for kids who do not speak french at home but who are going into an exclusively french environment).
I was very nervous about today because I was worried about the traffic. I have a major commute now in the morning, as I don't live close to my daughter's school, or to my work. I have to pass through very busy sections to get to both places, and the city is still littered with construction. Add to that back to school traffic and I was sure I was going to be late for work this morning. But it was really not too bad. With the current heat wave, I expect many people took this week off. And I know some parents who took the day off to see their children to school. People may be not returning to the city until after the long weekend. So really, the true traffic should show it's face on Tuesday. I'm going to have to get up at 5:30 just to deal with the two dogs, the fish (I am dog and fish sitting for my parents, who are away), and getting myself and my daughter ready and out the door for 7:20. No easy task! And it should get more and more interesting the bigger my belly grows. But, look on the bright side - there is less than 4 months until December 24 - my official last day of work.
Yesterday was Hailey's first day of full time preschool. She goes to a french preschool, so there are elements of unease for me because she can't always understand everything that is going on, but it's not a totally new situation for her, because she was there last year for two half days a week. She also already knew her teacher because she had subbed for a week last year, and four kids from her class are with her this year, including a close friend. However, 8-5:30 is a much longer day than before. Yesterday morning was a breeze; she was so excited about her first day that she slipped on her indoor shoes and took off for the toys and friends. This morning her little friend wasn't at school, so she was reluctant for us to leave. When we picked her up yesterday, she came out with her face all painted like a butterfly. Apparently at around 4 when some of the parents started showing up, she got upset that her parents weren't there. One of the teachers had their little facepainting kit with them and made her feel better.
I've been talking to friends who are very anxious for their grade primary kids going to school for the first time. It's hard to leave them when you aren't sure how they will make out. It was nice taking Hailey to a place that she was familiar with, and I think it worked out well introducing her to school gradually. She will go to primary at the same school next year, and it's likely that she will already know most of the kids and her teacher too. It helps to ease some of that when we are asking her to be in an environment where the language is different. Even though we read in french and she knows a lot of french words, she is still far from fluent and struggles throughout the day. The teachers are great though, and they make sure she understands what is going on (the program is designed for kids who do not speak french at home but who are going into an exclusively french environment).
Monday, August 30, 2010
Beach days and the end of summer
It's 30 degrees today. Supposedly, it also feels like 40 degrees with the humidity.
I wouldn't know.
I am stuck in an office, with air conditioning.
Let's talk about air conditioning. My office is so cold between the cold air and the draft that flows through this room, I wear long pants and long sleeves on a regular basis to keep the goose bumps away. Long pants and sleeves - in August - on one of the hottest days of the year. Where is the fairness in this?
Do you remember being in elementary school, and begging the teacher to do a lesson outside on a beautiful June day? Why can't I move my computer and greet people in the parking lot? Why can't we put up a sign on the front door that says "Gone fishing. See you next cold and rainy day." ?
Today I envy:
You know what my favorite beach activity is? Ice cream. Eating ice cream. Preferably of the kid-flavored variety, like cotton candy, or moon mist.
Right now I am going to close my eyes, pretend I am taking pictures of my kid playing in the sand and my husband playing in the surf, while scarfing down an ice cream, and forget that I have my sleeves in my winter parka.
I wouldn't know.
I am stuck in an office, with air conditioning.
Let's talk about air conditioning. My office is so cold between the cold air and the draft that flows through this room, I wear long pants and long sleeves on a regular basis to keep the goose bumps away. Long pants and sleeves - in August - on one of the hottest days of the year. Where is the fairness in this?
Do you remember being in elementary school, and begging the teacher to do a lesson outside on a beautiful June day? Why can't I move my computer and greet people in the parking lot? Why can't we put up a sign on the front door that says "Gone fishing. See you next cold and rainy day." ?
Today I envy:
- Stay at home moms
- People on vacation
- Retired seniors
- the Unemployed
- Anyone waiting to go back to school (at least they have two or three more days of blissful summer freedom!)
You know what my favorite beach activity is? Ice cream. Eating ice cream. Preferably of the kid-flavored variety, like cotton candy, or moon mist.
Right now I am going to close my eyes, pretend I am taking pictures of my kid playing in the sand and my husband playing in the surf, while scarfing down an ice cream, and forget that I have my sleeves in my winter parka.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Four months remaining in the wait for Nathan Michael
Ok, so of course I am writing with my tail between my legs. After months of talking smack about not wanting a little boy, I am here to say - I am pregnant with a little boy.
I've discovered about myself that I am not a very brave person. I don't like to try new things. I hate moving, or even moving my furniture around, and I am not fond of trying new food. So I guess the thought of having a little boy was way outside of my comfort zone.
But now that I know, I'm finding myself starting to get excited. I picked out a color scheme for the bedroom, and my husband and I have started to clean out and purge in our house - from our basement and from the playroom. We sorted all of Hailey's old clothing, keeping a few very great memories in case my sister has a little girl. We are giving away the rest. We have a lot of work to do to get the house ready for Nathan's arrival, but we still have four months to go. Once Hailey starts preschool next week, my husband will have a lot more time to get painting and organizing.
I have to say it is nice to know and be able to plan. We didn't know what gender Hailey was going to be. The cool part is that I found some sleepers and onesies that were gender neutral that had been Hailey's, plus a couple of outfits that Hubby bought that were very boy-ish, that still had the tags on them! But this process seems much simpler than not knowing and being surprised. We would have preferred to know with Hailey, but we just couldn't afford the 3D ultrasound when we were pregnant with her, and in both Moncton and Halifax, they don't tell you the gender during your routine ultrasound.
So with plans for a blue and brown room, and plan for our playroom in the basement, we are off to get organized.
I've discovered about myself that I am not a very brave person. I don't like to try new things. I hate moving, or even moving my furniture around, and I am not fond of trying new food. So I guess the thought of having a little boy was way outside of my comfort zone.
But now that I know, I'm finding myself starting to get excited. I picked out a color scheme for the bedroom, and my husband and I have started to clean out and purge in our house - from our basement and from the playroom. We sorted all of Hailey's old clothing, keeping a few very great memories in case my sister has a little girl. We are giving away the rest. We have a lot of work to do to get the house ready for Nathan's arrival, but we still have four months to go. Once Hailey starts preschool next week, my husband will have a lot more time to get painting and organizing.
I have to say it is nice to know and be able to plan. We didn't know what gender Hailey was going to be. The cool part is that I found some sleepers and onesies that were gender neutral that had been Hailey's, plus a couple of outfits that Hubby bought that were very boy-ish, that still had the tags on them! But this process seems much simpler than not knowing and being surprised. We would have preferred to know with Hailey, but we just couldn't afford the 3D ultrasound when we were pregnant with her, and in both Moncton and Halifax, they don't tell you the gender during your routine ultrasound.
So with plans for a blue and brown room, and plan for our playroom in the basement, we are off to get organized.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Four hours to go - oh so impatient
I have an appointment at UC Baby in four hours. At this appointment, I will find out if there is a little girl growing in my belly, or a little boy. I know, this should be inconsequential; I should be happy to have a healthy baby, no matter what gender it is. In real life, I can't control my craving for another little girl. I love little girls. I love their clothes and their toys and their TV shows. Boys, I am not as fond of. I mean, I love all the little boys in my life, but they are rough and tough, busy and daring. All the things my little princess is not!
Let's add to the mix my housing situation. We have a three bedroom home with a finished basement. Two of the upstairs rooms are Hailey's, one is her bedroom done up in a Disney Princess theme, the other is her playroom, with a cushion floor and pink and purple walls. There is every little girl toy you can imagine in there - a barbie house, dolls, ponies and littlest pet shops. My husband wants the kids to have separate rooms no matter what the gender of the baby is, and move the play room downstairs. I would like to keep the playroom where it is and eventually get bunkbeds for the kids.
I took all the boxes of baby things out of our storage room on the weekend, and looked through all the things that I had saved. I took a little walk down memory lane looking through the baby clothes - all the little pink dresses and sleepers. I didn't save much - I had many friends and family with little girls who were gifted the clothes - but I did save the things that were special, that were given by special people, or that just looked adorable on my little girl. If I find out it's a little boy today, I'll likely give most of those things away. This is definitely the last child for us!
I find it humorous when people assume that my husband and I are hoping for a little boy "to make our family complete". Why do we think that every parent wants two kids, one of each gender? I had a friend that was driven nuts by this; she had two little girls and they were pregnant with another child. Every single person was talking about how great it would be if it was a boy. My friend was so exasperated, saying she would be perfectly happy with either gender.
It feels normal to me to have two kids of the same gender. It's always been just my sister and I. My parents never expressed disappointment over not having boys. In fact, my dad's brothers and sisters each had one or the other - two boys or two girls.
At the end of the day, I think you make the most of your life and the blessings that are given to you, no matter what those blessings are. Despite my ranting today (and for the last 20 weeks or so!) I will be excited to get started on planning for my unborn - no matter if I am painting a room blue or picking out bunk beds.
Let's add to the mix my housing situation. We have a three bedroom home with a finished basement. Two of the upstairs rooms are Hailey's, one is her bedroom done up in a Disney Princess theme, the other is her playroom, with a cushion floor and pink and purple walls. There is every little girl toy you can imagine in there - a barbie house, dolls, ponies and littlest pet shops. My husband wants the kids to have separate rooms no matter what the gender of the baby is, and move the play room downstairs. I would like to keep the playroom where it is and eventually get bunkbeds for the kids.
I took all the boxes of baby things out of our storage room on the weekend, and looked through all the things that I had saved. I took a little walk down memory lane looking through the baby clothes - all the little pink dresses and sleepers. I didn't save much - I had many friends and family with little girls who were gifted the clothes - but I did save the things that were special, that were given by special people, or that just looked adorable on my little girl. If I find out it's a little boy today, I'll likely give most of those things away. This is definitely the last child for us!
I find it humorous when people assume that my husband and I are hoping for a little boy "to make our family complete". Why do we think that every parent wants two kids, one of each gender? I had a friend that was driven nuts by this; she had two little girls and they were pregnant with another child. Every single person was talking about how great it would be if it was a boy. My friend was so exasperated, saying she would be perfectly happy with either gender.
It feels normal to me to have two kids of the same gender. It's always been just my sister and I. My parents never expressed disappointment over not having boys. In fact, my dad's brothers and sisters each had one or the other - two boys or two girls.
At the end of the day, I think you make the most of your life and the blessings that are given to you, no matter what those blessings are. Despite my ranting today (and for the last 20 weeks or so!) I will be excited to get started on planning for my unborn - no matter if I am painting a room blue or picking out bunk beds.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Food
My eating habits are terrible. I can blame it on the pregnancy until the cows come home, but let's be real here people, that has nothing to do with it. I am a bored eater - when I left my job last year, I lost 20 pounds in 2 months just by not being at work. Now I am working a job where I don't have a lot of tasks during the day, I am missing my family, used to seeing them all day until two months ago, and eating everything I can get my little paws on. And none of it is healthy food. In fact, the mere thought of water or vegetables makes me ill at the moment. During my first pregnancy, I gained 40 pounds, and 20 of those pounds stuck there for three and a half years. I swore that wouldn't happen this time, but I'm not doing so good so far. I've put on 10 and I am only at 20 weeks! Today I had left over chinese food for lunch, a peanut butter cookie, two blueberry muffins, some chips, some chocolate covered almonds, and apple juice. And I am going to a concert tonight, where you know I'll be getting some junk food. Not to mention that I will have to rush through supper. And I sit at my job all day, so you know that the junk is sticking to my butt.
To add insult to injury, I was pregnant again within two weeks of getting the very last two pounds off, after trying for more than three years.
To add insult to injury, I was pregnant again within two weeks of getting the very last two pounds off, after trying for more than three years.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Help has arrived
My husband works away and he arrived home last night. Relief! I don't know how single parents do it. I really don't. My husband does a 3 week away/3 week home shift, so for 21 days I get to live that life. I am so lucky to have the support system that I have in my family. But it is hard to get ready in the morning, get your kid ready, feed and take care of your puppy, and still make it on time. I've discovered that I can actually am a fairly organized person, which helps. But having hubby home to help in the morning, run some of the errands and take care of some of the household is a huge help. I can't imagine not getting a break every three weeks.
Imagine having two kids and a dog, and being all alone in a city with no help! Just thinking about it makes my back hurt. So I applaud all those single moms and dads out there who get it done day after day without any help. You're my hero and inspiration, and you keep my whining in check. And who can forget those whose significant others are in the military - with 6 month deployments! Power to you for staying strong for your family and keeping things going.
The absence of a parent can be very hard on a child. Mine is having a harder time handling Daddy's comings and going as she ages. Every part of her system is impacted - her sleeping and eating patterns, her moods, and her behavior. Last night on the way home from the airport she said "I want Daddy to stay home for good." I've explained to her a number of times the reason Daddy has to work away, to keep a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food in our belly, but Hailey sure misses her Dad when he's gone. She opted to skip the sitter and stay home with him today (he was a real trooper about this - he just got off night shift) and I hope they are having a wonderful, restful time together.
Imagine having two kids and a dog, and being all alone in a city with no help! Just thinking about it makes my back hurt. So I applaud all those single moms and dads out there who get it done day after day without any help. You're my hero and inspiration, and you keep my whining in check. And who can forget those whose significant others are in the military - with 6 month deployments! Power to you for staying strong for your family and keeping things going.
The absence of a parent can be very hard on a child. Mine is having a harder time handling Daddy's comings and going as she ages. Every part of her system is impacted - her sleeping and eating patterns, her moods, and her behavior. Last night on the way home from the airport she said "I want Daddy to stay home for good." I've explained to her a number of times the reason Daddy has to work away, to keep a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food in our belly, but Hailey sure misses her Dad when he's gone. She opted to skip the sitter and stay home with him today (he was a real trooper about this - he just got off night shift) and I hope they are having a wonderful, restful time together.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Princess Hailey
Naps
No, we aren't talking about naps for infants or toddlers or preschoolers today.
We are talking about naps for me. I am solely writing this blog today to keep from falling asleep at work. Afternoon naps are so lovely, I do not understand why they are not a regular part of our life. Picture it - you get up in the morning, shower, dress, eat and go to work. You get off at noon, eat lunch, go for a walk. Then you hit the sack. At 3, you are expected back at work for two hours. Imagine how productive those hours would be! You'd likely get more accomplished with a lucid mind after a great nap than you even could with sloggy afternoon brain.
That is the one huge thing I am looking forward to in the Spring. Afternoon naps. My four year old would love to take naps again. And the baby will just have to get with the program. 1pm to 3pm will be designated mommy nap time.
I feel like I just ate three helpings of turkey dinner. Being pregnant is hard on the sleep patterns. I ate my lunch, which I barely have room for in this enlarging belly of mine, and now I feel so drowsy my eyes are threatening to shut as I type. If you want to call having to delete and retry each word typing. It's a good thing I am not a surgeon.
We are talking about naps for me. I am solely writing this blog today to keep from falling asleep at work. Afternoon naps are so lovely, I do not understand why they are not a regular part of our life. Picture it - you get up in the morning, shower, dress, eat and go to work. You get off at noon, eat lunch, go for a walk. Then you hit the sack. At 3, you are expected back at work for two hours. Imagine how productive those hours would be! You'd likely get more accomplished with a lucid mind after a great nap than you even could with sloggy afternoon brain.
That is the one huge thing I am looking forward to in the Spring. Afternoon naps. My four year old would love to take naps again. And the baby will just have to get with the program. 1pm to 3pm will be designated mommy nap time.
I feel like I just ate three helpings of turkey dinner. Being pregnant is hard on the sleep patterns. I ate my lunch, which I barely have room for in this enlarging belly of mine, and now I feel so drowsy my eyes are threatening to shut as I type. If you want to call having to delete and retry each word typing. It's a good thing I am not a surgeon.
Friday, August 13, 2010
The value of a dollar
As my dad would say (about me, really) my little girl wakes up with the gimmies and goes to bed with the i-wants. And her pushover parents have been indulging this attitude for a while. We noticed the extent that our sweet little princess has become a super DIVA on her birthday a couple of weeks ago. Everything went fine at her birthday parties (one for friends and one for family), she was kind to her guests, appreciative of her gifts, and all around well-behaved. But because my husband works away from home, we had both of those parties two weeks before her actual birthday. My husband and I discussed gifts for her and said we weren't going to get her anything on her actual birthday, because we did so much for her parties, and she got so many presents. Well, of course mommy couldn't stick to the plan. I worked on her birthday so I had my sitter bring Hailey to meet me for lunch. My mom and sister both decided to join us. Hailey was horrible that day. When she saw my family walk in with gift bags, she demanded her presents. When they were clothes, she gave them zero attention. She demanded her piece of cake from the waitress and wouldn't eat her lunch. After work, I took her to my aunts for supper and it was a similar display, a cranky, whiny kid who wanted everything and wouldn't take no for an answer.
I've created a monster.
Since then, Hailey has gotten no new toys or gifts from me. I bought a shining star stuffy for her cousin the other day, and she begged for it. I told her if she got some money from somewhere, she could buy one for herself. She seemed to feel good about this, and had no issue handing the toy over to her little cousin when we went to visit.
Yesterday morning she got a belated birthday card in the mail from a great-grandmother, and there was some money in it. She asked right away if I could take the money and buy the shining star stuffy that she wanted. I did, and she hasn't put the toy down since. It seems the old adage that if you "work" for it you'll appreciate it more works even for 4 year olds!
I've created a monster.
Since then, Hailey has gotten no new toys or gifts from me. I bought a shining star stuffy for her cousin the other day, and she begged for it. I told her if she got some money from somewhere, she could buy one for herself. She seemed to feel good about this, and had no issue handing the toy over to her little cousin when we went to visit.
Yesterday morning she got a belated birthday card in the mail from a great-grandmother, and there was some money in it. She asked right away if I could take the money and buy the shining star stuffy that she wanted. I did, and she hasn't put the toy down since. It seems the old adage that if you "work" for it you'll appreciate it more works even for 4 year olds!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Solitude
Don't get me wrong, I love my husband, my daughter, my puppy, my friends and all my family. But there is something to be said for fitting in some alone time every now and then. My ideal 24 hours at this point includes pyjamas, a soft blanket, a great book and some tv on dvd. I was able to steal two hours with just me and the puppy last night, thanks to my mom and sister. I couldn't avoid the housework all together, so I cleaned up the kitchen and settled in to watch a couple of episodes of the Tudors.
I miss adult television. Hailey and I watch television together some evenings, but at four, she can't handle anything more grown up than the Disney channel. Now I enjoy a good Hannah Montana or Wizards of Waverly place episode as much as the next mom, but every once in a while I get a little hankering for some real drama. The Tudors delivers in spades with sex, war, and beheadings! I am always hearing about the great summer television, with the Bachelor, Big Brother and True Blood, but I am just too tired in the evenings to stay up later than my daughter. Thank goodness for DVR. Eventually, when I get my 24 hours of solitude, I will have plenty of TV to choose from.
I miss adult television. Hailey and I watch television together some evenings, but at four, she can't handle anything more grown up than the Disney channel. Now I enjoy a good Hannah Montana or Wizards of Waverly place episode as much as the next mom, but every once in a while I get a little hankering for some real drama. The Tudors delivers in spades with sex, war, and beheadings! I am always hearing about the great summer television, with the Bachelor, Big Brother and True Blood, but I am just too tired in the evenings to stay up later than my daughter. Thank goodness for DVR. Eventually, when I get my 24 hours of solitude, I will have plenty of TV to choose from.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Marriage and babies
My daughter and I were getting ready for work/sitters in the morning yesterday and I was telling her that we were going to visit her aunt, uncle and cousin in the evening because they were in town (they live in another province). She stops brushing her teeth, leans over to spit, and says "Mommy, why are Uncle * and Aunt * not married, but they have {cousin}?
Now, I never intentionally gave Hailey the impression that first comes love, then come marriage, then comes baby, but now that I think about our talks on the matter, we always tell her "when you grow up, getting married and have a baby." We never say "have a baby and get married". It's always in the order that our parents and grandparents prefered to stick to.
I had to bite my tongue and tell Hailey that this is not always the order in which these things happen. I didn't expect such a question, since although I've never come out and said "Daddy and I got pregnant before we were married" we have pointed out that she is "looking through my belly button" at our wedding.
Now, I never intentionally gave Hailey the impression that first comes love, then come marriage, then comes baby, but now that I think about our talks on the matter, we always tell her "when you grow up, getting married and have a baby." We never say "have a baby and get married". It's always in the order that our parents and grandparents prefered to stick to.
I had to bite my tongue and tell Hailey that this is not always the order in which these things happen. I didn't expect such a question, since although I've never come out and said "Daddy and I got pregnant before we were married" we have pointed out that she is "looking through my belly button" at our wedding.
Not enough time in a day, or week, or month
It seems like I rarely spend anytime at home anymore. I get up at 6 and rush around to be out the door by 7:30 - not an easy feat with a 4 year old and a 7 month old puppy. I rarely get back to the house before 6:30, and it seems like I always have somewhere else to rush off to! There aren't any appointments or plans for tonight, so the plan is to get organized. We've been away for the past two weekends, so the housework has been neglected, everything that was packed to go away is now home and needs putting away, and every room needs tidying.
I only went back to work two months ago, and I still remember how lovely it was to rest in the mornings (not sleep - there is no sleep with a whining puppy), have enough hours in my day to get all my chores done and still spend quality time with my daughter and doggy. Now it seems like I am so exhausted from my work day and the struggle to get to and fro, I don't have the energy to play barbies or walk the dog. Being 5 months pregnant isn't really helping matters!
Here's hoping there are no emergencies tonight, and I get us back on track. What a difference it makes when everything is clean and in it's place, and it is easy to find what you are looking for as you go running out the door!
I only went back to work two months ago, and I still remember how lovely it was to rest in the mornings (not sleep - there is no sleep with a whining puppy), have enough hours in my day to get all my chores done and still spend quality time with my daughter and doggy. Now it seems like I am so exhausted from my work day and the struggle to get to and fro, I don't have the energy to play barbies or walk the dog. Being 5 months pregnant isn't really helping matters!
Here's hoping there are no emergencies tonight, and I get us back on track. What a difference it makes when everything is clean and in it's place, and it is easy to find what you are looking for as you go running out the door!
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