Voting

Monday, February 07, 2011

Levi Darrel





Congratulations Tim and Karri on the birth of your beautiful and sweet son, Levi Darrel. He was 9 lbs 4 oz (yikes). Mommy and baby are doing really well and should be out of the hospital by Tuesday.
After watching Simon and Elizabeth play together so well and love each other so much, I'm so glad that Claire will have a little same age cousin to play with too!
I'm thrilled to be an Auntie again! :)

Friday, February 04, 2011

The Sound of Silence


Claire has been on a bit of hunger strike lately. She'll cry when I try to nurse her in the mornings, eat all afternoon, cry in the early evening and nurse to sleep at night. This on/off (quite literally) behaviour has been driving me bananas!
Today, I was at my Mom's in the morning. She suggested that I take Claire to a very quiet spot and nurse her. She was a champ!
Turns out, she just wants peace and quiet when she eats.
Sigh.
Mom said I was like that until I was about 4-5 months old.
Sigh.
Princess might have to go hungry in the mornings because who can silence a 21 month old?

Monday, January 31, 2011

Non-Napper


After the sleep deprivation woes of 2009 and early 2010, I am soooooo pleased that Simon is a fantastic night sleeper. The only time we deal with him after 8 pm is if he's teething hard and needs some Tylenol. (I'm afraid to jinx the good thing we have going with Claire if I share so, I won't...).
However, since just before Claire was born, Simon has given up regular naps. He naps 2-3 times a week. The rest of the afternoons, I plunk him in his crib and he plays in there for ~2 hours. We have a video monitor (thanks to my folks) so, I can watch what he does. He must have some wild imagination to keep himself entertained and happy for those 2 hours. I guess this is the beginning of quiet time for him. It's also some much needed Momma alone time, as long a Claire cooperates and naps too.

It's almost 4 in the afternoon. Time to "release" my boy from his solitude and wait for the Little Miss to decide she wants to eat.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Beauty in Banality




I don't have much to say. The beautiful mundane is my every day. I love it but, it leads little to write about (unless you want details on my two, very messy diaper changes in less then 5 minutes or a recitation of "Animal Gym" - Simon's favorite Golden book).
Here are some pics. They speak volumes about what goes on around here!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunshine



Finally... a little sunshine for these cold prairie bones.
I can't get this song out of my head so, I thought I'd share it with you! (I was Made for Sunny Days by the Weepies)

Friday, January 21, 2011

Fingers Crossed

One of my sweet students is in the hospital and pretty sick.
If you get a chance, can you lift up A.S. and her family today in prayer.
Thanks!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

27



It dawned on me that Shiya's been my bestest bestie for the past 27 years. Okay, maybe not Kindergarten or grade 1 but, when we realized that we both loved to do the same things at recess in grade 2, we've been inseparable.
We've survived my weird pre-20 something dating life, our own quirks, French immersion, high school, Basic Training (definitely her - I'd cry too much), a variety of post-secondary schooling, moving all over Canada (once again her - I'd cry too much), the Navy, 3 high schools for me, a wonderful Mexican holiday, 2 marriages, my two kiddos and too much geography between us. Still, whenever I pick up the phone to talk to her, she's the same person that spent all of grade 6 pouting with me by the ball diamonds. We've grown up, have gone through so many different and life-changing experiences and still, she's my best friend.
We try to see each other as much as our finances will allow. Fortunately, for me, her hubby has family here so, they both want to come back regularly. I wish it could be more. Simon knows who his "Auntie" Shiya and "Uncle" Marshall are and identifies them in pictures. I wish he could grow up knowing them better.
I miss her lots today. It's her B-day and she's 32. I wish I could turn back time and buy slushies and decapitate gummy bears with her all afternoon. Instead, I'll make a long distance call and long for a hug.

Happy B-day, beautiful! I love you!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Whoosh...



My little Miss is 2 months old.

When did that happen?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Growing up

One of my former Lanigan students came over today for tea. It was so good to see her all grown up. She's absolutely fabulous and I'm proud to say that I've taught her.
Students are the best thing about my job. It's nice when I can make a connection that goes beyond the curriculum. It's nice when they grow up and become my friends.

Monday, January 10, 2011

We Don't Get Out Much




We're holin' up inside. It's winter in SK and baby, it's cold outside. So, we make our own fun and have a lot of play dates. Claire's started her cloth diapers, she's started smiling and cooing and she's been giving me good sleeps at night. I've been trying a lot of different ideas to keep Simon entertained while we're cooped up inside.
We bought our double stroller and I'm dreaming of the days when I can strap in the kids and walk around in the sunshine. Until then...

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Toddlerhood - Life's a Scream


(This is a picture of the way I see Simon at least 30 times a day. Usually, he's sayinng "Up peeease".)

Simon's started screaming lately. Maybe he sees that it works for Claire and is testing it out for himself. His scream usually sounds like "MMMMOOOOOOooooaaaaaam"!
He has discovered the art of closing the doors in his house. He only "locks" himself in rooms 2-3 times a day which results in screaming sessions. Every now and then, he'll say "'elp, 'elp but, mostly it's a scream.

He's on a mission to put all the Kleenex in our house into our toilet. He likes to fish diapers out of the garbage and put them into the cloth diaper pail. He follows me around the house with books saying "ho-rey" (story) and screams when I don't stop, drop and read.

He plays pretty independently (see above adventures) when I nurse Claire. He's been enjoying giving Tigger sips of his pretend tea and changing Tigger's diaper. He helps me burp Claire and he likes to play with her toes. He says "oh no" and "I know, I know" to her when she cries.

Today, I took him for a walk in his sled and he insisted that he had to hold his Canada flag (with his thumbless mitts) for the whole walk.

His favorite car "toy" is the tourist map we still have from our Canmore trip because it has a Canada flag on the back.

This morning, I heard him sneezing in his crib and then, I heard him say "'hank-'oooou" to himself.

His naps are not too often. He plays in his crib and his own "quiet time" for about 2 hours but, it's only 2-3 times a week that he naps now. Good thing he loves playing and wrestling his animals in there. (We have a video monitor and watching him play in there is hysterical.)

He's successfully peed on his potty (our Christmas gift to him because we're those kind of parents) and we're hoping that this will lead to good things.

It's official - I have a toddler on my hands and I love it.

Other then the screaming, I laugh out loud at him at least once an hour if not more. He still throws his baby arms around me and gives me slimy kisses and he still insists on snuggling during stories and Sesame Street. I'm going to miss these days someday when he's a big, smelly, grunting teenager who stomps around my house, eating my food and refusing to be anything but monosyllabic with me.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Escaping my Escapism

Sometimes, the internet (this blog, FB, other blogs, etc.) steal my time away from my children.
I'm going to try to change that. I don't want my kids' memories to be of me being "too busy" for them. Of course, there will be plenty of times when "Mommy has busy hands" (words I say to Simon often) however, I want those busy things to be things that serve my family.
Wish me luck because somedays, it'd be nice to escape to la la land for a bit. :)

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Welcome 2011


Simon woke up saying "I know, I know...". :) Glad he's starting off his New Year on a good foot.
Claire stayed up to ring in the New Year and then slept through the night. She slept hard ALL day. She's getting too long for her sleep sack and her sleepers... I think my girl's on the grow.

These are my 2011 goals:

1. Lose baby weight sensibly.

2. Eat more vegetables.

3. Vacuum more.

4. Cloth diapers both kiddies and potty-train the Schmoo.

5. Nap every so often - because I can.

6. Find another cool concert to go to with my honey.

7. Recycle more... buy less.

8. Create practical items and gifts to reuse.

9. Have more family dance parties.

10. Take the family on more travel adventures.

I'm sure that I'll do most of these to some degree so, I won't let myself down with any lofty resolution. What are you resolved to do this year?

Friday, December 31, 2010

2010 in a nutshell


Simon, Simon, Simon.
Pregnant with Claire.
Trip to Winnipeg.
Back to work - for just 13 weeks :)
Trip to Canmore.
Try to sell the house and buy big, beautiful house in artsy area - FAIL.
Busy, busy, busy.
Little Miss Claire Aimee.

Big sigh.

Bring on 2011 - I can't wait to see what adventures you hold!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Big Sigh...


Maybe it's the act of "de-cluttering" or it's the fact that I survived 6 weeks with a newborn but, I feel like my whole being is breathing a big sigh of relief.

Christmas is over. I LOVE Christmas. I LOVE decorating, writing cards, doing a family photo, wrapping (and shopping) for gifts, preparing food, picking out Christmas outfits, etc, etc. However, it can be a little busy. Everyday, there's a new project to do. Today, we took the tree down and I put away the decorations. I feel like I can breathe in my house again. There's more space for Simon to run around and there's less "busy" going on for my eyes.

Claire turned 6 weeks old yesterday (Simon also turned 20 months on the same day). I survived the newborn stage. She's a fabulous baby. I have no complaints. We sleep just fine and she's a great eater. She is a terrific snuggler and she puts up with a lot! Despite all that, having a baby is still a very overwhelming life experience. It really takes 6 weeks to recover mentally and physically.

Now, I'm feeling more like me. I'm excited to begin the de-cluttering process again as we prepare to (once again) try to sell our house in the new year (that is, if we can find one we love as much as we loved the one that got away). I'm excited to see what 2011 has in store for us.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Merry Christmas 2010





Hope you had a very Merry Christmas.
Ours consisted of a candle-light service, presents, eggnog, turkey, a perogie feast, more presents, napping, family time, games and yummy food.
Simon's highlights were: the live sheep at the nativity scene, extra desserts, time with his cousin, time with all 4 of his doting grandparents, the balls he received and the cool car toy from his Auntie,
Claire snuggled so many people that she was barely awake.
Many blessings to you as you celebrate, relax and enjoy the season!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Dude


Claire has discovered that one of the perils of being the little sister to a big brother is that the Mom always uses male nicknames when addressing her. Claire is frequently called: dude, man, buddy and bud ...oops. Poor girly!

She's also getting a lot of "Clarabelle", "ClaireBear" and "Clarabelly". As the girl who grew up hating being called "Jillybean", "Beaner", "Jellybelly", etc, I find it a tad cruel that fate has led me to calling my sweetie such silly nicknames. Yet, I keep doing it.

Claire has a pretty bad cold. She sleeps a lot but, her breathing is atrocious. I hate that she's sick!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

What's in your freezer?






I spent this past Saturday and Wednesday baking with both our families. Now my freezer is full. Call me crazy but, I love it. I think it's the quality time with my ladies (and my sweet tooth) that I enjoy the most.
Enjoy the pics - looking is calorie free! :)

(My fav pic is the one of Claire sleeping in a laundry hamper.)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Martha, Martha...

(I always found it ironic that Martha Stewart was named Martha...)

Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of 2 sisters. Martha, the very hospitable "doer" and Mary, the very wise "listener". God points this story out to me over and over and over again. I am a doer. I like to be productive. I like to have a checklist, a plan and a well-marked calendar (or two or three). I LOVE being organized and having things "done" just so. I am a lot like Martha.

I'm not in a "Martha" time of life right now. Today, I did family bake day with my side of the family. I spent a lot of time playing with my son and my niece and snuggling my sweet daughter. I longed to just be working at the baking. I failed to take advantage of those sweet tiny hands, those chubby baby hugs and those soft snuggles. These are the gifts God has given me now. There will be plenty of time in my life to "do". I need to remember just to sit and soak in the presence of the Lord in the innocence of these babies.

Needless to say, we still did an amazing job baking. After two family bake days, my freezers are FULL. I'm excited to make up baking trays to share with others. I'm thankful for the time spent with my Mom, Mother-in-law and sweet sister-in-laws.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Co-sleeping


Claire is a snuggler. She is also a co-sleeper. I have an adorable bassinet by our bed. She spends half the night in there (more if I can get her to) and the rest of her night, she spends cuddled up as close as she can get to me.
It's sweet but, I'm not a fan of co-sleeping. I'm a side/back sleeper so, the most danger this girly is in is my elbow bopping her head. I just don't sleep as well with her grunting, kicking little body pressed up against mine. I don't really want her to be in my bed much longer. Simon was in his room and crib by one-month. I'd be satisfied with Claire just in her bassinet by one month.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the night, I'd do anything just to go back to sleep so, Claire wins a lot of my anti-co-sleeping battles.

Whether you're a fan of co-sleeping or not, please promise me that I won't have a 14-year old snuggling me in my sleep.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Busy-ness



Christmas is busy.
Toddlers are busy.
Newborns are busy.

Sometimes, in all this business of being busy, I get to stop and snuggle Claire. There's something peaceful about a soft, warm, fetal body pressed up against me. Her soft baby breath and her downy hair against my face. She's my little oasis amidst that chaos that is somedays my life. I'm so thankful for her!

(Thanks again to Andrea for the above pic.)

Monday, December 06, 2010

Learning curve


It's becoming more and more obvious to me that becoming an mother is a process. I learn so much from my kiddos.
Claire will be 3 weeks old tomorrow. It seems like a lifetime ago that I took a walk down our dark and icy street hoping to induce labour. Since then, I've had a steep learning curve but, it's also been good.
Things I've learned to do:
-get ready in just 10 minutes before the kids wake up in the morning
-nurse Claire and feed Simon Nutella and raisin toast (and check FB) at the SAME time
-get a newborn and a toddler out the door, by myself, and be EARLY for church
-carry Simon and Claire (in her carseat) and the diaper bag to and from the car
-nap most afternoons :)
-focus on just one household task a day instead of trying to do it all at once and burning out
-delegate baby-bathing to my wonderful (and brave husband) - I've always been a baby bath wimp
-read stories up-side-down to my toddler while nursing

I've also benefited from some amazing friends and family who have brought me some spectacular meals. Trevor and I have been dining well since Claire arrived and we've been oh-so-thankful. It's nice to not worry about supper and just nurse or play instead of fixing food.

(Family photo by my lovely sister-in-law, Andrea)

Friday, December 03, 2010

...and we have take-off

SIMON IS WALKING!!!!!

This is pretty exciting news in our household. I'm trying to be all casual about it with other people but, I feel like doing the happy dance all the time for him and all I want to do is brag!
The other day, Trevor told him he should walk to me instead of crawling and, it was like a little light went off in his head and he just sauntered over to me like it was no big deal. Since then, he spends most of his play time walking back and forth between furniture and giggling. It's pretty awesome. :)

I know that some people would be concerned that he's 19 months and just starting to walk. All I can think of is my tiny newborn with his crooked little feet screaming and screaming and screaming at me while we had his casts put on. That sucked so badly. This is our pay off. It's sooooo worth it.

I'm so proud of you, my little Schmoo.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Hard Day's Night

We took Claire to church for the first time this past Sunday. It's strange how many (older) people asked if she was a good baby? These same people also asked if Simon was a good baby when he was brand new. I've always wondered what this meant? Of course they are good! What mother, in her right mind, would answer "No, she's a very, very bad baby... we're thinking about having her locked up in juvie soon...". Really?

I'm enjoying being "just a mommy" again. Simon's at a super fun stage and Claire is an amazing cuddler. My only complaint is that she has her days and nights mixed up still. I know she'll outgrow it (and then, will be an amazing sleeper judging by how her days go) however, at this moment in time, it's a bit annoying.

December is here. I LOVE this time of year. I'm so excited to bring the tree up and decorate our little house. Family bake-a-thons are coming soon (I don't expect my muffin top to disappear until all those yummy cookies are out of season). Also, despite working full-time and having a baby recently, I'm on a roll with my Christmas shopping.
Happy December to you all!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Cheatin'


Today is Trevor's first day back to work and my first day alone with both kids... kind of.
I'm a bit of a cheater.
I'm still using my baby-sitter... part time. Gulp, I shared it. That's right world, I am paying another individual to look after my child while I adjust to Claire.
Although, I do feel terribly guilty, I also feel a little relieved. Slowly, Simon, Claire and I will figure out how to do life together. Until then, Simon will still get his much needed play time with his favorite girls. It's just for a few mornings for a few more weeks. Our baby-sitter is so amazing, it's hard to imagine Simon's life without her.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

This year...




Dear Riders,
Last year, you broke our hearts.
This year, could you pretty please bring home the Grey Cup?
Simon turns 19 months old today. He loves to say "Go Razzzz" (Go Riders) and he loves to throw his hands up in the air when we say "Touchdown". He's wearing his "Ri-dehzzzz" shirt and is excited to watch the game with his buddy Kade.
Good luck, guys! You have an entire province watching with baited breath to see how you do (and if you can count) this year!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Settling


Sleeping Beauty - She's finally out of our bed and into her bassinet.

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Simon's attempt at Movember.

Life is settling into a simple routine around here. Basically, we revolve around our children and whatever they need the most at the moment. Mostly, this means I read Simon stories and nurse Claire. That's a pretty good job description for a Momma of 2 little people.
On Monday, Trevor goes back to work and it's two against one here. I'm a little nervous and yet, I'm excited to get some sort of routine organized. I'm sure that there will be some hair pulling moments on my part as well as some pretty sweet times. My biggest challenge will be taking the two of them out. I like to get out of the house so, I'm up for the challenge. We'll see how things go.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Breaking me in easy...


Claire is an EASY baby. How do I know this? My lovely little man was not.
I always knew that Simon was a challenging newborn but, the past 5 days have revealed that to me even more. My poor little man was one hurting unit during his infancy. Those casts and surgeries didn't make things easy on him (or us). He's such a happy little guy now. I know it was PAIN and not personality. However, I had no idea how extreme it was at the time.
I had been dreading Claire's infancy so much because, my only experience with a newborn was so stressful. He was so unhappy and all I wanted to do was protect him. Claire is sooo different. I can see why people love newborns. She's such a happy little snuggler. Her days and nights are a little mixed up but, she'll straighten them out. She protests her car seat for all of 5 seconds and then settles nicely. Her biggest trauma to date was her bath and, she'll get used to that too.
I'm also still in the honeymoon stage. Trevor's still home. We have no real routine yet. Life will change again next week when it's two against one. Fortunately, I think that this week of bliss with Trevor will give me the rest I need to figure out a routine and the logistics of how to take two little non-walkers out and about in the snow and cold.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Welcome Claire Aimee






She's here!

Claire Aimee kept us up all of Monday night. We went to the hospital at 12:30 to find that, although I was 4 cm dilated, I wasn't having consistent enough contractions to stay. This turned out to be an okay thing because, I was able to manage 3 more hours of sleep in my own bed. By 7:30, we were back at the hospital with very consistent contractions.
I was happy that my Birth Plan (read EPIDURAL) went smoothly and then, we waited a few more hours. Claire only made me push for 20 minutes and she was out. 7 lbs 5 oz, 51 cm long on Nov. 16th at 10:59 am.
I was so blessed with such a smooth and positive delivery. My nurses were amazing (I had two very lovely students wait on me hand and foot). My doctor is also amazing and she showed up on her day off to catch Claire. The new L+D unit as well as Mother/Baby are fabulous!
We arrived at home last night and have been very content to snuggle our babies on this very cold and stormy November day.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Overdue - A Top Ten List


While googling "overdue" (because that's what one does while overdue), I came across this humourous list of the Top Ten "Things Not to Say to an Overdue Lady". It made me smile and, because I actually have readers checking in regularly (another one of the joys of being overdue), I felt pressure to write "something" besides giving you the run down of all the household chores I've been up to. :)

10. Now, when was your due date?

9. Your belly sure is, uh... huge.

8. Are you sure it isn't twins. (Positive... absolutely positive!)

7. Have you tried....? (Insert random wives' tale here... of course we've tried them!)

6. When will you be induced? (Never, I hope...)

5. Doesn't that placenta have, like, an expiration date? (Stamped on it's side, actually.)

4. Maybe they got your dates wrong.

3. When I was pregnant...

2. Oh, being overdue isn't that bad.

1. Don't sit there, your water might break...

(Posted here originally.)

The photo was taken courtesy of my sweet MIL who took my little boy to play in the snow because she has way more energy then me!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Remember



I teach a lot about war.
I still can't explain why it happens.
As a mother, I hold my little boy close today and remember all the mothers who've lost their children.
I will not forget their sacrifice.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

3


I'm a little overdue but, feeling swell. :)

We're currently savoring our last few days as a family of 3. 18 1/2 months old is bliss. We love Simon's belly laughs, babbles and constant desire for interaction. If he could have dream day, we'd read all morning, eat raisin toast and Nutella for breakfast and lunch, play with all four of his grandparents until nap time, party in his crib, zonk out and then wake up to play balloons with his baby-sitter and his favorite 2 girls. (We could do without the frustrating tantrums but, they're part and parcel of where he's at in life).

Today, he learned to scratch. He LOVES to "tickle" other people. He loves putting on his dress-up hats and watching Sesame Street. He loves to cuddle. He also loves to learn animal noises. He's finally added pig grunting to bahhing, mooing, meowing, panting (dog), hoohooing and roaring. He's mastered the stairs and has the most adorable version of a jump that I've ever seen.

Don't get me wrong, we're pumped for Schmoo 2. We're just enjoying where we're at too. When people call to "wonder how I'm doing" as an overdue lady, I smile to myself. Simon was 5 days overdue and I was pretty anxious. He came... he's fine. I have no doubts that this little one will show up in his or her own time. Until then, I'm going to bask in being the mommy of just one before the busy days of a newborn are here and all I write about is sleep exhaustion. :)

Monday, November 08, 2010

Due Date


Waking up on the wedding day sportin' his 4th hair cut.

Our little family.

My handsome men!
On Simon's due date, I was sad and lonely. My friend Nancy took me for tea and cheered me up.
Today, I was thrilled that Schmoo 2 decided not to make his/her appearance today (or yesterday).
I LOVED celebrating at Jared and Jeanette's wedding. They had the most perfect day. Both were beautiful and I'm so happy for them.
Today, I was able to go to a family brunch and play with Simon.
I'm going to do a little house cleaning and then, I'll take a nap.

Schmoo 2, we are NOW as ready as we will ever be for you. We don't mind waiting... do things on your own terms but, we want you to know that you can come whenever you want now!

Friday, November 05, 2010

Close



Every night, when I go to bed, I try to coax a promise from Baby that he or she will be late so that I can celebrate this weekend with my fabulous brother-in-law and his almost bride.
The wedding is Sunday and I think we're going to be tied up with wedding-y things until Monday afternoon. I'm absolutely thrilled for Jared and Jeanette so, I hope I "hang in" there until everything is done.
Simon gets to wear a suit (a gift from his Great-Grandma) and I'd hate to miss that as well. (Due to his incredibly difficult feet that we can never find shoes for, he'll also be sporting his super snazzy Tigger runners with the suit. Classy!)
I haven't swelled up too badly so, I think I can actually wear dress shoes instead of Crocs.
Trevor will be in a tux and I will be sitting pretty close to the front so, I anticipate making eyes at him through most of the ceremony. Simon will be at home napping so that he will be pleasant at the reception instead of a basket-case.
I love Trevor's family. It'll be fun to see and visit with all his cousins, aunts and uncles. I'm looking forward to that as well.
Therefore Baby, please, please, please, give your Momma a little bit of time to celebrate Uncle Jared's BIG day. After that, it'll be all about you, little Schmoo!

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Jill-Day?

I feel a little lost today.
I liked going to work.
Don't be alarmed... I am NOT sad to be done. The very thought of a nap this afternoon makes me smile.
I dropped Simon off with the baby-sitter's after a long breakfast, chat and story-fest. I've missed that little guy in the mornings. It's weird not to have him with me but, I've been able to do a few little things that wouldn't happen if he was home.
I'm washing tiny sleepers and some of Simon's newborn clothes and marveling at how much he's grown and changed in just 18 months. It's exciting to think of our next little miracle. I still can't believe he or she is just days away from joining our little family.

Well, I'm off for my massage and pedicure. Spoiled... I know. I'm going to want to re-live this alone day over and over and over again in the next year.

Monday, November 01, 2010

C'est l'Halloween





(Hey Frenchy friends of mine... do you remember that song? I think of it every Halloween. After tons of searching, I still can't locate a copy.)

Simon went out and about trick-or-treating as Tigger this year. We went both Saturday and Sunday nights and went to a whopping 7 houses. He enjoyed putting treats in his bag and he love the suppers with both sets of grandparents. He liked being Tigger but, he refused to wear the pants that came with the costume. Ah well...

I pinned this lovely sign to my belly for dress-up day at school. A little lazy, yes but, I do think I was clever. Also, check out my stellar artwork. :) I was a Goth the day before. It was such a rushed day filled with appts and temper tantrums that I missed out on a picture. Let's just say that I was spectacular. :)

Simon has been chattin' up a storm lately. I have no idea what he's babbling about but, he's fun to listen to. He's got a pile of words and animal noises that he loves to say. He's also gaining confidence walking. I predict independent locomotion by Christmas.

I have 2 days left of work and a pile of marking. Silly students don't seem to understand that pretty soon, it'll be impossible for me to mark their already late assignments. Gasp... a real, honest-to-goodness deadline! Shocking but, reality. :) It's good for them.

I'm tired but, I'm already looking forward to a total Jill-day on Thursday for pampering, relaxing, nesting and laundry. I may even sleep in. :)

I'm still grinning ear to ear for my crazy and fun work friend Jana who just got her referral for her Chinese adoption. Check out her exciting journey here Sooo excited that she'll be a mommy soon!