crazy

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Guh. I'll tell you the problem. Ethan, being the healthy robust 22 lb'er he is, has outgrown his swing. I loved that swing. I'd marry that swing if I could. That swing was a place to strap the little guy in for an hour or more, sometimes, where he'd be safe, immobile, amused, and the magic word: SLEEP.

Our routine each morning was to have Ethan swing in his swing after his breakfast and nurse, so that he'd fall asleep like clockwork for at least half an hour, sometimes an hour for his morning nap. This time was very sacred to me. I could drink coffee and watch Regis and Kelly. I could surf online and write here. I could shower and dress without worrying about Ethan being out of hearing and seeing distance.

And if he woke up, he'd be happy to keep swinging away, looking at whatever was on tv or playing with his little blue bear on his lap. If people came over, into the swing he'd go so I'd have my hands free to drink coffee or a glass of wine. He'd swing while I made dinner, did laundry, heck had a nap beside him on the couch. The swing. Loved it.

In the last week, he not only has surpassed manufacturer's weight limits for the contraption, but he's also been sitting up in it as it moved back and forth - like a game. The swing is not for babies who can sit up on their own. He'd teeter vicariously, grinning at me as he discovered this new trick, while I have a mini stroke worried he'll do a face plant onto the floor with the swing and its base falling after him. That night, the swing was dismantled and put in storage. We have a bit more space in our living room now, but that is the only benefit.

Now I have Ethan in my arms hours more each day - while he can sit up, he needs to be unassisted so I can't just plunk him on the floor and walk away for any length of time as he'll do a face plant. Morning naps are now in my arms for about half an hour (half an hour I could be doing something else or hey - here's an idea - getting ready for the day myself. I am now in my jammies for hours longer each day. Showers are every two days, and very, very quick. Leg shaving is saved for weekends. Baths? Foreggaboudid. Actually blow dry my hair straight and wear it down? As if. Its clips and crinkly bangs for this mum. I'm letting myself go, and its Fisher Price's fault.

So I've not had the LEISURE to write here, or read your website even. Or scan pictures. Or take pictures. Or brush my teeth. Or return phone calls. Or make a coffee date. The laundry's not done; its takeout again tonight.



Welcome to motherhood.

busy

I've been busy - nothing particularly enthralling - just arms full of the kid stuff. That and E's just getting over his first cold, so we're all just a bit more tired than usual. I'll find a picture to post and will write more tomorrow. Promise.

A baby with a cold? Oh. My. God. Worst night ever. A baby can't be nursed back to sleep when their nose is plugged up. Yes, we've been using tylenol cold meds for babies, a humidifier, saline drops and the suction bulb thingie. I'm sure it would be worse with all those things. I lost about 3 hours of sleep last night up with him; then even though he SHOULD be tired, he was up again at 6:30 this morning. I can't wait for his nap today. (I know the picture is fuzzy - but I thought it suitable as to my dazed and confused state of mind, and recalls happier days when Ethan enjoyed being in his crib). *sigh*

owwwwwwwwwwww

My back is killing me! I've got a massage therapy appt in about an hour - I hope it helps (or else its just gonna hurt a heck of a lot). Carrying Ethan is really aggravating it - lifting, carrying, putting him down. And he's so needy today. Robaxacet is doing very little.

*weep weep*

Welcome to my little pity party.

Aww. My poor bubba has a cold. Needless to say, we were up a lot of the night last night as he needed extra comforting. Hopefully the Tylenol Cold meds for infants will not only help him and clear his nose, but let him (and me!!) sleep a bit today. Why, Universe, does my baby need constant holding/carrying when my back is out? Why???

Anyway, we're both staying in our fleece jammies today. So there.

slept

Well my little monster stayed in his crib for a whole 11 hours last night. Sure, he fussed off and on but with my aching back I just wanted to see if he'd soothe himself. And he did, after a while. He'd not get to actual crying - more this whining moaning noise he makes to get attention. His new fleece jammies may have helped keep him warm as well - its getting quite cold at night around here!

Its a dark gray day - the rain coming down in sheets. A perfect day to lounge around in our sweats. I don't think we'll step outside today - lets just snuggle and sleep some more!

Speaking of naps, Ethan's about to drift off in his swing so I'd better get my butt into the shower while I can!

My poor husband is very very sick with a killer cold...I hope he feels better soon! What are the odds that E and I won't catch this virus? Geeze I hope we dont! Its pouring rain - if I was not a mum I'd stay in my jammies all day and read/nap. But I'm a mum so its off to Zellers I go for footed fleece jammies for my baby. I hate driving in the rain. Ah well.

Well, Ethan's growth has slowed down a bit, thank god. He's only 22 lbs (still large for his age) and not as huge as I thought. He is in perfect health, and was a good boy during his vaccinations - only cried on the third one and then only for a short while. My big boy! Tomorrow I think we'll celebrate with a little shopping at Winners - clothes for him, shoes for me (don't tell daddy).

Dare I sound like a cheap broken record and say that my little one still isn't sleeping? *sigh*. Anyway, we're leaving in 30 minutes or less to go to the doctor - wish me luck that Ethan's injections go well and that he doesnt have a complete meltdown. Also: loving this cool weather, though it makes me realize that Ethan needs more cool weather clothes. Maybe a trip to Walmart or Winners is in order this week. Carry on!

Got some film developed today - here's E and I snuggling against the wind in the cockpit of the boat. More pics of our little mini vacation to come. Today I've got yet another headache (they come every day now - why why why?) so I'm gonna take my hiccuping boy out of his jolly jumper and see if we both can't have a little afternoon nap. Tomorrow Ethan has his 6 month well baby doctor's appointment, which means more shots, and more news about how gigantic he is for his age. I'm guessing he's 23 or 24 lbs. Gah.

Rockin' Saturday Night

A quick post - with a quick smiley picture of Ethan taken with Troy's camera phone this evening after a yummy dinner of squash! Now - its bathtime for my little man (and hopefully an early night so I can finish my book!).

busy

I've been so busy today I'm just posting now, at after 7:00 pm.

Today's been pretty good. We both got a touch more sleep last night (bouts of 5, then 4 hours, respectively before co-sleeping at 6:30 am for an hour). Today was a bit of a mix up this morning as both Troy and I realized both our cars' insurance had run out, so an emergency visit (thankfully only 2 blocks away) to the autoplan insurance place this morning before Troy left for work was in order. So much for my shower this morning. By the time we returned, it was time to feed the kid, and tidy up around the house while he had his first little nap of the day.

Later we hit the grocery store - Ethan's first time sitting in the cart. I had him buckled in tightly (he can sit up, as you can see, but not for long) but he spent the last half of the trip slumped to the side whining, poor bubbah. I bought him a box of teething biscuits to reward him - something new in our house. Boy I'm glad I put him in his high chair and bib before feeding him one today - what a mess those things are! Pictures of the biscuitty goodness all over his face as he successfully fed himself are forthcoming once I get my film developed.

Well, Troy's home now and we're gonna play with the kid for the next hour until its time to wind him down for bed. Hopefully that will be soon - I could use an early night and sure do hope he'll be sleeping for an even longer stretch tonight. I have him all to myself all day tomorrow and tomorrow night as Troy will be at his monthly poker game with his uncles - I'll need my energy!

Its frustrating - this little cycle of sleep Ethan seems to play with every week or so: a few days GREAT sleeps; several days TERRIBLE sleeps (meaning hardly any sleep at all). Last night he was a mean old grouchy pants and didn't want to do anything except sit in our laps. Which is hard to do when you've just broken down and poured yourself a second glass of wine and really want to drink it, and you've got a large plate of delivered Chinese food in front of you you paid too much for and want to eat it while its still "same day" and somewhat warm. So apart from my usual complaining about his lack of sleeping, my lack of rest and surplus of tiredness, there's nothing new in this world to report to you, dear reader. And on that note, I hear my beloved boo-hooing in the other room where he sits in his highchair playing with a plethora of toys but that's just not good enough and he wants his mum. So I bid you adieu.....

We're home, safe and sound! We had a wonderful time on the boat. Ethan charmed everyone, and was a good baby, even though I didn't get much sleep. Was nice to get back to Scott Point, on the water, and in the sun. I'll post pictures once I have them developed. In other news: happy 6 month birthday, my big boy. I love you! *love*

Tomorrow's a big day - the three of us are heading on the Ferry to Saltspring for a few days on my dad's sailboat while its docked at Scott Point. Ethan's first ferry ride, first stay on the boat, first trip off this rock! Needless to say, my preparations for this little 3 day trip are extensive, especially where he's concerned. His packing list is as long as my arm. But we're all looking forward to a little R&R and swimming in the pool and a few meals out as well. My little summer vacation!

I need your advice!

I want to get a digital camera (am I the last on the planet to?). Troy and I (mainly me) are taking so many pictures lately - I'd like to graduate to digital and just get prints made of the best of each 30 or so, which I can easily do online.

Anyway, as much as I'd like a jazzy SLR, I can only afford a very basic model with limited focussing abilities. Something pretty idiot proof, for a real beginner who has access to photoshop. Dear reader, if you have a recommendation for me (and a link to an example would be incredibly helpful) please let me know either in the comments or by email . Can I get something half decent for under $400?

Nursing at Starbucks

Women nurse at Starbucks in Protest

You know - I'm hardly the militant type about ANYTHING, and while a supporter of all things related to women's rights, I just don't give stuff like this a second thought. But I just had to include this link because it hits home a bit. I was at starbucks today - and yes, I nursed my child when he was hungry (we were there for 2 hours). In fact, the last time I was there, I nursed Ethan as well. I even sat with my friend in the comfiest chairs, which are right beside a window onto the parking lot. Don't care - whipped out the boob (somewhat discretely but if someone was looking they'd sure get to see my nipple) and fed the baby. I just don't give it a second thought anymore. I think all feelings of modesty about my body went out the window when I was in labour - when my hospital room felt like a drive through theater for it seemed anyone with a hospital badge who invited themselves had a look see and a feel between my legs.

I nursed at Starbucks - in fact I witnessed another woman nursing there when I was there today - and its such a NON-event. I can't imagine anyone being offended or put off by it. I really don't understand what the fuss is.

Anyway.

Today we're off for a coffee date with Catherine at 'bucks - a little event in a non-eventful day. I hope our afternoon is filled with naps. Don't you?

sleep goddamnit...

yeah - this picture is fuzzy, but so cute I had to scan it anyway. I hate my camera.

Yesterday was nice - uneventful except for I finally bought a pair of nice sunglasses on our walk yesterday. They're Calvin Klein, pink rimless sunnies that cost more than I'm willing to admit to my husband. Which is okay because he never reads this site. I needed good sunglasses with real protectant lenses to protect my eyes (and wrinkles!). Ok they were $100, with a $20 off coupon. Not that expensive, actually, but about 3 times more money than I'll admit to Troy. We have a roof to buy, see.

Ethan slept for 6 hours last night, and I'm spoiled because that was just not long enough. I should have nursed him in the living room then put him back to his crib, but no...I got lazy and just brought him back to bed with me at 3:00 am. Well, the next 5 hours after that were not too restful for either of us. Tonight will be different.

I get a massage tonight - horray. And this concludes another incredibly boring and pointless post on Sherocious. Thanks for stoppin' by!

chillin'

A day with no itinerary spreads before us, which is nice and relaxing while at the same time is minorly daunting as I try to figure out how we'll fill the day. A walk for sure later this morning; a nap this afternoon; a bath tonight.

I have a rather large to do/packing list I'm working on: next week Ethan and I are going to spend a few days on my dad's boat while its docked at Salt Spring Island. We're all looking forward to it, but I'm a tad aprehensive only because its Ethan's first "trip" anywhere and the packing and planning involved is quite extensive. Because we'll be staying on the sailboat, we can't bring much of his things and I'm hoping sleeping wont be an issue (namely naps without his swing). But it will be fun, and there will be extra hands around to hold and entertain him which gives his mummy a bit of a break.

Apart from all of this, there's nothing to report. We developed another roll of film yesterday (all pictures of Ethan, surprise surprise) and you know the little stinker is a born supermodel - he sees that camera and he grins from ear to ear. So many smiley pictures. And you, dear reader, will get to see the best of them on this blog. Lucky, lucky you.

Its only Tuesday, but I think we're all looking forward to the weekend. Or maybe just a cold one. Heh - why wait? :)

Happy Birthday to B, Happy Birthday to B! Happy Birthday to Biiilllllllllll, Happy Birthday to B!!!

Its gonna be a hot one today - I'm so sick of the heat! Its a good day to stroll the aisles of Costco with my mum and babe for a while, and then head to a patio somewhere for lunch! I feel good this morning - not just because my mum is here, but because Ethan slept 8 hours last night; and was very good in the resteraunt we went to for lunch yesterday. Maybe he's just on his best behaviour because Nan is here? Anyway - smiles all around at Casa McIntyre.

joy

Guess who slept for 10 hours last night? Guess who's a happy mum?

Let the weekend begin!! :)

every cloud...

The bad news: our roof is leaking in two places - I've got pans of water set up in the kitchen and living room. Please hope that we don't get much more rain in the next month or so. We only have 1/2 of what it costs to re-roof our house, and need to come up with about $1000 to fix it this September.

The good news: Nan (my mum) is coming to visit on Sunday/Monday! A great silver lining, if you ask me! Horray!

Sleeping is going from bad to worse. It exhausts me just thinking of it; I'll spare you the details. At least I have a fun date with Ali and her daughter Ryan (and Ethan's betrothed) for coffee and a little shopping this morning. A good thing, too, since Ethan's got very, very few clothes for fall. The pants that fit him best are all very light, summer weight (which are fine for inside, but I have no long sleeved tops for them). Today he's in an Old Navy ensemble that his dad bought for him before he was born, in his typical current size, 6-12 months. Well, the top fits, but the bottoms (a cute nylon track pant) were very hard to get on him today - his butt and thighs make the pants very tight. Porker! So that means I gotta find him some elastic waisted fall pants today in the 18 month size. Good lord. Wont sleep, and wont fit clothes! What next? Here's hoping this gray rainy day goes by without a hitch (and a good long nap for mummy).

Ethan went from not taking a bottle to LOVING diluted apple juice in a bottle to holding the bottle HIMSELF in a split second, it seemed. Just like every other milestone of development - each worth heralding as wonderful, but each also a reminder just how big our tubby little lad is getting: much much much too fast. Even Troy said last night that he wished Ethan would stay this age for a few years (Troy - the parent who thought he'd only really enjoy kids who were old enough to play in the back yard). Its just so hard not to melt and love a kid who smiles all. the. time. *love*

fun with photoshop! Ok...time to give Ethan a bath and get the sweet potato out of his hair.

Chookooloonks

When you're tired of reading me and looking at the cherubic face of my child, check out this blog - written by a hip mum about her new family and newly adopted girl, Alex.

Chookooloonks

Not sure what my side kick and I will do today - the day spreads before us thick and empty for us to dot with activity as we see fit. Its another gray day - if I knew it wouldnt rain today, a walk along Dallas Rd might be in the works. Or not.

One of our cats (I think Sasha) has been peeing in Ethan's bouncy chair - which is driving me crazy. Not only does it stink, but I keep washing the cover to find the next morning it soiled again. It also means that its another area where I can't put Ethan down safely while I do stuff. Stupid cat. I love my pets, but I have very little patience and time for them with a small child and between the cathair, cat puke, litter box maintenance and now this, well, I'm not feeling the most motherly of thoughts about them at this time.

The photo above is from the BBQ we went to on Sunday. I've also changed the picture on my "profile" (see little box near the top of this blog; then click on it). Its my new fave of me and E (not that there are very many of us!).

Well - must go refil my coffee, feed Ethan his peaches and oats, then put him down for his morning nap so I can shower. Good day!

Ah - its cloudy today; a break from the sun and heat. Long sleeves today! Which makes me reassess Ethan's wardrobe and I realize that there is very little clothing he owns that is suitable for cooler weather (that fits him). If its not one thing, its another. In other news, my lovely husband has misplaced his wedding ring, so its now on the missing list. And he'll be on the missing person's list if he doesnt find it. Why he insists on taking it off when he's at home is beyond me. Cross your fingers that it turns up soon! Maybe I'll get him to tattoo my name on his finger instead. That'll teach him!

edited to add: he found it, lucky for him!

Somebody has discovered his feet and can grab them with his hands! I can't wait to get pictures. In other news, Ethan's sleeping a bit better, 4 oz a day of very diluted apple juice seems to unplug what ails you, and his favourite new "word" is making sssss sounds, which is pretty impressive since he's without teeth! Remarkable, remarkable boy.

Edited to add: yes we do let him out of his colourful plastic bouncy car - its just that I seem to take a lot of pictures of him while he's in there because "driving his car" makes this boy so darn happy. That, and my hands are free and it sits him up. It'd be pretty boring just taking pictures of him lying on his back all the time.