Wordless(ish) Wednesday: The Boo

Today is an Ode to the Boo {Fred our cat}.  Yesterday morning we took him in to be put to sleep and he made his way to the cap nip fields above.  He was very old {19 this year} and very sick.  It's already strange not having him around {I went to the fridge last night to pull out his food and feed him} He was a part of our family...Liam's older furry brother.  But, I know that in the end this was better for him because he's not suffering.  So....Wordless Wednesday is dedicated to Fred...the Boo.

An early Liam and Fred encounter

The first acknowledgement

He always found the sunny spot.

We'll miss you Freddy...you were much loved.  

Sometimes the tough get going...

This is a follow up post to 'Sometimes the going gets tough' {click here to read}.  It's been a couple weeks since Liam and I ran away to Kelowna for a few days and now that we're back in our routine...man'o'man I  now realize just how much I needed that break.  Not only were both Liam and I able to get caught up on some much needed sleep {Rob too as there wasn't a cranky mc-fussy pants waking him up every 2 hours}, but I was able to get myself back in order.  I have since realized that I don't actually have to do everything {believe it or not the world will continue if my house isn't clean...strange I know}.  Rob and Liam don't really care if the house is vacuumed once a week or say...once every 2 or 3 weeks...right???

I also had some time to think about the things that I want.  I know...how dangerously selfish of me to say that there are things I would like to do, and they don't necessarily involve my son or my husband.  Why is it as women, we always tend to put everyone else above ourselves?  Is it in our genetic code {I don't really remember doing this before having a child} or does it just switch on once we deliver our baby??  I love my family but I also love myself too...these can co-exist quite happily.  I will continue to be a great Momma...a fantastic wife...but I can also work on myself, I mean won't that improve the Mommy'ing and wife'ing {two made up words, something to work on I guess}  So, here are a few things that I have decided to with my "Me" time:

~ go back to Yoga once a week {already done...bought my pass and got my ass to class...I know...cheesy rhyming}

~ run my first race, all signed up for the Mother's Day 10 km run.  Training in progress.

~ plant my vegetable garden again and enjoy the fruits of my labour {this is still subject to Mother Nature, keep you posted as to whether we are getting spring}

~ actually read a book.....and finish it {I have a tendency to start but not finish a book, this can be problematic because I never know how it ends}

~ blog and not feel guilty about it.  Working on this one...still feel guilt now and then, but I am really enjoying it {blogging, not guilt}...it's an outlet and I love sharing and reading about the trials and tribulations of parenthood.

~ and finally continue to love my Liam, my Rob and my life...because I do, even on the shitty days {both literal and not}

Steppin' Out {Sunday}

Still snowy and gross today...not sure we're ever going to get Spring?!?  We had a first birthday party to attend this afternoon, I'm already getting ideas for Liam's.  Sorry no picture with shoes...I was forced into my Uggs as there is an unhappy amount of slushy snow everywhere!  I had every intention of wearing cute shoes, but Mother Nature is refusing to cooperate right now...here's hoping for next weekend.   I'm totally envious of all the Steppin' Out Momma's that are in much warmer climates.

Me:

Sweater ~ Kersh

Tank ~ Old Navy

Jeans ~ Gap

Belt ~ American Eagle {really, really old}

Bracelet ~ H & M

Liam:

Onesie ~ Old Navy

Jeans ~ Gap

An afternoon in the Mountains...

Saturday began with another snowy start so we decided to embrace it.  Instead of staying inside yesterday, we decided to head to the mountains for a few hours (one of the perks of living 45 minutes-ish away).  We packed ourselves up and by the time we got there it had warmed up and the sun was even out!!  Had a leisurely lunch at the Magpie and Stump (wicked Mexican food - so yummy), strolled around town and then into the Banff Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.....ahhhhhhhh weekends.

Friday's Five: O'teeth where are't thou??

I figured this week's topic was very appropriate as Liam has been teething hardcore for the last week.  I really feel bad for him...damn teeth, can't wait for them to cut through!  He's a relatively happy guy during the day, but as soon as the sun goes down he turns into a crying, drooling mess of of unhappiness (seriously...it's as soon as he gets into his jammies...bizarre).  He also has had a strange resemblance to one of Santa's elves all week, rosy cheeks and all.  Based on this, here's 5 ways Rob, Liam and I survive teething.


1.  Camilia (aka my new best friend in convenient single dose packaging)  This stuff is amazing!  It's a homeopathic medicine that helps to provide baby with relief from pain and restlessness associated with teething.  It contains no alcohol, sugar, dye or preservatives and comes in handy dandy single dose units.  I pick mine up from the organic grocery store (Amaranth or Blushlane)...although I haven't ever looked anywhere else.

2.  Sucking on stuffed animals:  Liam does this of course.  He has a couple current favourites, Raffi (a giraffe blanket), he is partial to the corners and any of the limbs of Morris his Funky Monkey.  Recently he has enjoyed sucking on the limbs of a skinny stuffed mouse.  It is actually quite entertaining to watch him do this...then he realizes your watching, gets self conscious and stops.

3.  A Soother:  Liam has never taken a soother...to suck on.  However, when used as a "chew toy" he goes to town.  We did try to get him to take a soother the "normal" way, but really there is nothing normal about him so why would he?  He just prefers a good chew now and then.

4.  Cold damp cloth:  I haven't tried putting one in the fridge...but chewing on a cloth soaked in cold water is by far Liam's favourite thing to do with the teeth are a ragin'.  I think he also likes to just play with cloths in general, he has a great time with his after every meal.

5.  Tylenol:  When all else fails, a healthy dose of infant Tylenol usually does the trick.  I'm more partial to using the grape flavour because it is dye free (I mean really why does infant Tylenol need red dye??)  This last method has given Rob and I some much needed sleep this week.  It just makes the hurt not hurt so much.

A friend recently told me that her daughter just got her last molars a couple weeks ago...she just turned 3. Awesome....really... really... awesome.

♥  Happy Weekend!

Wordless(ish) Wednesday: Snowy Daze

Spring has yet to sprung!! (I'm pretty sure Mother Nature missed the memo) 15 cm of new snow in the last two days.  So...Liam and I have been hanging out inside and I decided to break out the ol' SLR.  We've had the camera for a few years, however Rob is usually the one using it.  So here's what our Tuesday was like...photo style.

Guess we're going to be inside again today...we got another 5 cm of snow last night and it's still snowing.  Wonder if we're ever going to get Spring in the Great White North??

Steppin' Out Saturday

Well, this is my first Steppin' Out Saturday blog.  Mandy from Harper's Happenings does this each week on her blog.  I  love it because it will force me to look "nice" and not be in my t-shirt and jeans mom uniform at least once a week.   It worked out nicely this week too because my great friend Jen had a "Ladies Night Out" at her place last night.  Wine, food, friends and jewelry from Stella and Dot (check out Christie's Stella and Dot page here, beautiful jewelry)

Unfortunately I didn't purchasing any jewelry (very surprising to Rob) but did enjoy "playing dress up" with all of the samples Christie brought.  Here a a couple other pics from our night.  

Look at the sexy Mommas!!

Don't forget to check out the other Momma's

Click the button below

Friday's Five: 5 Days in Kelowna

So this week Liam and I ran away to Kelowna...Momma needed to get re-acquainted with sleep and get her emotions back in check. (I definitely feel rested and back in my "normal" frame of mind and emotion).  Not only was I able to catch up on some much needed sleep but Liam and I spent some quality fun time together and he got to see his Auntie Gram (my Aunt).  So here it is, our 5 days in Kelowna...


1.  Monday:  It was a rainy day...no problem here, I love the rain and I've missed it after the long snowy winter in Calgary.  The rain didn't stop us though, we headed out to the park for Liam's first swing.  He loved it (I had to shove a blanket in the seat so he would actually fit in).  Guess we'll have to find a park close to home that has baby swings. 

2.  Tuesday:  Liam and I started our day off by crawling into be with my Aunt.  Had some coffee and Liam played with the remote control for the TV.  This seems to be his new favourite toy, guess every man has a thing for holding the remote.  We headed out downtown for a little shopping.  Found a wicked vintage store (Frocks Vintage Clothing) on Pandosy....tried on a few things, but alas none fit :(  Got Liam a really cute sweater from Olive and Elle.  Great store and such friendly staff, thought Liam was the cutest and when told about the "bookcase incident" laughed and said they'll be more to come....oh great, can't wait.

Can't wait until Liam can wear this!

3.  Wednesday:  Started today with coffee in bed with my Aunt again...Liam is having a great time with it.  I think he wants his own cup...perhaps it's too early to start coffee???  Headed out to my Aunt Candy's (not really my Aunt, a great family friend that's known me since I was Liam's age).  Also, went back to the Water Garden, a store downtown on Ellis St. to get a hat I tried on the day before, should'a just got it then...super cute.  Liam and I went back to the park...he discovered pebbles.  They entertained him for.......minutes, he was so cute while he was playing with them. 

Yes...that is the new hat

4.  Thursday:  Today was a lazy day, we didn't do anything or go anywhere.  I love days like this, get up and have a lazy breakfast, some play time and before we know it...nap time.  Liam's Great Gramma stopped by for a quick visit, too bad he was a super cranky baby when she came by.  Poor Liam...I believe we have our first tooth upon us.  He had a constant stream of drool coming out of his mouth and developed a fever late in the afternoon.  Here's hoping we have our first pearly white.

5.  Friday Morning:  What a long night!!  Liam's tooth is poking through, here's hoping we only have one more long night.  We had coffee and breakfast with my Aunt this morning before heading off to the airport.  The flight was pretty good, Liam had a little bit of a nap, I mean really the flight is only 45 minutes so...  Just want to say a huge thank you to my Aunt and Uncle for having us out to "recover".  I'm feeling a million times better then when I left on Sunday.  It appears that the giant ball of emotion is gone.        

Poor red cheeked baby...hope the tooth comes soon!!

♥ Have a Happy Weekend!!

8 Month Birthday!!

Wow!!!  I can't believe that my baby is 8 months already.  Time really flies, it feels like he was just born.  Happy 8 Month Birthday Liam!! (Also Happy St. Patrick's Day)

Sometimes the going gets tough...

Have you ever felt like everything was falling apart? (it actually may not have been but it sure feels that way).  This has been my life for the last few days...er...weeks.  We've had a rough go of things over the last 6 weeks; the month of poo, the plague'o'flu, teething and then what we now refer to as the "unfortunate incident with the bookcase" (Liam got his first stitches on Friday as a result).  I've been feeling like I'm coming unglued; like I'm not myself, extra moody...over tired, exhausted really and crying...oh the crying.  I have to admit this is worrisome, I'm not sure if this is a symptom of something or a cause, or both.  Please don't misunderstand me...I am not complaining...I'm simply acknowledging that something just isn't right and I'm not feeling okay about it.  I love my life...I love being a mom (more than anything in this world) and I never knew I could love my son as much as I do, but things are tough right now. 

Sleep deprivation and exhaustion are funny things, and I fear that they are the culprits (maybe...maybe not) behind the extreme emotional roller coaster.  I used to have a great relationship with sleep...we got along fantastic, but since Liam was born I have been neglecting it and in retaliation it had unleashed exhaustion on my ass and we do not get along at all.  Sure, sure I expected to not sleep the first few months while Liam was a newborn, I was running on adrenaline and learning as I went.  This is not sustainable for an 8 month period...this could make any sane person feel like they are losing it.  I would like to become re-acquainted with sleep, nurture our relationship again and kick the shit out of exhaustion! 

So....in order to do something about it, Liam and I ran away to Kelowna this week.  We are changing our surroundings and routine to see if we can maybe get mommy back to quasi-normal again.  Really I'm hoping that a change in scenery and the mountain/lake air and hanging with some family will do us some good (even after a few days....and a sleep filled night...feeling a little better already).  I feel no shame in checking out of our "normal" Calgary life for a few days...sometimes being a mom is hard and we need to do something for ourselves.  A woman I work with told me this a few months after she had her son, "Being a mom is the hardest job I have ever had."  Amen!!

(Please comment, leave tips/suggestions, wise words, advice.  It's nice to know that we're not alone and that we are indeed amazing moms!)

Friday's Five: The Dreaded Diaper Rash

Welcome to the first Friday's Five...wasn't quite sure what I was going to make the first F's5 about, then I remembered the month of February, or we now refer to it...Febpooary.

I was so happy to see this month end, Liam had pretty much a full month of diarrhea!  Not uncommon, so I'm told by his doctor.  The diaper changes increased exponentially and as it would have it, the dreaded diaper rash made it's untimely appearance.  At some point every baby is going to get it, so here's what I learned in the month of Febpooary.

1.  Change baby often.  Yes, even if it means you just changed him and he has poo explosion 30 seconds later.  I can honestly say that I have become a diaper changing champion...and perhaps hold some sort of world record for the number of continuous diaper changes in a 10 minute period.

2.  Keep babes bottom dry.  Let me tell ya...this is not an easy thing to accomplish when your son is pooping every 30 seconds (seriously it felt that way).  If you can, have baby bare bottom afternoons, we played on towels for a few days.  When all else fails...blow dryers work wonders.  Just make sure it's on the lowest heat setting or use the cool button.  Not only did it dry out Liam's bum, but it made for some very entertaining diaper changes for him and me.

3.  Diaper cream is amazing...provided you use a good one.  During our month of Febpooary we used 3 different diaper creams.  Here's my thoughts on each.  Penaten...tried, tested and mostly true.  We went through and entire tin in about 2 weeks.  What I didn't like about it was that it eventually was irritating Liam's bum and not doing anything to help him. We switched to Aveeno Baby, worked very well.  Actually seemed to soothe his little wee bum.  But, then I had to go and ruin everything by reading the list of ingredients.  Unfortunately Aveeno Baby contains parabens (if not familiar with these, they are basically bad for babies or anyone really, they are banned in products in Europe!)  The final diaper cream is Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Care.  It's 100% natural, picked it up at an organic grocery store (Amaranth in Arbour Lake).  Paraben free and works like a charm.

4.  Clean babes bum gently.  Dab... not wipe.  I couldn't believe how quickly the Farf's bum got sensitive, raw and blistery.  Also, I found the Pampers Sensitive Wipes were great...but then again who wouldn't when collecting Gifts to Grow Points.  *smile*

5.  Finally, lots of love and snuggles.  This of course goes without saying, and really this happens all the time in our house anyway.  Don't forget the love and snuggles apply to your partner too...Rob was fantastic during our month of poo.  He took care of many diaper explosions with a smile (sort of, sometimes) on his face.

Happy Weekend Everyone  ♥

My Anti-Fruitarian Baby

So this morning I tried feeding Liam cereal and applesauce yet again.  For those not in the "know"...this is an on going morning battle.  He always appears interested in it, takes the first bite, realizes what it is and looks absolutely disgusted.  I have yet to figure out whether it is what I'm feeding him or if he's just not a breakfast kinda guy. (Please note that I have tried sweet potatoes and carrots for breakfast too and he still produces a disgusted look)  Perhaps it's a fruit thing?  My son has something against fruit...all fruit.  He actually gags when a spoonful of anything fruit related enters his mouth, seriously, who doesn't like fruit??  I have contemplated if it has anything to do with the fact that I consumed copious amounts of fruit while pregnant...hmmmmmm.

Don't get me wrong, I actually have nothing to really complain about, he eats two meals a day consisting of veggies and some form of meat (preferences include steak and chicken) and he loves his boob meals too.  My saviour in the world of baby eating has been the book 'The Baby's Table' (Brenda Bradshaw & Lauren Donaldson Bramly, MD).  Great, fast, easy baby food recipes and Liam packs them away, unless of course they contain fruit.  His current favourite is Baby Bunny's Puree with chicken or beef on the side.  It is as the book says "A tasty concoction that will leave your little bunny wanting more." So if you have an anti-fruitarian on your hands give it a whirl...who knows maybe one day he'll enjoy fruit??

Baby Bunny's Puree:

3 carrots, washed, peeled and sliced
3 parsnips, washed, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup Veggie Stock (homemade or sodium free)
or
leftover cooking water (optional)

~ In steamer, cook vegetables over boiling water for 15 minutes
~  In blender or food processor, puree until smooth, adding stock/water (if needed) to achieve desired consistency
~  Pour into ice cube trays and freeze.  Make 8 - 10 cubes

X-treme Mountain Mommas

Happy Monday...we're all geared up for another week of adventures.  Our weekend to Fernie was a success!!  Not that I had any doubts it wouldn't be, but you never know with a wee one in tow.  We haven't been to the mountains, as a family, since New Year's when we went to Nelson, BC.  I'd forgotten just how much I love it in the winter, also reminded me that this is where I actually want to live year round.  Uh-oh...here we go again...potential place/time to make a major move??

Got to our friend's place in the evening, after fighting our way through rush hour (yet another reason to move to a mountain town...no rush hour).  Perfect timing because Liam was pretty much ready for a meal and then off to bed.  Which meant time for Rob and I to unwind, have dinner and a couple beers with our friends, P and SJ (also parents to 2 beautiful babes, 4 year old G and Baby O).  Early Saturday morning the husbands headed out to the ski hill for a day of shredding the gnar, snowed about 100 cm in Fernie since last Monday.  This left the Mommas and entourage free to head out for some snowshoe action.

Getting ready to snowshoe

I have to admit I've only been snowshoeing once, way back when I was in girl guides like 20 years ago. We had a wicked time!!  Packed Liam in a MEC baby backpack carrier, he wasn't to keen at first but once we got moving he passed out and had a nap in nature.  SJ and I had so much fun on Saturday we headed out for a Momma only snowshoe on Sunday morning.  It was great...found some super rad spots and we even packed a couple bevies to enjoy on a sunny snowbank along the way (it was 5'o'clock somewhere right??)

Blue bird sky.

Our figure 8 snowshoe tracks down a steep hill.

I feel rejuvenated, like I actually had a weekend.  Saturday and Sunday often just feel like every other day, with the added bonus of Rob being around.  Nothing beats getting away for a few days as a fam. and hanging out with some great friends.

the Baby Boy

Today's blog is going to be one mainly of photos...no it's not because I'm lazy...well maybe a little :)  Actually it's for two reasons: 1) We are heading out for a mini road trip to Fernie, BC in a couple hours (let you know how it went next week) and 2) What better way to formally introduce our little Farf? The origins of the nickname will definitely follow in a future blog.

Wednesday was an inside day for us, being -30 C and all, so I decided to break out the camera for some Liam action.  He's is not one who is camera shy at all, in fact I'm starting to learn that he is a little camera flirt.  Without further adieu...Liam meet....everyone.  Everyone....meet Liam.

Hangin with Morris his Funky Monkey

Coffee Talk

I realized this morning that Liam and I hadn't seen any of our friends in almost two weeks!!  Last week our house was plagued with a flu attack...poor Liam had the worst of it.  We finally got over it on the weekend and then the temperature plummeted...it has been - 30 C until today.  Who wants to go outside when it's that cold?  I mean I thought that Spring was supposed to be right around the corner.  Feeling like we were in total social isolation, and it warmed up slightly, we called up our friend S. and headed out for some coffee and play time.

I have come to value the friendships I have with my Mommy friends so much these days, mainly because we can relate to what each other is going through.  Late nights, lack of sleep, puking children, endless singing of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider", diaper explosions and the general merriment associated with being a mom.  Out of the five women that make up our "Mommy Group", four of us are currently on maternity leave, with the fifth expecting at the end of May.  We have children ranging in ages from 5 years to 2 days.  What's truly fantastic is that we can get together and vent, chat, cherish, console, relate and ultimately laugh about being parents.  These play dates/coffee talks happen almost weekly, except when the flu or weather get in the way...such as this incredibly long winter.  I am always happy when us mom's and our entourage hang out and the inevitable chaos that ensues.  Children running around screaming, melting down, playing, nursing, napping, feeding, crying, crawling, dancing and yet we Moms always somehow manage to get our coffee and conversation in.

So........thanks for the coffee and play time today S.  I no longer feel like I'm in solitary confinement in my house and I look forward to seeing all of my Mommy friends next week.

Brand New

Two days ago a very good friend of mine gave birth to her first son.  I found myself reminiscing about the day my son Liam was born, not that it was so long ago...7 1/2 months.  I remembered all the "chaos" that ensued over the next 48 hours.  There were so many questions that Rob and I had, first and foremost "You are actually going to let us take him home?  Really??"

Childbirth never really scared or worried me, we were built to give birth and I was sure that my body would know what to do.  But what was I supposed to do when I brought baby home?  What if he wouldn't nurse...or worse wouldn't stop crying?  I figured that by reading every book, getting as much advice as possible and using the very 'reliable' interweb I would have this parenting thing down pat before my baby was born...yeah right.  If I could go back and give myself some advice...don't read or google anything and take advice sparingly.  No amount of prep work could've ever prepared us for what was about to happen to our lives.  Friday nights went from planning out our social calendar to timing nursing sessions and counting poopy diapers.  However, I must admit I would now rather change those diapers then go out every Friday night because it means I'm with one of the most important beings in my life...my little man.

So, to my very good friend...here is my two sense worth.  Get sleep when you can, 15 minutes can actually be glorious.  Cuddle and snuggle with your new addition and savour every moment.  And finally relax because some how everything works and you just know what to do.  Congrats A & J and welcome Baby T.

Liam 2 days old.