Class of 2010

Today we celebrated the culmination of 13 (some 14) years of education. Parents, students, teachers and guests donned their finery and feted the accomplishments of 172 students.
It was well done. There was a very good speech honouring the student who had just passed away and the young man who died a year and a half ago. There were more then a few teary eyes but, we managed to avoid hysteria.
Unfortunately, there was another accident yesterday involving one of our grads. He's currently fighting for his life in the hospital. He won at least 3 scholarships. He has plans to be an Arts Ed. teacher. He's a very talented photographer. He should be taking a family trip to South Africa next week to attend the World Cup Bronze Medal Game. He's a great kid. I loved teaching him. Please pray for him and for recovery.

Not the way to end...

It's like a bad script except, it's reality.
One of my grade 12 students was in a very serious car accident the day before school ended which also happened to be the day before his 18th B-day. While staff and students wrote and marked Final Exams, friends and family kept vigil at the hospital hoping he would wake up. Last night, he died.
Tomorrow is grad.
I taught him Psych last year. He was in the same class as his good buddy who died in a car accident that semester. It doesn't seem fair that he's gone. He was just on the cusp of adulthood.

Grad is one of my favorite celebrations. It's the icing on the cake for teachers. I love watching my students transform into these radiant, happy and excited young adults about to take their first brave steps into a big, new world. Tomorrow's grad won't be like that. We will want it to be exciting and celebratory. We will want to ooohh and aaahh over tuxes, dresses, hair styles, limos and awards. Then, we will look at the beautiful brunette who will be there without her date. We will look at the empty chair on the stage. We will see the rivulets of mascara running down cheeks. It will probably feel more like a funeral.

Please pray for this young man's family, my students and my staff.

Happy Hour

Simon's sleeping. I LOVE his afternoon nap. I love how happy he is when he wakes up for it. The sun is out. Here's a list of things that make me smile.

1. Schmoo Daddy - The guy works all day, comes home to wrestle with an overly enthusiastic toddler, endures my endless nattering, then goes for a family walk, gives Simon his bath, puts him to bed and watches LOST with me (we just started Season One - we're a little behind but, I hear it's pretty good.)
2. Jogger - I quit running just before I got pregnant with Simon. That didn't stop me from buying a used Jogging stroller. It's my best friend this summer.
3. Revamping the Old - My fall class list is sweet. I'm teaching mostly all grade 9 Social which is one of my most favorite classes. I'm actually excited to dig into my pile of binders and revamp some cool assignments for the fall. (Not so cool is the one other class I've been assigned... Science 9? What the heck? Oh well... a girl can't have everything.)
4. Humidity - I love a good thunderstorm. I love basking in the heat.
5. Good Taste - I can drink coffee again without nausea. I can eat bananas again without nausea. It's summer and there's tons of summer fruit for Simon and I to chow down on. It's also BBQ season... yum!

(I love this picture because I love Simon's hat. I think it's the cutest thing in the world on his tousled head.)

20 Weeks

(Every time I hear the above song by the Weepies, I think of parenthood. I thought I'd share.)
Updated belly shot (post nasty cold sore) and less pondering to come later.

Half way there!
Don't get me wrong,
we're excited.
Only this time,
it's like being strapped into a roller coaster.
We know that it'll be crazy ride
full of ups and downs
and stomach lurching moments when
the whole world is
up-side-down.
All we can do
grin at each other in that
nervous kind of way
and hold on
tight to one another's hand.
This ride's only just
begun.

First Aider

I spent my sunny Saturday inside. I wore a jacket and jeans to stave off the chill of air-conditioning.
I had to do my First Aid Recert.
It was okay. The instructor let us go early. I almost finished reading "The Hours" on my breaks and over lunch.
My First Aid has been refreshed. I found the AED instruction pretty interesting (well, as interesting as a sunny day trapped inside learning can allow) and I reviewed how to help a choking or non-breathing infant.
I hope I never, never, never have to put any of this knowledge into practice.

When it's not raining...

Don't you want to put on your sneakers and come for a walk with us.

Progress and a Curse

After talking to a new mommy of twins yesterday, I was reminded that newborns sure do take their time eating. Simon was no exception. We used to watch episodes of the Wire while he ate before bed. Last year, at this time, I was a Dairy Queen lounging and nursing my little man.
Today, he polishes off 2 pieces of raisin toast and a half a banana at breakfast. This kid eats more then me.

On a whole other nasty note, I've decided that I'm cursed. The other day, I woke up to a familiar tingly feeling on my lower lip... and just under my nose. Two cold sores had erupted while I slept. Blech!
During my second year of teaching in Lanigan, a well-meaning young lady came to our school to talk to the kids about abstinence. Part of her presentation was to talk about STIs. She mentioned that colds sores were a sexually transmitted disease. I think she was getting her Herpes viruses mixed up. My face turned red as the cold sore on my lip became a beacon for all my grade 9s to stare at. I also noticed a very shy and quiet grade 9 girl slouch down in her seat to hide the cold sore eruption on her nose. Needless to say, I corrected her and we moved on but, really... how uncool was that.

rain

It's been a busy week. I can't complain. All is well in my little world.

Simon is insatiable. He eats and eats and eats. He outgrew 2 pairs of adorable slippers while I had my back turned. He points at everything and says "euh". He's in this stage where he can't communicate and can't move anywhere on his own. His frustration level has led to more then a few meltdowns. He'll have his break through eventually... until then, it's "euh"...

I have one more day of subbing booked. It actually was a lot of fun to go back to my school and reacquaint myself with the kids without having all the prep, extra-curr and marking pressure. Our baby-sitter is pretty amazing. I'll be sad to see her go.

It's been birthday week around here. I turned 31, Trevor turned 30 and my adorable niece is now 1. I'd like to say that I feel wiser and more mature now that I'm "getting on in age" but, I think I won't notice that I transitioned to my 30s until I'm transitioning to my 40s and missing them.

All it does in this province is rain. It's crazy how much water has fallen in the past month. I'm hoping for some sunshine for next week. I'm starting to feel like I've got a bit of cabin fever.

Schmoo 2.0 is on the move. My placenta is facing out so, I don't feel as many little kicks and flutters as I'd like but, I know that he or she is squirming around. I also have a bump. I'm getting to be at the cute stage of pregnancy where, I can just barely start wearing maternity clothes or squeeze into my jeans. I'm also still pretty agile and able to carry Simon wherever his little heart desires. Finally, the nausea's gone. Every now and then, it creeps back but, at least it's not all day, every day anymore.

Better ask Jesus

While riding back to the school with the ILP (Special Needs) students after a grueling :) session of Laughter Yoga, my seat partner had a few questions about my life.

B - Miss, Miss, who looks after your baby son when you're at school with me.
Me - He has a great baby-sitter who looks after him.
B - Oh, that's good. Are you going to have another baby someday.
Me - Actually, I have a baby in my tummy right now.
B - Really?
Me - Yep. This baby's coming in November.
B - So you have a baby at home and a baby in your tummy? Two babies?
Me - Yep.
B - HOW MANY BABIES DO YOU NEED, LADY?
Me - Um...
B = That's a lot of babies. Babies are a lot of work!!!
Me - We might have 3 someday.
B - Oh dear. You better ask Jesus about that. That's a lot of babies.


It's true, Mr. B. That's a lot of babies. Thanks for the reminder!

(Mr. B. also told me that it hurts lots and lots when the hospital cuts the baby out of my tummy. I could have explained the whole childbirth process to him but... I didn't. Today, he was worried because I ate a chocolate bar at lunch. Babies are too little for chocolate so, I shouldn't have any. Sigh...)

Snuggles

We finally have Simon into this wonderful routine where, we read stories and cuddle a little, put him in his crib and he puts himself to sleep. He's really good at it and, we're glad.
However, somedays, like today, I just have to sneak in some extra cuddles and I rock him to sleep. I'm pretty sure that I'm doing it more for me then him. I just love the feeling of him all soft and limp in my arms with his satiny baby hair up against my cheek. I love his contented sighs and sweet baby breath. My little baby won't be my baby for much longer. Soon, I'll be glad to stick him in his crib as I tend to his more demanding sibling.
I'll miss this time with him.

Holding my Breath

I know that, as a teacher, I'm "not allowed" favorite students. However, I'm terrible at that. Some students just worm their way into my heart. I can't help it, I've taught some absolutely fabulous kids.
One of those kids is on my heart today. He steps onto a plane heading for Afghanistan. I'm still not sure how I feel about our country's role in Afghanistan. I'm usually a pacifist and wish that we can all just work things out. However, I also realize that sometimes, might makes right and it's hard to work with people who have that mentality.
Ask any teacher who taught this young man, he's one of their favorites. He's polite, has a great sense of humour and is head over heels in love with his adorable girlfriend. He's also a very patriotic soldier.
All I can do for this young man is pray. I think that I will be holding my breath until he comes home.

Lessons

Every subbing day is an adventure. This week alone, I get to be the "heavy" in our In-School-Support (read Detention Hall) room, work with our Integrated Learning students, hang out in AP English, corral Foods 30 students and play games with my former French kids. These are some of the lessons I've been taught:

1. If you want people to do something for you, write it down. Assumed expectations get you nowhere.

2. If you are "bad" and get sent to isolation, you lose privileges. People just aren't as nice to you when you're being punished.

3. Singing the Hokey Poky with some special needs kids brightens everyone's mood.

4. You really shouldn't cross contaminate your raw pork spoon with your cooked veggies dish. Also, Frank's Hot Sauce is not the best condiment to add to Sweet and Sour Pork.

5. Every class has at least one annoying soul. My job is to hope that he or she is ill the day I'm in. Sigh...

6. You can't smoke in class. (I know this is pretty obvious to everyone except one young man who just didn't get it today.)

7. Bring a book everywhere you go; you never know when you'll get a little gift of time to read.

8. It's pretty hard not to stare outside the window all the time when people are painting the school or, if it's sunny out and the work's boring.

9. Taco salad is cheap and good.

10. You can't just make up the answer to grade 9 Math questions about polynomials... I just couldn't guess any of them right.

You make me sick

Dear Schmoo 2.0,
You're 16 weeks today. I can feel you most nights when I sit in the Lazy-Boy and relax. I first felt you while eating Sweet and Sour Pork in grade 12 Food Studies. I'm sure that you are growing. I'm starting to have a little pooch belly and my back is unhappy. I bought some pretty nice maternity clothes so that I'll be cute during the summer.
Your brother has no idea you're coming. I think you may startle him a bit. Today, I was able to hold some adorable little girls and he was a green, jealous monster. I guess we have some work to do with him.
I threw up again this morning. What's up with that, Little One? Why do you make your Momma sick? I was hoping that this would be done by now.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't complain. I know you're worth it.
Looking forward to seeing you (ultrasound) in 4 weeks,
Love Momma

Beach Bums

It doesn't happen all that often but, we left the city (to go somewhere other then the farm) for an evening of fish 'n' chips and being bums. The rest of my family was there. It was fun to play with the kidlets.

Weaned

Last year, Simon and I had a rocky start with breastfeeding. The feeding tube and some high pressure doctors didn't help. Finally, with the help of a nipple shield, I managed to convince Simon that eating was a good thing.

5 weeks later, we weaned him from the nipple shield. Simon and I could not be separated for more then 3 hours. He refused any bottle so, I was it. I loved the snuggles and the baby stares and milky smiles. We had a good thing going. He also packed on the pounds like a trooper. He managed to more then triple his birth weight by his 1st B-day.

Gradually, as I introduced more solid food into his life, he cut down on his nursing. When I found out I was pregnant, we were down to 3 feedings. Two nights ago, I cut his last feeding. He's fine. I doubt he misses it. As much as I love of his snuggles, I'm not missing it either.

I feel free. I plan on enjoying these next 6 months (eek... make that almost 5 months) of freedom.

Balance

Today, I had perfect balance in my life.
At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the chaotic, fly by the seat of my pants, subbing world. I've started really liking it. I like that I can transform even the most boring lesson plans into something doable and fun. I also like getting a glimpse into other people's classrooms. I've missed interacting with students. I love adolescents. I love the lippy ones (as long as they don't mind being teased back), I love the sweet ones and I love, love the great conversations I can have with them. (However, there are those who receive a fair share of my dirty looks, worries and dislike). It's nice to be back at my home school with my teacher friends and adult conversation.
I miss Simon like crazy. We have a super sweet (super expensive) baby-sitter. However, I miss playing with him. I miss his snuggles and his baby chatter. The hardest part of my day is leaving him in the morning.
I only worked a 1/2 day today. I spent all morning cajoling work out of kids, discussing the meaning of life and trying to make some goofy boys add veggies to their sweet and sour pork. It was fun. Then, I was able to drive home and snuggle my boy when he woke up. We went on the most perfect walk around the park and played outside all afternoon.
Wouldn't it be nice if life could always be so well balanced?

(On a total side note, my Habs are winning right now. They've been my team since grade 7 and, I'm excited that they're doing so well! On y va, les gars!)

Making Me Work for It

We found out about Schmoo 2.0's arrival at the end of March. We were absolutely thrilled!
However, it did throw a wrench into my work plans. I had applied (and received) a personal leave to end off the school year. I had also asked for (and received) permission to reduce my teaching contract to just 60%. All of a sudden, this didn't add up to the 600 hours I need for a second mat. leave.
I spent a few days SCRAMBLING! (I felt a little sheepish changing all my plans.)
Fortunately, I have a fabulous school board and HR Consultant. We worked it out that, instead of coming back to work full time this spring, I would only have to come back full-time in the fall. In order to make up for the hours I was short, I agreed to sub for 17 days.
Today was my 6th day subbing. (It was grand... I need to blog about subbing someday because it's a pretty wild and wacky world!)

Schmoo 2.0 is also a demanding little beast. With Simon, I was uber tired my first trimester but, never sick. With this kidlet, I'm a nauseous and tired mess. I don't throw up so, there's no real relief there... just this unending sense that my stomach hates me.
I crave bizarre, unhealthy, greasy food. I've been to MacDonald's twice in one weekend. (The last time I was at MacDonald's was in Europe... so I could have the McBeer and that was 10 years ago.)
I'm hoping that now I'm in my 2nd trimester, things should ease up a bit. It's yet to have happened.

(The picture of Simon is a little random but, pretty darned cute if you ask me.)

A Brand New Adventure

Estimated Time of Arrival: November 8th

Party Man

Saturday started off with a Free Comic Day adventure for my boys. Then, it was play and prepare for Simon's big bash. Luckily for me, my friend Marnie let me copy her fabulour Erik Carle Hungry caterpillar cake when there was no Tigger cake pan to be found.
We feasted on a potluck of delicious appetizers, watched the Schmoo scarf down a face full of sugary goodness and opened his huge amount of new loot. After a bath with his cousin, my little party boy was so tuckered out, he fell asleep in record time.

One

This has been the fastest year of my life. Last year, at this time, I was in the hospital waiting for my baby (who made his appearance at 11:21 am). Today, we're having a relaxing breakfast where Simon feeds himself toast and banana.

Simon,
Mommy and Daddy LOVE you sooo much! We're so proud of you. You had some tough things to do at the beginning of your life and, you were pretty amazing. We always prayed that you would be a charmer and a happy little boy. You're already both. It's hard to believe that you're already one! We're so excited to see what this year has in store for you.
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Whirlwind Winnipeg Adventure

On Friday, we packed up the car and the Schmoo and headed off to Winnipeg for a smorgasbord of functions with Trevor's extended family. Simon slept, played and sang his way there. After a great stop (read yummy blizzards) in Brandon, we made our way east in record time.

We were busy with 2 family breakfasts, Opa's 90th B-day, a family supper, a wedding, and after wedding party and a very brief side trip to lululemon. Simon was a trooper. Although he had a hard time napping, he slept soundly all three nights we were there. He also allowed his plethora of Great-Aunties to have their way with him. He was cuddled and kissed and cooed over and overfed and spoiled all weekend long.

The way home was equally dreamy with a few stops along the way for diaper changes and lunch. For the first time, Simon played in a McDonald's PlayPlace. He was ecstatic.

It's hard to imagine that this is the same baby who screamed hysterically last spring/summer if he had to go even three blocks in the car in his car seat. Trevor and I marveled at how much he has changed and grown in the last year.

Now, we're back to routine and a pile of laundry.

Simon's first road trip was a success!

Worth a Read

I love a good laugh. I've spent the last five minutes scrolling through this site and giggling uncontrollably. I thought I'd share. Enjoy!
http://sexyexecs.blogspot.com/

Felix: "Hey Mrs. W. How's it goin'? Can Fergus come out to play? I promise we won't
climb trees or leave the yard..."

A Rant or Two

First:
Dear teenage boys who wear the anarchy symbol,
Really? Really? What is your interpretation of anarchy? I get that you are an adolescent in the throes of teenage angst and rebellion. I understand that you feel like your life is being controlled by parents, teachers, police and the big, bad government. I get that, honest. However, have you actually researched what anarchy means? Do you realize that if our government was to overthrown today and we found ourselves in the chaos of an anarchist society, you still wouldn't be in control? Actually, as a non-powerful member of society, you'd probably be in hiding with your family, in a violent gang or dead.
Therefore, wear your anarchy symbol... it makes you appear uneducated and rather dumb. Good luck with that.

Second:
Dear Americans
Why is it that so many of you are afraid of Health Care? I admit, it's not perfect. Also, I probably pay more taxes then you. However, when my baby boy was born, he spent 5 days in NICU. I'm sure that would cost you a pretty penny. Also, he wore casts for 4 1/2 months. That means 4 1/2 months of seeing a specialist weekly. He's also had 3 operations. We also see a physio therapist every other week. WE HAVEN'T HAD TO PAY A DIME FOR ANY OF THESE SERVICES!!!!! We're not wealthy and, we probably never will be. Our son's disability would have crippled us financially (insurance only goes so far, folks). Here in Canada, it's not a concern at all. Your President is actually doing you a favour; relax and give it a try.

Blink

Maybe it's Simon's approaching birthday or maybe it's that he seems to be changing into a little boy right before my eyes. Either way, I need to capture this stage so that I can remember.

Mail Man

Here's my little mailman. It's one of his daily highlights. This is one of the rare times in life I appreciate junk mail.
(Yes, I tickle my son with my feet. - I think this is perfectly normal. I also fished out the paper from his mouth. This is pretty regular for him too... nothing like a little fiber.)

Go Go Go

The Easter Bunny brought my son the desire to walk. All he wants to do is move and then move some more. He's totally skipped the crawling stage. Trevor and I are at the hobbled over parent stage. He's a pretty cute little mover. Maybe by summer, we'll be at the "chase me" stage. :)

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!

That's Where You'll Find Us...

When we're not eating, sleeping or doing physio, we're outside. Thank-you Lord for giving us back the sunshine and warm winds. Thank you Trevor for building our beautiful new step where we soak up the morning sun. Thank you Used Baby Clothes/Toys sale for the smooth new stroller.
Hmmm... I LOVE spring!

As an educator, I've always valued students who have come from well-disciplined homes. When you tell these students what the expectations are, they meet them. When you set boundaries, they obey them. In contrast, I've also taught quite a few young men and women who have never been told "no". Their parents seem to give in to their every whim and demand. As a teacher, this has always made setting boundaries and giving expectations a challenge.
Now, I am a parent. I have to say the word "no" to my little man. We've begun the discipline process and it's been an interesting start.
Simon throws food off the side of his high chair. At first, I was just annoyed. I hate picking off orange slices, toast bits and anything else he doesn't fancy off the floor 3 TIMES A DAY! I decided that it was time to say "no". Whenever he throws food or makes the motion to throw food, I take his little hand and say "no". Actually, I don't even need to take his little hand anymore, I just give him a look and say "no". He totally knows that he's done something wrong. He purses his little lips, turns red, pouts and lets out a sad little cry. It's crazy to think that I have the power to devastate him with one little word.
It takes all my acting powers not to bust a gut and laugh hysterically at his little outbursts. He knows he's in trouble.
Now, when he starts to throw, he'll catch himself, look at me and give me the food piece. This doesn't always happen but, it's a good start.

Thrifty

Sometimes, the stereotypes do apply. My Mom's Scottish (and Swiss, etc.) and my husband's a Mennonite. I am thrifty or cheap or tight-fisted with my cash. I think I come by it honestly. I like to buy next year's winter outfits in the spring, when they're on sale (and summer outfits in the fall). I always head to the back of a store first because that's where the bargains are. I'm addicted to sites like BabySteals and used"City" sites. Also, I LOVE used baby clothes and toy sales. Today, I went to one.
After perusing the clothes and toys, I'd picked out a laundry hamper full of cute stuff (for just over $30). The piece-de-resistance was an all=terrain jogging stroller for $40. Don't get me wrong, I like our Peg-Perego. This stroller just gives me some terrain options and could allow for me to jog (or walk really quickly) again.
I think that, even if I win the lottery (which is highly unlikely seeing I'm too cheap to buy tickets), I'd still enjoy bargain hunting.

A Step Up

When Trevor and I started hanging out (way back in 2000), he was a newbie computer science student. We lost track for a bit and then reconnected at the beginning of my second year teaching (2003). By that time, Trevor had had enough of all things java and had quit school to work full time.
We started dating.
That winter, Trevor began his Business Admin degree with Human Resourcing as his focus. He finished up in 2005 and we got engaged. Trevor began a term contract with the fed. gov't working for the Dept of A. It was an okay gig. It helped us buy a new to us car, a new to us house and few other incidentals along the way. The only thing was was the job sort of sucked the life out of my man. He continued along processing forms and dealing with disgruntled people for 3 years. Blech!
Finally, after a lot of exam writing and interviewing, he was able to get a temporary job with the feds working for the Dept of S. He was a Human Resource Consultant. Finally, a job where he was challenged and could use his degree. He loved it. Only, it was still temporary.
Trevor continued to pursue permanent gigs with the feds. He finally was hired for one with the Dept. of H only, it was a few levels down from where he was with the Dept. of S. It was a bit of a risk but, Trevor took this job for the security of something permanent.
Yesterday, he was given a promotion and is back to Human Resource Consulting! YAH!
He's been working to get to this spot for a long time now. I'm so proud of his perseverance and determination!

Simplicity

I've been asked by a few women how I'm enjoying mat. leave. A few moms have shared with me that they found their own mat. leaves to be boring. Somedays, the repetitiveness of looking after a little person can get to me. Most days, I LOVE being a stay at home Momma. I love the little routines that Simon has. I love the toe tickle that comes with changing his diaper. I love the excitement in his eyes when I lift the lid of the ottoman so he can play with his toys. There's a lot of joy in this kind of simplicity.

Smug

I have to admit, the first few months of Simon's life, I resented the other smug new mommies and daddies who would ask me, "is he sleeping through the night?". After I'd sadly reply "no", they'd go on to tell me about their little Pookie Bear who slept through the whole night since Day 1... or something along that lines.
In July, Simon slept 6 hours straight... 3 nights in a row. I thought I was getting somewhere. Alas...
Today, I am feeling a little smug. It's been almost a week and Simon has only gotten up once at night. Every other night, HE HAS SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! Who is this baby?
I've been afraid to write these words. I'm still afraid that Simon's agent will read these words, call him on his Fisher-Price cell phone and inform him that he has been letting all of babyhood down... that he has to step it up and scream a little more at night. Knock on wood, people. I'm crossing my fingers that this new pattern holds.
Have I mentioned that when Simon sleeps, so do I? The world is so much brighter now that I've slept through the night... for almost a week... for the first time in 10 months.
Gotta go... have some dancing for joy to do!

Wormy

Dear Simon,
I have to explain something to you little buddy; your parents are book worms. If fact, your Momma was probably the wormiest of all book worms when she was younger. It's more fashionable for an adult to read but, when I was kid, carrying around Dickens and Hugo weren't the epitome of cool. (I don't think your father was much better... I live with his book collection; he had to start young to have that many books.) The reason I am confessing this to you is to help you understand why we go to the library so much. It's because I'm a book worm and... it's free!
Don't underestimate the power of FREE, little man. That will get me places any time. We can peruse all the soft cover, hard cover and board books that we want. I can even read to you for 20 minutes and I don't have to buy a thing. Someday, when you're older, we'll take out DVDs and maybe even some CDs. Also, there are some cool programs there that we can participate in.
Right now, you are in the Mother Goose Story Time. It's fun. We sing songs like "A Mare Named Dapple Grey", "The Grand Old Duke of York", etc. We also get to listen to a story, play with a puppy puppet and dance with shakers. FOR FREE!!! I love it! It's also nice to have someone else read the story for a change.
Thanks for putting up with all the trips to the library. I hope that you enjoy them. I also hope that the book worm genes have been passed on. It's an amazing thing to slip into a book on a yucky day and get caught up in another world.

P.S. - Thanks also for the amazing sleeps you've been having these past few nights. I feel like a whole new woman! Keep it up... please.

Keys, Please!

16 years from now, this might be a reality. Unfortunately, it'll go by faster then I can imagine!

That Magic Spark

Last night, I watched the Finale of the Bachelor (my guilty pleasure). I watched with some very sweet ladies and enjoyed way too much food (another guilty pleasure). Of course, the girl I didn't want to win, did. I felt the way I imagine I would have if Canada had lost to the US in hockey and only came home with the silver. In the end, I was left pondering relationships, marriage and the world's view of love.

On the Bachelor, Jake and Vienna kept talking about a "magic spark", "butterflies" and "fairytale". At first, I wondered about whether Trevor and I still had that "magic spark" because my stomach does not do somersaults every time he walks in a room. Then, I wondered about our tiny little bungalow, baby, mortgage and crazy cat and I'm not sure it qualifies as a fairytale as discussed by the Bachelor couple.

After much more thought (I had a severe bout of insomnia last night - that's one of the after affect of 10 months of sleep deprivation), I marveled about how deep my love for my man is. It goes beyond fairy tales and butterflies. I'm glad that I'm married to my best friend. I couldn't imagine the past 10 months of sleeplessness with anyone else. He's my partner. He's the guy who cheers me up when I'm rocking back and forth and crying convulsively because Simon is screaming at me for the 2nd hour straight (this was much of August and September - Simon does not do this anymore). Trevor's been my rock and defender when I've put my foot in mouth and embarrassed myself for the umpteenth time. Trevor's the guy that I put on eyeliner for once a month so that I feel attractive again. He's also the guy that hugs and kisses me despite the huge bags under my eyes and Hitler-like cold sore under my nose.

So, congrats Jake and Vienna. I hope you enjoy your butterflies and fairy tale ending. However, if you want your relationship to work out, I hope you two can encounter reality with grace and positivity.
I'm so thankful for Trevor. It's funny how a cheesy reality show can remind me about how much I love my man and how wonderful he is.

Bandwagon

I could spend a lot of time criticizing the Olympics. There are a lot of negatives to point out such as:
-Vancouver's Tent City and the homeless
-all that money going to sports that could be better used for Health Care or Education
-politicizing sport
-Own the Podium
-etc. etc. etc.

However, I can't help but be caught up in the excitement of it all. Trevor, Simon and I danced with glee as snowboard Maelle Ricker raced to gold. We've continued to do many happy dances as athletes from all venues met with success and won medals. Our hearts broke a little for those who didn't meet their goals. I still hurt for Patrick Chan and the enormous pressure he felt.

I can't help it. I'm Canadian. My patriotism surpasses my cynicism. I want to embrace the positive energy of the Games. I guess I've bought into the Tim Horton's/Canadian Tire propaganda. I confess, I tear up every time I see the commercial about the little boy and his Dad's first skate. I also get choked when the commercial about the immigrant man meeting is his family with parkas and Tim Horton's coffee comes on. I love where I'm from.

What does this sports related patriotism say about me? I never, ever, follow sports like bobsledding or alpine skiing at any other time. Yet, when those athletes wear that maple leaf to compete in the Olympics, I'm riveted. Yes, I watch curling and hockey outside of the Olympics but, it doesn't mean more to me then it does this week. As I type, I have the Men's Canada vs. USA gold medal game playing on the TV and TREVOR'S NOT EVEN HOME! That means I turned it on and am watching it by my own volition. When else, other then the Olympics, does this occur?

I am Canadian (and a bandwagon jumper) and when those men win our 14th gold medal (and break the record), I will do another little happy dance.
Go Canada Go!

Giveaways - Linky, Linky

I found a cool blog with some great giveaways. Thanks Colleen
Thought I'd mention the coolest diapers at this site. I hope she picks me.
(Wow! Two posts in one day... must be a hockey game on TV - Go Canada!)

Jungle Gym and Apron Strings

Simon's not quite crawling yet. However, his favorite games include moving all over me. I am his jungle gym. When I put him on the floor to wiggle, all he does is wiggle back to me. Motivation to crawl? Only if you can stand the screaming. Not screaming in pain but screaming in separation anxiety. My boy has total confidence to move... as long as it's on me. Part of me is flattered and, the other part of me wants to snip these apron strings just a little. All in good time.

Baby Love

Some days, I feel like my heart is so full of love, it almost breaks. Can it be possible to love a little one so much?
Simon's been learning to sleep at night! :) We've been learning to ignore his cries. Gasp! I know. I'm not a fan of cry-it-out but, the guy's almost 10 months old. I only get up once a night to feed him.
Today, we went swimming. Simon vibrated the whole time he was so excited.
I can hear him chattering away to Trevor as I type. Baby chatter is adorable.
I feel so satisfied with life today. Have I mentioned that I love Saturdays? Hope you have a great weekend.

"I Do It Myself"

Simon's not talking yet but, when I approach his little mouth with a spoon and his food, he gives me a look that says "I do it myself" and then, he takes a swipe at the spoon with both his hands. I've give up. I usually get a few spoonfuls of whatever we're eating mushed up into his mouth and then, we're done. He's moved on to finger foods. This poses some challenge as he has no teeth. He also likes to rip apart food and mush it up in his hands. I'd say 3/4 of it ends up in his mouth and the other 1/4 decorates his high chair, his bib, his face and the floor. This morning, I found toast in his hair.
It's a stage... I know but, IT'S SOOOOO GROSS!!!!! He loves oranges and banana. Orange pulp and mushed banana mixed with toast and baby cookie is YUCKY! In the long run, feeding himself is a great thing. However, I need to invest in an automatic baby/highchair cleaner!

My Valentines

Forget the wine and roses. Forget the candles and chocolates. This is what's running through my mind on today's Day of Love. It's a great little song and a cute little book!
Happy Valentine's Day to you!

Good Day, Sunshine

Last night, Trevor took me out for our Valentine's supper. We decided to pass on our traditional crab meal and take advantage of some baby-sitting to get dressed up and out of the house. It was so good to be just a couple for a few hours. I don't give my main man enough attention. I'd missed him even though he's always around.
It was also pretty fun to get dressed up and do my hair. I've had this brutal cold sore (yes, I am plagued with those) right under my nose. The scab reminds me of a Hitler mustache. It's not so noticeable anymore so, it was nice to feel "pretty" after feeling like an ugly man all week.
Last night, Simon only woke up twice. Once to scream at us for awhile and once just to eat. That's a vast improvement over the past few nights where we've seen every hour of the clock. These past few sleepless nights were a throwback to August and September when we dreaded the night.
This morning, I woke up to a well-rested boy. He played nice all morning and didn't cling like a monkey. It was nice to be able to put him down to do things by myself. My hip enjoyed the break.
It's good to have my Sunshine Boy back. I've missed him!

Normalcy

Poor Simon must be teething. He has no teeth yet but, his bottom gums are swollen and he's an overly sensitive dude lately. He's waking up a little extra at night. (My new mantra has become "Some day, we'll sleep through the night...".)

It feels good to have something "normal" to worry about with Simon. Not that long ago, Trevor and I were going nutty because of Simon's casts or post-op pain. We'd space out the time between Motrin doses and hope our baby would feel better soon. It was hard to commiserate with other parents about post-op pain or cast pain. It's kind of nice to have a misery that all parents understand. Yep, this is my sad attempt at looking for the positive. :) Hopefully, we'll have gums full of bottom teeth to report soon.

Mid-Winter Blahs

I had a brief case of the mid-winter blahs today.
My family is all in Maui... snorkeling (I love peeking at the fishes). My in-laws are sunning it up in Mexico. My brother-in-law is in the desert. His lady friend is heading to Cuba. It's only -7 here but, there aren't any cute fishes to chase.
Trevor took me on a little adventure that cheered me up considerably. We did some dreaming together. I love doing a little dreaming with my main man.
Simon worked hard to cheer me up too. He's got such a personality and when he gets the giggles... :) He's doing a lot more of that lately. He also says "Mom" at just the right times. He knows how to melt my heart.
My sister-in-law came and had the best play date ever. Tonight, we're having some friends in for a games night and tomorrow, we're heading to a kid-friendly Super Bowl party. It's good to be with people.
A good soak in the sun would be the best cure for this "blah" feeling but, I know it's mostly a case of February. 6 more weeks of winter... according to the wee beastie and this winter will be a thing of the past.

Wordless Wednesday

The Cucumber Manifesto

He's not a story teller, he's a speech giver. Most mornings, he stands in front of the window looking out onto the street, raises his little hands and tells it like it is.

Fashion Maven I Am Not

My first realization that I wasn't too savvy in the fashion department occurred in grade 7. I was tall, gangly, bespeckled, well-freckled girl with permed bangs and straight long hair. I spent much of my time with a nose in a book. I loved wearing my Hyper-colour shirt (remember those... great for sweaty pre-adolescents) paired with white tights covered in black stars (this is where my childhood friends Janelle and Amy will gleefully comment that, upon occasion, I would wear purple panties with those white tights... sigh). I had this pert little friend with two older sisters. I would go to visit and they kept wanting to play "makeover" with me. Eventually, I stopped wanting to visit.

When I was 20, I finally gave up my brown unicorn wallet (velcro - tres, tres cool). I've been missing it ever since. Before Simon was born, I went through 10 years of odd purses. The most practical was my bright red Swiss Army purse that I took back-packing around Europe with me. It just didn't match my teacher clothes though. Finally, I thought a diaper bag would solve all my issues. I would just carry a wallet inside. I've been through 3 wallets already (that's what happens when you cram all your cards into cheap, cheap wallets). Also, I don't always carry my diaper bag. I bought a very pretty, expensive (for me), leather Etsy purse. It's adorable! I'd be proud to wear it with any fancy dress or with any teacher clothes in the future. Unfortunately, I don't use it that often. Instead, I've been carrying around a bag that Trevor's aunt crocheted from recycled plastic bags cut into strips... and it's orange and white.

I figure that while I tromp around in my Sorrels with my ridiculously large blue toque and my classic "mom uniform" (read jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt that probably has some Simon cruddies somewhere on it), the orange bag might suit me a little more then my beautiful Etsy purse.

Snow Day

After digging Trevor out of our back alley early in the morning (Simon hung out in his car seat, dressed warmly, by our garage - I'd forgotten what the mystical "outside" does for him), we retreated back into the house. Play date - canceled. Grocery trip - on hold. Nap time - prolonged a little. How to keep an almost 9 month old entertained all day long?????
I sure am thankful to be on mat. leave on a day like today.

Cracking the Husband Code

(This picture is in our much younger, dating days... I think we're pretty cute!)

Trevor and I have been together since the fall of 2003. That's a lot of years of getting to know one another. I couldn't be more pleased in my choice of partner. However, like most wives, there are always a few idiosyncrasies about my dear mate that leave me pondering.
Enter... the Husband Code.
Trevor took a fabulous and insightful personality test at work. He brought an 8 page document which goes over his personality in detail. The document tactfully states his weaknesses as well as his strengths. My favorite page is the one that details communication strategies that work best with Trevor.
We've been together going on 7 years and now, I finally have a document to confirm many of the quirks I've discovered about my man, prove many of the wonderful things I believe about him and advise me on how to deal with him on "sticky" issues. Last night, as I was gleefully reading, I mentioned on how this document will be a great asset to me.
My poor man. I think he may be regretting being so open about his code with me. He's offered a few times to buy me the $60 analysis so that he can have the same info on me.
I don't think I'm going to do it. I believe that a wife should be mysterious to her husband. :)
Here's to the code!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Answer

After another night of driving and screaming, I took Simon to the doctor. He has an ear infection. Hopefully, he'll be on the mend soon. Whew!

Screamo

Simon was a extra fussy yesterday. He'd had a low grade fever the night before. He continually rubs his gums with his fingers. We keep hoping for a tooth.
Last night, we put him to bed and he fell asleep with ease. 45 minutes, he was up and yelling. Trevor comforted him and he went back to sleep... only to get up 45 minutes later yelling. After a dose of Motrin, he spent another hour and a half yelling. We'd lull him back to sleep for seconds only to have him wake up yelling again and again and again.
Finally, we calmed him down with Baby Einstein. He was content. His little eyelids kept fluttering up and down. I thought we had him. We tried putting him back to sleep and he started with the yelling again.
After another half hour of that, Trevor took him out of his sleep sack, put him in his snowsuit, strapped him into the carseat and drove him around town.
Yes, we have become those parents... the bleary-eyed ones who are frantically driving the Ring Road in the middle of the night hoping to lull a little monster to sleep.
He slept for 4 hours, got up and ate and slept for 4 more.
This morning, we're all a little tuckered out.
Still no teeth.

I'm sure that, if you don't have kids, this blog post will serve as birth control.

Someday, Simon will sleep and Trevor and I will tell stories about this time in our lives and laugh... someday.

Domestic Bliss

What started as simply washing up the dishes after supper turned in to a family dance party. Trevor and I danced around our kitchen (with our marvelous Mennonite moves) with Simon. Our little dude gyrated and shook to this song. His smiles and giggles were infectious. Fergus darted and weaved around our feet.
This is bliss... my homemaker's payday. I love my little family!

Play date

In order to beat the cabin fever that happens with major snowfall
and then frigid, Arctic lows, I have had a week of play dates.
It's been AWESOME!
First, Uncle Tim came for a visit.
Then, we hung out with Trevor's super-cool cousin and her baby girl.
Yesterday, a good friend and her baby boy came over to play.
Today, we had lunch with another friend and her baby boy.

2-3 hours of social interaction a day... that's PERFECT for this introvert.
Simon and I... we're play date people.
I plan on more of these dates in weeks to come.
It sure beats wandering WalMart.

The Day Simon Hears Mommy Say a Bad Word

***I think I need to preface this post by stating that last night, Simon was up for 3 hours or which I was up for 2 of them. That, on top of 8 months of sleep deprivation, may be linked to what I am about to share.

My girlfriend and her baby girl were coming for lunch. Simon absolutely needed to be down for his nap at a certain time. I can't always guarantee an easy put-down at home. I can, however, usually guarantee an easy put-down when he's in the car. So, I went for a little drive to the library.
Upon coming out of the library, I accidentally set off my car alarm. I pushed LOCK 3 times to get it stop. Then, I threw my keys on my seat and closed the door so I could put Simon down on his side in his seat. I was also a little distracted by finding my snow brush.
I locked us out of the car. I don't usually swear. Occasionally, a choice word will leave my lips when it's the punch line of a joke. Also, I'm prone to swearing in German or French but, other then that, I'm a well-censored lady. Today, when I realized that I was standing in the mall parking lot, with my baby, in a snowstorm, locked out of my car with people coming to my house, Simon heard me swear... loudly!
We trudged back to the library where we called all the lock shops in town. Finally, there was one that didn't have a 2 hour wait.
He came and unlocked the nice, silver Mazda 3 that I was standing beside. The alarm went off so, I looked on the driver's seat for the keys and promptly realized I'd had the lock guy break into someone else's car. Eeeek!
My car was one spot over... with a snow brush on top.
He, very nicely as I was on the verge of tears, unlocked my car. The other Mazda's car alarm finally went off. I paid the man. He only charged me for unlocking one car (thankfully).
I slipped and banged my shin while buckling Simon into his seat. I have a nice goose egg for my outing.
Simon went to sleep right away and had an hour and a half nap... it was worth it.