Happy Birthday Sarah!

It seems like it would be a cliche to say "I can't believe you are two" but the truth is, the past two years have just flown by.  You are a delight to the whole family and you are loved so very much.  You started out as a teeny 6 pound, 17 inch tall, helpless newborn.

The next few months would put our faith to the test as you were diagnosed as failure to thrive.  What a horrible term  that no parent wants to hear.  You were not growing as quickly as hoped and after a battery of tests including urine samples, blood work and even a CAT scan, it was determined that you were just small.  I remember seeing the pediatrician and having her tell me that if you did not gain a certain amount of weight, that you would have to be admitted to the hospital.  So we started supplementing with a high calorie formula in addition to my nursing you.  At your next weigh in, you were *just* at the weight you needed to be in order to not stay at the hospital.  We had family and friends praying so hard for you!

To say you are small is an understatement.  You have simply followed your own growth curve, staying well below the growth charts.  I have done my best not to worry.  You sat when you were ready, walked when you felt like it and haven't let your size stop you from doing anything!

You love your family. 

You love your soother.

Sleeping between mom & dad is your favorite.

You are talking more and more each day and are starting to combine two or more words:

Mommy

Dad

Sadie

No

Na-na (banana)

Up

Please (not peese, but pLease)

More

Done

You love riding your bike.

You'd rather play than sleep.

At this point we skip about 6 months of pictures because my laptop crashed.  So we'll fast forward to this weekend!

Sarah, you are loved!  Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Why is it called a SLEEP over

when there is actually very little sleep that occurs? Andrea is having a sleep over tonight with Megan and Cassie and at 11:00 pm, these three ladies seem far from sleep.  I'm hoping to lay down the law in about 30 minutes and hope they settle down... we will see I guess. :)

Lost

I had a plethora of thoughts running through my mind tonight which was preventing me from falling asleep.  So I made myself a cup of tea, switched loads of laundry over and am hoping that getting them out on the screen will allow me to settle down.

I am thinking of Andrea.  My beautiful 9.5 year old.  A girl who is becoming a young lady right before my eyes.  We found out today that her best friend who lives across the street is moving, not on July 15 as originally thought but on June 23... this week.  Her sweet heart is so sad and broken.  Cassie has been a delight to have around and I know she will be greatly missed.  The girls are having a camp out tonight, sleeping in a tent on Cassie's deck... I hope and pray they are having fun.

I am thinking of Sarah.  My baby of almost 2 years old.  How can my baby be two?  Time flies.

I am thinking of pictures.  Of the 8 months of pictures that are now in the unknown cyber world, never to be seen again.  My Dell laptop hard drive hit the bucket and with it took months of pictures.  Months of memories and events.  I am truly grieving the loss.  Last night I cried and cried over all the photos I have taken that are no longer mine.  Christmas 2009, Joshua & Arianna's birthdays, my birthday, the pictures of Cassie and Andrea (which were to be scrapbooked as a gift), Sarah growing and changing, my niece and Sarah together, grandparents.... the list goes on.

I also lost thousands of digital scrapbook papers and elements that I have downloaded for two years.  Years of time consuming work and effort... gone.  Oh how it makes me sad. 

Doug encouraged me to remember that I haven't lost the people.  That those I have photographed are still here.  I understand that but it doesn't take away the hurt of what is gone.  A friend of ours was able to salvage about 30% of my files before the computer went down for good.  I don't know what was able to be recovered.... I'll find that out when my laptop comes back.

*sigh*

Hospitals & Children...

can be an interesting mix.  Although I must say that when we went to visit the kids' Grandma this morning, they were on their best (mostly) behavior.  We ate our Timbits and drank our coffee.  We rode up and down the glass elevator and walked my mother in law back to her room.  As much as she loved seeing them, I think they tired her out.  I was happy to hear the doctor tell her that it looks like she will be coming home tomorrow.  Visiting her at her house will be so much more pleasant and relaxing in her living room rather than the hospital room.

Payback is Sweet

My In laws have got to be the most giving people I know.  They have helped so many people in their lives, and expect nothing in return.  They are amazing.  Recently, my mom in law was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia.  I was finally able to pay them back in just a small way.  It feels good to be able to return some of the kindness that they have shown me over the years.

Wordless Wednesday

Production Weekend

Joshua and Andrea have been dancing for a few years now and every June, they put on a year end production.  Now this isn't your ordinary run of the mill dance recital but rather a full out production.  In years past, they have done mostly Disney movie re-enactments but this year is going to be a blast from the past.  It's called Retro and we are going to be hearing music from each era from as far back as the 1920's!  I am SO excited... I love music and can't wait to see what this large group of dancers can do.  I will be taking pictures of the kids today and will post them later.

Good morning SUN

It seems like the snow and rain have been here long enough.  Yesterday afternoon, the sun finally made it's appearance again.  Nice to see you again Mr. Sun.

A sigh of relief

I made it through another year of homeschooling.  My fifth year home educating our kids.  One done grade five, one done grade four, and one done kindergarten.  The kids are in a slightly different program than a traditional homeschooler as they attend a school affiliated with homeschoolers twice a week.  The teachers need to come to our home once a month for a home visit.  Today was our last one of the school year.  We ran through the things we've finished, what we're going to complete in the next couple days and then it was done.  Twenty five minutes later and we've determined it was a successful year and that the kids are ready for the next year.  We talked a little bit about next fall's curriculum and the options out there. For now though, we are going to just settle on some reading aloud and winding down the year.

MOM

Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom.
Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese!
Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up.

Oh I love you dear little one!  Hearing you talk to me with purpose and clarity is like music to my ears.  I will admit though that I have thought about hiding from you... just for a while.  A few moments to myself would be nice. 

I love how you walk away from me after a diaper change saying "bye bye" and then turn around with your eyes squeezed shut and huge hug for my neck as I reply "oh you DO love me!"  It's our little game that we enjoy. 

One more night...

I've lost count of how many nights Doug has been away for the month of May.  I probably don't want to know.  He should be home late tonight and then home for a while anyhow.  It has been a long run and I'm just about done.  I've dealt with homeschooling kids, a clingy toddler, puking kids, the possibility of strep throat, sleep overs, play dates, parks, walks, bathing, cleaning house, wiping faces, crowd control... the list goes on.  I genuinely love being a stay at home mom but single parenting isn't for me.  I am looking forward to him being around again.

Taking a Day off...

We attend church regularly.  Every weekend.  Yesterday we made the decision to hang out together at a family instead.  We bought a dozen hot dogs, buns, and the fixings for s'mores and drove up to Doug's parent's acreage.  We lit a fire and spent the evening away from the phones, computers and busyness of life.  It was time well spent as the kids roared around on the go cart, hula hooped, played on the swings and enjoyed the warm weather.

Me & my daddy!

Chillin' Out

Crazy girls & best friends!

Joshua wearing Sarah

*kisses*

Sisters

One good thing...

about this week has been a gift from my girls.  They agreed to share a bedroom so that I could have a craft room again.  I have missed it terribly since we moved and it wasn't the same having all my things in the bonus room.  Here's a little peek:

Day 2 of 4...

And two more to go until Doug comes home.  As a "gift" to me, the girls decided they would be willing to share a room so I could have a craft room again.  So the past two days, the kids and I have been moving bedroom furniture down to the basement for Arianna and all my scrapbooking things into my new room!  I can't wait for it to all come together and to have my own space!

Eleven Years Ago...

This little boy joined our little family of two.  Entering this world at 8 pounds, 2 ounces, he has changed our lives forever.  

 

A ray of sunshine and smiles at 8 months old.

A year old already!

Growing up so fast...

And now...

Like any other parent, I've asked myself, "where have all those years gone?"  It still seems like such a short time ago that I held his soft pudgy body close to me and breathed in his *baby* smell.  He was a good baby.  His mild mannerisms still are a big part of who he is today and I know that trait will hold him in good standing as he continues to grow up.  

Joshua loves to be outside, wear shorts, eat pizza and ice cream, ride his bike (even to the mail box only three houses down), hang out with his sisters and friends, and eat breakfast.  He doesn't sleep in and finds little use for school work.  I keep hoping that will change someday.  He loves to read The Hardy Boys, watch Little House on the Prairie, and be with his family.  

I look forward to what this year has in store for him and can't wait to see God work in his life!

Comparing...

I find myself frequently comparing my children to each other or to other children.  Because Joshua and Andrea are only 16 months apart, I must keep myself in check and not expect as much of Andrea as I do of Joshua.  Especially when it comes to their schooling.  Joshua is naturally smart and things come easy to him where with Andrea, it takes a bit more effort. 

One other area I am very guilty of comparing is with Sarah.  She's little.  I mean REALLY little.  At her 21 month doctor's visit, she just touched 18 pounds on the scale.  I notice how well other kids her age speak and although she does talk, it doesn't match up to the other kids around her.  Also, her hair.  Or should I say the lack of it.  Just a few wisps on the top and back but nothing to speak of.  *sigh*  I know that she is perfect and that she will come out on her own but it is tough at times. 

God, help me remember that she is truly Yours and that she has no faults in Your eyes.  Help me feel and think the same way... all the time. 

Happy Birthday Arianna!

On May 4, 2004, we welcomed Arianna Joy into our lives.  She was 7 lbs, 10 ounces and 19 inches tall.  I can't believe how the years have gone by and how *grown up* she's getting to be.  She has an easy going personality that is full of life and love.  Here are some of the things that make up who she is:

• She is as girly girl as they get.
• She loves pink and purple.
• She loves to wear dresses... the frillier the better.
• She loves to change her clothes during the day (many times)
• She loves Barbies.
• She is able to start and take a shower without any help from me.
• She is my Tim Horton's buddy.
• She knows how to read and write.
• She can swim like a fish.
• She can ride a two wheeler with ease.
• She adores her siblings, each in their own way.
• She is an early riser like her mom.
• She is ours.  Unique, special, loved.

 Happy 6th Birthday Arianna!  

I hope this year is a great one for you.  I look forward to sharing and celebrating this day with you!

Mommy Mentor Giveaway!

How super cool is this!!

Win a @JuJuBe_inc Behave from @MommyMentor!

http://www.mommy-mentor.com/2010/04/may-giveaway-are-you-ready-for-this.html 

Ends 5/28

In a mood...

and it's not a good one.  I have tolerated Doug's working on the road and even accepted it.  It is part of the job.  Perhaps though because this is the first week of the next four when I can anticipate long weeks alone.  Tonight Arianna was sick to her stomach and Sarah was crying at the same time and then Doug called.  Said he was sorry, that he couldn't do much from where he was at (12 hours away) and that he loved me.  I had a hard time feeling the *love* as I cleaned puke from my bed, the floor, the little girl and began laundry at 10:00 at night.  I know he loves me... long distance love is just tough.

Perogy Shells

Doug's cousin posted a great sounding recipe on her blog and I thought I'd give it a try.  Simply take mashed potatoes, add in loads of cheddar cheese and butter and fill jumbo sized pasta shells.  Then bake and voila!  Took a bit of time (boiling pasta and potatoes) but was a really easy meal.

Sleeping Through the Night

... is something my children do not do well at.  Plain and simple.  It seems that as of late, I have been hearing a lot about how Sarah does not sleep through the night yet.  I would love it if I could put her down at 7:00 knowing that I wouldn't hear her again until the morning but that's not the case.  I can pretty much guarantee she will be up by 10:00 or the second Doug turns off his lamp.  If I put her in the crib, she will cry for me by about 2:00 in the morning.  On the other hand, if I snuggle with her in our bed, she will sleep straight until 7:00.  

Tonight I read something that made me feel less guilty about her inability to sleep without waking up.  It was in the blog Peaceful Parenting (Tuesday, December 1, 2009).  Rather than make you go there and read what I did, I'm going to highlight some of the points that I really appreciated reading:

1. Every baby is different, and some sleep through the night earlier than others.
2. Sleeping through the night is a developmental milestone - like walking or toilet training - that your baby will reach when she is ready to.
3. One of the main reasons that night-waking babies are such a big issue is that parents don't have realistic expectations of the sleep patterns of babies.
4. Remember that night waking in babies and young children is normal and temporary
5. Your goal is to maximize sleep for everyone in the family, while respecting the needs of your child.  

I'll be honest, I would love Sarah to sleep a blissful 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  It sounds divine.  But, maybe that's just not who she is... yet.  I am sure that ONE DAY she will sleep through the night.   But until then, I will continue to love her back to sleep.  Crying it out doesn't work for me (I tried) and so I will do what I know works.  She won't be in our bed forever and waking up during the night will one day come to an end. 

It's almost May...

which means Doug's trade show season is upon us.  I think I figured that in the next 20 work days (Monday to Friday), he will be gone for 14 of them.  *sigh*  I hate parenting solo.  I don't like having all the responsibilities of running a home fall on my shoulders... they don't seem big enough to handle it all.  It's going to be a long week.

Toothless Grins

I think 5 year olds who are missing their front teeth are just so cute looking.  To me it's such a "big kid" look.  I had Arianna's cousin, Oliver over today and the two of them both have toothless grins.  I totally lucked out on capturing these two precious smiles!

Making The Most Out Of A Visit

So ever since my sister had her kids, we've been getting together about once a week and sometimes even more.  Our visits consist of walking the mall, going to parks, having coffee at Tim Hortons, or just hanging out.  A few weeks ago, she got this idea that for the first two Tuesdays of each month, the hostess would have the opportunity to clean her bathrooms while the visiting sister would watch the kids.  Now it may not seem like a big deal, BUT to be able to scrub down an entire bathroom without little ones hanging around your ankles is somewhat of a luxury.  It was my turn to clean yesterday and I must say to have completed one of the least desirable household chores by 10:00 in the morning was a very satisfying feeling and we are now actually being productive during our weekly coffee chats!

Poor Baby

Just can't seem to catch a healthy break.  As of Friday, Sarah had been fighting a cold and runny nose for two weeks.  I kept her home from church, I stayed home from Easter dinners, we layed really low.  We finally made it to church on Saturday night and Sarah was great.  She was playing well, chatting lots and appeared to be feeling well.  I put her to bed and everything seemed good, even up to her midnight waking.  It was at that time I noticed something was up because she didn't settle once I picked her up.  But I took her to bed, snuggled her close to me and we fell asleep.  She slept great until 8:00 which is actually late for her.  By 9:00, she was miserable so I put her back to bed and she slept for an additional two hours!  When she woke up, I noticed she was quite warm so I took her temperature... 103.4*.  Poor poor baby!  She was shakey, crying and just unhappy.  I gave her a dose of Motrin which brought it down to 100.5* in an hour.  Better but she wasn't feeling great yet.  I gave her some Tylenol just before her nap and she slept for 3 hours!  Her afternoon was spent watching a movie and snuggling on my lap.  Supper was a lost cause and bathtime was uneventful.  She was done by 6:30 and sleeping soundly shortly after.  Hopefully her night is full of rest and she wakes up feeling better tomorrow.

First Park Day of the Year

The weather has finally improved enough to venture outside with the kids.  Specifically Sarah who has been sick for over two weeks.  I was suffering from cabin fever and needed to get out.  It was a little chilly yet but the walk was refreshing and the kids had a great time running around.  Here's a few pictures that documented our morning!

She sort of enjoyed the swing...

But not really

I love the missing teeth!

A little happier

Leap of faith!

Taking Sarah down the slide

Such a great big sister!

Must feel like she's flying!

My three bigs and one little!

Easter

A little different this year.  We were not able to go to my aunt's for our traditional Saturday night dinner due to a death in their family.  So we had lasagna for supper with Doug's parents.  At 9:00 on Sunday morning, we decided that we would go to church even though the kids were all under the weather.  We had cinnamon sticky buns for lunch with scrambled eggs, oranges and hashbrowns.  YUM!  I love breakfast foods!!  When Sarah woke up from her nap, I made the decision that her and I would stay home from the family dinner with Doug's family.  She was still feeling sick and was cranky and I would rather just deal with her at home.  Doug took the older three for turkey dinner and my baby and I just hung out together.  All in all, it wasn't a bad Easter, just not the usual... and that's ok too.

Isaiah 53:5

He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.