Been a while... I know!

Here I am. I'M BACK!

I realize that I have been away. I know. I have been busy. We got back from our Mexican vacation last weekend and its been a week of getting back to normal and routine. I must say, we've got a great little traveller on our hands. She did awesome on the flight there. We got a quite a few compliments about her. One guy said "Not going to lie, I was scared when I saw your baby, but she did great!" Madelyn was a little trooper. She fussed a little more on the flight home and our seats were at the very first row of economy so when I was standing up holding my screaming, extremely tired, child I had the whole flights attention. I mean, it really only last 5 minutes and I would look down to see my husbands deer in head light look and I'd say "Its not YOU infront of everyone, why are you all red?" Its always the Mommy's dealing with these issues. And to think he wants to add to brood. Hmmm...

Madelyn made so much progress in a weeks time! She did so much better on chunks of food. She actually ate pineapple, honeydew melon, catalope, chicken, turkey... amazing really. She fell asleep in her stroller for her morning naps (again AMAZING!) she slept in a crib in the same room as us, and got her two top teeth. Its was a busy week,[insert big sigh].

Madelyn is still napping twice a day and heading to bed between 6pm-7pm. Very nice, very nice. I can hear the applause, thank you! I know, I've got a great baby. I hear it ALL the time. Your so lucky, she's so good. Maybe, I do need to take some credit for my our good baby. She's practically sleeping thru the night every night. I mean last night she was up at 11pm when I had just fallen asleep (seriously, kid you couldn't have woken up 30 minutes ago?) Gave her a quick bottle and she was back down until 630am this morning. I know I need to get use to those early mornings.

I am dreading going back to work... not really the going back, as my bank account is screaming for me to go back to work, but for the choas of the mornings. I need to have her dropped off at the sitters by 630am and ready to work by 7am. What a task thats going to be. Starting a couple of weeks we are going to do some trial runs and get her used to the early mornings, and me too!

Just when you start to get the hang of this mothering/baby thing, you head back to work. Just as she starts sleeping thru the night, napping twice a day without a screaming match, playing and being fun, you go back to work. Just as I am starting to really enjoy her and I am so in tune with her (for the most part, I mean don't get me wrong I still have my WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH HER moments) I will be going back to work for 8+ hours a day. I am going to miss her. I know now, I sometimes run for the door when I get to go run an errand. I am not going to lie. A little freedom every now and then feels amazing -- but to have to leave her EVERYDAY? Sucks.

Here are some new pics of her from our vacation: 

 

 
 

Library Playgroup!

We finally made it to the library playgroup and we had so much fun. Madelyn was probably one of the youngest there but she was definately not the most shy! Once I let her down she was gone. Crawling away, watching other toddlers and pickng up the the blocks. It was great to watch her. I was such a proud Mommy. She was so funny to watch. Bouncing from her knees, squealing with delight. Once it came to story time she actually sat on my lap and paid attention!!! Crazy. I know! I will definately be bringing her there every week. Gives us something to do and she gets to interact with other kids and not just babies. Free local programs... what a great thing!

30 Days of Honesty

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
This would take for-ever and honestly I would do to my husband and the list would all be sappy love songs with a few alternative ones thrown in for good measure.

Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
One reason? I think I have more than one reason. My family, friends, amazing husband and child.

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
I mean who doesn't think at one time or another that life is too rough? But seriously, life is so worth living.

Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Hands down, Madelyn. Need I say more?

Dr. Appointments and more....

So this past week we had a visit to McMaster Children's Hospital for her foot, a doctors app to get referred to a pediatrician for her face twitch and the ped got us in the next day!

First things first, McMaster went well. Her left foot curves in still so we have exercises to do for the next 4 weeks then we go back and if it hasn't improved enough then we have to get special shoes. But she'll be walking fine so there isn't much need to worry. Phew!

She's been doing this face twitch thing since we introduced solids. At first we thought it was just when she didn't like something then she started doing it more and more. No harm in getting it looked at. Dr. didn't think it was anything too serious but referred us to a pediatrician just to be sure. The pediatrician was fantastic! Squished us in to make sure everything was okay. She thinks its do with her reflux. We always thought she had reflux but never got it checked out (well we did once, and we're told not to worry so we didn't push it). Ped thinks that its just her muscles trying to keep it down. If anything happens in the next 4 weeks we are to call and she will see us right away. Other than that we are to just continue as per usual and see her again in 4 weeks.

So, those are the medical updates... we tried on all her Mexico clothes the other day -- what a chore that was! Getting her dressed on the best of days is sometimes not so fun. Trying to get her into 7+ outfits all in one afternoon was tough. She ate A LOT of those puffs let me tell you. It was the only way we could keep her still and not cry. BUT good news EVERYTHING fit! YEAH :) Started finished off her list this past Friday (yesterday) bought her sunscreen, baby food and threw everything in the office. The holding area for all things Mexico. That bed is getting jammed with stuff. I am not looking forward to the actual packing part...

30 Days of Honesty

I know I haven't done so well with this blog... Its been busy, I know, I know I keep using that as an excuse but its kind of true. Well, its completely true... so once again, here's a bunch of answers. BUT first I need to get a coffee and swat my cat off the counter... do you own a cat? They are the devil incarnate I swear!

Okay here goes.

Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Someone is easy, but highly inappropriate to blast over the internet. So a thing? One thing... I could live without an exercise stationary bike. Those things are horrible and if I did indeed own one, I would never ride it. Ever. LOL

Day 17: A book you’ve read thatchanged your views on something.
I think I would have to say "Eat, Pray, Love" I've never seen the movie but read the book years ago. Worth the read, especially when you are wondering about yourself in anyway. Yeah, I didn't get to travel the world and eat, eat, eat... and do yoga but I think it made me look at my life a little differently. Maybe appreciate the things I do have and let go of the things I never needed in the first place.

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
EVERYONE has the right to get married. Who cares, gay, straight? What does it matter, really? If someone wants to enter into a forever, binding contract/agreement (did I just refer to marriage as a contract, really?) then by all means GO FOR IT! Marriage is hard work. Something forever changing and evolving because lets be honest nothing, and I mean nothing, stays the SAME forever.

Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Religion - not for everyone. I think there is a something bigger than us, do I need to go to church to make myself believe that, no. Just my opinion. We don't go to church, we didn't even get Madelyn baptized. Something I think about from time to time. Will she one day wish we had? I mean her Dad isn't. I don't know. Politics. Well, I am being honest right? [insert shameful look on writers face] I don't follow to closely. I guess I've never really thrown myself into it. I vote. Does that count?

Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
To each their own, really. I mean who doesn't enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a hard day? And whose to judge the person that enjoys a little toke at the end of a hard day? I don't discriminate against either. BUT I don't believe that living and breathing alcohol or drugs is okay either. Occassional, social is okay. No chemicals though. Is that a double standard?

Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Do everything in my power to help said best friend out. Fight or no fight.

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
I wish I never had pierced my eyebrow. What a pain that was! Used to always get infected because of the area I worked in. Its out now, and looking back at pictures its so weird to see.

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
100% wish I had gone to University. Seriously, worst mistake I ever made was not going.

HOLY POOP EXPLOSION!!

That was what happened this morning. I have to say though its the worst in the last 9.5 months -- So I shouldn't complain too much. I mean it wasn't one of those up the back and all over the clothes... until I removed her diaper and she wiggled. I had to just stop and put her in the tub. She was not impressed but she did pretty good. Sat there was a little shocked that that was happening to her. This was before her morning nap. She went down really well afterwards and I had to clean the tub and there is a pile of dirty clothes, cloths, towels, pj's ready to go in the washer. Oh the joys of being a Mom. So rewarding. LOL. I know.

Video Camera has been unleashed!

I have been bugging, naggin and complaining to my husband since before I even had Madelyn that we needed to get the video camera out. We bought the thing in 2006 on boxing day for the wedding trip. So, needless to say Madelyn is now 9.5 months old and we now have it! He finally got it out and charged it. We just have to get the hilarious footage off it. I started taping her this morning. I couldn't resist and she was very fascinated by it. I see many mornings, afternoons and nights of a video camera being shoved in her face recording her next milestones. We've missed too many. Now its on!

30 Days of Honesty

Wow, okay I know I am like a week behind but I will try and get as many done this morning as I can... PLUS give you an update on the Pooper :) First things first...

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Okay, way to start the morning off. My honest straightforward opinion or that I'm cute. Cute. Not exactly something to brag about.

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.

My figure. Yeah, I know I had a baby BUT that was 9.5 months ago.

Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.
I would say this is a tough one. I would have to say that The Tragically Hip has the coolest albums and there are quite a few songs that bring tears to my eyes. OH and I cannot forget the Dave Matthews Band.

Day 14: A hero that has let you down.

I don't think I have a hero that has let me down. This isn't a very interesting morning for you readers... sorry!

Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Absolutely, the easiest question of this morning, and I think this was covered already but I will always say my husband. We've been through a lot in 12 years... spent time apart, together, with other people, together. Always, always, always finding our way back to one another. And always being there for the other when things weren't so smooth between us. Maybe to be honest, I never really lived without him.

Sleep, Routines and breaking the schedule...

The need to nap and the need to have a life outside of the house --- So confusing. I cannot bring myself wake her so we can go out. I feel the need to make sure we stick to our schedule. I know its not always possible but I just feel like its better for her if I do. PLUS when we stick to the schedule she sleeps better and longer. Thats what babies need right? Sleep. Routine. Am I doing the right thing by being so regimented? There is it again, that self doubt! Always seems to creep in every now and then. Never truly goes away.

30 Days of Honesty

Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

Wow. I would have to go back to high school I think to answer this question and even then, I don't think I have an answer. Not one person sticks out. I can't say that I was ever a target for bullying. I was by no means one of the "cool" kids but I certainly didn't get picked on and held my own. I had a great group of friends that I had gone to elementry school with and I am still friends with many of them.

Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

I think I have a few people on this list. [names will NOT be included, sorry]. I mean, Nick and I are in a completely different phase of our lives right not and our priorities are completely different than some of our friends. I mean they will always be friends and in time when many of them "catch up" on the baby train I'm sure we'll reconnect. Kind of sad. I've had a few moments that I've told Nick that I was lonely because I didn't have someone going through this with me. I have friends that are ahead of me but more of them are behind. I don't get calls to hang out. BUT, when I look at Madelyn I could care less if I go for a drink or not.

Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Hmmm. Again, another tough one that I am not quite sure I've got an answer for. I mean there are a few people that I wish I didn't know but who doesn't right? [And I don't think blasting their names on the internet and calling them out for every wrong thing they've done to me or my friends would just be right, it would just make me like them]... does that make sense?

 

Its been a while since I posted a picture of the two of us. I seem to take hundreds upon hundreds of pictures of her. I just can't seem to get infront of lens... okay, I do but I never like the picture. I will work on that.

Madelyn must be going through a growth spurt and teething... UGH! Bum rash... waking hungry early in the morning, waking after being in bed for an hour or two crying. I've given her tylenol [insert shameful look on Mommies face]. I don't know if she's actually teething. I mean ALL the signs are there and her symptoms are very similar to her teething for the bottom two teeth. Drooling, chewing everything, waking after being put down for bed... She is still sleeping thru the night [look above with a thankful smile]. She won't let me look in her mouth or insert my finger to feel the top teeth. But she didn't let me do that with the bottom ones either so no surprise there.

We are going to be getting a visit from Baby M today! So excited to meet the new little guy. So, I need to get Madelyn to nap! She's fighting it a little...

30 Days of Honesty

Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Easy. I would say two people. First and foremost, my amazing husband. If it weren't for him we wouldn't have my second reason for living, Madelyn. Nick has been an amazing best friend and partner. I truly feel that I am a better person for not just knowing him, but being lucky enough to have him in my life. His love, guidance and support has made my life easier. I hope I can repay him in the same way.

30 Days of Honesty

Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.

I've always hoped I would get a University degree. I started going back part-time before we were trying to get pregnant but now that she here, I just don't know how I would swing it. I always thought I would go back while on maternity leave but I want to spend as much time with her and Nick as I can... plus get back in shape, keep up with friends. Seems like its gone by the way side. And over all I think I am okay with waiting to get it done, for now.

Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.

I really hope I never have to deal with the death of close relative. (I don't mean grandparents) THAT is my biggest fear. Very morbid, I know. But its the truth after all.

 

 

 

Here's a few pictures of our cute little giraffe from Sunday's craaaaazy busy day. At the end of the day when we finally got her in bed, I had to think to myself - Was it really worth it? Huh. [Insert a pondering look on writers face] She was a trooper as we carted her around to all the grandparents and then out for some trick or treating with Baby E. Doesn't she look adorable as a giraffe. I wish that she would let me dress her every hallowe'en until she can't go out anymore! Handing out candy you really got to see that the older the kids get the worse their costumes (or lack there of) were. Some didn't even look like they were dressed up as anything. Oh well. Move one. Next holiday is Christmas! And she is going to ball at Christmas -- but first we have to get thru Mexico... WOW thats coming fast!

30 Days of Honesty

Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.

Wow, another hmmmm. I think I am really good at holding grudges. I like to think when I say its "Ok" I move on. But I don't. I am not good at forgiving. I am good at saying its Ok, lets move on. I don't have one person I need to forgive for anything in particular. I think that over the years, there has been times that a disagreement has sparked and instead of dealing with just the one issue I tend to bring up things that I've burried.

ORRRRR maybe i have to forgive someone (not going to mention here who it is but those that truely know me and the situation will know who I am talking about -- sorry for being vague, its the internet after all and it wouldn't fair to air out everything on here). We will call this person "F" and will not refer to the sex of said individual. Hope thats okay with you reader...again I apologize maybe this makes me not being super honest? I have to forgive F. for being who they are. For having a very different approach to raising kids than me. I have to let go of all the lying F. has done, look past the fakeness, and just remember that F. will never change and its not worth arguing and fighting over. F. is who they are, and after all they do say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Its just not possible to change people.

30 Days of Honesty

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Hmmm... I should have read this yesterday so I would have had last night to think about this one. Something I have to forgive myself for? Tough. I honestly can't think of that one thing right now... maybe I will come back to this one once I think of one?

Madelyn's 1st Hallowe'en!

Tomorrow it is -- Hallowe'en. A "holiday" that I am not overly fond of, but I think I am getting in the spirit. I can't wait to see her all dressed up in her cute (its a surprise!) outfit. I hope she doesn't hate it too much. Its so typical, right, to get all excited about a costume then to have your kid scream the entire time they are in it. Fingers crossed for us!! I will post pictures next week, maybe on Monday. Tomorrow is a crazy busy day for us. Wish us luck!

30 Days of Honesty

Day 2: Something you love about yourself.

Okay, something even tougher. I think I love that I am honest. The one thing people can always depend on I think is my honesty. It can be harsh and many times I will try to soften the honesty... Oh geesh. I love my honesty? I think I said in the last post I sometimes hate it! BUT in all honesty, I like that I am that person for people. I don't like bullshit or fakeness. And I am happy to say that I don't think I am ever fake towards people. Sometimes I wish I could be, but its just not me. And I think I love that about myself.

30 Days of Honesty

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.

Wow. Just. One. Thing. I don't think I can name just one thing. That's kind of sad isn't it? I hate my body image. I hate going to my closet and not being able to put something trendy together because I feel like I'll just look fat anyways? Horrible. I know. And to think I was doing this in a bigger way for Madelyn to get to know who I was/am. Do I really want my daughter to have the same body images as me! Heck no. I hate that I am a pessimistic/realist CONSTANTLY. Something is always going wrong or bad. Like, really? Did I just say that? I hate that I can be an angry, selfish person. I hate that I am too honest with people sometimes. Maybe it would be best to not say anything at all -- even when people want the truth. I hate how I look in a pair of jeans. I hate that I am intimidated to go out with a bunch of girls (many of whom I don't know) I hate that sometimes I care too much about people who don't seem to care as much about me. I hate that I am not always so nice to my loving husband, who for some reason still loves me. I hate that I think this way. Wow. I hate, maybe I hate me? Is that at all possible? Yikes! Scary really.

30 Days of Complete Honest (AKA 30 Days of Truth)

Okay... here goes a little something for me. I feel like it would an important thing for Madelyn to look back on this and read this. After all, I feel as though I am a very honest and straightforward person with everyone else... lets see if I can be this honest with myself. (I am a new blogger and not good at the whole blogger thing so I hope I can figure out how to put all these posts together!)

Over the next 30 Days I will be answering these questions:
Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

I have tried to add the link to where I got these questions from but like I said on her blog... I am a cyber idiot! Seriously, when did I become so out of touch with how the internet and computers work? ARGH!!!

 

 

We went to Strom's on Saturday afternoon for some pumpkin picking and a tractor ride. It was so nice to get out as a family. It doesn't happen nearly has much as I would like. Life is crazy busy but every now and then we need to stop and slow down and enjoy a tractor ride. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

I've had the best two afternoon naps Monday and Tuesday. A cute little baby sleeping peacefully in my arms. Breathing deeply, giving the odd sigh.

I realize those days are almost over. I mean, to be completely honest her naps were barely an hour, mind you she did wake up happy but if she were to have slept in her crib it would have been longer. I can admit, I was selfish. I needed those two naps with her to remind of the baby I am losing and the little person I am gaining.

When she would only sleep in my arms I couldn't wait for her to nap in her crib. Now that she wants to nap in her crib I just want to hold her. I just want to take in the sleeping baby that needs me. That needs me to hold her to sleep and to feel safe.

I know she is becoming her own little person and I have a perma smile on my face watching her crawl, pull herself up, cruise to get the remote, stand on her own and then fall on her bum. Its amazing to watch her grow up, but heart-wrenching at the same time. I can lay her in her crib and she will slip peacefully into sleep. I know I need to continue what I am doing and its obviously working but I sometimes the urge to just cuddle and rock her to sleep is so strong. To watch her eyes drift into sleep and get that big sigh before being really asleep is so precious. A gift that I was given and now I know I need to be more realistic and let her go a little. I mean, deep down I know she will always need me but eventually that voice is going to come and its going to be loud and clear and I will not be ready for it "Mom I can do it myself." I am dreading the growing up. Its really hitting me now. I know its because she is making so much progress and growing up exactly how she is supposed to be, but really? I want to have this baby forever. I know, back to reality.

 

All ready to go play for Baby E's birthday party!

 

Learning to "High Five!" - Daddy definately taught her this one.

 

There it is! See piece of cake :-)

 

Here's the shrieking

 

Open, Close, Open, Close, repeat...over and over and over...

 

Hang on to the couch! Mommy's not ready for you to take steps yet...

Is it bad that I can't wait for October to be over? We have just been go-go-go-go... for way too long now! Geeesh, I'd like to just say that Madelyn now has 2 - YES TWO - teeth on the bottom and since I have been horrible at keeping up with the blog in the last month, I may or may not have already mentioned that. And this entire next paragraph may be a repeat but here goes...

On Oct 2 (My Dad's birthday) we were at my parents home for a family birthday dinner and my Mom felt into Madelyn's mouth and proclaimed that a tooth was coming... yeah right. I don't feel anything, I don't have a clue what I am feelign for. Yeah I feel a little bump but whatever, we haven't had the sleepless nights, the crying bouts, you know, the typical teething stuff. (honest: the thing was that the week prior she was hard to put down to bed, she would fight like she's never fought before and she may or may not have woken up a couple of times at night but just letting out a little cry, nothing to go running to her or even console her over) Sure enough, I woke up on Oct 3 and bam... sharp, sharp, sharp! It was there. The bottom left toofie was poking through. I am forever a skeptic. I know I have mentioned her amber teething necklace before but Nick and I refuse to take it off and tempt fate. If its working awesome, if she's just a baby that it wouldn't bother too much - we've got one tough cookie on our hands. And that would make Daddy super proud! But seriously, I get it all the time with the amber necklace. Most people think its just jewelery that I've put on her. And time and time again, I am saying actually its a teething necklace and go into my speal... Most times, especially if I don't really know the person commenting I just nod. Yup, it is nice jewelery.

I know I have been promising pictures. I am going to go get my memory card as soon as I am done typing this and upload some new shots of her. She is just changing so much everyday. Nick and I will look back at pictures and really say "Do you believe its the same baby?" She's such a little person now. I think the cruising around and crawling has really made me see that. Plus, the 3 solid meals a day and the "talking" (I use talking loosely as it really sounds like shrieking). She is truely become her own person. I cannot wait to see what she turns into.

Okay... I am going to go get that memory card right now...after I finish my 1/2 coffee 1/2 hot chocolate... promise this time! I swear...

Here I am! I haven't gone far. Just been super busy and avoiding my laptop.

Madelyn now has two teeth poking thru. She is just doing awesome thru it all too. You wouldn't even know she was teething. I honestly think the teething necklace must work http://canadianamber.ca/caramel-circle-inches-p-66.html?osCsid=9afcf062e10c8379714c77946b0ecf1f I am forever a skeptic and I won't say it works 100%, because really what does? But this seems to be working and we don't dare tempt fate and take it off.

She starting to cruise around now... S-C-A-R-Y! Seriously, kiddo your only 8 months old. (insert a LOL with a grimace face) Madelyn loves the activity toy her Gramps gave her http://www.toysrus.ca/product/largerImage.jsp?productId=4193376&largeImageURL=http%3a%2f%2fTRUSCA.imageg.net%2fgraphics%2fproduct_images%2fpTRUCA1-7830265dt.jpg&imageIndex=0 We just have to sit her with while she uses it so she doesn't smack her face. Its not very stable on the hardwood floors. Once I get my pictures uploaded I will post few.. as you can see I am bit behind lately. I think its the whole moving and trying to organized and when its time to relax the computer isn't where I head first. Probably because there's no t.v. in that room and our PVR is on overload. Be back soon! I PROMISE

I know I have been neglecting my blog. Its not entirely my fault. Okay, maybe it but I can blame it on the internet. The wireless internet does not work very well so its a pain to go plug in to the main source and take an hour out of the day to type it out. BUT here I am - plugged back in.

We have been so busy with the move. Trying to get organized with a crawling Pooper is IN-SANE! I should say insanity! And once she goes for a nap the last thing I want to go is unpack a box. My kitchen is set up, her bedroom and the family room. Those are the only rooms you need right? Who cares the the office is stacked with boxes -- do we really need the stuff in them? I know, I need to get to them, I really don't want my house to look like a Hoarders home. That would be sick and gross.

On to what really makes me smile. Madelyn is a crawling machine and is now starting to straighten her back when you try to sit her down or put her in the jumper/excersaucer. She just wants to be on the move or in our arms climbing us. Its way too cute but honestly, Mommy needs sometime to sweep the floor (and drink a mocha in the morning). Life is just getting better and better with her. She is too cute for words and that smile she gives you when you drag her away on the hardwood floors on her belly pulling her away from the entertainment unit is so adorable. It becomes a fun little game for both of us.

With a heavy heart, I type this blog. Baby D passed on Monday. I cannot imagine the pain in those of the lives he touched. Even though he was only a week old he will forever have an impact in those lives. For his precious Mother that carried him for 9 months she will be forever changed. Every expecting parents that go into the hospital on delivery day deserve to go home with baby after. I can't stop thinking about them. I am responding to Madelyn so much faster after hearing the news yesterday, we both are. Maybe its because I am a Mom now and I am holding a precious life in my hands and I wonder "How did I get so lucky?" I know you can't go through life thinking that and you have to live each day to its full potential and breath in and out. There is a bigger picture than just today, its trying to see it thats hard sometimes. Did I just contradict myself? You have to live each day but there's a bigger picture? Life, it takes us on some unexpected roads.

I'm hugging my healthy baby a little tighter today. Last night Nick and I were reminded of how lucky we are to have had a healthy baby. Sure, my labour was a little rough near the end and we were in a "HAVE TO GET HER OUT" state and the vacuum was used... but once that baby was out and healthy all that seemed forgotten, to me anyways. Nick reminded me of how scared he was when they told us her heart rate was dropping and it was very clear that he hasn't forgotten. I look back at my labour through a blurry, blissful vision. Completely disregarding how important and scary her heart rate dropping actually was. Its crazy how your memories can become a little distorted from reality. To make it better than it really was. However, my labour was nothing like a good friends of ours their sister just went through. Her little baby is in the NICU and we are not sure what's going to happen. Babies are little miracles and its amazing what they are capable of pulling through. I will be praying her little baby makes a full recovery.

 

Updated Family Photo... more to come!

The weekend is here, and since the hubby is away its just me and my girl. And so far so good. She got up at 230am... ugh I know but ate and went back down. Got back up at 6am so I fed her and we cuddled and took a little nap in Mommy and Daddy's bed. Those moments are so precious and few. We got up at 8am and had some breakfast. I have showered and I am almost ready for our busy day today. Madelyn went down for her morning nap without a hitch. I just don't understand how one day is so different from the next?

We have E's big 1st birthday party this afternoon so I am hoping the sun stays out. I am not wondering if she needs to wear a hat or not? Decisions, decisions! I think I have her outfit picked out its just a matter of whether it will be warm enough or not. And shoes... I just don't like putting shoes on her, especially since she isn't walking.

I am also looking forward to getting our pictures!! SUPER YEAH :) I pick them up after spending some time at the party. I will be off to pick up Auntie C. and then off to Guelph to get them... then some paint picking out. Need to get the paint for Uncle T. so he can paint Madelyn's room on Monday... You do not understand how happy I am that I do not have to paint her room and someone else gets too! LOL I dispise painting. I loath it, really.

Well, I should pack her bag for the day. Find what I am going to wear, ugh (I am totally not a fashionista) and finish my second Mocha of the day... and its only 11am... here we go!

Tough love is heartbreaking. I am angry. I am sad. I am drinking my tea while my baby is finally napping. The last couple of days she has not wanted to go down for her morning nap. Back track, Madelyn was consistently going down after being awake for 2 hours. Usually very easily. Last couple of days not so much. Crying, not wanting to go down. So today I thought, fine. I'll let you stay up longer and see if that makes it easier. Nope. Same battle. Day 3. She would fall asleep in my arms only to wake when I laid her down, then comes the screaming. After the second fall asleep in my arms into the crib attempt. I walked out of her room. I came downstairs started the kettle. I could hear her screaming but this time I was giving her 8 minutes. If she was still screaming in 8 minutes I would go to her. As the kettled boiled and I filled my cup, the anger inside of me was building with every tormented scream coming from the monitor. The minutes felt like hours. This started at 9:52am so she had until 10:00am and I was going to go rescue her. By 9:55am there was a big sigh and by 9:57am I heard nothing. She had cried herself to sleep. Ugh. I could cry typing that sentence. I feel awful. I've felt the need to blog about it. Other friends of mine have done the same technique and I have always encouraged them and told them they were doing a great job. Why don't I feel the same way about myself? There's that Mommy Self-Doubt. Always wondering, guess it never goes away even when I start think I am doing a great job -- it finds a way to creep back into my mind.

Swimming registration was accomplished this morning! As we now have a pool in the backyard its going to vital that my Pooper can swim. Not going to lie, I am a little bit nervous of all the responsibily re: a pool. I am thankful that there are two doors you have to go through to get to the pool area. There will be "Pool Rules" that unfortunately will stricly be in place. I don't want a let a rule slide then someone get hurt. I sound like a paranoid freak but really, this is my forever home. I don't want to have to move because of an accident. How could I ever live there if something happened. Okay enough about my paranoid pool thoughts... onto my babe!!

 

The exciting look on her face makes this entire stage priceless. Madelyn is doing awesome crawling. She can even crawl now on laminate or hard wood. Its only a matter of time before she is crawling at super speeds. She has even started pulling herself up on things. She's going to be "cruising" soon!! Here she is pulling herself up in her crib.

 

The look of "What Mom? Can't you do this?" makes me laugh. Once we move we have to figure out how to lower the crib to the lowest possible setting! Like I've said before, and will continue to forever say

She is getting big way, way , way too fast!

Here they are!! I am so happy with how they turned out :-) I wish I had these when she was born then lots of the clothes she has would have been worn. I know that must sound bad, if you bought her something, I swear she wore it...

The weather was supposed to be sunny. I've started the stripping my diapers process and I was expecting to hang them to dry on the line. I am disappointed that the sun is not beaming through into my backyard. Ugh. Yes, UGH. I may hang them anyways, its not supposed to rain. Its quite a process, stripping my diapers. Thank goodness for this blog

Canadian Cloth Diaper Stores: Stripping Diapers - No Pole Necessary: "Stripping Diapers..... *ack* what does that mean??? How much work is that going to entail?! YIKES! Well, thankfully, it is a lot simpler..."

I've had it up on my screen following it step by step. I just put them in with the dish soap and I am waiting to run down to the machine and do another cold cycle. If cloth diapering wasn't this easy I would never have thought to even do it. I know I have mentioned this before, in my previous cloth diapering momma post but seriously. Why don't more people do it? Even if people didn't want to wash them themselves, do the diaper service! Its STILL cheaper than disposables and soooo much better for the environment and your little ones bum. Alright. Enough about that.

I haven't mentioned that we did our family photos a couple weeks back. Our amazing friend photographer, Chelsey posted these on her blog. Here is the link...
http://www.chelseykaephotography.com/2010/09/little-miss-madelyn-is-7-months-old/
(Sorry I totally suck at making the links just a hit and go...ARGH)
I cannot wait to see the CD when she is finished!! Thats just a sneak peak and those are her favourites. I'm sure I will have a few favs of my own.

What else is going on? Well, she is sleeping through the night but the last couple of nights she has decided to wake up before 6am. So I've given her a bottle and back to bed and she gets back up by 7:30 am. That I can handle -- 6am not so much. She is napping really well too - this morning was a bit of a struggle to go down but she's down and out now as I type this and wait patiently on my diapers. Err, her diapers. LOL

Is summer officially over now that Labour Day weekend has come and gone? Madelyn's first summer has flown by. She is now crawling!! On Saturday Sept 4th we were at a family gathering and there she was crawling on the carpet. Now its not super fast but she is definately pulling her legs and balancing on her arms. I think if we had carpet here she'd be a pro at it. Scary really to have your 7 month old crawling around!

She is doing awesome with the sleeping too... have we finally made a breakthru? Well, she is waking from her morning nap, alittle earlier than expected but she sounds happy so its time to go get her! Awww LOVE... she is amazing!!

I should mention that this blog was started yesterday and I have been super lazy with uploading the pictures but I really wanted to add these to this blog...

What a week so far! We got the house ;) We took my parents through last night and we couldn't be happier. I can't believe we get it in 2 weeks. Yikes!

Madelyn is practicly crawling.

I am not exaggerating at all. She can pull herself up on all fours and rock, do the worm, sit up from her tummy and just yesterday on carpet she started to move her legs forward. Its a matter of days, maybe a week before I am going to be on constant watch. I've really enjoyed the sitting stage. You put her on her playmate turn around for a second to get something and when you look back she is still there... not anymore! After breakfast every morning I let her play on her mat, while I drink my mocha, read e-mails, catch up on my mommy forum and check Facebook. Now its becoming look at the computer for a second then watch her. It was amazing this morning. I really let her go, see how she would do and where she would manage herself. Well, lets just say she didn't stay on her mats.

Its only going to be a matter of time before she pulls herself up on those chairs.


We also had our last summer swimming lesson last night. Here are just two pictures.

Madelyn couldn't be happier swimming. Even when we dunk her under water she does awesome. I even have her on video but Nick isn't quite sure he wants me to share everything on the internet. I think I understand, so for now it stays private. I'm trying to share everything about her with this blog but I guess some things should just stay in our world instead of the www. world.

Well, I am signing off as I have a few things to get done before we go check out a possible daycare. I cannot believe I am now looking for daycare! Oh and its my birthday weekend so hopefully I will be busy... update on Monday :)

Sigh. Its Monday night. Just sitting in front of the television listening to Madelyn wake from her sleep to let out a few cries, then she's back to sleep. I'm thinking that she's teething... but really? Who the heck knows? I don't "feel" anything but I wouldn't know what I'm feeling anyway. LOL Oh man, one day Madelyn is going to laugh at me I know it.

We are waiving "the" condition tomorrow. So exciting! I am so ready to move LOL. I mean, I'll be honest I was compelety comfortable living here, until Nick put that bug in my ear. Then its just been buzzing ever since. I can't believe we will have our own place... with a pool no less! I will post pictures once we figure out the closing date and waive conditions tomorrow so its a done deal. Then I think it will feel "real"

I was thinking of joining the weekly photo challenge that Paper Mama does... I don't know why I am hesitating. Maybe tomorrow I will try and take a self portrait I like enough to add to this. I am not looking to do these to win just something to add to Madelyn's blog. Maybe somehow incorporate her in every "challenge"... I'll think about it.

I am so excited but scared all at the same time. We've found a great place and tentatively have a deal drawn up and it is up to us waive our condition. THE condition. I know we can waive but I am scared. Are we doing the right thing? Are we going to be okay? WOW! Deep down I know everything is going to be great and perfect but my lack of optimism is scary me. I am a pessimist at heart. I can't help. I've always been this way. Maybe this is something I should work on? I'll think about it. Back to my "new" house. I am so happy we are going to be into our new place before Madelyn's first Christmas! YEAH :) I am excited and nervous all at the same time. Maybe when we waive on Tuesday I will feel better!

We are having family pics done this afternoon and we've got a busy weekend, go figure, so I am signing off for the weekend to wrap my head around this new house and all the exciting things that are going to come along with that.

Happy Weekend!

Canadian Cloth Diaper Stores: NUTS ABOUT SOAPNUTS

Canadian Cloth Diaper Stores: NUTS ABOUT SOAPNUTS: "There are so many options out there for laundry now and days. But there is one choice that has been around for centuries long before being “..."

Here's the official link-- ahh I kinda figured it out! LOL

Soap Nuts contest!

http://canadianclothdiaperstores.blogspot.com/

Cut and paste to view the Link as I am having trouble getting it to stay on my page. I would love to try these Soap Nuts :)

Wasn't going to title but...

I don't have a title for this as I start it this morning. I am going to start using the date...unless of course, like today I blog three times then I will have a title because this blog is kind of lost in the mix without a title. Guess, its been a few days since I actually wrote. Instead I have been uploading pics with a sentence or two attached. Being a bit lasy but they are so cute, aren't they?

Things have been going pretty great. Madelyn is eating like a little champ. I've been doing breakfast and dinner. Haven't started the lunch yet, still trying to get into the rhythm of introducing new foods every three days. Lets list the things we have tried:
Rice
Oatmeal
Oatmeal with Apple flavour
Peas
Sweet Potatoe
Squash
Pears
Apple
Carrots
Banana
Peaches
And it seems everytime we introduce something new we get a sour look, and a shake of the head -- kind of like she's quivering. But if we give it to her on day two she takes it much easier. So, the new things are weird at first but eventually she eats it. However, banana's seems to be on the list of "Not like". I've tried a few days now and she still isn't so sure, fine by me. I don't mind finishing up what she leaves behind, I love baby banana food ;) I am holding off on Strawberries. For two reasons. a) From what I've read they are a high allergy food and b) my maternal grandfather was allergic to them so that reinforces reason a). Its hard to pick baby foods really. I was all for making them at first. I had it planned out, made a whole bunch but I can't get the consistancy smooth enough for her. She doesn't like it if its had clumps in it or particles. So, for now I have decided to stick to PC's Organic line of baby food. I like when I read the labe it says "Water and " No other added ingredients. Although, that is a bit of lie because the only other ingredient that is sometimes added seems to be absorbic acid -- for colour I think. WHY? I don't care what colour the food is, and really, neither does Madelyn.

The Fall Activites Guide came out on Tuesday -- can't wait for Sept 11th so I can sign up Madelyn for swimming again. We are going to do once a week on Sunday mornings with her. Twice a week was great at first but now its just a lot. Especially with her starting to eat dinner. Nick has been taking her swimming for the last two weeks. I call it "Daddy and Madelyn Time" I get to clean up around here while they are gone. I don't know about any other Momma's out there but I find it so difficult to really clean when she's up and when she's sleeping I don't really want to clean. So much easier to put away all her clothes and diapers when she's not here. Plus to clean the bathroom or her playmat is hard when she's right there. Tonight while they are gone, its kitchen/eating area/Madelyn's playmates that are going to get a good scrub down! Poor kid gets hair in her face and mouth from the darn cat.
I have never claimed that my house is neat and tidy. Nor will I ever be able too. AND I am okay with that. Especially when the cat loves to lay under her tummy time mat. I guess I can pack that sucker up since she doesn't lay under it on on it anymore. Its mainly the cat who uses it.

Well, I've got to run off. Madelyn has woken up and I have got to try and get her diapers on the line, or at least into the dryer. I am just confirming that its not going to rain this afternoon so I can do this. Ahh, another picture I should attach! (I am loving Picasa!)

Look at me!

 

This is too adorable.

Amazing Idea!!

So a great friend of mine sent me a link to this blog http://blog.jenwoodhouse.com/home/2010/7/16/nursery-notes-cute-closet-organization.html And I sourced the dividers for 0.25 US and they should be shipped to me soon! I can't wait to make these for Madelyn's closet. I am also going to be making these as a gift for any shower I go to from now on because I think they are that awesome!! I wish I was crafty enough to think of these myself, but I am not. I will totally post about this once I get them done!!

Monday, Monday...Again.

The wedding was wonderful on Saturday. They had the best midnight "buffet" ever!! POUTINE!! Yes they served poutines as their midnight snack. It was awesome ;)

I didn't get the sleep I was looking for though. We were in bed reasonably early but was woken up by a group of drunken boys... ARGH! I was ready to go out into the hall and give them a piece of my mind but 'oh yeah' I didn't have clothes on. LOL

I was anxious to pick up the pooper come Sunday afternoon. We had a great breakfast and hit the road. I brought up the Will topic on the way home - what better time - we're trapped in a moving car. I am hoping to attend a seminar on this topic. I mean just to learn the ins and out to pick a suitable couple to take care of our babe. I think we've narrowed down our choices but then again, how do we know whose going to be the best for our baby, or if they will even be willing to be named in our will as her sole providers? That is a pretty big deal. A decision that you can keep avoiding or make it and forget about it. I am leaning towards the later. Deal with it, make up our minds, write it up and stash it away in a safe place.

Oh and Madelyn seems to be eating solids really well now! YEAH :) And if she eats a good amount at dinner she seems to sleep thru the night... okay now that I've said that she probably won't but I can cross my fingers and hope right? So when I drop her off at my parents tonight, I will be putting a bowl together so my Mom knows the amound of food she can eat and I will be hoping for the best. Or maybe I'll just feed her when I get home at 6:45pm... then a bath and bed...? So many decisions.

The weekend is here!

I am actually so excited for Saturday night... okay, I do feel alittle guilty about leaving Madelyn with my parents but (blush) I can't wait to sleep naked! Ahhh, no worrying about getting up in the middle night and finding clothes to go take care of the babe. Okay, when I want to go to bed nake I repeat that last line in my head and I grab my comfy pants and a t-shirt. Yeah, just my naked bum against the cool sheets... okay I am a bit of a loser and this is no way a sexual thing but a can't wait to do something I can't do everyday! Its been forever since I've gotten to sleep naked. Ahh, practicly 7 months to name an exact time frame. LOL I make myself laugh, I am a bit of a loser.

So another thing I can't wait to do and they are sitting right beside me to go through: the flyers. To search for deals, see specials, maybe get some coupons. Never ever would I have thought I would ever see the day that I would be posting coupons on my fridge and circling a flyer to make sure I go to that store during a certain time frame. I guess living off maternity leave and a husbands new business will do that to you. But really? Why should I pay a dollar more than I have to? I guess I have become a wee bit frugal in my old age... ha! If only I had started doing this years ago I might still be rich. (Really. like I was ever rich. Who am I kidding. No one.)

 

Lounging with Daddy. This is one of my favourite things to see. He loves her more than life itself. He is an amazing father Dad. I honestly can't wait for her to say "Dadda" just so I can see the look on his face. That moment will truely be priceless.