4 Month Update

Four months!  Craziness!!

So far the four month growth spurt has lasted the longest.  Like clockwork, Will started the feeding frenzy on June 13th.  It is now the 27th and I think we are finally hitting the end of it.

I could sense a change was about to happen right before he started this last growth spurt and my spidey senses were right :)  I usually trust my instincts but this gets sooooo hard right in the thick of the growth spurt.  I think there were a few "OMG What in the world of F am I doing wrong?" ish texts that were sent out ;)

Here is our days lately....still finishing with a growth spurt...but a pattern is emerging and Will and I are adjusting.

6am-8am Wake up time

Eat and have a three to four hour break!  That's right!!

Play

Sleep

Repeat all day...lol. I know he is still going through this growth spurt because sleep is currently negotiable and only lasts for short 30 min naps most of the time.  But he is content even with his lack of sleep.  Just like at 2 months and 3 months, this will work itself out.  If he goes for the 3 hour eating pattern I'll eventually get him to eat, play for 1.5 hours and then sleep for 1.5 hours.  That's the goal anyway...something similar to that.  Similar to his 2 hour pattern :)  It's coming:)  And once he gets it it'll be on to the 6 month growth spurt ;)

7:30pm Bath and story

8:30-9pm Off to bed and wake up every three hours to eat...but this will settle down again too.

He has learned a lot of cool tricks!  He can wave "hello", he can throw his arms up when someone yells "yay!", he is a huge fan of the exersaucer, he has started to pull on tails, he is VERY chatty and smiley, if he's fussy it means he is tired or hungry or just wants to cuddle (thank goodness that has never changed...I am sooo lucky!), he can stand barely supported...but refuses to roll and is enjoying tummy time.  Even creeping a little.  He is sleeping anywhere, we have been smiling at strangers and learning to laugh at loud noises. He has squeals and big belly laughs.  Especially when you play the drums on his tummy.  He is grabbing things and has a huge look go accomplishment when he gets his Obi Ball.  He loves to suck on his fingers...particularly his thumb and has started putting himself to sleep this way.

UPDATE:  We have intentional rolling and creeping on his back/side.  Think of The Homer ;)

We are excited to take him to the lake this weekend!

Despite the ups and downs and inconsistencies of a growing baby, I can say that he is definitely happy and feels secure.  Which is all I can ask for :)  Whatever works as long as we're all happy there isn't a problem...sometimes I need my other moms to remind me of this ;)

Sammy the Sparrow

So, yesterday evening I found a sparrow sitting in my garden.  He is still sitting there this morning.  I don't know if he is a baby or not...or if he's hurt.  He isn't flying but I know he can at least walk a little because he is curled up in a different spot.

Why oh why must I love all living creatures?!  I have been up since 5am wondering about the little bird and finally caved at 5:30am to go and check on him.  Gah!

Anyway, if he's a baby, I hope his parents find him soon.  I read on a bird rescue website that if they don't show up in 24 hours....he's a goner:(  I can't just leave him there to waste away!!

So...if they don't show up...I'm going to build him a nest...yup.  I was reading on this website that sparrows are not a protected bird.  If they die, they die :s  I also don't want it to be in my house.  Anyway, I was reading on this website that you can build them a little "nest" and wire it in a bush (we have tons) and provide them with bird seed and water until he can fly again.  It's only June so maybe he'll be able to fly come fall?

I have an aunt and uncle that are Buddhists and also enjoy bird watching...lol. So I left them a message on what to do.  Makes sense to me...aren't they supposed to love nature and know all things about it ;)

Why can't I just be one of those people that was raised on a farm (sorry to anyone raised on a farm...they just seem to be able to accept the harsh realities of life and death and animals better) and just accept the fact that maybe it is this birds time and go on with my day "dope dee dope".

I am going to worry about this all day.  At least Sammy the Sparrow is sitting in my front garden so I can keep a close eye on him.  ....I just realized that I named him already...not good.

Up and Coming Events!!

It feels great to be getting back into things! Last year Exquisite Events began a partnership with Reach Promotions. Our concert series called Live and Upfront was on CBC news and we were even interviewed live on CFCR! I took some time off over the winter but I don't want to loose momentum so I have been slowly getting back into it:) And it feels great! I may not have time to do it full time right now...but even if it is a hobby job that is okay with me! I live for all the positive feedback! And if I can be a mom to three kids, be a wife, work, and be able to plan events I will be happy! Family and being a mom will always come first and I am thrilled to do it. Baby steps and one day I will be there! So....what has been happening... 1) I finally finished school and have a diploma in International Event and Wedding Planning! I could also take event design but I know a couple gals that can do that for me;) 2) I am still doing some corporate events this summer and December s booked! 3) Live and Upfront is being held at Souleio this summer! You will see me there every Saturday afternoon starting in June...along with some great local and international talents! 4) Working with local media. Soon you will hear about events on CTV Morning News, CBC, and CFCR....maybe even C95. 5) My annual Children's Hospital Fundraiser was a hit last year and we have been asked to do it again! June 21st this year! Once again at the Broadway Theatre with a country rock theme, silent auction, 50/50 and door prizes! And I don't have to MC this year! Now I can just be backstage and manage!! Lookout! 6) ummmm....all this organizing and promo...no wonder I need a creative genius to do event design....and I know just who to talk to! Be on the lookout because I am coming your way;) 7) Organize a party for our two new kidlets! Boy do they deserve one! 8) Try to manage my current clients while developing my business plan, start advertising and get some new clients by summer 2013! The organizer in me is overwhelmed that things have taken off before the basics are done but on the other hand it's not so bad! I also need a website that is no longer under sonstruction. Yikes!! Exciting!! Sometimes when it gets overwhelming and i get discouraged and think that anyone can be organized and plan things...I think of all the thank you's and positive feedback! I love it! And a quote from one of my fav corporations "I have to throw a lot of events and if I want to impress and if I want everything don't right without worry, I call Shauna. I feel great about how my company is presented. I had to laugh when I went to a corporate event held by the president of TD and noticed his cold appetizers from Costco and all I could think was...Shauna would never let that happen and passed him your card". How awesome!! I'm pretty lucky to have such great people around me! That convo keeps me going one small step at a time! What a great project to have to keep me going:) I'm sure I will be harassing you all soon to attend some things! And I personally love Costco appetizers...but it's not about me;)

Never Will I Ever

Here it is! All the things I said I would never do....and then I had a baby....

 Never Will I Ever Breastfeed. I don't know why I said this. I think I was playing devil's advocate one day and said it just to start a debate...cuz I do that....anyway....I am a pro star at it and can now do it while walking around, eating without getting crumbs on Will, and late night jaunts to pee. Yep. That's right. Documented on the web...poor Will.

 Never Will I Ever Bed Share....We do it...and we love it. And as soon as I found as much supporting research for it as there was against it....I did it more. I never would have survived without it. And Will is perfectly capable of sleeping without me and anywhere. Honestly, it is more for me now as it is for him. I am weaning myself off of it.

 Never Will I Ever Cosleep....Of course we cosleep...how else am I supposed to wean myself? Never Will I Ever use cloth diapers....It took me months of research but I finally found some that I love. Über Cute! B And we use disposable on outings. Let's be reasonable!

 Never Will I Ever use a Sling...I tried....No matter what I did he hated it. Another thing that I should have researched more but there is a lot of trial and error too. Will is very observant and loves to see! So the sling was a no go. But the Beco? Loves it! And I use it ALL the time.  Gets to face mom, see and sleep:) I don't really know what kind of mom I expected myself to be. I have definitely surprised myself in some ways...but I'm loving it! And learning things about myself :)

That's what it is...one great big learning experience and learning what will work for me and Will.

2 Months!

I cannot believe that it has been two months with Will! Rob and I were discussing yesterday how we can't believe we went through life without him. It hasn't been easy but the past two months have been filled with love. I thought I would never forget the first couple months because of the sleep deprivation but it is all just a blur now lol.

Here is what's happening:

Will has a morning nap, an afternoon nap, and can sleep for 5 hours at night...then 2 hours...then 1.5 hours and then it is wake up time! (this is on a typical day that is...sleep is still negotiable)

My body is not used to getting 5 hours of consecutive sleep at night...so when he wakes up at 3am I have a really hard time going back to sleep...if I do at all. My body feels great and rested compared to the past few weeks!

He can lift his head and is sooooo close to sitting in the Bumbo chair.

We are getting smiles :) Especially me! He loves both of us but is very partial to me right now...geee, I wonder why? ;)

His feedings have FINALLY slowed down...and by slower I mean every 1.5 to 2.5 hours during the day. Much better than 45 min to 60 min. It has made me incredibly efficient though! You have no idea what I can accomplish in an hour now!

I stored all of his 0-3 month clothes...and cried...and cried...

I have discovered Cravings....ouch $$. Made the mistake of buying a couple REALLY cute rompers for Easter...that he wore....ONCE (betcha saw that coming). I have since discovered the Value Village in Stonebridge...WOW! Nice, clean, and tons of Baby Gap ;) Cravings can be for special occasions.

I have time to go for daily walks and workout. Some me time! I even figured out how to nurse in the carrier! Life saver!!

I have figured out that if Will is awake and I need to bathe...he will accept a bath...not a shower. He likes the sound of the running water when I fill the tub. The shower does not fool him ;)

I just want to give a shout out to my mama friends...the first couple months were not easy for me...I know now that they aren't for anyone. Definitely had light and dark days. Thank you for making me feel normal!! There is much more light now :)

Anyway...much to do and I have no idea how long this afternoon nap will last! That is just a sneak peak at my life right now.

What a Week?!

Last week felt like a whirlwind of activities!

First of all....

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY SAGELYNE!!!

I'm a horrible aunt and didn't get any pics of the celebrations but we made it to the Fun Factory for a "Glamour Party" and had a family birthday party at our house.

You are growing soooo much! It is crazy how much you have matured this year :) You are a great help with Will (I knew you would be ;) ). How can you not be great with babies when your number one career choice is to be a mom? (Although I have heard you start to mention "jail police" and teacher this year...cool!) You're gonna be a natural! You have also shown us how "in tune" with your emotions you are, and you are very good at expressing yourself. I know many adults that are unable to do this! (I'm not the best at it either). Keep it up! I'm so happy that you are expressing an interest in activities like art and choir. It's so cool being able to see the activities that you naturally gravitate towards. I can't wait to watch over the next few years and see who you will become. It will be fabulous for sure!!

To make up for lack of pics...remember these? We've had some fun you and I!!

I was also able to go on our bi-annual shopping trip to Humboldt's Cottage Boutique. This year we went after hours for a private shopping experience. Champagne, food, and clothes everywhere!! They are sooo good to us. Will was easy peasy that night and I got some great finds that I love:) I even got a couple things that I forced myself to try on...and ended up loving!

Last weekend my fav cousin Linda, Aunt Janice, and Linda's son Liam came out to visit us. I wish I lived in Calgary! I miss you all soooo much. Sometimes it is kinda lame being the only ones that live in Saskatchewan but it makes our time together that much more special. Linda may be back this summer!! Fingers crossed!! Did I mention that you're my favourite and I love you? I wish I could put words together so that people could understand lol. Thank you so much for helping on the weekend and reminding me that I just need to trust myself and my instincts. You're right! I have taken care of babies and children all my life! Even though it isn't quite the same...I still feel better remembering that I have done it and am doing it now :) Perhaps all those summers that you drove out to take care of me at my dad's rubbed off :)

A message for my Hayden :)

Happy 5th Birthday Hayden!!
We love your curiosity, and how affectionate, sweet, kind, and caring you are. You are so into everything right now...and everything is (or should be) yours. Secretly we think this is funny...but we won't tell you that ;) You are always there for a cuddle or a good play! We love hearing about what you are doing in Montessori. We know all there is to know about bones and muscles now. You are really going to show those other Kindergarteners next year.
Continue to be respectful, gentle, and kind to others. These are good qualities that will carry you far!
Robert and I are very proud of you and love you very much!!







Okay, I'm really behind on my posts...for good reason :)

I'm going to start where I left off with some pics of Hayden's 5th Birthday on February 11th. We had sooo much fun celebrating all the birthdays on this date. We drove up to P.A. and went bowling, and then on some rides and THEN Robert went with Sagelyne and Hayden on the bumper cars. After we retired to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some pizza and ice cream cake.

Hayden was all about monsters this year. He asked for a monster on his birthday cake and a monster truck for his birthday present. Well, actually, he asked me for a monster truck or a fire breathing dragon...whichever I could find.