A year? Really?

I need to work on my game. It's been nearly a year since my last post. A year! I haven't blogged or even read a blog in that time. But I still find myself wanting to record these memories, and I'm not a big journal person either...Dilemma.

Hopefully I'll check back here more regularly, and maybe spruce the place up a bit. It's looking a little forgotten about.

On a happier note, it's the end of December! Addison and Isaac are both home for the holidays, and we had some nice Christmas days and dinners together with family. She is most excited for her big girl bed and big girl room (Thank you, Santa)!

Addison is missing school already. She loves it there, and I am thrilled to see her thrive. She can count to 100 and knows how to recognize both upper- and lower-case letters, and their phonetic sounds. She'll be reading in no time. She sings NON.STOP. and loves to dance. She just got her yellow belt in Karate, and loves to show her belt to everyone she sees. I'll interview her over the next few days, and hopefully continue to do so at this time every year. I always love to look back and read the hilarious answers in years to come.

For now, it's time for me to hit the hay. See you in 2015!

Now where were we?

It has been far too long since I last wrote in this. I kind of took a step back from blogs and some social media sites for a few months. It's nice to take a break. But it's also nice to keep a journal of sorts and keep track of the fun goings on in our lives, so here I am.

For the first time in months I can confidently say that I feel really good about myself and really happy in general. While I would love to be working and in school right now, I am truly enjoying being a SAHM more than I ever could have imagined. We are the luckiest parents of the most beautiful, hilarious little girl. Her personality is showing more and more each day, and her vocabulary is expanding rapidly. She was an easy baby and - knock on wood - she is a pretty laid back toddler. While I have been known to lose my cool a time or two, I have also learned to be patient with her. Anyone who knows me, knows how much of an accomplishment this is. She is still easy re-directed and I can often get her to talk out her problems before a mega meltdown even occurs. Not every time, of course, but it's a pretty solid start.

Our main concern lately has been her attachment. It's partly her age, but I'm sure it's exacerbated by Isaac being gone so often for work. She's with me so often that we're having some trouble getting her comfortable with others. She does warm up eventually but sometimes it takes a long time, and it really is exhausting to have her hanging off of my neck when we have company over. We're working on it.

In other news, Winter seems to have finally left. It felt like it never would. We kind of skipped Spring and we're into 25+ weather now. Pull out the shorts and dresses, Summer has arrived! Addison and I have been doing a lot of outdoor spring cleaning and gardening. She loves it. I've had so much fun watching her smell the flowers, point out the different colours, dig the holes, and pour the watering can. She has it all down pat. We planted some more goodies up front, and started both an herb and vegetable garden. Fingers crossed that we get something out of it.




I'm having a blast coaching U5 soccer this season. I had only intended to be a convenor but we had so many kids sign up that we were short coaches. My 12 11 (B. just quit) kids are amazing. It is such a fun challenge. I try to do a warm up, teach them a skill, and then do a scrimmage, but sometimes it goes better than others. I have a wide range of personalities from super duper shy introvert, to professional outgoing player. I can't wait to see how they all end up by the end of June. We're making huge strides already. Just last Thursday I had every single one of my kids on the field at some point during the game, and they all kicked the ball. This might not seem like much, but I was so impressed. I cannot wait for Addison and Morgan to play next year.

More updates to come soon (and more often)...

 

Sleepover

Morgan was here all day Saturday and spent the night. It was a huge success! Both girls had so much fun, and Isaac and I came out unscathed. Unfortunately the weather was not so great. It was overcast and cold, with scattered showers all day. While we didn't get to play outside for as long as I had hoped, we managed to stay busy.

We read some books (and learned Gorillas are scary):

 

We played in the rain:

 The girls played tag:

The girls Addison jumped on the couch:

We went for a bike ride:

They actually enjoyed it, despite these expressions. It was too crowded in there with Morgan's winter coat on.

We played ping pong:

We put on a movie Finding Nemo) and had a long bath, then the girls hit the hay.

 Morgan slept from 7:30-5:30 and Addison slept from 7-6. They each had breakfast and played nicely together until Ryan picked Morgan up around 7:30.

Toddler sleepover SUCCESS!

 

This and that

I'm not very good at keeping up with this blogging business. What have we have been up to lately...

 I'm finally off of crutches. I'm not too sure what the next step is for my knee. I'm waiting to hear back from Ortho, and we'll go from there. For now, I'm still taking it easy. I've started taking Addison outside, but it's difficult (and terrifying) to be on your own in town with a toddler who's faster than you are. Thankfully she's really good at holding my hand when I ask. The rule is that she must stay on the grass at all times, or we go inside immediately. Normally I'd let her wander a bit farther and give her one warning if she's too far, but at this point, I can't take the risk. If she were to run, I physically cannot run after her right now, so I keep her close by. It's only been a few days, but so far, so good.

I got a lot of (good) reading done while I was held up. I'm catching up on cleaning that didn't get done, and starting to conquer the house To Do list. So far I've painted the downstairs bathroom door, the Spare Room closet, and some of the trim. Baby steps.

I'm learning to garden. Yes, you read that correctly. Anyone who knows me probably thinks I'm kidding, but I'm enjoying it. It's not a full time favourite hobby by any means, but I'm starting to appreciate my new curb appeal. Mom has always loved flowers and gardening. It was never my thing. Now that we've done some landscaping and I've put together the two front gardens, I'm noticing a huge difference. I started small, with easy plants and flowers. I didn't want to take on more than we could handle. I'll see how everything makes out by the end of the Summer, and decide whether to take on more or less next year. So far everything is growing quickly and flowering nicely. This week I've had three people compliment me on the front gardens and our new plants. I've enjoyed brainstorming what could go where. It's actually kind of fun.

Mother's Day 2012: Bleeding Hearts, Hostas, yellow Lanium

June 1 2012: Everything is growing! Hens&Chicks in the front, as well

Hosta Garden (planted in 2011): Hostas, Flocks, white Lanium, and a random Lily that was here when we moved in

Not much is new around the house or with the tenants. No big issues; no big complaints. Isaac sold his bike last weekend. It was fun while it lasted, but he's not home often enough to justify the price of insurance and gas. The plan is for him to get one again once he's home full time. The guy he bought it from is great. He's coming to pick it up next week.

Addison is growing like crazy, and learning something new every day. Lastnight she started saying "Ya!" and "Yaaaaay," which she claps along with. She knows all kinds of body parts and animal sounds. She loves to count from 1-10 in English and French. She favours numbers two, five, and nine. She understands simple commands like "Sit on your bum," "Wash your arms," and "put it in the garbage." When you ask her to clean up or put something away, she'll happily put things back in their proper spot, one by one. If it's time to go, she'll say "Coat! Shoes!" She gets everyone else's stuff and gives it to them, then gets her own. When she comes in from having played outside, she immediately sits down and takes her shoes off. Sometimes she doesn't even let the door close. She loves to read, and will point out things she knows in her books, such as cars and dogs. While reading about the Berenstein Bears going to bed recently, she said "Night night."

She's had a hard time with men lately, besides Isaac, and sometimes her Grandpas. She'll cry and turn her head, so as to not even see them. It takes her a long time to warm up to them, if she ever does. She's been a little more clingy and upset with small crowds lately as well. She sees other babies and young kids regularly, but I think I need to make a point of it more often. Now that I'm starting to venture out again, I think I'll take her to play group weekly. She'll also have swimming lessons again later this Summer. It's good for both of us.

I think that sums up our last few boring weeks. I leave you with this crazy picture from this morning, of my little toddler tornado. I went upstairs to get dressed. In that time, she managed to take her jumper off, empty the bin of baby supplies, empty a container of wipes, open and dump out a pack of diapers, dump her Cheerios on the floor, and pull a blanket off the couch. There's also a random measuring cup in the Living Room that was not there before I left.

Conversations with a toddler

Addison normally gets up at 7 or 7:30 am. Today she was up at 5. It's 8:30 now, and this conversation reflects how our morning has been thus far:

TJ: What would you like?
Addison: Cacker? Cacker? Pees?
[TJ hands cracker to Addison]
Addison: No. Cheeeeeese? Cheeeeeeese?
[TJ hands cheese to Addison]
Addison: No. Shoes! Shoes!
TJ: You don't need your shoes on while we're inside.
[Addison runs and gets her shoes, throws them on the ground] No!
 

Happy Victoria Day weekend!

I love long weekends! It was gorgeous, and we got to spend more time with Isaac. Addison wasn't feeling great on Sunday so we didn't do as much as we had planned, but we were still pretty busy. It was 25-32 (77-90) all weekend, so we wanted to enjoy as much time as possible outside. Addison got to run around the lot and go to the pirate ship park. She also went to the zoo for the first time. I'd never been to this particular zoo before, but I loved it. It's free, and relatively close (90 min). It had way more than I had expected, including a train ride for kids, splash pad, and gardens, on top of the 50 acres for animals. We will definitely be going back. Addison had a blast! Pictures to follow when the internet is back up

My craptastic day (Coles Notes version)

• Had a follow-up for my knee with the family doctor. I was under the impression that I had not broken anything this time round. The paperwork the hospital sent her states otherwise! The hospital also "forgot" to send a copy of my xrays to her, so she's sending me back for more.
• Addison has at least two teeth coming through, and screamed through Morgan's birthday party today.
• I still need help with Addison, as I'm in an immobilizer and on crutches. The people who offered to help me tomorrow and the next day bailed today, with no explanation. I'm on my own with her, and I have no idea how I'm going to do it.
• Isaac is working all weekend.

 

This is not fun.

I've been such a grump since I got hurt. It's beyond frustrating to not be able to take care of yourself, never mind a toddler. I've gone out to the mall twice, just to get out of the house. I'm going stir-crazy. It's difficult, but manageable at this point. Thankfully this injury is not nearly as bad as those in the past, which means I'm in much better shape at two weeks than I was then at a month. However, that does not mean I'm getting off scott-free. I still need help getting dressed, and getting in and out of the bath tub. I use crutches to slowly go up the stairs, then slide them down next to me as I go downstairs on my bum. I can't put weight on my bad leg yet, which means I can't properly pick up Addison, and put her down in her crib. I can only hold her if I'm sitting comfortably and lift her up in a certain way. She obviously doesn't understand, and it's heartbreaking to hear "Mama up! Up! Maaamaaaaa!" all day. Being on crutches means I might be able to get from room-to-room, but I cannot carry anything. I eat my lunch standing at the counter beside my fridge, and let Addison snack off a plate on the floor. Getting her changed and dressed is quite a feat. I'm kind of glad that it's been so rainy and gross lately, because I feel slightly less guilty for not taking Addison out to run around. When it's just us, my only option is to sit with her on the deck, when what she really wants to do is run laps around the entire house, and go for long walks around town. I had to turn down a job offer, and pull out of soccer. I didn't get to go to Ottawa for my birthday. While Isaac is at work, Addison and I have spent time with my mom, Nicole, and Kerry. They've been a great help. I know that these are tiny, insignificant problems in the grand scheme of things, but it's still pretty sucky when it happens to you. I should be out of this immobilizer by the weekend, and into a smaller brace, still with crutches. I meet with the doctor on Tuesday for another follow-up. Cross your fingers for a quick, easy recovery.
 

Five. FIVE!

After 2.5 hours of running around doing drills with Mr. Soccer Coach Extraordinaire, we were on our last drill, when I went down. This poor 14 year old (who I don't know, and has never coached before) and I went after the same ball, and collided. I immediately knew what happened: Lateral patellar dislocation #1 2 3 4 5 for yours truly.

After a lot of screaming and a little swearing, I finally calmed down enough to explain to everyone gathered around me that this was a recurring injury. Upon inspection, the others decided it was best to call an ambulance. It started raining and it was already only 5 (41F) outside, and I was stuck on the grass until they arrived from a neighbouring town 20 minutes later.

 Most of the (young) coaches were rounded up and sent inside while a handful of others offered First Aid, gave me water, and covered me in as many blankets and coats as they could find. Surprisingly, this time, I never lost consciousness. I was talking to everyone, and able to describe exactly what happened. The boy that I hit felt awful. He wasn't really talking to anyone, and he kept saying it was his fault. I tried telling him this is #5. Definitely not his fault.

Isaac wasn't answering his phone, and I needed him to come with me to the hospital. I sent Katie M. to Ryan's house, and Ryan went to get Isaac. He took Addison while Isaac followed me to the hospital. The driver was fantastic; the trip was pretty smooth. The EMT in the back with me was really laid-back and easy to talk to. He kept apologizing profusely for having to cut my pants, and asked eight billion times if I was warm enough.

Thankfully my knee popped back into place, so we were only there for three hours. I had three x-rays taken and received good news that there are no fractures. I was sent out with a small brace in a wheelchair, as I already have an immobilizer and crutches at home. I'll be out for a good six weeks, and heading to physiotherapy. The ER doctor recommended I go once or twice a week for the next 10-20 years! I didn't have to see Ortho this time, but I do still have to follow-up with my regular doctor and see what the next step is. The ER doctor didn't want to jump the gun because it did go back, and there are no fractures, but on the other hand, this is not the first time this has happened. Or the second. Or the...You get the idea.

So I guess on Monday I'll be calling the doctor and hobbling my way in there as soon as possible to discuss my options. I have hypermobility and patella alla, but I don't know if there is anything out there that can "fix" that. Surgery options have been discussed in the past, but I'm not sure if they're still applicable now, nine years after the first incident. I want to ask my doctor if any of this is genetic. If so, is there anything I can do for Addison, or will she be stuck in this same unfortunate position? Is there anything permanent I can do for myself? Will I wear a brace every day from here on out, do my exercises, and still throw it out another three times?

I'm terrified to hear what she'll tell me. I know my knee is not ever going to be "normal" but the thought of dealing with this again, even just once more, is killing me. It's the most painful thing I have ever experienced, including labour. It's a long recovery process and it's frustrating as hell to be so helpless. I don't know how on earth I'm supposed to take it easy while I'm on my own with an 18 month old. She obviously doesn't understand, and all night, all she wanted to do was climb up on the couch and play. It's already breaking my heart to not be able to get down on her level and do what she wants. I can't take her outside because I won't be able to grab her if she runs off in the wrong direction. I can't put her down for a nap because my stairs are impossible. I can't even pick her up because I am unable to bear my own weight, never mind another 20 lbs. Instead, I get to cry in pain, take some drugs, sleep downstairs on the couch alone, and have someone else put my pyjama pants on for me because I can't do it alone. I hate this. I hate everything about this injury. It's barely been 12 hours and I'm so, so angry.

EDIT: I've always played sports, but few of my past injuries were sports-related.
August 2003, 16 years old: Babysitting (Dislocation, fracture)
March 2006, 18 years old: Dodgeball (Dislocation)
June 2006, 19 years old: Slipped on a bathroom floor (Dislocation)
May 2008, 21 years old: Cartwheel (Subluxation)
April 2012, 24 years old: Soccer practice

 

She'll fall asleep soon, right? Right?

Addison had a few good weeks of pure happiness, free of the hell that is teething. Now it's back with a vengeance.

She won't let me see inside her mouth often, but I know (at least) one canine is slowly starting to make an appearance. It's after midnight and she is squealing like a pig in her crib. I keep checking on her and I've given her everything I can think of, to no avail. This girl is inconsolable while teething. I can't think of any other word to describe it. Nothing helps. I've picked her up just to get her calmed down, but the second I lay her flat she's back at it again. She's in so much pain, and angry that she can't get to sleep. I, in turn, get no sleep. It makes for a very cranky household.

This is the absolute worst.

25 minutes later...Still going strong. She screamed so hard she puked. I picked her up and she bit me, and drew blood. Please tell me she'll fall asleep soon. She's been up since 5:30 with no nap today. Yesterday she got up at 4:30, didn't nap, and went to bed at 7. This teething stuff is for the birds.

20 minutes later (12:51) Cross your fingers that she's down for the count. Good night!

Happy Easter!

Addison's second Easter was a success, even if she is afraid of the Easter bunny. It was busy, but still pretty low-key.

I took her to the Easter bunny at the mall last week. She was in such a good mood. She waved to the bunny (and everyone else around her) and said hi, with a big smile on her face. Then I set her down on his lap and I thought the world was going to end. She was not having it. Picture to follow once I get it scanned.

Addison spent the night with the girls on Friday, for her second-ever sleepover. Isaac and I had a little visit with them, then said our goodbyes. She was good until we got to the stairs and she realized we were leaving. I guess she cried for a while but eventually calmed down, and everyone slept through the night. Ryan dropped her off at 8:30 the next morning. Isaac and I had done absolutely nothing all night, and loved every second of it.

On Saturday, after nap, we went to Isaac's Uncle Ray's Easter party. They go all out for their parties, whatever the occasion. There were craft stations, a parade, an Easter bunny (another bust; Addison screamed), and a scavenger hunt. My hunting team was awesome. They were 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 2.5. Hilarity ensued.

We hid eggs outside around our house on Sunday for Addison to find. She did pretty well, and got the hang of it quickly. It took a while to find just six eggs, though, because she wanted to play with every single one as she found it. The park finally dried up so we took her there (for the first time this year) after nap. That night I made ham, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and rolls for dinner.

I forgot to take a picture of her Easter basket. Isaac and I didn't get her much, but it still ended up taking over the entire Dining Room table. Addison and I dyed eggs and I put together a little basket for her, but everyone's gifts for her took over the entire Dining Room table. Kasey got her a duck, bunny ears that smell like chocolate, and a book. Grandma and Grandpa G got her a book and two shirts. Nana and Grandpa H got her some outdoor shovel toys, and a book. Ryan and Nicole got her bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and finger paint.

Today Isaac took the day off work and we went to his parents for turkey dinner. Addison loved all the good food this weekend and was in a great mood, as long as no bunny costumes were around. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as we did!

A quick update

Historical Data! Norm: -4 to +5 (25 to 41)

• It was bright and sunny all day. 24 (75) degrees in March! Record-breaking!
• Addison LOVES being outside. Can you blame her?
• She's still not eating well or sleeping great, but she looks much better and is slowly feeling like her normal self again
• We went shoe shopping on the weekend and Addison scored three new pairs of shoes for $26. Pictures to come once her feet heal and she can break them in. Runners, sandals (similar to last year), and Mary Janes. I also picked up black flats for myself for only $10.
• Addison goes outside after lunch and will scream bloody murder when you finally have to bring her inside for dinner at 5:30. She wants to stay out there and collect sticks.
• Xplornet sucks.
• Addison loves it outside.
• Isaac is working nights.
• Soccer registration is this week. I'll find out in early April which age group I'll be coaching: U7, U9, or U11. Cross your fingers that the fields dry up in time.
• The Easter bunny will be here soon!
• Hannah is almost one!
• Have I mentioned how much Addison loves being outside in this great weather? She'll do laps around the house, inspecting the trees and gardens. She has to touch everything.
• I'm almost 25! I'm excited to get up to Ottawa for a visit with some old friends.
• Morgan is almost two!

Where have the past two years gone?

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood

It's been a bit of a whirlwind week, but we're getting through it.

I'm loving this weather! Today and yesterday it got up to 15 (59)! After having a baby, I think my favourite thing about warm weather is not having to worry about layers and blankets. It's hard getting a baby all bundled up! I can't wait to throw her in a bubble and head out!

Addison is finally having a growth spurt (yay) but quickly growing through clothes (nay). Her winter boots were amazing and lasted the whole season. They were adorable and we got a great deal. They're a size three and too tight now, just in time for Spring. I pulled out four pairs of size fours and none of them fit! She grew out of a three, through a four, and into five! So now she has no shoes and never had a chance to wear those four pairs. Same goes for Spring jackets. I thought she had four, but she actually only fits into two. They'll fit until my birthday if I'm lucky! Thank God for hand-me-downs. I'd cry if I had spent all that money on clothes she never got to wear.

The snow is almost all gone now, with none in the near forecast. Spring is near! Isaac and I took her out to the lot for a hike through the grass. She tried to go both up and down a big hill, with great difficulty. She picked at grass and touched every tree branch she came near. It was hard at first, walking in her big boots, but she did really well. She's made definite progress this week in terms of running. Her confidence is skyrocketing. We're in trouble!

Not afraid of anything

Taking in her surroundings

She insists on walking along the foot path now, from the driveway to the back door. If you take her for a walk, you don't even have time to put the stroller away before she's off and running. Thankfully she does still enjoy the stroller/trailer, and walks well while holding onto our hands. She has thoroughly enjoyed doing laps around our house in the grass for the past two days.

She's feeling much better after having had Pink Eye and a cold. I can see two points of both of her top molars now, though, so she's still not quite her happy self. Hopefully they'll come quickly and she can finally have some peace for the first time since she started teething at six months.

We're starting to brainstorm some ideas of what to do this Summer. I might be working at the local garden centre, which starts in April or May. I'm also coaching soccer from early May until late June. I don't know which age group yet. It could be U7, U9, or U11. I did U5 a few years ago and I loved it but I'd like to coach a team that actually plays, without it being too dramatic and competitive like you'd get in U14 or U18.

We want to go to Wonderland this Spring when it gets warm but it's still not too busy. Preferably before June, when school gets out. I'd also like to go to the Zoo in the Summer once the hippos and giraffes are out. They have penguins now (again) too! I also have Megan's Baby Shower and a get-together in Toronto with some fellow mamas and babies. I can't wait!

It's been a long week

Everyone says it's bad when men get sick - and it is - but you know what's worse? When babies get sick. Last Saturday I took Addison to Ryan and Nicole's, and all was fine and dandy. Come Sunday, she's hacking up a lung. Her nose was running a mile a minute, she couldn't stop coughing, and her temperature was up and down between 101 and 103. Awesome, right?

I hate that she can't tell me how she feels. What hurts? What happens when do you this or try that? I hate that she can't blow her own nose, and hates the booger sucker. I hate that I can't explain to her what's going on and that she'll feel better soon. I hate that I can't tell her we're doing everything we can.

I took her to the doctor on Tuesday because it was only getting worse. Turns out she has an upper respiratory infection and there isn't much we can do to treat the virus. So now I'm stuck with a grumpy, gooey, screaming, coughing, feverish baby that can't get to sleep.

Isaac came home from Tuesday-Wednesday, and he's still sick as a dog. Somehow I haven't managed to catch anything. *Knock on wood.

I called Lori (my favourite nurse practitioner) on Thursday and asked for suggestions to help with the coughing and mucous build up. After listing her symptoms, Lori was convinced my poor girl has the flu. Her fever had kept going up and down until Thursday!

So here we are, a week later, and she's just starting to slowly make a turn-around. She hadn't been eating until today, when she went to town on three full meals and more snacks than you could ever imagine. She slept okay lastnight (thank god, after waking five times Fri night) and had a good nap this afternoon. We went for a little walk and she seemed to enjoy the fresh air. And finally, she wanted to play and splash in the bath tonight.

Slowly but surely, she's feeling better. Now it's my turn to catch up on sleep!

For Tripp

Addison and I are wearing red for Tripp today.

RIP, Little Drummer Boy.

Success!

We did it! Addison had her first sleep-over, and it was a hit.

I never would have thought it would take us 14 months before we'd leave her for the night, but I ended up nursing for far longer than anticipated. We had a few people offer to look after her, but I couldn't leave her for too long. Now that we're just about done, Isaac and I were more than ready for a night off.

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Nicole came over for a visit on Friday and Isaac got off work early. When the girls were getting ready to leave, they asked if they could take Addison for the night. We had no idea what to expect, seeing as she NEVER sleeps when she's away from home. We've also been going through the Hell that is teething for the past month. I don't remember the last time my poor girl slept through the night. Ryan and Nicole knew this going in, and told us to think it over.

We put her in her PJs and fed her dinner, then sent her over so she was warm and full (read: Happy). When we left, all three girls were playing together upstairs in their PJs. We went for dinner at the new bistro in town, and I got a text around 8 saying everyone was in bed!

This is the only picture I have from Nicole, taken right when we got there. Morgan was getting changed when we arrived, and happened to be putting on the same PJs we had chosen for Addison.

We didn't end up picking her up until 9 the next day. Turns out she only woke up once! It took Isaac and I both a while to fall asleep that night but we both enjoyed a little peace and quiet, and sleeping in. The girls had gotten up around 8 and they had all eaten and changed into their clothes for the day by the time we got there.

Everyone was happy. Everything went well. They've offered to take her once a month from now on. In return, I've offered to take both girls for the day or one girl at night. I'm not ready to go from one baby to three at night time just yet.

Early Christmas

Long story short, my brother has decided not to do Christmas with my parents this year. Instead, he asked to come over this past weekend and open gifts, and call it a day. If nothing else, the girls loved playing together, and Isaac showed Addison and Morgan the mandolin.

 Hannah

 Morgan

Mando

 Morgan's first RC

 Hannah opening crayons

 

Hannah eating crayons

 Addison's first car

 Morgan likes to help open gifts

 Addison was more interested in the scotch tape than the books

Addison's new winter sled

Just.Stop.Screaming.

Someone help this poor girl out. Addison is teething like crazy and it's awful, to say the least. She's chewing on everything (especially her hands) and doesn't want to eat. She's had a fever, puked, had a runny nose, and hasn't slept in a week. Not just slept poorly. No sleep at all. No nap for three days in a row, and up countless times each night. Thankfully Isaac came home on Wednesday so I had an extra set of hands, which is always much appreciated. It's really hard, and incredibly exhausting. Thankfully this semester is done and Christmas is right around the corner, so we'll be home together a little more often over the next few weeks. I hope Addison feels better soon so she can actually enjoy it.

I officially hate shopping

For jeans, anyway. If Isaac hadn't been with me today, I would have lost my mind. He hates shopping, hates crowds, hates the mall, and hates having to go into more than one store. He's very much an in-and-out shopper. Yet today he successfully conquered all of the above to finish up Christmas shopping and get me some jeans!

Pre-pregnancy, I never really had problems buying jeans. Hell, it wasn't even that hard when I was pregnant. Granted, beforehand, there were few stores that I could choose from. Post-pregnancy is a whole other ball game, and not in the way I would have thought.

The 35 lbs I gained quickly fell off, and then some. I'm really struggling to gain any weight these days, and it's hard for me to accept that this is my new (smaller) size and shape. I recently decided it was time to update my wardrobe, upon realizing every single pair of pants I own was falling off of me. I really didn't think it would be so damn hard.

First off, can no two clothing companies follow the same guidelines when it comes to sizing? Why is a 1 at one store the same as a 3 at the next, and the same as a 00 at the next? Why isn't anything standard?

Also, why do so many stores start at 25 or 26? That's considered their XS. I often asked before even looking, just to be sure. I'm sure there are plus size girls out there thinking the same thing, that their favourite stores stop before their size. I feel their pain, and it sucks. God forbid you ever complain, though. People will look at a big girl and say they'd have no problems if they just got some exercise, and look at a small girl and tell them to eat a sandwich.

Then there are the grumpy, under-paid workers. Here's lookin at you, bitchy sales woman at the AE change room. Why would anyone think it's okay to look at a customer and say in a totally whiny, snotty voice (that I cannot easily interpret into writing) "Oh it must be soooo hard to shop when you're small." Seriously? Big or small, it can be frustrating as hell. Your passive aggressive, rude-ass comments are not helping.

I tried on no less than 20 pairs of jeans today before I FINALLY found one that fit. I should've bought three of the same ones. Maybe I'll go back later this week. I seriously lost count after 20 because I was just about to give up. Pants were falling off of me. Honestly. I could get most of these jeans on and off without even undoing a button.

I felt like I should be shopping in the juniors department. I already look young for my age, and I'm sick of people looking at me thinking I'm a teen Mom. I don't need to look like a frumpy Mom on top of that, with pants around my ankles. After going to every single store in our mall that carries women's clothes, you'd think I'd be able to find something. If you can't fit into a 00 at 24 years old, what size are you? Where exactly are you supposed to shop?

I've never shopped at American Eagle but thought I'd give it a shot. I'll be sure to never go there again. I took three pairs (00) into the change room. They fell off of me. I told the Sales Associate they were no's and she offered to get me another size. I said "No thanks, they're actually too big." She actually looked at them and said "00, 00, 00" and rolled her eyes dramatically. It was one of the rudest things I may have ever seen, and I've worked retail before. She kind of laughed and went on to say "It must be soooooo hard" (as I mentioned above). Needless to say I will not be going back to look at their over-sized $70 jeans again. It's not like I walked out and said "Look at me! I'm so skinny these don't even fit! Are you jealous?" Ugh!

This post is pointless and shallow but it was really disappointing, and I needed to vent. It's really frustrating to be a Mom and not look presentable in public. *sigh Hopefully I'll find a store soon that works for me. In the mean time, if you see a 12 year old pushing a baby down the street with baggy, ill-fitting jeans, please say Hi. It's probably me.

I'm a giddy little school girl

Isaac is helping me pay for two classes that were still available, and I couldn't be happier. They both sound great!

Crime, Law, Process and Politics: Criminal law process in Canada; structure and use of the process examined for fairness, defects, and possible reform initiatives. Issues concerning gender, race and class bias in the implementation and application of the criminal law.

Criminal Behaviour: Psychosocial approaches to the classification and treatment of offenders; theories and research relevant to selected patterns of law breaking and selected offender types; the effectiveness of offender treatment.

Sweet! Classes are Thursday night and Saturday morning, so my plan is to watch the lectures Fri and Saturday around noon once Addison goes to bed, doing my readings once she's up, and writing Monday-Thursday. That's tentative, of course, since I haven't seen the syllabuses yet, but I think it's good to have a plan going in. It'll be hard to stay on track if I don't have a schedule in place.

Wish me luck.