A Perfect Weekend

This past weekend was wonderful! One of the best I have had the pleasure to experience in a long time.
Saturday began with a dear friend and I enjoying a "girl's morning" which included a superb breakfast here. We arrived at Cora's just in the nick of time as upon our departure the line up was out the door and to the end of the building outside. Worth the wait! (If you don't have kids in tow, of course, then a wait is rarely worth it.) After enjoying my crepeomolette we were off to soak our toes and languish during pedicures. Good company, good food and soft feet....can a Saturday morning get any better?
The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying family time. B & I took W to our Pirate Park in the afternoon. How can one not take delight in the giggles of a child enjoying a day at the play ground. We are so blessed to live in a neighborhood with amazing playgrounds. Several of them have a theme, like the Pirate Park complete with Pirate Ship and Castle. On Sunday, we could be found at the wave pool. W loves the pool, especially the slide. He and B would barely land in the water at the bottom of the slide and W would already be signing "more! more!", ready to go again. Watching him walk up the steps to the slide while holding onto his dad's hand brought nostalgia to my heart. He's become such a toddler-boy and not just my baby-boy anymore. *Sigh* I think W really enjoyed having both his parents to play with as on several occasions he would say "Momma" and then "Daa....Braa" and point at his dad. Wait until he finds out that we bought him a slide for the backyard....he'll really appreciate a weekend with us!
This past weekend just proves to me that it's the little things that count and family time is a big part of that. I really enjoyed the whole weekend and couldn't help but feel the old Sunday Blues, that a lovely weekend was coming to a close and my favorite husband would be back at work on Monday. Tomorrow is Thursday! Only two more days until another perfect weekend!

A Perfect Weekend

This past weekend was wonderful! One of the best I have had the pleasure to experience in a long time.
Saturday began with a dear friend and I enjoying a "girl's morning" which included a superb breakfast here. We arrived at Cora's just in the nick of time as upon our departure the line up was out the door and to the end of the building outside. Worth the wait! (If you don't have kids in tow, of course, then a wait is rarely worth it.) After enjoying my crepeomolette we were off to soak our toes and languish during pedicures. Good company, good food and soft feet....can a Saturday morning get any better?
The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying family time. B & I took W to our Pirate Park in the afternoon. How can one not take delight in the giggles of a child enjoying a day at the play ground. We are so blessed to live in a neighborhood with amazing playgrounds. Several of them have a theme, like the Pirate Park complete with Pirate Ship and Castle. On Sunday, we could be found at the wave pool. W loves the pool, especially the slide. He and B would barely land in the water at the bottom of the slide and W would already be signing "more! more!", ready to go again. Watching him walk up the steps to the slide while holding onto his dad's hand brought nostalgia to my heart. He's become such a toddler-boy and not just my baby-boy anymore. *Sigh* I think W really enjoyed having both his parents to play with as on several occasions he would say "Momma" and then "Daa....Braa" and point at his dad. Wait until he finds out that we bought him a slide for the backyard....he'll really appreciate a weekend with us!
This past weekend just proves to me that it's the little things that count and family time is a big part of that. I really enjoyed the whole weekend and couldn't help but feel the old Sunday Blues, that a lovely weekend was coming to a close and my favorite husband would be back at work on Monday. Tomorrow is Thursday! Only two more days until another perfect weekend!

Goals

Do you set goals for yourself? Immediate, short term, or long term? Do you then brain storm an action plan as to how to achieve these goals? Are you a list maker?
Lists I will make from time to time, not daily though. During college & the professional years they were ever present and re-written throughout the day. As a stay at home parent, this too has changed.
However, when it comes to goals, I have never been goal oriented, more accurately goal-challenged. Frankly, the thought of setting goals brings about a slight feeling of anxiety, fear and possibly a case of hives. Could this be fear of committment? Fear of failure? Of course, there are the obvious pre-determined goals that are a given and not consciously noted as goals, your life's credo if you will.
There are people in my life who set goals and are achievers of these goals. Those that believe if you don't set goals or pick a road, then any old road will do and who knows where you'll end up?
I have always been a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" kind of person, which explains alot. Maybe it's time to change this part of my personality? Wouldn't self-imposed goals give me a greater sense of direction, purpose and accomplishment? As they are my goals, they can be as little or large, trivial or serious as I choose, because they are a reflection of me, not expectations of others thereby elliminating fear and skin rashes.
Goal #1 - Set some goals.

Goals

Do you set goals for yourself? Immediate, short term, or long term? Do you then brain storm an action plan as to how to achieve these goals? Are you a list maker?
Lists I will make from time to time, not daily though. During college & the professional years they were ever present and re-written throughout the day. As a stay at home parent, this too has changed.
However, when it comes to goals, I have never been goal oriented, more accurately goal-challenged. Frankly, the thought of setting goals brings about a slight feeling of anxiety, fear and possibly a case of hives. Could this be fear of committment? Fear of failure? Of course, there are the obvious pre-determined goals that are a given and not consciously noted as goals, your life's credo if you will.
There are people in my life who set goals and are achievers of these goals. Those that believe if you don't set goals or pick a road, then any old road will do and who knows where you'll end up?
I have always been a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" kind of person, which explains alot. Maybe it's time to change this part of my personality? Wouldn't self-imposed goals give me a greater sense of direction, purpose and accomplishment? As they are my goals, they can be as little or large, trivial or serious as I choose, because they are a reflection of me, not expectations of others thereby elliminating fear and skin rashes.
Goal #1 - Set some goals.

Real Moms....

Real Moms....are bringing sexy back by having their pregnant self bikini waxed by an overzealous yet lovely Croatian lady who desperately would like to sneak a brazilian wax in. I can't see the Netherlands anylonger due to my pregnant belly so for all I know my initals are now down there. Real Moms then go on to purchase a sassy red dress for an upcoming banquet. (Sassy, plus size and pregnant....which one of these things do not belong?)

.....let their children eat veggies through plastic and open all items in the cart including pantiliners while grocery shopping for the sake of keeping the little one happy & content.

....play tag with their blog friends. Thanks Mrs. Mittens for being "not it". I'll need to continue this via email as there several well deserving Moms who should be "tagged" but are not bloggers yet. Not quite the way it's meant to continue, but at least it'll keep on rolling.

Real Moms....

Real Moms....are bringing sexy back by having their pregnant self bikini waxed by an overzealous yet lovely Croatian lady who desperately would like to sneak a brazilian wax in. I can't see the Netherlands anylonger due to my pregnant belly so for all I know my initals are now down there. Real Moms then go on to purchase a sassy red dress for an upcoming banquet. (Sassy, plus size and pregnant....which one of these things do not belong?)

.....let their children eat veggies through plastic and open all items in the cart including pantiliners while grocery shopping for the sake of keeping the little one happy & content.

....play tag with their blog friends. Thanks Mrs. Mittens for being "not it". I'll need to continue this via email as there several well deserving Moms who should be "tagged" but are not bloggers yet. Not quite the way it's meant to continue, but at least it'll keep on rolling.

Dr. Woes

Where do I even begin? Or should I just be quiet and keep opinions to myself. Unfortunately, I am shocked enough to just keep on writing and ranting.
As some of you may know, it took quite a lot of super sluthing to get into my current baby doctor. One who came highly recommended by our doula, who also happens to be an RN and my sister. After months of frustration we were finally accepted as new patients. Yay!! Since then I have been happy with her on all accounts.
Today was another standard pre-natal check up. All is well with baby. Growing, growing, growing...Dr. C feels this baby will be larger than W was as I'm measuring 3 weeks ahead of schedule. This is no surprise. Some people feel we'll have a little 12 lb bambino, I'm hoping for 10lbs 4 oz (a nice manageable, small size)...only time will tell.
ANYWAY...during the visit, Dr. C advises that I will be meeting her replacement doctor next visit as she is taking an extended leave....extended meaning one year!!!
Normally, I would be so very, very angry and close to tears, but at the moment I am completely aghast & shocked. Why should I be surprised? We have had nothing but difficulty with continuity of care and the search for a compentent, compassionate doctor has been mind boggling.
So, hopefully the replacement doctor fits our family's philosophy on pregancy, labour & delivery. If not then what? I wish midwifery was covered by AHC. I wish I had found a Dr. in High River. I hope this baby comes very fast and is safely delivered at home...right now that appears to be the best bet. (Be careful what I wish for!)
Okay....my ranting is done for the day.

Dr. Woes

Where do I even begin? Or should I just be quiet and keep opinions to myself. Unfortunately, I am shocked enough to just keep on writing and ranting.
As some of you may know, it took quite a lot of super sluthing to get into my current baby doctor. One who came highly recommended by our doula, who also happens to be an RN and my sister. After months of frustration we were finally accepted as new patients. Yay!! Since then I have been happy with her on all accounts.
Today was another standard pre-natal check up. All is well with baby. Growing, growing, growing...Dr. C feels this baby will be larger than W was as I'm measuring 3 weeks ahead of schedule. This is no surprise. Some people feel we'll have a little 12 lb bambino, I'm hoping for 10lbs 4 oz (a nice manageable, small size)...only time will tell.
ANYWAY...during the visit, Dr. C advises that I will be meeting her replacement doctor next visit as she is taking an extended leave....extended meaning one year!!!
Normally, I would be so very, very angry and close to tears, but at the moment I am completely aghast & shocked. Why should I be surprised? We have had nothing but difficulty with continuity of care and the search for a compentent, compassionate doctor has been mind boggling.
So, hopefully the replacement doctor fits our family's philosophy on pregancy, labour & delivery. If not then what? I wish midwifery was covered by AHC. I wish I had found a Dr. in High River. I hope this baby comes very fast and is safely delivered at home...right now that appears to be the best bet. (Be careful what I wish for!)
Okay....my ranting is done for the day.

Monday's Muffins

Mmm! These turned out great, especially when they're warm right out of the oven. W liked to sample them, but not necessarily eat a whole one. He found the batter especially tasty too.

Blueberry Muffins

All purpose flour 1 3/4 cups

Baking powder 3 tsp

Salt 1/2 tsp

Butter or margarine 1/4 cup

Brown sugar 1/2 cup

Egg 1

Milk 3/4 cup

Vanilla 1 tsp

Blueberries, fresh or frozen 1 cup

1/2 cup diced unpeeled apple

All purpose flour 1 Tbsp

In large bowl put flour, baking powder and salt. Stir together thoroughly. Make a well in center.

In another bowl cream butter & sugar. Beat in egg until quite smooth. Mix in milk and vanilla. Pour into well. Stir just to moisten. Batter will be lumpy.

Stir in blueberries & apples with flour lightly. Fold into batter. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake in 400F oven for 25 min until nicely browned. Makes 16 muffins.

Monday's Muffins

Mmm! These turned out great, especially when they're warm right out of the oven. W liked to sample them, but not necessarily eat a whole one. He found the batter especially tasty too.

Blueberry Muffins

All purpose flour 1 3/4 cups

Baking powder 3 tsp

Salt 1/2 tsp

Butter or margarine 1/4 cup

Brown sugar 1/2 cup

Egg 1

Milk 3/4 cup

Vanilla 1 tsp

Blueberries, fresh or frozen 1 cup

1/2 cup diced unpeeled apple

All purpose flour 1 Tbsp

In large bowl put flour, baking powder and salt. Stir together thoroughly. Make a well in center.

In another bowl cream butter & sugar. Beat in egg until quite smooth. Mix in milk and vanilla. Pour into well. Stir just to moisten. Batter will be lumpy.

Stir in blueberries & apples with flour lightly. Fold into batter. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake in 400F oven for 25 min until nicely browned. Makes 16 muffins.

Homecooked Meals for "Dummies"

Sharing meals as a family, with no TV on, and a home cooked meal is someting I fully believe in. It makes for a closer knit family and well adjusted kids. As much as I truly believe in this, there are times when it almost hurts my brain to think what meal to serve. Hopefully, One Roast Chicken will help solve this quest.
As the ham in the crock pot slowly cooks and fills our home with a lovely scent, I stumbled upon this. What a great idea from a business and customer perspective. Check it out. What did you think?

Homecooked Meals for "Dummies"

Sharing meals as a family, with no TV on, and a home cooked meal is someting I fully believe in. It makes for a closer knit family and well adjusted kids. As much as I truly believe in this, there are times when it almost hurts my brain to think what meal to serve. Hopefully, One Roast Chicken will help solve this quest.
As the ham in the crock pot slowly cooks and fills our home with a lovely scent, I stumbled upon this. What a great idea from a business and customer perspective. Check it out. What did you think?

Harlem Gospel Choir

Would anyone like to join me?
The Harlem Gospel Choir is performing here on April 20th and since I'm unable to jet down to New York for a Sunday performance complete with an all you can eat Soul Food Brunch, a performance at the Jack Singer will have to suffice. I'm really looking forward to it! ( My sister will again say I need to get a life...oh well...)

Harlem Gospel Choir

Would anyone like to join me?
The Harlem Gospel Choir is performing here on April 20th and since I'm unable to jet down to New York for a Sunday performance complete with an all you can eat Soul Food Brunch, a performance at the Jack Singer will have to suffice. I'm really looking forward to it! ( My sister will again say I need to get a life...oh well...)

Hospital Orientation

Today, my favorite husband and I spent an hour at a Hospital Orientation. With the pending arrival of baby #2 approaching we decided it's a good idea to ensure nothing major has changed at the hospital due to all the construction taking place. Most procedures are still the same, but we did learn that our truck does not fit in underground parking. Good to know! Can you picture us arriving at the hospital in hard labour, stuck in the parkade entrance? Talk about panic. Also, the waiting room has been removed from the Women's Specialty Unit and is being developed into another labor/delivery room in an attempt to meet the needs of our growing city. And the best change from when we had W is that the Women's Specialty Unit and Women & Babies Unit are now visitor free. Only your two support people, siblings of the baby, and grandparents are allowed to visit while you are in post-partum (not labour/delivery....only support people here). Great change! The rooms are just too small, it's not always a positive experience for every mom and chances are you may only be there for 24 hrs so less is better.

It still causes me to shake my head in wonder that if you request the window bed in post-partum you are charged $20 per night. I'm surprised that there's not a charge to have the bed closest to the washroom. Oh, and let's not forget meal service. I'm sure the Region could profit in that department as well. Okay, okay....I shouldn't be so cynical. I truly am grateful to be giving birth in Canada and not other countries where one can barely afford to have a child. I'll let it go...

All in all, I'm glad that B & I went this morning. It's one of the most informative hour's we have spent in regards to labour/delivery. The facilitator is very knowledgeable, offers all sorts of tips in regards to labouring, manuvering about the hospital, processes, procedure and provides piece of mind about the whole experience for both expectant mom & support person.

Hospital Orientation

Today, my favorite husband and I spent an hour at a Hospital Orientation. With the pending arrival of baby #2 approaching we decided it's a good idea to ensure nothing major has changed at the hospital due to all the construction taking place. Most procedures are still the same, but we did learn that our truck does not fit in underground parking. Good to know! Can you picture us arriving at the hospital in hard labour, stuck in the parkade entrance? Talk about panic. Also, the waiting room has been removed from the Women's Specialty Unit and is being developed into another labor/delivery room in an attempt to meet the needs of our growing city. And the best change from when we had W is that the Women's Specialty Unit and Women & Babies Unit are now visitor free. Only your two support people, siblings of the baby, and grandparents are allowed to visit while you are in post-partum (not labour/delivery....only support people here). Great change! The rooms are just too small, it's not always a positive experience for every mom and chances are you may only be there for 24 hrs so less is better.

It still causes me to shake my head in wonder that if you request the window bed in post-partum you are charged $20 per night. I'm surprised that there's not a charge to have the bed closest to the washroom. Oh, and let's not forget meal service. I'm sure the Region could profit in that department as well. Okay, okay....I shouldn't be so cynical. I truly am grateful to be giving birth in Canada and not other countries where one can barely afford to have a child. I'll let it go...

All in all, I'm glad that B & I went this morning. It's one of the most informative hour's we have spent in regards to labour/delivery. The facilitator is very knowledgeable, offers all sorts of tips in regards to labouring, manuvering about the hospital, processes, procedure and provides piece of mind about the whole experience for both expectant mom & support person.

Sign Language

Last spring we completed a short course, offered through the Calgary Health Region, called Baby Talk - sign language class. This was probably the best class we attended because the information is useful, the instructor fun and knowledgeable, and the group was friendly and talkative. We continue to use sign language with W and it's been so helpful in communicating with one another.
While taking a class is a wonderful opportunity, you can certainly teach your little one ASL signs on your own. Homeschooled if you will. Check out this site. It's super! The library is also a pretty good resource for books as well as videos, but the MSU website is user friendly & easy to understand.

Sign Language

Last spring we completed a short course, offered through the Calgary Health Region, called Baby Talk - sign language class. This was probably the best class we attended because the information is useful, the instructor fun and knowledgeable, and the group was friendly and talkative. We continue to use sign language with W and it's been so helpful in communicating with one another.
While taking a class is a wonderful opportunity, you can certainly teach your little one ASL signs on your own. Homeschooled if you will. Check out this site. It's super! The library is also a pretty good resource for books as well as videos, but the MSU website is user friendly & easy to understand.

The Travel Bug

Several people that I know are either going on or returning from trips abroad or at the very least somewhere warmer, sandier and sunnier than Alberta. At first it did not bother me, but lately it's giving me a tiny feeling of needing to be "leaving on a jet plane". However, satisfaction must come from my trip to Vancouver Island in the fall. Since there is a baby on route, my family and I will not be sunkissed and scented like coconut this winter. It's a strange feeling especially when I realized this is the first time in about 10 years that I've not travelled. Which really is okay as I have been very blessed and will travel again in the next year or so. During my internal travel lament, these pictures came to mind. Probably because I'm pregnant again and was at the time these self portraits were taken. I loved my pregnant beach belly at the time this was taken in St. Lucia and still laugh (sometimes even out loud) when I view this shot. Hope it brings a smile to you too!

The Travel Bug

Several people that I know are either going on or returning from trips abroad or at the very least somewhere warmer, sandier and sunnier than Alberta. At first it did not bother me, but lately it's giving me a tiny feeling of needing to be "leaving on a jet plane". However, satisfaction must come from my trip to Vancouver Island in the fall. Since there is a baby on route, my family and I will not be sunkissed and scented like coconut this winter. It's a strange feeling especially when I realized this is the first time in about 10 years that I've not travelled. Which really is okay as I have been very blessed and will travel again in the next year or so. During my internal travel lament, these pictures came to mind. Probably because I'm pregnant again and was at the time these self portraits were taken. I loved my pregnant beach belly at the time this was taken in St. Lucia and still laugh (sometimes even out loud) when I view this shot. Hope it brings a smile to you too!

Flirty Fishes

People will try anything in the name of God....such as war, etc. Today I was laughing wholeheartedly at an older lady who called someone a "hooker for christ". Little did I know that the Children of God, other wise known as Hookers for Jesus, was a cult in the 70's and mid '80s.
When Jesus impressed upon disciples to be creative and do anything to bring men closer to God, I'm pretty sure this isn't what he had in mind. A donation for sex is not the christian form of tithing.

Flirty Fishes

People will try anything in the name of God....such as war, etc. Today I was laughing wholeheartedly at an older lady who called someone a "hooker for christ". Little did I know that the Children of God, other wise known as Hookers for Jesus, was a cult in the 70's and mid '80s.
When Jesus impressed upon disciples to be creative and do anything to bring men closer to God, I'm pretty sure this isn't what he had in mind. A donation for sex is not the christian form of tithing.

19 Months

March 2006

March 2007

Here we are with W another month older. (Thank goodness adults don't calculate their age in months...411 months). As time marches on, he continues to learn more every month which makes me feel that I need to pick up the pace in providing him things to learn. You know, like just saying no to temper tantrums, listening on the first try, and saying yes to everything the parentals say. I'm not asking much am I? All in all, it's much fun and the above comments are very tongue in cheek.

19 Months

March 2006

March 2007

Here we are with W another month older. (Thank goodness adults don't calculate their age in months...411 months). As time marches on, he continues to learn more every month which makes me feel that I need to pick up the pace in providing him things to learn. You know, like just saying no to temper tantrums, listening on the first try, and saying yes to everything the parentals say. I'm not asking much am I? All in all, it's much fun and the above comments are very tongue in cheek.

Croup & Hunger Strike Update

"This too shall pass" has come to light for us. W is past the Baby Barking Seal stage and has moved on to the I Shall Only Eat Fruit & Crackers - Runny Nose stage. It's a good thing he stayed friends with milk or we would have an anorexic toddler. It was quite discerning but I guess children know what their needs are and will request they be met regardless of their circumstances. If only I and the adult world listened to our bodies like children do. The world would be a healthier place.

Croup & Hunger Strike Update

"This too shall pass" has come to light for us. W is past the Baby Barking Seal stage and has moved on to the I Shall Only Eat Fruit & Crackers - Runny Nose stage. It's a good thing he stayed friends with milk or we would have an anorexic toddler. It was quite discerning but I guess children know what their needs are and will request they be met regardless of their circumstances. If only I and the adult world listened to our bodies like children do. The world would be a healthier place.

Hair Affair

A woman's crowning glory....
Last Spring I spontaneously cut my hair super short into a pixie cut for the sake of ease. Doesn't every first time mom do something crazy with her hair? Well, since August I've been growing it out and my hair really does grow quickly, if you like a "mullet" that is. Throughout this process I have lost three hair stylists due to moving salons or out of province and managed to track one of the lost salon-souls down. This week I made time for myself (thank you sweet husband!) for a much needed cut/style. The mullet really isn't my idea of stylish hair and wearing a hair band really isn't the "new" ponytail. This trip to the salon must have been worthwhile as I've already had people questioning the change in my "doo"...permed? No! Natural curls all the way! But just wait until I get the courage to highlight it myself. Or do I dare? Gina Glocksen's hair color would be so fun! Not sure if I dare....or if my favorite husband believes that I would do so...even though there's a box of color/highlight kit in our bathroom as I write this. Anyway, ramble, ramble, ramble....here's to having the illusion of having a crowing glory again.

This next insert is a little personal and may be more info than you're looking for, so please move on if you prefer to know less about me.

Next, I went one step further and booked an appointment for a little visit to the salon for an esthetic treatment. Now let me just say that I so wish our society was on par with old Italy where hair is beautiful....all hair. For a non-blonde person such as I, our society is a pain...in too many places to mention. But I am lemming and do not buck the system entirely. So off I went to see (I shall call her Francesca) Francesca who with her thick mediterranean accent cautioned me ..."Oh, you are shy?! Don't be shy! Here hold your underwear like this!" and then later..."Yes, I know it hurts... it hurts, but it will be beautiful and afterwards you shall say Oh that Francesca she does such a great job! See?" Well, I can't SEE. I'm 7 months pregnant which is why I need help. And I've never thought of the nether regions as "beautiful". Let me just clarify here that I wasn't joining the Brazilian gals, I know women who have and swear by it, but I am one who is much too prudish and has no pain threshold. As it was throughout this experience I was practicing my breathing while thinking "Oh M....you're going to have a baby soon so this should be nothing. You can do this." (Later the receptionist shared that a 9 month pregnant client went into labor after a waxing session there. So, if in May you read that I'm on my way back you know what I'm attempting to accomplish!) At the same time I was warding Francesca away from being too over zealous, because if she had her way I would be in flight to Carnival in Rio De Janeiro at this moment. However, I'm just a Canadian girl with no intentions of adopting an honorary Brazilian citizenship.
What we women will do in the name of beauty. We are amazing aren't we?

Hair Affair

A woman's crowning glory....
Last Spring I spontaneously cut my hair super short into a pixie cut for the sake of ease. Doesn't every first time mom do something crazy with her hair? Well, since August I've been growing it out and my hair really does grow quickly, if you like a "mullet" that is. Throughout this process I have lost three hair stylists due to moving salons or out of province and managed to track one of the lost salon-souls down. This week I made time for myself (thank you sweet husband!) for a much needed cut/style. The mullet really isn't my idea of stylish hair and wearing a hair band really isn't the "new" ponytail. This trip to the salon must have been worthwhile as I've already had people questioning the change in my "doo"...permed? No! Natural curls all the way! But just wait until I get the courage to highlight it myself. Or do I dare? Gina Glocksen's hair color would be so fun! Not sure if I dare....or if my favorite husband believes that I would do so...even though there's a box of color/highlight kit in our bathroom as I write this. Anyway, ramble, ramble, ramble....here's to having the illusion of having a crowing glory again.

This next insert is a little personal and may be more info than you're looking for, so please move on if you prefer to know less about me.

Next, I went one step further and booked an appointment for a little visit to the salon for an esthetic treatment. Now let me just say that I so wish our society was on par with old Italy where hair is beautiful....all hair. For a non-blonde person such as I, our society is a pain...in too many places to mention. But I am lemming and do not buck the system entirely. So off I went to see (I shall call her Francesca) Francesca who with her thick mediterranean accent cautioned me ..."Oh, you are shy?! Don't be shy! Here hold your underwear like this!" and then later..."Yes, I know it hurts... it hurts, but it will be beautiful and afterwards you shall say Oh that Francesca she does such a great job! See?" Well, I can't SEE. I'm 7 months pregnant which is why I need help. And I've never thought of the nether regions as "beautiful". Let me just clarify here that I wasn't joining the Brazilian gals, I know women who have and swear by it, but I am one who is much too prudish and has no pain threshold. As it was throughout this experience I was practicing my breathing while thinking "Oh M....you're going to have a baby soon so this should be nothing. You can do this." (Later the receptionist shared that a 9 month pregnant client went into labor after a waxing session there. So, if in May you read that I'm on my way back you know what I'm attempting to accomplish!) At the same time I was warding Francesca away from being too over zealous, because if she had her way I would be in flight to Carnival in Rio De Janeiro at this moment. However, I'm just a Canadian girl with no intentions of adopting an honorary Brazilian citizenship.
What we women will do in the name of beauty. We are amazing aren't we?

Hunger Strike

To add to W's croup, he has basically gone on a hunger strike. His last real meal was Friday (until tonight, but that was a bust) and has been living on milk until today when he drank juice as well. Fruit smoothies, freezies, and all his regular favorites have been offered time and time again only to be adamantly refused. Until tonight....
...tonight our little petrie dish consumed a poached egg (which he normally LOVES) and Kraft Dinner (can you tell I'm desperate?). Yay! What a lovely surprise to have him consume a meal. Such relief, until....
...bedtime. W & I were going through our regular bed time routine when a coughing fit took hold which resulted in projectile vomit all over the two of us. So much for his first meal in five days! It broke my heart to see him go through that especially with his desperate cries of "Oh No! Oh No!" So after a very necessary clean up, he's enjoying a much needed slumber and is undoubtedly back to the hunger strike.
Aaahhh...this must be what true parenthood is all about.

Hunger Strike

To add to W's croup, he has basically gone on a hunger strike. His last real meal was Friday (until tonight, but that was a bust) and has been living on milk until today when he drank juice as well. Fruit smoothies, freezies, and all his regular favorites have been offered time and time again only to be adamantly refused. Until tonight....
...tonight our little petrie dish consumed a poached egg (which he normally LOVES) and Kraft Dinner (can you tell I'm desperate?). Yay! What a lovely surprise to have him consume a meal. Such relief, until....
...bedtime. W & I were going through our regular bed time routine when a coughing fit took hold which resulted in projectile vomit all over the two of us. So much for his first meal in five days! It broke my heart to see him go through that especially with his desperate cries of "Oh No! Oh No!" So after a very necessary clean up, he's enjoying a much needed slumber and is undoubtedly back to the hunger strike.
Aaahhh...this must be what true parenthood is all about.

Croup Week

Our little W has Croup. It's a sad, seal barking, sleep deprived household we live in this week.
There is nothing like holding your sick baby as he sobs wholeheartedly and those deep barking coughs wrack is little body. It was all I could do not to join him.
But then I think of others whose babies are terminally or chronically ill and I wonder how do they do it? Where do they draw their strength and stamina from?
Through all my wishing for good health and long, deep sleeps I am so grateful that it's ONLY Croup.
Good health to you all.

Croup Week

Our little W has Croup. It's a sad, seal barking, sleep deprived household we live in this week.
There is nothing like holding your sick baby as he sobs wholeheartedly and those deep barking coughs wrack is little body. It was all I could do not to join him.
But then I think of others whose babies are terminally or chronically ill and I wonder how do they do it? Where do they draw their strength and stamina from?
Through all my wishing for good health and long, deep sleeps I am so grateful that it's ONLY Croup.
Good health to you all.

Poetic Prose

This little ditty used to be posted on my desk when I worked as a pt receptionist for a real estate company. Recently a friend emailed it to me, which was a fun reminder of how it tickled my fancy. How it makes you smile too.

Poetic Prose

This little ditty used to be posted on my desk when I worked as a pt receptionist for a real estate company. Recently a friend emailed it to me, which was a fun reminder of how it tickled my fancy. How it makes you smile too.

Family Photos

Oh, so photogenic.

Family Photos

Oh, so photogenic.

Read Along

As an avid reader, it's important to me that W develops a love for literature as well. Of course, these days it appears that the adults are reading children's lit more than not. So, here's what we have on the go.
M - Disappearance of the Universe; metaphysical - account of one fellow's experience with spirit guides.
Bun in the Oven - humorus week by week account of pregnancy from an Australian author. Quite funny.
Mom Management - Calgary author, just purchased today therefore I haven't even started it yet.
W - Jillian Jigs & Jillian Jigs Maker of Wonderful Marvelous Pigs by Phoebe Gilman, Canadian author, the complete story rhymes, illustrations are super cute, W loves these.
What do Daddies Do? A little Golden book. Quite cute.
Z is for Zamboni - A-Z about hockey, or "Go!" as W calls it. He is a hockey fanatic already.
B - Rich Dad, Poor Dad, what the rich teach their kids about money & the poor do not.
9 Steps to Financial Freedom - Suze Orman , spiritual & practical rules about finances.

Hey! Were you aware that you can read away your library fines at the CPL? Me either! Until my sister advised me of this interesting fact. Her children have chosen to do so upon occasion. What a brilliant concept.
What is your family reading?

Read Along

As an avid reader, it's important to me that W develops a love for literature as well. Of course, these days it appears that the adults are reading children's lit more than not. So, here's what we have on the go.
M - Disappearance of the Universe; metaphysical - account of one fellow's experience with spirit guides.
Bun in the Oven - humorus week by week account of pregnancy from an Australian author. Quite funny.
Mom Management - Calgary author, just purchased today therefore I haven't even started it yet.
W - Jillian Jigs & Jillian Jigs Maker of Wonderful Marvelous Pigs by Phoebe Gilman, Canadian author, the complete story rhymes, illustrations are super cute, W loves these.
What do Daddies Do? A little Golden book. Quite cute.
Z is for Zamboni - A-Z about hockey, or "Go!" as W calls it. He is a hockey fanatic already.
B - Rich Dad, Poor Dad, what the rich teach their kids about money & the poor do not.
9 Steps to Financial Freedom - Suze Orman , spiritual & practical rules about finances.

Hey! Were you aware that you can read away your library fines at the CPL? Me either! Until my sister advised me of this interesting fact. Her children have chosen to do so upon occasion. What a brilliant concept.
What is your family reading?