Looking back over the past few years at Christmas time – things have changed every year for us.
2002 – Both single at Christmas time – did not know each other
2003 – Living together
2004 – Engaged
2005 – Married
2006 – Pregnant with Jackie & Brutis in attendance
2007 – Jackie & Brutis in attendance
2008 – Jackie, Anderson & Brutis in attendance
2009 – There better not be anyone else attending.
Adam and I are very happy, we feel like our family is complete (please note, this post will be deleted and everything denied if we have an ‘oops’ in the future). We are enjoying our 2 children and looking forward to many Christmas’ together in the future.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Laughing
I knew I would love my children, but no one told me I would laugh so much.
Jackie makes me laugh at least once a day.
Her favourite thing to do right now, is to see how many places maxi pads / panty lines can be placed. I have come upstairs and find them stuck to doors and walls – this weekend she came down stairs sporting this look.
Yes we both laughed very hard.
Jackie makes me laugh at least once a day.
Her favourite thing to do right now, is to see how many places maxi pads / panty lines can be placed. I have come upstairs and find them stuck to doors and walls – this weekend she came down stairs sporting this look.
Yes we both laughed very hard.
Anna's Christmas Party
As many of you know, we have the most amazing day home provider in the entire world. Her name is Anna, and she has become a very important and cherished person in our lives.
Every year she puts on a Christmas party at her house, she invites not just her current children and their parents, but also all her past children and their parents too. She must cook for days because we get to all enjoy her home made Hungarian food and desserts.
Then there is Santa – she has someone (usually one of the dads) dress up as Santa and she has a gift for every child (she even had a gift for Anderson!)
As I said – she is amazing – we all love her. It was great to meet some of her past children and their parents – and neat to see them have their own little reunions with each other. You know you have a good dayhome when parents with an 11 and 9 year old are there, still coming to her parties and staying connected with a woman that played such an important role in their children’s lives.
Here are a few pictures from the night:
Jackie getting her present from Santa - this year she is not a fan of the man in red - okay - actually terrified of him.
Anderson - being held by Mary - mother of Jorja and Luke - two children at Anna's with Jackie
Anna, Santa and all the children
Every year she puts on a Christmas party at her house, she invites not just her current children and their parents, but also all her past children and their parents too. She must cook for days because we get to all enjoy her home made Hungarian food and desserts.
Then there is Santa – she has someone (usually one of the dads) dress up as Santa and she has a gift for every child (she even had a gift for Anderson!)
As I said – she is amazing – we all love her. It was great to meet some of her past children and their parents – and neat to see them have their own little reunions with each other. You know you have a good dayhome when parents with an 11 and 9 year old are there, still coming to her parties and staying connected with a woman that played such an important role in their children’s lives.
Here are a few pictures from the night:
Jackie getting her present from Santa - this year she is not a fan of the man in red - okay - actually terrified of him.
Anderson - being held by Mary - mother of Jorja and Luke - two children at Anna's with Jackie
Anna, Santa and all the children
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Baby-hawk
Anderson - 6 weeks - Hair done my AdamAdam the hair dresser strikes again. Click Here to see what Adam did with Jackie’s hair when she was approx. 4 weeks old.
The Computer
Jackie has a new toy – I apologize in advance if she somehow manages to accidentally email anyone.
Christmas Cards
As some of you know I enjoy making cards, and I pride myself in all the attention to detail – the more complex, the more fun they are to make and send out. But due to recent developments (i.e. Anderson arriving) and me not being anywhere near as organized as I planned on being; I had plans of having the baby announcement cards, thank you cards and Christmas cards all done before Anderson was born – well only pieces of the thank you cards and baby announcement cards were actually done, Christmas cards were not even started.
But I really wanted to send out a card this year – so I cheated – I am so sorry to all my craft friends and everyone that looks forward to a home made card – but you will have to do with the store bought kind and wait until next year for your home made one.
They are going in the mail today (I know a bit late, but they will arrive to most before Christmas, everyone else, just after), so keep an eye out.
We had Dee Ann over again for our photo shoot – this one proved to be much more challenging than the last one. We wanted a picture with not only an infant and a toddler – but also one with Brutis. Here is the one we choose – but since Brutis is right on the edge, when it prints out – it cuts him in half – so he is unfortunately missing from the photo you all will receive in the mail.
But I really wanted to send out a card this year – so I cheated – I am so sorry to all my craft friends and everyone that looks forward to a home made card – but you will have to do with the store bought kind and wait until next year for your home made one.
They are going in the mail today (I know a bit late, but they will arrive to most before Christmas, everyone else, just after), so keep an eye out.
We had Dee Ann over again for our photo shoot – this one proved to be much more challenging than the last one. We wanted a picture with not only an infant and a toddler – but also one with Brutis. Here is the one we choose – but since Brutis is right on the edge, when it prints out – it cuts him in half – so he is unfortunately missing from the photo you all will receive in the mail.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Dog House
Want a good laugh? This is the funniest little video ever!
Men - pay attention - it has to do with Christmas gifts for your wife......
Click on the link to watch:
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/video.aspx
Men - pay attention - it has to do with Christmas gifts for your wife......
Click on the link to watch:
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/video.aspx
Monday, December 8, 2008
On Sunday we set up the Christmas tree – a little late for me (I like to have it up right at the beginning of Christmas), but we figured we would wait a week – I knew Jackie would be enthralled with the ornaments, and since last week was our first week alone – I thought one less hurdle to tackle on the first week.
Well, we were right Jackie loves the tree, of course I have to keep some of my favourite ornaments in the box this year due to them not being child safe, but she enjoyed helping me decorate.
I started a tradition last year, every year I am going to buy the kids an ornament for the tree, here are the pictures of this years new ornaments.
Well, we were right Jackie loves the tree, of course I have to keep some of my favourite ornaments in the box this year due to them not being child safe, but she enjoyed helping me decorate.
I started a tradition last year, every year I am going to buy the kids an ornament for the tree, here are the pictures of this years new ornaments.
Pink Work - Blue Work
Adam and I have many aspects of work divided into pink and blue work categories – like for example – when we are camping – Pink work involves turning on the fridge and furnace when we fist arrive; blue work involves things like emptying the septic tanks.
Here are home – blue work and pink work are not so easily defined – like laundry – can be both pink and blue; same with cleaning the bathrooms. But when it comes to things in the yard – until now – they have always been blue – mowing the lawn and shovelling snow – that is until yesterday.
I surprised Adam and did some of the snow shovelling. For those of you that have been to our house – you know this is a big undertaking – if you have not – we have a corner lot – and the whole corner has sidewalk – the length of the property’s sidewalk is also extra wide – making it extra fun for shovelling lots of super heavy snow.
Well, Adam was so surprised I offered to do some of the shovelling – he just had to take a few pictures – I am blogging this to document I can actually do some physical labour….
Here are home – blue work and pink work are not so easily defined – like laundry – can be both pink and blue; same with cleaning the bathrooms. But when it comes to things in the yard – until now – they have always been blue – mowing the lawn and shovelling snow – that is until yesterday.
I surprised Adam and did some of the snow shovelling. For those of you that have been to our house – you know this is a big undertaking – if you have not – we have a corner lot – and the whole corner has sidewalk – the length of the property’s sidewalk is also extra wide – making it extra fun for shovelling lots of super heavy snow.
Well, Adam was so surprised I offered to do some of the shovelling – he just had to take a few pictures – I am blogging this to document I can actually do some physical labour….
SNOW!!
On Sunday Calgary was “blessed” with 16 cm of snow! I am not a snow fan. I do not like the cold; I do not participate in winter sports. Skating – my feet always get cold – I have been told so many “tricks” to prevent this predicament – but nothing works – ever. Skiing – again there is the cold factor – but I also fell and hurt my knee when I was skiing in grade 7 – a problem that still affects me occasionally – so since I would like to continue walking, I have chosen not to continue to invest time into this sport.
I am very much looking forward to a few years from now when Adam can take the kids for the day and together they can enjoy winter sports – and I can enjoy a quiet day at home, reading a book and drinking coffee.
Well – with all the snow Calgary got – Adam took Jackie out for her first ever chance to play in the snow. They both got all bundled up – and headed out to the great white backyard. I snapped a few pictures of the two of them – together they built a snow slide – which Jackie enjoyed thoroughly.
As much as I hate most winter sports – I do however enjoy tobogganing – very much looking forward to another first with her on that one – I know she will LOVE it!
I am very much looking forward to a few years from now when Adam can take the kids for the day and together they can enjoy winter sports – and I can enjoy a quiet day at home, reading a book and drinking coffee.
Well – with all the snow Calgary got – Adam took Jackie out for her first ever chance to play in the snow. They both got all bundled up – and headed out to the great white backyard. I snapped a few pictures of the two of them – together they built a snow slide – which Jackie enjoyed thoroughly.
As much as I hate most winter sports – I do however enjoy tobogganing – very much looking forward to another first with her on that one – I know she will LOVE it!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
One Month
I really can't believe I am writing a post already that Anderson is a month old. This has been the fastest month of my life - quite the difference since the first month with Jackie I believe was the slowest month of my life.
Not too much has changed since I last posted an update - Anderson is growing lots - I look at him and think how big he is already (we are going to the doctor's on Tuesday, so we should have an updated weight then).
Last week I was on my own (After my Mom came and helped for a week - Adam's Mom did the same). Jackie has been doing quite well - I knew that it would take us being alone for her to understand and realize she is not going to get everything right away, and sometimes she does not come first.
I would have to say, she has adjusted quite well to me and Anderson - it is the Daddy and Anderson aspect we are still working on.
Since she is a Daddy's girl, she still is having issues when Adam does not pay enough attention to her - I am sure in a few more weeks she will have gotten over it.
Sleep - right now we have a decent routine going on - Anderson's fussy time is in the evening - for this I am so thankful - if he was fussy during the middle of the day - it would be just me - but this way Jackie is often in bed already and then Adam and I can tag team on the fussy baby.
I tend to go to bed nice and early - I try to get there no later than 9pm - then Adam stays up - gives Anderson a bottle - and then puts him down usually around 11 - then I take all the feedings in the night.
Since we are also blessed with Jackie that gets up at 6am - Adam gets up with her, and allows me to sleep in (weekdays until 7, weekends a bit longer).
Anderson is a wonderful little baby - he is a good sleeper - and likes to nap during the day. We have been very lucky - I know lots of people who do not get a "dream" child on the second.
Not too much has changed since I last posted an update - Anderson is growing lots - I look at him and think how big he is already (we are going to the doctor's on Tuesday, so we should have an updated weight then).
Last week I was on my own (After my Mom came and helped for a week - Adam's Mom did the same). Jackie has been doing quite well - I knew that it would take us being alone for her to understand and realize she is not going to get everything right away, and sometimes she does not come first.
I would have to say, she has adjusted quite well to me and Anderson - it is the Daddy and Anderson aspect we are still working on.
Since she is a Daddy's girl, she still is having issues when Adam does not pay enough attention to her - I am sure in a few more weeks she will have gotten over it.
Sleep - right now we have a decent routine going on - Anderson's fussy time is in the evening - for this I am so thankful - if he was fussy during the middle of the day - it would be just me - but this way Jackie is often in bed already and then Adam and I can tag team on the fussy baby.
I tend to go to bed nice and early - I try to get there no later than 9pm - then Adam stays up - gives Anderson a bottle - and then puts him down usually around 11 - then I take all the feedings in the night.
Since we are also blessed with Jackie that gets up at 6am - Adam gets up with her, and allows me to sleep in (weekdays until 7, weekends a bit longer).
Anderson is a wonderful little baby - he is a good sleeper - and likes to nap during the day. We have been very lucky - I know lots of people who do not get a "dream" child on the second.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Talking on the Phone
Jacqueline's vocabulary has improved dramatically in the past month. She is now putting 2 words together and this girl can talk.
The other day Adam called us at home - I passed her the phone right away to day hi to Daddy - well, I never got the phone back - she spoke to him for at least solid 5 minutes. I tried to convince her to give me the phone back, but nope - she sat in her chair and told him all the current gossip.
Her favourite words right now are "Pretty Lights" - all the Christmas lights - she gets very excited - this weekend we are planning on setting up the Christmas tree - should be interesting....
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Update
Well, it has been a bit since I gave an update, so here goes.
Things are going well - Adam has been back at work for a week, and last week my Mom came in for the week to help out. She was a great help not only with the kids, but cleaning, cooking and stocking our freezer with meals.
Anderson is doing quite well - he is growing quickly, he is almost out grown his newborn sleepers and we are already talking about changing him to size 1 diapers.
I really can't believe he is 2 1/2 week already - looking back to this time with Jacqueline I remember it taking so long to get to this point.
Jackie - she is starting to adjust - however I don't think she is going to fully adjust until we are on our own (Adam's Mom Diana is coming in for this week). She is the greatest little helper, she takes all the diapers to the garbage, always wanting to give Anderson his soother or anything else she finds that is his.
She calls him Baby Ane - I know Anderson is a hard name for her to say - but we are not calling him Andy - so Baby Ane it will be for a while.
I am doing great! I feel great! On my recovery with Jacqueline I ended up with a blood infection and it did not get discovered until she was 3 weeks old - so my recovery was much longer last time - this time, we have been out for walks, and I feel much more like myself (something that took much longer to come back after Jackie was born).
Everyone I knew that had had more than one child told me that the adjustment on the second was so much easier than on the first - and they were so right.
Breast feeding - As many of you know I did not breast feed Jackie, and I was not sure what I was going to do with Anderson - but I gave it a try and it has so far turned out great. Most of the time he is a good little eater - and we are doing well. I did however have to get myself a small breast pump - so far I have only had one glass of wine and starting to have the craving for a few more.....
Things are going well - Adam has been back at work for a week, and last week my Mom came in for the week to help out. She was a great help not only with the kids, but cleaning, cooking and stocking our freezer with meals.
Anderson is doing quite well - he is growing quickly, he is almost out grown his newborn sleepers and we are already talking about changing him to size 1 diapers.
I really can't believe he is 2 1/2 week already - looking back to this time with Jacqueline I remember it taking so long to get to this point.
Jackie - she is starting to adjust - however I don't think she is going to fully adjust until we are on our own (Adam's Mom Diana is coming in for this week). She is the greatest little helper, she takes all the diapers to the garbage, always wanting to give Anderson his soother or anything else she finds that is his.
She calls him Baby Ane - I know Anderson is a hard name for her to say - but we are not calling him Andy - so Baby Ane it will be for a while.
I am doing great! I feel great! On my recovery with Jacqueline I ended up with a blood infection and it did not get discovered until she was 3 weeks old - so my recovery was much longer last time - this time, we have been out for walks, and I feel much more like myself (something that took much longer to come back after Jackie was born).
Everyone I knew that had had more than one child told me that the adjustment on the second was so much easier than on the first - and they were so right.
Breast feeding - As many of you know I did not breast feed Jackie, and I was not sure what I was going to do with Anderson - but I gave it a try and it has so far turned out great. Most of the time he is a good little eater - and we are doing well. I did however have to get myself a small breast pump - so far I have only had one glass of wine and starting to have the craving for a few more.....
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Photo Shoot
Dee Ann sent me a few sneak peak pictures from today's photo shoot - I thought I would share a few - I LOVE the pictures of Jackie - I just wish we had taken the time to clean her face and comb her hair - but I am sure more of you know just how hard it is to get a toddler to do what you want them to do - especially when it comes to photos.
Open Eyes
This morning we had a baby photo shoot with my friend Dee Ann; although this photo is not the greatest - Adam snapped it over her shoulder - at least we got some open eyes finally.
Anderson has beautiful deep blue eyes - right now, this is my favourite feature on him.
Check Dee Ann's blog for more photos and back here for more once we get them back - trust me, hers are much better than ours.
Christmas is Officially Here
I don't care when the stores start selling Christmas decorations or how early I actually start buying Christmas presents, Christmas is not officially here until Starbucks bring out the red cups.
My favourite drink - the Gingerbread Latte - this year going by the name 'Gingersnap Latte'. I had one today - and it tasted the same, but then again it was over 10 months since I had one. I have to be good this year - not only am I now working on baby weight, I am on the wonderful reduced income of EI - only one a week - or a very bad day means I can reward myself with on extra.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pretty Anderson
Well, Anderson is the latest to be subjected to Jackie and her 'Pretty'. This morning she thought he needed a little something extra with his outfit.On a different note - we are happy to report he is already over his birth weight - 8 pounds 1 oz at one week.
Monday, November 10, 2008
How are we doing?
So far things are going quite well. After having Anderson, we “won” the postpartum lottery and got a private room. Yes, for all you Calgary Moms, you know how lucky we are; for those of you that have not been down this path before or are not from Calgary, here is some info for you:
2007 – 16 000 babies were born in 3 hospitals in Calgary
Every year the Rockyview Hospital (the one we used) delivers 700 more babies than it did the year before.
August 2008 – Rockyview delivered 609 babies – 20 babies a day (there are only 35 beds in postpartum).
Needless to say, there is a crazy baby boom going on in Calgary and it has been happening for quite some time – we consider ourselves very lucky that for both births we have had a relatively good experience.
This one was even better – the timing of when Anderson arrived could not have been better, out by 9:15 – he and I were both sleeping by 2.
The first night went well, Adam was sent home (Calgary Health Region has this crazy policy of no support people i.e. Dad’s, staying the night with the new Mom and baby in postpartum); Anderson blessed me though with 4 ½ hours – this allowed me to get some sleep, but not as much as I wanted – unfortunately the baby down the hallway did not give his Mother and the rest of us the same gift.
Everyone told me it is much easier with the second – and they are so true. He does not scare me as much as Jackie did. I know how to hold him, I can confidently change a diaper (when Jackie arrive I had not changed a diaper in at least 15 years if not longer) and the crying does not stress me out this time.
I am feeling great! Last time I ended up with a blood infection, so this severely delayed my recovery time but yesterday we all went for a walk to Starbucks – something I could not do until week 4 with Jackie. Plus, Jackie did not settle a nicely as Anderson does – this means more sleep and less stress.
Breast feeding – last time I tried and it did not workout – this time I have been working at it and it is coming along – we are not completely through the woods yet, but Anderson and I are working on it. He is the slowest eater ever. He likes to snack and fall asleep – so this means, lots of undressing and changing diapers to wake him back up to finish his meal.
I have quickly fallen in love with me new little man – my favourite part are his eyes. It is hard to get a picture right now to show you, but he has these beautiful deep blue eyes.
2007 – 16 000 babies were born in 3 hospitals in Calgary
Every year the Rockyview Hospital (the one we used) delivers 700 more babies than it did the year before.
August 2008 – Rockyview delivered 609 babies – 20 babies a day (there are only 35 beds in postpartum).
Needless to say, there is a crazy baby boom going on in Calgary and it has been happening for quite some time – we consider ourselves very lucky that for both births we have had a relatively good experience.
This one was even better – the timing of when Anderson arrived could not have been better, out by 9:15 – he and I were both sleeping by 2.
The first night went well, Adam was sent home (Calgary Health Region has this crazy policy of no support people i.e. Dad’s, staying the night with the new Mom and baby in postpartum); Anderson blessed me though with 4 ½ hours – this allowed me to get some sleep, but not as much as I wanted – unfortunately the baby down the hallway did not give his Mother and the rest of us the same gift.
Everyone told me it is much easier with the second – and they are so true. He does not scare me as much as Jackie did. I know how to hold him, I can confidently change a diaper (when Jackie arrive I had not changed a diaper in at least 15 years if not longer) and the crying does not stress me out this time.
I am feeling great! Last time I ended up with a blood infection, so this severely delayed my recovery time but yesterday we all went for a walk to Starbucks – something I could not do until week 4 with Jackie. Plus, Jackie did not settle a nicely as Anderson does – this means more sleep and less stress.
Breast feeding – last time I tried and it did not workout – this time I have been working at it and it is coming along – we are not completely through the woods yet, but Anderson and I are working on it. He is the slowest eater ever. He likes to snack and fall asleep – so this means, lots of undressing and changing diapers to wake him back up to finish his meal.
I have quickly fallen in love with me new little man – my favourite part are his eyes. It is hard to get a picture right now to show you, but he has these beautiful deep blue eyes.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Jacqueline and Anderson
The one question everyone wants to know the answer to is how is the older child doing when a new baby comes home?
Well, let’s just start with saying Jackie has done more crying than Anderson has since he has arrived.
Overall I would say she is doing well, she is going through her adjustment period and it is going to take time. Since she is such a Daddy’s little girl, the issues tend to come out when he is holding Anderson and therefore not giving her the attentions she thinks she deserves.
But she knew right away he was a baby – we are working on his name – but Anderson is a hard one, we are also working on the word brother – that comes out better but still needs work.
She is constantly trying to take a look at him while he is sleeping in the bassinette, and she is also a wonderful little helper, taking a dirty diaper to the garbage, etc.
Oh, and the kisses – she has given him countless kisses already.
Given time, I know she will love him and forget that at one point in time she was the centre of our world.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Pictures
Here are some more photos of our hospital experience...
The big sister
Grandma Hill
Grandpa Eric
The big sisterJackie did pretty good at the beginning meeting her new little brother - she knew he was a 'baby' right away. She was okay when I was holding him, but when Dad held him - well, let's just say that is when the first tantrum came. (Remember Dad is her absolute favourite person in the whole world right now - and she is very possessive of him - even with the dog sometimes.)
Grandma Hill
Grandpa Eric
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