Pictures As Promised

I'm finally posting pictures from our trip. I've been trying for the past week to upload them to Facebook, but it doesn't seem to work. Don't ask me why, it just keeps crashing firefox. Oh well. But here they are for your viewing pleasure.

For those wanting to know all the latest news in my family.. here goes.

Malachi was checked out at his last midwife appointment. He weighs 12 lbs, 9 oz. Not too shabby. She said he looks great and everything seems to be ok with him healthwise. She kept making comments on what a happy baby he is. He would just look at her and grin. I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest Mom ever to have such a great baby. Last night he slept 11:00 pm until 7 am. Best night ever. I actually don't remember waking up at all, not even to go to the bathroom (insert Handel's Messiah here). Now my big decision is whether or not I can go with Nate on a two day cruise/shopping trip in September. Do I book it and plan to take the baby? Do I book the trip and babysitters for my kids and hope I don't miss them too much and that my baby who breastfeeds like a champ will no longer be so 'champish' upon my return? Part of me really wants to go and just have fun as there are quite a few of our couple friends going along. The other part thinks that my 6 month old will be hard to leave at home and my Mommy instincts kick in and say I shouldn't leave him. And I don't want to take him and have to be off feeding him all the time - he'll also be on solids by that point. I would love to go, I'm just thinking through the best way to make it work.

My sister Megan is scheduled for a c-section tomorrow. She had Riley via c-section as well because he was breeched, but she was hoping to have this one naturally. Apparently this one is breeched as well and she has issues with her joints popping out. They are particularly concerned with her hip, so she's off to get another c-section. I'm hoping to be able to help her out by taking Riley once in awhile. Jericho LOVES playing with his cousin a whole lot more now. Every day he says Riley's name at least once or twice and looks at me as if to say "Is he coming over?" They play fairly well together until one starts taking toys from the other, then it's all downhill. I half expect Jericho to not ask for him anymore, but he still does. I'm really looking forward to this baby. Kai will be less than 3 months older and I hope he gets to enjoy playing with this baby as much as Jericho loves his Riley.

Lately I've been working for Matthew doing some office work and things are getting a little behind. You can imagine how it would be a little difficult with an 18 month old. Kai is really easy, like I mentioned above.. but's its still hard to schedule work when I really want to play with them. So we've hired Janine for a few more hours so I can catch up a bit. That way Jericho is getting to play and he's happy, while I get to work and try and bring things up to speed. He really likes "Nnnnnnnn" and her truck.

Anyways, I should start getting ready to head to Amanda's house. Her daughter Tasia is the closest friend Jericho has that isn't a relative and we're walking over there when Jer is done his nap. I'll put Jericho in his stroller and Kai in the sling. It's quite a workout! Wish me luck!

Mama's Little Helper

Lately when the mail comes, Jericho wants to run downstairs and get it. So today, we let him go down by himself and this is what he brough back.





My next project is to teach him to make me a Spanish omelette with a side of bacon.

Meet My Mother-In-Law

Love you Marie!! More pictures from our trip with Grandma and Grandpa to come...

Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Why do I feel like I could do ANYTHING right now? I just had my meeting with Frank and Andrew down at City Hall. I brought my mom and my babies. I felt that if I brought them along, maybe the gentlemen would have a better idea of why I have the concerns I do.

They told me that there are plans to develop the area around the park, plans which will include a round-a-bout and new sidewalks. This is good, but not exactly what I wanted. So I brought up two areas that I am most nervous about walking along. Number one is this tiny little patch where you basically have to walk into traffic to walk around this bridge going over the ravine. Number two is the dirt along the road a little further down. For most people this is the easiest area to manuever, but for me in a stroller it isn't always fun. They will send out a crew in the next little while to address both those areas for me.

We also talked about how the new development coming in north of the park will help to pay for sidewalks leading to the park, but at a later date. They said it won't be immediate, but they thanked me for my concern.

Sometimes those who make decisions in our cities and towns don't always know about particular issues with our streets. If you have a problem and you're concerned about your family, call or email the city. That's what they're there for.

For now, I am happy with the results.. I'll wait to see if that crew comes in and if the changes made will help. If not, I have Frank's number. I'm not going about this trying to have my demands made and have them made YESTERDAY, I'm trying to come across as a concerned mother who just wants a better walking scenario.

Home

We're finally back. It was great to see and be with Nate's parents, but I sure missed my house and my busy little life. Nate left for work this morning and I'm a little sad my Mother's Day has been quite lacking. My little men are too little to understand that today is any different.

I'm looking forward to breakfast's with burnt toast and snotty kisses and cards with scribbles. I can't wait for those noisy messy breakfasts in bed with cuddles and smiles of excitement over any little offering they may have. Usually Nate does up a card or sends me somewhere (I say usually, but really I've only had one Mother's Day so far), but we've had a really busy week, so it feels like any other Sunday. I still think it's funny that this is my second Mother's Day and I have two little ones already.

I was hoping to go to church this morning - there's always a treat for Moms and you get to dress up and feel special. But I didn't think ahead far enough and it was important Nate go to work today as he just had the week vacation. Michelle and my Mom already said they would have taken me, but there's this little law about silly carseats... but I know for next time.

Sometimes, like today.. I'm tired and like to remember the days I had no babies. How carefree and sleep-filled my life was. I read this from my sister-in-law Sam's blog and it really made me smile:

It's weird how you can at once be grateful for the many blessings in your life like my amazing daughter who lights up our lives with a flash of that incomparable smile, or the love of my partner who is such a great daddy or that my doggie is still alive and well despite his 17 years of life, and truly the list goes on ... and yet at the same time you can at times get so bogged down and find it hard to breathe even; sometimes because of the very blessings you love so much and wouldn't trade for the world? Does that make any sense?

Like how I miss sleep (I think I just heard angels sing as I typed the word) so much, or how I miss not having to be Cinderella all the time (minus of course that bit with the pumpkin, fabulous dress and shoes) although I did of course find Prince Charming... but then of course there should be a sequel called "Sleepy Cinderella gets Mastitis, loses her short term memory and cleans up after mini Princess & Prince Charming for the rest of her life and they live happily ever after until she dies at the age of 35 from sheer exhaustion" - a reality book for children.

Even though my boys exhaust me, I do love my life and I am better off for being their Mommy.

Tonight we're headed to my sister Megan's house to celebrate my Mommy. My mom does so much for us and I really love and appreciate her. She watches my boys for me at least once a week, buys me stuff just because, offers to take me out for lunch... she basically spoils me. Now I'm off to make her my very own scribbly card.

MASTERS!

We're currently in Minnesota. My wonderful husband was able to present his thesis yesterday. I was lucky enough to go. I knew what he had been working on, but to be able to see it all put together - brought tears to me eyes. He did so awesome. All three professors didn't have much to say afterwards except "well done". I had been so nervous for him, but he did great. Now we just have to wait for the diploma. It feels good to be done. Even though I didn't do any of it, I was just there for the whole thing. Being the spouse of someone as they go through any amount of schooling can be difficult. Nate was really good at making time for us, but there were Fridays or Saturdays where he would be gone at Starbucks for a number of hours to try and hash through thesis work. But he's lucky his full-time job is only 4 days a week.

Minnesota is interesting. It's so dry here I could drink for a week. The climate and landscape remind me of Eastern Canada, seeing as we're just south of Manitoba and Ontario. The people are mostly nice, talk a little different, and seem to stay in one place and not travel much. These two guys Nate and I saw in the hot tub were both from MN and were on holidays in St. Cloud. The waitress at Applebee's in Minneapolis had never been to St. Cloud, and it took us just over an hour to get there!

We've met up with Nate's parents and are just hanging out here for the next few days. Today was the Mall, tomorrow we might head to the zoo. Nate and I would like to head to the tepenyaki restaurant in town, but we'll see. After posting this blog, I'm going to look online for any other fun ideas.

The babies have been fairly good. The roughest night was our overnight stay in Seattle where Jericho took forever to fall asleep. Kai has been pretty good -slept for the entire Mall of America trip today. In fact, he sleeps alot. The last few nights he's slept from about 11 pm - 5 am. I love my sleepy babies.

The aspect of this trip I am sad about is the fact that I am currently missing my baby sister's 22nd birthday. Little Nina is all grown up! Have a really great birthday Nina - Jericho says hi!!

A Laugh For YOU!

I've been working on a sidewalk...

Where we live, we're quite close to a fun park. We really enjoy taking a family stroll down and letting Jericho loose to play on whatever his little heart desires. The only problem we have is in walking to the park we encounter a VERY busy street with no sidewalk. People speed down this road and rarely slow down when they come across a little family with TWO strollers. My sister in law, Sam, suggested that I take it up with the city and see if I can make something happen. Being skeptical of political red tape, I still have my doubts - but the wheels have been set in motion. I spoke with my friend Ernie, who happens to be a council member, and he gave me an email address. This is the email I sent, and the prompt reply:

Gentlemen:

I was given your email addresses from Ernie Daykin. I was speaking to him about how I have two very young boys (18 months and 7 weeks) and how my husband and I love to walk from our house at 230th and 126th down to Maple Ridge Park. The issue we have is in walking to the park, we need to walk beside a very busy road and potentially put our young family at risk. More that half the vehicles along 232nd travel above the speed limit. What do I need to do to have a sidewalk put in along the road? I think it would really help my peace of mind, and maybe more families would be more active and walk down to the park. We may also need a crosswalk next to the park so we don't endanger those who need to cross... What do you think? Do you have suggestions for me? Is there a reason this won't work?

Please let me know,

Sara




Hi Sara,



There are several options available to advance a sidewalk. Perhaps you would like to meet with us to discuss? I will ask Cheryl from our office to set up a meeting.



Regards,

Frank


UPDATE

15 minutes after I posted this, I had a phone call from Cheryl and a meeting with Frank set up for May 13th!

Words Words Words

I love the urgency Jericho has when he speaks sometimes. It's like if he doesn't say it enough, it doesn't exist. He will repeat it and repeat it and repeat it until someone concludes that yes indeed, he was heard and understood. Even though he's adorable when he says 'puppy', I sometimes wish he only said it once and moved on. Today I asked him what his name was and though he usually says "Dare-dough", today his name was "Puppy" for a few hours. He even was barking and panting like a dog at dinner.

He knows more words than I can remember and sometimes it takes him saying it a few times before I realize what it is that he said. There are also some words he says with a funny expression on his face. Like when I ask him where someone or something is and he doesn't know, or he knows they aren't around... he scrunches his face into a half sad-half smiling expression and says "Bu-Bye". In fact, when Nate and Jericho went to Starbucks the other morning to let Kai and myself sleep in, they ran into a gentlemen who had a moment of panic after speaking to Jericho. He asked him where his Mommy was and Jericho replied, "Bu-Bye" with that token sad/scrunchie face. The poor guy thought I was dead. Nate quickly calmed his fears by saying that no, I was just sleeping in.

He also loves to come up when I'm feeding the baby and point out certain body parts of mine that only come out during that time. He says it quite clearly and will repeat it until I agree with him, that it is indeed what he says it is.

Hopefully he will use a lot of words when he sees Grandma and Grandpa in Minnesota in a few days. We leave on Saturday and will be gone for a week. Nate and I have spent most of tonight trying to figure out what we're going to bring and how to not over-pack or under-pack. I'm worried about the latter and he's worried about the former.

Even though I complain about the words, I thank God for a healthy son who likes to communicate with me. I also thank God for an adorable new son who I LOVE.

One Year

I am sad.

This Sunday marks one year since my Uncle Robin passed away. One year. The entire process of saying goodbye was an emotional one. I don't think I've ever been more drained in my life, but it was a good feeling to know I had a great family. The day after we got together and erected a flagpole to put a flag up half-mast in his honour. We played "Go Rest High" and each shoveled some dirt at the base of the flag.

I cried a lot. I also brought tulips from my garden, beautiful orange ones with fiery red tips. I gave some to his young grand-daughters. They won't know their grandpa like I did - it doesn't seem fair. I kept thinking about Uncle Robin as I saw my tulips starting to come back. I thought about going back and placing them at the flagpole. On Sunday the flag will fly at full mast, but my tulips won't be there. I think an animal has eaten the tops off - either that or someone stole them.

But I bought some from the florist today - they'll be delivered to my Aunt tomorrow. My aunt who has a gone a full year with no husband. I dread that day.

The light at the end of this sad day? My Uncle got right with Jesus before he went Home. He's resting high, with his cowboy boots still on.

What We Do All Day

We had a few visits with Nate's brother Greg while he was in town. He brought Sam & Ashiah and Jericho was able to play with his favorite girl cousin. She's 8 months younger that Jericho and 8 months older than Kai. Let's just say God knew what he was doing when he made that sort of age gap improbable. We had tonnes of fun and I'll put pictures of us playing at Granville Island as well as simply hanging out at our place. I'm glad they came... it was fun!

I also have pics from Kai's baby shower last Wednesday I'll post as well. That was such a sweet gesture made by some awesome friends. I had a great time just talking and eating with people who there to celebrate my second son. Thanks to everyone who came! It really was more special to me than you know.

13 days left til we leave for Minnesota! YAY Nate!

Jericho Colours and Malachi Smiles

Kai has been smiling for awhile now. I just can never catch it with the camera... until now. It's not even the best shot... but it's still cute. Jericho has been into colouring lately. We bought some of those Tadoodles for him and his first attempt was, well.. messy.

An Ode to the Birthday Girl

When I think of you, I think of Spears
She sings so nice, and likes the shears

You are far in that Big Apple City
There are lots of lights, they are so pretty

But today you turn another year older
Does it make you feel warm or make you feel colder?

Nate has the camera, so I can't send a song
And I won't dance, it's just plain wrong

I sent a card, but it wouldn't fit bacon
I meant this to be short, but long it's takin'

I hope your day is Amy Grant sweet
Writing this was no easy feat.

Happy Birthday Tahnee!!

This is Jericho and his cousin Charlize. It was taken a little while ago while we babysat her. Kai wasn't around yet... but I thought it was cute. I'll have more pictures later. We might be getting a new camera as Nate is using mine a lot for work and I have my sons to photograph! Speaking of Kai - he now weighs 10 lbs 12 oz. and is growing quickly. Jericho has been sick and due to a nasty ear infection had a few nights where he wasn't sleeping well... but he's back to his sleepy self.

We'll all be traveling to Minnesota in less than 3 weeks so Nate can defend his thesis! He's FINALLY done! This process of him getting his Masters has been ongoing since we got married and I'll be happy when it's over. I'm very proud of him and happy we all get to go so we can meet up with grandparents!

Sunshiny Day

So many funny little things have happened lately that I decided to do a blog post in point form instead of writing paragraph after paragraph and having all my readers fall asleep in the process.

1. Saturday was my 29th birthday and it was good. Nate took me for dinner on Friday night and we had a great time with no babies. My mom was great in offering to watch Jericho and Malachi so I could just enjoy my time with my husband. He gave me furniture - YAY!

2. We went to church on Saturday night and right in the middle of two songs, my little Kai made the loudest pooping sound ever and sent quite a few people standing nearby into fits of giggles, including myself.

3. Jericho has turned into the entertainment capital of our household. I can't believe how funny he is. His new thing is to start to laugh and bend his head into his hand as he giggles away. It's hilarious. He didn't startle at all when we watched the Canucks game last night - and there was a lot of noise!

4. My kids are so cute when they cuddle in the blue chair together! Oh my... I just have to watch closely and keep my hands very tightly attached to Malachi because Jericho likes to 1) try and push him away when he's 'done' and 2) tries to bang heads with him. Goof.

5. My brothers girlfriend gave me two cartons (2!) of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. 'Nuff said.

6. I got a large gift certificate from my mom for Reitmans... also 'Nuff said.

7. I get to go to the SPA!!

8. Jericho is currently using Crayola washable markers to colour me a picture. He basically just sits in his high chair and takes the lids off, puts them back on, etc. But in the process he makes some little marks on the page and it's cute!

9. Nate's thesis is basically done. We may be going to Minnesota in May while he defends it. I'll just go shopping with his parents who will be meeting us in Winnipeg, as he doesn't want any of us actually in the room while he does it. I don't blame him. I can be a loud cheerleader.

10. Malachi slept 6.5 hours straight last night. It was amazing. The sucky part was that Jericho woke up 4 times and was wide awake and needed cuddles and diaper changes. I'm glad at least one of them gave me a break... but it's really unusual for him to be like that. Must be those 4 eye teeth he's cutting. When they're all in he'll have 16!!

11. I know WAY too many people who are pregnant. I'm especially excited that my parents will have 5 grandkids by the time Jericho is two. For those who are counting, there's only three right now and two are still cooking.

12. For my birthday I had a few friends over Saturday night after church. There was lots of cheese and laughter and it completely made my day. Thanks!

My two sons

Aren't they cute?!?! This experience of getting professional shots taken wasn't fun. Jericho was extremely distracted by all the cools toys, so Nate ended up holding him in position. As you can see, Malachi slept through most of it.

Life is different, but good. I am completely taken with the men in my life. Malachi is still a really good baby, he's had bad gas a few times - but he still manages to almost completely sleep through the night. When he does wake up for a feeding - he just happily goes back to sleep. Jericho has been a real goof lately. He does anything for attention and most of it is hilarious. He bounces so hard on his zebra toy now that he gets a bunch of air. He also loves to run into his room and climb on his stool and watch the "Eee's!" (Horses). The only time I find hard with two is when I'm trying to nurse Malachi and Jericho wants me to help him with something - most of the time it's to help him collect toys he's thrown under the couch. But we're doing well.

The baby is now weighing in at 9 lbs 13 oz. A gain of almost a pound since birth... and that was on Tuesday. I'm sure he's 10 by now.

And tomorrow I turn 29. Twenty-nine. Wow. I can't believe I'm 29 and have two kids. I know some people who are completely done and have kids in grade school by the time they're 29, but I didn't get married until I was 25. Nate will be taking me for dinner tonight while Mom watches both boys. This will be my first time away from Kai for more than... well, I've never been away from him. Tomorrow I'm hoping to have some people over to celebrate with me after church... if you wanna come let me know!!

Here's to the next 29 and watching my beautiful boys grow up.

Weight Gain

When I had Jericho, he was not the best at nursing and we had lots of problems with him not gaining weight. Malachi does not have this problem. He LOVES to nurse and often is hooked up every 2 hours or so during the day.. then from about 10:00 pm til around 12:00 am he nurses quite a bit. Then not at all until at least 5 am. I love his schedule, it enables me to have uninterrupted sleep. Well, he was born and weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz. On Friday we weighed him and he had lost 6 oz, which isn't that bad. Jericho had lost a whole pound! Anyways, the midwife came by today and the little guy already weighs 9 lbs, 5 oz! He gained 13 ounces in 3 days. WOW!! I'm so proud of my healthy, big baby!