Things to do in December (2013)

• Decorate the Christmas tree
• Wrap gifts
• Kiss under the miseltoe
• Bake sugar cookies
• Make apple cider
• Have french toast and hot chocolate for dinner
• Watch the classics: Dr Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman
• Make snow angels
• Build a snow man
• Catch snow flakes on your tongue
• Donate to the toy drive
• Donate to the local food bank
• Watch the Santa Clause Parade online and in-person
• Take a picture with Santa
• Send Christmas cards
• Write and mail a letter to Santa, and anxiously await his reply
• Make a holiday play list and crank the tunes!

Never a dull day

I might still be hurting and frustrated, but Addison keeps me going. She constantly makes me laugh until tears roll down my face. She's learning something new every day, and at times I feel like it's hard to keep up. She loves to mimic, and her vocabulary is quickly growing.

I just love sitting back and watching her interact with family and friends, and play independently. She has so much personality, and is capable of doing so much more than many people would give credit for, at 18 months.

She loves to run, but often falls over when she gets going too fast and doesn't know how to stop. She usually flails her arms as she goes, and sticks her tongue out. She spins in circles until she gets dizzy, and tries to jump (unsuccessfully). She'll sneak around a doorway and say "Boo" and start never-ending games of Peekaboo.

She'll offer you a piece of whatever she's eating, every single time she takes her own bite. One for you, one for me. At Nana's house, she'll barely say hi before she's getting into the cupboard where the snacks are.

Before we leave the house, she sits on her bum near the door and helps put her shoes and coat on. When we get back in, she does the same thing to get them off. She loves being inside running in the grass, playing in the sandbox, playing in water, and helping garden. She understands "out" and "back up" when I ask her to leave a room, and recently (quickly) learned the same terms when it came to getting out of Mommy's new garden.

While wearing just a diaper yesterday morning, she walked around the house in my flats, carrying Isaac's cooler on her arm like a purse. She walked to the door and said "Side? Side?" Do you think she's trying to copy us?

I took her out for lunch with my Mom today for a belated Mother's Day gift. She was given a small cup of milk with a lid and a straw. She removed the straw, put the lid in her lap, and drank it up like a big girl. She sat nicely without a cry for our entire meal, and talked up a storm. As we were finishing up, she started pushing on the leg of the table, tipping her highchair back slightly...Because she's seven, and knows how to do this.

Where did my baby go? This girl is growing up by the second! She's so sweet and loving, energetic and funny. She's a grump when she's tired, and wants things done her way. She's the perfect combination of the two of us, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Mother's Day 2011

Mother's Day 2012

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?

Update

My posts have been pretty scattered lately. Sorry. I've been really busy with a sick baby and reading for school.

Addison's finally starting to get back to her normal self. I can see a few teeth coming in, so that on top of a nasty cold equals one angry baby! Yesterday I had a break from both baby and school. I did a little shopping while she stayed with Grandma. I'm told she had a great time dancing, checking out the Christmas tree, and playing with all the kittens.

I bought all my gifts a while back but still needed some stocking stuffers and had to (finally) put up Addison's Advent calendar. This year she's getting LeapFrog's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet Set. Most days will be one random letter, but there are some snacks in there as well. On the 25th she'll get an ornament and the remaining pieces to put it all together on the fridge.

I have no idea what anyone's getting her for Christmas. I had a few toys we had been looking at for her for her birthday, and she got every single one! Now our house is over-flowing so who knows what this month will bring, or where we'll put everything. I'm trying to stick with the four present rule from us, as well as one thing from Santa. Something she wants, something she needs, something to wear, and something to read. Check back with me in a few years and I'll let you know how we're doing.

As for me, I've been reading, reading, reading. I've never been stressed about an exam until now. The one on Friday is worth 70% of my grade! 70! It's a subjective final, where I'll be asked to write short essays on a select group of topics that we've discussed this semester. I have a decent grade going in but I'm worried because a) 70% is an awful lot, and b) I don't know that much about the topics for this half, compared to those we discussed for the midterm. I was much more interested in that half than this. It's also hard to buckle down and read about child soldiers or terrorism for a day, while you have a baby attached to your feet. I think I've got the basics down pat. Hopefully. Wish me luck!

I'm considering applying for a few local jobs in the new year just to get out of the house a few times a week. We'll see. I think it would be good for me to have some adult company, and good for Addison to spend more time with the Grandparents. I'm so thankful that I am able to stay at home full-time with her but part of me wants a little change. Again, we'll see.

Update

Final midterm marks for both classes: 70
I'm not happy, but I'm sick of complaining. Onward and upward.

In other news, I took Addison to the cenotaph for Remembrance Day today. We followed the parade down to the park and watched the ceremony with Nicole. It was cold, but nice. I plan on taking her every year until she's in school.

After that, we came home and she had a wonderful 2.5 hour nap. Mom came over and we went to town to get some Christmas shopping done. She got a bunch of goodies. I can scratch Dad off my list now. I also picked up a Christmas sleeper for Addison (on sale for 8.99 + no tax day + 20% discount = $7.20), and a toy each for Morgan and Hannah (that Nicole had suggested). I still need to get them books. And I have no idea what to get Isaac, as per usual. He'll be the last one I buy for. So far all I can think of is coveralls. Boring, but practical. I'll keep wracking my brain...

I haven't decided what to get Addison yet. Her quilt will (hopefully) be done by then, which is a huge thing. Not sure what she'll need. I feel like she was just bombarded with toys for her birthday. It's hard to stay on top of everything. I'd really like to stick with the "Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read." This year that could be _____ (a big, fun present), the quilt, a holiday dress/PJs, and a Christmas book. I don't know. Maybe something will catch my eye in the next two weeks. I really want to get this done before finals roll around, though.

PS: It's 1:19 am. Wtf? Why am I still awake?

To-do List

Between now and Nov 7:

• Clean the house!

• School: PSYC readings: Chapter 2, 3, 4, 5
• Wash Addison's birthday outfit (The one gift she'll open on her actual birthday)
• Ottawa: Pick up playpen from Mom's, Book hotel (Oct 28-29), Pack 1/2 bags (1/2 done), set aside outfits/shoes with a blanket and coat, stock up diaper bag, pack play pen sheets
• Addison's party: Banner, wreath, quilt, table for presents/cake, buy tablecloth/card/drinks, make cupcakes/mac salad, blow up/hang balloons
• Halloween: Buy box of Candy to bring to Ryan's, set aside outfit/shoes to wear under costume, with a blanket and coat

• Oct 26: Addison's birthday
• Oct 28: Ottawa/LAWS midterm
• Oct 29: PSYC midterm/home from Ottawa
• Oct 30: Addison's birthday party
• Oct 31: Halloween
• Nov 7: Isaac's birthday

What's next?

• September 5: Meg's birthday
• September 8: SCHOOL!
• October 1 September 24: Ryan and Nicole move to their new house 
• October 6: Provincial election
• October 10: Thanksgiving
• October 26: Addison's 1st birthday
• October 29: Addison's 1st birthday party
• October 31: Halloween
• November 7: Isaac's birthday

Throw some mid-terms in there, and I am booked solid this October! More details to come. I'm too tired right now.

You're almost one!

And the brainstorming has begun for her fall-themed party. Here are some ideas:

• Make/mail cards (layout idea) by September 26
• BBQ dinner: Pulled pork, chicken, salads, cookies, cupcakes and ice cream for guests, smash cake for Addison
• Make pendant for high chair, flowers or pendant for back wall behind gift/treat table, make wreath with burgundy/brown/yellow flowers for front door (and leave up for Fall)
• Buy Addison a burgundy/brown/yellow outfit, birthday bib
• Gifts: Finish baby scraps quilt, books, Leapfrog Potsy? Picnic? Violet?
• Birthday photos (Meg?)/scrapbook pages

Keeping busy and enjoying the weather

We finally got a week or so with no rain. YAY! Unfortunately it's coming back with a vengeance tomorrow, but that's besides the point. For now, we shall enjoy it! It's currently 24 outside. LOVE!

So our crazy month is just about up. Easter, Hannah's birthday, my birthday, election, Mother's Day and Morgan's birthday have all (finally) passed. Next up is Ryan's birthday, then the craziness dies down a little.

Somehow I didn't get a chance to get on here and talk for days about the election. Long story short, I didn't get to work it because Elections Canada cannot accommodate nursing mothers. Hopefully I'll get to do it next time. While I'm very upset that Harper won a majority government, I'm incredibly happy with the many other stories that came from May 2. NDP is our official opposition for the first time in Canadian history. Go, Jack, Go! Ignatieff stepped down as Liberal leader after an abominable finish, and Duceppe resigned, as the Bloc loses recognition as a formal party. Finally, Elizabeth May won her own riding and got the Green Party their very first seat in Parliament. There is one heck of a silver lining here after all. We can only go up from here, Canada.

Mother's Day was nice and quiet. We had my (belated) birthday party on May 7, after which Isaac, Addison and I stayed in the trailer. It was a really nice afternoon/night out at the lot with a camp fire and a few good friends. I got to sleep in the next morning as Isaac cleaned up. He made me breakfast at home and Addison and I spent the rest of the day shopping in Belleville with my Mom. It was perfect, being able to spend the day with my Mom and daughter. Mom bought us some flowers so we spent the afternoon fixing up the front garden beneath the picture window. It looks so much better already!

Morgan's turned one on Wednesday. I still cannot believe she's already one! Where did this past year go? She'll hold on to your finger and walk pretty quickly all around the house, and she can get up and down from the couch by herself. She's drinking milk and using sippy cups now. I see her often and I'm still in disbelief.

Ryan and Nicole had a small party for her with family and a few friends, an Eeyore cake and lots of presents. It was cute to watch her pick at her piece of cake and bat some balloons around. She got kind of cranky though, and had no interest in her birthday hat or any pictures.

Addison has just passed out on the floor in the Living Room as I write this, and Isaac is off measuring the lot with his Dad and Laine. I'm going to do some laundry. Hopefully I can get Mom's camera and upload some recent pictures.

And so the countdown begins

Isaac's parents got home from their trip on Friday. Kerry has to work all weekend, though, so I won't see her until some time next week. I'm sure we'll hear all about their lovely Caribbean sun :)

We had Easter dinner at my parents place on Friday, since Kerry works all weekend. My mom actually does too but she was off at a decent time on Friday so we went for it. I cooked the ham and it turned out perfectly! Addison wore her new outfit Mom had gotten for her for Easter. I put red leggings on her instead of just the diaper cover because it was cool.

Cousins

I gave Addison her Easter basket early, simply because we were going out and I wanted her to wear her bonnet. She got that outfit, her dress she had worn to go see the Easter bunny, a book, and this bunny shaped teether (that she LOVES).

Baby in a basket

Addison and Morgan had a good time together, though Morgan was being super clingy and pretty fussy. All in all it was a good afternoon dinner.

Isaac had been looking at bikes recently and I woke up this morning to "Want to go to Ottawa?" Sure enough, he had fallen in love with one he had seen on Kijiji that was for sale in Kanata. I got out of bed at 8:30 and we were on the road around 9. It's in really good shape and it was a great deal, so he got what he wanted! While we were there, we grabbed some lunch and went to my old work to catch up with some old co-workers. Unfortunately with it being such a last minute trip on Easter weekend, not too many others were around. That just means we'll have to get up there again soon and give everyone a little notice!

Addison wasn't awake for very long but we brought her new teether and the FP Puppy to keep her company, just in case.

This is how she looked for most of our trip there and back (5-6 hours total).

Checking out Daddy's new ride

Next up: Isaac's driving to Guelph to get Laine tomorrow. My niece should be born any day now. Then it's my birthday. Then an election. Then Mother's Day. Then Morgan's birthday. Then Ryan's birthday.

Upcoming events

Things to look forward to!

• Apr 21: Training to work at the election
• Apr 22: In-laws get home from their vacation
• Apr 22: Easter weekend
• Apr 28: My Niece's due date
• Apr 29: University ends, Isaac's brothers come home
• Apr 30: My birthday
• May 2: Election (That's not very exciting in itself, but I'm pretty pumped to do some easy work for great pay)
• May 8: Mother's Day
• May 11: My other Niece's 1st birthday
• May 23: My Brother's birthday (Is Brother capitalized?)

Happy Easter!

We went to see the Easter Bunny today!

More about us

Isaac's home on Paternity Leave and the weather is improving day-to-day. I'm one happy girl! We took Addison for her first hike through the woods recently while there was still snow on the ground. I wore her in my Maman Kangourou carrier. Best invention ever! She cried for some food, but then she passed right out, snuggled up to me. We cooked some hot dogs over a fire. Good times all round.

Lastnight we went to my brother's for one last party before his daughter gets here. I can't wait to see her! They'll have their hands full, though. Morgan is scootin all over the place. She'll be walking in no time. I can't believe she's almost one!

I'm struggling to get everything I need for the occasions coming up. Everything is so close together. Isaac's parents get back from their trip on Easter, then my niece is due, then my birthday, Morgan's 1st birthday, my parents anniversary, Isaac's parents anniversary, and Ryan's birthday. The Easter bunny has started shopping and I know 1/2 things I'm getting Morgan, but that's it! And I have a little birthday list, but really I just want a date with Isaac.

Addison is struggling to take bottles but we're working on it. She's still exclusively breastfed (yay!) but it'd be nice to leave her with our parents and a pumped bottle for a but. We're getting there. We'll be starting solids at the end of April, which should be fun.

Addison has mastered rolling back-to-belly but rarely goes the other way. We've lost a lot of sleep lately, having to constantly flip her back over because she cries when she's stuck. It's not fun. Everyone thinks she's teething too, the poor girl. What else? She took her 4 mos shots a little better but wasn't feeling so hot the next day. Could've been better, could've been worse.

This is getting long and she just woke up from a nap so I'm gonna go. More to come!