Democracy in action

I'm not technically in the classroom right now but, I still have the rapt attention of two little students. Yesterday and today, Simon learned to say "democracy" and that democracy means "everybody votes". Today, he followed me as I marked my ballot and helped me put in the box.
As a teacher, I believe in modelling. This has led to some silly situations for me (being the only one over 18 not wearing my shoes to the shoeless assembly, weeks carting around my own baby egg, etc.) however, I believe that if I show kids that I buy into whatever it is I'm teaching, it's easier to sell them on it too.
I hope this will work as a parent too. I hope that Simon (and Claire) will take democracy seriously and will vote because their Momma and Daddy have told them about it, showed them how.

Besides... "field trips" are fun!

"Wild Things"

28 "Wild Things" cupcakes
22 people in our tiny bungalow
5 yummy dishes in our little brunch potluck
1 sad cat hanging out in the garage
2 years of Simon to celebrate

We had a "Wild Things" themed B-day brunch for our little man (based on one of his favorite stories). It was a blast.

Two

Hard for me to believe but, my baby boy is a two year old! Happy Birthday, Schmoo!

Sad Cries - Part 2

Honey,
I give up! I can't handle your sad cries anymore. As annoying as it is to hold you all the time, that is why I get paid the "big bucks". You're also welcome back in our bed because Momma and Daddy miss sleep. We get that you're too little. We'll try again in a few months.
Love Momma

P.S. - You at least sleep. Your brother was an absolute stinker and look at him now. He's amazing. I just have to remember that when I get irritated. It's just a little phase and you'll outgrow it in a bit.

Happy Easter

Our Easter was pretty fabulous. I'm still in a chocolate-induced coma and enjoying having my partner in parenting home for 5 days. It's also pretty awesome that the weather has been spectacular. Hope your Easter's been "egg-cellent"!

Sad Cries

Dear Claire,
You are now 5 months old. You eat solids like a champ. You nurse like a pro. You smile at everyone and you have your Daddy and I wrapped your finger. You love to jump and stand. You adore your big brother and Fergus. You are content and easy to care for.
Our only caveat is that you are having some sleep challenges. Just last week, you were going to sleep, waking up once to eat and we didn't see you again until 6:30 am. We were delighted. For the past 3 days/nights, you won't let us put you in your crib. We hold you and cuddle you and as soon as we make the move to put you down, you scream at us... so we try again. Sometimes, we've tried for 1-2 hours to put you down.
Last night, we tried a new "trick". We put you down and let you cry (and cry and cry and cry). We went in to reassure you a few times and eventually, you gave in and went to sleep. We continued to do this through the night (although I did feed you at your usual time). It sucked, little lady. I'm not a fan of cry it out. It's ironic because I'm also not a fan of co-sleeping but, we did that with you for a while too. You're getting too big (and wriggly) to be in Momma and Daddy's bed. (Momma thinks this is the root of her back problems too.) If you can train us to hold you a certain way and wake up when we put you down, you're old enough to learn to fall asleep without us.
Therefore, this is a note of apology in advance, little one. Tonight, I will nurse you and cuddle you close and love you but, you will have to sleep in your crib and I'm not picking you up every time you cry.
We should have done this with your brother much, much earlier in his life.
We love you and we hate your sad, sad cries,
Momma

Gratitude...

Today was a frustrating day. I think I tried putting Claire to sleep about a hundred times only to have her awaken or be awakened all day long... sigh.
I need to make a list of the good to remind myself that they outweigh the bad by a long shot.

1 - Outside. Simon can't get enough sunshine. He can manage to play without me there for about 15 minutes (supervised from the window). He begs to go out from the time he gets up until bedtime. It's great.

2 - Laundry. I do piles of it mostly because I change Simon's socks and pants twice a day because of the mud. (We still haven't found rubber boots to fit on his post-club feet). I'm thankful we have an appliance that does the heavy work. I still don't know how those pioneer women did it.

3 - Husband. I'm married to my superman! He's good at rescuing me from me! (He also has a 5 day weekend!!!)

4 - Madmen I'm finally done LOST (super weird last season - even for LOST)

5 - Houseplanning - lots of decisions = lots of fun for Trevor and I!

6 - A purring lap cat.

7 - A pot of tea.

8 - A homemade Easter cream egg (thanks Bethany)

9 - Promises of delicious Easter meals to come.

10 - Two babies in bed... finally!

Babies Don't Keep

I hope that my child, looking back on today
Will remember a mother who had time to play;
Because children grow up while you're not looking,
There are years ahead for cleaning and cooking.
So, quiet now cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.
(from www.nurseryrhymes4u.com)

Today, we had a playdate. Claire fell asleep on the way home so Simon and I rousted ladybugs from their slumber and ran around on the flattened, frozen grass. We played, ate sushi and cuddled before his nap. Claire woke up in time for me to play with her, cuddle her, read to her and sing to her. Then, we took a nap together (this has become a bit of "treat" since she's been in her own crib for the past 3 weeks!). I brought up some frozen soup and didn't fuss much about supper. If I could relive a day, I would choose today. When I'm 97 and in a home playing "Go Fish" with the ladies, I'm going to miss this!

Outside... peeease!

All my boy wants to do is play outside. We go through so many pairs of pants (falling in puddles) that I may just start potty training to justify the laundry. It's much more fun now that he can walk. It's also a little frightening because he can get away so quickly.

Friday Nights

It was just 5,6 and 7 years ago that a Friday night meant a long drive to my parents' place from Lanigan to have supper with my family and Trevor. Then, we'd stay up way to late talking before Trevor left to go back to the city.
Swimming lessons have started so now, our Friday nights will be lessons, Burger Baron (maybe Milky Way if Claire's okay) and home for bedtime by 7:30ish.
Definitely a decade of change and I wouldn't want it any other way. :)

Vitamin D

For the past 5 days Simon, Claire and I have been little power walkers/riders. We've had 5 glorious walks with our buddy Bob and we've soaked in the sunshine. Simon's developed a new love of puddles (and mud) and both kids have started singing (together?) in the stroller.
It's amazing what a little vitamin D can do for my soul. No longer am I scrambling to find play dates to keep me sane and my kids entertained. Instead, our schedule's slowing down a little and we've been enjoying at home days. I love at home days when we can go outside. I dread them when we're stuck in the house all day. It's freeing to have a walker on my hands. I can put Simon down and he just goes on his own. Trevor and I were marveling about how different this spring with Simon is from last spring when all he wanted to do was walk but couldn't without us.
Claire's started solids. She eats banana, grape and yam with gusto. I'm not too shocked. She's not a happy nurser and likes being part of the mealtime action. Sometimes I feel like I'm breaking "rules" by not feeding her rice cereal to start or feeding her too early. However, I'm going by instinct with this little miss and not books and we've been doing pretty good. She was sooooo interested in food (and still is). She practically grabs my fork out of my hand is constantly knocking my glass. I couldn't say no to that.
In other news, I'm doing a little research into the proposed teacher contract up for negotiations. I'm not too pleased. The proposed contract leaves us with and increase of pay that doesn't even come close to the projected increase in cost of living. I knew I'd never be rich when I decided to be a teacher but... However, teachers are voting on whether we should strike or not. This leaves me worried as well. Striking jeopardizes the graduation of students that I love and want to see graduate. I have no idea how this will play out. Currently, I'm thankful that I'm on mat. leave and that my kids aren't in school... selfish, I know.

Good Life

Today, I couldn't help but smile about my life. This is as good as it gets! :)

a year ago today...

Last year, on March 31st, I found out I was pregnant with Claire.
It's crazy how much life can change in just one year.
Here's a picture of my 8 week pregnant self with my almost 1 year old. I was thrilled and scared all at once. I wish I could go and hug my old skinny self and tell her that it would be more then okay. Claire is an awesome little baby and Simon has grown into a funny little man.

'Round Here

The snow keeps falling... really?

I had two ribs cracked back into place by a chiropractor yesterday after a day and a half of mind-numbing pain.

Claire is sleeping really well... with us... sigh. However, her mornings have been pretty early (and bright - you should see how pumped she is).

Simon's vocabulary is expanding daily. His word combinations and circle conversations are hilarious!

I miss walking with the kids.

House plans are still in the draft stage and will be until I absolutely LOVE the kitchen.

15 lbs

Sad girl

Jolly little jumper

My baby's 15 lbs already. She's uber long and she's wiggling her way into 6-9 months clothes. She's happy in the Jolly Jumper and a little unsure about the exersaucer. She tucks her knees under her and tries to creep. It's crazy how fast she's leaving her baby days behind.

Waiting for Spring

March 2011


March 2010

Things haven't changed all that much in a year. March still means waiting (and waiting and waiting) for spring so we can run around outside.

Regular Scheduled Programming

Home Again, Home Again... Jiggity-Jog

We made it home. Flying with the kids in the afternoon wasn't as delightful as in the morning. Simon was sooooo keyed up at the Ottawa airport, it was only a matter of time before he became a drooling mess. Claire just couldn't work out a long afternoon nap. Trevor and I were stuck passing and consoling silly kids on the last flight. It wasn't all that bad but, we're glad to be home!
Housework is already kicking my butt! Mountains of laundry and regular chores are screaming for my attention. Where is my hotel housekeeper when I need her? (And why am I on the computer?)
Claire's still on Ontario time and was up at 5 am. Simon seems to have settled into his regular routine. He was up a little bit early but, that's okay as it always guarantees a good nap.
It'll be good to settle back into our home routines.
Too bad Ottawa spring didn't follow us home. This morning we were greeted with snow and it hasn't let up all day. Sigh... Happy first day of spring, folks!

Ottawa

Dear Ottawa,
Thanks so much for a wonderful visit. I was pretty nervous about taking my children here. I was worried about hotel life, schedules and how we'd keep busy. Now that we're almost done our time, I couldn't be more pleased. We have LOVED your museums.
I love that it's been spring here. Today, the sun warmed our faces as we walked and I saw green grass all over. I was getting pretty sick of SK winter so, this has been a delightful break.
I've learned a lot about how I can handle a lot as a Mom. I can juggle nursing Claire, feeding Simon, tempter tantrums in public places and putting Claire down for naps in odd places. I can handle a lot more then I originally imagined. I'm proud of how I've handled things. Even our worst day wasn't so bad.
It's been so good to be with Trevor in the evenings. I would have been so lonesome without him had we not come.
I'm going to miss it here. Our little family holiday has been a success and I'm excited for traveling together in the future!

Thankful

Today, I took the kids to the War Museum. I wish that I could take every single one of my students past, present and future to this museum. It was amazing and it blew my mind. I stood in awe of the sacrifices men and women have made for my freedom. I am so thankful for my babies and I am so thankful that they have been born free!
The history teacher in me wanted to spend all day (and the next 3 days) walking slowly, taking it all in and reading every exhibit and display. The mother of 2 little people realized that this was not possible. We walked at toddler speed and I gave Simon a pint-sized history lesson.
I was feeling pretty reflective on our walk back to the hotel. I found it incredibly sad that, after leaving the museum filled with gratitude for our freedom, I was confronted with some hate-filled graffiti on the walls of a pedestrian bridge. It was pretty shocking to read, especially after leaving such a powerful display of what this kind of hate leads to. Then, the kids and I walked by the Parliament Buildings (I love that walking by these buildings has been an every day experience) and I was again reminded of how important democracy really is!

If you're ever in Ottawa, make this a stop - it was well worth it.

4 months

Dear Little Miss Claire,
It's hard to believe that just 4 months ago, you were just hours old. Now, you're an animated little lady who loves to kiss, to smile and to roll around. You have the sweetest little personality. You love being part of the action and you're fascinated with the antics of your crazy big brother. I can hardly wait to get to know you more.
You're happiest when you are snugged up against me. You're a dependent sleeper... sigh. You love to be curled up tight between us and you know exactly when we try (and try and try and try) to put you down on your own. I'd prefer if you slept on your own but, it is nice to wake up to your big, big smile every morning.
We love you, baby girl and we're excited to get to know who you'll grow to be!

Newly Minted

Today, the kids and I toured the Mint. Fortunately, Claire slept for most of the tour and Simon enjoyed playing with the "Big Boossse" I bought him. Not the most stellar kids' outing but, they were super good about it.
We've been frequenting an amazing bakery much too much lately. Simon and I are addicted to the yummy sugar cookies. Sigh - just another thing to wean ourselves from when we return home (in addition to: hotel housekeeping, fresh cafe coffee every morning, lots of walking in the sunshine, eating out, no housework, super naps, beaver tails and museums).

Civilized

We've spent the past two mornings at the Museum of Civilization. Yesterday, when Trevor was around, we played and played and played in the Children's Museum. It was a warren of cool hidey-holes, pathways, little rooms, methods of transportation and fun places to attract children. It was great to have Trevor around to follow Simon (who ran off with a delight of glee) so that I could Baby Bjorn Claire around. It was so good to see Simon be independent and curious to go off on his own.
Today, we went back to check out the other exhibits. This would be the ideal museum to take a History 30 (Canadian History) class to. There were some amazing places for us to explore and Simon loved it.
It's hard to believe we've been here for over a week. I'm so glad that we decided to join Trevor. I would have been so lonesome for him at home.

Two on Two

Trevor was off work today. We decided to tour the Parliament Building. It was so nice to have two on two. I could give Simon his much needed one-on-one attention and Trevor could hold Claire and coax her into naps.
The Parliament Buildings were gorgeous. The kids were wonderful on the tour. I LOVED seeing the library (Note: if you go on a Saturday, you actually get to spend some time in the library) and the Peace Tower. After, we took Simon to see the big spider, Maman. He was sooo excited!

Snow Day

Last night and this morning, it snowed about 10-20 cm. Now, it's raining.
Today, I braved the slush and got groceries. On the advice of my sister-in-law, I located a bakery that sold Montreal bagels for our lunch. After a 15 minute push there, they were out of bagels. :( We bought cookies and muffins instead.
I'm super thankful for my amazing Bob stroller - I can get through anything with it and the kids stay dry and it's water-proof. I'm also thankful for my Aldo sale boots that keep my feet dry.
The rest of the day, we spent at "Simon's 'otel". We built a fort, watched too much TV, did laundry and played. It was fun.
I hope the sun comes out tomorrow and that the sidewalks get shoveled.
Tonight, we plan on taking the kiddos swimming in the hotel pool. This will be Claire's first time in the water and I'm pretty excited for her!

Order of Canada

Today, I took the kids to Rideau Hall (Governor General's Residence). I was really excited about going because, I used to be a tour guide at the SK Gov't House and we refer to Rideau Hall a lot. Also, I am a bit of a history geek so, I couldn't not come to Ottawa and visit Rideau Hall.
I should've known that we were off to a bad start when Simon started screaming "Simon hotel" over and over and over again as we left. It was a 40 minute walk and I think he screamed for about 30 minutes of it. We got to the area where Google maps said Rideau Hall was but, I couldn't find it. I kept wandering around this gorgeous house that was well fenced had security. Finally, I talked to a security guard and she informed me that I'd be trying to find my way into 24 Sussex Drive (the Prime Minister's home). Ooops! That made us just on time for our tour.
The rest of our tour group were a bunch of seniors. Simon was excited to see all the "grandmas and grandpas". They oooohed and ahhhhed over my little brood and off we went. The kids did well in the first 3 rooms and then Claire started to cry and Simon started to yell "flag" over and over and over again. One of the guides let us go into the ballroom (that was being prepped for an Order of Canada ceremony) so I could nurse Claire (good thing she's efficient). I let Simon out of the Bob so he could touch the flags and he had an absolute meltdown... head rearing, arms flailing, ear-splitting screaming - the whole works. Fun times. (Every time I see that ball room on the news, I know that I'll probably laugh and tell the kids about how they embarrassed me there).
Fortunately, we were done the tour so, I took my two screaming babies out of the residence and down the beautiful, tree-lined path and back to the hotel.
Part of me wished that I could have been anywhere but in that position. I was "that" Mom with "those" kids. Sigh... They're both little and all they were doing was acting their age.
They're both down for naps and I'm hoping for a better tomorrow. I have quieter day planned.

Dino Delight

The past few days have been a lot of fun for our little family. Yesterday, we sussed the area out and bought some groceries. Today, we walked to the Museum of Nature to visit the dinosaurs. The look on Simon's face when we walked into the dinosaur exhibit was priceless. He ran around the entire display pointing and shouting "dinosaurs" gleefully. We had a great morning touring the museum... we'll go back next week because it was so much fun!
Today, I'm thankful for a good cup of coffee and my new friends at the coffee shop downstairs. I'm thankful for maple spread for breakfast toast. I'm thankful for my sale Aldo boots with their rubber feet for the slushy spring streets (that's right SK folks - spring... it exists!). I'm thankful for tonight's Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. I'm thankful for family nap time. I'm thankful for my amazing BOB stroller (I think they should pay me money for advertising - people stop me on the street all the time to find out what kind of stroller it is and where they can buy it).
Taking two babies out and about sounds like a daunting task but, we're having a blast. Too bad Trevor's missing all the fun.

A Capital Idea

So yesterday, we flew to Ottawa and it was grand!
Trevor has to be in the capital on a course for 2 WEEKS for work! Blech! I decided that since we would only have to pay to fly me, I was going with him and we were taking the kids. It was either that or spend my days at home, in the cold going CRAZY!
The kids were awesome little plane buddies. I couldn't get over how remarkably well they did!
Now that we're here, we'll see how well my adventure planning will go. Today, the plan is to hit up the grocery store and the mall.
Stay tuned for more adventures of the kids in the capital!

Dreams

Ensuite, corner pantry, rooms with views, play room, etc.

Last night we met with the drafts person who will be designing our house. It was a lot of fun. It was also overwhelming. It's crazy to think that our dream house is coming true. My mind keeps turning ideas over and over and over again. All I dreamed about last night was blueprints.

Dear...

Dear Nora from How I Met Your Mother and Brad from the Bachelor,

You know that dream life you talk of... the one with kids, a little house, both of you pursuing careers, a pet, quiet evenings, etc. Your dream is my life! Please stop idealizing it!
I LOVE my life. It's just somedays, the bum wiping, booger picking, baby crying, sleeplessness, cat caterwauling, laundry, sink overflowing with dishes, house a mess kind of life gets a little much.
Nora and Brad, when I saw you both describe your dream lives, you were sitting in very clean clothes, with your hair done and you were in luxurious settings.
I think it's hilarious that you long for my life.
It also makes me feel good that I am where it's at.
This is as good as it gets! It's hard but, it's good.
Sometimes, I need to remember chubby toddler hugs, delicious freshly bathed baby smell, smiles that melt my heart, a husband who still makes my heart skip a beat, a warm house, the dream of our someday house, rolling over, singing the alphabet, warm baby breath on my cheek and big, big blue eyes staring at me with all that trust.

Thanks Nora and Brad for reminding me that, as much "fun" as you may be having in your single lives, all you really want is what I already have. :)

The Discipline Diva

The day started with the rousing chorus of "Up, Up... Simon.... Ballloooon" coming from the room next door. After a major meltdown over cereal (drat... we ate all the bread already?) and a time out (poor Claire is always "left out", our day proceeded with a series of scream fests and meltdowns.
After lunch, I decided I needed to leave these four walls and see the sunshine. I piled the kids into my buddy Bob and headed out of the garage to the wail of a baby and toddler. Once we got going, they settled down. The only problem was that Simon was obsessed with his "little snowball" (which is very hard to hold onto wearing mitts) and he kept dropping it and screaming. He also kept screaming "flag! flag!" (our destination had flags). After we reached our destination with flags, he started to scream and sob "up", "all done", "Simon's house" and flailing in the stroller. I was that Mom with that kid. Fortunately, it's winter and there aren't too many other walkers out and about.
When we got home, I plunked him in his crib after stories, snuggles and prayer and didn't hear a peep for 2 hours.
Unfortunately, the good mood he woke up in didn't last too long.
Good thing Claire's such a chipper little thing.

Our time outs are evolving from some time in Mommy and Daddy's room alone with Mommy (or Daddy) into Simon alone in Simon's crib sans stuffies. Soon we'll have a timer and a naughty mat. Sigh...
Any discipline tips?

Maybe it's an ear infection. The earliest appt with our Dr. will be on Wednesday.
Maybe it's teething.
Maybe it's that he's almost 2.
Maybe I've got to step it up as the boss of the house and show my little dictator that I mean business. After all, this why I get paid the big bucks, right?

A Slippery Slope

It's become apparent to me over the past few months how easy the decline of mental health can become. I'm a very positive person. However, with the cold of winter keeping us inside these four walls day in and day out, I can see how easy falling into depression can be. I have two very needy little people clinging to me, fighting sleep and wanting my attention (at all hours). I'm getting less sleep then I'd like and both kids don't seem to want to nap. (Claire can't beat her 45 minute sleep cycle sans help and Simon plays in his crib all nap time.)
In order to stay positive, I have forced myself to not wallow. I get up and I put on make-up before the kids. I plan (and over plan) play dates and activities to keep us busy. I embrace nap time and try to do something for myself every day. I pray with my kids and for my kids. I bake, I online shop and I sniff sunscreen. :)
I'm fine. Please don't worry about me because I have not slipped off the slope of sanity. However, this winter, I have become very empathetic to those who do. If we choose to have an Ender (third), I hope I can time it so that he or she is born in early spring so I can get my Vitamin D fix!

The above pic is of my little graduates. Simon is now is his booster seat (with his precious dinosaurs place mat) and Claire is now being social in her highchair. I thought Simon would be sad to leave his high chair but, he's excited to eat with his dinosaurs every day.

Our Someday House

As I've already written, Trevor and I have been looking for a new nest for our chickies. We thought we found the most perfect house (it was) in an artsy area of town. We were pretty sad when it sold to someone other then us. I've been glued to MLS since Simon was about 5 months old and I hadn't found anything that I liked in areas that I liked (sauf the home we never bought).
We've finally decided to give in and build. We've looked into building before but, we just didn't feel comfortable with any of the builders we'd talked with. Until now. We've met with a great, little building company who will take their time, answer our questions, let us customize what we need and let us do a few things on our own.
Yesterday, Trevor gave them a deposit (gulp) and we now have a pretty little lot in the northwest area of town. Our lot backs a beautiful environmental reserve (and future bike path) and is a hop, skip and jump away from some good friends.
There are a ton of pros and cons about building. There is a piece of me that feels guilty because we're just expanding our environmental footprint. I also feel a little selfish to have something so good just for us when we could be using that money to minister to others. I think about friends of ours who live and work in NorthCentral and still others who have traveled half way across the world and I do feel a little guilty.
However, I'm also super excited.
I'm excited to have a play space for my kids.
I'm excited to sit on our deck at night and see stars (and nobody else's backyard).
I'm excited that we'll be near green space.
I'm excited for a walk in pantry, kitchen island, fireplace, ensuite and kid's rooms with closets.
We don't expect to be in until just before Simon's 3rd B-day.
Our next step is to talk with a drafts person.

Know anyone who wants to buy our cute little bungalow? It'll probably be on the market by Christmas.

3 months!

Little Miss Claire is 3 months (today) going on 30 months. :) I feel like she's finally "woken up" from that lingering newborn drowsiness. Now, she fights sleep with all she's got. She's a terrible nurser. It's like she does 2-3 minute shots all morning and then has long, lingering, sleepy feeds all afternoon. She used to be a dreamy sleeper at nights but, she's become a much more realistic baby now. I'm fine with 1-2 feeds a night. I wish that our nights didn't end with her needing to be in my bed right beside me but, I'm sure that this is just a funny faze that we'll help her get through.
She's full of little giggles and loads of smiles. She's super strong and loves to spend her awake time kicking and playing on her tummy. She's rolling over already and I have a feeling that I will have a little goer on my hands in no time.
Simon has started to clue in to the fact that she's a little person and he talks about her a lot. It'll be fun to see them interact. :)
Claire, you fascinate me and never cease to amaze me. I am looking forward to getting to know you as you change and grow. Happy 3 months, Little One!

Milestones

In my vast experience as a parent (insert self-deprecating chuckle), I'm learning that my job is to basically guide my kids from milestone to milestone. Simon's peed on the potty (reward = sticker and putting toilet paper in the toilet - he LOVES doing this) twice for me this week. My hope is to be diaper free (just Simon - Claire's not that amazing) by the end of summer (fingers crossed). Claire rolled over on Sunday. I think I'll have to watch out with that little Maghoo; I don't think she'll stay where I plunk her for long.
These are just two of the many, many mini and mega goals my children will set and reach for with me. It's a pretty exciting journey we're embarking on.

On a whole other note, I am eagerly anticipating spring. I've stopped getting really keyed up about my birthday or Christmas, my wedding and 2 due dates have come and gone. I long for sunshine without a bitter windchill, stepping outside without having to bundle the kids up and going on walking adventures with my amazing stroller. Until then, I'll sniff sunscreen to get my fix.

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! :)

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?