tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9917254461165985622024-03-13T23:03:54.945-04:00Who Are you, and what happened to Stargazing?Exploring what it means to be a new mom and a loving wife while I continue to discover "who I am".Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-59977166565834081292011-02-22T11:30:00.000-05:002011-02-22T11:30:49.275-05:00Hello, where have you been?The last few weeks I’ve let my blog writing slip. There’s no excuse but there you have it. <br />
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I’ve been back to work now for a little over a month and it’s been good. I’ve expressed my concerns about my job description vs. my actual duties with my very understanding boss. There will be some changes in our department in the next few months so nothing drastic has changed. At least we’ve had a conversation about it and she’s aware of the unbalanced load between me and my colleague and has made an effort to balance it out. <br />
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Shihan Bill has finally convinced me to take up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ as it is referred to in the dojo. It’s pretty similar to the traditional Japanese style our dojo is famous for, but there seems to be a LOT more focus on grappling. The bonus is my Tuesday and Thursday night training has now been extended by 45 minutes and I love the “me time” I have to get in shape, to do something I really enjoy and seem to be pretty good at. At least Shihan sees potential in me and that’s quite reassuring.<br />
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This past weekend was my 31st birthday. The family all chipped in together to get me my long awaited ukulele! That was a really great surprise. Dad took me to the Ottawa Folklore Centre to pick one out the eve of my birthday and I got to bring it home with me cause he was doing other errands on the bus – safety first I always say (for the uke!). I promised to learn a song for my birthday brunch Sunday and chose “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (here I am at Camp Granada)”, a song I used to sing with my muddah and faddah when I was young. It was a hit! <br />
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For my birthday dinner, Morgan took me out for a really nice meal at a bistro called Petit Bills, on Wellington Street. The meal we had was quite nice but had I known the menu consisted of mainly seafood I would have chosen someplace different. Thanks Smac for babysitting! I can’t wait to use my gift certificate to Hummingbird Medi Spa for a relaxing massage and manicure!<br />
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Robyn is a walking and running machine! She has two new teeth up top, totalling four all together. Her vocabulary is developing quite well, although she doesn’t say much more than “mama”, “dada”, “Oh, oh!”, “bay-yer” (which I think is bear), “day-ya” (which I think is Dave) and “CAT!” (which she can only scream), she understands what we’re saying to her pretty well. She loves music and to dance and clap her hands – it’s really fun to watch her bounce up and down to the beat. She has pretty good rhythm too. It’s time to invest in some new clothes for this little one as she’s starting to be too big for most of her clothes – hooray, Boomerang and Value Village here I come!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvkR9gnylnVznSSRJH_MQX8sQReonG7tuHdNY8X63xCGbFpd-th8-812mc6m1X_WXHavm76Yg6HBP6zXxxrKC1K9F8Deyl4q0Bwfir4d31PWUNHPhu2qt_Uz0jN65Fh4SoKtW6ESrj_Su/s1600/bunny+bynny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvkR9gnylnVznSSRJH_MQX8sQReonG7tuHdNY8X63xCGbFpd-th8-812mc6m1X_WXHavm76Yg6HBP6zXxxrKC1K9F8Deyl4q0Bwfir4d31PWUNHPhu2qt_Uz0jN65Fh4SoKtW6ESrj_Su/s320/bunny+bynny.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-90416449010810159972011-01-26T20:38:00.000-05:002011-01-26T20:38:52.605-05:00A short reflectionOn January 16th I was reflecting:<br />
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I'm going back to work on Monday and I'm actually looking forward to it. Easing Robyn into daycare over the last few weeks has been a smart choice, making the transition less of a shock to the both of us.<br />
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This time last year I was rearranging furniture in the nursery, folding ridiculously small and adorable baby clothes into neat piles, rolling receiving blankets so not only do they look good they fit well in baskets, daydreaming of how wonderful it will be to have a baby, planning all sorts of "mommy and me" activities... Oh, how sweet and innocent I was. It's not like I didn't have friends telling me "don't be so naive - you won't have time to do anything, let alone sleep, eat, shower, do laundry..." - I did, they did, I didn't... at least for the first few months, before I got things under relative control and started venturing out in the world with my little bundle of joy.<br />
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All in all, the last year was a wonderful experience and I'm proud of our choices we made raising Robyn, even if we didn't get as much sleep as we may have with a little more discipline putting her down and letting her cry it out. I'm especially glad I chose to breastfeed for as long as I could - sending Robyn to daycare was the only reason I would have ever considered giving her formula. <br />
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Thinking back on so many wonderful memories is a bit overwhelming... tears of joy fill my eyes.<br />
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To be continued...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8cX-8x1tJEhb6Fjbwnx9m95JDQ_1yDyzW9vbl35rN2X4Q7y5ibPZeti157HVwbZzEPs2ZVpCxc2StO1pZZ3LcKnELasM5dOO3dFfiPYw5wmEsG85MV7P5K7qtT_EcnwiZZmWh6-qO-dW/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8cX-8x1tJEhb6Fjbwnx9m95JDQ_1yDyzW9vbl35rN2X4Q7y5ibPZeti157HVwbZzEPs2ZVpCxc2StO1pZZ3LcKnELasM5dOO3dFfiPYw5wmEsG85MV7P5K7qtT_EcnwiZZmWh6-qO-dW/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two days old.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20Nv-qh3KedUcgYOlBp3VuHaDv1f9Xfvk8s8W57ORo7LPJAHqW94jX0afeqWI7D4J1NOZnPK3wWbxt3r8NBpfJ-xqQhw7N4frmVP7U71uD9fCbwM_90N-FXmknu0m9kMUPrLrXlYmPnzg/s1600/IMG_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20Nv-qh3KedUcgYOlBp3VuHaDv1f9Xfvk8s8W57ORo7LPJAHqW94jX0afeqWI7D4J1NOZnPK3wWbxt3r8NBpfJ-xqQhw7N4frmVP7U71uD9fCbwM_90N-FXmknu0m9kMUPrLrXlYmPnzg/s320/IMG_1137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 months old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-26869120586563044932010-12-29T15:16:00.001-05:002010-12-29T19:28:11.068-05:00Adventures with Bynny Volume 3REPOST - This version actually has sound. Had to remove soundtrack due to copy write infringement.<br />
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<object height="278" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Wy4DSPWcYBc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Wy4DSPWcYBc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="278"></embed></object>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-32304085147698122192010-12-24T20:28:00.002-05:002010-12-25T11:09:15.315-05:00Christmas Eve 2010It's Christmas Eve and it's going to be Robyn's first Christmas tomorrow. We didn't decorate this year, but luckily Tara, mom and dad, Curtis and Joanne... and just about everyone else in the world did, so I don't feel so bad. At least Robyn won't remember how lazy we were this year... unless she reads this post when she's older.<br />
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Chris moved to Barrie a few months ago so he's missed spending as much time as he'd like with us. We are lucky that his new truck driving job allowed him to have this week off and he's in town visiting over Christmas. He sweetly asked to have a special play day with Robyn and suggested we go to Cosmic Adventure. We went this morning and it was so much fun. Robyn was a bit shy at first and not too sure where we brought her but she soon settled in by watching the other kids. She loved the ball pit and crawling all around the toddler jungle gym.<br />
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Well, I'm home waiting for Morgan, Jes and our secret guest to arrive for our own special second annual Auntie-Christmas night. We have wine, snacks and exchange small gifts. Robyn had to go to bed... if they don't get here soon, so will I.<br />
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At least It's a Wonderful Life is on. ("hey you look good, that's some dress you got on there") "Oh, this old thing? I only wear it when I don't care what I look like!" - great line.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas to all, and all a good night.</div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-76838131600894373022010-12-12T21:20:00.000-05:002010-12-12T21:20:32.535-05:00Rub a dub dub, baby in the... sink?Morgan, with no guilt trip from me at all, decided to give Robyn her bath this evening. He's too big to get in the tub with her and our tub's too tall to lean over for an extended period of time, so I suggested he use the kitchen sink.<br />
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It was really sweet to watch, Morgan was singing washing-up songs and playing little games, Robyn was giggling and actually cooperating quite well. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAAYc9FpY0R8Db7bhyphenhyphenRlEXGtSKXM7wCx7qtKRX8LWJwn6EpV6APJN5bHU1Fo2NMRAOtftF1n-ZlCLUpU6fo22ZoV1k-Wn8JEpWfxMEbEjuUTRTCnN9kaoaWyQdKJ8XaSvUlfrI4bwpp51/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAAYc9FpY0R8Db7bhyphenhyphenRlEXGtSKXM7wCx7qtKRX8LWJwn6EpV6APJN5bHU1Fo2NMRAOtftF1n-ZlCLUpU6fo22ZoV1k-Wn8JEpWfxMEbEjuUTRTCnN9kaoaWyQdKJ8XaSvUlfrI4bwpp51/s320/IMG_1120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T-4q0LzFOTZnsTSXEGFOOLIKivwTjFO-VGZskBKkx8VvFM4XMp6ARRlZWzTEgLa0dSyNLhQX52WrsuW6On86BnExUgcgQdR-IFXTeaa_4qtEWAql7awaSw8BTrIdYOX5kHW3k21XH1y7/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T-4q0LzFOTZnsTSXEGFOOLIKivwTjFO-VGZskBKkx8VvFM4XMp6ARRlZWzTEgLa0dSyNLhQX52WrsuW6On86BnExUgcgQdR-IFXTeaa_4qtEWAql7awaSw8BTrIdYOX5kHW3k21XH1y7/s320/IMG_1121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-58384274594129238712010-12-04T15:05:00.000-05:002010-12-04T15:05:07.231-05:00Not as witty as the one I lost but oh well...A cup of coffee placed on a knee high book shelf...<br />
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A distracted mother turns her back for a moment to check Facebook...<br />
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A curious baby finds the coffee mug...<br />
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A frantic mother zooms to the other room to get a towel...<br />
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A free-range baby finds a basket full of diapers...<br />
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A kicking-herself mother reminds herself "not to cry over spilt (coffee) (diapers) (milk)"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hRvW1irJr7k04WK_TmygCD6HjMGXZ0uggBqCGa5p0tV8Aqo_8nnRijTGuqL1hUPwL1nvP4mdiH4iuRofx29ztQ0rJyIa1Enrar50eoVtGVGz8QgrseWd0Rdg8FrssWTIlZuIzb2V5jGn/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hRvW1irJr7k04WK_TmygCD6HjMGXZ0uggBqCGa5p0tV8Aqo_8nnRijTGuqL1hUPwL1nvP4mdiH4iuRofx29ztQ0rJyIa1Enrar50eoVtGVGz8QgrseWd0Rdg8FrssWTIlZuIzb2V5jGn/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-74469578716861442842010-12-01T20:12:00.002-05:002010-12-02T12:54:07.525-05:00Adventures with Bynny Volume 2Over the past couple months Bynny has taken great "strides" towards walking all on her own. From pulling herself up on the coffee table, where we had some control over what she could get her hands on, to keeping a constant eye on her to ensure she's not getting into too much trouble. This video is a compilation of snippets from our days playing together at our condo and a little nostalgic music for me and those of you who grew up listening to Raffi.<br />
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<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JRGUB5L8Kow?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JRGUB5L8Kow?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-20106693859020726322010-11-29T19:35:00.000-05:002010-11-29T19:35:07.376-05:00Yo chicka! Je t'aime.I am so happy to have kept this friend close, even though we have lived some 3500 kilometres apart for a good chunk of our post high school years. She has been the most caring, supportive and inspirational friend I could ever ask for. During our dance years at DLS we had some wild times creating numbers and performing various choreographies... I still hear "Scoooop!" when I think of our "alien dance" - an inside joke that may be so far gone she wouldn't remember it. It's rare that you ever see her without her gorgeous and yes, luscious smile. She has the wildest imagination, that's got us into and out of trouble many, many times.<br />
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Always the open minded person, she tried AND ATE a fish dish I served her a few weeks ago - I've been told she would never touch the stuff. I have the picture to prove it:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV3ILKL6AA6favJfw5He5Tzx1z5x7x7p9MnyEsXTAdHW-fqU48KyRIbFkwjPlWEbFxYZ2_qdHYC-CrdO005boGg7W6pMbgYJZ9ns7Vfd3bW0fWVNRA8gusMnSfQGckDOLGILfD9bqoyNx/s1600/PA230060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV3ILKL6AA6favJfw5He5Tzx1z5x7x7p9MnyEsXTAdHW-fqU48KyRIbFkwjPlWEbFxYZ2_qdHYC-CrdO005boGg7W6pMbgYJZ9ns7Vfd3bW0fWVNRA8gusMnSfQGckDOLGILfD9bqoyNx/s320/PA230060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-2112723784486871882010-11-22T09:29:00.000-05:002010-11-22T09:29:48.554-05:00I'd do this again, anytime!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sKkzxO-E1S6l0fxNX7_WaSvC8EagBCQxjqN_dRtGiTP4Mp1LEndvpAg4tC1PSa1t5fFaf10AJUaOIxsqO6pd3HSI9arXplCw8j6Crfm6RpvskPjNnuO1WDVZRT8IqEjRJlBfWFAeIj4h/s1600/2002+Em+train+trip003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sKkzxO-E1S6l0fxNX7_WaSvC8EagBCQxjqN_dRtGiTP4Mp1LEndvpAg4tC1PSa1t5fFaf10AJUaOIxsqO6pd3HSI9arXplCw8j6Crfm6RpvskPjNnuO1WDVZRT8IqEjRJlBfWFAeIj4h/s320/2002+Em+train+trip003.jpg" width="320" /></a>The most fulfilling adventure Stargazing embarked on was in the winter of 2002 when she took the train from Toronto to Vancouver, solo. The circumstances were so that this trip was a compromise to keep her from taking an even bigger adventure with her dad to Croatia and to sate her need for excitement before moving back to Victoria and settling back into her same old routine.<br />
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To start off Stargazing, mom and dad drove to Toronto and stayed overnight at one of their most stylish and wonderfully welcoming friends' townhouse. It was walking distance to a great Greek restaurant where they dinned, drank wine, exchanged stories, laughed and stumbled back home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-fqf4oEi8W-ksXb_d7gKQfvCRE7vRo0auNiJNeBQFF55DHVP5tiwMgB5TWhl1OG7_UfNUokZgnc9e0-cowIbiw7cwyJJgjsM4us3OMm-UOeMB5GbS2r-T8Rsq1BFV6W4oigHAtFrg8zB/s1600/2002+Em+train+trip001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-fqf4oEi8W-ksXb_d7gKQfvCRE7vRo0auNiJNeBQFF55DHVP5tiwMgB5TWhl1OG7_UfNUokZgnc9e0-cowIbiw7cwyJJgjsM4us3OMm-UOeMB5GbS2r-T8Rsq1BFV6W4oigHAtFrg8zB/s320/2002+Em+train+trip001.jpg" width="320" /></a>Stargazing booked an upper berth on the train which included breakfast, dinner and a turndown service every night. The first thing she realized when she got to her seat was there was no place to stash her guitar during the trip. She didn't want to have to lug it everywhere with her and was especially worried because she only had a soft case for it. The car attendant was a very sweet older gentleman and he took a liking to Stargazing. He waited until their car was empty, slyly stashed the case in the pillow compartment across from her berth and told her it would be their little secret. She had also mentioned that she would be very grateful for an extra pillow when he made up her bed and was surprised with 6 on her return from dinner her first night. That gesture was the icing on the cake and made her so happy. She read her books, listened to her portable CD player and was especially cozy in her little nest. She was rocked to sleep by the rhythmical swaying of the train... She was in heaven.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By day the berths are stowed away for regular seating. Stargazing spent most of her time reading and listening to her CD player in her seat but also explored the various cars and caboose. The caboose had a great view from above where you can see the train ahead and take great photos - there was a picture of this somewhere but it has been misplaced. Breakfast and dinner were served in two seatings, early and late. Although she brought a book, it felt rude reading when you're seated with other people - limited seating, no one gets their own table. Stargazing made friends with a few older couples who were interested in why such a young lady was travelling alone, what she would do once she arrived in Victoria, who was special in her life and so on. Stargazing got to hear some wonderful stories about all sorts of interesting adventures, grandchildren, pets, experiences and so on. She was truly content in their little moving world on the train. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your body gets so used to the swaying of the train that coming to a stop takes a little getting used to. Do they call it rail-legs, like sea-legs?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the train station in Vancouver she boarded a Greyhound to Victoria via the ferry. Another 3 hour marvellous trip, quite beautiful. If you're lucky you can spot dolphins jumping in the wake of the boat. Stargazing chose a bench on the top deck and enjoyed the sun and fresh air, reading but mostly people watching. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Canada is a beautiful country and seeing it woosh by on the train is a wonderful experience. The different terrains, landscapes and weather from province to province, whistle stop to large train station, made for an unforgettable adventure.</div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-54337323573071736932010-11-12T21:04:00.000-05:002010-11-12T21:04:35.087-05:00Wait for it.... no, it's not true!I'm a sucker for a good musical. I am partial to Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe but one of my all time favourites is The Sound of Music. I've been watching it in stages due to my limited amount of "me" time that I have but also because I'm savouring it in a way. Oddly, I didn't recall it being so political even though it is based during war time. When I was younger I guess the story line didn't matter so much as learning all the songs and dances that were featured. I also have found tears running down my face during the Austrian folk dance and when they sang "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" with sad faces but then realized Maria was singing along with them and ran to meet her in the yard... oh, Emily.<br />
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Sweet Sue has leant me The Rogers and Hammerstein Collection box set. During the next few weeks I will be watching Carousel, The King and I (oh, yeah!), State Fair, South Pacific and Oklahoma! I'm such a sap, listening to Raffi tonight I had to keep myself from bursting into tears from the lovely memories I have of his music from when I was a kid... you'd think I was pregnant or something. Oh no, writing that won't make it come true will it?! Eeek.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBDK0w0SAjStBFGDfbNTMVRfjZOePeyAP1PUuJNDG1ziPckc_DTPoFePbyyIdtSHj6pS8LOY_h7fDGaoFDzNfQEOvaS2RgogAfkZd0-SKEy7V98VAcQDIGLobHng82W27lcn14s7gzo4W/s1600/Photo+on+2010-11-12+at+21.02+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBDK0w0SAjStBFGDfbNTMVRfjZOePeyAP1PUuJNDG1ziPckc_DTPoFePbyyIdtSHj6pS8LOY_h7fDGaoFDzNfQEOvaS2RgogAfkZd0-SKEy7V98VAcQDIGLobHng82W27lcn14s7gzo4W/s320/Photo+on+2010-11-12+at+21.02+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tee hee! Just kidding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-84583359765722057422010-11-07T16:15:00.000-05:002010-11-07T16:15:28.791-05:00Baby steps in the right directionWell, it's been a great last week. Sending Robyn to daycare twice a week has given me the kick in the butt I needed to get onto a more structured routine. We get up about 6am, I nurse Robyn and we get dressed. On Mondays and Wednesdays Robyn is at daycare from 7:30am to 4:00pm where she gets breakfast, goes for a walk rain or shine, has lunch, takes a nap and finds time to play and enjoy herself with the other kiddos in between. This week I've tried to mimmic her routine as best I could. Putting her down for a nap has been tough but I'm following Tara's example as best I can. I need to put together a good playlist to listen to during the put down period.<br />
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Robyn is actually eating more since starting daycare, she especially loves orange slices, pickles, mango and banana. Unfortunately, I was finding the highchair we had, a Graco brand deluxe style, to be too big for her even though it says it's for newborn and up. She generally seemed unhappy, uncomfortable and she always ended up in a slouched position. Tara has the simple white plastic Ikea style chair, Robyn seems much happier in it so I've now switched and am bringing the Graco one to Boomerang, a kids consignment store.<br />
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Robyn is getting very close to walking on her own. She's pulling herself up using anything over 6" high as leverage and walks around with he aid of coffee tables, walls, cupboards, etc. She's pretty adventurous and has attempted gaps between coffee tables and couches. Here's a little demo:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N1UxG0TpVWo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N1UxG0TpVWo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-86604214880611151862010-10-29T15:42:00.000-04:002010-10-29T15:42:44.755-04:00Happy 1st Halloween!We went to Robyn's first Halloween party today at the new daycare's house. Tara's place was nicely decorated and the other kids were all decked out. The 18 month old girl was a pirate, the 18 month old boy was a lion, the 5 year old girl was a mermaid and Robyn was a ladybug. Tara prepared pumpkin shaped cakes for the kids to decorate, pin the eye patch on the pirate, Halloween themed crafts and spooky music for ambiance. We had a nice snack of apple slices with cinnamon and a tea for me.<br />
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I had a little errand to run so I left Robyn with Tara for about 25 minutes. She played and was content for 20 minutes until she realized I was gone and started to cry. Tara wasn't fazed and is looking forward to Monday when we drop Robyn off for her first full day of care. (eeek!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3uPy-mCqBxTuLtG_TU1iRFVg_DACeIy9va7FOHtJLyfsVR3DWJuUAbYx8ZUmysaD6gCZRyZ9B7yxUUsxDoAIIanWV7Rl2CFQebBsdMyNOrSfVN1UcTtEmbNHGASIhaOQxeCbCJlGW4nI/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3uPy-mCqBxTuLtG_TU1iRFVg_DACeIy9va7FOHtJLyfsVR3DWJuUAbYx8ZUmysaD6gCZRyZ9B7yxUUsxDoAIIanWV7Rl2CFQebBsdMyNOrSfVN1UcTtEmbNHGASIhaOQxeCbCJlGW4nI/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-75338353433635064622010-10-27T08:25:00.000-04:002010-10-27T08:25:17.639-04:00Nine months?!How time flies when you're having fun... and raising a baby! Robyn turned 9 months on the 21st, I almost can't believe it.<br />
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Wasn't it just the other day that we brought her home all bundled and snuggly in her car seat, struggled with the first few diapers, tried desperately to get her to stay awake long enough to eat, worked hard at nursing and didn't give up even when one nipple was cut and was tremendously painful, recorded every action in a log book, ran our lives on 3 hour intervals in order to feed her, thought sleep was just some fantasy we created while we were dreaming and marvelled at the size of the little onesies and sleepers she wore?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILe3BjTV3CI9Y_d-QRwxLfOlTqe09Mec-lggScI5W0TvHhz0WUd9ZZkkcAii0Fag9ol0CHaiSQcyaFgXai_kpeND4TQzRykjn4hx_-XuHxgjLKxJsHPDd7ucr7vtpjGGNNAH-RZY-4oaT/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILe3BjTV3CI9Y_d-QRwxLfOlTqe09Mec-lggScI5W0TvHhz0WUd9ZZkkcAii0Fag9ol0CHaiSQcyaFgXai_kpeND4TQzRykjn4hx_-XuHxgjLKxJsHPDd7ucr7vtpjGGNNAH-RZY-4oaT/s320/IMG_1034.JPG" width="320" /></a>Robyn is "just like a little person" now - as many people point out. She's eating pretty much anything I can liquify in a blender, including Thanksgiving turkey dinner. We've taken swimming and signing lessons. She's saying "mom", "dad", "bird" and "cat". She can practically walk - well, she's pulling herself up to standing and using the coffee table as an aid so she's close! She crawls like a champ. She loves music; she bops around and "sings" along when it's playing. She's a little explorer and gets her hands on anything she can, then puts it in her mouth.<br />
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She's still a Mommy's girl but we're working on her getting comfort from other people especially her Dad and Mina and Dave. Our biggest challenge is getting her to fall asleep on her own in her crib, this is the one thing I have procrastinated the most with because I'm worried about how upsetting it will be for her. Don't worry, I have a plan which I am starting tonight. Yes, tonight.Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-24249092865032213002010-10-19T21:45:00.008-04:002010-10-19T21:57:21.473-04:00To Revisit This OutfitThe past couple years has been an awkward mix of styles and sizes in my clothing wardrobe. Those of you who knew Stargazing will remember her as a whimsical, colourful, jewellery heavy girl with a sense of the eccentric artist who could pull off almost any outfit and hair style. With the combination of working at a cemetery where she really had to tone down the whimsicality but could keep the jewellery, working at a martial arts school where she was encouraged to be herself if not a "sexier, sportier" self and working at the museum as a professional assistant where she soon became pregnant and it all just went out the window, Stargazing's fun and flirty style got all jumbled.<br />
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There are still some remnants of the former persona left in her closet but only the core essentials and pieces that were impossible to get rid of remain. Unfortunately, most of them do not go together, even for the most hard core Stargazing moment. Luckily, her very fashionable mother has been a key component to keeping her wardrobe stylish and classy with extraordinary timing.<br />
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This outfit is a perfect example of the more sophisticated but classically Stargazing look. The jacket is by Jessica and is one of the fashionable pieces mom has contributed. The purse and slick grey heels were also contributed from my personal shopper. The gloves were my Nan's and have the sweet white pearl wrist buttons for my romantic hubby to steal kisses from. Pants, hair and make up by me...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that I'm in the best shape I've been in years, I'm working on rebuilding a stylish, classy wardrobe with the essence of Stargazing adding the fun and exciting feel that's been lacking for so long.</div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-13629373722459244292010-10-15T20:24:00.001-04:002010-10-15T20:29:00.354-04:00Toot-toot! All aboard the pity train!I can't be the first mother to rely on breastfeeding as my baby's number one source for food in her 8th month but neither can I help but feel like I'm doing something wrong. I've never spent too much effort on feeding myself well, so the ability to nurse Robyn instead of preparing something for her is pure laziness and disturbingly selfish. Now that I've found daycare for her that she will start part-time in November, this lack of preparedness must be reconciled.<br />
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I have the tools and the resources, now I need to put everything into action. I even know how easy it is to do, we manage to feed Robyn something at dinner time and breakfast time at Mina and Dave's. I allow myself to justify my lack of motivation due to the fact that Robyn and I are alone 3 nights a week but that's just ridiculous. Many moms are alone with babies and often more than one child and manage just fine. I can also prepare food when Morgan is home during the day. Like I said I know this - it's despicable how I've continued to put it off again and again.<br />
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My shoulder devil is saying "You tried to use the food mill today and it didn't work, don't be so hard on yourself!". This is true but what she isn't saying is "Did you even think to use the blender? No. You just cussed about it and decided to nurse her instead. Shame on you." - that would be my shoulder angel talking, I tend to ignore her too often.<br />
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I googled how to use a food mill this evening and will give it a whirl tomorrow. Tonight I'm indulging in letting the girl sleep on her nursing pillow, watching some sort of girly movie, reading Cosmo and perhaps even ordering in some Greek On Wheels.<br />
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</div>On a different yet self loathing note, the most pitiful thing is how lonely I so often am. I have many friends, or acquaintances I guess, who are new moms or have babies Robyn's age but for someone so outgoing I seem to lack the skills to keep a close friend network. Blame it on "how strong and independent" I am, as I am described by many. Blame it on my lack of self-confidence that these people even like me. I could even blame it on laziness, it's easier to be alone than make an effort to stay close. But whatever the case may be, with all the people I know, I don't have many I can call close friends and that makes me sad. At least I have an activity I enjoy doing three times a week that's out of the house and is kind of social. With everyone's lives being so busy, Facebook and texting seem to be our preferred means of communication. I miss human interaction - I am considering closing my account because waiting to see if anyone "likes" or "comments" on your status or links is depressing... but how else can I broadcast my new blog posts?<br />
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Oh, woe is me. Life could be so much harder; I really should not complain.Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-9192096395946150172010-10-11T10:17:00.000-04:002010-10-11T10:17:29.836-04:00So did I learn something?As you may know, the couch we bought for our condo is waaayyy too big for our living room. It's a really comfy sectional; beige microfiber top with a dark brown leather-looking base, a full size couch and a large left side chaise lounge in case anyone is interested in it. We bought it when we first took possession of the condo, so we had the opportunity to measure our space but being the instant gratification seekers we are and poor planners we seemed to be, we did not. As much as we love the couch, it was a silly mistake for our present living space.<br />
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We finally agreed we need to get other furniture for the living room/dinning room, especially since we have no room for a dinning table at the moment. I think it's important to teach Robyn that meals are to be eaten at a dinning table and not hunched over the coffee table in front of the TV, as we do now. Ideally, we should have a smaller couch, a nice chair and a small dinning set.<br />
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Thursday, mom and I took a day trip to Perth. There are some really beautiful gift shops there and we decided to get started on our Christmas shopping. There is also a Home Furniture Store in Perth, a sister store to Home Hardware. Mom has found some nice things in there on previous visits, so we thought we should take a peek to get some ideas for rectifying our furniture situation.<br />
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When we entered the store we were greeted and asked if we needed any help by a lovely sales lady, who we promptly told "No, we're just looking. Thank you." We continued to poke through the store commenting to each other on pieces we liked or disliked. Before we knew what was happening the sales lady had joined us, giving us the tour of the store, opening sofa-beds, insisting we try each model as they seat differently, patiently repeating herself about dimensions and fabric options, fashionably pairing wing chairs with condo sized sofas...<br />
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Did I leave with a couch and two wing chairs? You betcha!<br />
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So, did I learn something? If that I shouldn't go into a store where I might want to actually buy what's for sale but should really be less impulsive is the answer, then no. But we knew that already. I did however learn it's much more stylish to have coordinating fabrics but not matching ones when it comes to choosing sofa and chair coverings. You don't want to have the "furniture store" look in your living room.<br />
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I found a picture of the wing chair but not of the sofa. I can't wait to have a tea and read a book in it, it's really nice to sit in - not to mention classy.Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-81645699684598730952010-09-26T20:32:00.000-04:002010-09-26T20:32:02.132-04:00Misadventures with BynnyFirst of all to start the weekend off I had a stupid head cold, so I'm tired and all stuffed up. By late Friday afternoon I was in real need of a nap but Robyn just simply would not stay asleep for more than 10 minutes at a time. Luckily it was Friday, our standard sleepover night at Mina and Dave's, perhaps I would even get to take a long bath in their luxurious soaker tub. I packed up our swimsuits for our lessons Saturday morning, a basket of dirty laundry and our over night bag and off we went for what I was expecting would be a pleasantly uneventful evening.<br />
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</div><div>As Mina and Robyn played happily on the living room floor, I put together Robyn's crib and the sheets on the day bed for myself. It was 6:30 pm but felt more like 9:30 pm. We had a nice dinner and gave Robyn a bath, relaxing in the familiarity of our sleepover routine. </div><div><br />
</div><div>As we've been doing all week, I got ready to give Robyn some cereal before settling in for bed. Last weekend Mina and I bought baby supplies for her place, including a new cereal that the Rose's enjoyed when they were babies and that looked yummy to me: Nestle Raspberry, Yogourt and Wheat Cereal. I mixed it with warm water and tasted it. Yep, it was yummy. I put Robyn in her chair wrapped a bib around her neck and gave her a spoonful of the pink mushy cereal. She was enjoying it, grabbing the spoon and getting covered in food as usual. With sticky fingers she rubbed at her eyes, I thought she was finally showing signs of getting tired. She still seemed to be enjoying the cereal as she was banging her little hands on her tray for what I assume means "more" so I continued to feed her. I started noticing little red marks on her cheeks , chin and around her eyes. Hummm, that's odd I thought. Now Robyn's eyes were quite irritated and she was franticly rubbing at them and the rest of her face, her hands still covered in cereal. Eeek! I grabbed her face cloth and cleaned her fingers and face hoping the rash would go away.</div><div><br />
</div><div>While I was feeding Robyn, Dave was having his dinner across the room and watching an action movie at top volume - the best way to watch these types of movies but not the best way to calm a baby. With a clean but fussy baby, Mina and I went to her room to watch something calmer while I nursed Robyn. In the living room lighting I thought her face was getting better. In the brighter bedroom lighting it seemed to be getting worse! There was not a single spot on her face that wasn't covered in a rash and it seemed her neck was getting swollen! "Mom, look at her face. Do you think we should be concerned?" I tried to say calmly but failed. (gasp!) "Just stay put a little minute" she says calmly but her panicked eyes deceive her. "Dave!" she calls "We have a situation with Robyn here please come quick!". Thankfully Dave has a keen sense of urgency in situations like this and keeps a level head to make rational and immediate decisions. He took one look at her and promptly got us strapped in the car and off to the ER we rode. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Dave drops us at the door and goes to park the car. We're rushed through triage and promptly placed in room 6. A team of nurses surround us and get to work taking her pulse, checking her breathing, and strapping her up to a machine that monitors her vital signs. I repeat what happened and showed the cereal box to at least a half dozen nurses and doctors, all of who commented on the number of different ingredients that could have caused the reaction, so no definite conclusion was made. A nurse gave Robyn some liquid Benedryl and we stayed for observation for another hour and a half when they were satisfied she was okay, the rash and swelling completely gone. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Robyn was a real trooper, and although she was surrounded by so many people she didn't fuss much. I think it's due to being at Locals so often, surrounded by servers and regulars who all dote on her. We picked up some Benedryl for home and got back to Mina and Dave's about 11:30 pm. Poor Mina, neither of us had called her and she was worried the whole time we were gone - I thought Dave had called her and he didn't think he needed to unless there were complications. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Thank you Mina and Dave for being so helpful, loving and wonderful parents slash grandparents!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-5950288364907179302010-09-24T11:29:00.000-04:002010-09-24T11:29:10.171-04:00Adventures with Bynny Volume 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB8IB1lZ-1tQxW0Hu_jkwUIXzzaqWPMs8FdtxNZI2DXwrVT26zw4_hUTyhyphenhyphenV9l1rhuhMOqinq_botrfoZS_pTopPlcaibm-FwkaTtBXl1fo6l-xOlYI4VYBoBmJWdwtlCPYjbR6JkYHvv/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB8IB1lZ-1tQxW0Hu_jkwUIXzzaqWPMs8FdtxNZI2DXwrVT26zw4_hUTyhyphenhyphenV9l1rhuhMOqinq_botrfoZS_pTopPlcaibm-FwkaTtBXl1fo6l-xOlYI4VYBoBmJWdwtlCPYjbR6JkYHvv/s320/IMG_0974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Over the past few months I have been capturing our adventures and milestones with Robyn on video, as best I could. I've finally managed to complete a recent montage of such short films.<br />
<br />
This episode includes a play date we attended with mommies from work who were also pregnant during the strike last year. Robyn was the only girl born in this group, all of the babies were born within a month of each other. It also features swimming and splashing with the Amazing Auntie Sue, a little jumping in the Jolly Jumper and some very close attempts at crawling. There is also a bonus episode included featuring a very special appearance by Rockin' Daddy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ulmdzwce56ZOXb86_sZfIY2m6WmwhXc-6o1Ez9Z4p5wHfGgG5qDCr9cvHnZli1LwoCV6jbfFMRKIGQlb8H6wKnayId7HNhchO48FFMo1WJsfq0JX3Lb5aL8L4ppDUVafW-BbgKY9FPd9/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ulmdzwce56ZOXb86_sZfIY2m6WmwhXc-6o1Ez9Z4p5wHfGgG5qDCr9cvHnZli1LwoCV6jbfFMRKIGQlb8H6wKnayId7HNhchO48FFMo1WJsfq0JX3Lb5aL8L4ppDUVafW-BbgKY9FPd9/s320/IMG_0979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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You can view the video on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNybEonMux4">YouTube - Spindillyrush Channel</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-56857239272040003652010-09-21T21:13:00.000-04:002010-09-21T21:13:56.829-04:00It's that time of year again!I'm so excited, it's finally here. It's the time of year I look forward to for months.<br />
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No, it's not the cool weather that I love because layered clothing, hats, mitts and scarves are super cool. It's not the the long hikes in Gatineau Park to take in the fresh air and beautiful changing of the leaves. It's not even the hot apple cider, pumpkin pie and toasty warm fires. It's the new fall season for all my favourite TV shows!<br />
<br />
So, what am I watching?<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Dancing With The Stars - so far I'm enjoying it but don't have a favourite. I'm not too fond of Hasselhof or the guy from Jersey Shore though.</li>
<li>The Biggest Loser - oh crap, I've started watching this show again... it's so emotional and inspiring to watch but I really didn't think I'd get into it again this year, but here I am completely drawn into watching a group of severely overweight people trying to run a mile... oh my.</li>
<li>Castle - obviously! I still haven't watched my recorded season premier episode but I'm looking forward to the mystery, comedy, sexual tension... I love Castle.</li>
<li>The Middle - I'm glad I gave this show a chance because it's quite good. It's kind of a frantic comedy about an average income family with an odd baby brother, an awkward middle sister and a hot headed "all-American" older brother being raised by their struggling parents. Give it a shot if you've been avoiding it.</li>
<li>Modern Family - This is a genius comedy. I love the side interviews through out the episodes where the family members give us a more personal view of their lives. </li>
<li>Parenthood - A heartwarming drama about an extended family with captivating people who deal with realistic issues. </li>
<li>The Event - TBD we have it recorded but haven't yet watched it.</li>
<li>Fringe - Not until we watch the end of season one and season two but fully intend to watch it.</li>
</ul><div>Good thing I'm working out 3 times a week or I could turn into a real couch potato!</div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-52694526676887458422010-09-15T20:05:00.000-04:002010-09-15T20:05:01.050-04:00The rant of a foul mood mommyNext Thursday will be our 3rd year wedding anniversary. I'm looking forward to going out for dinner but I must say I'm a bit nervous as well. Robyn has been great with Morgan while I'm kickboxing 3 days a week but this is partly due to the routine they established where she goes down for a nap shortly after I leave and wakes up about the time I get back. We don't have the same routine in the evening. We don't really have a routine at all, although on a regular basis I tell myself we really should have something.... Perhaps we should do lunch instead but an anniversary lunch isn't as romantic as a dinner.<br />
<br />
I'm really quite annoyed at myself for my inability to cook when I'm alone with Robyn. I haven't prepared myself supper in about 8 months - I eat left overs, Farm Boy entrees and take out. This is so frustrating because I know there are plenty of women out there with babies, who's husbands work nights and manage to cook for themselves and their families. Don't even get me started on my procrastination to start Robyn eating anything other than breast-milk and oatmeal. I've just started pumping once a day again, how did I fall out of that routine? I'm going to have to just be ok with giving her store bought baby food cause I can't get my act together to make it myself!<br />
<br />
We're about 90% unpacked and organized in our condo. There are still boxes half hidden behind furniture; books on shelves in no particular order - which looks nice and got rid of the boxes they were in but doesn't help me when I'm looking for a particular one; coat hooks that need mounting; a front hall closet that needs to be put to better space usage; a vacuum that needs to find a home instead of living where my inexistent dinning table should be; a large box full of papers that need to be sorted, filed or shredded - mostly the latter; curtains need to replace the quilt covering half the window in Robyn's room; a dolly acting as a towel rack needs to be returned to my dad; and numerous items need to go to the storage area - which also needs to be organized.<br />
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Feeling exhausted just reading this? Me too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlbSSdY2nhhXufqu31n1UsweWbQhu0DoWMROeiVA7C1U446kdgEy_dCynsTtanYmIltQCP67OpLXsAevUAAbXUYFu5TnRZrOLjXnC4j8IJpaQGICNoGssrWvG1FaGMferc3yPjgKNY8f7/s1600/Photo+on+2010-09-15+at+20.00+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlbSSdY2nhhXufqu31n1UsweWbQhu0DoWMROeiVA7C1U446kdgEy_dCynsTtanYmIltQCP67OpLXsAevUAAbXUYFu5TnRZrOLjXnC4j8IJpaQGICNoGssrWvG1FaGMferc3yPjgKNY8f7/s320/Photo+on+2010-09-15+at+20.00+%232.jpg" /></a></div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-72070937189323414512010-09-12T19:38:00.000-04:002010-09-12T19:38:35.814-04:00NFL season again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Me, clad in my Pittsburg Steelers t-shirt, Robyn and Morgan, sporting their Green Bay Packers jerseys, met Shannon and Terry, head to toe in Chicago Bears gear, for our traditional Sunday brunch. Sports fans speckled the restaurant with NFL jerseys and ball caps. The anticipation for the first Sunday Football games of the 2011 season was almost as palpable as the smell of bacon and eggs. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Sb2MKxQtyfiQYur3296skj3ecmFGha8f5gmuPjR0SX-sA-sjRfwHiPsp_6vurbg6Osk5GQvi-LPJvXJL5nl7w_MX7y2Lo1tJgXd1bdV3kG1-iSvpsKP_JAMzUPJVoWxaeax-pm0gt0p-/s1600/61353_10150266311550187_798410186_14807853_7346281_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Sb2MKxQtyfiQYur3296skj3ecmFGha8f5gmuPjR0SX-sA-sjRfwHiPsp_6vurbg6Osk5GQvi-LPJvXJL5nl7w_MX7y2Lo1tJgXd1bdV3kG1-iSvpsKP_JAMzUPJVoWxaeax-pm0gt0p-/s320/61353_10150266311550187_798410186_14807853_7346281_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>After a decent enough breakfast we joined (Grandpa) Curtis and the Clyde Street gang at Local Heroes. As per usual, the head honchos are perched on their bar stools in their VIP spot next to the pool tables - Lacall on the left, ZZ on the right. The key detail to this location is that there are two TV's mounted right next to each other above a high top table with three bar stools - this allows there to be 2 games on at all times, as soon as a commercial comes on they're in reach of the cable box to switch channels to another game. This year we're in luck, the restaurant finally upgraded the televisions from box style to flat screen with HD!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Robyn was very well behaved and with the help of a nap lasted right through the early games without fussing. At this point she'd had enough of her introduction to life with a fanatical football family so we dropped Morgan at Bank Street LH and headed home for some quiet time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, as I'm sitting down to enjoy a nice Gilled Chicken Breast Platter from Greek On Wheels and Robyn plays in her exersaucer beside me, I can say today was fun and I look forward to 18 more (?) weeks of the same. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>GO STEELERS!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl8G5z5OodyWO-_VnX2XNWhDHPxaqwKXkC_11it8vHUV4Me_roVa7akT08DauFXXsOpNcfBiOnCHGFnfDmCGOoNEO0LOjNJkwJC0nHmSgSA6zaI6wiMurYAChN-vt-TxvCmzpCy31d5jT/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl8G5z5OodyWO-_VnX2XNWhDHPxaqwKXkC_11it8vHUV4Me_roVa7akT08DauFXXsOpNcfBiOnCHGFnfDmCGOoNEO0LOjNJkwJC0nHmSgSA6zaI6wiMurYAChN-vt-TxvCmzpCy31d5jT/s320/images-2.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-78210286066488930752010-09-09T20:14:00.001-04:002010-09-09T20:38:34.375-04:00Hooray for Andrew Fleck - Ontario Early Years CentreOn my quest to find day care for Robyn, I attended a Child Care Connection meeting last night. The meeting brought together parents looking for care and providers with spaces available to meet and exchange contact info - no on the spot interviews please. I'd already made contact online with two women in attendance who are available in January, so it was nice to put faces to the profiles I'd read. I found the meeting kind of intimidating because it was a bit like being wooed by everyone, even if I wasn't interested I felt the need to take their name and number to avoid hurting their feelings. There were a couple other women who I thought might be appropriate if needed but I'm going to set up meetings with the first two women and go from there. No men care givers were in attendance, not sure there are a lot of them out there.<br />
<br />
The best thing that came out of attending this meeting was the location it was held in: <a href="http://www.afchildcare.on.ca/oneycenterj-e.html">The Andrew Fleck Child Care Services Centre</a>. I had heard of Andrew Fleck only in relation to the centralized child care waiting list. I had no idea the services they actually provide: play groups everyday, circle time everyday, a book lending library, a toy lending library with tons of awesome toys we can borrow for up to 2 weeks, workshops and programs for parents and kids and information and referrals all <b>for free </b>to children ages 0 to 6 years and their parents/providers. I can't believe I hadn't known about this sooner but am so pleased to be able to take advantage of it in the future. I'm especially happy about the toy lending library, our condo is so limited in space that we don't have room to buy and store tons of toys but this way Robyn will have "new" toys every couple weeks!Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-42312374155393073272010-08-31T22:29:00.000-04:002010-08-31T22:29:39.506-04:00Only 4 months left!She slept on my lap, cozy on her nursing pillow, and she was the most beautiful darling girl I've ever seen. Her smooth chubby cheeks, full pouty lips and long red lashes glowed in the light of the t.v. while I watched Kate & Leopold. I love watching her sleep. I realize I am a very selfish mommy allowing her to fall asleep on me every night but she will only be an infant for such a short time that I can't help myself.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMbzPST4Vxus7jTPzYOSYdUivZbGXsRxQBWCKELX0s8FGkiVjTPuJKlEsD9YqCWtTuPVPPvsHdqOMlqVDjL5o1lSNbQmjQBFZT8DOrAiP794rIHbFTEaxHGVba86Oayg53BHW5BaXcw3a/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMbzPST4Vxus7jTPzYOSYdUivZbGXsRxQBWCKELX0s8FGkiVjTPuJKlEsD9YqCWtTuPVPPvsHdqOMlqVDjL5o1lSNbQmjQBFZT8DOrAiP794rIHbFTEaxHGVba86Oayg53BHW5BaXcw3a/s320/IMG_0736.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robyn at 4 months, sleeping on my shoulder</td></tr>
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</div>There is so much I need to do to get us ready for me to go to work in January. Unfortunately, I am procrastinating feeding her solid foods because nursing her is easier and more enjoyable, for me. I'm procrastinating finding her a day care because deep down I want to stay home with her even though I know it's not possible. She naps when she's tired, or doesn't, because we just roll with whatever works for us that day... again, I know we should have a bit of a routine.<br />
<br />
At least I've let go enough to go to kickboxing class 3 times a week. She's getting into a nice routine with her dad, so how come I feel a little disappointed? I want her to be independent of me enough to leave her with someone but it makes me sad she's actually doing it.<br />
<br />
Deep sigh... time to get my act in gear. How do other mommies do this so well? I feel like I'm missing a piece of the puzzle.Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-12447543803563802232010-08-27T11:21:00.000-04:002010-08-27T11:21:18.241-04:00Hello Stargazing, this is your future calling...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13B1bhWyrpoIeqInQNPLJvjwZUxNI0XDlifSH6lSyuPYwUWI-MIZa6qVP1In1VLGq8IHQuuP8qq1ZaM9E6CUW-QMYrvLJNBrPkWmhKIIYELys1fE4XZ356r_SmQr_EgvyyaMaUcRC8bDY/s1600/Photo+on+2010-08-27+at+11.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13B1bhWyrpoIeqInQNPLJvjwZUxNI0XDlifSH6lSyuPYwUWI-MIZa6qVP1In1VLGq8IHQuuP8qq1ZaM9E6CUW-QMYrvLJNBrPkWmhKIIYELys1fE4XZ356r_SmQr_EgvyyaMaUcRC8bDY/s320/Photo+on+2010-08-27+at+11.18.jpg" /></a><br />
Now, I don't want to change major life details because as they say "things happen for a reason". I wouldn't have my fantastic husband and wonderful daughter if I, let's say: finished high school & went to Concordia University to study dance or became a natural healer with a studio overlooking the ocean or went travelling through Europe or stayed in Victoria. I do however wish I had followed a few simple rules throughout my young adult years that I'm struggling to implement now:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Follow a budget: know how much you need for expenses, allow for spending cash and save 10% of your paycheque.</li>
<li>It's ok to love to own books, knick knacks and tons of craft supplies - but have "a place for everything and keep everything in it's place" (not at the bottom of the stairs, on the kitchen, coffee or dinning room table!)</li>
<li>Focus on completing one task before starting another - have a good plan on how to accomplish each one effectively</li>
<li>Spontaneity is fun for most things, but a well researched investment - be it money, a job or effort - saves stress, disappointment and cash. (but not always - this is a tricky one)</li>
<li>Eat more fruit and veggies, period.</li>
<li>Invest in quality face cleaning and moisturizing products, used twice daily - don't forget your neck!</li>
</ul>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991725446116598562.post-26179287478853261142010-08-22T22:10:00.000-04:002010-08-22T22:10:22.284-04:00I'd pull out my hair, but she already does!The past few days Robyn has become very "vocal". I don't know what is going on, if it's that she's teething, testing her lungs, testing her parents... but she seems to be screaming - shrieking actually - almost all day.<br />
<br />
Activities that used to distract her when she was upset just aren't cutting it. She hates getting dressed and her bum changed, this used to be my saviour when she was getting cranky. Nursing, another former magic solution, doesn't have it's same effect - she even pulls off to scream on occasion! Shushing, bouncing, rocking, singing work for a short spell then away she goes again!<br />
<br />
Not only does she shriek, she is also scratching my face, pulling my hair and flailing her body around. She makes sucking actions with her mouth, sucks my hair, face and neck but doesn't stay on the boob. I try a soother or other chewing toy but they don't seem to help.<br />
<br />
I love her to pieces so it's heartbreaking to be at a loss for what is wrong with her! But unfortunately I'm tired and cranky... what's going on?!<br />
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</div>Artist on holdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339105121984094249noreply@blogger.com2