The Joy of TV

Some moms refuse to put the TV on for kids. Some people think it's a mind numbing, soul sucking babysitter. I however am for the TV in small doses. E is a lot like me...she loves the TV and if you try to talk to her, she doesn't listen...like me. I tune out. I still find it helpful to me and not harmful to her. The kids shows today are amazing!! Super Why, Word Girl, Word World all teach her about words, problem solving, etc. Plus there are countless other problem solving, moral worthy shows...even Dora. In the mornings when it's sunny but too cool to go outside, I put on a show...sometimes a movie. It keeps her busy and gives me time to adjust to being tired, or tidy up, or take care of the baby...yes, even blog. :)

Now, I know I could be playing playdoh, games, colouring, baking, any number of other things with her...and I do some of those in a run of a day. I am refusing to feel guilty over giving myself a break...and it's not at the expense of my daughters. They are entertained...and I'm handy if they need something. I can't help but be defensive because I know a lot of moms don't agree with me. One day I was out with E...she was about 1 1/2...and was chatting away as usual. A lady my moms age came over, asked about her name and age. Then she commented on how it was obvious she didn't watch TV...since she spoke so well. I smiled and chuckled to myself thinking, 'lady, if you only knew.' Back then I could leave the TV on around the clock and she would only pay attention to what she liked in between playing. Now, it's a different story. She watches without movement...so it's not on all the time. After a long day at daycare, in the morning for a break, a bit before bedtime.

Well, I better run and spend some time with her before the Mommy police bursts through the door. :) BTW, I'm off to CB tomorrow and will be gone for a week. I'll be back on June 8th. I'll likely blog on the 9th (DH took a day off to be with the family). :) Take care and I'll see ya later.
~B

Gosh...

...not sure what do to with myself I'm so tired! L's the same. We were out all a.m. and she had catnaps. I tried putting her down after her baba but she refuses. But she's crying while she's playing. Bugger!

Had a great a.m. shopping actually. That was my b-day gift from hubby. I bought a pair of black capris, 2 cute tanks and 1 other top from Walmart. Then went to Pennington's for a great pair of jeans and another top (plus I had a $25 gc to go towards it). The only other thing(s) I want to get are shoes and sandals. I saw some cute ones on the Payless commercial so I'm gonna stop in there. Would have done it today but thought I was pressing my luck with what I did do.

So...nothing else going on. Packed for CB yesterday. I think I have everything just about. Gotta check and recheck. I think E & I are going to Max & Ruby with my SIL & N. She sent a money order for E's b-day but it didn't arrive. So this is in lieu. Very excited for E. I think she'll love it. I wasn't going to bother going since they aren't her very fav but I know she'll enjoy it 100%. I'm going to the Tattoo in July. Mom wants to go so I got tickets for her, MIL and me. Should be so fun.

L's crying like crazy. I'm sure it's teething. Gotta go.
~B

Sneak a peek

I've got L on the bed playing but she's getting impatient...so this will be short. I was gonna blog something very reflective...well was going to last night...but thought I'd do it today. Unfortunately the darn baby needs attention. :) Kidding! She's just lovely although quite cranky today. Gas...poor thing.

Anyway, finished the book "One More Day" last night in the tubby. That, along with the Stone Angel movie has me reflecting on who I am and the kind of person I want to be. Not just a mom...but a person overall. I think I've been kidding myself for years...just playing satisfied with who I am...but I'm really not. Anyway, it's a journey...I'm on it...we'll see where this one goes.

Still living in the funk and part of it I'm sure is BCP. We've decided to ditch them...they're not working properly anyway. We're going back to Billings and using other procautions as well. I'm sure this is TMI but hey...open book. Between that and the visit at home and working more on me, I hope I'll come back from CB in better spirits. Gotta run. L's rolled over. So cute! TTFN!
~B

As luck would have it...

...I just put both girls down for a nap. Thank goodness cause I'm so tired today. The wknds usually mean big rest time for me but not lately. We went out Friday night and came home late. E slept through...thankfully. L woke during the night and MIL got up with her...so a definite break but I did hear her cry. Sat night E woke up at 4 a.m. and that was rough...esp. since there was no reason for it...probably just crying/yelling in her sleep. L woke at 1 and 5 this morning. Boy I hope she goes back to sleeping through the night...guess it's a dream right now.

Well, must get to bed and catch up on the zzzzzs. How about that sunshine today??? Enjoy it!
~B

It's all a matter of perspective

I admit. I started the day feeling sorry for myself. L's got a cold and was up every 3 hours last night. I'm overtired and managed to get through the day without a nap. One's up, one's down. Same ole story for M-W-F. So, in my self pity, I'm indulging in TV while L's playing on the play mat/exercauser/jolly jumper (take your pick). Watching Oprah. It's all about accidental deaths...the drunk driver who was going the wrong way on the highway and ran into a limo killing the driver and a 7 year old girl (picture a mother on the side of the road holding the head of her decapitated daughter...yikes!). Or the grandmother who backs up and runs over hear 4 year old grandson. They recap one woman who fell asleep at the wheel, catapulted over an enbankment and into water (missed a bit of that story) killing 3 of 6 of her children. The later happened 16 years ago and the mom came on the show giving advice on how to go on.

So, here I sit with my sad little self thinking how tired I am. What a silly thing to feel when I have 2 girlies at home, safe and healthy. Food for thought as I hear L crying again...that was a short 10 minute nap. Gotta run. Have a great wknd...yeah, sleep is coming!!!
~B

Melt down

I'm feeling really drained today. I had a bit of a melt down last night. Lots of little things bothering me. DH, such a doll, stayed up to talk through it with me. He's pointed out some things I hadn't realized...like how I've always trying to change myself and I don't accept myself the way I am. I also have control issues...and a bit obsessive compulsive...no kidding. :) He wanted me to just let things be and learn to accept myself as I am. Hard things to do...certainly not an overnight effort. Anyway, I don't want to or have the time to go into it deeper. I know some R&R will definitely help.

Well gotta run. Oh...saw L roll over with my own eyes today. :) I've put her down in her crib one way and found her another so I knew she could do it. Today, she rolled over right on the spot. Such a big girl! Well, she's crying and I have to run to the chiro for our appts...hopefully that will help me feel a bit better too.

SHAY: if you're reading...I so miss you!! I'm heading to CB next wknd and hope we can get together before we go. If not, we'll plan an all day, no distractions, bust out, gab fest for when I get back. Love ya!

Sunshine ROCKS!

There's nothing like seeing the sun to get you in a great mood. Even though it's been chilly, it's still beautiful. Everything is bright and alive and growing. Love, love, LOVE this time of year. I don't even mind it being 12-18 degrees...that's my comfort zone.

So, the rest of my wknd was great. E & I loaded up all the window boxes but 1. Gotta get the latter out. It's so nice seeing the flowers blooming. Yesterday MIL, the girls and I went to Superstore, then Bean Sprout and finally Fisherman's Market before we came home for lunch. So funny how some people are. A woman was looking at products and asked the guy behind the counter if this was Clearwater...he told her no...out the door she went. It's all in the name. I've been to both Clearwater and Fisherman's Market and found the people at FM more friendly and helpful. The smaller shop is more like your neighbourhood stop. Anyway, we a rich man's seafood chowder tonight. $48 for lobster, crab and scallops...we must be crazy! Really, it's in lieu of the M-day lobster we didn't get. Can't WAIT for a bowlful tonight.

Today I got our early with the gals. Dropped E off to daycare...both of us thrilled. :) L & I went to return the moon light...it was WAY too dim for a night light. While there I got princess cups and containers for E, soft nipple sippy cups, sleepers and short-onesies (there is a name for them but it escapes me) for L, and treated myself to a little something. My waist line isn't getting any smaller and it's really discouraging to me. I know I'm not doing all the work I need to be doing. I'm taking a break from calorie counting and just trying to eat better and get out more. Anyway, I got a pair of capris and a t-shirt. Maybe it will make me feel a bit better about the tight pants situation. UGH!

Well, I'm gonna run and finish up some chores...got the bathrooms done and laundry in the dryer/on the line. Just gotta load up the dishwasher and get lunch. Hope you all eat lunch in the sunshine!! TTFN!
~B

Time to kill

Can you believe those words are coming from my lips??? Believe it or not, I am sitting here with nothing to do. Well there's lots I could do. The dust has been collecting since we moved here 3 1/2 years ago...but I decided it could stay. :) Both girls are sleeping, as is MIL. DH's working OT today and tomorrow...yeah $$. I just had a super long bath and finished my book. Did email, FB and now blogging...on the wknd! I know, the world's gone topsee turvee.

It's been a fab wknd. Fri night we had BBQ and a small fire...though the mosquitos over ran us. Sat day, DH, E & I went shopping at Rona and Kent for the plywood, plants and pavers. Sat night we went to S&R's for Steve's b-day...I forgot to bring a card...duh! The company was great, food was delish and the kids were well behaved. We left early since DH had to work early this a.m.

This morning, E & I went on an adventure to one of the other churches in our pastorial unit. BEE-utiful parish (Our Lady Star of the Sea) in Terrance Bay. Only problem was we arrived in the middle of the homily...ooops! Better late than never. TB is right by the ocean...lighthouses, crashing waves...just lovely. Then we went into "town" and bought some stuff at Zellers. Daddy saw this light...it's a moon that hangs on the wall....with a remote to choose which phase of the moon you'd like to view. Very cool! Thought it might help with E's nightlight requirement. :) I also got her some gardening tools (plastic...sponge bob) so she could help me with the plants. Oh, and a new large frying pan. And I stopped at Superstore for eggs, etc. We're having ham & potato salad for supper tonight...yum!

I have nothing planned for tomorrow. If the rain holds off, E & I will plant today...if not tomorrow...if not, the next available sunny day. We rented 2 movies too for her in case we're stuck indoors. Oh, btw, she LOVES the playset. DH hooked up the baby swing and we were out for only a minute last week...too windy. Since then it's been too mosquito-y. I'll take the wind any day. Well, hope y'all are enjoying the long wknd. Chat at ya later.
~B

BACK ONLINE!!!!!!!

I've never been so happy to see you!!! My computer was in the shop for 3 days trying to retrieve my pictures. Before we got our new computer, DH tried installing something and fried the computer. All my pics from 25 BC till 2007 were on there! I'm not too concerned about losing them except I didn't get to scrap any of 2007...so I'm scrounging through FB pics to see if I can tack the year together. So, note to self...back up all pics to a CD from now on!

Not much new in our world. We had an okay week. L's back to a wonky feeding schedule...up around 11-midnight and again around 4-5. I'm NOT enjoying it. Especially when E wakes during the night too. Oh, and it's even more interesting since her bed is broken...thank goodness we bought her the airbed. The press board let go on one end so we're going to get a sheet of plywood on the wknd. Speaking of wknd, it's going to be errand city for us! Getting the plywood, paver stones for the backyard, and plants for the window boxes. DH has to fix E's bed, install a hanger rod in MIL's closet, replace the van headlight (if the part arrives on time). On top of that, I have to take MIL to an appt Sat afternoon and we have a party to go to Sat night, and DH put in for OT Sun & Mon. Yikes! Hopefully I'll have room to relax somewhere in there.

So I'm thoroughly disappointed not to be outside today. The black flies are SO bad, they were swarming us. E and I were out for 5 mins while L's napping. So sucky! I douced us in bug spray but it didn't help. Well E's getting impatient so I better shove off. Hope you enjoy the long wknd! Take care,
~B

The Festivities are over...thank goodness!

E's b-day was the most drawn out event I've ever witnessed! :) B-day at home & with a few friends on Wed, party at daycare on Thurs, prep Fri and the big party on Sat. Throw in Mother's Day and it was a 5 day blowout! The Big Guy kept his promise and held off the rain till after the party. Unfortunately, DH didn't get the playset together. As it was, the weather was damp and cold so the kids stayed inside. Plus, of the 10 invited, only 4 showed up...which was fine with me. It wasn't too crowded, thankfully. We also had 3 babies, including L. We had tons of food and a really great time. E was a bit misbehavin' but not too bad. I was so tired by the end of it, I just wanted to curl up and go to bed. We were going to head over to Shay's but H&H called to visit with E's presents. They left at 9 and we all went to bed.

M-day was really low key. I got the plant and homemade card from E via daycare. And DH rolled over in the a.m. to say, "Happy M-day." He made up for it by taking me to dinner, which was very nice to get out just the 2 of us. We also tried calling Shay to wish her a VERY HAPPY B-DAY!!!! Sorry to do so via the blog but I know you're on the run with Gaelic. Anyway, gotta make this short cause L's crying. Hope y'all had a great M-day.

~B

Prayin' for Sunshine!

Tomorrow is E's b-day party so I'm praying for good weather despite the terrible forecast. The whole idea was for the kids to play outdoors on E's new playset (which isn't quite finished btw). I guess we'll see. So far I've tidied up quite a bit. Swept/mopped the kitchen and main bath, cleaned the 2 bathrooms, cleaned up the kitchen/living room, windexed the mirrors/windows, oh, and baked some fudgy oatmeal squares. The last 2 times I've made them they turned out so-so. This time I replaced the oil with squash puree. It tastes alright but the texture isn't quite right. Oh well, I love to experiment...except for the critisism...I'll leave it at that.

Anyway, I got another BIG thing done. MIL's car has been sitting in the backyard for...hmm...2 years I guess. I finally got it towed today...HURRAY! We only 1/2 look like a hill-billy family. :) Just have to get the aweful "home reno" pile hauled to the dump. The plan was for DH to do that tomorrow morning but I'm not sure he'll be able to if we don't finish the playset tonight. I may settle for loading it in the van and have him take it out after the party...sounds like a better idea. Well, I guess I better get going. The girls & I are picking up DH from work, going for a quick supper. Then MIL is meeting us to exchange passengers. DH is taking L home and MIL, E & I are getting our hair cut (just trimming E's bangs). Afterwards I have to pick up the pizzas at Costco and the cake from Superstore. PHEW! I'm exhausted! If by some miracle we do get nice weather tomorrow, maybe we'll have a fire to unwind. Too bad I'm out of rum. :)

Well, hope you all have a fab wknd! I'll let you know how the party went next week.
TTFN!
~B

My big girl's 3!!

Where did the time go??? I can't believe E's 3 years old today. It was just yesterday I was wondering if this damn kid would turn her head and come outta there. :) So far the day's been alright. Not without me being cranky and yelling for E to have her nap. She's STILL awake. Anyway, we made cupcakes this a.m. for supper tonight and some for daycare tomorrow. We're having a big cake on Saturday. I also bathed the girls, have the dishwasher running and that's about it. I'm heading for a nap myself. Enjoy the sunshine wherever you are!!
~B

Oh De-stress

This is my de-stress station at the moment. I knew if I tried to lie down my brain would be going overtime. So here I am...and here was today's stressor.

I've talked several times about L's tummy troubles...the gripe water, ovol, molasses water, switching from milk formula to soy and back again. Still, the same thing happens...2 hours after she eats, she screams and her stomach is in knots...and her poops are still like hard clay. Well today her screams were the worst I've heard and she kept it up for 20+ mins. After some insight from mom, I called emerg. I couldn't help but break down over the phone...she said to come in. By the time I got in there, she was better...which is what usually happens. They did an examination and gave me some pamphlets about using prune juice in her formula. Then when I start with cereal, to sprinkle bran in it. But they told me to hold off on the cereal till she gets her bowels in order.

I feel relieved...and cautious. I keep trying one thing after another and it seems to get worse instead of better. I just pray that this is the thing and we'll be good from here on in. One thing for sure, those 2 little pamphlets were more help than my own GP gave us since L's birth. Grrr. I'm just glad it's over. On top of it all, I'm trying to handle my stress better...but didn't do well today. I knew I was stressed and I knew I wanted to eat because of it. And I was hungry which didn't help the situation. After the battle of wills I finally said the hell with it and ate Wendy's drive thru for lunch. And instead of beating myself up over it, I'm going to let it go and start at the next bite. This entire week's been bad for self loathing and I'm turning it off. I may not be doing my best, but I am trying. I just have to keep going and not give up.

Well, I'm emotionally drained. Off to bed for a little rest.
~B

Putting it together

We had a really beeee-uuuu-tiful wknd! DH & I worked on E's playset. So far we have the slide, latter/rockwall, glider, and swing frame done. It's in the garage in pieces but we'll soon have to take it outdoors. Only trouble is it's supposed to rain today...and the long range calls for showers on Sat...D!oh!!! Hopefully it'll change by then...fingers crossed.

Today's agenda includes indoor fun. So far I got the cleaning part out of the way. E helped me clean a baby swing for L (to go on her playset). Our old neighbours were throwing out a bunch of stuff before they moved. We grabbed a bunch of stuff, including the swing, which I forgot about. So we got that done and now I'm just dabbling on the computer while E watches a show. Oh, I also did some purees (sweet potato & squash) for future use...I was out of both. I'm planning on making some cupcakes for E's daycare on Thurs (since her b-day's Wed). Can't believe my big girl's turning 3!!! I must tell you about the cool disposible dish set I got out at Costco. From a distance I say Nemo...went closer and found the Disney Princess set...they're made by Dixie. It was around $13 for big plates, litte plates, bowls, napkins, cups, even placemats. There's a ton in there. Thought it would be nice for the party.

Well, I suppose I should get going. Hope your Monday's not too dreary.
~B

Rub-a-dub-dub, 2 girlies in the tub!

It's definitely dreamy for me to have 2 girls. I'm the baby in my family with 2 older brothers. I always wanted a sister but no luck. Fortunately I had great sister rolemodels, esp. older sisters. Paula, my next door neighbour. Ella, my oldest brother's wife...she's been around since my teens. And of course, I got to enjoy the fun of those closer to my age. Maureen, my first cousin, is like a sister to me. Shay & I've been so close all our relationship. And Andrea, my other sister-in-law is just 25 days younger than me. But still, I know a true sister is a relationship to cherish.

Well, those are my simple thoughts for today. Thought it a nice change from 'my kids kept me up last night, I'm exhausted, thank goodness their cute cause I'd strangle them (kidding).' Looking forward to a restful wknd. Daddy & E are heading over to Mark & Deylin's for a sleepover. I'm having Hil over for a home cooked meal...by my MIL...although I did prep the veg and am putting the bird in the oven. I got 27 Dresses and Bee Movie for us to watch. I LOVE girlie nights. Tomorrow we're going to set up E's playset....we opted to do it early to avoid any glitches like having a bunch of kids over and the thing's not put together. :) Hope you all have a very restful fun wknd too...bring on the sunshine!!!!

~B

Playdate

Well, we've had a very fun day so far. Megan and her kiddies came over for a playdate to our house...great since the van is still in for repairs. DH brought it in yesterday morning. We had a laundry list of problems...and it added up, big time. I just wish I had time to console the hubby before he goes in to pay...over $900. YIKES! But I keep saying, 'it has to be done.' And it does. What can you do? DH saved us a bunch of $$ with the things he did but we had some extra unexpected problems so...what can you do? Anyway, the playdate was really fun and our girls played very nice together. The babies were great too.

L just settled down for a nap and our ago and I just heard her cry a few times. She's likely caught up in the rungs again. Anybody have any suggestions besides bumper pads? She's all over the crib now. I just got E down a few minutes ago...thank goodness I didn't miss her window (I didn't want to ask Megan & fam to leave we were having such a good time). She was starting to become a bear. She's probably down for the count already. I don't think I'll bother to go down myself because L will likely get up to eat at 3.

So, I found him...my old friend from college. I sent him a message and a friend request but haven't heard back. I pray he didn't hit the IGNORE button. I don't think I fully explained but he was my closest friend for a time. Shay and I had a falling out (thank goodness that didn't last), and DH & I were doing the long distance thing. It was really hard on me. Then when I was heading to SMU, DH broke up with me. Fortunately Shay & I reconnected before that happened. Between the 2 of them, I got through it. My stomach has been in knots cause I'm afraid he doesn't want anything to do with me. I think he was really disappointed that I decided to go back with DH...as if I was going back with the bad boyfriend. Certainly DH was a jerk at the time...he admits it. But after getting back from Calgary, he changed a lot...or I should say he was more like himself again. Anyway, I don't think I'll be settled till I hear from him.

Well, L is awake so I have to jet. I'll have to catch up on blog reading later. :)
~B