To be invited or to invite yourself...

Over the past week or so, my husband has teased me many times about the fact that I invited ourselves to Kim & Pete's on the weekend. Well, to my defense my request for our attendance to be pool side in Tottenham on Sunday morning was not completely out of the blue. Kim had previously invitated us for the weekend because my brother & his kids were also to come. Originally Craig said he could not make it, so the plan was falling flat until I invited us to come anyways & as it turns out Craig & the girls also came up for the day too.

Due to the hot, hot weather the pool was a "refreshing" 87 degrees! Which for exercising is not an ideal temp, but when you have little kiddies splashing about it is pretty good & it is definitely better than sitting out in the hot, hot sun!

So thank you Kim & Pete for hosting us for the afternoon, we loved it & I think all the kids did too.

Sydney enjoying her time with our little hostess Regan.

Brooke, I think. It is much harder to tell her & Bailey apart when they are wearing the same suit & getting wet in the water.

Bailey, I'm pretty sure on this one.

Sydney has pretty much mastered the ability to get from her back float to her front float.

But sometimes she gets water up her nose which ends with...Aaa..choo!

Slip, sliding fun!!!

Baby T2 Update...

Well it is only 13 more sleeps until we go into to the hospital to encourage Baby T2 to reveal himself/herself to the world. I must say that I am starting to get anxious for the day to get here. Although, I know the days will fly by because there is still a lot I want to do. I still haven't got Sydney's scrapbook up to date, visited my friend & her now 2 month old baby, baby clothes are washed, but still need to be put away, get my hair cut (and highlighted?) and of course there is the all important pedicure that I still need to schedule. Add into these items the requirement to rest for at least half an hour 3 times a day & you would be surprised how quickly time is slipping away.

Today I had an ultrasound & an appointment with my obstetrician. The ultrasound showed that Baby T2 already weighs in at 7.2 pounds! Sydney was only 7 lbs when born. Although, I am thankful that no one has commented on this baby having a big head which was a comment often made for Sydney. I am having another ultrasound next week due to the amniotic fluid level "looking" low- even though it measures normal- they just want to be sure. I know one thing, I will be asking the weight at that visit!

Big Sister in Training

This is a baby that I essentially got for free at a garage sale last weekend & you rarely see Sydney at home without the baby in her arms or by her side. Definitely confirmation that our biggest concern with her & her new sibling is to be sure that she does not try to pick her/him up.

Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes...

You may think that I am talking about having the baby or the emotions that you feel when you first hold your child in your arms, BUT I'M NOT!!! I looked at the long range weather forecast this morning & see that for the weekend they are calling for 32 degree highs with a humidex of 41-42 degrees Celcius!!!! Thinking about it literally brings tears to my eyes.

When I was pregnant with Sydney I was lucky, it was a cool summer. This summer has been much warmer & I do OK as long as the humidity isn't too bad. However in the last couple of weeks we have some consistent patches of high humidity. I am afraid that the forecasted weather will make me long for the humidity of the past.

So what am I doing in preparation? I've got a pool lined up for Saturday morning for a cooling off period, warned Brad that we may not be staying at the barbeque we are going to in the afternoon for very long & did what any girl would do...sent an email to my loving sister, begging her for an invite to her pool for Sunday morning.

As long as all these plans work out, I should be fine.

Happy Birthday Tara!

Unlike Max, I won't share your age. However, I do apologize for the cleavage shot- the picture from after you blew your candles out is a little hazy due to all the candle smoke!

Happy 3rd Birthday Max!

On Friday Max turned three & today Robb & Michele had his party. The birthday boy was in good form and did not play to the tune, "It's my party & I'll cry if I want to!" Although, it was a close call when his cake came out. There was a sparkler candle in the shape of a 3 & Max was not too sure if he liked that, but was quite happy when it was done!

Splish, Splash

Yesterday one of the Mom's from the Parent Group I used to go to coordinated a private rental of a wading pool/splash pad at LaSalle Park. We could not have asked for better weather because it was an absolutely great morning. The only "bad" thing that happened was that I had to go running through the pool to Sydney who tripped on the deck & in the process soaked my shorts- which I then had to wear to my doctor's appointment. Denim was not a smart choice- cotton would have dried much faster.


Will really liked it, but sure wished he could get around on his feet. The bottom was a little bumpy for his poor little knees. I think all the kids had fun & I now have an idea of what to do for one of Sydney's or Baby T2's birthdays in the next couple of years.

Visit to the prettiest town in Canada

Sydney & I returned today from a visit to Goderich. We went to visit my friend Sherry & enjoy a couple days of her company and the luxury of her pool. Unfortunately Sherry had to get a babysitter for her dogs because one, Abe, does not understand that a child is not up for his type of play & the other, Faith, had to go because two peas in a pod are happier when together. I was thankful for this consideration, but do feel bad that we were the reason a dog was sent from his home.

I personally love Goderich & I always have...this visit did nothing to diminish that love. Especially when I compare the size of Sherry's yard and her sister's new yard to the size of ours- there really is no comparison. Also, you can turn left onto a highway without waiting for five minutes to get a good opening & you regularly run into people you know. I truly think I am a small town girl at heart.

Whenever you visit someone's home, you pray for good behaviour from your child. I must say that Sydney did well on most fronts. The exception being the process of putting her to bed. The picture above is her when she is supposed to be napping & proof that I just gave up. She was screaming to get out of her play pen, she would not lie with me, would not comply with my "no talking" rule, and just completely missed the window of having any chance of getting her to nap. Of course we then take a 5 minute drive to Wal-Mart & she completely crashes in the van & I had to carry her through Wal-Mart while she took a cat nap on my shoulder.

Sherry's nephew, Wade, is exactly a year older than Sydney & I think she is in love. She actually did a very good job of sharing her toys with him, got excited when he came over, and wanted to be just like him in the pool. Right before we were leaving Sydney & Wade were playing their version of hide & seek when all of a sudden Sydney was running after Wade with her arms outstretched yelling, "Wade, want hug!" Being the gentleman that he is, he obliged & she then went on her tip toes and requested "kiss kiss". Again, he was a more than willing participant & I was wishing I had a video camera because it really was too cute. Of course, now as I write this I wonder...how does this action represent what our future may hold?

Sherry, Wade, & Sydney

We tried water wings for Sydney & she did really well. Both the life jacket & the tube thing kept forcing he on her tummy which frustrated her & resulted in her taking in too much water. I think if we keep at it with her using the wings she may be able to move around on her own by the end of the summer. That of course means that Daddy will need to take her swimming after the baby is born.

Thank you Sherry for having us! We had a lot of fun. I have to wonder if you will welcome me back next summer when I will be carting around two kids!

Thank you Ed

This is Sydney's styling new car, courtesy of Ed & the last of the line of Wee Play toys. Based on our time outside today, I think Sydney really likes her new car.

Thank you very much Ed.

Happy Birthday Canada!

This is our Canada Day picture of Sydney & Logan last year.

I was hoping to have another picture like it this year, but it was not quite so easy. The "requested" picture was not agreed to, so Brad had to snap a picture of Sydney when she decided she was ready to oblige, but you will note there is no Logan allowed in the picture.

To celebrate the holiday we had friends over for a barbeque. I was worried we were off on a rough road when Sydney did not want to share her toys with our first arrival, Alina. But things progressed from there and I think Sydney was more than happy to share her pool with the kids. Emily was the oldest "kid" & I think she was Sydney's favourite new friend. Everything that Emily did in the pool, Sydney "needed" to copy & this was not always the safest thing for her to do.

Sydney is showing signs of being like her Mom...last one out of the pool.

Here are some more pictures from our day.
Emily decided to see if our cherry tree had any "good" fruit. I think she found them to be a little sour.
Matthew & Alana playing in the background on the slide while Sydney & Evelyn hang out at the table. I'm sure years from now they will have much to say to one another.
Macie, Emily & Matthew enjoy their ice cream & Macie is very happy that it is not raining.
Alina thinks the ice cream is pretty good too.
Our youngest guest for the day, Julia. She went for a slide ride with her sister, Evelyn, but I think her Daddy learned that wasn't the best idea. So, she just sat back & enjoyed the rest of the festivities.

[Note...Ian and Rachele, sorry I am not sure what happened to the picture I took of Brandon]

Four weeks & 6 days to go...

In less than five weeks I will hopefully be holding a healthy, happy, baby boy or girl in my arms. My induction date is set for July 31st, so Bradley & I will be at the hospital bright & early eager to bring our new little one into this world.

Up until now I have been sure that we are having a girl, but now I am starting to waver. I still wouldn't lay money on it, but I think that we are having a boy. The vote around me is a fifty-fifty split, so I guess we will have to wait until July 31st to find out. My labour was not very long with Sydney & with any luck this one will move even faster so that mid-afternoon we will have a new little Taylor. It would be great for Sydney to be able to come see us that day to meet her new sibling.

I almost made it...

Last week Sydney was sick with a cold & then once she was better Brad got it. I thought I was in the clear, but yesterday I woke up feeling like crap. Thankfully it was a planned day for Sydney to spend with Grandma & Papa, so after dropping her off I could sleep for the next three hours. This morning I feel a little more human, but I am now ready for my nap. Sydney is yet again with Grandma & Papa & it seems that taking her out there has used all the energy that I had stored. So I am off to bed again. Being sick is never fun, but I must say it is even less fun being sick & pregnant. I have my doctor's appointment today & I am hoping that we will find out what date we can expect our little mover & shaker to join us in this world.

I sincerely apologize if I infected anyone that I was in contact with over the weekend. Especially Great Grandma Taylor.

Henry & Liam

On Friday Sydney & I went to Stratford to meet Sydney's new second cousin, once removed (herein referred to as "Cousin" for simplicity), Henry, and to see her other Cousin Liam. She of course got to see their moms too (Stephanie & Carrie, respectively). Great Uncle Ralph & Great Aunt Marlene were the hosts of such an affair. Thinking back I hope we did not interfere too much with the Grandparents opportunity to be with their grandchildren since Steph & Carrie were only up for the day. If we did Uncle Ralph & Aunt Marlene, we apologize- but we thank you very much for your hospitality & not making us feel like we were intruding.

Sydney did not nap the whole way there, so she was not fully rested & therefore took forever to warm up to "playing" or "posing" with Liam for pictures. Of course just as we were getting ready to go home, they started "playing".

Liam spent much of the time trying to master the stairs...

While Sydney just watched...

Or Liam, played with the ducks...

While Sydney just watched...

We did eventually get them "together" for a picture, but it was not by choice.

I don't think Liam was too sure why she has to "squeal" so much & be so noisy.

Throughout it all, Henry did what babies do...sleep, eat, & poop.

Happy Father's Day!

Yesterday was of course the day that you spend honouring the men in your life who are special to your life & your child's life. I must say that I am continually thankful for Brad & how involved he is in "life" as it happens day-to-day. I have never have the excuse to bitch about how much I nag him to help around the house or help with Sydney. He has always been there as a particapatory husband & father.
Sydney is very lucky to have a Daddy who is going to know her so well & be able to tell lots of stories about what she was like as a little girl. She is also lucky to be so close to her Grandpa (who she has chosen to call "Papa") and have many opportunities to be loved & spoiled.
Like my husband, my selection of Father's Day gifts were...practical. The most amusing part of the gift giving was the sunglasses. I know sunglasses are a personal choice & was taking a chance on selecting them, but was pretty sure that I had made a good choice. Sydney seemed to like my choice at the time, but when they were actually delivered to Daddy things changed. You see she received these star shaped sunglasses from Nana at Christmas & whenever she chooses to play with a pair of sunglasses she made, Daddy has to wear the star sunglasses. So when Daddy put on his new glasses, she immediately had to go get him the "right" ones. Oh well, she hasn't made him go out in public with them yet.
We had Brad's family over for a barbeque to celebrate Father's Day & much fun was had playing with the kids & finishing it off with a water fight.

Grandpa with his two grandchildren. He's going to have to grow another arm for next year.

Uncle Robb teaching Sydney & Max to "ready, set, go!"

Max enjoyed getting his Dad with the hose, with great encouragement from Uncle Brad.

Sydney got caught in the crossfire.

And now we wait...

About three weeks ago my cardiologist told me that she wanted me to be finished work by 30 weeks so that I could rest more & get my ticker in better shape for delivery. So, I picked this past Tuesday to be my last "official" day at work. Our company was planning a night at Woodbine, so I thought what a perfect last day of work. Work during the day, have fun at night & then rest appropriately the next day. Well, it didn't exactly work out that way for me. A project that I have been working on required a few more last minute changes than I was counting on so I went back into work yesterday. I didn't mind too much at the beginning of the day, but by the time I left I was quite snarly. You see, my boss was kind enough the night before to announce to everyone that it was my last day & that she wished me well. So of course on Wednesday when I am back at work, everyone asks, "I thought yesterday was your last day?" Not exactly the words you want to hear over & over as you are trying to wrap things up & get out the door. So if any of you are reading this & found me to be rude, you have my most sincere apologies.

For me, I knew that I was not completely finished work on Tuesday because I planned on keeping my laptop to work here & there from home until all my projects are wrapped up & could be in contact when needed. Technically I am on sick leave &/or vacation time until mid-July so I also planned on taking a couple of half days here & there with my team to be sure I left them everything they will need in the next year (ha, as if that can all be planned for!). But my continued "work" time was to be set at my pace & so my mood was dampened on Wednesday when it turned out to be a full work day. Like leaving work early, that was not my plan- so it took me awhile to get out of my funk.

But then I came home & got Sydney who was in a great mood so she lifted my spirits & then Brad came home from work with these beautiful flowers for me which lifted my spirits even more. Especially when he remembered that I love a bouquet of all white flowers. Thank you very much.

So, now what do I do? Well today I am not touching any work, but going out to buy a couple of things for Sydney's new room & some Father's Day presents. Other than that? NOTHING!

Family Reunions

Sunday was the Annual Thompson reunion & the same "discussion" occurred between Brad & I. He complains that he doesn't want to go to his reunion, why should he "want" to go to my reunion? Well, I personally think it important to go & I love any opportunity to see my Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, cousins & their respective families. Reunions are good because they "force" this opportunity. However, I must be honest & admit that my "catching up with family" does not extend too far outside of the family that I already know. I probably have gone to 75% of the reunions, but I still don't know who everyone is...too much time is spent with those who I do know & catching up on what is going on in their lives.
Frankly, I don't really understand the grumbling that Brad insists on doing. I truly believes that he likes my family (if not, he does a pretty good job of faking it) & it is not like I subject him to speaking with the family members that he doesn't know (nor do I for that matter). I firmly believe that he does it because he thinks it is "expected". Everyone's day-to-day life is very busy & it is very easy for you to miss opportunities to get to know your family better or provide the opportunity for your children to get to know their family better. I love taking Sydney to family functions & watching her get to know her cousins & slowly start to interact more & more with them. Yesterday was no exception...when we pulled into the park, she immediately spotted the playground & lunch was no longer on her mind. But, alas the child needed to be fed, so it was inside for lunch- an entrance that I did not enjoy since EVERYONE was already seated & eating.
After lunch there was games for this kids. Unfortunately I was too busy gabbing inside & missed the photo ops while Brad was busy "directing" Sydney in the various skills competition. So, the only moments captured from the day were on the playground.

Although not well represented by this picture, Hayleigh did enjoy playing with Sydney but I think she wishes that maybe Sydney could move a little faster to make it up to the top of the slide. Five-year-olds don't have a lot of time you know to be waiting around.

Emily on the other hand, can't keep up! Actually, Sydney cheated & got a head start!

Next came the log rolling contest which Hayleigh was the star.

Which Regan too tried to master...

...and Sydney learned that maybe she should wait a couple of years before trying again.

The dreaded "F" bomb...

I can probably count on my fingers the occassions that I have heard Brad use the "F" bomb in the 9 years that I have known him. Well, one of those occassions was this weekend. In preparation for the new baby we are getting the "spare" bedroom ready for Sydney to move into. This weekend's task was a bookshelf & in the building of said shelf, frustration led to "the" word.
The first time he said it, I didn't say anything because I don't think Sydney really noticed & he had a right to be ticked. However, he then said it again & guess who "repeated" it? Thankfully Sydney's "ph" sound is actually a "sh" sound, so to the unknowing ear she just said "SHUCK". Nonetheless, I figured it was time for Sydney & I to leave the room & let Brad fix what he started.
So, Sydney & I went & made a brownie pie to have for dessert. I think she had much more fun doing this than watching "Daddy build?".

Yes that is another bruise on her forehead. This one was my fault, I was reading a notice on the door into swimming lessons & opened the other door right into her head! I knocked her right back on her keester! No glowing Mother acknowledgements for me that day!

I think I'm having one of those moments...

Tonight I think I am starting to struggle with the balance between a mother's pride & a mother's fear.

For the last week we have started to get more "serious" about starting the whole potty training process. Sydney has showed some interest, so we figured we would follow her lead & start having her use the toilet. Well for the last week she has successfully gone on the toilet in the morning & for 60% of those trips she has told us that she needs to go. However, her success is not as great throughout the day, which is partly the fault of her "support" team not emphasizing this new learning opportunity & Sydney's keen interest to keep playing rather than running off to the bathroom. So, I must say I am proud of her success because we really have no idea what we are doing & have not "researched" the best methods before starting. So, we are truly playing it by ear.

The next "big girl" thing she is really wanting to try out is drinking out of a cup without the "safety" lid on. So, tonight at dinner we let her drink her milk without the spill-prevention lid. Again, she did pretty good considering she is just starting out. So I was feeling a twinge of pride from the moment, but there was something else there that just blocking the full pride moment.
Well, I think I have figured out what the block is. I am starting to realize that she is growing up & becoming a little girl, not a baby. Because of Baby T2's imminent arrival, we stopped calling her a baby awhile ago. But really it was more of a semantic approach, now I am realizing that she is no longer a baby- but truly a toddler...sniff, sniff.

Add to this realization of mine- I read my cousin's blog & she is talking about coaching her 3-year-old's soccer team. It made me realize that before I know it Sydney will be 3 and we could be looking at getting her involved in an activity that she can enjoy as her own independent person!

So my moments of mother's pride, seem to be mixed with wanting to slow things down & not have her grow up too fast.