...I watched the sun rise on life as a mama.
...I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams.
And all because of my little monkey.
Happy 3rd Birthday little man!
I love you to the moon and back.
~Mama
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Three Years Ago...
...I met this little man, and he changed my life forever.
And all because of my little monkey.
Happy 3rd Birthday little man!
~Mama
And all because of my little monkey.
Happy 3rd Birthday little man!
~Mama
Thursday, October 6, 2011
40 Weeks (and STILL no baby)
There are so many different websites or apps that have weekly statistic updates on how big your baby is, or what exactly your baby can do each week, and I've subscribed to a few of them on facebook or by email, and I've read many of them, but the last few weeks I haven't read them at all.
Then this afternoon, I was checking my email, and by accident I clicked "next" or something, and one of these updates opened. What did it say?
"Welcome to the world, little one!"
And the evil angry pregnant monster who seems to be creeping up more and more regularly snarled at the computer,
"My baby isn't here yet!"
And while there is a large part of me (a very UNCOMFORTABLY large part of me) wishing that this baby would just magically appear outside my womb without any pain or hard work, I know that this baby is safe and healthy and will come whenever the time is right, even if my calendar says it's "late".
And I'm reminded that there have been so many blessings throughout this pregnancy, so I should focus on the things I'm grateful for, and stop thinking only about all the things I'm looking forward to being done with.
Here is a list (no particular order) of things I can be grateful for:
-This baby is full term. In the past few months, a few friends have had pregnancies end a lot earlier than expected. Some had healthy babies who were born much earlier than expected, but some had babies who didn't make it. I cannot complain about a healthy baby who is still living, even if it means I might wait longer than the normal 40 weeks to meet this little one.
-This pregnancy I haven't had any complications. With Monkey I was hospitalized for 4 nights with a severe infection that caused my face and eyes to swell so that I lost my ability to see for a few days. This time, the only swelling has been my feet, and even then, it's not anything more than a discomfort.
-This pregnancy I've been able to stay active and eat healthy, leading to a much lower weight gain than my first (I've gained less than half this time what I gained with my first)
-I have had amazing, consistent, supportive medical care all the way through this pregnancy, unlike the disjointed and sporadic medical care I had with Monkey, missing the first 4 months because I was overseas, and then being shipped around to 3 other doctors before he was born.
-I have been able to clean, organize, and even decorate my home for the arrival of this little one, unlike the last pregnancy when I didn't even have a place to call a home until 6 weeks before Monkey arrived.
-I have fantastic and supportive friends and family who are celebrating this little one already, and who already are thankful for the blessing we are soon to welcome to this world.
We are such a blessed family, I can't complain when I have so many things to be thankful for. And I'm thankful especially as this weekend approaches (Canadian Thanksgiving) for the many blessings that we have on top of this new baby.
There is still hope that we can meet the baby soon, but I know that God's timing is perfect, and whenever our little one arrives will be the perfect time.
~A
Then this afternoon, I was checking my email, and by accident I clicked "next" or something, and one of these updates opened. What did it say?
"Welcome to the world, little one!"
And the evil angry pregnant monster who seems to be creeping up more and more regularly snarled at the computer,
"My baby isn't here yet!"
And while there is a large part of me (a very UNCOMFORTABLY large part of me) wishing that this baby would just magically appear outside my womb without any pain or hard work, I know that this baby is safe and healthy and will come whenever the time is right, even if my calendar says it's "late".
And I'm reminded that there have been so many blessings throughout this pregnancy, so I should focus on the things I'm grateful for, and stop thinking only about all the things I'm looking forward to being done with.
Here is a list (no particular order) of things I can be grateful for:
-This baby is full term. In the past few months, a few friends have had pregnancies end a lot earlier than expected. Some had healthy babies who were born much earlier than expected, but some had babies who didn't make it. I cannot complain about a healthy baby who is still living, even if it means I might wait longer than the normal 40 weeks to meet this little one.
-This pregnancy I haven't had any complications. With Monkey I was hospitalized for 4 nights with a severe infection that caused my face and eyes to swell so that I lost my ability to see for a few days. This time, the only swelling has been my feet, and even then, it's not anything more than a discomfort.
-This pregnancy I've been able to stay active and eat healthy, leading to a much lower weight gain than my first (I've gained less than half this time what I gained with my first)
-I have had amazing, consistent, supportive medical care all the way through this pregnancy, unlike the disjointed and sporadic medical care I had with Monkey, missing the first 4 months because I was overseas, and then being shipped around to 3 other doctors before he was born.
-I have been able to clean, organize, and even decorate my home for the arrival of this little one, unlike the last pregnancy when I didn't even have a place to call a home until 6 weeks before Monkey arrived.
-I have fantastic and supportive friends and family who are celebrating this little one already, and who already are thankful for the blessing we are soon to welcome to this world.
We are such a blessed family, I can't complain when I have so many things to be thankful for. And I'm thankful especially as this weekend approaches (Canadian Thanksgiving) for the many blessings that we have on top of this new baby.
There is still hope that we can meet the baby soon, but I know that God's timing is perfect, and whenever our little one arrives will be the perfect time.
~A
Saturday, September 17, 2011
What a Baby Actually NEEDS
In these last couple weeks before Baby 2 comes, I've still got a HUGE list of things I'd like to do.
We've had a very productive week and most of the essential things are done.
I've been working on a NEED vs. WANT list for baby, and I've got 4 things I can think of that are actual needs, and everything else is just icing.
NEEDS for Baby 2:
1. Place for baby to sleep - - - - - - - - -CHECK! we put together the crib last night.
2. Something for baby to wear - - - - - CHECK! all the neutral items we own for babies under 6 months have been washed and dried and were nicely folded until Monkey's nap this afternoon.
3. A carseat for baby - - - - - - - - - - - (almost) CHECK! this is a gift from my parents, and is still living at their house. They have a pink cover for the carrier carseat, but we have a yellow cover here, so we're set boy or girl...
4. Diapers and wipes for baby - - - - - CHECK! I've got some cloth (some pre-folds, some all-in-ones...) and I've got a closet full of bags of disposable diapers which I'm sure we'll go through as well (I found some great deals on diapers, which combined with coupons to really nice prices)
WANTS for Baby 2:
1. A seat for baby - - - - - - - - - - - - - CHECK! (three times over) we found a brand new Exersaucer for 5 dollars that is staying with my parents. We also have a Bumbo seat that has been used by a friend for the past year, and we have a bouncy musical chair that vibrates (also $5, this time at a yard sale).
2. A basinette or playpen - - - - - - - - - CHECK! (on both items) we were given the playpen for Monkey's first Christmas, and we were given a Moses basket from Hubby's Aunt and got to bring it home when we visited a couple weeks ago.
3. A carrier - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -CHECK! We have a Snugglie (sp?) that we got back when Monkey was an infant, as well as one I picked up this summer from kijiji. I would love a wrap carrier, so that's on my "dream gift" list, but I'll be fine with what we have (that's why these are WANTS)
4. Toys/blankets/stuffed creatures - - - -These are items that we don't actually WANT (or need), but we have more than enough and have been trying to give them away since Monkey was born. I think the "go-to" gift for a baby when you don't know what to get is a stuffed toy or a blanket.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it goes to show how easily things pile up when there's a baby on the way. There are so many lists out there that have all kinds of extra things listed as "NEEDS" but really you don't need them. Other things I can think of include:
-Breast Pump... This could be moved to the NEED list if you are a mother who has to go back to work before Baby is weaned. I am fortunate to be staying home with the kids this time, so I will not need this item, but it is very important.
-Baby monitor....we have a 2 bedroom apartment... if the baby is crying you can hear it at the other end of our floor.
-Wipe warmer or bottle warmer... these are for the pampered baby... I never even considered getting one
-Matching bed spread set with bumper pads, curtains, sheets.... your baby will not die if he's got uncoordinated sheets... and usually if you get an expensive set, that's the set that will be ruined by explosive poop or vomit... stick with something that will keep baby warm and that fits your budget.
-SHOES for babies... while these are ridiculously cute, they serve NO purpose, so they are not at all essential.
-Mobiles... once again, it's cute, but not essential. When you're changing baby's diaper, the funny faces you make trying to hold your breath and not breathe in the poop smell will be entertaining enough to keep your baby's attention. It's actually better for the baby to look at your face than at some expensive plastic floating object... save the money and invest in your time instead.
-Swings/Jolly Jumpers... these are very useful for some "Me" time, but they are not NEEDS, especially in our case when we already have a vibrating chair, an exersaucer, AND a Bumbo...
-High chairs.... For the first 6 months of your baby's life, she doesn't even need to TRY solid food, so getting one of these chairs before a daily meal time is common will waste your money and your space. If you have a bouncy chair (or a Bumbo) these can be used instead of a high chair, and if you want to save even more space, try the chair that attatches to the table and folds up when dinner is done.
-A changing table... Not an essential piece of furniture. A baby can be changed on any solid surface (couch, the floor, counters, dressers...) and after baby is out of diapers, you can keep all the other surfaces for their intended purposes. We used a dresser when we didn't use the floor, and now it's still as useful as it was before Monkey came along. A very helpful thing might be a changing PAD, but you can always use receiving blankets or towels if you don't have a changing pad.
A baby does not need to break your budget. People who say babies cost thousands of dollars in their first year are insane. It is absolutely possible to spend your entire years salary to have the "perfect" supplies for your baby, but it is also very possible to stick to a budget of only a few hundred dollars and not compromise your baby's safety, and still have all the essentials.
The number one thing a baby needs is love, and as far as I know, you shouldn't have to spend a penny on that. Love your baby, and that will make up for any no-name, or second hand, or mismatched anything in their life...
~A
We've had a very productive week and most of the essential things are done.
I've been working on a NEED vs. WANT list for baby, and I've got 4 things I can think of that are actual needs, and everything else is just icing.
NEEDS for Baby 2:
1. Place for baby to sleep - - - - - - - - -CHECK! we put together the crib last night.
2. Something for baby to wear - - - - - CHECK! all the neutral items we own for babies under 6 months have been washed and dried and were nicely folded until Monkey's nap this afternoon.
3. A carseat for baby - - - - - - - - - - - (almost) CHECK! this is a gift from my parents, and is still living at their house. They have a pink cover for the carrier carseat, but we have a yellow cover here, so we're set boy or girl...
4. Diapers and wipes for baby - - - - - CHECK! I've got some cloth (some pre-folds, some all-in-ones...) and I've got a closet full of bags of disposable diapers which I'm sure we'll go through as well (I found some great deals on diapers, which combined with coupons to really nice prices)
WANTS for Baby 2:
1. A seat for baby - - - - - - - - - - - - - CHECK! (three times over) we found a brand new Exersaucer for 5 dollars that is staying with my parents. We also have a Bumbo seat that has been used by a friend for the past year, and we have a bouncy musical chair that vibrates (also $5, this time at a yard sale).
2. A basinette or playpen - - - - - - - - - CHECK! (on both items) we were given the playpen for Monkey's first Christmas, and we were given a Moses basket from Hubby's Aunt and got to bring it home when we visited a couple weeks ago.
3. A carrier - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -CHECK! We have a Snugglie (sp?) that we got back when Monkey was an infant, as well as one I picked up this summer from kijiji. I would love a wrap carrier, so that's on my "dream gift" list, but I'll be fine with what we have (that's why these are WANTS)
4. Toys/blankets/stuffed creatures - - - -These are items that we don't actually WANT (or need), but we have more than enough and have been trying to give them away since Monkey was born. I think the "go-to" gift for a baby when you don't know what to get is a stuffed toy or a blanket.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it goes to show how easily things pile up when there's a baby on the way. There are so many lists out there that have all kinds of extra things listed as "NEEDS" but really you don't need them. Other things I can think of include:
-Breast Pump... This could be moved to the NEED list if you are a mother who has to go back to work before Baby is weaned. I am fortunate to be staying home with the kids this time, so I will not need this item, but it is very important.
-Baby monitor....we have a 2 bedroom apartment... if the baby is crying you can hear it at the other end of our floor.
-Wipe warmer or bottle warmer... these are for the pampered baby... I never even considered getting one
-Matching bed spread set with bumper pads, curtains, sheets.... your baby will not die if he's got uncoordinated sheets... and usually if you get an expensive set, that's the set that will be ruined by explosive poop or vomit... stick with something that will keep baby warm and that fits your budget.
-SHOES for babies... while these are ridiculously cute, they serve NO purpose, so they are not at all essential.
-Mobiles... once again, it's cute, but not essential. When you're changing baby's diaper, the funny faces you make trying to hold your breath and not breathe in the poop smell will be entertaining enough to keep your baby's attention. It's actually better for the baby to look at your face than at some expensive plastic floating object... save the money and invest in your time instead.
-Swings/Jolly Jumpers... these are very useful for some "Me" time, but they are not NEEDS, especially in our case when we already have a vibrating chair, an exersaucer, AND a Bumbo...
-High chairs.... For the first 6 months of your baby's life, she doesn't even need to TRY solid food, so getting one of these chairs before a daily meal time is common will waste your money and your space. If you have a bouncy chair (or a Bumbo) these can be used instead of a high chair, and if you want to save even more space, try the chair that attatches to the table and folds up when dinner is done.
-A changing table... Not an essential piece of furniture. A baby can be changed on any solid surface (couch, the floor, counters, dressers...) and after baby is out of diapers, you can keep all the other surfaces for their intended purposes. We used a dresser when we didn't use the floor, and now it's still as useful as it was before Monkey came along. A very helpful thing might be a changing PAD, but you can always use receiving blankets or towels if you don't have a changing pad.
A baby does not need to break your budget. People who say babies cost thousands of dollars in their first year are insane. It is absolutely possible to spend your entire years salary to have the "perfect" supplies for your baby, but it is also very possible to stick to a budget of only a few hundred dollars and not compromise your baby's safety, and still have all the essentials.
The number one thing a baby needs is love, and as far as I know, you shouldn't have to spend a penny on that. Love your baby, and that will make up for any no-name, or second hand, or mismatched anything in their life...
~A
Friday, September 16, 2011
Conversations with a 2 year old
Amusing moments with my toddler are all to common, it's hard to remember to write these things down, but here are a few things that made us laugh from this week.
This morning, before hubby left the house:
Monkey: Do you have your lunch Daddy?
Me: I must be a real nagging wife
Hubby (laughing)
Hubby: Arrgh!
Monkey: "R" is for Uncle Ryan
After poking my belly and asking when the baby was coming out, he walked over to the garbage can...
Me: What are you doing?
Monkey: I put the baby in the garbage.
This week at dinner:
Monkey: When the baby coming?
Me: Soon. Do you want the baby to hurry up?
Monkey: Yeah. Hurry up baby.
Me: You want to meet the baby?
Monkey: Hurry up baby! I want to beat you!
This morning, before hubby left the house:
Monkey: Do you have your lunch Daddy?
Me: I must be a real nagging wife
Hubby (laughing)
Hubby: Arrgh!
Monkey: "R" is for Uncle Ryan
After poking my belly and asking when the baby was coming out, he walked over to the garbage can...
Me: What are you doing?
Monkey: I put the baby in the garbage.
This week at dinner:
Monkey: When the baby coming?
Me: Soon. Do you want the baby to hurry up?
Monkey: Yeah. Hurry up baby.
Me: You want to meet the baby?
Monkey: Hurry up baby! I want to beat you!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Link Loves on a Lazy Day
I'm thrilled to be back home after an amazing and relaxing vacation to Northern Ontario. We stayed with great friends, and got to see extended family, and we had enough time (4 days) to visit with everyone and yet still feel refreshed.
As wonderful as our vacation was, I'm so happy to be home. We SHOULD have about 4 weeks before this baby comes, although last night we had a little panicked phone call to the midwife because we thought this baby was in a hurry to show up. Things are back to normal, I'm just getting beat up constantly and wishing for the days before Monkey showed up when I could just nap if I was tired...
Today is a chilly day, so I don't think we'll be playing with bubbles or sidewalk chalk outside. However, I have found some fun activities to hopefully keep Monkey occupied.
Homemade goldfish crackers have only 5 ingredients and look really simple yet really yummy. The recipe uses a food processor, but I hope I could use my blender.
I started a craft box filled with things to do. Last week we made crayons from broken pieces of old crayons and we painted handprint flowers and dinosaurs with watercolour paint. We've got colouring books, old magazines and catalogues, markers, play dough, stickers and lots more. I'm trying to break the bad habit of letting him watch a movie while I get supper ready, so I'm hoping that this box can bring us lots of fun time together.
Activities that I'm drooling over but will likely never tackle include
-making a mobile for above the baby's crib
-making a garland to welcome the new baby, and another one for Monkey's birthday (coming up in a few weeks!)
-personalizing some onesies for the new baby (after our shopping trip this weekend we've now got plenty of neutral newborn sleepers and onesies)
Some great and encouraging posts I've read include:
- My Rules and Long Letter to a New Mom (both from Clover Lane)
and
- Scriptural Encouragement for Preparing & Giving Birth (from Passionate Homemaking)
This week my biggest project is organizing my freezer and putting together some easy meals that I can just throw in the oven once the baby is here. I've got some instant meals (pizzas, perogies, soups...) but I want to give myself a little more variety so that we don't get bored with the same thing and give in to the "get takeout" monster and mess up the budget.
Happy Wednesday everyone! And happy day 2 of school to all my Canadian friends!
~A
As wonderful as our vacation was, I'm so happy to be home. We SHOULD have about 4 weeks before this baby comes, although last night we had a little panicked phone call to the midwife because we thought this baby was in a hurry to show up. Things are back to normal, I'm just getting beat up constantly and wishing for the days before Monkey showed up when I could just nap if I was tired...
Today is a chilly day, so I don't think we'll be playing with bubbles or sidewalk chalk outside. However, I have found some fun activities to hopefully keep Monkey occupied.
Homemade goldfish crackers have only 5 ingredients and look really simple yet really yummy. The recipe uses a food processor, but I hope I could use my blender.
I started a craft box filled with things to do. Last week we made crayons from broken pieces of old crayons and we painted handprint flowers and dinosaurs with watercolour paint. We've got colouring books, old magazines and catalogues, markers, play dough, stickers and lots more. I'm trying to break the bad habit of letting him watch a movie while I get supper ready, so I'm hoping that this box can bring us lots of fun time together.
Activities that I'm drooling over but will likely never tackle include
-making a mobile for above the baby's crib
-making a garland to welcome the new baby, and another one for Monkey's birthday (coming up in a few weeks!)
-personalizing some onesies for the new baby (after our shopping trip this weekend we've now got plenty of neutral newborn sleepers and onesies)
Some great and encouraging posts I've read include:
- My Rules and Long Letter to a New Mom (both from Clover Lane)
and
- Scriptural Encouragement for Preparing & Giving Birth (from Passionate Homemaking)
This week my biggest project is organizing my freezer and putting together some easy meals that I can just throw in the oven once the baby is here. I've got some instant meals (pizzas, perogies, soups...) but I want to give myself a little more variety so that we don't get bored with the same thing and give in to the "get takeout" monster and mess up the budget.
Happy Wednesday everyone! And happy day 2 of school to all my Canadian friends!
~A
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What I'm Loving: Nesting Edition
It's been months (not sure how many) since I posted a WILW, but I think I've been missing the weekly dose of focusing on things I'm thankful for instead of focusing on things I'd like to change.
I'm loving so many things, these are just a few:
{one}
I'm loving...
...how cute all these tiny little sleepers and onesies are! I forgot someone could be so small. I've washed all the neutral clothes we have that are any size under 6 months. We're waiting on our dresser from my parents place, and we're picking up a "moses basket" and our car seat this weekend!
{two}I'm loving...
...the suspense of not knowing if this baby is a boy or girl! It's a little nerve-wracking, and there are a few details that really make me second-guess myself on this choice (like the birth announcement, and the 'coming home' outfit) but I think the suspense makes me excited for labour!
{three}
I'm loving...
...nap time! I'm becoming more and more doubtful that Monkey will keep up with naps in the fall, but as for these past few weeks that I've been home, naps have happened most days. I'm enjoying them as much as I can right now, and I've even had a few myself while Monkey sleeps! It's been great!
{four}
{four}
I'm loving...
...completing projects that I've had on the go for months, or even years.
I've finished 2 large crochet blankets, one that I started before Monkey was 6 months, and the other probably 18+ months ago. I've also been able to make progress on Monkey's scrapbook (which I'm sure I'll never touch again once baby #2 shows up).
I'm also really loving being able to start new projects. Today I made new crayons out of melting old broken crayons for just a couple minutes in the oven.
Here they are straight out of the oven:
And here's the final product! I love that the green ones look camouflage. I hope Monkey has lots of fun with these, and they were super easy to make, so I'm sure I'll be doing this again.
{five}
I'm loving...
...that this is the first year that nobody in our house is preparing to go back to school. It's strange for me to see the "Back to School" Sales and to know that I'm not going to need any of that stuff. At the same time, I'm thrilled that I get to spend my whole energy focusing on being a mom this year. The past almost 3 years of being a mom I've also been a full-time student, so the concept of being able to focus on only the mom side without having to think about the school or work side of life is nice for a change. (And I know my time will very quickly be filled up once there are 2 kids, not just one)
{six}
I'm loving...
...supportive family and friends. We're making a trip this weekend to go see some amazing friends, and I'm thrilled to be (a) going on vacation, and (b) seeing great people I've missed for months. (Not to mention, we need to make sure Monkey doesn't forget his betrothed...)
{seven}
I'm loving...
...my husband. Sometimes the love is easier, and sometimes I need to really focus on choosing to love, but He's mine for the rest of my life, and I'm so glad that he's in my life.
Go over to Jamie's to see what she and (many) others are thankful for today!
~A
Monday, August 29, 2011
A Toddler, A Stick, and a Hook
This past weekend was the 'young adult' camping trip for our church. Hubby had to work Saturday, and I didn't want to sleep on the ground when my bed was 10 minutes from the camp site, so while we spent the evenings (and Monkey and I spent Saturday afternoon) at the site, we slept at home.
Adam and Tom getting supper ready Saturday night I have never experienced a more "gourmet" camping trip. It seemed that all the luxuries of every day life were present (can't forget your morning mocha with frothed milk and espresso...), but at the same time, every meal was cooked over the open flame and the best fishing award went to the least fancy pole.
Roasted potatoes, onions, carrots and garlic. Yummy!
The fishing was probably my most favourite moment, which is saying something, because I really see no point in catch and release, and before Saturday I thought it was quite possibly the most boring sport in the world.
Those thoughts came BEFORE I got to see Monkey experience the thrill of catching his first fish. We (adults) probably had more fun watching Connor play with the worms and touch the fish than we did doing the catching ourselves.
Abbie and Tom trying to tie the hook on the line while Monkey tries to run away with the pole
Tom fishing off the dock with Monkey. Almost as soon as the line was in the water they got their first bite. Tom probably caught about 10 fish with that stick (Monkey was only there for the first two)
Tom and Monkey with the first fish he ever caught! They are about to throw it back.
Monkey showing me his worm. He tried to throw this one in the water, but we put it on his hook.
I might enjoy fishing if it continues to be this fun to watch, but I'm still a bit squeamish about sticking the worms on the line.
I'm so glad to have great friends who make simple weekends like this amazing fun!
~A
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