Vanity

A good friend of mine is in the midst of chemo. She cut her hair short to prepare her kiddos for the potential hair loss that comes with chemo. A group of us girls decided to chop our hair short to support her.
This week I learned that I am terribly vain about my hair.
I love having long hair. I love the feel of it swishing from side to side in a ponytail, I love how Simon snuggles into it and how Claire wraps her chubby baby fingers around it while nursing. The last time I had short hair (the shortest it's ever been is just above shoulder length) was when I was 15.
I have basically had the same hair cut for 17 years. My hair style had grown into an eleventh grader. Yeesh. My biggest style changes were growing out bangs and long layers.
Last night, Lindsey P. from Sheers (awesome hairdresser if you're looking - there's my plug) chopped off my locks.
I still don't recognize myself in the mirror. My head feels light. Washing and brushing my hair feels ridiculous and my neck gets chilly. I've also realized that I have really wavy hair.
It'll grow back. Until it does, I'm going to embrace this changed look.
I know that we made my friend smile and that was the point.
(I'll post pictures when my kids are in bed - neither want to sleep this afternoon... sigh - too much of a shock for them, I guess!)

Outside

"Outside, outside, outside" is Simon's mantra every day. Rain or shine, all the little guy wants to do is run wild in the backyard or explore the many fabulous parks our fine little city has to offer. His favorite activities involve picking berries off the vine (and storing them in his cache in our apple tree), picking dandelions and playing in the mud or dirt. He comes inside covered in dirt, mud, grass stains and he has the grimiest little face and hands. Good thing we have baths and do laundry.
Claire's a pretty good sport. She's a happy baby in the Bjorn and she's trying new things like the slide and the swing. Mostly, she just wants to sit on the lawn and chew on pieces of grass or other things that make her way into her grabby hands.

Unruly

When Trevor and I first bought our house, I spent the summer inside painting and organizing our nest. I completely ignored our yard until August... BIG mistake.
The next summer, I was much, much more dutiful in my yard tending. I changed a few things around the yard, I resurrected our crappy (literally - the previous owner had a big dog and multiple cats) grass and I planted tons of perennials.
For our third summer, I enjoyed yard work and took tender care of my little plants.
Then I had Simon.
We spent a lot of time in our back yard, Simon and I. We sat on our picnic blanket and watched the wind blow the leaves of our huge tree around. If I tried any yard work in his presence, his shrieks of despair convinced me to stop. Other then a few frantic weeding sprees and some disgruntled petunias, my yard was largely ignored.
Last summer, Simon slept every afternoon. Ideally, this would have been the perfect time for me to do yard work and, I did, on occasion. Usually, I just slept. My pregnancy with Claire and mornings with a demanding toddler took all my energy and I desperately needed my afternoon naps. This led to scraggly pansies and an outbreak of Creeping Charlie in both my front and back grass.
This year, I am taming the unruly! I have a great baby monitor and Claire is just going to get better at sleeping during the afternoons. (Hopefully, she'll get better at nights too so, I won't need to nap anymore either).
Look out, dandelions. Enjoy your last days, Creeping Charlie. Have one final foray, stinkweed. I am going to take my yard back!!!

Today, I finally got to my front yard. Ironically, when Trevor was cutting our grass earlier, our neighbour across the street complimented us on how cheerful and nice our yard was. (Thank the yellow tulips and the fact that Creeping Charlie can't be seen from across the street.) Thanks... I guess.

Laughing Through My Days

Kid, you make me laugh! I love being your Momma!

6 Months

Dear Claire,
You're six-months old today... and you're miserable. Poor girly - those 2 front bottom teeth are giving you grief. Your happy place right now is cuddling your Mama and gnawing on my shoulder. Not the best way to celebrate. (I caught myself telling you not to be such a "baby" about the pain and then I remembered that you are a baby - yeesh... silly Mama!)
You're talking a lot more. You think Fergus is your boyfriend and try your best to lure him over to you. You adore Simon (and have LOTS to tell him). You can stand (with support). You chew everything. You eat 3 bowls of cereal and fruits/veggies a day. You still get up 2-3 times at night (sigh). You roll like a champ and you're trying to creep. You play strange which makes a lot of people sad. You have a reverse hair mullet (tons of hair in the front and everything rubbed off in the back). You're wearing 9 month clothing. You still LOVE to be a part of the action.
Claire, you are also adorable. Your big us convince us to do whatever you want. You're patient with me as I look after your dictator of a brother. :) Your face lights up when Daddy walks in the room.
We love you, Little Miss Sunshine!

Transfer

I'm totally bummed to announce that I received a job transfer this week. Being on maternity leave made me vulnerable. My employer has to give me a comparable full-time position but, not necessarily at my original school. Sigh...
This will be my 4th school.
The only place I ever really "warmed up" was in Lanigan. At my inner-city school, I only had 1 year to get to know people and, as much as I tried, I knew those relationships would be fleeting. Now, just as I am starting to feel safe, to feel confident and comfortable on staff, I have to go and start over. (As friendly as I am, I'm as slow to warm as Simon about new places and people.)
The other sucky part is that it's an elementary school. No offense to elementary school teachers but, your job scares me. All day with the same kids. All year with the same kids. Blech.
I am also only going back part-time (mornings). Maybe elementary school will be more compatible for that. There's probably less extra-curr. Recess is kind of like a coffee break (more then the 5 minutes between classes that I use to photocopy, discipline after class, file discipline reports, go potty, get coffee/snacks and prep for my next class), right?
Of course, I don't go back until just before Claire's November B-day but still, there's a lot for me to figure out before then.

Claire's dedication

Today, we dedicated Claire to God. Although a little sleepy, she did great. We had a big lunch for our families in our backyard to celebrate her. The church gave her this verse:
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1+2

May you never be shaken in your faith, little girl. May you always, always, always feel the peace that only God can bring. We love you, Claire Bear, and we're pretty pumped to be your parents!

A Walk Out

Reasons thousands of SK teachers walked out today!

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.