We survived!

We made it through another outting with both girls today. We had some rough spots but overall, it went well. E saw the Dr. at the Eye clinic. Her sight is fine but she does have to have surgery. She has a blockage from her tear ducts to her nose. Not nice but we can't leave it go. By now, it should have opened up and it hasn't. Great news to report though...E had 2 trips to the big potty at the hospital. So proud! I gave her 2 stickers for the pee and a treat for the poop. :)

Anyway, gotta go. Peg from work's dad died and his wake is tonight. Plus I'm going to get the groceries while I'm out. Hope to catch up with Mari tomorrow or sometime before you go home. I have the van tomorrow so give a call.
~B

Slippery situation...

My goodness! I'm not sure if the rest of you are suffering the effects but the ice on our lane is treterous (sp?). MIL slid down sideways yesterday. I slid down backwards and sideways. Then DH took a work van home and spent over an hour getting it out of a rut. Sand, salt, wood, shingles, tow cable...he tried it all. Finally a little divine intervention came through...yeah for prayer. ;) Our van is parked outside and that's where it's staying for the day...till I go to Curves tonight. So far I've lost a pound...only 1/2 ass trying but it's something. This week I'm much more dedicated (okay, it's only Tuesday). I followed the 6wk solution plan yesterday although I was over 400+ calories. Oh, which reminds me I must check for the nutritional info on the DD website.

Other than that, today's been productive so far. 2 loads of laundry, dishwasher emptied, got showered, made lunch early (more convenient with L home), and enjoying a little Internet time before L wakes up. Tomorrow I have a crazy day so I likely won't post. E has an appt at the Eye Clinic so I'll have both girls. Wish me luck! Oh, not sure if I mentioned but I'll be taking L to an appt with a plastic surgeon at the end of Feb. She has a lump under the skin on her chin. It's non-moving and hard...could be a bone growth, who knows. Anyway, I'm not worried about it. I figure it's just a little extra. :)

Well I better get back to see if Madame is alright. Mari: hope we can meet up this time. :) Let me know which days you're free and I'll make sure I have the van home.
~B

Tippy-toe sneaky

It's hard to get any computer time when I'm home with both girls...but I'm sneaking it in while both are still asleep...quiet typing. :) We had a really nice wknd. My brother Lloydie & SIL Ella arrived safely on Friday. They stayed for supper and visited the girls. The opinion is that L looks like her name sake, my grandmother (dad's mom), and of course Dad, and me, and E too. :) So cute. Here's a recent pic. I guess everyone sees who they want to see.

So, Sat a.m., E & I did the usual library trip. The gal from Razzmatazz performed...lots of fun. Then we got E's haircut (Superstore pic appt coming up in 2 weeks) and dropped into Sobeys to pick up a cake for DH's uncle's b-day party. E & I ended up staying home because she wasn't feeling well. She acted strange all afternoon. Come to discover she had brownish drainage out her right ear. After that she was fine. Still not sure what it was. Her tubes are long gone and she didn't have a fever. Very strange.

Sun a.m. we all rushed to make it to church...only to find out our church has closed down and we'll have to go to St. Jo's in Shad Bay from now on. It's just 10 mins down the road so no biggy, but mass isn't till 11:30. We had plans to visit DH's aunt Aggie so we skipped mass...again. We had a nice time visiting Aggie & Tom, Doren and his 2 girls. Went home for naps and supper, and in the evening, I took E to Alvin & the Chipmunks for her reward...20 pees on the potty last week. We're doing it again this week. She had just 2 accidents at home...what a trooper. The next 20 pee reward is a trip to On the Grow (indoor playground). She's looking forward to it already. I think I'll let dad have a turn with her on this one.

Today I'm home with the ladies. This morning we played a new game E got (Dora game set...several games in one box - dominos, cards, tic-tac-toe, checkers). It's very cool but it'll take some time for her to get the concept of each game. We also made Chocolate Cupcakes from DD...very good exp I subbed 1c Splenda for 1 1/2 c sugar. Usually I find the Splenda sweeter but I should have subbed 1 1/2c. But I did make my own simple choc frosting (little margarine, icing sugar, cocoa, vanilla and milk) which made them sweeter. E liked putting sprinkles on hers...and ate just the sprinkles and icing...bugger. ;) I think they're very tasty. There's a cup of avocado puree in the batch.

Well, I better bugger off. I've re-started Curves 6 wk solution this week. Doing well with the exception of having the cupcake...which I'm going to allow myself from time to time. Besides, I subbed some of my lunch menu which was less calories than what it called for. Figure I'm close to even. I wonder if the DD website has the nutritional info of each recipe. I'll have to check. Anyway, I must go. Shay: not sure if we decided on Friday or not...I'm still free. You?

~B

*Splat*

That's pretty much what it sounds like. Glad you don't have smell-a-vision on your computers. :) Little L stinks to high heaven. hehehe My darling girl is a trooper...sleeping 7-8 hours through the night the last 3 nights. That's why it's Thursday and I'm still in a good mood. :) And E is doing super awesome with the potty training. Completely dry M-W when home with me. I even taught her how to turn on the light (with the stool), set up the potty and go by herself. Comes in VERY handy when I'm feeding L. I was doing the Timbit treat...1 for every pee or poop. She had 6 before 10 a.m. yesterday so I changed the rule. Only TB for poops and a sticker for pees...when she gets 20 stickers I'll take her to the movies. :)

Not much else new. L is doing super...playing the toys on her floor mat. The toys dangle down and she bats at them. She gets so proud of herself...it's so cute! And she's smiling a big bunch now. Just talking baby-talk to her gets her going. Or tickling her lips & cheeks. :) Boy they grow up and change so fast!! Oh, she's 9 lbs 6 oz now...did I tell you that??? I think so. Poor mama brain. Can't remember anything. Well, besides the gals accomplishments, there's not much else new. My brother Lloydie & SIL Ella are coming to visit Friday from Sydney. Very excited to see them and for them to see L & E. Well, Princess Poopy Pants DESPERATELY needs to be changed. Wish me luck. :) Have a great Thursday. Hope you're not up to your elbows in...well, you know. hehehe

~B

Time really flies...

So sorry I haven't been on. Monday was busy...although nothing in particular was busy about it. Just trying to keep E busy and L happy is enough of a challenge. :) Today was very nice. I stayed home with L while E was in daycare. When L napped, I napped...and she naps lots in the a.m. When she was tired in the afternoon, I actually had some energy. I swept and mopped the kitchen, bathroom and living room. I also made supper...Sloppy Joes from DD. Tres yummy! Not only is there sweet potato and squash puree in it, I sauteed onion, green pepper (instead of celery) and grated carrot in. E is not a fan of food that's "crunchy" which is pretty much any veggie cut up. But she ate it, with gusto even. Helped that I put ketchup on her plate for dipping too. ;) She loves her "dip, dip."

Anyway, I'm totally taking up DH's computer time (I also checked email and FB too) so I'll be brief. The wknd was great. On Sat, E & I had a great day together...library, costco, walmart, mcdonalds, and Veggie Tales movie, which she loved!!! It was a long day but so much fun. DH & I went out in the p.m. for dinner, just to get out. We went to Boomerangs and it was really yummy. They have this delish lobster & spinach dip...divine! And the brownie for 2 should have been for 4!!! I was sick afterwards, and that was after we split the app, entree and dessert! Sunday we braved the snow and went to Enfield to visit DH's aunt Lillian. Aunt Cathy & Uncle Basil, and Uncle Doug dropped in too. Everyone had presents for the girls...so thoughtful!! And that's about all my news. Oh...cept we took L to my dr's appt and she now weighs 9 lbs, 6 oz. She still looks like a tiny fart to me. :)

Well, hope you're doing well. Mari, I promise to get caught up with your news this very second!
~B

The "good" baby

Since L's birth, I've been refering to her as being a better baby than E was. Somehow I knew I would end up eating my words. Or maybe it's because I'm tired...or that she's suddenly crying cause she knows I'm typing this. :) Anyway, last night was horrid. She usually dozes off around 9 and sleeps till 1ish, then I feed her, she's back to bed by 2ish and sleeps till 6. She was hard to handle all afternoon/evening. I got her down at 10. Fortunately, she did sleep till 3. Got her back in bed by 4. Then was up again at 4:20. Got her down again by 4:50. I blissfully went back to bed...and she wakes up at 6. I thought I'd lose it.

DH had taken a work van home so he didn't have to leave early and carpool with MIL. Instead of letting him sleep in, I had to wake him up. I cracked...and cried...and begged him to take over. He was so great! He got L fed and back to bed, and set up a video for E and told me to stay in bed. I did get up though so E wouldn't be in the living room by herself when he left. It's one thing for me to doze on the couch while she's up but I wouldn't feel right to be sleeping in my room while she was up (although I'm sure I did that when I was a kid...well, when my older brother's were up too). Anyway, I feel like I'm more equiped to deal with the day.

I'm real excited the wknd is here. MIL is a HUGE help and takes over with E & L. I'm also planning an overnight for Valentine's Day if MIL is agreeable. Work gave me a gift certificate for the Prince George and I could really use a night away from home...no kids, no distractions. What a dream. :) Anyway, hope y'all have a great wknd. If I survive, I'll be back Monday. hehehe

~B

Little vampire in disguise

Okay...so I'm being very dramatic. But in a way it's true. Babies tend to suck the life and goodness out of you...all while wearing this clever, cute disguise. My good friend Myrna said they make babies "cute" so you'll keep them and make teenagers "ugly" so you'll let them go. How true is that? Who else would you allow to wake you up in the middle of the night for an hour feeding marathon and then won't allow you to catch up on that lost sleep the next day?? I must say, after 3 days, I'm getting very frustrated.

Last night I decided I would take L into MIL's work, if she was up in the a.m. She had a good night, up for just over an hour to eat, and woke at 6. So we dropped E at daycare, DH to work, into Curves to see the ladies (of which only a few were there) and into MIL's work. Well my darling, precious baby slept in whoever's arms she was in...then stayed awake and slept on and off for the rest afternoon. I think I got a 1/2 hour rest in there...which is just a tease. If I can't get 2 hours, it's not a nap. :) Anyway, it's just not worth it for me to go out, especially when E's at daycare. Of all days, those I should take advantage of the most.

Tomorrow we have a playdate planned with Shay...yeah!!! So dying to catch up! Then on the wknd we'll likely do the library. I want to take E to the new Veggie Tales movie too...oh, and I want to go out on a date with DH to see 27 dresses...but we'll see about that. Anyway, hope y'all are doing well. TTFN!
~B

The Great MIS-adventure

Today was definitely one of those days that staying home would have been the better option. But now, I braved the winding weather to take my girls to a Puppet Show at the library. Oh, what a fun day we'd have, I thought to myself. Lets just say it didn't quite turn out that way. I worried that L would be hungry while we were there and it would be tricky to heat her bottle...yip. But I hadn't anticipated E not wanting to watch the show. It was packed, the lights were out and she was scared. The kids were really loud and they had trouble calming them down. That's when we exited and went to the play area...where the bottle woes started. E was so good and for a reward, we were going for lunch. I just wanted to get L out the door so we could feed her there...but no. She was hysterical and I just wanted to cry.

After that, a string of things continued to fray my nerves and I wasn't settled till we got home. Bad enough I was tired going into the day...and L wouldn't let me rest till I brought her in bed with me. Ever move, coo, sigh, grunt wakes me up...so I got about 20 mins-1/2 hour tops. But through it all, E was super. A few hiccups but more pluses. She even peed on the potty for me! First time in ages. She did 3 times yesterday at daycare. And she ate all her lunch. What a trooper!! It just seems that when E's down, L wants to be difficult. And when L's sleeping, E's up and cheerful. Anyway, now L is sleeping so beautifully and peacefully on my bed.

Hopefully tomorrow I can get more rest when it's just L at home. I was going to make a trip to MIL's work with L but after the past 3 days with little or no nap, I need a rest. Maybe Tuesday I'll be in better shape. Well, gotta run. E's watching TV by herself and DH & MIL should be home soon. Then I'll make my great escape to Curves...which I'm loving. An hour away from home for me to get my frustrations out and regroup. It's working wonders. Now I just have to get my eating in gear so the workout is all for not. Hope you have a good night...bundle up under a blankie and relax!
~B

Round 2

Started a blog earlier but had to scrap it. Jen A. is in Hlfx for a visit and we thought we'd get together right about now. But she finished her biz early and we met for lunch. Great to see her and get caught up...although it's just snippets in her life since she's globe trotting at sea. I'd love it if she wrote a blog so I could follow her daily. Her life sounds exciting but I'm sure it's nothing out of the ordinary for her. Anyway, great visit, great lunch and L slept the whole time.

Which is leading me to make this quick. Got her home and she's still asleep and I really need a nap today. My sinus is still bothering me...does yellow mean an infection? Don't even want to take the time now to google it. I think it is. I have a dr.'s appt next week so I'll likely wait till then to get a RX. Anyway, I had a hard time sleeping last night and was "waiting" for he to take her night time bottle around 11ish. She didn't wake till 1 a.m. I dozed off around midnight, woke at 1 and was up till 2:30. Had trouble sleeping again. Not sure when I was out. Woke after 6 with L and got her a bottle. E didn't wake till after 7. Got her bkft and ready for daycare, all the while L is crying to be held. Anyway, did get E there and L slept on and off all a.m. so no time to rest. Finally when I was going to lie down, Jen A. called...and well you know the rest.

Speaking of rest...really must go. Have a good one and drive safe.
~B

January's back

For a second there, I thought we were into May with the lovely weather. Not that I was able to enjoy any of it. DH gave me his nasty cold and I've been in the house ever since. Only went out Saturday for 2 hours to get groceries. Friday it was the sore throat signal that worse was coming. Saturday, it was full on cold with sinus pressure. Sunday, less snotting and by day's end, a barking chest cough. Today the sinus pain and sneezes are gone and a bit of the cough remains. I wasn't sure how I'd handle the day so I'm really thankful I'm getting better.

So far, today's been alright. Made PB&J muffins and Quesadillas with E. She loved the muffins...carrot puree. She wouldn't eat the Q so I told her no dessert, no milk at nap time till she ate it. After an hour, I reheated it for her, left it on her plate in the living room and went to get L up for lunch. By the time I sat down with L's bottle, E had nearly finished. I was so proud of her! I know she didn't want to eat it. Funny how kids will eat when they have nothing else to fill their bellies. :) I gave her "ice cream" (frozen yogourt) for dessert, warmed her milk and she's off to bed.

L's in bed too. She doing so well...sleeping 4-6 hours overnight. Drinking 4-6 oz at each feeding. I find her cheeks are filling out...but she still looks so tiny to me. Not sure how much she weighs but she's outgrowing her newborn clothes. :) I have our appt. booked to get pics at Superstore next month. By then L will be more aware of the world and reactive. Speaking of which, I'm positive L's smiling on her own. It can't be gas. Over the wknd she smiled a lot. So precious! Problem is, when I react to the smile, she stops...probably trying to figure out what she did to make me so excited. hehehe

Well, precious naptime awaits. Must get going. Hope you're all bundled up for the Nor-easter. Batten down the hatches! TTFN!
~B

Naptime

I won't stay long since both girls are down. Things are good today. DH stayed home yesterday and today since he has a cold. Realistically, he'd do more damage at work. A lot of the people he's supplying chairs/beds/etc. have low immune systems and a simply cold could kill someone. So, yesterday it was nice to have him home. He went to work and they sent him home...and on his way he got me a present. :) He got me a pantry!! It's one of those press-board ones but it is nice...although I noticed a big scratch on one of the front doors. I care too little to bring it back, especially when it's all together with our stuff in it. Anyway, really excited to have it...only been wanting one since we moved in 3 years ago. Oh, and as an added bonus, he gave me his cold...what a dear. ;)

Yesterday E was in daycare so it was nice to have some 1-on-1 time with L. I love to gush over her but won't do it in front of E. Don't need any jealousy issues this early on. Anyway, on DH's way home yesterday, the van overheated. He tired to find the leak but couldn't. He brought it to the shop and the leak is in the line supplying heat to the back of the van. It's a huge convenience and I hate to give it up with the kids, but it's a $400+ job. So, they're gonna by pass it. Oh, and while he's there, we're getting our "fobs" programmed. We got them for our old van, and then I wrecked it. I always meant to have it reprogrammed for the new van...now's the best time with our hands full.

Other than that, I'm just home with the girls, about to take a nap. E & I made the choc chip cookie recipe from DD. You can tell chickpeas are in the batch but I don't mind so much...5 cookies later. :) E liked it too and ate one with gusto. I also made the yogourt pops but we didn't try them yet...afternoon snack. :) Next week I'm planning to make 3 recipes for the days E's home: Quesadillas, Taco "cigars" and Sloppy Joes. And I'm still dying to make the Choc-PB dip. Yummers!!! Who knew eating fruits and veggies tasted so good! I'm thinking I should make a DD diet out of this...well, I guess I sort of am. Just need to control my portions. 5 cookies in one day isn't good, even if they're healthier. Same with the choc chip cupcakes. I ate 3 yesterday. Couldn't help myself! Guess I need some sugar detox.

Well, better get going so I can rest while the girls are down. Hope you're Friday's a great one! Enjoy the wknd!!!

~B

Selfish, selfish men!

Are men born with a selfish gene? From my experience, women tend to go above and beyond for the betterment of her family...keeping track of the minute details, planning ahead for the future. Men seem to have a one track mind of their wants and how they can get them quickly...even if it means stepping on others to get it. Am I wrong or what? I know this is all very generalized. Certainly there are exceptions to the rule. When it comes down to it, I'm more mad at myself for accepting the selfishness than the behaviour itself. *Sigh*

Anyway, venting phase of the blog is over. Had a great day with L today. I had to wake her up to get fed before dropping E off at daycare. We spent an exhausting 15 minutes trying to get up the ice covered lane. L & I went to Walmart where I spent a GC on pjs for me, pop up laundry bin critters for the girls (E picked the pink kitty and L gets the penguin), face cloths and ice cube trays for the purees (luuuuvvvin' Deceptively Delicious!). Then we got a few groceries before heading home for lunch. L was a little doll and slept the whole time...which sucked since she wouldn't go down for a nap in the afternoon (poor mama got no rest today).

Other than that, E had a great day at daycare...excellent at drop off too. I went to the Chiropractor...first visit post preg and man, did I need it! Going back in 2 weeks for another adjustment. Now I'm doing a few computer thingies and possibly going to bed. MIL may stay up with L for the first shift. :) Take care, till tomorrow.
~B

How to handle 2 kids at home...day 1

Lots of rum. Just kidding. ;) I guess we're doing alright so far. Sorry to sound so dramatic, esp since Mari & Shay are old hat at this. I'm just nervous I'll put the 2 in the washing machine by accident from lack of sleep. :) Like how I nearly put the formula then the milk in the cupboard instead of the fridge. :)

Anyway, day 1 started with taking the girls to E's ENT appt. I had the bags packed last night, snacks/bottle ready to go. Minutes before we're due to leave, L spits up and soaks her outfit...quick change. Then I discover E has a poopy bum (she didn't tell me). 15 minutes late for our appt....like that matters when you're waiting another 15. E's ears have fluid in them, left worse than right, but there's no infection yet. We're waiting another 3 months to see how things go. If she doesn't get recurring infections, I think we won't need tubes again.

So, we survived the trip and are now home. Both girls fed, a bit late but fed. E's down for her nap but still chatting to herself. L konked out after her bottle. And yes, I'm wasting precious sleepy time blogging. :) That's why I'm making this quick. Well, hope you're doing well and had a great wknd. Shay: we'll catch up soon. We'll have to synk up and see what days are good...maybe we can make a play date. :)

TTFN!
~B

2 Kids...what was I thinking???

Well, certainly not much at the time. Getting pregnant wasn't on my agenda for another few years. In hindsight, I think the timing now is better so the girls will be closer in age. Just not sure how people do it??? I've had a TON of help this passed month but I'm still tired as ever. It's the only complaint I have. Middle of the night feedings, miles of spit up, and green poop...temper tantrums, frustrating mealtimes and "trying" to potty train. All these I can handle...but handle much better with the right amount of sleep.

Monday is my first outting with both girls by myself. E has an ENT re-check. I'm scared as heck that it will be a disaster. E screaming for my attention while L is wailing for a bottle. Dear God, please make it manageable. Most times I try scheduling appts. around the girls but specialist appts. aren't scheduled by me. Monday night and Tuesday night I booked appts. for me after DH & MIL get home from work. I also decided to go back to Curves which will have to happen in the evenings. Maybe I'll fit that in for Wed. I think it's really impt for me to get out as much as possible for me time...so I won't go bonkers. I also would like to make some trips out with L while E's in daycare. Just time to get out and go through the mall with a stroller (since the weather's so miserable). Must get DH to bring the stroller in from the garage and fix the seats in the van.

This wknd I'm going to bank up on the rest and hope for smooth sailing next week. Wish me luck!
~B

New Year...fresh start

I'm sure everyone has some positive outlook when it comes to a New Year. Lots of reflection, lots of expectations of what changes we'll make...or break. So far I'm looking at '08 with hopeful eyes. Had a chat with DH about the mixed emotions I'm having. He's very supportive. We're starting to reconnect again...although it's hard with his new toy. :)

On the topic of New Year's, had a wonderful, much needed, good time with Shay & Mark at the 'Stach. My intent was not to sherk out of buying tickets for their NY's party but they wouldn't sell us any. S&M convinced the Manager to let us in to have dinner with them. We just stayed the rest of the night without anyone saying boo. Although we didn't pay cover, I TOTALLY made up for it in drinks. And DH tipped our waitress Karen big time! They made money off us for sure. :) The party itself was amazing. Celtic music right from home! We danced all night. What a blast. And the evening was capped off with a stop at Venus Pizza for swarmas...my first time ever having one and definitely not my last. So amazingly delicious! Thanks for the great night guys...couldn't have had a better time anywhere else!

I'm trying to decide if I'm officially making any resolutions for the NY. I'm thinking not...but I know the usual come to mind. Eating better, exercising...blah, blah, blah. I think really I want to focus more on taking better care of myself. Need to see my Dr. again about my legs (having some issues post pregnancy). Also, need to schedule an appt. with my chiro and considering getting a massage soon. Plus, going to start up at Curves again. Although money is tight, it's something I can't do without. It's my gift to myself. Besides, if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy...so it's better to be a little selfish.

Well, I better run. E's watching TV by herself. Good opportunity to spend some time with her while L's sleeping. Oh, and if anyone has some advise to deal with a snotty, whiny, somewhat distructive big sister, let me know. E's starting to act out more and more every day. Demanding, screaming if she doesn't get her way, super frustrated...and so am I. I hate being the mom giving several time outs a day. Just not sure what else to do??? Post me some ideas...or email. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
~B