Face Painting and beach fun!

This past weekend my friend came out for a night. We decided it would be fun to go to the Bridge Street Bazaar for a little walk and check out the vendors and have some lunch, and when we got there we saw that they had face painting booths. Once we found the one we liked best, we had the kids faces painted. They both sat very still and were so good that the lady was excited to paint them both. She wanted to do something little on Alexander's arm, but I convinced her that he would sit still if she did his face. I was very happy that she took my words for it because his face was ADORABLE! She is a GREAT face painter. I wish I had thought to get her card! We found a little vendor and had some lunch, and Mackenzie saw the bouncy castles, so off she and Jill went to go play. She loved bouncing and sliding! I was also lucky enough to find a few perfect presents for my parents for Christmas! YES I have officially started Christmas shopping! 2 down, a zillion to go!

After a rest at home so Alexander could nap, we went to the beach. Unfortunately, the swimming was warned against due to bacteria, but with 2 splash pads, 2 play structures, and the beach to play on, the kids had a great time anyways!

Cottage playdate #1

My niece and nephew were up at my parents cottage for a week so I figured it would be a great time to have Alexander's first cottage playdate that week. Jill, and Shannon were in for the playdate as it's relaxing for them too, so everything was set! We headed out in the morning and got there just in time for a swim. The kids LOVED playing in the water. Of course this year again, Shannon and Jill didn't get all the way in the water, so I was the only playing, but it was fun. We got the moms a little wet with water guns and had them on the run for a little. After a short swim, we had a wonderful lunch provided by my mom the consisted of sandwiches, fruit, veggies, deviled eggs, chips, and cheezies. It was DELISH! When everyone was sufficiently satisfied, I decided Alexander was in a good enough mood to go for a short boat ride before he had to go for his nap. This year the girls were brave enough to drive the boat and seemed to think it was neat. They also liked to look out the back and see the wake that the boat left. When we got back, Alexander when down for his nap and the girls and I went for another swim. While we were swimming, my parents set up the tube that gets towed behind the boat, so the kids could have a quick ride. Mackenzie is still too young so Lilly and Rhiannon got to go together and had a blast! I went with Tanner and it was so much fun! After the tube rides, we all got dressed and my mom had a surprise for the girls, S'MORES!!! I have not have s'mores since I was at Girl Guide camp so it was a YUMMY treat! Last but not least we celebrated Alexander's 8th Monthday with his cupcake. Seeing as he is not yet allowed to eat his cupcake, Lilly and Mackenzie got to share it. It was a great day spent with wonderful friends!

Alexander's first Canada Day

Canada Day this year was especially exciting as it was Alexander's first! We got all our gear together and started the day off by spending the early afternoon with Dave, Olivia, and Quinn. It was nice to just chill with them, have some lunch, and lots of desserts. An old friend Karagh came by as well and we were able to catch up quickly before moving onto our next destination.

Next stop was the day celebrations in Carleton Place. There was not all that much for Alexander to do, but there was a petting Zoo, and music, and it was such a beautiful day that we were able to sit and visit woth friends. He LOVED the animals very much and enjoyed feeding and petting them. He had a lot of fun playing with our hats and waving the little Canadian flag.
After all the fun in the sun, we went home for Alexander to have a MUCH needed nap, and we enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner, courtesy of friends, Dominic and Cathy. When dinner was done we woke Alexander up from his nap and got all packed up again and headed back down to the beach for the fireworks. I was apprenhensive at first because I was afraid that the noise of the fireworks would scare Alexander, but he LOVED them! He couldn't take his eyes off them! It was a wondeful day filled with great friends, great food, and great fun!

Teddy Bear Picnic

Carleton Place Teddy Bear Picnic came to the rescue! When we got home last night from Ribfest, my little 6(ALMOST 7) year old neighbour came up to me and told me matter of factly that "there is a Teddy Bear Picnic here tomorrow", and the told me simply to "just Google it". After getting over the inital shock of being to to go Google something by a 6 year old, I thanked him, and did what he told me to. I went inside, looked it up, and indeed there was a picnic here, so we went today! It was very small, but they had lots for the kids to do. They had games, a BBQ, decorate your own cupcake, B*A*S*H, mini putt, a bouncy castle, face painting, and items to bid on! Everything was purchased with tickets, and tickets were $1.00 each, so we bought a bunch of tickets and the first thing we did was get Alexander's painted. He sat like a champ while it was being done, and he seemed to like it. We then went to the Fire Truck. I knew he would love it since it's in his blood. Even the lights and sirens did not phase him! There wasn't really anything else that Alexander could do, so we put the rest of out tickets in for prizes and low and behold we won tickets to Saunders Farm! Woot! It was a WONDERFUL day! Face painting

Lovin' the fire Truck

With the Mascot

Mommy's little Puppy!

Lovin' Stan's car!

Ribfest - Good food, Good friends

We were planning on going to the CHEO Teddy Bear picnic today, but it was cancelled because the ground at Rideau Hall was too soggy to support all the people and rides. So instead we went to Ribfest and met up with some good friends. The weather was not the greatest but we were able to meet up with everyone we were hoping to, unfortunately some for less time than others, but understandable considering it was rainy. We took a walk around first as we were ther before everyone else.

Alexander at the Eternal Flame on Parliment Hill

Newly renovated Congress Center

Jen and the kids were the first to get there, and with 4 hungry growing kids we decided to get food and eat rather than wait. This is the company we decided to get our lunch from(it had the shortest line!)

YUMMY ribs, brisket, pulled pork, beans, coleslaw, and bread

We got to our tabel at 73 West outside on Sparks Street(thank goodness we did because it rained a little while we were eating. Will we were eating Dave, Olivia, and Quinn arrived and we ate and chatted, and passed around the kids.

All of us(minus Mike) digging into the delicious meal!

Alexander wanting Daddy's beer

Dave, Olivia, and Quinn

Olivia and Quinn

At this point we were all done eating and it started raining pretty hard. Jen and the kids, and Davie, Olivia, and Quinn decded it would be best for them to go home. Shannon, Marc, and Lilly had just arrived so we decided to buy an umbrella and wander around for a little with them, and keep them company while they ate.

Shannon, Marc, Lilly, and Alexander

Busker who did fire eating, and unicycle while juggling swords

It really was a wonderful day, and we are very glad we were able to see everyone, get out of the house, and have a great afternoon, even if we did get a little wet.

OUCH! Running doesn't like me!

So...I ran Monday night, as promised on here, and I couldn't complete what I set out to do, but I did about 1/2 of it, and walked the rest. I need new shoes. My feet cramped up so badly that I wanted to take my shoes off and walk in my sock feet. So, I am going to see what the Dr. says about my xrays tomorrow, and then my plan is to go to Bushtakah and get a proper fitting and then get the right shoes. I really want to continue running and improve. The way I feel tonight, sore...REALLY SORE, I think it will really help me loose the weight I want to and maybe even become a good hobby to keep me in shape and healthy. If the Dr says it's ok, and I get new shoes, I will run again tomorrow night and see how day 2 goes!

Trying to lose weight - how to do it?

OK...so this weight that I put on when I was pregnant with Alexander is NOT coming off, and it's making me angry. I have been wearing my maternity pants up til yesterday when I finally cracked and bought a pair normal jeans at Old Navy. I am sick of not fitting into my normal pants and we can't afford for me to join a gym, swimming laps would be great but again it costs money, I have been doing Zumba on the Wii, going for long walks, and I have been trying to eat better. NOTHING IS WORKING. Seriously I didn't lose even an ounce this past week. So, I am thinking I might start running. Now, this is a big deal for me because as a kid I was not a runner, as a matter of fact I couldn't run. My asthma wouldn't let me do it. So, I am going to try again. I have found a site that has a program designed to have someone running 5K in 9 weeks, and I am hoping that maybe I can do it. Now I that I have posted this on my blog, I will have to be accountable for actually following through. First run today...at some point...when I decide to get off my butt to go.

June 3rd - Andrew Hayden Park

Today I decided it was nice enough to take Alexander to Andrew Hayden Park for the first time. My family would go there a lot when I was younger. It would be a Dairy Queen, and play at the park evening and I loved it. So I stopped at Subway and got myslef some lunch and we headed out. We got there and there were a lot of people who had the same idea. I got out of the car and it was CRAZY WINDY! I decided we could still enjoy the outing, but was very thankful that I brought long pants and sweater for Alexander. We walked around and found a spot and I changed him and we had lunch. Once we were finished lunch, we played a little and went for an hour long walk around the park.

Alexander Enjoying his bottle after his cereal.

Better shot

Alexander at the waterfall

Little boats in the pond (there were big ones in the lake)

I liked this one best

Geese and their babies!

Teething

I don't like teething. I don't think any parent likes teething, and trying to find what works for your child is difficult. Everyone tells you what worked for them, but no baby is the same. We have tried many things and for now, this is what I feel about the products we have tried so far.

Camilia - It has not worked for us at all. I have tried it, and I keep trying it because so many people say it's wonderful, but so far, no luck.

Tempra - LOVE IT! Not only does it help with the fevers Alexander gets while teething, it helps with the pain, and he likes the taste(it doesn't hurt that it helps him sleep too!). We did not like the cherry flavour, but now that we have the Banana, with no dye, he loves it, and it doesn't stain his clothes.

Baby Oragel - LOVE IT! Now there is contraversy on this one. Some people say that it shouldn't be used because they can swallow it, and therefore numb the baby's throat. I caved and tried it, and he hates it, but I like it. We were given it as kids and we are fine, and now it comes in a pump that automatically gives you the right amount. It works instantly and once he gets over the yucky taste, he is SO much happier.

Teething Necklace - LOVE IT! A few months ago when Alexander started drooling like a mad man, I decided to try a teething necklace. I bought it at Belly Laughs in Kanata, it is safe(as safe as it can be for a baby necklace), not long enough for him to chew on it, and there is a knot between every bead of Amber. I find it has worked so far. He still drools, but it is no where near as much as he used to.

First night away from Alexander

Last night was our first night letting Alexander sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa's. We were invited to a party, and decided that it would be the perfect opportunity to see how Alexander would fair without us for a night. In reality it was a trial to see how I do without him for a night. I trust my parents fully and completely, I mean my sister and I turned out pretty good, so I knew he would be fine. We are lucky in the fact that because breastfeeding never really worked for us, and I stopped pumping a few weeks ago due to dwindling supply. Because of this it was easy to be able to go out and not worry about having to find a private area to pump and dump. I gave my mom all the intructions, kissed my little man, and off we went. I got into the car and immediately told my husband that as soon as we got to the party I needed a drink so I didn't drive right back to my parents. We got to the party, I had my drink, and from then I was ok. I thought about him the entire time, and kept looking at my watch to try to figure out what they were doing. i.e feeding, going to bed, ect. I successfully went without calling my parents until this morning, and found out that he woke up twice during the night, which he does not do at home. When my mom told me about him waking up during the night, she followed it up by saying she was pretty sure he was looking for me. Well, that is all she had to say to get me into the car and on our way back to my parents for some much needed cuddles! I am very happy that we did it and were able to get out for a night of adults only for the first time, and i know it will get easier now that we have 1 night under our belt. Everyone needs a night out every now and then.

The Diaper Decision

The decision between using disposable or cloth diapers is a personal choice that depends on different factors, financial, environmental, convenience, and what you feel is better for you and you baby. We decided to do cloth diapers after my neighbour did them and raved about them. They seemed pretty easy to deal with, I mean what's an extra load of laundry when you are washing baby cloths all the time anyways?! Once you decide to use cloth diapers and wash them yourself, the next step is to decide what cloth diapers are best for you, prefold, pockets, sized, all in one, it can be very overwhelming. For financial reasons, we decided to start with some prefold and covers, and the BumGenius Flip diaper system, as they were the least expensive, and then go from there. I used the prefold system for about a week and decided it was not for me. I found the too bulky and I just didn't like them. I like the Flip system, but I do find that they tend to leak sometimes. A friend suggested I go on Ebay to purchase some baby legs from China, and while looking at those I found the company that carried them also carried cloth diapers. I ended up buying 1 one size pocket diaper to try. It was only $8.00 and had free shipping so I figure if it was crappy then it was only a waste of 8 bucks. It took 3 weeks to get them, but really it was free shipping so I can't complain. When I got it it was ADORABLE!! It was way softer than I thought it would be. I washed it with that nights diaper load and tried it the next day, and I LOVE IT!

As you can see it looks a little big, but that is because my little man is still small and it is a diaper that will grow with him. I love it so much that I have ordered another 2, a camo print and a giraffe print, looking forward to getting them in the mail!

Cloth diapers can become a bit of an addiction. I have heard that from many parents who use cloth. I find myself going into diaper stores looking and wanting, even though I thought I had enough. I then came across the website http://www.cozykids.com/ and they were having a sale 6 one size pocket diapers for $45.00 plus shipping, so I decided to give them a try. Again for that price how could I go wrong? I am SO glad that I did because when I got them in the mail I was surprised to find a blue leopard print diaper included in the 6 that I was not expecting.

The solid colour diapers are different than others because the material is slightly stretchy, which is a feature that I love. I did have one diaper where the PUL separated from the fabric, but I emailed CozyKids and was sent a replacement diaper right away. If they have another sale at that price, I might just have to bu some more!

Breastfeeding

I don't know if it was just me being naive, but I thought that breastfeeding would be easier than it was. I didn't expect it to be easy, but I certainly didn't think I would need to get help! I was actually looking forward to the experience, but from the beginning Alexander and I did not agree about breastfeeding. We constantly fought each other. For both of us it was painful and exhausting. Every 2 hours we would go through the process of trying to latch and it would always end up in both of us in tears. We went to lactation consultant and we seemed to get things under control, but unfortunately it didn't last long. By the time my husband went back to work, we were back to fighting every time it was feeding time. Breastfeeding is "supposed" to be this wonderful bonding experience, but for us it was dreaded time. The closer it came to feeding time, the more stressed out I would become, and I could see it in Alexander too. Finally I decided to pump more often and feed him from a bottle. From that day on feeding time was the bonding time that I had expected it to be, just a little different than I wanted. In the end it was a combination of things that made it so difficult for us. I was not producing enough milk to satisfy him, and he was not getting it fast enough for his liking.

c-sections...scary and creepy!

The day finally arrived to for out bundle of joy(we did not find out what we were having) to arrive. The c-section was scheduled for 12:00 Friday November 5th. We woke up at 4am so that I could have something to eat, and to make sure we had everything packed. We got to the hospital and they put me in a birthing room to get my IV and relax(yeah right) until they were ready to start.

Now, up until this point I was honestly doing fine and not freaked out. i was perfectly fine with the c-section, it was the spinal that I was scared of. I knew it was the spinal that was going to hurt, and that I wouldn't feel a thing during the c-section. When they give you a spinal they sit you on the side of the operating table with a nurse in front of you trying to hold you steady while you are trying to hunch over, with a HUGE belly in the way, then they have the nerve to say "now don't move". Well DUH! I know I am not supposed to move, however you are trying to stick a needle in my spine!! PLUS they don't allow your husband in the room while they are doing it! Needless to say I flinched, more than once. Once it was don't they let my husband in, and he sat down next to my head and held my hand. As the freezing was going through my body I got this creepy sick feeling. I felt the tingling like when you get frozen at the dentist, but the tingling didn't go away! I started to panic. I could hear my heart rate speed up due to the monitor on my finger. I thought I was going to feel it when the Dr. made the first incision. When I realized I was being an idiot(well, when the Dr. said she was almost there), I finally relaxed and then feeling of knowing they were pushing and pulling to get our baby out, and feeling my shoulders moving side to side and not feeling anything else....CREEPY! Finally the Dr. got the baby out and showed my husband so he could tell me that it was a BOY!!!

Being pregnant is not all it's cracked up to be

OK, I know that some people are not going to be happy about my complaining, because I WAS able to get pregnant in the end, but after going through what I went through to get pregnant I feel I have every right to complain! I figured that I had gone through the crappy part and the rest would be smooth sailing, boy was I wrong! I have always been told that being pregnant was a wonderful time, and to enjoy it and my changing body. BULL! Don't get me wrong I did love the fact that I was finally pregnant, but it certainly was not the "wonderful" time I was led to believe it would be. It started off with that wonderful feeling, and I never really got any morning sickness, but I think I got just about everything else, migraines, heartburn, then I was put on sick leave 15 weeks before my due date because I couldn't sit at my desk for very long due to severe lower back pain. I ended up spending the latter part of my pregnancy in bed watching TV and reading(which is great at first...but you try spending that long in bed..NOT as great after a few days). I wanted to help with the bay's room, clean(REALLY and nesting urges), but when I tried anything I would end up in tears from the pain and right back in bed. We then found out that the baby was breech...ok REALLY?!?!? By this time I didn't think anything else could go wrong, but by was I wrong. I got sick, no biggie, until I sneezed and my child big head(as per the ultrasound technicians) decided to crack a rib. They decided to go forward and try to flip the baby into the correct position even though I had the cracked rib. I went to the appointment and I don't think I lasted 30 seconds before I said stop, enough! So the c-section was scheduled. I will add however that even if I knew what I was going to have to go through, I would have done it just to have my handsome little man.

getting pregnant is not as easy as it sounds

We tried for many years to get pregnant, but getting pregnant naturally was not in the cards for us. We were referred to the fertility clinic and after MANY tests, and 2 years of saving, we started the process of IVF. It is one of the hardest experiences I have ever had to go through. It was full of shots, ultrasounds, Dr's appointments 3 times a week, being poked and prodded, and taking numerous medications just in the hopes of getting some viable eggs. The drugs they put you on are hardcore, or at least they were for me. My hormones were going crazy, and I was crying a lot from the stress it all, but you do what you have to to get what you want. The eggs retrieval was the most painful part. I will not lie, I cried the whole time and even swore at the Dr., then quickly apologized. We were lucky and they were able to retrieve enough eggs to be fertilized, and on to the next phase, waiting to see if any lasted the 3-5 days and turned into embryos. Once again we were lucky, and had enough embryos to implant 2 and freeze some for future. The implantation process was easy and painless. A month after the implantation we had a blood pregnancy and test and to our excitement we were FINALLY pregnant!

Why I decided to Blog about being a mom

I decided to start blogging for a few reasons, 1)to keep a record of what Alexander and I have done, 2)for other first time moms to read and know they are not alone in how they are feeling, and 3)to give me something creative to do with my angel sleeps.

I wish I had started this at the very beginning of our roller coaster full of ups and downs, as it would have been very helpful and reassuring for many want-to-be parents. Anyways, I hope anyone who reads this finds it helpful, maybe even intersting.