Belly Buttons & Helmets

The weather was cooperative today therefore we escaped. Yay!
While shopping for a toddler everyday helmet ....not really but it's crossed my mind especially since he is climbing and likes to stand in the rocking chair!ugh!....anyway, while shopping my little fella decides the middle of a busy store would be the best place to view my belly button. His little hand darted out and lifted my shirt at the same time as he exclaims, "Ba" ( which is belly button in W language). Okay. Now, my growing belly is becoming obvious enough on it's own without having my shirt lifted and a little index finger jammed up to the second knuckle into my belly button in the middle of a public place.
Thank goodness we're not still breastfeeding as one can just imagine what he would show the whole store then!

Belly Buttons & Helmets

The weather was cooperative today therefore we escaped. Yay!
While shopping for a toddler everyday helmet ....not really but it's crossed my mind especially since he is climbing and likes to stand in the rocking chair!ugh!....anyway, while shopping my little fella decides the middle of a busy store would be the best place to view my belly button. His little hand darted out and lifted my shirt at the same time as he exclaims, "Ba" ( which is belly button in W language). Okay. Now, my growing belly is becoming obvious enough on it's own without having my shirt lifted and a little index finger jammed up to the second knuckle into my belly button in the middle of a public place.
Thank goodness we're not still breastfeeding as one can just imagine what he would show the whole store then!

Henna Blues

My favorite henna artist is moving on...to the east coast! Which is lovely for her and her family but I will miss her & her talents. Do you know of anyone who practices pre-natal henna or holds henna workshops? I would love to find another Mendhi artist.
L did this on my belly when I was pregnant with W and I would love to have this growing bellly hennaed as well. It's lovely.

Henna Blues

My favorite henna artist is moving on...to the east coast! Which is lovely for her and her family but I will miss her & her talents. Do you know of anyone who practices pre-natal henna or holds henna workshops? I would love to find another Mendhi artist.
L did this on my belly when I was pregnant with W and I would love to have this growing bellly hennaed as well. It's lovely.

MM Cont'd

A warm, hearty bowl of corn chowder with a side salad and fresh baking powder biscuits are just the ticket for dinner on an arctic day such as this. W sat content on my lap as I chopped and diced the ingredients even though the onion was making both our eyes water. Stationed in front of me was a glass of cold water...for me to drink. W discovered that water is not just for drinking. It's buoyant. Great items float in water such as sippy cup lids, clips, and to top it all off an onion skin. Let me just say, this glass of water did not assist me in meeting my 8 per day!

MM Cont'd

A warm, hearty bowl of corn chowder with a side salad and fresh baking powder biscuits are just the ticket for dinner on an arctic day such as this. W sat content on my lap as I chopped and diced the ingredients even though the onion was making both our eyes water. Stationed in front of me was a glass of cold water...for me to drink. W discovered that water is not just for drinking. It's buoyant. Great items float in water such as sippy cup lids, clips, and to top it all off an onion skin. Let me just say, this glass of water did not assist me in meeting my 8 per day!

Mellow Monday

-40 with the windchill. That's even too cold for W and I to venture out with his new sleigh from Gramps so we're housebound today....which we have been for days since W is still recovering from Mucous Fest '06.
It's Mellow Monday....Harry Connick Jr is crooning Christmas carols to me over the stereo, there are cinnamon scented rose hips stashed about the house for a cosy homey scent, W & I managed to sweep half of the kitchen floor (he LOVES the broom...so sweeping is a bit of a challenge & he doesn't like the electric kitchen sweeper so...we share the broom...sort of..), his highchair has gone through it's weekly disinfectant wash (similiar to removing nuclear waste I'm sure!), a load of laundry has been folded (with W unfolding a towel or two and dragging them about Man's World), there's more laundry on the go and my little boy is sweetly asleep for his morning nap.
What a wonderful day!

Our little bubby's latest antics include climbing. This morning when I returned to Man's World from putting laundry in the dryer, there I found W sitting on the loveseat drinking his milk and "talking" on the phone. Okay! He couldn't get onto the love seat until yesterday and the phone is off limits. Thank goodness we have Shaw Digital...it's a wonder where he has managed to dial in to!~ He finds being IN things very fun too: sitting in boxes, in the laundry basket, in his mega blocks shopping cart, etc. So fun! But the question remains...how will I keep him safe and is it really nerdy for kids to wear helmets during all waking hours?

Mellow Monday

-40 with the windchill. That's even too cold for W and I to venture out with his new sleigh from Gramps so we're housebound today....which we have been for days since W is still recovering from Mucous Fest '06.
It's Mellow Monday....Harry Connick Jr is crooning Christmas carols to me over the stereo, there are cinnamon scented rose hips stashed about the house for a cosy homey scent, W & I managed to sweep half of the kitchen floor (he LOVES the broom...so sweeping is a bit of a challenge & he doesn't like the electric kitchen sweeper so...we share the broom...sort of..), his highchair has gone through it's weekly disinfectant wash (similiar to removing nuclear waste I'm sure!), a load of laundry has been folded (with W unfolding a towel or two and dragging them about Man's World), there's more laundry on the go and my little boy is sweetly asleep for his morning nap.
What a wonderful day!

Our little bubby's latest antics include climbing. This morning when I returned to Man's World from putting laundry in the dryer, there I found W sitting on the loveseat drinking his milk and "talking" on the phone. Okay! He couldn't get onto the love seat until yesterday and the phone is off limits. Thank goodness we have Shaw Digital...it's a wonder where he has managed to dial in to!~ He finds being IN things very fun too: sitting in boxes, in the laundry basket, in his mega blocks shopping cart, etc. So fun! But the question remains...how will I keep him safe and is it really nerdy for kids to wear helmets during all waking hours?

Angels Among Us

This has been an emotional weekend on many levels. Saturday I spent an insightful hour with Cindy. This was one of the most powerful and thought provoking 60 minutes in my life. The details will be kept with me (for now...) but if you are a believer in Spirit and Angels and the Other Side or whatever title you may use, then the Wellness Cabin in Bragg Creek would be a serene and interesting place for you to visit. I know one day I will return there for more information and healing. It is a place of insight and healing. Frankly, the world (and I) could use more of these.

Another angel in my life, is my favorite husband. Sometimes I do things without thinking them through thoroughly or act in a way that I KNOW is not in our best interest....yet logic loses the match in my mind and I move forward into a place that's a little irrational. Somehow my favorite husband always chooses to call me on it, show me the "error of my ways" (if you willl...) and then is understanding and forgiving. Whatever did I do to deserve someone like this in my life? I better figure it out and keep on doing it, because he's my angel-husband and I am ever so blessed, lucky, and grateful.

Angels Among Us

This has been an emotional weekend on many levels. Saturday I spent an insightful hour with Cindy. This was one of the most powerful and thought provoking 60 minutes in my life. The details will be kept with me (for now...) but if you are a believer in Spirit and Angels and the Other Side or whatever title you may use, then the Wellness Cabin in Bragg Creek would be a serene and interesting place for you to visit. I know one day I will return there for more information and healing. It is a place of insight and healing. Frankly, the world (and I) could use more of these.

Another angel in my life, is my favorite husband. Sometimes I do things without thinking them through thoroughly or act in a way that I KNOW is not in our best interest....yet logic loses the match in my mind and I move forward into a place that's a little irrational. Somehow my favorite husband always chooses to call me on it, show me the "error of my ways" (if you willl...) and then is understanding and forgiving. Whatever did I do to deserve someone like this in my life? I better figure it out and keep on doing it, because he's my angel-husband and I am ever so blessed, lucky, and grateful.

The Sippy Cups

W & I must groove with this band. Too fun!

The Sippy Cups

W & I must groove with this band. Too fun!

Incubating

Did you know that the gestation period of an elephant is 22 months? Almost 2 years! Wow! Recently on Oprah (yes...I am an Oprah watcher...) they showed a growing elephant fetus in utero. Amazing! (Although, how they were able to manage that is not something I like to think about...probably not very nice for Mama Ele...talk about intrusive...)
Anyway, I am eternally grateful not to be incubating for 22 months. 9 is just right. Only, 6 more months of incubation needed for this little one and at this point I don't feel like an elephant at all.

Incubating

Did you know that the gestation period of an elephant is 22 months? Almost 2 years! Wow! Recently on Oprah (yes...I am an Oprah watcher...) they showed a growing elephant fetus in utero. Amazing! (Although, how they were able to manage that is not something I like to think about...probably not very nice for Mama Ele...talk about intrusive...)
Anyway, I am eternally grateful not to be incubating for 22 months. 9 is just right. Only, 6 more months of incubation needed for this little one and at this point I don't feel like an elephant at all.

Dream Girls

Friday we joined friends at the production of Dream Girls at Stage West. Of course the guys were most interested in the buffet, but managed to enjoy the musical as well.
In December, Dream Girls the movie is being released and I am so looking forward to seeing it. Time to book a sitter!

Dream Girls

Friday we joined friends at the production of Dream Girls at Stage West. Of course the guys were most interested in the buffet, but managed to enjoy the musical as well.
In December, Dream Girls the movie is being released and I am so looking forward to seeing it. Time to book a sitter!

Mucous Fest '06

Our little fella has a cold...an ooey, gooey, gross, runny nose, sleepless nights kind of cold. Ugh! You just gotta feel for him....he can't blow his nose yet and his mother is constantly stalking him with a kleenex in hand in order to free him from some goo but it usually ends up in a smear fest with the said goo across his face and even once on his forehead and in his hair. Ugh! And oh for the love of sleep...
It's getting better but since Mucous Fest '06 began there has been less and less sleep. Which really means W's mother is becoming less and less patient and more and more wacko. Also, her throat is now sore and there's been a sneeze or two....hints of becoming a full fledged Mucous Fest member.
On that note, W is napping so it's time to join him.

Mucous Fest '06

Our little fella has a cold...an ooey, gooey, gross, runny nose, sleepless nights kind of cold. Ugh! You just gotta feel for him....he can't blow his nose yet and his mother is constantly stalking him with a kleenex in hand in order to free him from some goo but it usually ends up in a smear fest with the said goo across his face and even once on his forehead and in his hair. Ugh! And oh for the love of sleep...
It's getting better but since Mucous Fest '06 began there has been less and less sleep. Which really means W's mother is becoming less and less patient and more and more wacko. Also, her throat is now sore and there's been a sneeze or two....hints of becoming a full fledged Mucous Fest member.
On that note, W is napping so it's time to join him.

Love Languages

I have always wanted to be fluent in a language other than English, but have never put the effort in. Even while taking French in college the effort was less than stellar. Although, I did get by on my own (barely) in Strasbourg France (where Marie Antoinette entered France and was attired in order to be presented to her suitor Dauphin- Louis Auguste) during a day trip. Okay, a bunch of winos sat on the church steps with me while I ate my lunch only to tease me and laugh because my gassy water fizzed all over the place. At least it was water in my bag and not wine! Although....wine may have been tastier.
Anyway, at this point in my life, it is not feasible for me to become fluent in Spanish or French or Russian so I'll focus on a Love Language. The minister who married B & I introduced us to this concept. It's really quite interesting. If you get the opportunity to read this book, it's worthwile. There's even a love languages for kids, which my sister has read and can certainly see how her children fit into the categories. Understanding what a person's needs are and how to meet them makes life so much easier. So, I am not professing to be perfect at this. Believe me! Sometimes I am stopped in awe that my husband really does like me and chooses to live with me. (Miracles do happen!) Now, Toward a Growing Marriage has caught my attention. This doesn't mean our marriage is bad (quite the opposite) but I do want to ensure it stays healthy and good, so it can't hurt to do a little reading. Plus, I shouldn't bank on this goodness just because my favorite husband is a saint and turns a blind eye to my wacky ways....someday he may just realize what he's gotten himself into. So, here I Grow...

Love Languages

I have always wanted to be fluent in a language other than English, but have never put the effort in. Even while taking French in college the effort was less than stellar. Although, I did get by on my own (barely) in Strasbourg France (where Marie Antoinette entered France and was attired in order to be presented to her suitor Dauphin- Louis Auguste) during a day trip. Okay, a bunch of winos sat on the church steps with me while I ate my lunch only to tease me and laugh because my gassy water fizzed all over the place. At least it was water in my bag and not wine! Although....wine may have been tastier.
Anyway, at this point in my life, it is not feasible for me to become fluent in Spanish or French or Russian so I'll focus on a Love Language. The minister who married B & I introduced us to this concept. It's really quite interesting. If you get the opportunity to read this book, it's worthwile. There's even a love languages for kids, which my sister has read and can certainly see how her children fit into the categories. Understanding what a person's needs are and how to meet them makes life so much easier. So, I am not professing to be perfect at this. Believe me! Sometimes I am stopped in awe that my husband really does like me and chooses to live with me. (Miracles do happen!) Now, Toward a Growing Marriage has caught my attention. This doesn't mean our marriage is bad (quite the opposite) but I do want to ensure it stays healthy and good, so it can't hurt to do a little reading. Plus, I shouldn't bank on this goodness just because my favorite husband is a saint and turns a blind eye to my wacky ways....someday he may just realize what he's gotten himself into. So, here I Grow...

Christmas is Coming

For those of you who know me well, you have seen first hand that Christmas is my favorite season. I do try and refrain until December 1st. (Which will be here soon!) So, until then I have only completed our Christmas letter, made a card list, several gift lists (checking them twice!) and that is it. No music has hit the stereo yet. This in itself shows amazing restraint on my part!
Our tree will be a bit different this year. With a 16 month old at home it's best that our tree is as child proof as possible. For us this means no breakable decorations, just ribbon, lights, and bows. It'll still be festive, just not over the top. Decorating will be completed in a whole new manner this year but I am up for the challenge. Bring on the tinsel (or something like it!)!!

Christmas is Coming

For those of you who know me well, you have seen first hand that Christmas is my favorite season. I do try and refrain until December 1st. (Which will be here soon!) So, until then I have only completed our Christmas letter, made a card list, several gift lists (checking them twice!) and that is it. No music has hit the stereo yet. This in itself shows amazing restraint on my part!
Our tree will be a bit different this year. With a 16 month old at home it's best that our tree is as child proof as possible. For us this means no breakable decorations, just ribbon, lights, and bows. It'll still be festive, just not over the top. Decorating will be completed in a whole new manner this year but I am up for the challenge. Bring on the tinsel (or something like it!)!!

Separation Anxiety

So, our little W is "normal"....he's right on track by experiencing some separation anxiety when either myself or B leave the room. Great! In our toddler parenting class the facilitator assured us this is normal and good...shows he has developed good attachment to both parents. Well, that much is obvious. But now we have to deal with this. Is there anything worse than the tears and loud crying when leaving the room? Of course he isn't being left alone, usually with his dad or vice versa. It is somewhat comforting that the crying lasts but a moment when we leave the house, it's when we're home that the sadness persists. One day this stage will pass. I'm looking forward to that...because sometimes a girl just has to pee in peace!

Separation Anxiety

So, our little W is "normal"....he's right on track by experiencing some separation anxiety when either myself or B leave the room. Great! In our toddler parenting class the facilitator assured us this is normal and good...shows he has developed good attachment to both parents. Well, that much is obvious. But now we have to deal with this. Is there anything worse than the tears and loud crying when leaving the room? Of course he isn't being left alone, usually with his dad or vice versa. It is somewhat comforting that the crying lasts but a moment when we leave the house, it's when we're home that the sadness persists. One day this stage will pass. I'm looking forward to that...because sometimes a girl just has to pee in peace!

15 Months Today

15 Months Today

Snow Day

W's first play in the snow. It's only -4 so bundle up and head out doors. He quite enjoyed himself except it's much more difficult to walk in the snow covered grass. Everytime he would fall, he would request "Up!" The other challenge is not having any thumbs. Mittens without thumbs are super easy to put on, but no so handy when trying to hold a shovel. Despite struggling as a baby amputee W a great time.

Snow Day

W's first play in the snow. It's only -4 so bundle up and head out doors. He quite enjoyed himself except it's much more difficult to walk in the snow covered grass. Everytime he would fall, he would request "Up!" The other challenge is not having any thumbs. Mittens without thumbs are super easy to put on, but no so handy when trying to hold a shovel. Despite struggling as a baby amputee W a great time.

Enjoy the Silence

Have you heard the saying " If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all?"
(Silence)
Or maybe it should be " If you have nothing nice to say, come sit by me" ~Natalie Maines
Well, come sit by me... as lately especially tired and crabby thoughts have been traipsing through my negative mind and threatening to escape over the lips for no other reason than feeling tired and grouchy.

Enjoy the Silence

Have you heard the saying " If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all?"
(Silence)
Or maybe it should be " If you have nothing nice to say, come sit by me" ~Natalie Maines
Well, come sit by me... as lately especially tired and crabby thoughts have been traipsing through my negative mind and threatening to escape over the lips for no other reason than feeling tired and grouchy.