Another First!

Today my little man got his very first haircut. I was a little nervous how he would do, but overall he did pretty good. He was super curious about the scissors, but the stylist gave him some toys and he mostly just sat there. I took plenty of pictures... he looks like such a big boy!!










Afterwards, we had some dinner then headed over to my Mom and Dad's to pick some blueberries. My dad loves to Jericho's reaction to the overflowing bushes... he just goes at it and eats as many as he can get his hands on... even steals from everyone's buckets.

His favorite part was the tractor, which he kept trying to runaway to. It was a great way to end a day and now we have a tonne of berries.. I might try my hand at the blueberry pie to practice for the church picnic.

Searle Calamities

It seems when I married my husband, I married into a group of wonderful people who somehow have disaster following. It's almost comical how whenever we venture on some sort of Searle Family vacation - there's always at least one or two moments of sheer craziness. One case in point was the Hawaii 2007 excursion where we travelled in two separate vehicles to some touristy place and ended up losing each other for hours. There are many other instances I could mention, but it's too depressing.

This past weekend was no vacation. It was a trip made in an effort to say good-bye to a man I had only met twice, but loved instantly because of his hilarious sense of humour. It was not a great time, but not for the obvious reasons. The babies were mostly well-behaved safe for the moments of sheer exhaustion and the over-travel. We encountered some issues with our airline, where they would not allow us to sit altogether in one row because we had two infants. Something about safety, oxygen masks, etc. But it was a harrowing experience moving our entire lot of crap from row 3 to the back of the plane where we could spread out safely. It wasn't such a big deal we had to move, but the way we were treated by one stewardess in particular was fairly appalling. She basically told us not to get frustrated, but to just let our 4 month old sit somewhere else. I got this sinking feeling like maybe she wasn't a Mother?

When that lovely red-eye flight ended with all of us being fairly exhausted, we arrived to a very warm Ontario province (not used to the humidity according to my in-laws) to a rental car with no air conditioning. Let's just say it was nice and windy in the back for the babes.

Once we finally arrived at our destination (lots of traffic!!) we found that the hotel that had been lovingly selected by my SIL was gorgeous. She managed to finangle a great rate at a Sheraton and that was so great. We had a nap seeing as some of us had been up 30+ hours.

I could go on about the calamities, but I have to say once we saw Nate's uncle and we able to be together with family, it made all the difficulties fade away. Suddenly all the mini-disasters we had come across paled in comparison to this person we were able to be with. He asked to see Malachi at one point, and true to form the little guy smiled right at him.

I'm basically still so tired I could sleep from now until tomorrow afternoon, but it's not an option... but I would do it all over again just to be there for my family.

I just wish I could say I had met him a few more times and that maybe next time Murphy's Law will leave us alone on our next trip.

Emergency Trip

Our entire little family is leaving on a red eye flight this Thursday to say good-bye to a family member of Nate's. It's a very sad time, but we are glad to be able to all go together. Please pray for Nate's family at this time.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

That went by so fast! Just think, there were NO grandbabies yet on that day and now there's almost 5!

In other news, Malachi rolled over for the first time yesterday!!! I don't have my camera because Nate took it to Alaska, but I was quite proud. He's been trying for weeks, but could never quite roll over his arm.

36 hours til Nate comes home... Happy Canada Day all!

Heart Attack #42

This weekend was full of freak-out moments as Jericho decided he would choose to be clumsy. I know that sounds mean, but it's like he grew an invisible fifth limb that constantly got in the way. On Friday we went to see the steam train that was in town to celebrate B.C.'s 150th Anniversary. Nate LOVES trains and he was especially excited (and it was even MY idea - such a good wife!!), but we got there and it had already arrived. Soo sad! Watching it come in would have made Nate's YEAR. Anyways, we went around and took lots of pictures. We wanted to wait until it was going to leave, but it was so hot and babies were hungry. So we grabbed some free popcorn and were sitting on the grass eating it. But when I stood up with Jericho to get ready to go, he decided it would be a good idea to head in the OPPOSITE direction down the steep embankment, and head straight for the cement wall and sidewalk at the bottom. WHO IS THE KID!?! I freaked out and both my shoes went flying in an attempt to catch up with the runaway. Nate yelled at him to stop, and by either fear or providence - he fell to his knees inches away from the cement. I was shaking so bad. Why do kids do this to us?

The next freak out happened about a half hour after we dropped Nate off for his fishing trip. We arrived home and I explained to Jericho that he needed to be a good helper and listen to Mommy (surprisingly, this pep talk often works!). I took Malachi upstairs and had to go to the bathroom. Sometimes it takes awhile for Jer to make his way upstairs as well, due to all the fun shoes down there... but I asked him to please come up and I could hear his little sandals clumping on up. I went to stand on the landing and tell him he was being such a good boy for listening - when he looked up and promptly fell over backwards. I swore as I chased him down, feeling helpless as he tumbled down the last six laminate stairs. My poor boy. He cried, I cried, and we just cuddled together until he spotted his favorite book and he was fine. I was not. I felt so guilty for trying to encourage him, only for that look up at me to be his downfall. And so soon after Nate had left us.

And again, yesterday we were at my mom's just hanging out and cooling off when Jericho managed to injure himself at least three separate times. He has a scratch on his back from falling out of the wading pool.

If this is what toddlerhood is all about, I don't like it one bit. I hope my obituriary won't read, "Died of a heart attack after watching her son injure himself once again."

Argh.

PS- Happy 25th Birthday to my sister!! Megan has had a tiring few weeks, and it was nice she got to come out for lunch today with NO BABIES! Hope you had fun sweetie!!

PPS - I tried to upload pics, but blogger is being wonky... will try later.. remind me.

What is it with Drama?

Here's the part with the cute pictures:





Here's the part where I get something off my chest:

Drama. Why does it attract us so? I'm not talking about the kind of drama my youngest brother won the highest honours for at his high school - I'm talking about the kind that belongs in high school. You know - the she said, he said, can't believe they did that. Why is it like a car wreck or some other morbid fascination? I can't stand people being pitted against people. Argh.

Part of me just wants to smack people while the other part realizes it's far wiser to just stay out of it and hope it gets resolved. People need to talk to each other and deal with their issues. What bugs me the most is friendships being wrecked. Where is the love for goodness sakes?? Life is too short.

Whew, that felt better...

New Meaning to Monday Mornings

By 12:00 pm today I had the pleasure of being called by three separate telephone solicitors, as well as having a very nice JW ring my doorbell. What is WITH people!?!?

Things You Might Want to Know...

1. My second son is a great weight gainer. He's already 14 lbs, 2 oz and Jericho was stuck at 14 lbs, 4 oz when he was a month older. You can tell just by looking at Kai that he's bigger. He's got the chubby thighs with a few fat rolls - even his knees are fat. He's not nearly as big as Joanne's grandson, but he does fairly decent. I've transfered him into mostly 6 month clothing for now.

2. Jericho's height is about 32" and he towered over a 2 year old today.

3. Nate leaves next week for his Alaskan fishing trip and I still don't have plans.

4. I'm going to see Naturally 7 on Thursday with Lisa... Look them up on Youtube.

5. This morning we slept in until 9:30 and only woke up because my dad called and wanted to go on a picnic. He was supposed to go up to Pemberton and meet a newspaper reporter about the new land he bought up there for planting MORE cranberries. But he had a really sore back and didn't think he could sit in a car that long.. so instead he went for a walk with us. It was nice.

6. Yesterday morning we all slept in until 10 am and were almost late for an 11:00 am chiro appointment.

7. I'm 3 lbs away from being 40 lbs lighter than when I gave birth to Malachi. Not too shabby I say.

My son, the commercial

Second hand t-shirt from Value Village: $2
Borrowed glasses from Aunt Christa: at least $50
Gel required for tremendous mohawk: about $1 worth

Learning the meaning of "cool" - Priceless!

Will I Ever Be Mother of the Year?

I'd like to think my kids adore me, can't live without me, and will one day vote me Mother of the Year... but for now I guess I'll be content with playing with the obnoxious toys, reading the same books ad nauseaum, changing and cleaning poopy cloth diapers, feeding, etc. Maybe one day they'll look back and realize that it was in the little things that I showed them how much I enjoy being their Mother.

One of the only reality shows I can watch with my husband in the room is America's Got Talent. He hates everything else, mostly for the 'fake' drama and really wrecked lives most of them thrive on... anyways... We were watching some of the auditions last night and this guy came on and was so emotional. He was on to make his family, and especially his Mother, proud. He was amazing! He did opera, which is not usually my thing - but I got goosebumps when he hit some of those notes. I look forward to the day my sons want to make me proud. I'm proud already and they haven't even really started yet!

I don't know how many of my readers go to my church, but I think it's safe to assume a fair number of you do... I really enjoyed Pastor Derrick's Father's Day message. I think he's right when he said there are a number of selfish parents out there. Too many of us take out kids for granted. It won't be long before they're gone - it's so cliche, but he's right. I keep thinking I can't wait until Kai can play with Jericho and I can have more time to myself... Or I can't wait until Jericho can take care of Kai more and they can go outside together. But soon they won't want to cuddle with me as much or enjoy just sitting and reading. Soon they'll be on the go. I want to savour these moments, but it's hard not to be selfish sometimes.

Nate is currently at a funeral for a friend. We all wanted to go, but it just wasn't to be. It's one of those very sad stories of a girl who died before her time and who's life in the end didn't reflect the promise it had in years gone by. I'm sad for the whole situation, most of all - her parents. I don't think there is greater pain than that of a parent grieving a child. Any child. Doesn't matter what mistakes that child has made, a parent still grieves.

Anyways, my little sweetie is making his one hundredth request for the same book to be read once again... But just to let you all know that Deacon had his first sleep over at home last night (!) and Megan is at Childrens right now to see if he can stay home, or if he needs more monitoring. Thanks for all your prayers and to those who graciously provided meals, it was GREATLY appreciated!!

Praise God!

My nephew is breathing WITHOUT his ventilator!! He's been on it since Thursday. Doesn't this picture break your heart?

Baby Surgery

My beautiful nephew, Deacon, had surgery yesterday. He was only 11 days old, but he did well. He'll likely be in the hospital for another few weeks, but hopefully my sister can finally bring her baby home.

It's been difficult to blog about. Mostly because it's my sister's struggle and not my own. Also because I feel really lucky and I think I took my two healthy boys for granted. Deacon is going to be okay, but it's sad that Megan hasn't been able to hug and kiss him whenever she wanted. I feel helpless in that I can't go visit all the time nor can I help watch Riley as much as I want to. The one thing I have been able to do is organize meals. Quite a few people have volunteered and it's been fun delivering their dinners every night. I still wish I could do more...

My own boys are doing well and they finally seem to be over their colds. Kai's just over 13 lbs now and he's not even 3 months yet. Jericho was stuck at 14 lbs when he was 4 months.

Jericho makes me laugh all the time! He says and does the funniest things! He has this goofy smile where he squishes up his nose and it's adorable. Lately whenever I have to change Kai, Jericho will announce to whomever's listening that his little brother has "Poo!!". He also is big into collecting rocks and carrying them to bed, the toy box, recycling, etc. It's hilarious how many different places we'll randomly find rocks. He also likes "reading" his favorite book. It's this huge book with about 100 different animals. He can point out the camel, puppy, kitty, cheetah, platypus, raccoon, horse, sea horse, fly, elephant, tiger, butterfly, bear, deer, frog, hippo.... it goes on and on and on. It amazes me how quickly he memorizes them, and how his thirst for learning more continues every day.

My husband leaves for Alaska at the end of the month to go fishing with all my male relatives. Hopefully it will be fun and he'll catch me something yummy. I'll have the boys to myself from the Saturday to the Wednesday. Now I should think of something rocking awesome to do - like maybe a nice long walk on the dike?? Any fun ideas?

Malachi is crying quietly and I think he needs a cuddle!!

Baby Deacon

Isn't he CUTE!!!!

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!!