Summer is a'teasing

First bbq of the season completed this weekend. This kind of event kicks off what is really starting to feel like summer. Good friends, yummy burgers and patio furniture in action. So awesome. In case you didn't know, I'm a summer person. I could bask in it all year round. Who needs snow, shovelling, slipping, falling, cold? Not me.

I've only been waiting 6 months for this! Seriously. Since Jack was born, I've been dying for the days where the sun is shining and warming my skin as we get out and about. This whole week is supposed to be quite nice out and Mom, Jack and I plan to make the most of it. What to do? The Zoo? River walk? Dog park? All of the above, I hope.

The best part is Jack is SUCH and outdoorsman. He'll be fussy and unsettled. Take the boy outside or even let him look out the window and "presto" - happy boy. He will sit in the baby bjorn carrier for over 2 hours at a stretch as long as he's outside and seeing the sites.

Ok, I'm off to blow my seasonal allergy infested nose.

Yes, I'm still claiming to be a Summer girl - forever.

Signed,
Stuffed up

That boy

It's a good thing he's so cute. This interruption of my dreamy sleeps has got to stop!! Last night he was up every hour, on the hour. WTF? Cal was great to let me get a bit of sleep this morning when Damien woke for the day at 6 a.m. Half the night I slept on the bottom corner of the bed - like a dog. It's truly amazing how and where I can sleep now with no problem. Until a certain wee one wakes for a feed. Sometimes he's actually hungry, but other times, he's just looking for a soother. Which, by the way, he doesn't like soothers. So Mamma Mo gets the starring role instead. Garghgh.

He's sleeping soundly now and we've got a fitness class to get to. I'm going to have the pleasure of waking HIM up for once.

Like I said, it's a good thing he's so cute. No one else can wake me every hour in the night and I still love them to pieces. One little smile and he's got me hooked all over again. :)

I'm really looking forward to a full night sleep this weekend. I hope Cal realizes I was serious about needing it! Otherwise, this sweet, patient, caring momma is going to grow horns and become the true mother of Damien. No one wants to see that. No one.

Signed,
Zzz-deprived Momma on the verge of horns and tail.

Jolly Jumper = New Life

So a few people have recommended getting a jolly jumper. Mostly those from a generation before me, not so much the baby moms of today. I did it. I broke down and nabbed one for the little mister. Thought, "I can try this out and if it doesn't work, we return it. Simple."

It's a hit! He feels independent and is doing mini Irish dancing routines already. I should have known really. His sister loved it in her time and spent so much time in it I thought she'd be a kangaroo for life.

What does this mean for me? Some free time to get things done around the house and a rest on my arms. I can sacrifice the pipes for his happiness. ;)

Signed,
Rambo-armed Momma.

A couple of babies on the way

Not for us, for Jack. Two widdle toofies are working their way through on the bottom. The little sharp edges are just below the skin and ready to pop through any minute.

Oh, I wish I could help him through it, poor guy. Only thing we can do is drug and distract. ;)

Signed,
Anxiously waiting

Sundays are my friend

Ahhh, the relaxing feeling of waking up and knowing it's Sunday. I know, I'm home every day on maternity leave. But it's the feeling of having my family around and knowing we can do whatever we want - together or apart. ;)

I swear, even Jack knows it's the weekend. He's a little more relaxed and happy to have his Dada and Big Sis around to play with.

I just finished whipping up some pancakes and bacon, we've scarfed those down and now get to decide what the day holds for us.

On the list? Picking up dog food. Yep, that's it. But along with picking up dog food comes a trip to the pet store with all the little puppies and kitty cats. Just to look at, not bring home.

It's too cold for Cal to go golfing, so we get to see him most of the day. Hurray.

I'd best run and get some dishes done before the little monster wakes from his nap.

Signed,
A content homey homemaker.

Saturday in the Snow

Yep, it's snowing here and it's nearing the end of April. One big bad April Fool's Month joke? I think so. Enough already. We've been teased with the sweet song of birds in the morning (and the occasional Magpie caw). The tulips are sprouting and even blooming already. All for nothing? Eff you Mother Nature and your silly pranks. No one thinks it's funny. No one.

San Diego is looking more and more inviting - recession be damned. I need sunshine. The kind that can shine on my arms and legs, not just my eyes and nose peeking out of a parka. In fact, I'm just about willing to give an arm or leg for more sun and yummy warmth.

Bring it on you big, ole, hairy, stubborn Mother Nature. I dare you.

Signed,
One bitchy summer girl

4 p.m. is the Devil's time

He comes out and takes over my sweet, innocent babies body. I swear. It's the only way this darling, gentle wee one could change so quickly. See the picture to the left? The halo is glowing so brightly it hurts the eyes. Suckered in for those big, Bambi eyes is what deal with every day. I LOVE this boy dearly, but give him the wrong time of day and look out, you are at his beck and call.

Oh, speaking of, must exorcise him now. He's screaming in tongues!! ;)

Signed,
Damien's mother

Latte's are good

I've slowly been dragged into the world of Starbucks, oddly enough, not for coffee. In fact, I don't even drink coffee. BUT, they've started serving the Chai Latte and I'm hooked. I find myself enjoying grocery shopping now as long as I've got my Chai Latte in hand. Although it's tougher to push the cart (especially the fuller it gets), I make sure to hit every aisle now, just to make the experience last longer. I wonder if Safeway knew what customer service they were really providing by partnering up with Starbucks? Evil bastards.

However, the $ guilt is getting to me, so I set off on the path to find me a "latte maker". And I did. It's a Aerolatte (pictured here) and I'm determined to learn how to make the perfect Chai Latte Chez Moi. And so, I have a challenge ahead of me. I tried to make one as soon as I got home and realized, if the frothy milk doesn't have sugar or some kind of sweetner, it feels kinda creepy rolling over your tastebuds. So i tried to mix in some sugar with the milk. Not sure it totally worked. Next time, I'm going to try to make the milk and suger, whip it up and then pour the chai tea into the milk.

If anyone has any tricks of the trade, feel free to share them with me!

Signed,
Addicted to Love - latte style.

Jack's 3 months already

Where has the time gone? Who took that wee baby and replaced him with a chubbier, even cuter, sweeter version? Wow. It's been three months since he joined us and yet, as his big sister says, it seems like he's been with us forever. Just in the past few weeks, we've noticed some big changes.

1. Entertainer - he's enjoying entertaining himself more. For the first 2.5 months, he was only happy if he was being held by someone. Now, he likes to lay down and play "kick'em, kick'em" and is enthralled with his jungle gym more. Even though he hasn't quite got his hands figured out yet, he loves looking at the toys on his gym and occassionally hit some of the them. He can also sit in his little "bumbo" chair that supports his back.

2. Comedian - He smiles. He gives coy looks and he has giggled. He's smiled since the day he was born (despite the horror of birth) and hasn't stopped since. He plays coy. If you are playing with him and try to get him to look at you, he gives you the sweetest coy look, brings his hand to his mouth and looks away. It's priceless. As for the giggles, he's only just begun and has only had a few, but he will giggle. When he does, it makes me laugh out loud. Amazing.

3. Addict - the boy is addicted to tv. I swear, he goes through tv withdrawal. I thought I'd be the kind of parent to keep baby away from the tv as much as possible. However, he is in love with the boob-tube. He can be doing anything and if his eye catches the tv, it's over. Tv is his friend.

4. Dreamer - Sir Jack loves his sleep. He's always been a good sleeper to the point where I have jumped out of bed to check and see if he's still breathing. I wasn't being overprotective and worrisome, except this kid can sleep for 8-9 hours! Dream baby? Sure.

I could just sit and watch him for hours on end - if it weren't for those feeding and diaper changing times. ;)

Signed,
a momma in love

Sleep is G-O-O-D!

Today, I learned that sleep is bloody essential. I used to joke when I was a younger lass (some might say party girl), that I'd sleep when I was dead. Now, I realize that when I don't get my sleep, I feel dead! Jack and I managed to get a good afternoon nap in today. With only 1 appointment in the morning, we came home, fed and went up to the 3rd floor sleep nest. It was utterly delightful and I awoke feeling like a brand new person. So, one resolution is to fit in an afternoon nap when possible. And I'm not allowed to feel guilty for it. No matter how many dishes are piled up. No matter that supper has not been started or even planned.

Jack is normally a very good sleeper and he still is by regular baby standards. But I've actually been waking the wee one up because me boobs are dying to feed something. I figure it's better him than Cal or the dog! :)

Speaking of sleep, Sir Jack has just drifted off to never never land and I'd like to follow him. Perhaps we'll run into Peter.

Signed,
sleeping beauty or beast depending on whether i fit in a shower or not

What I've learned today - a big ole' heart

Today, I learned that my guy has a big, big heart.

Part I - this morning as I was changing Sir Jack, I could hear a car revving. Turns out one of our neighbours was having trouble getting his car out of the yucky-muck slush/snow. I hollered down to Cal that he might like to go help him out. He did. Took a couple minutes and the neighbour was very thankful. So hot.

Part II - as Cal watched Sir Jack, I was able to sneak out and go to Walmart for a bit of shopping. It's these little moments that I count as victory. Freedom, even.

Part III - before going to watch football with his buddies, I managed to even get a much needed nap in this afternoon. Cal kept the wee one nice and quiet and happy. Even hotter.

I always knew he had a heart of gold, but it seems to be more evident these days. Or maybe I'm just noticing now. He's off watching the football game with pals and likely happy to get some freedom of his own. ;)

Signed,
one very appreciative girl

Hello 2009!

Wow, it's come and gone so quickly - with wonderful surprises, steps ahead and great trips! In all, my biggest lesson learned is to enjoy time with family and to cherish my time here on earth. A bit fluffy, I know, but it's what I take with me into 2009.

So many things have happened in the past year, it's sad to see it go. However, 2009 will bring just as much excitement and changes, as always happens.

The kids (weird to say plural) are fantabulous. We're lucky to have Sir Jack join our family, he's an absolute sweetheart and we love him dearly. He's already interacting and smiling with whoever is visiting with him. Kolbie is in the middle of grade 11, a snowboarding maniac and she got her driver's license this year. I've been on maternity leave for the time the wee one has joined us and Cal has been really enjoying his work!

I look forward to what's coming in the new year and wish all a happy and healthy 2009!

Signed,
wondering what will come next