Uncle Robin

For those of you who don't know, my Uncle Robin passed away last night. This morning we raised a flag at his house and it is currently flying at half-mast. Thanks to all who prayed, he's dancing with the angels now. I liked what someone else had to say on the subject:

Psalm 30 tells us, "weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
So now, even when our eyes are bathed with tears we await that glad 'morning' when our God will 'wipe away all tears.'
So to you, dear Robin when that day comes the words good-bye will no longer be spoken, and even now I say to you rather-
'I'll meet you in the morning'

I love you, I miss you,

Sara

Movies and Commercials.

I've had a few people ask me how far I plan on taking this little movie star endeavor. I have thought about it a bit and come to the conclusion that it really depends on Jericho's personality. Once he gets to be about 18 months, if he's still getting called for auditions and stuff - I'm going to watch for his moods once we're on set. If I notice he seems to really despise it, then obviously we will stop. If he starts being really shy, then I will assume it's just not for him. But if he really enjoys it and doesn't get really sad when he doesn't get a part, then we will keep plugging away. I don't think he's getting commercials and movie work just because he's cute. There aren't a lot of mothers who have the opportunity I did to start really early. He just kept getting called back. Tomorrow is his first real audition. Before they would just call to see which babies were available to do a shoot - for the Westjet commercial we just had to submit a picture. But this will be the first time someone will want to meet him beforehand. It's for another commercial, so we shall see how it goes.

I am sad it's on a Thursday though cause then I miss the Mom's and D morning! Afterwards, me and babe are heading to Abbotsford to meet up with Lisa so I can chop off my hair. It's really been driving me BATTY lately and I can't take it anymore.

So tata!! I'm off to get ready for bootcamp - Michelle I hope to see you there!

Almost a full week!

It's been awhile since I went a week with no post. How sad! I always have a point in my day where I feel I could post about something funny or poignant that happens, but then I never do. It's as if I need to carry around a diary so I can remember everything I want to say, but then I would have NO life.

I forgot to say that when Jericho got his shots last week, his weight was a very promising 15 lbs, 2 oz. Which is smashing! He's growing fast and not just in size. The cutest thing he does now is when you look at him and say "Gimme 5", he will place his palm on your palm... It's soooo cute! My son knows how to give someone five!! YAY! He's like an Einstein dude! Another funny thing he does is when you go to lay him down to change him or play on his back, he will strain his neck and his shoulders will be off the ground. It's as if he's doing baby crunches. I think he has the strongest abs of any almost 6 month old.

I've started feeding him veggies. So far he's had squash and carrots. He usually likes the first few bites then starts to spit it out a bit. I have some funny pics of him with carrot all over his big smiley cute face, but Nate has the camera. I'll post them later.

We had fun with our friends Rich & Amanda on Friday. She sure makes a mean apple crisp! Then Saturday Jericho and I went to Riley's first baby shower. He got lots of cool stuff and Jericho was certainly jealous of all those cute clothes. Don't tell Megan we stuffed my purse full of stuff they won't miss or need... *WINK*. I just think there should be a law against a kid being that cute.

Since 2004, there has been at least one Robinson wedding per year. This year is no exception. Congratulations to my cousin Janelle and her fiance David. The wedding is planned for October 6th... I want to shop for a dress already!

I guess there isn't much more to say except....

GO CANUCKS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whew.

Today:

I took Jericho in to get his 2 month shots. It's a long story... but basically we wanted to look more into vaccinations before we went down that road. It was not fun. But he did very well, only screamed for about 10 seconds.

I also had my mom inform me that my drivers license expired 3 weeks ago. Good thing I don't drive... much.

I sold this ugly dog kennel that had been in our backyard since we moved in. We don't have a dog and aren't planning on getting one for quite some time. Here's to getting $100 for something we could have paid someone to get rid of.

I also used our brand new diaper genie for the first time. We had planned on using cloth diapers, but Jericho would SCREAM everytime he was wet and I just didn't have the energy to keep cleaning those little suckers.

I'm officially addicted to facebook. I've connected with a cousin I don't hardly see, some people from Ontario, a girl who used to be in a growth group of mine, etc. And I get to put pictures up!!

Westjet commercial

Pediatrician Update

Thanks for all your prayers, we were a little concerned with Jericho's weight and with this weird little bone sticking out at the base of his spine. He saw the pediatrician today and she said he's gained 13 ounces in a month, and he's still in the 25th percentile, but she's not worried about him. Developmentally he's right on, she says it won't be long before he's sitting up all my himself and crawling all over - great! With the bone sticking out, she says it is a little abnormal so we're being referred to a neuro-surgeon at Childrens. The mother in me is even more worried, but she made it clear it doesn't seem to be that his spine is out of whack or anything... she just wants to make sure it's not anything that will cause him harm.

So he's 14lbs, 14oz. and growing!!

Cousins

Jericho's first cousin was born 4 months and one day after he was. Here is a small history of their short but volitile relationship:

My Monkey

Jericho is only 5 months, but already I can see a little stubborn adventurous streak. If there's something he wants, he'll reach for it regardless of how dangerous it may be. In the bath, he lunges for his Johnson's wash bottle and splashes violently until he gets it. When I'm using the TV remote, he grabs at it until it's in his hands. If I take away any of these new conquests, he will scream. I don't want a little man who crys when he doesn't get what he wants, so I take it away and say "Not yours" or "That's for Mommy". I know he doesn't understand, but I don't want to placate him. He will NOT turn out a monster.

I saw J's commercial!

Anyone else?

Happy Easter!

To My Readers:

I'm not sure how many of you there are, but I've made a list of who I think is out there reading and have some things to say to each of you. I don't know why I decided to do this, I guess sometimes I just feel like saying some of these things and sadly, my blog is a place I find it easy to be honest about how I feel.

Sarah C. M.: A very clever April Fool's joke m'dear. You crack me up. The thing I most admire about you is your sons. They are a mirror of you as a mother and they impress me each time I see them. HONEST! It was embarrassing how you were able with three young boys to get out the door faster than me with my one. I would be honoured to be compared to you as a Mom. Thank-you for your friendship even though it is by default through the men.

Erinne: You were the first one of the guys wives to reach out to me when I was first introduced to the group. I had a blast with you. You are so friendly and really made me feel special. Your kids are so precious. Each time I see a picture of R or N I just smile at their cuteness! Thank-you for being you and I look forward to adventures to come.

Shannon: Talk about a small world! I go to highschool and you are a part of a very small class with me. We had crazy teachers and even crazier uniforms. Almost 10 years later I find your blog through Erinne! What are the chances of that? I look forward to meeting up with you before you move. I'll keep your little man in my prayers.

Nicci: I don't know how often you read this, but I thought I would send a little note to let you know I'm thinking of you and your pregnancy. It wasn't long ago I was there and as much as I loved bonding with my baby that way, I couldn't wait to meet him! Sorry I missed you last week, but I hope sometime soon to bump into you!

Lindsey: It was such a short time ago you were a part of an eclectic group who attended a small group at my house. Each time you showed up I looked forward to hearing of your present adventure. You always seemed to know how to have fun. I was pleased to pray for you and to see God answer. I don't see you much anymore, but know that I look up to you and your sparkling personality. I wish I shone as bright as you do.

Heather: Girl, I miss your laugh. You were the most fun at work. No one compared. Thank-you for your sense of humour and spontaneity. Wafers will never be the same. I admire your talent and look forward to seeing you used of God. It's been great having you lead worship at church and to see joy excude. I'm counting down the days for your trip and pray you have the time of your life.

Suzanne: Those few times I met you, you were always so kind to me. Thanks for all those cute toys for Jericho. I put my hand in the box once in awhile and pull out something else that just hold his attention like nothing else- except maybe me - and it's so fun to see his expression the first time he sees it. Thanks for being so giving and helpful to us. And yes, Nate loves your espresso machine recommendation.

Amanda: I'm sad you're moving. We will miss you. Your energy is great and I wish I had more of it. I'm sure we will see more of you, but it won't be the same. We will pray for you and Jason in your endeavors up there. Already miss you!

Melody: I know you just found me! Miss you and your cute giggle. I hope everything is going well for you and Sam. I look forward to seeing you in the summer.. look us up - you know where we live!

Gemma: You don't post comments very often, but I know you're out there! I don't see you at your work very often anymore, but when I do I love how you smile and say hello no matter what's going on. I hope everything is going very well for you m'dear!

MH: I had many people approach me when I had first met Nate who were telling me I should mac on him. No one was as convincing as you. I hate to think about what might have happened had it not been for some "coincedences". Thank-you for so much. It's nice to read your blog and see how you are doing. Your family is always in my prayers.

Michelle: Boot camp. I can't believe you convinced me. I can't wait for the cruise in September, it will be fun just because you are there. You saved me when I had very few clothes for my baby, thank-you for your giving spirit. Jericho has never looked so cute as he did in those little sleepers! Nate and I both enjoy you and Steve and look forward to many more times of hanging out together. Your children are beautiful and in my opinion you are an excellent mother.

Deanna: The year we spent living with you guys was amazing. You are such a giving family even though you use your last name speak. The advice, the hand foot, the unwrapped, the list goes on and on. And I won't even mention the os. Thank-you for your friendship and love. We will NEVER forget everything you did for us. We miss you dearly.

Lisa: I'm still laughing about Sunday!! We always manage to have fun no matter what happens! Whether it's the Canucks games, or greek food or Mexico or Gwen! It doesn't matter what we're doing, we ALWAYS have a blast! Thank-you for your contagious laugh and your love. You are soooo dear to me and I always love seeing you and hearing how you are. When's the next thing?

Megan: Can you believe we are both Mommy's! I loved seeing the pics of our babies together (which I will post later). They are so precious. I'm so happy they will grow up together. I look forward to picnics, birthday parties, walks in the park, etc. I know they might not be best friends, but they will always be buds. When do you wanna have the next ones? hahe.

Christa: I don't know if you always read this, but I'm so glad you're a part of our family! My brother did good by marrying you! Thank-you for all you do for us and for being such a great auntie to my little man.

Nicole: Cousin! Another cousin! You have a beautiful spirit. I love how you send me emails just to see how I am. I know things aren't always easy, but you are on my mind and prayers a lot. Thank-you for loving my baby and for all the cute things you say about him!

Nina: I miss you. You are a busy little lady. Thank-you for stopping by today to play with us, even for a little while. I admire how you have taken trips - you are so adventurous! Don't worry, I'll save having a baby at the same time as you too.

4ever29: Thank-you for being brave enough to keep pestering Nate and I to attend a Bible study. I finally came to the realization that maybe compassion isn't the best term. You're right... if it's a small issue to you, you don't tend to show compassion... but if someone is in true pain and going through a real crisis - you will say that you are there for ANYTHING that may be needed. But you are a good friend to me. Thanks for being there if I need to vent and for being the person I share anything with. And I do mean anything!

4ever29's Man: I know sometimes you are a lurker.. Thanks also for your friendship and for playing games with my hubby. He really enjoys hanging out with you. And thank-you for your wife! We totally get the next trip dude.

Tahnee: I'm sad you're leaving, but in reading your blog I realize that you can only be happy in NYC. Thanks for letting me come visit you there and for being that 'cool' person I can call a friend. You're fashionable, funny, and skinny! But you're also intelligent and no-nonsense. If I ever have a leftover plate of bacon, I know who to call!

MIL: Most people don't know you do check out the blog because you don't usually post comments, but I know you're out there! Thank-you for raising your son to be a great Daddy. He is a really good husband and I'm very thankful for your influence in his life. Look forward to seeing you in a few weeks! Jericho misses you!

FIL: You also check out the blog. Even when you were here visiting before you were religiously checking out what I had to say about the little man. You are filled with much wisdom and I thank-you also for your son. He does admire you and your many gifts with people and so do I. I hope Jericho grows up to be a man of God like yourself. Are you excited for your trip out here?

Mom: You have been an adorable g'ma. Popo loves you. Did you see how he looked at you today? You got one of those golden grins. He's going to grow up knowing you to be a very giving person and hopefully he will get a lot of his character and integrity from you. Thanks for being there when he came into the world and for helping me through the labour of labour. You are a fabulous mom!

Nate: I love you. Thanks for being patient while I wrote out this entire post. You are my darling. I don't always thank-you for how great you are - for your massages and your dinners, your hugs when I need them, and the way you look at me. I love you. I would post our secret word here, but I think I'm just going to say it to you now.

If I forgot you, I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I knew I might run into that problem with this huge undertaking, but sometimes in life we all need a little encouragement. It's so easy to tear people down and to say negative things about them, I want to challenge each of you to go against the grain. If you ever catch me saying something not nice about someone - you are free to challenge me on it.

I'm 5 months today!

Happy 5 months to me! I think I'm going to enjoy it by taking a nap AND holding my foot.

A smile to brighten your day

Looking for tenants

Anyone know anyone who would be interested in a 2 bedroom basement suite?

Wow.

I haven't seen it yet, but Jericho's commercial is now on. My dad saw it first and called Nate while I was at boot camp (which I will discuss in a second..). Nate then proceeded to see it a few more times in the space of an hour on Global. Watch for a yawning baby in a West Jet advert.

As for boot camp, I started tonight. It was harsh, but in a good way. In a I-can-feel-my muscles-burning-and-maybe-my-fat-burning-off kinda way. The instructor is really nice. I've been to boot camp before and it was okay, but the leader was much more nazi than anything. She even made me cry once. But even though I've only been to the e city boot camp once, I really like Tawnie. She's nice and encouraging, but she pushes. I'm sore you guys. But I feel good.

I had great fun at my birthday party on Saturday night. All we did was eat, drink and talk, but it was fab. My hubby made some great food and my friends brought some awesome conversation and a good time was had by all. I even managed to catch the last sad 10 seconds of the Canucks game.

Anyways... here are some pics from Harrison.

28

We got back today from our lovely little trip to the hot springs. It was a really great time actually. My two favorite men were especially nice to me on my 28th birthday yesterday. Jericho slept through the night both evenings and it made my nights soooo awesome. Your days are so much better when your nights are free of crying baby. Nate & I took him swimming in the hot springs and he LOVED it. The indoor pool was a little too cool and he got the shivers, but we went yesterday afternoon to the outdoor pool - that's how beautiful a day it was - and he had a great time. He's so cute how he kept kicking his little legs. The absolute best part of my day was getting my birthday card from my son.

"You are my wonderful Mom. When I am big enough I will thank God for you. I am not big enough to say 'I love you', but I know you see those words in my eyes and smiles. When I giggle I say 'thanks' for:

1) Getting up with me at night
2) Loving me when I'm fussy
3) Holding me tight when I am sad
4) Giving up SO much to be my Mom

You are perfect!!

Jericho"


I bawled. Seriously, how adorable is that? My husband thinks of everything. My birthday morning was rough though as my eyes were both really red and itchy and no where in the hotel was there any conditioner and mine was at home. I'm the type that loves a perfect birthday so these little things were really bothering me. But then we went for a swim, had a marvelous panini sandwich, went window shopping, and spent a glorious time enjoying dinner and dancing at the Copper Room. All in all, it was a perfect way to turn 28. I'll post pictures later.

Long time no blog

Ok, it's been a long time by my standards. Thanks to Miss Shannon for the little push. Here goes:

1. A huge thank-you to Jane and Pendo for coming by to visit Jericho last Thursday. We were so blessed by your sweet prayer for our little man. You were the first ones to visit and pray out loud for us like that and we thought it was perfect.




2. The party on Friday night rocked. My mom brought me a gelato cake. GELATO. It was rich chocolate with a touch of orange. I wanted to eat the whole thing. Nate worked really hard on dinner... I helped a little by making the marinade for the steak.. but he did most everything else. The funniest part was how upset Jericho seemed everytime he saw Riley. Pictures say it all.








3. Our good friends invited us to the Canucks Open Practice on Saturday. It was AMAZING. We were 6 rows behind a very bendy Luongo. I was in my element. Jericho kept staring at the Jumbotron, probably wishing he had one like it at home. All three of us wore jerseys - Jericho got a Canada jersey from Uncle Phil. After the practice we went to Nate's favorite restaurant - this really great Mongolian place that is so yum. All in all a fabulous family day.








4. Tomorrow we leave for Harrison for 2 nights. I have a deep tissue massage scheduled for Thursday which is promising to be the most amazing 55 minutes of my day. It's going to be interesting to see how the baby will be in a strange place - he didn't seem to like the hotel in Penticton much... but with all the water around we should be set as the sound of running water really calms in down. We are lucky in that last time we went to Harrison it really sucked and I complained and now we have a room upgrade. King size bed with a garden view here we come! Now I just need to track down a dress shirt for the Copper Room. Dude.

A big thank you to both my parents for the scrapbook stuff and to Nate's parents for the card and cheque - and also to Matt & Chris for the bonus!

eat baby eat

Thanks to all you wise mothers for your advice last week when Jericho wasn't eating well. Today was the first day he did amazing. We decided after his doctors appointment that we would try not to give him a bottle for awhile. It was really hard, but then we realized I wasn't producing that much milk... so I started pumping 2-3 times per day. I feed him oatmeal cereal mixed with breast milk for breakfast and nurse for the rest of the day. We found the only time he was really fussy was around 8-10 pm. It was getting really frustrating trying to feed him. So we decided that would be the time he would get a bottle. That way he tends to sleep through the night and I tend to be less stressed and tired throughout the day.

Tonight I didn't give him a bottle, he didn't fuss at all and actually nursed quite happily. I don't know if he'll sleep through the night, or if he'll happily nurse tomorrow night, but for today it brings me happiness.

Since 2004 my dear husband has been working hard on his Masters and also working full-time. It's been stressful and expensive, but I'm amazed how little we're in debt. We have a bunch, but it could be so much worse had we not made a commitment to pay for most of his tuition as we went. But now we are getting excited about paying off the rest of it. We have this excel spreadsheet where we enter what we are putting on the credit card and what we have paid off. Hopefully by the fall it will all be kaput!

Friday night we're having a family birthday. My family has gotten large enough that now we try and celebrate more than one birthday at a time. Friday will be me and Phil's turn. He turned 17 on the 15th and I'm turning 28 on the 29th. What should I make for dinner? Hmmmmmmm.....

My how we've grown!

Before


After

Too many things to blog about!!

First of all, a very happy birthday to my youngest brother - PHIL. He's old now - 17. Which in turn makes me feel ancient seeing as I'll soon be 11 years older. We went over to watch the hockey game with him tonight seeing as his girl is in Hawaii.

Second, a shout out to Tanya who posted anonymously on my blog. It was her first blog visit and even though when she posted I had not a clue who she was, it was nice of her to comment regardless. I love comments. I think they are cool. I think when you have a blog post with many comments, it's as if you are the most awesome person in the world and people actually care about what's going on with you. So yeah, thanks T.




My sister's son is gorgeous. A completely beautiful child. I love him already.



I was just talking to Nate about how sometimes when I am hanging out with Jericho.. I'll be right with him and getting a good snuggle - and I'll miss him. How can I miss him when he's right there? I think I miss the intimicy of being pregnant. Weird, right?



And a HUGE thanks to all who responded to my post in regards to feeding my Jericho. We went to the doctor today because he was being so fussy and the doctor had asked us to come back in two weeks to record his weight gain and I had been supplementing him. Turns out he did not gain a single ounce in 10 days. Not one. So we've been referred to one of the very best pediatricians in the area. She saw him over Christmas when he was colicy and was GREAT with him. We're also getting his tailbone checked out. It just sticks out a little bit and it's slightly odd. Oh - and he's in the 25th percentile for weight. It seems like just a short while ago he was in the 70th..so he's gone down quite a bit. But I'm not too worried yet. We'll see what the baby doc says.

Wish me luck - I'm entering a contest for a makeover. I have to write a 250 word essay, but I think it's pretty stellar so I'll keep you posted.

PS - Less than two weeks until our first official family vacation. We'll be off to Harrison for a scant 2 nights, but it shall be fun, I decided.

Happy and Sad

Jericho slept 10 hours last night.. I woke up and felt well-rested for once! Ever since the end of January he has been waking up at least once per night, so it was great to put him down at 9:30 and have him wake up at 7:30. I wish every night was soo nice!

Problem is, he spent a lot of the time this morning being really fussy. He nursed really well when he woke up and we played for awhile...then he seemed tired. When I put him down though he was just wide awake. Finally he went back to sleep at 10 am and only slept until 10:40 when he usually sleeps an hour and a half. He woke up screaming and would only calm down for short periods. I decided to give him his rice cereal and added a bunch of breast milk. I thought maybe it would distract him if he had his first high chair experience. It worked for about 5 minutes then he SCREAMED again. I then noticed a red mark under his chin, maybe his clothes were rubbing against him? I thought maybe he was mad because I wasn't feeding him fast enough...so I tried to nurse him again. This did not work. I was starting to get upset because you hear a crying baby for long enough and it makes you CRAZY. My mom was going to take us to the clinic, but I decided to give him a bottle instead. He calmed right down... Even smiled at my mom for awhile. Then I put him to bed and he has been sleeping for almost 2 hours now.

Part of me wants to nurse this kid, but the other part just loves the convenience of the bottle. I've noticed already that he's really into wanting to eat what we eat and nursing doesn't always seem to be what he wants. I know I'm the MOM and he's the KID, but... I don't know. I have a lot of friends who breast fed their babes exclusively for a long time and did fine... and I have a lot of friends who feed their babes formula and rice cereal and other little baby foods and they also did fine. How do you know if you're just spoiling your kid by not giving him what he doesn't know he needs??