Wednesday 8 December 2010

Rock & Roll

My babies grow too fast. J rolled over today, for the first time. She looked so confused. I didn't think to write down my thoughts any time El achieved a movement milestone so I will try for J. She had been trying for some time to roll and I have been putting her on the floor to help her develop her muscles and to play with her sister and her toys. 
J was trying so hard this morning. While she was practicing rolling E was eating another crayon. I almost missed J's roll because I was getting chewed crayon out of her sister's mouth. "Don't eat that" has become a frequent refrain in my house. 
E sits in armchairs like a teenager. I can't believe she's almost 2. 

Saturday 13 November 2010

Crafts - if you are family you might spoil your surprise if you read this.

Wow, it's been a long time since I've wrtten about my crafts. I recently finished a trio of Teddy bears for my SIL's impending arrivals. Since we don'tknow the sexes of the babies each bear has 2 outfits. I made the patterns for the clothes myself and the bears are from Amigurumi World.
I have made Mom a gift and I'm trying to make her another. I am hoping to make a hooded shawl but we'll see. I might be over estimating my free time.
I'm also making Husband a gift. Haven't decided what it will be but it's videogame related.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Hair

I'm losing my hair again. This is the 3rd time and it is miserable. I have never been a vain person but hair loss is trying and hard.
The first time I lost my hair was in my last full time year of university. I had worked numerous jobs and as far as I could tell the hair loss was stress-related. It was a scary day when I first noticed that bald patch.
The second time I lost hair was when I was pregnant with my first child. That bout wasn't so bad since it wasn't unexpected and it was even so no nasty patches.
This time it feels like stress and hormones. I'm still breastfeeding Baby J and things are a little crazy around here. I am going to try to keep my hope up that I'm imagining most of the problems but if I find any bald spots I am going to the doctor.

Sunday 7 November 2010

Venting Frustration

I love my husband but he is driving me nuts today. I have spent the day cleaning shit. Both of the bathrooms have been cleaned, he hasn't had to change a single diaper and I've cleaned the cabinet were a rodent friend has been hiding. I don't want to hear shit about not putting the clean dish towels away. Sure, he was quite polite about it but still, when I spend a good chunk of the day doing the disgusting chores while he watches cartoons with the kids and plays video games I deserve a break for not getting the towels into the drawer.

Monday 1 November 2010

The 'Ween Was a Bit of a Failure

Monkey refused to wear her costume. She screamed and ran away from it. Nana managed to get her into her froggy sweater and we called that a costume. They went trick or treating at the mall while husband, baby J and I went to the craft show in Dartmouth. That was also disappointing. There were fewer vendors than last year and the main one we go to, the cheese man, wasn't there. We had fun and still got fudge and saw the in-laws.

Thursday 23 September 2010

Visiting family with kids in tow.

I've been visiting my parents for a few days with both girls. Husband has been working overtime getting something done involving emptying a stockroom in only a few days so we decided to get out of his hair. He will be joining us at his parents' on Saturday.
Traveling with 2 kids is a pain in the ass. They require so much stuff. I've got to bring a crib, a high chair, two sizes of diapers, sippy cups, toddler forks and spoons, and toys, not to mention the clothes. I have tried to reduce the ammount of stuff we bring but it seems to multiply when I'm not looking.

Thursday 9 September 2010

Married Life

Husband has been acting weird lately. He keeps asking if there is something wrong and then he gets quiet when I tell him the only thing wrong is that I'm tired due to the twice nightly wakeups. He thinks that he doesn't do enough around the house or with the girls which is sometimes true. When I ask him to do something as often as not he forgets and I have to do it. My strategy is to leave Baby J with him while I do the things that need to be done like dishes and changing the bag in the diaper pail. This works surprisingly well. He gets to spend time with his daughters and I get to finish the chores that didn't get done earlier.

He still thinks that there is something wrong no matter how many times I try to reassure him. I'm not sure what I can do to convince him that I am happy if a little sleep-deprived. Oh well, I will keep trying to reassure him that all is well. We're working very hard and trying to have time together where neither of us is stressed out or tired is going to be a challenge for the next 10 years or so.

Saturday 28 August 2010

Flexing my writing muscles

One daughter is asleep in my lap. The other found her bananas from breakfast and is chowing down watching cartoons. I want to go out and do something today. Husband has the car so we will be hanging around the house.

They are growing so quickly. Monkey is so tall and she is very independent. She wants to do everything by herself. She loves to dance. I have a hard time remembering what she was like when she was Baby J's age.

Baby J is growing too. She's huge and strong. She is getting better at holding her head up. She keeps trying to roll over already.

It's amazing how different they look. Baby J has a pointy chin and a different nose. Her hair is lighter and she is longer and leaner than Monkey.

I have to get started on some Christmas presents and a wedding present. I'm making Monkey a tea set with yarn food. I've got the tea pot and a cake made. It's cute. I am going to make a couple of blankets and a vest or sweater. I think I'm being over ambitious. We'll see.

Friday 20 August 2010

Waiting

Both the babies are asleep and Husband is at work. I'm bored and lonely. I've been watching far too much CNN today. I forgot how much American news sucks. I have heard about the recent poll about Obama's faith non-stop since I turned on CNN.

I find the focus on faith that seems to obsess Americans kind of disturbing. In Canada our PM is reportedly a man of faith but we never hear about it. I don't know what any politician's believe and I'm ok with that. I think Canadians are much more private and modest than Americans about everything, including our personal faith and moral compass.

Faith should be private. Your relationship with faith should not concern anyone other than your family so long as your faith doesn't require breaking any laws. Many Americans would probably lead more peaceful and quiet lives if they were as concerned with their own spiritual health as they are about their president's.

Friday 13 August 2010

Sleeping Babies All Around

The babies are both asleep. Normally I would be too but I have been trying to get caught up on chores and things that have suffered while I've been in baby-mode. The Dishwasher has been unloaded but not re-loaded, adult laundry has been washed and most of it has been folded but not put away. Kitchen and living room floors have been swept but not mopped. All in all a pretty good day.

I am suffering from a bit of cabin fever. I didn't leave the house yesterday. DH works until late tonight so I am on my own with the girls until after bedtime. We will probably go for a walk to the mailbox and a run around the yard when Monkey wakes up from her nap.

Baby J is doing great. She is getting bigger and stronger every day. She sleeps very well in her own bed most of the time but around 4 or 5am she needs to have a warm body nearby.

Nana is coming for a few days because DH is going to Ont. for business stuff. I don't think I could handle the trips to the airport with the little ones in tow to pick him up for his return flight. He gets in well after Monkey's bed time so she would not be a fun traveling companion.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Home With Baby J

We are home with Baby J. Monkey is still a little unsure what is going on. I am still a little groggy and worn out. I will write a more detailed report later. Baby J was 8lbs 10oz, 21 inches long.

Saturday 10 July 2010

Can't sleep

Can't sleep again. Things are hurting and I'm hungry. It's still too hot to get up.
Monkey is sleeping, husband is snoring lightly and I'm wide awake.

Wednesday 7 July 2010

Still Not in Labor

So I'm still pregnant. Mom and Dad are coming tonight, not to wait for the baby but to pick my aunt from Ont. up at the airport and go to the internment of my grandfather's ashes. I can't go due to the closeness to my due date but most of the family will be passing through this part of NS on their way so I will try to visit.

Husband is diligently working away at dishes and laundry and various other chores. He cleaned out the cars this morning before it got too hot. It's the hottest day so far this year so I'm trying not to be too warm. Monkey's having a naked nap. She started screaming at me for no reason during lunch so I put her to bed when we were done. I think she's got another molar coming in. She was up a couple of times last night and she was not happy about it.

Little Brother is supposed to be job hunting this week. Hopefully he is because if he doesn't find a job soon Mom is kicking him out to come live here. He will be my nanny until he finds a job here.

Sunday 4 July 2010

Return of the Monkey

Nana is bringing back the monkey today. It sounds like they had a pretty good weekend. Lots of fun in the sun and being spoiled by Nana. Monkey got to go swimming, went on a shopping spree at the dollar store for toys and traumatized Uncle by screaming the whole time she was in his care.

Today is supposed to be hot. If it wasn't for the major road trip they are taking to return I would suggest a trip to the beach when Nana and Monkey get home but I have a feeling that both will be sick of cars by that point.

Still no labor. I'm getting the occasional tweak like I did with Monkey but not much more. I hate waiting.

Saturday 3 July 2010

4am

It's 4am and I can't sleep. It might have something to do with the fact that I went to bed at roughly 9pm or the feet sticking into my ribcage again or the heartburn and backache that won't go away. Ahh, the final weeks of pregnancy. I'm so glad I'll never have to do this again.

Monkey is with Nana for the weekend and Husband works tomorrow but not Sunday. We might have to do stuff and go places if we can figure out what we want to do for our last baby-free days.

Baby J feels like she is getting ready but not ready enough. According to husband I'm supposed to go into labor on Thursday. I told him I'll try but the doctors have warned me that we're probably going to be late again. Yay!

I'm going to watch some TV and try to fall asleep on the couch.

Monday 28 June 2010

SAHM Again

I am officially a stay at home mom again, at least temporarily. Today is my first day of mat leave. Monkey's at the sitter today so I can try to organize things around here, file my paperwork with the gov't and sort through newborn supplies. I think I will also have to make a trip to the local second hand clothing stores today to find summer clothes and PJs for toddlers.

We still have to get a bassinet for Baby J but I think that's the only thing we need to buy. I will scour Kijiji today to see if I can get a deal.

It looks like Little Brother will be moving in with us for at least the summer. He hasn't had any luck with finding a job in F'ton so I told Mom to kick him out and ship him here. If he doesn't find a job he can at least be my nanny for the summer.

I can't wait to not be pregnant anymore. I am sore, tired and I can't move properly. It makes chasing after a toddler hard. It hurts to sit, it hurts to stand, it hurts to bend. Husband has been sick with a nasty cold so neither of us have been sleeping. Monkey has been sleeping very well despite the molar that is about to break through.

Baby J seems to sleep at night, but that might have to do with the fact that I don't really hear or feel much when I'm asleep. I hear Monkey when she cries, but that's about it. I don't hear Husband or the TV and I don't feel kicks or wiggles.

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Countdown Is On

I'm done work in less than 2 weeks and the baby's due in 4. AHHHH! I'm not ready.

Monkey has started sleeping in her new bedroom. She's made it through one and a half nights in there. We have to get some kind of curtain to separate her bedroom from the play space we set up.

I'm going to the Ob/Gyn weekly now, which is always awesome. I love the consistent over-long wait times.

I still have to pack my hospital bag but I'm procrastinating. Since Monkey was so very late I don't want to jinx myself this time and prepare too early. The Ob/Gyn said that history usually repeats itself so I'm trying not to get my hopes up even though baby J has dropped already.

Daddy plans on taking at least 2 weeks off of work for the birth etc... but it might be longer depending on when everything happens.

Monday 24 May 2010

Nap Time = Party Time

Monkey has decided that when Mommy puts her in bed to sleep it's really time to start singing, dancing and occasionally jumping on the bed. I'm torn. Do I leave her there until she falls asleep or do I eventually say "f--k it, she's not going to fall asleep" ? If the later, then when?

This is my current dilemma. She's not crying, she's not upset. A big part of me just wants to leave her there. Does this make ma a lazy mother? She's occupied, I don't have to worry about her since she's in her crib and she's not upset about it. I probably will eventually say "f--k it." but for now she's fine and she still might fall asleep.

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Work, Babies, Life

I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore. I would dearly love to have my abdomen back. To not have constant pressure on my ribs, to have less back and hip pain. I know that my breasts won't be mine again for a while but I think I can handle that. I've been pregnant or breastfeeding for 2 years now, non-stop so I have accepted that parts of me aren't going to be mine for some time.

I'm at the stage of pregnancy where I wake up every couple of hours. My body is getting ready for late-night feedings again. This wouldn't be so bad except for the fact that Monkey hasn't been sleeping either and despite my numerous requests the office has yet to implement my "Company Nap-Time" idea. Sigh.

My mat leave replacement seems to be ready to do the job. He's been involved for long enough and has participated in enough to know the drill. I'm not worried about things going belly up while I'm away. We have completed shooting 64 videos. I'm not sure when we will have them all edited with transcripts but that's part of the project. Right now we're focused on equipment suppliers and maintaining our shooting schedule.

Husband has taken up the guitar. One of his employees is a musician and the in-laws are a musical bunch so he has lots of inspiration to draw from. I'm working on amigurumi toys with needle-felted details. Monkey is working on words and putting things in places.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Feeling Better

I am finally starting to kick this cold. I still can't taste or smell anything but I slept fairly well last night and my sore throat is lessening. There's still a lot of pain in my sinuses but hopefully that will clear up soon.

We tried looking at another place last night. By tried I mean we drove in to the driveway to turn around to leave. It was a mobile home out in Beaver Brook. We have seen some beautiful mobile homes. This was not one. I did not want my children anywhere near that house. As Husband put it "This is where you go when you get divorced and don't get anything." So he joked about recommending it to a friend who is getting divorced. It was dingy, appeared to be falling apart and it was on a dirt road.

I will keep up the hunt. I got a few more emails back. If you have any tips for finding a rental property in Colchester Co. NS please let me know!

Friday 23 April 2010

Sick

I have been struck down by the cold to end all colds. The worst part is I got it from my daughter who has been acting like a trooper. If this was how she felt she is my freaking hero for not being a pain in the ass.

It constantly amazes me how little things like this faze her. She is almost always a happy, bouncy, wonderful little girl who brightens up everyone's day even when I know she must feel like hell.

We are looking for another place to live. We've seen one place that was almost perfect but a little small. I really liked it but Greg was not convinced, so we will keep looking. The housing market in Truro is weird. There seem to be lots of availabilities but landlords are very slow to get back to me.

We will continue the search. Oh, and #2 is a girl too. Husband is stuck in a house full of women.

Saturday 10 April 2010

And so it goes...

Husband needs a change. I want to support him but he needs answers I can't give him. I think he would like me to tell him what to do but I can't.

He's tied down by the idea that he has to keep doing what he's doing in order to provide for our family. It's all very noble and a grand gesture but ultimately if he's miserable he's no good to me as a provider. We need more than a steady income to make this family work. I would rather be living in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment trying to budget my groceries than living in a mansion with unlimited access to a personal chef if it means the difference between him coming home happy every night or him coming home unable to play with his children or spend time with me.

I'll just keep supporting him and I will try my best to keep everything together while he figures out what he wants to do. I keep telling him we can make just about anything work. He takes his role as a provider very seriously but I need him as a partner and a father more than as a provider.

Monday 5 April 2010

Housing Co-Op

We have applied for a place with a local housing co-op. It looks like an interesting idea and I've been thinking about it for some time. I checked their website the other day and found that they have an upcoming 3 bedroom vacancy. I've got my fingers crossed but they do a credit check and that might work against us. We'll see.

I'm off work today because the sitter is closed for the holiday but the office is open. I had to take a vacation day. I might go in to the office later to check on a couple of things. Monkey and I have to pick up some groceries any way.

We're working on building my hat stash. I have a few that need to be blocked. I'm getting better every time I complete one. I can get a basic hat made in about an hour if I'm not interrupted. I should get some pictures up.

Number 2 is doing well. I am around 25 weeks, give or take a few days. I have heartburn almost non-stop, my nose is constantly running and my back is very tender. In other words I'm still pregnant. We are hoping to book an appointment for gender-determination and 3D pictures soon. Nana and Grandpa have agreed to give the session to us as a gift because I'm too cheap to spend that much money on something that is not a necessity.

I'm a little conflicted about the gender determination. I want to know for practical reasons involving the massive amounts of clothes that Monkey has. We are holding on to things so that if we have another girl we don't have to buy much. It takes up a lot of space and since we will probably be moving to a smaller place soon we might need to reduce our storage needs.

Friday 26 March 2010

Holy Motherhood Batman!

It's been a while. How are things?

Life caught up with me and has been running me ragged. Working full time with a one-year old and another one on the way takes its tole time-wise and one of my many sacrifices has been the ability to write my thoughts on a semi-regular basis.

I can write now because pregnancy related sleep problems woke me up at an ungodly hour and have kept me up since. Monkey sleeps through the night so I can't blame her. Number 2 kicks a lot but according to husband I can sleep through a lot of that. This is just plain old "I had to pee and couldn't get back to sleep."

Monkey's walking and has a few words that we try to get her to use. She can say "Up" or something that almost sounds like "up" (could be uhuhuhptttp). She has 6 teeth and I think she has a few more on the way soon. At one point I was trying to keep track of all of this in a baby book but that has been abandoned too.

Number 2 is due in July. We are excited and scared and all those other things you are supposed to be when expecting. We will probably have to move again before 2 gets here, unless we can find a roommate who doesn't mind sharing a house with 2 young children.

That's everything in a skeletal blog post. I would try to promise that I'll update more but I think that's debatable, if not an outright lie.