10 Weeks

This was supposed to be posted on May 24th, but Blogger would not let me publish...let's hope things are better today...

Today is Aaron's and My third wedding anniversary. And the second time I am pregnant on our anniversary. Which is good and bad. I'm craving some East Side Marios, but I still have "all-day long" nausea. We've planned to go early as I can't seem to stay awake after 8:30-9pm and we want to see a movie after we eat. So lucky for us our trusty babysitter (Danny's "Jamma") is available early :)

I swear I have popped just a little bit in the belly. Not that it is terribly noticeable. I am one of those lucky women who normally has a flat tummy, so a little bit a bulkiness is noticeable - to me at least. And my jeans. Lucky for me the weather has finally gotten quite nice so I was able to drag out some more comfortable tie up at the waist pants and shorts. Yes, I was actually wearing shorts for the last couple of days!

Daniel is now 19 months old. I can't believe how much he can do on his own now. Aaron and I took him to the play center the other day and he was able to ride the toy train all by himself. He figured out how to push the button to make it go. He knew to hold on so he wouldn't fall off. And he climbed off all by himself. I'm just stunned when all of a sudden he can do things. How he'd do that?

He has added a few more words to his vocab too. Like "baby", "cake", "kitty", and his two faves (that both kind of sound the same when he's says them) "shoes" and "Juice".

As proud as I am that he is growing up to be such a bright charming little man, how do I slow him down so mommy can keep her baby just a little bit longer?

Blah

I forgot how uncomfortable "morning sickness" can be. So far nothing has helped in the long term. I can eat, however five minutes later I feel sick again. All day! I just want to sleep through it all. That's not gonna happen with Danny demanding attention and I have work for the next two days.

I am lucky in that I am not actually vomiting. However I feel like it constantly. I learned from my first pregnancy that forcing myself to hug the toilet doesn't work. The nausea will not go away.

I don't remember this much suffering last time but that maybe nature pulling the wool over my eyes so I make more babies. "Only remember the good things..." Like the little kicks. The ultrasound pictures. The excitement!

I asked Aaron to bring me home some butterscotch hard candies when he's done work today. I also told him that if he forgets he will be sent out again to get them. They maybe my only saving grace to get me through work and life for at least the next 6 weeks.

I have tried :
-eating saltines before getting out of bed - that made me feel worse.
-drinking water - as long as the water is cold and I keep it in my mouth I feel fine. Once I swallow, blah again.
-eating anything - once I'm done I'm sick again
-camomile tea - I can't even look at it now

If anyone has some suggestions that I might not have tried I would be happy to hear them. Until then I will try to see if Danny will let me veg on the couch and not get himself into too much trouble.

And now he is 18 months...

This is meal time Mommy style...

This is meal time Daddy style...

I will admit Daddy style looks more fun. However, mommy is the one who washes the floors!!

The little man with mommy. This was at five weeks pregnant. When I only felt really tired - before the 24 hour "morning sickness" kicked in. I really hate that term right now ("morning sickness"). I bet a man came up with that term. Probably the same man who came up with the slogan "Have a happy period!" The best I can hope right now is that, like with my previous pregnancy, once I hit the 12 week mark I felt great! Fingers are crossed.

And this adorable picture of the little man finally wearing the outfit that his Aunty Christy bought him for his birthday. Danny was more into showing off his Elmo sheets - and if you look close you can see his two front teeth.

The Waiting Game

I've been meaning to write this post for about a week now but everytime I got around to it I would feel too tired or nauseous. Yep, if that is not a good enough clue for you then how about I peed on a stick again? Yep that's right. We've got baby #2on the way.

This time around Aaron and I swear we knew we were pregnant right away. I read into the signs early this time. Almost right away I had that metallic taste in my mouth. This made me both happy and sad. I'm happy we got pregnant right away but I had hoped this time I would be without the metal madness. And the nausea. I'll just take the increasing nausea as a sign that the babe is growing well.

We are only 6 weeks in so we have quite a way to go. Once again Aaron is telling everyone that we are expecting so I thought I should catch up my peeps on the news. However it may appear that some may already know.

About a week or so before I could confirm with a home pregnancy test my aunt the Empress sent me an email saying that she dreamt I had twin girls. I'm hoping she is right about the sex, but twins may be overwhelming. I guess what ever will be will be and we will be happy about it. As a believer in prophetic dreaming I took this as confirmation that the metallic taste in my mouth was the sign I was looking for.

There's not much more to tell right now. I haven't even seen my ob/gyn yet. According to some websites we will be due on December 16th. The date is close to my sister in laws birthday (on the 9th) and my neice's (on the 12th) so this little one may just share a birthday like big brother Daniel. I'm also hoping for a vaginal birth this time around. Recovering from a c-section when you are a restless soul is hell.

Now that I've informed my peeps I feel much relief. I will likely keep the news off Facebook for now, but whatever! Woo hoo to #2!

How could I...

Write a post without adding a picture of our little super model?

I can't stop using my game show voice...

because we bought a (game show voice here:) NEW CAR. Well, new to us anyway.


(Ignore the construction fence in the background. They are finally doing something with that property next door. But they sure are taking their time with it!!)

It's a 2007 Honda Civic. And it drives like a dream (especially after driving our 1998 Corolla that needs shocks and alignment and who know what else. Hey wanna buy a car real cheap??? LOL)

I also learned today that I am now a pro at putting in Danny's car seat. It took me about an hour when we first bought it. When I transfered it to this car it took maybe a minute or two.

Now to enjoy our day. It actually feels/smells like spring today. I am ignoring the weatherman's reports for tomorrow (covers ears and sings "Lalalalalalalala").

I hope you are all enjoying the smells of spring and maybe even new car! ;)

Is it over yet?

According to what I heard this morning the end of winter is near. The geese are back and I'm loving the sound of their honking announcement.

I haven't been writing very often. I start feeling guilty about it, which just increases the anxiety I have been feeling. I believe it has to do with my winter depression. Now that we are into March I can feel it lifting. I'm not as anxious over nothing these past few days. Though the wet snow we had yesterday brought a sinking feeling to my gut.

The geese honking their arrival this morning has made me hopeful.

Looking forward to what is ahead for this coming year. Daniel will be able to run around with the other kids at the park this summer. Last summer all he could do was sit in the swing and watch. I have bought him some buckets and shovels so we can play in the sand at the beach. I'm hoping he has enough sense not to eat it (the sand not the bucket - though I wouldn't put it past him).



I cannot believe how fast he is growing. We took Danny to the doctor a couple of weeks ago. He is way above average for his height (16 months and he is 84cm long) and on the high side for his weight (25LBS). Probably because he loves his food so much. Still the happiest little boy I could ever hope for.

We are looking forward to what is in store for us this year. Maybe even a few surprises... Wow I am sounding so hopeful - winter must be over!

Danny Meets His Hero

Happy 15 Months My Monkey!

The Unveiling

Well, here it is. Shorter than I thought but a heck of a lot more presentable and managable than before. It always takes me a couple of days to get used to a new 'do. I could not find a decent before picture. But just imagine long (down between my shoulder blades) straight hair that just dragged my (admittedly long) face down. Oh, and no bangs. I like my bangs! Also my stylist noticed that the hair on the side of my head was short and broken from wearing it in a ponytail constantly. Now I can't even get it in a ponytail! YAY!

I'm also loving my new cardigan that I found at Value Village! Cute and nerdy :P

Need a Change

After becoming a mother almost 15 months ago, I haven't really concerned myself with clothes, hair or makeup. I have slowly been redefining my wardrobe as my old clothes felt strange and ill fitting after pregnancy. I weigh the same as I did before, give or take a pound or two or three... But I swear my body must have changed shape in some way. That with the combination of getting older and wanting a more "sophisticated" wardrobe. That being better fitting clothes. No more wearing jeans that are too small. Also wanting to step away from wearing jeans and t-shirts all the time. Though I could never entirely give up my two loves. It's working out really well after getting a hefty gift certificate to Value Village for Christmas.

What I am super excited about is getting my hair fixed. Not that its damaged or anything. I just haven't bothered to do more than put it in a pony tail for about a year now. My bangs have grown out. My hair is long and shapeless. And I think my hair thinned out after having Danny. This coming Tuesday I have an appointment to get my hair cut and highlighted (by the same wonderful lady who cut and highlighted my hair for my wedding a couple of years ago...) I am so looking forward to it!

Pictures to come. I was trying to get a "before" shot taken today, but lack of makeup and being a bit tired I wouldn't dare post one of those pics out of respect to myself. If I can get myself to slap on some war paint before Tuesday I might get one done.

And although my New Years resolution is to worry and bitch less I guess self improvement on the outside could be included as well. Things are looking up! (and I won't worry about what that stupid weather man said about Tuesdays road conditions - that evil man!)

Little Man Dan

Just recently he has started to play more with his softer toys, rather than his blocks and my pots and pans.


He still loves to climb into the linen cupboard. Sometimes he has to share with one of the cats.


When its nap time the cats take turns on his Winnie the Pooh chair.


He loves that Bee's fur will tickle his nose.


And after putting these pictures together I realized that I don't have a recent picture of Daniel without those darn fingers in his mouth. And suggestions on how to stop him from finger sucking?

Happy New Year

Wow! Time sure flies when you have a child around. I still can't believe how much Daniel has learned and developed in the last year. Or how much his parents have learned also.
One of Danny's recent hobbies has been taking out each toy from his toy box one at a time and placing them on the floor all around him.

And when he's not torturing the cats he's giving me advice about my hair..."Mommy, get this head band off your head and get a haircut!"

Happy New Year to all. And a Merry (Ukrainian) Christmas!

Mother of a Toddler!

(Wearing his new snowsuit - an early Christmas present from Jamma!)

Yes! He is finally walking. He still feels that crawling, or walking with assistance is more efficient for his needs. But he is walking and quite proud of it. So I guess that makes me the official Mother of a Toddler! Now this parenting thing is starting to get more challenging. Okay maybe not challenging - just more athletic and tiring. Catching a 13 month old as he falls from the couch. Or chair. Or whatever else he can climb. I guess we can be grateful he hasn't figured out how to crawl out of his crib...yet!

(Proud to be rockin' in Gramma Gogo's rocker - it's nice to have something in the family for so long)

Daddy took this picture at naptime while mommy was at work. Daniel can just reach his bookcase from him crib. He'll grab his books thru the bars and "read" quietly until he falls to sleep. Kinda like his mama.

Halloween

Halloween was cancelled in our house last year. Aaron and I were very new parents stunned at the fact that we had a 8 day old to tend to. And though I long for those easy early days sometimes, he is a lot more fun now that his personality has emerged! (why didn't I appreciate the constant napping more? I write this as Danny bangs and clangs my pots and pans against the kitchen floor.)

As you can see Danny was Tigger this year. I bought a size 12month costume yet he was busting out of it.

We did not want to take him out trick or treating. He doesn't eat candy yet - and it's too damn cold for mommy and daddy. So we are very lucky that cousin Bella has her birthday on Halloween. And we were able to attend her 3rd birthday party this year. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

There were a lot of kids at the party. I think Daniel was a bit overwhelmed but he had a good time. And Bella is hilarious with him. She kept taking toys from him, telling him "No, baby, no!". This natural comedy is why I love kids so much. Why do they have to grow up?

The excitement was just too much. Danny passed out on the ride home.

Did I memtion Elmo was there?

And then there was cake!

The Party

I think Daniel was a bit overwhelmed. All the guests just to see him. The great big play center full of toys and cousins. No wonder he didn't pay attention while mommy and daddy opened his gifts.





Oh, and the birthday boy had cake for the first time...video coming soon!

Last Day of Minus 1

I felt an urge to take some pictures of Danny before he turned one. The countdown is on. Officially at 2:15pm on the 23rd of october our little man will be one years old.

An Update of Sorts...

We've been gearing up for Daniel's big day. In less than a week he turns one! It's the big one. We will be having a small dinner party at Creative Play (a play/party center run by Danny's Gramma and Aunt). The theme is Winnie the Pooh. I was lucky enough to find a Tigger costume in his size. And I'll get my moneys worth out of it. Eight days after Danny's party, his cousin celebrates her third birthday on Halloween. (Pictures will definitely be in order!)

Daniel walks with help. We are pretty sure he can do it on his own, but I think he's lacking the confidence. He seems like me in the way that he likes to perfect his skills before showcasing them. I bet if we put a camera over his crib we would catch him walking back and forth.

Daniel's favourtie game right now is a variation on peek-a-boo/tag. I have to get into crawling position as I chase him around the house. Danny squealing with delight. Checking over his shoulder ever few seconds to make sure I'm still on his trail.

He is speaking more. Much of it babble. He can say Mama, Dada, Cat and Aaron swears that he said Daddy I love you! What a sweet little man.

For now we must go. It is almost time to go to the swings.