Noooo, not my favorite ...

... underwear. Yup, that's right, underwear.
Admit it ~ we all have our favorite pairs ~ male or female we all have that uber comfy yet not grandma/grandpa style pair that we love.

Well, since Hydro Ottawa is a beast (yes, I would prefer to use another word there), I am no longer doing half loads of laundry. The result is our clothes get combined with the kiddies. Now, kids clothes and accessories are COVERED in velcro. Velcro is nasty. Even when the opposing parts of the velcro are together stuff always manages to stick to it ... and this time the victim was my absolute favorite pair of underwear. They just aren't the same anymore, all contorted and distressed. This is very sad for me as I don't get out shopping much and to find a new pair of 'favorites' could take years. Why?! Why them?! Any other pair and I could have cared less.

I will say this much though ~ the money I spend searching for a replacement will come from the kids' education savings! ;)

I'm an auditor - not a negotiator!

Last night before bed we started our normal routine:

Me: "Adam, please clean up your toys."
Adam: (ignore mommy and make more of a mess)
Me: "Adam, please clean up your toys."
Adam: (put one toy in bin, continue playing)
Me: "Adam, please clean up your toys."
Adam: (two more toys make it to the bin)
Me: "Adam, clean up your toys."
Adam: (give mommy blank stare)
Me: "Adam, clean up your toys."
Adam: "No."
Me: "Clean up your toys or I am throwing one of them out!"
Adam: "No! Not my toys." (but no attempt to clean up)
Me: Throw out toy. (note: this is a great way to get rid of the broken toys they haven't been willing to part with)

And on and on it went. By the end I was close to losing my mind. I know I am dealing with a child but really ... is it necessary every single night? Each time I am so close to just doing it myself but I know that will result in a child who never cleans up.

I have tried every tactic - taking away toys, time out, no hot milk before bed, etc. etc. and he just doesn't care. I suppose I wouldn't want to clean up either (I have a house that needs tidying in a bad way but instead I am blogging) but its my job to teach him tidy up after himself ... so that battle will continue tonight ... so looking forward to that! ;)

Dance Like No One Is Watching.

At least I do. Even as I type I am groovin'. I still remember my mom blasting the music (Taylor Dayne and Rick Astley to be exact) when I was a kid and she'd dance around making the mundane (such as sweeping) a little more interesting. And it appears as though I received those genes because lately I absolutely love dancing around the house ~ as an added bonus my kids love it when I dance (well, really they find it hilarious) and I'm burning extra calories! Adam has even started 'bouncing'! Unfortunately for James I've come to love it so much that I even do it when he's in the house.

There's nothing like an upbeat song and some funky dance moves to brighten up a day. I really recommend it ~ its so much fun and freeing (remember the Friends episode when Pheobe ran like a crazy person??).

I'll even admit to dancing to Baby by Justin Beiber ~ shameful, I know, but if you ignore the ridiculously high voice the beat is actually pretty good.

Seriously though - don't knock it til you try it!!

I'm afraid of ...

Skinny jeans.

Its true, they terrify me. I don't really have a style but now that I am done having kids I would like to find 'my' style as well be 'in' style. It seems that skinny jeans are sticking around, which means for me to be in style I should probably invest in some but I traditionally have avoided fashion items which include the word skinny.

My thinking is that they would look great with a pair of boots but I can't rely on the salespeople as they will tell me anything looks nice to get a sale which means I might make a fashion misstep ~ because lets be honest, skinny jeans are not for all.

So ... Who wants to go shopping? Brutal honesty a must.

A clap, a sit, and a 'ma ma' too.

Even though its my second and I've been through all this before I am once again in shock at how fast this is all going. In the last month and a bit Blair has started sitting, has two teeth, has said mama (James was there, he can vouch that it was actually directed to me), and now claps. All of the sudden I am over half way through my maternity leave (closer to 8 months actually) and its like I blinked and my teenie tiny baby became a little girl. And worse than that Adam has become a little man and hears EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING ... and worse than that he hears it and repeats it in the right context (including my classic line: "you're driving me nuts"!).

This isn't much of a post ... just to say I cannot believe how fast time flies, I wish I could capture every moment with my camera (but of course that's not possible since the result would be a broken Nikon ... gotta love living with a toddler).

Oxygen.

My mom, bless her, shares her magazines with me. This is fun and exciting when its People or Hello (who doesn't love seeing which stars have cellulite?), I even enjoy Chatelaine for the recipes ~ but lately she has been really focused on health and fitness and her new favorite mag is Oxygen.

Given that I am obviously still *considering* working out, and not actually working out I perused an issue. First, by the time I got through the protein powder ads I was pretty tired, but second ... seriously?! The first advice I read was that I needed to give up sugar (WTF?!), carbs, etc., etc., etc. Next was recommended exercises based on calories burned per hour ~ I was happy to read that mountain biking was the highest calorie burner but disappointed when I saw that it was based on a 5'8" 130lb woman!!

Then there were some recipes ... that I have NO CHANCE of ever making as they all have 10+ ingredients of things of which I have never heard. Some interesting exercises are included ~ but apparently I'm a visual person because I don't understand many of the explanations.

So I am going to stick to People, Us Weekly, etc. for now because honestly, Oxygen kinda scares me.

A new season is upon us!

James and I survived without television for a year. And then Blair was born and the Olympics were on ... and I begged for it back (just for a while of course, at least that was my line). We cut cable because 1) I was watching way too much tv and 2) we're cheap. But I just couldn't hack it. And now a new season has arrived and I have to say I am pretty excited. Much like movies, I use tv to 'check out', to not think about the every day. I try not to watch too much but the freakin' reality shows always suck me in ... like Dancing with the Stars. LOVE IT. Here are the shows I am hoping to tune into this year ... hopefully I don't become a couch potato but as you'll see from the list below that's looking like a huge possibility!

~ Parenthood ... stars Lauen Graham ... those who know me well will know that I had severe withdrawal when Gilmore Girls ended so its nice to see Lorelei back on the small screen. This show is awesome. I don't think many people know about it but its real, its funny, and it makes me look forward to the future with my children even more.

~ Gossip Girl ... need I say more?! But the fact that its an 'online exclusive' pisses me off (excuse my language). Chances are I won't watch it.

~ Grey's Anatomy ... I didn't really watch this show much last year but the season finale has me looking forward to this season. And really, as long as McSteamy is in it I'm happy.

~ Dancing with the Stars ... if they can do it we could right (if we wanted, but we have other things to do)?

~ Castle ... started watching last year cause its on right after DWTS and got hooked. There's something about their chemistry that keeps me coming back. Not sure how she wears those heels in foot chases but hey, its just tv!

~ Private Practice ... interested to see where it goes this season, but its not one I'll miss if something else comes up.

That's it for now but there are some new shows that have me intrigued ... Hawaii Five-O (yes, cheesy, but could have potential) and The Defenders with Jim Belushi and Jerry O'Connell looks hilarious. Not sure how I will fit them in though ...

Would love to hear what you're tunning into this season ... what am I missing?!

I'm still in here ~ promise.

When I first started thinking about starting a blog I was at a very low point. I felt like I needed to write and express myself to help me come out of whatever it was I was feeling. And then when I actually started it I kind of chickened out ... I wrote one post about how I was feeling (Conversation with a Friend) but didn't really dive into it. I'm not really sure why, maybe I thought no one would want to read stuff like that, or I wasn't sure about putting myself out there like that but I've decided not to be a chicken.

About a week after having Blair I got sick and hung out in bed for five days. I managed to take care of Blair (feeding, changing and snuggling) but beyond that I did nothing. I lost weight quickly, I only ran through the motions with James and Adam, I didn't cook, clean (ok, I admit, I never clean), or anything really. I watched a lot of tv (Olympics specifically) and held Blair, c'est tout.

And while it was only extreme like that for less than a week, I didn't really 'snap' out of it. I would have crazy highs which were almost always followed by crazy lows (these lows included being sad, being angry, and just being flat). Its like I had lost a bit of myself and was having trouble finding me again.

I lost it several times when I felt like I was just a housewife. Felt like all I did was change diapers, clean up puke, wash dishes, do laundry, etc. In reality it wasn't like that but its what I felt. I love my job, most days I am good at my job, it gives me satisfaction. I was feeling as though I wasn't good at being a housewife, which didn't help. I felt disorganized (somewhat like this post!), unprepared, and unable to keep up. Basically I felt like a failure at the most important job I'll ever have, which just made me sink even lower.

The smallest things sent me over the edge, I'd snap. In an instant I would go from dancing around the house to yelling. And it breaks my heart to admit that Adam usually got the brunt of this, I hope I can somehow make it up to him someday.

I felt so lost. Like I was constantly battling myself ~ fighting to stay ok. It got to the point that I didn't go out (going out with friends and their adorable babies helps keep me sane), once again I was doing nothing around the house, and was crying a lot. Thankfully we took a week and headed up to James' parents' cottage. It helped so much to be outside, to not feel like the walls were closing in on me, and to not have anything hanging over me (like laundry for example ~ I can't explain how much I hate laundry). All I had to do was take care of and have fun with my babies. And fun I had ~ so much fun. My son is an absolute blast.

After this I slowly started getting 'better'. Coming out of the fog. Started filling the shell back up. Keeping busy has helped, talking to other moms has helped immensely, and mostly ... talking to my husband, explaining how I felt (however rational or irrational). I am still working on getting 'me' back, I still have lows and I still cry sometimes but its better.

I'm not sure whether I had a mild case of post partum or really bad baby blues, but what I am sure of is how lucky I am to have so many understanding patient people in my life.

A soon-to-be mom recently asked me if I had any advice ~ my only advice is not to isolate yourself and to talk, talk, talk even if you think no one will understand. Having children is amazing and wonderful but its also very hard (worth it, but hard) and having a baby creates a huge emotional, life-changing shift for which we cannot prepare.

I haven't articulated this as well as I would have hoped but maybe it will give a mom some comfort that she isn't alone and then it will be worth it.

And to my wonderful husband ... the woman you married is still in here, promise.

Oh how things change.

Before I had kids my choice of things to do were soccer, watch useless television, shopping ... and more things along those lines, definitely not playgroups and scrapbooking! Before kids I actually (and wrongfully) mocked playgroups and once went to a scrapbook party and complained the whole time.

But ever since having Adam I have to say I now get it ... playgroups are mommies saviour, its not some elite club that moms intentionally exclude others from, its a place where moms can get together with people who understand why you didn't get to have a shower today. And both my kids will have scrapbooks ... because its alot of fun to document some of the special moments in their lives with some stickers and colour. And its an excuse to get together with friends, sip some wine (or in my case, bacardi breezer) and talk, talk, talk.

I still play soccer and watch terrible tv that's bad for my brain (I admit shopping is mainly for the kids but I still get satisfaction from it) but I now enjoy things I never ever thought I would. But it kind of scares me for what's next ... quilting?!

A sad realization.

The other day I was driving Adam to daycare and on the way we passed by a high school ... many kids were outside (I suppose waiting until the very last minute to go in ~ that's what I did) ... and I started thinking to myself that none of them looked old enough to be in high school. They looked sooooo young. I felt a mild relief when I saw someone who in my opinion looked old enough ~ and then a huge sinking feeling once I realized she was a teacher (given away by the briefcase rather than backpack/shoulder bag).

It was then I realized that perhaps I don't have an accurate view of myself and what I look like. I took a moment and looked in the rearview mirror and really looked ~ yup, I have wrinkles ... didn't have those in high school ~ my hair isn't quite as vibrant (or, um, natural) anymore ~ BUT I did have a glimmer of hope ... a pimple! For the first time in my life I was excited to have a pimple.

But maybe the most important thing is how we view ourselves ~ so I am going to forget what I saw in the mirror and continue to pretend I look younger than I do.

O. M. G.

Went for a run last night. Loaded the kids up in the running stroller and off I went. Kinda.

I haven't run since running the 10k in the Ottawa Race Weekend. And it showed. 3.5km ... 19:53 minutes. I'm sorry ... what?! (I ran the 10k in 55 minutes) And I'm not going to lie, when Adam asked me to stop or said something I didn't understand I did take a pause.

I was cursing the entire run, wishing I was at home, eating. I have got to find a form of exercise that I like that doesn't cost a fortune. Maybe a bunch of us should start a free bootcamp. We could rotate who is responsible for developing the program. Who's in?! Ya, I know, I'm reaching ... but it could work ...

In the mean time I guess its still me and my two feet pounding the pavement. And I need to update my iPod playlist. I listened to the same songs over and over while training for the 10k and now they just don't motivate me ... what does is my two year old saying 'faster mommy faster' ... punk ;)

We have a tradition!

On the second weekend in September 2008 ... our clan (then three) embarked on our first camping trip to a campsite 10 minutes away from home (first time camping with an infant ... we wanted an escape if needed). Adam was wonderful (at least that is how I remember it) and we had a great time.

Then on the second weekend in September 2009 ... our clan (then three ... and a half!) embarked on our second camping trip to Algonquin Park. Adam once again was wonderful and we had a great time.

And this year we made it a tradition ... we just got back from our third annual camping trip on the second weekend in September. All four of us went camping at Silver Lake. Amazingly Blair and Adam slept (relatively) well both nights and the rain held out until we started packing up this morning. We lucked out with our campsite ... 100 meters away from the playground and we could see the lake (that we did not swim in ... brrrr). Adam is a born camper, he stayed outside while it rained, loved his first smore and didn't once complain about the sleeping conditions. Now, I should be honest and say that we have a tent trailer but before you start thinking of something glamourous ... it is the definition of trailer trash! Its a 1972 Lionel trailer ... and it looks its age. Think brown and orange + a musty smell. But, it gets the job done, keeps us (mostly) warm and fits the playpen. We love it ~ even if we had to drive in to town to buy duct tape for some fast repairs.

Now ~ where to go next year ...

One to read.

A friend sent me the link to this blog ... I have spent the last two hours reading every single post.

Its an emotional, honest, inspiring, sad, moving blog of a man (a husband, a dad) battling something evil. Both my friend and I were in tears after reading the August 2010 post "Days that matter".

http://howthelightgetsin.net/

Starbucks. Oh how I love you.

Grande, non-fat, no water chai.
100% awesome.

When I initially started going to Starbucks I would get a grande vanilla cream. Basically milk with a shot of vanilla. Yes, I paid for this. But then I copied a friend's drink one time and never looked back. There is something so wonderful about a Tazo Chai Latte ... made at Starbucks (I have tried to make them at home but its just not the same). I have changed up the latte a bit, here's how its gone over this two year love-affair:

~ Grande Tazo Chai
~ Grande Tazo Chai with non-fat milk (should have never looked at the calories on the website!)
~ Grande Tazo Chai, 1/4 water, non-fat milk
~ Grande Tazo Chai, non-fat, no water chai

Yup, I wrote Grande every single time ... I love saying 'Grrrrande'.

Starbucks really is great. I love when I go and ask for this drink they don't look at me like I have two heads. They are happy to make it for me and if by chance it doesn't taste quite right ~ they make me a new one ... at no charge!!

Since I am on maternity leave I do go a tad more than I should ... but I justify it by saying that Blair has a great time when she's there. Weak excuse, yes, but she actually does have a great time. Our children are people watchers, therefore Starbucks is the perfect place since people are always coming and going.

The sad party of this story is that Adam can order for James and I now. If we ask him what mommy and daddy are having he says 'chai and mocha'. He hasn't quite gotten the sizes yet (Grande and Venti) but I'm sure that's coming.

Part of me thinks that a component of this addiction is the cups. There's something about the way they fit in your hand. Sometimes they try to stiff me of a sleeve and its just not the same. It has to be the whole shebang for it to be completely wonderful.

Ok, I'm rambling. I hope this post accurately portrays how I feel about Starbucks, specifically the magical drink I call mine :)



P.S. Would love to hear about your drink!

Hmph.

I worked out yesterday. 30 minutes on the blasted elliptical. I see no obvious results. Ha ha ha.

Seriously though, I am so into instant gratification. I like seeing results right away. Must be why I have such a hard time sticking with an exercise regime ~ it takes so long to see changes.

The entire time I was on the elliptical I was thinking 'I hate this, I hate this, why am I doing this?'. I am much better with the organized sports or running with someone (even powerwalking ... I'm in Kels!). The problem with organized sports is they are getting so darn expensive. I might have to start some pick up soccer games or something along those lines. Anyone game?

The question now is, what to do tonight? I'm thinking a Jillian Michaels workout ... I won't be able to move tomorrow. I guess I could consider that a result!

Time to indulge ...

... because tomorrow I am turning over a new leaf in terms of my eating habits and exercise. While I know its necessary (I am currently pondering what order I should eat my lava cakes and chips) its still a little depressing. I love food ~ its awesome. I know there are people out there who can have just one, I'm just not one of them. I'm more in the 'ok, just one more' category ~ this leads to overeating and feeling crappy.

So tomorrow I am going to break out the running shoes and try to eat better. While losing a few pounds would be welcome, I want to do this to feel better. I feel soooooo much better when I am active and eating relatively healthy (notice I put 'relatively' in there ~ I am realistic that I will still eat cake and chips, just hopefully not as frequently as I do now). I am a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, really a better person when I am active. I also want to set a good example for Adam ~ I'd say Blair too but she's sooo lazy, just sits there all day ;) ~ I think its so important for him to see James and I as active people, because I want him to be active too. What's that expression? Lead by example.

I am not particularly looking forward to the 'oh my ... shoot me' feeling I am going to have as I try to get one foot in front of the other at a decent pace, but I am looking forward to the feeling once I am done!

Fingers crossed that I actually do it this time ~ I'll be honest, I've said I would do it before ... a few times. I am going to use My Fitness Pal (myfitnesspal.com) to help me out ... and anyone who wants to join me for a walk/jog/run please let me know!

I hope you had a great long weekend!



P.S. Just in case you were wondering ... its going to be chips then lava cakes (with whip cream on top).

Today WAS Better :)

So, it was not the stupendous day I had hoped for but it was much better. I only yelled once ... and it was at the dogs! Adam was still very trying but I suppose that is his MO right now ~ test mommy to see how far she can be pushed. We went for a two hour walk (to Starbucks ... soon I will post about my love for this establishment!) and Adam was really good. We went and fed the ducks and a random ground hog (to be known as Bob from now on) on the way home and he really enjoyed himself.

Adam still threw tantrums, hit, kicked and was a pain in the you know what at times but since I remained calm the moments never escalated to something unmanageable like they did yesterday. And we had a snuggle on the couch and a conversation I hope I never forget ... I was crying (damn country music, I'm an emotional wreck ever since becoming a mom!) and after asking why Adam stated that he could make me happy. 'Look mommy (pointing at a wall of with frames hanging), pictures, they will make you smile' and then 'Did I make you happy?', to which I replied that he made me happy everyday. We cuddled in this moment for a while ~ and then he asked to watch Wonderpets (priorities!).

To end the evening Adam did wind up and slap me across the face but that is probably my fault as he was tired and should have already been in bed. Overall, a good weekend ... I learned alot (this parenting gig is a constant learning process), had many wonderful moments with my children, and pigged out over and over again!

Tomorrow I will be better.

Well, I'm trying to settle in for a good night's sleep but today keeps going through my mind. Today was, lets say, a struggle with Adam. It was one of those doesn't listen, hits, kicks, throws, screams, cries, etc. days. By the end of the day both mommy and Adam were in a timeout (seriously, I gave myself a timeout).

I guess we all have days like Adam just did, but I found it particularly hard to deal with given the little, broken sleep I have been getting lately. As I go through everything in my mind I realize just how hard I was on him ... almost everything he did today I said 'No'. Imagine having someone say 'No' at every step you took? I'd throw a tantrum too! I yelled alot today, not something I am proud of but it seems to be when I can't deal ~ I yell. I wish I didn't, I don't want him to remember me as the mom who always yelled. In the moment though its like a switch goes off and I yell. Boo.

So tomorrow, I will be better. I am going to hit the ground running and make sure Adam has a great day, because lets face it ~ if he's in the company of someone who is cranky and yelling, he's probably going to be cranky and yell too. I already have the puzzles laid out and a list of things to do with him (a bored Adam is a bad Adam so this will help immensly). Adam is a wonderful boy with a great spirit and I want to make sure he keeps those qualities ... someone yelling at him all the time will definitely squash that.

I know we can't be perfect all the time, therefore I should not expect it of Adam nor of myself. But what I can do is promise to be better tomorrow.

I just licked the plate ...

Yup, you read right. I just licked the plate ... I had a butter tart and the filling was all over the plate. An unlazy person may have gone to get a fork or a spoon, but me, I lick the plate. I couldn't let all that deliciousness go to waste!

Are you noticing a trend ... butter tarts, chips, butter tarts ... I LOVE food. You would think that someone who loves food as much as I do would learn how to cook/bake. In truth I find the kitchen very intimidating ~ so much can go wrong in there. And recipes, well, I'm terrified of them ~ especially ones with ingredients I've never heard of. I try to stick with recipes that have less than eight ingredients. Much more and its way too much for me to follow.

I need a dessert for tonight ~ going to my trusty Kraft Foods magazines for that. I find I can at least get through most of the recipes Kraft has ... not necessarily make it look like the picture but I can follow the steps.

I've decided to go with an old faithful ... molten lava cups. Yum! (bonus ~ I know how to make them!)

Much Ado About Nothing

Sometimes when I think about blogging (that makes it sound like I've been doing this for quite some time, and not three days) my thoughts are quite scattered. So today's blog is based on the random thoughts I've had throughout the day.

Today I was leaving a store and as I was leaving a mother was coming in with her sons ... not one, not two, not three, but four teenage boys! I ended up holding the door for them and each and every one of them said thank you ... with no prompting from their mother. It was so nice to see. I hope my kids are as polite as these four were.

(Wait ... did I just write about manners?! Oh man I'm old)

I'm watching Practical Magic right now. I'm such a sucker for chick flicks. I love how I can just check out, turn my brain off, and watch. In my opinion this one is a classic ~ Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman ~ doesn't get much better. And really, I think we all want to believe that there is a little magic out there. There was just a scene where Sandra Bullock was wearing socks with heals ... I sincerely hope that is a fashion statement that doesn't come back!

Stemming from the above ... the reason I chose Practical Magic for tonight's guilty pleasure is I have the soundtrack playing in my car right now. You might be thinking 'soundtrack? who buys soundtracks?' ~ I used to buy them all the time (you know, when buying CDs was still cool). I love listening to them and remembering the part in the movie to which it is connected. My personal favorite on this soundtrack is Joni Mitchell's 'A Case of You'. I can't help but sing along.

I want chips right now. I am not even hungry. This is the inner battle I have multiple times per day. Me want food ~ Me no need food. Its so annoying. Does anyone else have this battle? There was no battle when I was pregnant ... it went like this: Me want food ~ Me get food. But its time for me to start eating better and start exercising. I know these are two things I need to do ... but why can't I get off the couch? I'd love to know some tricks, got any?

That's it for now. Back to the movie and then the to-do list (which is ridiculously long). Have a wonderful long weekend all.

Butter Tarts and a Movie ...

... is there a better way to spend the day?!

For some reason when I became a mother I developed this urge to bake. A friend of mine recently had a darling little girl and also developed this urge. So Kelsie and I planned that today we would make butter tarts and then head out for an afternoon movie.

(Side note: I cannot bake. I am lost in the kitchen. One of our chocolate labs runs and hides when I start cooking.)

We separately researched butter tart recipes ~ and of course we realized once we started baking that we chose the same recipe. Great minds ... right Kels?? I had to adjust my recipe as I can't have gluten so my pastry was different but the innards were the same. The GF pastry was tricky ~ in the end I had to put balls of pastry in the tin and then spread it out. Kelsie's pastry however was impressive ~ it handled so well and looked perfect. We did learn that you need to double the filling recipe and cook them for five minutes longer than suggested ... but in the end it was fairly uneventful and we ended up with edible products! The two little ones also contributed as they picked the right times to fuss.

After a quick lunch we headed out to go see Eat, Pray, Love. We met a fellow mat-leaver and her adorable son at the entrance and embarked on the task of watching a movie with infants together. Some of you may be thinking this would be easy peasy ... hah! Blair deuced twice, fussed for over an hour, and both of the other mommies managed to breast feed in those not so comfy seats! The movie itself ... was, shall we say, mediocre and long (I did not read the book and this is just my opinion). The company however was great and I look forward to more baking/movies days ... especially since we can test our tasty treats during the movie!

The dilemma is ... what to make next time?!

Slip 'N Slide

The moment I saw the slip 'n slide at the grocery store I just had to have it. 'Adam will love it' was my thinking. James was less enthused 'weren't those things banned in the 90s?'. But they are new and improved now ... a pool at the end and a blow up crab which continuously sprays water on the slide.

So, on a hot day I decide to break out the slide. I psych Adam up (looking back I may have been the one who was psyched), grab the box and we head outside.

Here's how it went:

Get Adam in bathing suit, set up slide (this is quite a process with the pool and crab, not like the old ones where you lay out the yellow plastic and go for it), fix slide (Adam!), watch Adam jump on slide, show Adam how to use slide (might I add - I was in my clothes!), throw Adam down slide, throw Adam down slide, throw Adam down slide, "mommy, let's play tractors". Entire process - 27 minutes!! Why do I bother?!

Note to self: he is 2.5 ... running and sliding might be a bit beyond his abilities.

Say Cheese!

Before we had kids it seemed all I did was take pictures of anything and everything. Then all I did was take pictures of Adam once he was born ... and then Blair was born and I rarely take a picture, let alone of my little beauty. So, a few weeks ago I dusted off my camera, bought a black screen and took some pics of Blair. It was a ton of fun ... she loved when I used props and had such a great time she peed on the matte!

Unfortunately I have pretty much forgotten how to use Photoshop so my editing is limited and pretty weak, but overall I think they turned out well. Let me know what you think ... comments, suggestions, tips and even criticsm are always welcome.

(please note in this last picture Blair is staring straight at James ... already a daddy's girl!)

P.S. Please excuse the formatting ... I'm new at this!

Tori & Dean

Ahh, my secret shame. The Tori & Dean reality show ... yes, Tori Spelling. Honestly, its so good! I blame Rogers for having a free preview of its reality channel until September 23, I never would have known about it otherwise. But as I said, its so good. While they have certain advantages we normals don't have, they still fight, they still stress, and they seem to be pretty up front. Yes, the stresses are different (i.e. should we have chimps at our son's first birthday party?) but the way they deal with them makes for good tv! And now I'm tempted to buy one of her books ... I'm guessing they don't carry it at the library ... maybe I can find it at a used bookstore or something? I think I might get laughed out of Chapters if I went to buy it ...

So, if you need a break, grap a cuppa tea and a cookie and watch Tori & Dean ... Wednesdays on Channel 67.

Conversation with a Friend

Ever have those conversations that have a huge impact and its likely the other person has no idea the impact they have had? Recently I went to a friend's house for a playdate. Now, playdates are really my excuse to have adult conversation and this one takes the cake. I was explaining how sometimes I felt a little lost, like an overemotional basket case ~ and her response was that she totally understood and at times has felt like a shell of her former self. In my head I was thinking 'that's it! that's exactly it!', I hadn't been able to put it into words and she articulated it to perfection.

We then spoke about the next milestone ... turning 30 ... gulp. She said that while she loved her twenties, and wouldn't change a thing about her life, she felt she didn't accomplish everything she had wanted (uh, ditto!) and was going to make the most of her thirties. And now she's starting her own business!!

Seems like a fairly harmless conversation but what it did for me was reaffirm that I am not crazy (well, not completely), I am not alone, its ok for me to focus on my kids and my career, and that I have great friends.

Thanks for the chat ~ and the nachos :)

My First Post!

This is probably more exciting than it should be ... but for me it is! I love writing (short thoughts ... not novels!) and in some ways I need it. Something for me.

Because this has been a long time coming I will probably have a huge onslaught of posts and then it will die off ... because lets face it, there are two rugrats in the house!

Speaking of the rugrats ~ I got called to Adam's daycare today ... in true Adam fashion he'd fallen and cracked his head off a corner. Its quite a bump ... a blue one. He seems fine, running around as usual ... I think its mom that had the harder time with it! But it really is par for the course with Adam, he is a boy. A bouncing, jumping, kicking, throwing, adventurous boy. And we wouldn't change a thing about him! Well ... maybe the bedtime battle, that one is getting a little tired ~ but other than that ~ nada.

There it is .. my first, very short, post. Hopefully they get better/more interesting as time goes on. Thanks for reading!