Mr. Golden Sun

Today was a gorgeous day! Sunny and over 22 degrees, it seem spring has come a bit early. It also seemed like a fitting end to Dave’s March break. We took the kids to the BIG PARK today for the first time since the fall. All the snow was cleared up, and the park was dry and packed with kids. It was SUCH a great experience compared to 6 months ago.

Jesse is so independent on all the equipment and you can just sit back and watch him go. He was beaming the entire time. He also is very good with all the little and big kids running around. I think I can credit his preschool for this. He is used to playing on a big play structure with tons of kids. Last year he would get really anxious when people would get in his space and push them away. He also shied away from older kids and liked us close to him at the park. This year, he was saying “excuse-me” and waiting his turn, and having fun with the other kids. I felt so proud. What was probably the BEST though, was that Jesse did not take a tantrum when we left. He said he didn’t want to go, got a sad pout and reached toward the park. Then, got in the stroller, had a drink, and said he was going to be a good listener?! Such a nice change.

Six months ago, Janna was on my hip at the park. That made it a bit tiring and tricky trying to help Jesse out on different things, and prying him away from the park. She was content to watch everyone, but basically tied up my arms. This time around, she was SO happy and all over the place. The past week, she has been walking little sets of 8 or 10 steps in a row. So, she had a blast trying to run in the soft sand. There were lots of bumps and hills, and she would totally wipe out. Like, she did a face plant, AND a backward somersault, AND what looked like a cartwheel at one point. But, she just got right back up without so much of a whine, and tried to run some more. She also adored the swings, slide, and just scaling along the bottom of the play structure. She is so adventuresome and loves to MOVE MOVE MOVE. When the two of them are in the double stroller these days, Janna reaches to the front and will grab Jesse’s head for a hug, or poke him to get a reaction, or pull off her shoes, or twist around backwards. She is such a little mover, and is fun to watch!

We all had such a great time, and I wished I’d taken my camera to get a picture of them in their short sleeves, hats, and huge GRINS. The rest of the week is calling for weather in the 20’s, and I’m feeling so excited about all our future park trips. Seeing your kids so giddy and joyful, is just one of the best things, EVER! Thanks for reading. I’m out.

LEAP YEAR!

It’s March. What?!? I am So happy February is over. It was a blurr of stomach bugs and colds and snow and exhaustion. The tail end was a bit better with a quick visit from my in-laws, and an ever exciting Leap Year. Ok, so nothing super exciting happened, but Leap Year is one of those days where I look back and feel sentimental about the past, and hopeful for the future. I always think about what I was doing 4 years ago and marvel at the change. Well, yesterday, as I was laying down for a power snooze while the kids napped, I went WAY back and thought of every single Leap Year I have ever experienced. What crazy changes come about in 4 years. Ok... so perhaps this is a bit narcissistic, but here we go.

Leap YEAR 1984. I was just a wee fetus living in my momma in a big farm house, in Elk Point, Alberta.

Leap Year 1988: My family moved to the Suburbs in Ottawa, Ontario. I remember being one of MANY kids in my mom’s home day care, while my dad worked for CSIS, and watching my brothers develop into strange beings.

LEAP YEAR 1992: Another move for me and my 3 brothers and parents to a quiet town street, in the tiny town of Hartland, New Brunswick. I was the new kid at school (slightly shy with a bad mushroom cut) and loved my amazing grade 2 teacher, Mr. Hunter. I spent all my time playing outdoors, and enjoying all things artsy and musical and fun. (I am the poor little girl on the right with the bad hair and cool crossed eyes- if you can't tell me apart from my brothers)

LEAP YEAR 1996: Still, in Hartland, now in Middle School. All blonde and screamy and cheerleader and Duh! Best Friends with my equally ridiculous and awesome cheer buddy, Heather Long. We had SO much fun being weird and doing strange things. And we didn’t care what anybody thought of us.

LEAP YEAR 2000: Now in high school, I remember enjoying academic achievement, extracurricular activities, getting pretty involved in church, a part-time pizza slinging gig and having lots of interest in boys. I remember many days riding the bus to my high school sweethearts house and eating bologna and mustard sandwiches .

LEAP YEAR 2004: The location would be my residence dorm room in Moncton , N.B with my Nigerian room mate- Yenkat. I was a Second year university student majoring in Communications and minoring in religious studies. I was generally confused about life and who I wanted to be, be with, and what I wanted to do in life after this silly thing called a BA came to a close. Maybe my red afro is symolic of my inner turmoil?

LEAP YEAR 2008. This was a good one. Living on the 10th floor of a high rise in Ottawa, Ontario, I was a poor and in love newlywed. Nannying some kids full time, and complaining about never seeing my husband who was doing his masters and working a very full part time job. My dog, Cooper , was probably my best friend. Let’s face it- I saw him a lot more than Dave!

LEAP YEAR 2012: Out of our cozy apartment and into a comfy townhouse in Nepean, Ontario, I’ve been busy over the past four years. I am a full time mom to 2 babies, part time teacher to many more kids, wife of a busy high school teacher. Truthfully, not sure where my head is half the time. But! Happy to have the best friend, ever, in Dave, and the cutest little kids.

So, that brings me back to reality here. The kids are doing well. Jesse’s language has just exploded over the past month- and he speaks in these full and sometimes complex sentences and paragraphs...which sometimes go ON and ON and ON. He is adoring school, and asks to go every single day of the week. He has fallen in love with a 4 year old from his class- and she plays with him, and takes him around by the hand, and brings him to “mommy” when he seems sad or uncomfortable. The boy already likes being coddled by girls. Oh no. Janna is also a talking machine. She says, “cat, dada, hi, Kate, Dog,(pronounced God), Janna, and attempts Jesse (it usually comes out like “J- essss”) Will she say mama? Nope. She looks at me and grins and squirms, and that’s it. She has been taking her first steps the past few days. She will do one or 2 at a time, then plop on her bum and crawl mad fast like trying to walk was just a waste of her time. She discovered, today, that side step shuffling was easier for her. She would step one foot out, then bring the other together. Then out. Then together. So cute!

Dave is pressing on with work- and after developing a new strategy after the mayhem that was first semester- is staying on top of his marking. Which is awesome. His school had their big inspection (which happens every 2 year) and passed without any hitches.

Me. I was just trying to stay alive and present throughout February. March will be a redeeming month. Daylight savings is right around the corner, as is March break. I am crossing my fingers the snow will clear up by the end of the month, and it won’t take me 15 minutes to get everyone bundled up and out the door everyday.
Love to you all, Thanks for Reading. I’m out.

NEW STUFF

Day one of our new schedule, was a success!

I got my bum out of bed shortly after 5:30 on Monday morning, so I had a good hour to get myself prepared and ready for the day before having to worry about anyone else. After whipping up some pancakes, we all had daddy’s birthday breakfast together at 7, then I had ample time to get the kids ready for the day without having to rush them.

We made it out the door by 8, and I dropped Janna off to Erin without so much as a sniffle. However, when I jumped back in the car, Jesse was like, “MOM! Where Janna is?!” I told him that Erin looks after the babies while Jesse and I go to school. He replied, “I want Janna! Where Janna is!?” That was just enough to get my eyes watering and lips trembling for a few minutes. But, I told him we had to be strong and pulled it together, and we arrived at Gym Tale tear free.

It was nice being back with the pre-schoolers and Jesse did just wonderful. He played nicely with all the kids, and sat during his snack and participated in art and of course –gym time- which was his favourite. Such a boy. The only struggle was getting him to say sitting on his star during circle time. He kept wanting to wiggle into the middle, or just leave to go climb on the gym equipment or jump on the trampoline. He is younger then the majority of the kids by over a year, so his attention span isn’t quite as good, yet. And, because mommy is there, he is more comfortable to misbehave. However, he listened to the other teachers quite well, when they would ask him to sit down and what not. So, I think that just has to be the strategy. Have them be the ones to address him when he isn’t sitting listening. He just looks at me and grins or fusses when I tell him to sit. He had such a good time, he didn’t want to leave come 3:00. I had to entice him with the birthday cake I had sitting at home, to get him to put his things on. I think this is why dessert exists. It’s a bribe for kids to do stuff you want J

We picked up Janna, who had a great day with Erin and friends. She ate and slept and played happily all day. Her afternoon nap was cut a bit short, so she was pretty sleepy and a bit on edge, but happy to be home and see all her family. Jesse had some quiet time in his room when we got home, and Janna and I had some snuggles and time to ourselves. Dave got home and we all enjoyed supper together and birthday cake. Dave said he had a great day at school. All the kids somehow knew it was his birthday, and were all extra well behaved for him today, and didn’t give him any slack about some assignments he still has yet to give back. After baths and a bit of play time the kids went down without a peep, and we both rushed off to our small group meetings.

I got home after 10 with a killer headache, and sunk into bed feeling totally exhausted, but satisfied. I am so grateful we have Tuesdays and Thursdays off. It’ll be nice to lay low with the kids, and get some stuff done around the house, prep for the next day, and have a chance to see friends we’re used to having regular play dates with.

This morning Jesse kept excitedly asking if he could go to school. After telling him we had to wait till tomorrow, he’s been asking if we can go to every friend or place he can think of. He is so social, it wears me out! Janna has been happily playing with her toys all morning, and crawling for real! Not the army belly crawl, but the cute knee bum wiggle crawl. Maybe seeing the 2 other boys at Erin’s crawling inspired her to get off her stomach and onto those little knees. Jesse started walking shortly after I went back to work after my mat leave and he stayed with his bestie, Naomi, who was running around. Ahh! They change so fast.

All for now, just wanted to update everyone on how our big day went. Thanks for reading, I’m off!

What's on my mind...

Today is the last day of my Mat leave! I can't believe another year has flown by. It's been great being home with my 2 kids for the past year. Sure, there are rough and long days, but it's so worth it to me. We've had so much low-key at home play time, along with play dates, and trips here and there, the year has been wonderful. Also, I've had the time and energy (some days) to take care of the house and all things domestic for the family, and that has been necessary with all the after hours Dave has to put into his job.

While, it's been great- I am looking forward to BACK TO WORK that begins full swing this Monday. I am only going back to work part-time, and will be working just 4 six hour shifts on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. During the weekdays- Jesse is able to attend work with me, as one of the pre-school children, and Janna heads to a small home day care of a mom I know through church. I think Jesse is ready for preschool, and will enjoy getting out and being with so many other kids 3 times a week. I love my job as a preschool teacher and am looking forward to getting to know all the kids, and being involved with the program. On the other hand, I am NOT ready to leave Janna for this amount of time! I feel like she is such a baby still, and will likely cry my eyes out when I drop her off on Monday.

Speaking of Monday and Back to School. This Monday is Dave's birthday. 28 wonderful years old he is. He has been hiding away at his desk in our bedroom for the past week marking and marking and marking and marking. He is such a hard working man, and I just love him. He took a full week off for our trip home to the East coast.

Our Christmas trip home was wonderful. The kids were angelic travelers, and angelic visitors! Jesse was just in his Prime having "all his friends" around, and loved giving all his aunts, and uncles and grandparents, hugs and high fives, and lots of conversation and songs. Janna was up 4-5 times a night for some odd reason, and so I was in a tired blurr for most of the holiday. That aside, we got in some great games and visiting with all our folks.

Anyways, just wanted to check in with that wee post. That's what's going on over here. Wish me luck. Thanks for reading, I'm out.

November is over?!

It’s the last day of November. The only reason I know this is because I’ve been counting down the days till I get Dave’s handsome smooth face back in my life. While the stache is kinda manly and all, I’m looking forward to seeing it go.

I’ve failed pretty epically in my blogging commitment over the month. I’m not sure why, really. It feels like one of those months that passed by quickly- but in a blur of slow days. Dave had report cards due middle of the month and parent teacher interview, and lots of after hours stuff going on. So, all the extra time with the kids without help was certainly kind of draining. I was also stuck without a car most days, and with lots of rainy and cold weather, we spent a lot of time in and around the house. I also started scrap booking again (first time since high school), and I’ve spent quite a few evening trying to do a 2011 scrapbook. I would like to finish it before the new year.

I’m back in the swing of things now, and we’re back to playdates, and errands and variety in our days. I find I can handle busy days with the kids if I know Dave will be home at 4:30 to take over the kiddies. He usually entertains them while I make dinner, then does their bath and some playtime before bed, while I clean up. It works well.

Kids are doing well. Jesse is into saying very 2 year old classic phrases, “ I DON’T like IT! I don’t WANT it! Not that way, THIS Way! MY TRUCK! My Ipad! My My My.....” At the same time, he says the cutest things like “Poor Mommy, You ok?” and “ I love Janna, She so cute. Silly Janna ” Janna is into eating mostly real food now-not a whole lot of pureed stuff anyone. She and Jesse could not be MORE different in so many ways, and food is no exception. She will eat all her vegetables first, followed by beans, fruit, grains. She might try some meat, and she has ZERO interest in cheese. Jesse is my dairy and meat man. Janna loves the bath tub and she crawls around on her tummy dunking her face, spinning around, screaming and kicking and splashing. They have their bath together and Jesse sits in the tub squished at one end looking terrified and hollers things at her like,” TOO LOUD!” and, “NO JANNA!,” when she gets too excited and comes near him. Janna remains a pretty independent little munchkin. She likes to explore all the nooks and crannies of the main floor, as well as looking at pictures in books, and playing with puzzle pieces. She has started chatting/babbling a lot more this month, and will occasionally wave hi for you. Mostly she will just grin and do her own thing. She is near impossible to change or cuddle as she always wants to be on her stomach army crawling around the world. Jesse needs kisses and hugs about every 30 minutes of the day. Janna only gives me love like that at her bed time after nursing if she is totally exhausted. Those nights I get some snuggles and a big FULL on mouth kiss. I love how different they are. It adds some nice spice to my life.

We kicked off the holiday season on Sunday by putting up our tree. Jesse was very excited about it all, and keeps asking me if he can climb it. He hasn’t full on tried yet- but I have a feeling he might before it’s time to take it down! I’ve started my Christmas shopping as well. We are doing a super low key Christmas as far as gift purchases go. Just one small gift for each family member. It’s been way less stressful, and also fun to try and think of the ONE thing they would like the most. Mostly, I’m pumped for the trip back East to see all our family. Everyone (uncle Jesse aside) will be home for the holidays.

“Tis all for now. Just wanted to let you know I hadn’t forgotten about this blogging thing. I will leave you of a picture of the babies on this last day of November, 2011. Thanks for reading. I'm out.

THE FROG BLOG.

SO....it's been a strange past few weeks. I have mostly been trying to lay low, yet keep my kids semi happy, as they have both been sick. Janna had a double ear infection, then reacted to the antibiotics she was on. After switching medications, her new one was giving her some tummy troubles, and she has been awake 3-8 times per night for who knows how long at a time. The same night Janna reacted to her medication, Jesse had to be rushed into the hospital when he woke up barely breathing between intense coughing and unable to talk. Our first encounter with the croup. SO... keeping a 2 year old who loves the outside and being with new people and friends "resting" for a few days has also been a challenge. Throw in that Dave has been away for 3 days on a teaching conference...let's just say Thank God for Grandparents. I think it was Predetermined devine intervention on God's part, when several months ago, my mom-in-law grabbed a super good seat sale for October 20. She arrived the day the chaos began, and leaves this Monday. It's been very fantastic (and might I add necessary to my sanity) to have an extra set of hands and company around through all of this.

Anyways, the past 3 nights in a row, after the kids have gone to bed, I have had some time on my hands, thanks to the dishes and laundry being taken over by Nana. I have spent hours and hours working on Jesse's Halloween costume. I found the cutest pattern for a FROG PRINCE. Floppy feet, and bodysuit with a cute collar-n-bells, and the headpiece with boggly eyes and a golden crown. I was quite pleased to present this to Jesse this morning. He's been asking about his costume and trick or treating over the past few weeks ever since we got our pumpkin.

SO, he was very excited to see it this morning, and we tried it all on, and he loved it. He looked at himself in the mirror all smiles and exuberance. He kept coming back to try on the hat all morning, and finally I tossed the costume on the coffee table when he seemed finish. We curled up to watch some morning cartoons, and not even 10 minute later he went back to his costume to take a look. He picked up the headpiece and sort of held it out to get a good look at it. At the EXACT same moment, Cooper who was curled up behind him took this hair-ball wheezing fit. Jesse stared at the frog head, back to me, then back at the head, eyes wide. Then, he broke into this frenzy of shrieking as he whipped it as far across the room as possible. Screamed all the way to mommy, jumped on my lap, and clung to me like superglue. HE thought the noise was coming from the frog head. I tried through some laughter to explain that Cooper was the one making the scary noises. He eventually calmed down, and got back into his cartoons. It was only 10 minutes later when he hopped off the couch and noticed the froggy head on the floor, that he took another nightmarish screaming and shaking fit.

All morning long everyone has taken turns trying to get him from freaking out. Nana has been dancing around with it on her head, We've shown him Kermit the Frog Cartoons, Aunt Katie has been beating the frog head up, I have tried kissing and hugging the thing. Sigh.... At Janna's nap time, Jesse found a thermometer in her room with a bobbly frog head on it. He usually loves this thing, but picked it up, SCREAMED, And flung it across the room like it was on fire. All this sewing work... and the child has developed a frog phobia because of my dog's dumb hairball. Really? I have a few days to work this out before Halloween. SO with that, thanks for reading. I'm out.

Jeckle and Hyde... The terrible/terrific twos

The dark side:

- Jesse adores Janna, but loves to see how many times he can poke her eyes until I yell at him.

- He also likes to sit on her back when she is on her stomach and bounce a bit.

-Everyday we have this conversation: -Jesse: “Jesse push mommy?” Me: No...you don’t push mommy.

“Jesse push Daddy?” No...you don’t push daddy

“Jesse push Janna, please?” Afraid not. You don’t push your sister either.

“Jesse push Willow(our neighbour)?” Nope. That’s not nice. You don’t push anyone

This conversation will continue until he runs through all of his friends, family, and TV characters. And sure enough, when we are out with these people, if anyone gets too in his face, he pushes them.

-When Jesse wants something I have, “ Have it?! Have it! I HAVE IT!!! Now! I HAVE IT NOOOOWWW!!!”

-Jesse does his best to hold in his number 2’s. This will go on for days, until he is totally bloated and uncomfortable and miserable. We are going on about 1 week now. Today is the day. His body will override his stubbornness today. I have faith.

The light side:

Potty trained! No more wipes/diapers:)

When Janna is playing on the floor and starts to fuss, Jesse will go and pick out a toy or book and bring it to her to play with.

Hugs and kisses for mommy still going strong

Jesse likes to try what the big boys do outside. Lately, our 10 year old neighbour has been skateboarding. Jesse will go stand on the skateboard and jump in an attempt to Ollie. So cute

I love listening at the door at bed time. Jesse sings and chatters on and on about his day. Who he saw, what he did. Who he pushed. How mommy got angry J

Jesse is finally getting into artsy/crafty things. He will do playdough and coloring everyday for a good 20 minutes.

Jesse’s laugh is so cute and contagious, and it’s pretty easy to get him into a laughing fit.