Baby Ty---such a little man!July 1st already! The time seems to be flying by, and I have not blogged in a few days. This will hopefully be a short one, as I need to get some sleep!
We went to see my cousin Jen and her new babes on Sunday! Ty is definitely a darling, he's had a bit of a rough start, but I am sure that he will be okay. I held him, watched his tiny little hands and feet squiggling around, and my heart swelled. He is definitely smaller than Liam was, had to make a bit of an adjustment. Such a cute little man though.
Last night, Emily and Chris came over with Kayden. He is now a week old, and such a charmer. He definitely won me over. We weighed him at about 6 pounds 3 1/2 ounces, give or take; a little smaller than his birth weight, but he's healthy as anything. And very strong! I was giving
him a bottle, and his little fists were next to impossible to pry off the bottle. Such a little sweetheart. Andy took to him immediately too! And Liam was fascinating by this little wiggling bundle-he was getting very excited about it all!
Andy with Baby Kayden---they bonded right away!
Liam has been doing well, a little fussy today, but he didn't have enough sleep last night due to a late nap. I gave him Baby-Go yogurt with oatmeal, apple, mango and kiwi for breakfast today, and he ate every last bit. He loved it! He's definitely developing his taste buds, and is getting more and more willing to try different foods, especially fruits. He eats better fruit than we do! It was his first true experience with yogurt, well, dairy for that matter. He was a little bloated by the end of the day, but who's to say it wasn't the green beans as well?! They don't tend to agree with him at the best of times, even in small amounts. He's been eating alot of organic foods, and non-processed foods, and they seem to be working out well for him.
And he's been desperately trying to crawl, and he has managed to pull himself up to a standing position by the couch a few times. He stands there and hits the couch, so proud of himself!
Went to Wal-Mart tonight with mom, dad and Liam. Mom bought Liam a faux-suede black cowboy hat and western t-shirt, so he will be already for a stampede bbq that we are going to next week. He's going to look like such a cute lil cowpoke!
Should try to get some sleep, Liam is stirring quite a bit, so I don't know how the night will go. And we have weigh-in tomorrow. I think I've lost around 2-3 pounds, but will confirm it tomorrow. Kind of slacked on drinking my water, so will get back on track asap! Cheers!
A dear friend of mine and my parents broke down in front of us today. It hit me so incredibly hard, and instilled so much fear in me. It also instilled faith and confidence in me. Our friend announced to us, through tears, that she is leaving her husband. Her husband of 7+ years. The father of her 2 children. The one she thought she would love forever. The one who is not showing any emotion. The one who refuses counselling and a fresh start. This had been a long time coming, of course, and I am completely supportive of her decision. But watching her almost crumble in front of us destroyed me. Her children are the sweetest, and very young. She will moving out of province to start over, get back on her feet while staying with her parents. He is not going with her and the kids.
The one statement she made is stuck in my mind though..."Love does not conquer all". In her case, it is true. She loves him as much as she possibly can, and has stood by his side through thick and thin. She also loves him enough to know that she needs to leave, to get a fresh start, and do what is best for her kids. Her kids are amazing, and I will miss them dearly. So many times I have gone to visit my parents, and I get the little boy babbling away to me. I went to their birthday party. I've helped her rescue a cat. I've spent many times talking over the fence with her. I knew that the situation between them was not good, and I understand her decision. It will be better for her, for her children, and in the long run, for him. He was not ready...
Love does conquer all at times. But that bond must be strong and indefinite before a situation arises. Love can stand the tests of time, but sometimes these tests are hard to overcome and the love suffers.
Today, a woman made a difficult and life changing decision. Some women will not leave relationships that they are not happy with. She definitely made me realize that love is something you both need to work on. She gave everything until she couldn't give anymore. Love is not to be taken for granted. It needs to be nurtured, enjoyed and cherished. It is a life long journey. It is life altering. Love is what you make of it, and what you put into it.
I try my best to give as much as I can. We feed off of each other, we support each other, we know each other, we challenge each other, and we strengthen each other. We need each other, sometimes more than either one of us realize. Sure, we have our moments, but they are always resolved quickly before they can escalate. Things have not been easy, but we have experienced more than alot of couples have in longer periods of time. We are stronger now than ever, and we share a very strong bond. I don't take love for granted, after all, it could end sooner than we would want it to.
So I may complain at times, but I know that deep down everything is alright. We have our bad days, but there's always going to be a tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow....it's my birthday! Yep, onto a happier subject. Shopping with mom and dad in the morning, a visit with Andy's parents in the afternoon, then for dinner with Grams, then for cake with my parents. Should be a good day, nice and simple! And we have decided on Heritage Park for monday. Can't wait!
Should try to get some sleep... my back is really flaring up, so we shall see... Cheers!
It was a rough day. And a rough night last night. I did my shot last night, which hit me harder than usual. A common side effect of the shot is headaches--I definitely had those. They were off and on all day, making my eyes extremely sensitive to light. Liam was up quite a bit during the night, and his naps were off today, so it was frustrating. I was dragging my sorry butt around all day, and I think it drove Liam nuts that we weren't going anywhere. We did end up going for coffee tonight with my parents and Grandma, was good to get him out. Am feeling alot better now, which is a relief. The side effects only last 24 hours, so it's not too bad.
I hung up the phone on someone tonight. I do not regret it, nor do I feel badly about it. It was just, simply put, time to end the conversation, or I would say something I would truly regret. Frustration had started to build, probably for some time now, and it just struck a nerve with me. So, my phone calls will be limited the next few days, as I am trying to avoid as much stress as possible.
Tomorrow we are going grocery shopping. Really, Liam and I have a blast while doing it. Sure, alot of produce suffers to make him laugh, cans of french's fried onions get converted to powder to maintain constant giggles, and pickled beets must be found... Then tomorrow night it's off to Sears to pick up the clothes I ordered for Andy, and to return that pair of shorts finally.
Saturday is my birthday. Will be shopping for my pressie with mom and Liam, then for dinner with Grams, and cake with my parents. Simple stuff. I like it that way. Are still debating what to do on Monday. It's down to the zoo and butterfield acres. Would love to go to heritage park though! Maybe we'll do that, all depends on how we are in the morning. I've been wiped lately, Liam's been teething and Andy has been working his butt off. So, we will see...
Have to move Liam's check-up appointment to later tomorrow, wasn't thinking when I booked it, as it is Liam's naptime. Should run though, have laundry to switch and a bed that is calling my name louder and louder. Until next time, Cheers!
Our front flower garden---well, part of it...
I met Emily a few weeks ago, I guess by fluke. I had posted some classified ad sites online for Liam's old stuff, and she responded to a few ads. I organized a bunch of clothing, toys, and other things for her, and she and Chris came over to sort through them. Needless to say, almost 2 hours later, they had almost filled their car, and we had hit it off. She is going to be an excellent Mommy and Chris will make an excellent daddy! Andy and I have alot in common with them, which is a good thing. Am supposed to get together with her hopefully tomorrow, to drop off more clothes, and then more drop-offs on the weekend. I know they appreciate the help, and I am more than glad to do anything for them. He was unable to get time off of work to help Em, which will be hard on her, but I know she's up for it.
When we first found out I was pregnant with Liam, we panicked at first. I get very anxious and anal about things--anyone can attest to that. I had so many fears-they ranged from if I could be a good mom, could we financially handle it, could my health handle it...those were the major things. These worries and fears continually got worse and worse as I got closer to my due date--I remember crying to my parents alot, panicking that I didn't have everything ready. Then after Liam was born, those fears became trivial. You will never be totally prepared or ready to be a parent. It is a life altering experience, plainly put. It is not something to be taken for granted. The first three months of Liam's life, sadly, I wish I could forget. The hospital visits, the sleepless nights, more hospital visits and admissions, my own post-partum recovery, and fearing more and more everyday that I could easily lose him. I remember being afraid to go to sleep, as I thought something awful would happen to him. Remembering the IV's, the spinal taps, the bloodwork, the ultrasounds on him, the list goes on, breaks my heart to think of what he went through. I would not wish that on anyone. The first few months of a child's life are meant to be remembered, not wished to be forgotten. Unfortunately, I feel the latter. I cherish every day with that little boy, no matter how difficult it is. He amazes me more and more every day. He gives me strength and courage, and has taught me more about myself than anyone can. He has tested me in ways I didn't think possible, changed my life for the better, and matured me more than I could ever imagine. Being a mother means so much more to me now--and makes me appreciate my own that much more. He is what keeps me going and has even made me forget about my MS at most times, and by having him, has improved my health greatly.
Onward...made my yummy lasagna tonight. I usually make it at least 3 times a month, and then there are always left overs for Andy for work. Very yum-o. Mom and dad were over last night, and brought over the air conditioner that they bought for us--thank you! And they came over tonight to play with Liam and to take him for a walk. It gave me time to unload and reload the dishwasher, and tidy up. Still have a few things to do tonight--litterboxes, a load of laundry, and random tidying...
Liam is doing okay today, he was tricky to get down last night, as apparently the lentils and split peas that they hide in baby food, do NOT agree with him. So today, we went shopping, and bought yummy organic baby food with no crap in it, and he was fine. And--he loved eating it. He had peaches, pears and oatmeal for breakfast, chicken, sweet taters and carrots for lunch, and chicken, apricots, sweet taters, corn and peas for dinner. I even did some homemade baby food to put in the freezer.
Tomorrow will be a lazy day. Need to go to Sears, back to the store for more organics, and for a couple walks. Will try to get to the farmers market over the weekend to get some veggies for Liam, as they have an organic market. Yep, apparently we're going organic baby!
Friday is grocery shopping day, and we have doctors appointments in the afternoon. And Saturday is my birthday, so will be going shopping for my present--grins--and then to dinner with Grams, and for cake with my parents after that.
Should go, these blogs are getting longer and longer! Cheers!
Exhausted...lack of sleep is definitely catching up with me now. Liam was alot better today; enjoyed his solids alot more--he even tried some new things, like pasta and green beans. And there was lentils and split peas in his chicken dinner--he was a little bloated tonight, and needed extra cuddling, but he went down just before 8:30... He has woken up once since then, and he needed cuddles, a bit more bottle and ovol... Am going to go to bed earlier tonight... my to-do list is still up there, but I am not concerned about it...
I'll use Liam as my excuse for not getting things done. Granted I do get alot done, sometimes I amaze myself. I put away 5 baskets of laundry the other day while he played on my bed. I made an awesome dinner tonight--we had Mu Shu pork wraps with asian veggie salad. Soooo yum-o!
Took Liam for a walk around the neighbourhood this morning after we watered all the plants and flowers. He really enjoyed the nice weather, and he loves the trees! He's an outdoor boy for sure.
Just had a nice hot shower. That is my weakness, well that, and sleep... I'm a girl who loves her sleep... I desperately wanted to have a hot bubble bath with my Lush products, but I know that he would wake up as soon as I got all comfy... sigh... It was still good... Just frustrating when I am tied down to Liam non-stop with not alot of relief... He is a mama's boy lately, that's for sure, but help would be great! Usually I am counting down until he goes to sleep, so I can have some "me-time", where I can sit and relax, or get my never-ending to-do list started on...
As for tomorrow, going to Sears to return a pair of shorts that I bought. They fit great when I stand up and walk, but as soon as I sit down, they rise up. So that will mean a nice mall-walk. And water the plants in the morning, then do a little walk around the block with Liam. Mom and dad are coming over tomorrow night, to cut the lawn and to bring the air conditioner that they bought for us. Thank goodness, that will definitely help this summer. The heat doesn't bug me too much, but I worry for Liam more than anything.
I found an old old old friend today on Facebook. I had lost touch with her over the years--she used to live across the alley from my parents house, and we spent alot of time together. This was back when I was in elementary school, definitely a long time ago! It's great to have found her again--I remember going to the circus with her and her parents, and going for brunch in the mountains... fun times! We will definitely be talking lots now...
Other than that, am getting ready to go to bed... will do some stuff around the house, and a run to the mall tomorrow, but otherwise will be home most of the day. Will hopefully be going to see my cousin Jennifer, with her new babes, on Sunday--she's been having a rough time with the kids, so maybe we can give her a bit of a break! Then we can give Ty his baby gift (it's more for Jen) and a gift for Amanda, so she doesn't feel left out...
Should try to make a break for my bed. Until next time, Cheers!
What a day! Liam is in full blown teething mode. His appetite is off, his naps are off, his diapers are off (to put it nicely), his mood is off, and in general, he is just "off". I feel badly for the little guy; he chews on his fingers non-stop, gags and throws up when he eats certain solids, and he's extra cuddly (I love that part). It was a long stressful day, full of tears (almost for both of us), vomit, and attempts at poops. Whoever says teething is easy for their children, can they explain what medication they were taking at the time? My goodness! I have been using camilia, the homeopathic medicine, on him, which has great results. I usually do not put faith in natural treatment, but I am definitely reconsidering usage of it.
Picked up my prescription at Safeway today for my injections. Knock on wood, they are working. I may be battling the start of another bladder infection, but otherwise, I have been feeling amazing. I do contribute part of this, of course, to healthier eating, walking, and nice weather. The weather definitely has played a huge part with my MS; mostly with my moods, which indirectly, but almost directly affect my MS. It is such a strange and frustrating disease. I have been doing alot of research, and there are various new treatments that have been approved, and that will be approved in the future. I definitely know that a healthy diet and exercise are definitely beneficial, as it is an auto-immune disease. A healthy lifestyle is also necessary when on the injections that I take. The major side effect of the injection is a reduced immune system; something that makes me a little worried, but I do my best to stay well. And ever since I have had Liam, it seems to have improved. My last MRI showed no change in a 4 year period, which is exceptional. It did show, however, that I have a herniated disc in my upper spine--not related to MS, but it does explain the issues I have on a regular basis with my back.
The way that I tend to look at it--everything happens for a reason. It has given me inner strength, helped me learn alot about myself and what I can do, and that this is a learning experience. It feels like a test, and lately, I have been definitely passing with flying colors. It has been a very rough road, with alot of detours and bumps, but I have made it... When they first diagnosed me, I was young, naive and devastated. I have grown as an individual greatly since then, and have gained such strength and knowledge through all of this. I have definitely had alot of support along the way, especially my parents. My mom can probably remember emergency room trips, watching me cry out in pain and feeling helpless, and being there every step of the way. It takes alot of understanding and emotional strength for someone to be around someone with MS. Thank you mom, dad, and Andy. Always grateful...
And back to now...I am exhausted. I have a to-do list a mile long, which I am avoiding for tonight. I am drained. I need to book Liam's 9-month check-up tomorrow, for sometime this week. I love our family doctor, I make her job very simple. If I have a problem, I go in, tell her what it is, what meds I need, and she confirms it. She is very thorough, definitely glad mom found her for me.
We are postponing Heritage Park until Andy's holidays in July. Are debating getting passes for there and the zoo, not too sure what we will do. Will definitely go walking tomorrow and hit a park for Liam--he's our little outdoor boy...
Mr. Bob headed back to Toronto today for his radiation treatments. My thoughts are with him through all of this.
Should run, this is turning into a novel! Cheers and good night!
Ordered my glasses today. Thank you Mommy! They will be ready in 2 weeks--yay! For my regular glasses, I got a pair of Ray-Bans--I can see why they are so popular, they are super comfy. And got a pair of sunglasses, all Jackie-O style... Can't wait for them to be ready. Again, thank you mom, for my early birthday present.
Grandma is taking us to Red Lobster for my birthday--seems to have become sort of a tradition. I love the food there, and especially with our diet, it will definitely be a well deserved treat. Yum-O!
Liam and I spent lots of time outside today. It wiped him out so much, that he didn't even fight going down tonight, thank goodness. Tomorrow, we're going to be outside first thing, to water the plants and have a nice morning walk. Andy's parents are coming in tomorrow--thank you for the sugar snap peas again! mmm... Maybe in the afternoon we will go to the park before we go to see my parents (am determined to clean out the car). Need to go to Safeway to pick up another round of my needles too.
Went to 2 yard sales today. Picked up a huge collage frame, and 2 small frames, as well as a copy of one of Diana Gabaldon's books--I absolutely adore her writing style. She does historical/time travel/romance type novels. Can't wait to get into it.
Our place definitely got warm today... mom and dad are going air conditioner shopping tomorrow--thank you! Our room is pretty cool, but I am still feeling it.
Andy is off tomorrow and Monday night, then back on Tuesday--his schedule got messed up a wee bit... sigh... Have to get to Sears this week too, to pick up the 2 shirts and pair of shorts that I ordered him for Father's Day. With all the weight he lost, I figured he needed something to compliment his "new figure". Way to go Andy!
With all that being said, should try to get some sleep... cheers!
Baby Ty---such a little man!
him a bottle, and his little fists were next to impossible to pry off the bottle. Such a little sweetheart. Andy took to him immediately too! And Liam was fascinating by this little wiggling bundle-he was getting very excited about it all!
