A very hot birthday party

Yesterday Brad & I took the day off to celebrate Jason's birthday. We had our families over to celebrate. It was a very busy day getting everything ready, surviving the heat, and making sure that everyone had what they needed. I'm still tired from it all & really don't have much energy to write much, so I will just share a few pictures.

Greeted Jason in the morning the same way we did Sydney- with the camera.

Jason's 'Scoot About'

Something he can draw on & plays music. Sydney has her own pen too, so hopefully they will play well together. We'll see.

Since Jason wouldn't nap in the afternoon we started things in reverse order. His smash cake was first, then presents (opened by his cousins while he ate), then play, then dinner, then cake again. Jason wasn't too sure about the candle that we had in front of him.

Trying to get a good picture when there is more than one child in it
- next to impossible.

By the time everyone got their picture, I had sweat streaming down the side of my face.
It was just too hot for posing- as you can see, Sydney had enough.

It took him awhile, but he eventually got into it.
Then of course was not too pleased when I took it away.

Birthday boy had his own pool.

Smacking some balls around. Could have been in his birthday suit, but thought he might get too much grass in his unmentionables.

One Year Old

Amazing as it seems a year has now come & gone. You & I may not have met until you were a day old, but that does not seem to have impacted the bond we developed. One theme has remained consistent throughout your first year of life- you were a Momma's boy. Your level of dependency has had it's peaks & valleys, but when I am in the room you seem to keep very close tabs on what I am doing. I have a love hate relationship with this, but it probably falls more often to the love.

In the last couple of weeks you have started to cruise around on furniture, but have not tried to take any big steps away. You are still scooting around, but I do see you in a crawl position more often now. However, you quite often land flat on your tummy because you try to move quicker than your body has learned to go on all fours. Therefore you quickly get back onto your bum & scoot away. You still seem to save crawling to get you through tight spots. A couple of weeks ago you mastered getting up the stairs & you can also come down the proper way now too. The problem is that you do not realize that you NEED to come down on your tummy & cannot go head first. Therefore, although you are much better- stairs are still very much a danger zone for you.

In the right environment you are a chatty wee thing, but I still would not say you have said your first word. You say dada A LOT, but I am not convinced that you are using it to refer to your Dad yet. I think you just say it because you can & you always get a reaction. You point a lot & it often sounds like you are saying "that!", but again we are not sure. There are a lot of words it sounds like you are trying to say, but nothing that is clear yet. One thing is clear, you do want to talk!

You still love music. If I am holding you when I turn the radio on you will always smile and start bouncing in hopes of a dance around the living room. Your Dad has always been a great one to get out on the dance floor, but let's hope you develop a better rhythm than him. Trucks and cars are your favourite items of play right now. You still love to drive Sydney's fire truck or little car around the living room & kitchen. You got a whole fleet of your own for your birthday so I sure hope you like trucks & cars for awhile yet. You also like to hit things around like you are playing hockey, but we were not successful in finding a little hockey stick for you that we didn't fear was going to cause serious injury. Hopefully we will find something by Christmas.

Your sister loves to colour & you are also developing the same love. We got you an Aquadoodle mat for your birthday in hopes of finding something that you liked to do & could be done with less argument from your sister. We also don't really care if you put this pen in your mouth because it won't hurt you, but would like for you to learn to keep them out. Hopefully you learn this lesson much sooner than Sydney did. There were many days that Sydney came home from day care with very dark spots around her mouth. You are a pretty clever little boy with puzzles. It is neat to watch the look of concentration on your face when you are trying to figure out anything new.

You are still all about the applause. Whenever you do something that you think we should take note of you clap. It is really quite funny. You have learned the sign for 'please' and you even used it once when I told you 'No' to something. Clever little boy. I was so impressed that I did end up giving you what you wanted anyway.

We don't go to the doctor for your 1-year check-up until the 13th and I am quite curious to see how much you weigh. You are one solid boy. We are positive that you meet the weight requirement for the car seat, so you are now sitting forward in the car. This picture is of your first ride facing forward & you thought it was pretty neat. The wind in your face was a new experience.

Last month I said that each month you have something that you do that drives us crazy. Last month my big complaint was about diaper changes & there was a big improvement in that area. Thankfully this month you didn't throw any major curves at us. On holidays you were waking up MUCH too early in the morning & you had a couple of bad nights, but you were pretty good natured throughout the day so it wasn't a big deal. We learned afterward that one of your molars poked through & the other one on the top is also starting to poke through- so you were forgiven because considering the size of those teeth you did pretty good. You now have 9 teeth all the way through, 1 partly poking out, & I can feel the bottom molars starting to push up- so you definitely have a mouthful of teeth already.

I went back to work last week & was sad that this had to happen before your birthday. We took today off to be sure that we could celebrate with you. You seem to love day care. Yesterday when I picked you up to come home you came to me, said your hello & then pushed me away to get back down & play with the toys. You will also reach out for Jo sometimes when I am holding you. This makes me happy that you seem to love her, but sad that there is someone else who you 'want' to go to when your Mommy is already holding you. However, I am sure that if I gave you to her- you would want to come back to me. I haven't done that test, because I am not prepared to deal with it if you don't come right back to me.

Your Dad always scolds me when I call you a baby because he says you are a big boy. I agree that you are a big baby, but essentially you are still a baby. I promise that I will stop calling you a baby sometime within the next 6 months. If not, definitely by the time your friends start coming around.

Back to Work

Well I am now sitting in my office, eating my lunch and preparing to go for a walk with friends. So far today has gone very well. Brad & I both were able to work out this morning, get ready for work, get the kids ready for daycare (mostly Brad), and make it to work on time. I had a productive morning which is more than I can say about my day yesterday. My first day of work without a functioning phone, a computer not configured properly, & a general feeling of where do I start?

Pick up of the kids went well last night. On Mondays I pick one of them up at Grandma & Papa's and the other at Jo's. Since we had left Jason overnight at G & P's I was worried about another silent treatment, but it didn't happen. However this morning he really gave me the once over when I came downstairs dressed & ready. His look said, 'Where do you think you are going?'. Brad said that drop off at day care went well & hopefully I will have the same success later.

I am not naive- I realize that we will likely hit that point where the kids really clue in to this being their every day life now & protest. It was the second week before Sydney cried when Brad pulled up in front of daycare. We will see if Jason is sooner or later. Sydney this time is being pretty good. Both mornings she has asked me not to go yet, but she doesn't kick up a fuss when I say I really have to go now.

Although I am at work & feel that I am focused here...my mind keeps straying to wonder what they are up to at Jo's. *sigh*

Balsam Resort

We had a good week away, weather was good, kids were good (aside from Jason starting each day at 5am) & there were nice people at the resort. We were a little worried about the week when we arrived on Saturday in the pouring rain & the weather forecast wasn't sounding too promising for the next few days. But the weather turned out to be great. There were a couple of cloudy or rainy mornings, but by the afternoon it was warm enough to play down at the beach. Also the evenings were cool so sleeping was not a problem.

After Sydney got up on Saturday I was stripping the sheets off the bed & she asked what I was doing. I said that we were getting ready to go home & you should have seen her face. Her bottom lip turned right outwards, her eyes welled with tears, and she said "I don't want holidays to be over". We had already had this discussion with her the night before, but I guess she was hoping that we would change our minds.

Here are some pictures.

One of Sydney's favourite things to do, hang over the dock.

Jason's introduction to the lake. No fear here.

Playing in the sand.

The playground was a hit with the kids too.

I wish Sydney's hair was this curly every day.

Sydney mastered her climbing skills too.

She wanted to jump a lot, but not on her own.

She was definitely a 'Daddy's girl' this week.
Like Brad's hair? He went for the shave.

As long as he didn't find something in the sand,
he was pretty good about not putting it in his mouth.

Jason was definitely a Mommy's boy this week.

She went in the canoe twice, but really only asked to go once. On the first trip her Daddy was a little too optimistic about her balancing ability & let her sit on the seat. Of course the first 'wave' they hit had her flipped backwards off the seat & landing on her back on the bottom of the boat. Thankfully they were close enough that I could walk out & get her sitting up again. She held on tight after that.

I just love the look on her face here.

Of course when we are somewhere where we can't put up a gate & the side of the stairs is completely open, Jason decides that he now is going to climb the steps.

And don't forget to clap when he is done.
He is all about the applause.

Checking out the sites in Fenelon Falls.

The only picture of me with Sydney from our holiday for two reasons: (1) She was always with her dad and (2) Brad only took pictures when I told him too.

Now tomorrow, back to work. *sigh*

Need a vacation from my vacation

Tomorrow I will hopefully have the spunk to go through the multitude of pictures that we took on our vacation, but right now I just do not have the energy. Our vacation was great, but each day started VERY EARLY for me as Jason woke up anywhere between 5:00-5:30 am. He shared a room with Sydney so I always went to him before he could wake her up too. I would bring him to our bed in hopes that I could convince him to go back to sleep. No, he thought it was time to roll around or pat my cheek, stick his finger up my nose, or try to pry my mouth open so he could play with my teeth. What amazed me was that Brad was able to sleep through this. Eventually Jason would realize that we were not alone in the bed, so he would then start the same shenanigans on Brad. I may not have been able to go to sleep, but I could at least lie there with my eyes closed for a little longer.

Jason's Introduction to Daycare

Jason went to Jo's for part of the day on Monday and full days on Wednesday through Friday. I am quite shocked at how well it went. After the cold shoulder I got from him on Sunday morning, I thought I was really in for it this week by sending him to Jo's. But truly, it could not have gone better. No crying when I dropped him off, seemed happy to be where he was, slept pretty good, and did not have any meltdowns at dinner time.

To add to the wonder of it all, Jo has gushed to me about how he is such a content & independent little boy. In the last couple of months we have definitely seen a marked change in him & he is typically very happy, but it is so nice to hear it from someone else. She also paid us a great compliment by saying that whatever we have done for the kids so far has made them into happy, content, and independent children. She does not always have the pleasure of receiving such happy kids into her home each morning. Our most important job is our role as a parent, so it is nice to hear from an independent party that we have done a good job. Now let's see if we can keep from messing it up.

While the kids were at day care I spent one day cleaning, one day scrapbooking & today Brad I had a 'date'. We went to see Harry Potter at the noon showing & were happy that the theatre was not completely packed with kids. Book of course is much better, but the movies are great too. Seeing the movie has me itching for the book to be released on the 21st, but I won't be standing in line at midnight for my copy. We started buying the series in the adult paperback version- which of course is not released for another year or so. However, I will not be waiting to purchase our copy before I read it. I have a few friends who have pre-ordered theirs & as soon as I can snag it out of one of their hands, I will be immersed in the final chapter.

He's starting to cruise.

Stolen Wedding Photos

I was just checking Sandi's pictures from the wedding on Facebook & snagged some good ones that you might like to see. The gravel pit pictures did turn out neat, but I can see why the groomsmen were complaining about dust in their shoes.

Thanks Sandi. Good luck to you & Curt in the coming weeks as you prepare your day. Did you show up at your Mom's with stuff to do on Monday???

A day for Sydney & Mommy

Today was Jason's trial at Jo's, so Sydney & I got to spend a day alone. We made the most of it. We went to Bronte Provincial Park & saw some animals, played in the play barn, & went swimming. We had a great time, but man was it ever hot. On the way home Sydney crashed in the van & then continued to sleep when we got inside. I think the heat as much as the activity can be accredited to this phenomenon. It is very unlike Sydney to voluntarily lie on the couch & sleep.

It was the first time we have spent this much time just the two of us & I think it was great for both of us. After Sydney woke we went to pick up Jason, but since he was still sleeping we went for ice cream. When Brad heard all that we did he asked if I was feeling a little guilty about going back to work. My response to that is "no", this is what summer holidays are for- to do things that you can't do every day of the year.

Here are some pictures from our day.

Peacocks weren't trying to impress anyone today.

I realize it is just a bunny, but when Sydney saw it she asked why the bunny was so sad. I explained to her that he's not sad, he just has floppy ears. I don't think she believed me.

Had fun on the tire swing one minute & then crying five minutes later. A bigger kid was on the swing & Sydney ran right into the swing.

Wanted to play on the tractor until she realized how hot it was.

We cooled off in the huge pool before heading home.

Juice & cherries for snack before heading home.
Took about 3 minutes of driving before she crashed.

And continued to crash at home.
Few things melt my heart like watching them sleep.

Sunday morning without the kids

Sydney & Jason stayed with Grandma & Papa while we were at the wedding & we did not see them until meeting at Robb & Michele's after lunch. I enjoyed sleeping in- did not get up until 9am!!! As soon as I got up I called to see how things were & was happy to learn that things went great. Jason woke up at 6am, Sydney at 7am & I was thrilled that I was not up at that hour.

As much as I loved being able to sleep in, I couldn't wait to see them. We got to Robb & Michele's first & had to wait a bit before Sydney & Jason got there. Sydney came right over & gave me a hug & a kiss, but Jason would not come near me. When Graham physically gave him to me, Jason turned his head & lunged back at Papa. It was probably 15 minutes before he would come to me & it took a lot of effort on my part. I think the little boy was trying to send me a clear message.

Since today was his 'trial' day at Jo's I figured I was in for some real punishment this afternoon when I picked him up- but he was fine. Seems to have forgiven me. We will see how he feels when he goes back a few more times this week & when I return to work 2 weeks today!

Jo said he did great. He did not cry at all & did not make strange with any of the kids. She said that she did not know what we did to get two such happy children. Must say, that is a nice thing for a parent to hear.

Happy Belated Birthday Max

Saturday was a busy day. While I was getting my feet & hair done, Max's 4th birthday party was taking place at the wading pool. His best friend's birthday is either the same day or a couple days before & they had a joint party. It was a Princess-Spiderman theme & Max got enough Spiderman loot that he could open up his own theme store.

07/07/07...supposed to be a lucky day

Apparently getting married last Saturday was supposed to be the luckiest wedding day. Although I wish Cara & Justin well in their marriage- I sure hope luck has nothing to do with it. It was a beautiful day & I enjoyed their wedding very much, but there definitely were some mishaps that dispelled my belief that it was a 'lucky' day.

My personal mishaps happened in preparing for the wedding. I messed up the time for my pedicure & haircut. Thankfully she had no appointments after mine & did not mind the wait because she was waiting for the hairstylist herself. Although I was a half hour late, she did not take it out on my feet & I was very pleased with the job she did- black with white polka dots- don't you think they are cute? (Ignore my swollen feet- this was taken at the end of the night). Apparently I should have gotten a manicure as well because on the way to the wedding I noticed that I had missed painting my one thumb. I did 2 coats!!! How could I miss it twice???


Thankfully Cara & Justin had their ceremony & reception in an air conditioned location, because it was HOT! The wedding party went to a gravel pit for pictures- I am curious to see how they turn out- I am sure they will look great, but I cannot imagine how hot that must have been.

At the ceremony their were a few things that made it memorable- all in a good way.

• the flower girl was arguing with the ring bearer while they were walking down the aisle
• the best man dropped the rings
• Justin said 'Carol' instead of Cara at one point- I think it was just a nervous tongue that caused the mistake, not a "Ross" moment from Friends
  

The biggest mishap of the day actually happened the day before & probably took years off of my Aunt Debbie's life. Almost 5 years ago Aunt Debbie made our wedding cake & did a fabulous job. Since then she had done a few wedding cakes & they have always turned out great. Her mother commented how lucky she has been with the cakes & now Debbie thinks that Gramma jinxed her with that comment. On Friday, the cake toppled in transport. Fortunately it could be remedied, but with the heat & humidity the cake never set to the firmness that it should. But it could be put back together & perform it's function of the bride & groom cutting the cake.


Here are a few more pictures from the day.

Gramma, Great Uncle Mac, & Great Aunt Lois

Happy to see that Justin took his dance lessons seriously

Less than 10 weeks now & it is Sandi's turn

Me with my brother Craig & sister Kim

Us with Mom

Me with my Gramma

Not sure what Brad is doing

I had to confiscate the beers from Christa & Curt. I told them they weren't dancing at the Ag Hall in Listowel- show some class!