Saturday, 2 July 2016

Month 12


Well, I’ve delayed updating this blog long enough I suppose.  Subconsciously I figure if I don’t write it, then I can stay in denial about no longer having a baby.  Aiden is definitely a full blown “toddling” toddler now.
It feels like this entry will be exactly like Bryce’s 12 month update.  I just re-read it and basically all the same milestones have been reached.  For instance, Aiden is walking now…almost running at times.  (Much to Bryce’s dismay because Aiden gets into so much more, and so much more quickly)  It seems like he just figured it out overnight.  One day he was taking tentative steps and throwing himself into Nana’s arms, and then his tentative steps just kept going…and going.  Oh and what a climber!  We don’t remember Bryce being so fearless and daring.  I suppose Aiden see’s his brother up on furniture and believes he belongs up there too.  He tries to climb the bunk bed, the bookcase, the couch…even tried climbing out of the playpen by standing on a toy train.  Eek!

We had an accident this month.  The first of many I suppose, and I don’t even like to think about it because it makes my stomach sick.  Aiden, being super mobile these days, likes to make a break for the bathroom whenever the door is left open.  For some strange reason, he LOVES playing in the toilet water, playing with the lid, playing with the flusher do-dad…and also loves climbing into my glass shower stall.  It was one of those morning and I had just cracked the door long enough to grab my toothbrush when he saw his opportunity to get into the bathroom.  At the same time, I was hurriedly trying to close it without seeing where he had placed his hand and I shut the door (hinge side) on his pinky finger, just enough to feel resistance, and more than enough to sever almost completely through the tip above the nail.  Thank God that is all that got pinched.  I totally lost my cool and called Mom to come watch Bryce, then took Aiden to the E.R.  I think had it been Bryce who pinched Aiden I wouldn’t have been such a mess….but because it was ME...well I couldn't stop crying.  :(  They didn’t stitch or glue it…but tried to steri-strip in closed.  That was pointless, as was the dressing they placed.  It became a daily battle to keep it covered and I usually had to wait until he fell asleep for a nap to get a bandage back on.  He took it like a champ though but will probably always have a little scar from his Mommy’s carelessness.   Now I’m hyper-vigilant.  Anytime he’s near a door I say  ”watch his fingers!!”

More happily, we celebrated Aiden’s 1st Birthday.  I chose a sock monkey theme because they’re adorable…but it also turned out to be quite appropriate because he is evolving into a mischievous/climbing monkey himself. I think we started planning 6 weeks in advance, making sock monkeys, and loot bags…all the tags etc.  A lot of love went into this party for Aiden. We had a great turn out mostly family, an old friend of mine with her daughter, and our Pastor and his family.   Sticking with the monkey theme, mom made peanut butter and banana pinwheel sandwiches for the kids and also helped me make “monkey tail” turkey/cranberry/cream cheese roll-ups which are a new favourite.  Then we also had meatballs, a fruit tray, veggie tray, cheese and pickle trays.  But the pièce de résistance was the custom cake I ordered from Ottawa…which I unfortunately had to pick up a mere 2 hours before the party! I’m not sure what Aiden thought of the whole deal but I hope he looks at the pictures someday and knows how much he is loved. 

Since Aiden is such a clown, always laughing with his mouth wide open….Nana just happened to catch a glimpse of some shiny new molars.  Top two…right on schedule!  Now I know why he’s been a little bit miserable/feverish/drooling the last few days.  Perhaps we can finally try some new foods that require a little more chewing…put those chompers to work.  I just looked back to Bryce’s blog and read how I was making mini muffin tin lasagna’s and meat pies….sigh.  I’m sorry Aiden.  You’re lucky to get a grilled cheese sandwich.  Tomorrow I will make something for you in a muffin tin!  Grilled cheese?  Lol

Aiden’s daycare is all set up to commence Aug 2nd.  The facility has been around for a long time, with a proven track record and came highly recommended…although I didn’t have much choice as it’s the only one in Perth!! :s  Not a great first impression I must say as the coordinator forgot our appointment….but none of the kids were sitting in the corner crying and seemed quite happy to be there. I’m going to try to transition Aiden into the daycare a couple weeks in advance -dropping him off a couple mornings a week maybe?  I have a feeling that this isn’t going to be any easier the second time around.

Well as I did with Bryce, I guess this update will be my last entry for Baby A.  It has been no less magical, awesome, or joyful than the first time…and probably just as terrifying in different ways.  Thanks to all of you in cyber space (ok probably just Anne, Tracy and Mom) who have shared this second incredible journey into motherhood with me.   I hope Aiden reads this someday and knows how much we love him, and how he perfectly completes our family. xo


Monday, 30 May 2016

Month 11



I am very late updating this months’ blog.  Perhaps subconsciously I think that if I don’t write it, I can delay the fact that my baby is about to turn one!

"Bubbling" with joy.
Speaking of turning one, the birthday party planning is in full swing. I don’t want to spoil the surprise so I won’t mention our theme but it’s bound to be a barrel of laughs, and everyone with have a swinging good time.  ;)  Gotta love Pinterest for party ideas and crafty decorations…though I suppose you could hate Pinterest for the very same reason?!  Gone are the days you could simply frost a cake, blow up some balloons, and call it a Birthday.   Lol 

I was expecting Aiden to be walking by now since he started “cruising” so early.  (Well, “early” in comparison to Bryce.)  He is able to walk (or tiptoe) with his little walker, but without it sticks pretty close to furniture.  He has however, started “free standing” a lot and just yesterday took a “step” (fall) towards me on several occasions.  I would imagine within this next week, we will be seeing some great strides.  (Hey…see what I did right there?!  Great strides...good one eh?) 

I think I mentioned this before, but one of the most amazing things about having the two boys is watching them interact with each other.  O.K. well…Aiden tries to interact and Bryce mostly ignores him or shuts himself in his room for “privacy”.  Lol  It’s just adorable how much Aiden loves his big brother.  As soon as he hears Bryce’s door open in the morning, he drops whatever he’s holding and crawls at lightning speed down the hall.  Depending on Bryce’s mood (not so much a morning person) Aiden may get a pat on the head. HaHa.  We’re pretty sure Aiden has a word for Bryce.  “Bup”.  And if Bryce doesn’t start sharing his toys a little more, Aiden may eventually find another word for Bryce. Lol

Brotherly love...
I still haven't organized daycare for my boys...and my return to work date is quickly approaching.  I've been in contact with the one and only daycare center in Perth since last Fall but the coordinator seems less than interested in my business and was a little dismissive when I again inquired about availability a month ago.  I think I may have to search for a home based provider which always makes me nervous.  I suppose I feel that more eyes in the center would provide better care...but then again there are more children for those eyes to watch.  You just hear of so many horror stories...makes me ill.  :(   Here's hoping I win the lottery before August 2nd.

I think that’s it for now.  I seem to be lacking in the creativity department (and sleep) this month…

Friday, 22 April 2016

Month 10

Month 10?! 10 Months?! Aiden has officially been on the "outside" longer than on the "inside"!  Sounds like prison slang. lol  This picture is very fitting and hopefully the only time I'll ever see him behind bars!!

My crawling baby is a now a puller upper baby.  He literally pulls himself up on everything.  The wall, treadmill, crib, chairs, his walker, the dog (if she sits still long enough) and me.  I'm sure at this rate, he'll be walking long before his 1st birthday and it definitely has a lot to do with wanting to chase after his big brother.  Poor little guy was recently crawling so fast to catch up with Bryce, that he wiped out and got road (hardwood) rash on his chin.  :(

You would think with all this extra physical activity, that he would be sleeping more or at least better.  Not the case.  In fact it feels like things are worse than ever.  Perhaps due to the fact he has been banished to his crib.  (He is simply too active to safely co-sleep now.)  And the crib mattress is way more firm than my pillow top, feather bed.  It's like the prince(ss) and the pea....he tosses and turns all night long.  Or perhaps it's because he's still teething?!  Since my last update, he cut another two teeth on the bottom for a grand total of 8.  According to Google, the molars are next to come in which will surely be uncomfortable, then the pointy canines.

It's hard to believe we've been in this house for 5 months! AND I still have a basement of unpacked things but I'm obviously not missing any of it.  Now that the nice weather has arrived, we've been doing some work in the backyard to make a nice space for the boys.  Priority number one was getting a fence up...much to the dismay of my neighbours who preferred the "open concept" look.  Perhaps they'll re-consider when the boys and dog are running wild in the yard.  I also bought them a play structure since there aren't any playgrounds near by.  We were spoiled in Stittsville with 2 parks a block in either direction from our old house.  Unfortunately, Bryce saw a spider on it the 2nd day and has been avoiding it ever since.  Aiden on the other hand, loves his baby swing!  I really hope the boys love growing up here...and I hope our backyard becomes the play space for all the neighbourhood kids!!

 Aiden had a checkup this month, including a couple of vaccinations.  He, like his brother, is measuring in the 98th percentile with a height of 30 inches and a weight of 25lbs.  Unfortunately it was our last visit with Dr. Daisy as we had to say goodbye. As much as I would have loved to stay, it's not practical to continue driving into the city.  Being as wonderful as she is, she made a call to a med school colleague who just happens to practice in Perth and she agreed to take us all as new patients. 

I guess I better start thinking about Aiden's very important First Birthday celebration. Even typing that is surreal. (And as Mom noted, there will only be another 2 blog entries!)  Thankfully, my vacation request was approved so I was able to extend my leave until Aug 2nd. (As opposed to June 19th.)  Really just delaying the inevitable...but I don't want to think about leaving my baby just yet!

That's it for now.   See you in a month.


Sunday, 27 March 2016

Month 9



9 Months?!? What?!  Where did my baby go??

Sorry I’m late with my blog update.  This month seemed to just disappear, and was super busy with March Break and Easter.  Having both boys home for a majority of days, left me exhausted by bed time and not feeling very creative to write.

Ladies and Gentlemen (OK just ladies) we have a crawler.  Hooray!  Over the course of the last month, he has progressed from rolling from his back into a sitting position, then added a flip onto his hands and knees. From there, he spent a good couple of weeks perfecting his form, with a lot of rocking back n’ forth and some “downward dogs”.  BUT, this past week, he finally figured out how to coordinate his leg and arm action, and seems quite pleased with himself as he bee lines for everything once out of reach.  (Like the dog food and Bryce’s toys!) 

He is also very aware these days of his and NOT his…and gets very upset when a NOT his gets removed from his possession.  (Like the remote control, my cell phone, and/or everything that is Bryce’s) Usually this results in the saddest little face I ever saw followed by a mournful wail and crocodile tears.  A little glimpse into my future for the next 16 years till one of them leaves home.  Remember…Sharing is caring boys!

Oh…another drum roll please!  After 2 months of continuous drooling, Aiden finally cut 2 more teeth.  I had given up on checking since so much time had passed without any “tooth activity”.  But we were at church last Sunday and Aiden was laughing with his wide toothy grin….and there it was.  One little white nub on his top left, and the opening for its partner on the right.  So that’s 4 on the top and 2 on the bottom. (For record keeping purposes, I’m going to say March 20th for tooth 5 and 6)

Aiden is completely weaned now – self led – and I don’t think either of us miss it.  For me, definitely not since his teeth appeared that’s for sure.  And I don’t see him looking forlornly, or misty eyed at my chest so I’m pretty sure he’s ok with it.  When we came back from Florida, he just seemed to sort of lose interest.  I wasn’t exactly doing much to protect/encourage my milk supply either so I suppose he just preferred the instant, easy, satisfying quantity offered in the bottle.  Since then, I have been blessed with 2 monthly visits from Aunt Flo and am no longer menopausal. Yay!  No wait….Boooo!  AND as I had hoped/read/prayed, the stored fat is literally melting away with minimal effort.   (Well it was melting away until I gorged myself at Easter…thanks Mom and the Easter Bunny!  :p)     Since I measured myself in January, I’ve lost 3” from my chest, 4” from my waist, and 2” from my hips.   Imagine if I had been exercising all that time!  :s  Maybe I'll start tomorrow.  ;)

Well I think that’s all till next month.  Aiden is asleep, Bryce is fading…so is Mommy.

Tuesday, 23 February 2016

Month 8



8 months?!  Eek!  Say it ain’t so.  Soon my baby will be in daycare!! :(

Well, Aiden survived his first trip/flight to Florida this month.  We couldn’t have picked a better time to be away with the -40 deep freeze, and we returned just before the nasty winter storm that would have delayed our flight for sure.  (Not that being stranded in Florida for an extra day would have been so bad…though being stuck in the airport without a car might have been!) Aiden was a delightful little traveller, who barely made a peep, and was happy just going with the flow. We went to Sea World and he was actually quite fascinated by the Orca’s for a short time, but the Dolphin show was too loud and he and I had to re-locate to a quieter spot higher in the stands.  He also got to see the Atlantic Ocean as we took a day trip to Cocoa Beach.  It was much colder (and windier) on the coast than inland, so none of us really enjoyed that part.  Except for Bryce of course who didn’t want to leave the sand! He also got to “swim” a little bit but wasn’t really a fan.  The pool was heated but he didn’t seem too interested which is odd since he loves baths.  Oh and we went to Gatorland.  Not sure what he thought about that…but I bet the gators were eyeing him up!!!  :s 

Aiden is just about to crawl which will surely keep me on my toes.  His preferred means of travel currently is to “Barrel Roll” across the floor.  He does really well to cover a large distance that way but I’m sure he’ll improve his lap time once he finds his hands and knees.  Thinking back, I’m sure Bryce skipped the crawling and went straight to walking….but Aiden is definitely getting himself onto all fours (well all three’s really as one little leg always seems to get stuck) and testing his balance.  Usually gravity wins and he ends up on his face within minutes. 

Despite 1+ months of copious drooling, Aiden is yet to sprout anymore teeth.  It’s been the longest “Psyche” ever.  He does however really like to grind and click the 4 that he has.  It makes me cringe every time.  Argh!!  But despite his lack of teeth, he eats like a champ.  I’m sure I was much more choosy in terms of food selections for Bryce (i.e. homemade pureed, soft textured, age appropriate foods)….but as Aiden is the second child, (sorry) he pretty much gets whatever we’re eating chopped up into little bits.  He’s doing well with this method and is at the high end of normal for weight.  (22.5lbs currently)  In terms of height, let’s just say he’s wearing 18-24 months sleepers and some of those are too short!

His newest talents are to clap his hands.  Thanks Nana…for teaching him that.  And the other is to play peek-a-boo on command.  He covers his face with his blanket and waits for me to say “Where’s Aiden”…at which point he proudly reveals himself like I really thought he disappeared!  With these amazing talents and his freakish height…think we can take it on the road?!  Vegas? Lol

Well that’s about it.  Every day is like Ground Hog Day (the movie) where we pretty much do the same thing over and over….and over….. ;)


See you next month.