Today, I actually managed to get pigtails in Norah's hair. They were adorable, and no, I didn't get any photos. I snuck up on her during Dora and got them in. Then Isaac asked for some too. So I did. His looked hilarious, sticking straight up out of his head. He then said that he was a bunny, that the pigtails were his ears and that he needed to jump. So we all jumped. Then I needed bunny ears too. (good thing the camera was nowhere to be seen!) Isaac apparently is a carnivirous bunny as he told me his bunny only ate meat and small animals (???).
Rob came home in the middle of this. Was a little surprised to see Isaac with the pigtails...then he saw Norah and just melted. She was pretty cute. That girl has her daddy wrapped around her finger for sure.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
freezing rain is no fun
Now, to be honest, I didn't go out in it. The problem is that the freezing rain froze the sliding doors of my van shut! I took Isaac to preschool today, and despite remote starting the van a good 8 minutes before going outside, the doors would not open. So Isaac got into the van from the tail. That was interesting.... Especially interesting to drive with the door beeping at me, telling me it was open...when clearly, it was not. I just couldn't get it fully closed due to the ice!
He had to get in the van that way after preschool too, but by the time he and I made it to the bank, they had thawed. I think despite my earlier reservations, I will park in the garage, as Rob wants me to.
You know, I'm thinking about just how amazing God's timing is. Yesterday, I was having a bit of a mommy meltdown. Couldn't find Isaac's tuque (boy, that word looks wrong...). Had to go to the bank - where I can't fit the double stroller in the door. So I was freaking out trying to figure out how to get out with all 3 kids and only a single stroller. I hadn't slept well, so I was cranky too. Was SO glad Rob was working from home and emerged from the downstairs office just in time for me to hit my worst point...and bailed me out. (wiping brow in relief!) He's such a great dad.
Anyhow, at that moment, the phone rang. A good (but long distance - aren't they all?) friend. Having a worse day than me. Needing a bit of a phone hug and some encouragement. I could do that! And I hopefully did, I'm sure she will let me know otherwise ;) What I learned from this phone call is that really, it could be worse. If my biggest issue is where my kid's hat is and how to manage 3 kids who sleep at night and with a husband who impresses me with his skills with said kids - life is pretty good. Great in fact. Thanks for the opportunity to feel ok with how things are going here. amen.
He had to get in the van that way after preschool too, but by the time he and I made it to the bank, they had thawed. I think despite my earlier reservations, I will park in the garage, as Rob wants me to.
You know, I'm thinking about just how amazing God's timing is. Yesterday, I was having a bit of a mommy meltdown. Couldn't find Isaac's tuque (boy, that word looks wrong...). Had to go to the bank - where I can't fit the double stroller in the door. So I was freaking out trying to figure out how to get out with all 3 kids and only a single stroller. I hadn't slept well, so I was cranky too. Was SO glad Rob was working from home and emerged from the downstairs office just in time for me to hit my worst point...and bailed me out. (wiping brow in relief!) He's such a great dad.
Anyhow, at that moment, the phone rang. A good (but long distance - aren't they all?) friend. Having a worse day than me. Needing a bit of a phone hug and some encouragement. I could do that! And I hopefully did, I'm sure she will let me know otherwise ;) What I learned from this phone call is that really, it could be worse. If my biggest issue is where my kid's hat is and how to manage 3 kids who sleep at night and with a husband who impresses me with his skills with said kids - life is pretty good. Great in fact. Thanks for the opportunity to feel ok with how things are going here. amen.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Yesterday's moments of perfection:
Standing in kitchen, baby in sling, stirring homemade cider. Watching hubby and older kids play in backyard snow. Son comes inside stating "I'm just so cold mom, so cold. Daddy threw snow on me, I'm done". Offer son cup of cider. He is skeptical, asks for hot chocolate. I give cider and urge him to try. He tastes, eyes light up, puts down mug and claps hands "this is delicious mom, thanks".
beautiful moment. These are the times I am beyond thankful that I am a mother.
Standing in kitchen, baby in sling, stirring homemade cider. Watching hubby and older kids play in backyard snow. Son comes inside stating "I'm just so cold mom, so cold. Daddy threw snow on me, I'm done". Offer son cup of cider. He is skeptical, asks for hot chocolate. I give cider and urge him to try. He tastes, eyes light up, puts down mug and claps hands "this is delicious mom, thanks".
beautiful moment. These are the times I am beyond thankful that I am a mother.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
11 signs your surgery isn't going well...ick
1. When your doctors stop talking to you and start talking ABOUT you in a very official sounding tone
2. When you say quietly "I'm going to be sick" and nobody hears you until you start vomiting
3. When you tell the anesthesiologist that you want to go to sleep now and he tells you "don't you dare close your eyes"
4. You know your blood pressure is really low - last numbers you saw were 54 over 26. That can't be good. Oh, and your heart rate varies every time you look at the monitor - somewhere between 65 and 120...and you can't do the math to figure out how much of a change that is.
5. When the anesthesiologist starts barking at a nurse to order a bunch of things...and you can't tell what they are because everything is going fuzzy
6. Everything goes fuzzy
7. Someone says "hey, that's a lot of blood"
8. The doctors performing the surgery are pushing on your rib cage so hard that, even though everything is fuzzy, you are thankful for being frozen from the chest down
9. A random nurse stops by with a big white cooler, saying "here's the blood"
10. You can tell they are distracting your husband by repeating "baby's almost out...look, here's the baby"
11. The anethesiologist can't get a read of your blood pressure even with a manual cuff...you may casually croak out "hey, so am I dead"...and he's not laughing.
Then, mercifully, the baby is out. And you can breathe again, and you can feel your blood pressure coming back. All of a sudden, things feel ok again. Wow - that was scary. No rush to do that again.
2. When you say quietly "I'm going to be sick" and nobody hears you until you start vomiting
3. When you tell the anesthesiologist that you want to go to sleep now and he tells you "don't you dare close your eyes"
4. You know your blood pressure is really low - last numbers you saw were 54 over 26. That can't be good. Oh, and your heart rate varies every time you look at the monitor - somewhere between 65 and 120...and you can't do the math to figure out how much of a change that is.
5. When the anesthesiologist starts barking at a nurse to order a bunch of things...and you can't tell what they are because everything is going fuzzy
6. Everything goes fuzzy
7. Someone says "hey, that's a lot of blood"
8. The doctors performing the surgery are pushing on your rib cage so hard that, even though everything is fuzzy, you are thankful for being frozen from the chest down
9. A random nurse stops by with a big white cooler, saying "here's the blood"
10. You can tell they are distracting your husband by repeating "baby's almost out...look, here's the baby"
11. The anethesiologist can't get a read of your blood pressure even with a manual cuff...you may casually croak out "hey, so am I dead"...and he's not laughing.
Then, mercifully, the baby is out. And you can breathe again, and you can feel your blood pressure coming back. All of a sudden, things feel ok again. Wow - that was scary. No rush to do that again.
Friday, November 11, 2005
I have 3 kids!
Wow - there are 3 of them. And it is a good thing. Ruby is just a little princess, who isn't really demanding at all. She just fits right in. Isaac always wants to hold her, Norah wants to touch her ("gentle Norah, gentle on her head"). It's great. We have had help here, but tomorrow it's just the 5 of us for the day. Could be interesting!
Thanks to my Mom and Leslie for being here so far. I couldn't have made it this far without them. This is the first time we have had any real outside help for any length of time, and it is such a blessing. My mom is back tomorrow night. Yay! She was back in Vancouver for my Nanny's memorial service. I wish I could have been there, but I had a good excuse.
So strange to have my Nanny die the day before Ruby arrived. Timing is crazy in life. So now she has an extra middle name in tribute.
http://www.legacy.com/can-vancouver/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=15648284
(although, technically, she only had 4 great grandchildren at the time of her death. Ruby arrived the next morning)
Thanks to my Mom and Leslie for being here so far. I couldn't have made it this far without them. This is the first time we have had any real outside help for any length of time, and it is such a blessing. My mom is back tomorrow night. Yay! She was back in Vancouver for my Nanny's memorial service. I wish I could have been there, but I had a good excuse.
So strange to have my Nanny die the day before Ruby arrived. Timing is crazy in life. So now she has an extra middle name in tribute.
http://www.legacy.com/can-vancouver/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=15648284
(although, technically, she only had 4 great grandchildren at the time of her death. Ruby arrived the next morning)
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
and more Isaac issues!
poor little guy. It just doesn't end. This morning, he woke up sick. Feverish, whiney, not his usual self. Then had a nap this afternoon, and woke up wanting to stay in bed. Even turned down juice, wanting water instead. If that's not a sign of being sick... and he wanted me to sit on his bed with him. No talking, no story reading, just sitting. Strange. Hope he's feeling better in the morning - don't want him to miss his preschool Halloween party!
Oh, and the baby comes in ONE WEEK. ONE WEEK from today.
Oh, and the baby comes in ONE WEEK. ONE WEEK from today.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Isaac's new injury
My poor little guy. Hurt again. Broken finger. And from tripping while walking down our hallway! Just walking along, minding his own business...and wham! As soon as he stood up, I knew it was broken...Rob couldn't even look at it, he just turned green. Off to the ER we went. What a little trooper Isaac is. He let the doctor poke and prod his finger without much complaint at all. The doc was sure it was only a sprain, given how Isaac let him move it. Did x-rays anyhow. Thank goodness - because there was the break, plain as anything on the x-ray. Pretty gross actually. He got a splint and then I took him to the hospital cafeteria for lunch (since this happened as we were getting ready for lunch). A woman from our church works in the caf, and she brought Isaac a popsicle. That made his day. :)
So Isaac has managed to do in less than 4 years something that Rob and I have yet to do in our combined 60+ years of life - break a bone. What can I say, he is talented!
So Isaac has managed to do in less than 4 years something that Rob and I have yet to do in our combined 60+ years of life - break a bone. What can I say, he is talented!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Norah, Isaac and Ainsley.
The cousin's kids. Soon to be added to again. In weeks, there will be 5 of them!
why is it?
Why is it when Rob is away my house is cleaner?
I would like to think it's because we like spending time together and the housework gets pushed aside. Secretly, I think he's as messy as the kids.
I hate this month, simply because Rob is away so much. From Tuesday to Friday this week, overnight too. Next Tuesday for the day, then Synod over the weekend. It's no fun being home alone...especially pregnant with both kids. I'm just tired and so ready for a break come 5 pm.
I would like to think it's because we like spending time together and the housework gets pushed aside. Secretly, I think he's as messy as the kids.
I hate this month, simply because Rob is away so much. From Tuesday to Friday this week, overnight too. Next Tuesday for the day, then Synod over the weekend. It's no fun being home alone...especially pregnant with both kids. I'm just tired and so ready for a break come 5 pm.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
my daughter, the duck
What is it with Norah quacking all over the house? She happily crawls around, quacking. I don't get it. It's funny - but strange. She is starting to take those solo steps...but doesn't seem to like it much. She's also way into blowing kisses and "ro ro?" (grabbing your hands and wanting to play row, row, row your boat).
I currently have 3 pumpkins turning orange in my living room. I grew them! Also, a whole wine box filled with tomatoes, that I grew, ripening as I type this. Not sure what to do with them though. I just can't believe how well my garden did this year. Apparently, ignoring your plants most of the time is a good thing. Who knew?
Oh, and it's SNOWING. Since this morning, there has been snow falling. It's not sticking though, but it's really pretty to watch. I hope this doesn't mean fall is over...I'm loving the leaves, crisp mornings and beautiful sunlight in the afternoons.
I got my first speeding ticket this past week. Not fun. Actually, sent me into a really bad day overall. Kind of pushed me over the edge of being cranky about life in general. Think I'm gettting over it though. Hope so.
I currently have 3 pumpkins turning orange in my living room. I grew them! Also, a whole wine box filled with tomatoes, that I grew, ripening as I type this. Not sure what to do with them though. I just can't believe how well my garden did this year. Apparently, ignoring your plants most of the time is a good thing. Who knew?
Oh, and it's SNOWING. Since this morning, there has been snow falling. It's not sticking though, but it's really pretty to watch. I hope this doesn't mean fall is over...I'm loving the leaves, crisp mornings and beautiful sunlight in the afternoons.
I got my first speeding ticket this past week. Not fun. Actually, sent me into a really bad day overall. Kind of pushed me over the edge of being cranky about life in general. Think I'm gettting over it though. Hope so.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
confession before bed....
Ok, this has been on my mind since I got home on Tuesday night.
I was freaked out about driving the #4 from North Battleford in the dark. I was in Battleford in plenty of time before the sun set, but I knew the 1.5 hours remaining would be in the dark. Dark dark, along the forest, where there are lots of deer and other wild animals. And me with 2 small kids, no cell phone and only armed with a minivan. I was freaked out. I have heard too many stories about hitting deer and other wildlife along this stretch of highway to not be freaked!
So I drove it. The kids were quiet for the most part. Wasn't going too fast in order to prevent hitting stuff. Saw one fox. One skunk. Too many deer to count. A male deer saw us, lowered his antlers and CHARGED at the van. Was chasing us. Thank you Toyota for good engines that can take the pressure of me speeding up like a mad woman. In my mad dash away from the deer who seemed to take my van as a rival for some female deer's loving...I created some road kill. I hit a cat. Yes, in all my attempts to avoid the wildlife, I took out a domestic cat. The sound of it hitting the tires will resound in my memory for years. Sad part was, we weren't near any homes, so I don't know whose cat it was. "what was that mommy?" "um...the car just hit a bump sweetie". So, now I am both a cat killer and a liar!
Had to get that out. I feel (somewhat) better now.
I was freaked out about driving the #4 from North Battleford in the dark. I was in Battleford in plenty of time before the sun set, but I knew the 1.5 hours remaining would be in the dark. Dark dark, along the forest, where there are lots of deer and other wild animals. And me with 2 small kids, no cell phone and only armed with a minivan. I was freaked out. I have heard too many stories about hitting deer and other wildlife along this stretch of highway to not be freaked!
So I drove it. The kids were quiet for the most part. Wasn't going too fast in order to prevent hitting stuff. Saw one fox. One skunk. Too many deer to count. A male deer saw us, lowered his antlers and CHARGED at the van. Was chasing us. Thank you Toyota for good engines that can take the pressure of me speeding up like a mad woman. In my mad dash away from the deer who seemed to take my van as a rival for some female deer's loving...I created some road kill. I hit a cat. Yes, in all my attempts to avoid the wildlife, I took out a domestic cat. The sound of it hitting the tires will resound in my memory for years. Sad part was, we weren't near any homes, so I don't know whose cat it was. "what was that mommy?" "um...the car just hit a bump sweetie". So, now I am both a cat killer and a liar!
Had to get that out. I feel (somewhat) better now.
time just flies by
I can't believe how fast the time gets away on me. The last few weeks have been a total blur. Nanny diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and a quick flight (ha!) into Vancouver for a week with the kids to visit and say goodbye. A crazy week in Vancouver, where I didn't get to do half of what I wanted to do. Strange being in Van again. It was really weird. It felt like home, yet nothing like it at the same time. Yet, Meadow Lake didn't feel like home either. I finally figured it out after I got back to our house, after a 2 hour plane ride and a 3 hour drive with the kids. HOME is where Rob and my kids are. Period. That's home. Where my family is...and my family is now my kids and spouse, instead of my parents and sibling. Does that make me a grown up?
Seeing my grandmother was really strange. She has been unwell for the last 2 years or so, but this almost feels like she is ready to give up. Like the cancer is giving her permission to not fight anymore. I really hope I don't feel like that when I'm old - like life still doesn't hold any promise of something beautiful to come. It was sad to visit, knowing that Tuesday, September 20 was possibly the last time I would ever see her alive. I also got in a visit with the kids, but I wonder if Isaac will even remember her. I have really vague memories of my grandfather, he died when I was 18 months old...but I'm not sure if the memories are really true or more a reflection of what people have told me.
The kids were amazing on the entire trip. I couldn't have asked for more from them. Great travellers they are. Granted, they got restless and wanted to be more on the go than I was always wanting to be, but they are kids and I was pushing my own agenda on them a lot. Visiting, shopping, shopping, driving...they were great. I was really shocked by how easy Isaac was on Sunday back at Holy Trinity. Before we moved, I remember how tough Sunday mornings were. He hated to sit, wanted to be around the overhead projector, didn't like Sunday School (and I didn't blame him, it wasn't working well.) Last Sunday, it was like a different kid! He was fine with sitting until the Children's focus time, participated in the Sunday School class (which is doing great!) and was even easy to handle during coffee hour! Amazing what 7 months can do in a little guy. Norah was just her charming self as usual, smiling at everyone. I so hope and pray that this next baby is even half as easy as Norah is.
Ok, need to get to bed.
Seeing my grandmother was really strange. She has been unwell for the last 2 years or so, but this almost feels like she is ready to give up. Like the cancer is giving her permission to not fight anymore. I really hope I don't feel like that when I'm old - like life still doesn't hold any promise of something beautiful to come. It was sad to visit, knowing that Tuesday, September 20 was possibly the last time I would ever see her alive. I also got in a visit with the kids, but I wonder if Isaac will even remember her. I have really vague memories of my grandfather, he died when I was 18 months old...but I'm not sure if the memories are really true or more a reflection of what people have told me.
The kids were amazing on the entire trip. I couldn't have asked for more from them. Great travellers they are. Granted, they got restless and wanted to be more on the go than I was always wanting to be, but they are kids and I was pushing my own agenda on them a lot. Visiting, shopping, shopping, driving...they were great. I was really shocked by how easy Isaac was on Sunday back at Holy Trinity. Before we moved, I remember how tough Sunday mornings were. He hated to sit, wanted to be around the overhead projector, didn't like Sunday School (and I didn't blame him, it wasn't working well.) Last Sunday, it was like a different kid! He was fine with sitting until the Children's focus time, participated in the Sunday School class (which is doing great!) and was even easy to handle during coffee hour! Amazing what 7 months can do in a little guy. Norah was just her charming self as usual, smiling at everyone. I so hope and pray that this next baby is even half as easy as Norah is.
Ok, need to get to bed.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Happy Birthday Saskatchewan!
I live in a province that just turned 100 today. There were activities at the arena today for families. Isaac really enjoyed the bouncy castle. We didn't stick around for the free burgers, hot dogs and cake...it smelled funny around the food. Both Rob and I found it too oniony smell-wise. And for Rob to think that...it must have been bad! The fireworks tonight were great. 15 cities/towns across the province, synchronized to music. So glad we got a good view from our kitchen window. We kept Isaac up to watch them...he was amazed. It was really fun listening to him during the *fire stars*. "ohhh...that's for Norah" "that's amazing" "can we do this again?"
I've decided to take on a month of teaching Sunday School. 5 weeks actually. I figured they need the teachers, I have a child in the program, so I should. The timing isn't great, but better now than in 3 months when my hands are really full. Actually, I really want to push my own agenda in SS, to be honest. I want it to be fun! And I know that it's not really that great right now...not that the women who have been doing it don't love the kids...they just aren't that excited about what they are doing. Isaac loves it anyhow. I'm going to be doing some things a little differently...so we shall see how it goes.
I've decided to take on a month of teaching Sunday School. 5 weeks actually. I figured they need the teachers, I have a child in the program, so I should. The timing isn't great, but better now than in 3 months when my hands are really full. Actually, I really want to push my own agenda in SS, to be honest. I want it to be fun! And I know that it's not really that great right now...not that the women who have been doing it don't love the kids...they just aren't that excited about what they are doing. Isaac loves it anyhow. I'm going to be doing some things a little differently...so we shall see how it goes.
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